"Murky Business" By Fero McPiglet, Claudia Carranza, and DJ Clawson Edited by Rygar 11/16/08 SCENE 1 - BAR, PLANET BANZAAR Banzaar is a trading planet, where anything can be bought, sold, or bartered for the right price. While the planet's surface is filled with bargain stalls and commercial stores, hidden underneath is the black market. The same rules apply here, except with a more deadly atmosphere. The Monkey Wrench bar is favored by mercenaries of all types. Here, the roughest and most battle hardened of lowlifes let their wild and primal nature revel unbound. SLY ZOD Go fish! Everybody at the table -- AL NEGATOR the sleazasaur, TINKER the rat, and NEWTON the newt -- groan at SLYLY ZOD, the samurai lizard. Newton exasperatedly waves his little fists at the lizard. NEWT For the *last* time, Zod. This is *poker*! You do not "go fish" in poker! ZOD (puzzled) But the card says "fisher." Negator casually lean over to Zod and peeks at his cards. NEGATOR Those are "kingfishers." It's the second the most valuable card. The first are "aces," then "kingfishers," then "queen bees," then "jackrabbits." Get it? NEWTON Ah, man! You just peeked at his cards! NEGATOR Doesn't matter. We can't fold anyway. TINKER Let's just call the cards, all right? Everybody brings down their cards on the table. They glance at each other smugly. NEWTON Full house. ZOD Four of a kind. TINKER Straight flush. NEGATOR Royal flush. I win. Negator reaches over to gather the simoleans, but Newton hops on the table and grabs his arm. NEWTON Hold it! Zod's got four jackrabbits! How can you have a royal flush? Everybody scrutinizes the cards strewn on the table. There are five jackrabbits -- there's one extra jackrabbit of clubs. NEWTON (points a small, accusing finger at Negator) You were cheating! NEGATOR (tries to look innocent) Uh, I don't know how that card got there ... ZOD You pulled it from under your arm pads. Just like the way I saw Newton do the same before I joined the table. I thought it was customary, so I did the same with the last jackrabbit. NEGATOR A-ha! TINKER You're all cheaters! I'm getting my money back. Just as Tinker reaches for the simoleans, a small device slips out of his vest. It falls on the table with a clunk. Negator picks it up. NEGATOR What's this? TINKER (scrambles to grab the device) Uh, nothing! The device starts making noises, then emits a computerized voice. DEVICE Odds for completing a full house: twenty-four to one. Odds for completing a straight flush: twelve to five. Odds for completing ... NEWTON It's a calculating machine! TINKER (tucks the device back in his vest) It was useless anyway. It couldn't compute the precise odds 'cause your cheating wuz messing up the variables. NEWTON Oh, yeah? They all start squabbling. WRENCHES, the Betelgeusian bartender, calmly brings out his shotgun from under the bar and levels it at the bunch. He growls. WRENCHES No fighting in the bar! NEGATOR (croaks, because Newton is choking him) Truce? ZOD, NEWTON, and TINKER (in various stages of strangulation) Truce! The four untangle themselves. They fix up the chairs and sit down again. Negator piles the cards back together while the others get their simoleans back. NEGATOR Well, that was a rather pleasant game of poker. Same time tomorrow? TINKER Sure, sure. ZOD So when do we actually get to say "go fish?" NEWTON (exasperatedly) Oh, for crying out loud! Zod! Can't you get it through your thick ... (looks at his watch) Crud! Look at the time! My job starts in a few minutes! NEGATOR A job? You got a *real* job? NEWTON (stands up) Hey, the mercenary gig ain't exactly regular pay, y'know. I need a steady flow of cash to pay off my mortgages. Besides, it's only temporary 'til I get a juicy assignment lined up. See you guys around! The three watch Newton hop off his high chair and stroll out the door. Then Zod stands up as well. ZOD I, too, have to leave. I have an upcoming undertaking I must attend to. NEGATOR You got used to off-world life pretty quickly, Zod. How's the mercenary business been treating you? ZOD (gravely) It is a better alternative to living in my planet, if you call "being without honor" living. TINKER I never understood that. What happens if you have no honor? ZOD (very gravely) No one will speak to you. No one will trade with you. No one will acknowledge your existence. Your very presence will be shunned by all. TINKER I ... I had no idea ... ZOD I had no place to sleep, nothing to eat, no one to talk to. I nearly went out of my mind. It was a miracle I was able to survive as long as I did before a trader ship passed by Saurion and I snuck aboard. (looks away sadly) Now, I must earn a living selling my sword and my skills. I bid you farewell, my comrades. Zod solemnly bows and takes his leave. Negator is surprised as Tinker also gets up. NEGATOR Ah, Tinker! Not you too! TINKER Sorry, Al. I got a project brewing. NEGATOR But the night is young! I'll treat you to some swampgrass! TINKER No can do. It's a new invention. I got an automatic testing timer set up. The recalibration should be done by now, and I can't leave it running. See ya! NEGATOR (sulks) Fine, be that way. Tinker departs, too. Negator sighs as he picks up his money and goes to the bar. Wrenches, who's polishing the mugs, approaches him. WRENCHES What'll it be, Al? NEGATOR (dejectedly) Nothing. I was hoping I could win some cash from the guys, but they're gone. WRENCHES Well, looks like you've got a free evening. NEGATOR (smiles wanly) Looks that way, doesn't it? So, got any assignments? I don't want a kidnapping or extortion. How about something simple? WRENCHES (reaches behind the counter and brings out a folder) Nothing's simple about the merc business, Al. But how about a retrieval gig? Does that sound good? NEGATOR Sounds great. Gimme. WRENCHES (wrenches the folder away) Ah ah ah. Aren't we forgetting something? NEGATOR Aw, c'mon, Wrench! You know I'd give you your cut when I get paid. Can't I give you your commission later? C'mon Wrench, I'm your pal! You know me well enough for that. WRENCHES I know you well enough *not* to give you the gig first. Just in case you get yourself killed or something. If you're gone, I get nothing. NEGATOR Fine, fine, fine ... Negator forks over the remainder of his simoleans, and Wrenches hands over the folder. Negator eagerly flips through it, and a frown creases his brow. NEGATOR Hey! This isn't a simple ... WRENCHES Watch it. Keep the details to yourself, or someone will overhear. NEGATOR But this isn't just ... WRENCHES No buts. All sales are final. NEGATOR But ... WRENCHES (sneers) What's the matter? Big, bad, tough-as-nails Al Negator can't handle the challenge? That shuts Negator up. He grumbles as he stuffs the paper in his vest and stomps out of the bar. Wrenches goes back to polishing the mugs and whistles. SCENE 2 - OUTSIDE UAC HEADQUARTERS BUILDING, GENUS CAPTAIN BUCKY O'HARE and COMMANDER SIRIUS DOGSTAR are exiting the building together. They both have that "off-duty" look. Bucky has a grin on his face and his hands in his pockets. BUCKY Where're you off to, Dogstar? DOGSTAR To the bar. But I'm never "off duty." You never know when an emergency would come. And Commander Dogstar is always on the call. Bucky laughs. Just then, CAPTAIN MIMI LAFLEUR comes up behind them. MIMI Ah, Bucky! Dogstar! Just the two guys I've been looking for. BUCKY What is it, Mimi? MIMI (flashes a couple of tickets in front of them) I've got extra passes for a performance art show later this evening. (takes Bucky by the arm) Wanna come with me? BUCKY (glances about nervously) Uh ... Mimi grins, pleased at Bucky's nervous look as she tugs lightly on his arm. MIMI Didn't you used to be artist? C'mon, don't tell me this doesn't interest you! BUCKY Well ... MIMI (decides for Bucky) Good! (sees Dogstar trying to sneak away and grabs his arm) How about you, Dogstar? DOGSTAR Um, I've never been to a performance art before. I don't think I want to go ... MIMI Dogstar! I'm surprised at you! You brave uncharted terrain and face death at the hands of toads at a daily basis, and you can't even muster enough guts to go to a harmless social function? Dogstar gives a hangdog expression. Bucky laughs. BUCKY She's got you there, buddy. MIMI We're all set, then. Mimi pokes Bucky in the rubs, causing him to frown and rub at them. MIMI You ask Jenny if she'll want to come along. That way, it'll be a double date! BUCKY Who is whose date? MIMI (smiles as she walks away) Does it matter? Be ready by eight, you guys. Don't be late! SCENE 3 - HIGH-LEVEL SECURITY FACILITY, PLANET TORUS The security compound on Torus is heavily fortified. There are video cameras at every corner and guards patrolling the perimeter at every turn. All personnel must be on the alert, as their facility houses the most dangerous and important of war plans. Inside, a lemur INTERVIEWER steps into the interviewing room. He has new applicants waiting to be interviewed. He finds a sleazasaur sitting on the bench. INTERVIEWER (surprised) Oh. Are you the only one applying for the position of sanitation engineer? NEGATOR Seems that way, sir. INTERVIEWER That's odd. I could have sworn there were several other applicants. Never mind. Step this way, please. The interviewer sits on the desk while Negator takes the chair on the other side. INTERVIEWER OK now, Mister ... (looks at his clipboard) ... Mr. Crock, is it? NEGATOR (suppresses a chortle and nods) Yup, that's me. INTERVIEWER Tell me, what you can do? What are your skills? NEGATOR (counting off with his fingers) Well, I'm rather skilled at infiltration and subterfuge. Not as good as others, but good enough. There's also extortion and basic mob tactics. I'm a class alpha marksman and passed the exams on weapons and arms, majoring on bomb development. Oh, and though I'm ashamed to admit it, I'm also a qualified attorney. The interviewer's jaw drops open. Negator raises an eyebrow. NEGATOR What? What'd I say? INTERVIEWER (flabbergasted) I don't think you'll be needing those skills as a dishwasher, Mr. Crock! NEGATOR (smiles devilishly) Oh, I'm not really applying for the job. I just needed to get past the doorman so I can swipe your ID. INTERVIEWER (laughs nervously) Ah, you have a sense of humor. Well, I believe that ... what in the aniverse! The interviewer had extended his feet under the table and hears a thunk. He looks down. An unconscious warthog and meerkat tumble out from the recesses of the desk and sprawl on the floor. The interviewer looks up to find that Negator has stood up and is leaning right in his face, holding a rifle. NEGATOR (sheepishly) Sorry about that. The closet was full, and I didn't know where else to stash those last two guys. Negator brings down his gun on the interviewer's head. Everything goes black. A few minutes later, in a more secured area of the compound, Negator slips out the interviewer's ID from his sleeve and uses it to open a highly restricted door. He steps into the other side and carefully closes the door behind him. He starts walking stealthily. NEGATOR I hope nobody looks behind the sofa. Why'd there have to be so many applicants, anyway? (reaches a crossroads at the end of the corridor) Now, where can I find the containment center ... Alarms suddenly sound out, flooding the corridor with its klaxons. ALARM Intruder alert! Intruder alert! NEGATOR What the? Before Negator could do anything, a tide of GUARDS materializes from the other side of the corridor. They surge toward his direction. Negator is paralyzed at the sight and is swept away by the crowd. He struggles against the wall of people but only flails about uselessly. He is dragged unwillingly to the scene of the emergency, the docking bay. He is deposited unceremoniously on the side as the officers scatter in different directions. NEGATOR Crooks run from emergencies but good guys run *towards* it? Sheesh! On the main docking bay platform, a mechanized twenty-foot-tall ROBOT RAT mech is wrecking havoc. Turbines whir as it overturns crates with its massive arms. Sharp claws help facilitate its shredding of ships. Its whip-like tail lashes out at anyone who draws too close. Mechanics and other personnel take cover as mammal guards and automatic batteries pelt its armored hide with masers. The barrage has no effect. ROBOT RAT (broadcasting from its mouth) Run! Run, you poor, pathetic fools! Cower at the power of the mecha rodent of doom! Ha ha ha ha! NEGATOR (rubs his chin from his safe vantage point) That machinery ... looks familiar ... The mecha rodent proceeds to do some more carnage. It succeeds in crippling at least half of the fleet in the docking bay. The officers try their best but are unable to do anything to counteract it. Negator does nothing but watch from the sidelines. The mecha rat finally stops is mechanized mayhem. ROBOT RAT That's enough destruction for now! (sweeps the area with its sensors) Now, I need to interface with the database ... But as the mecha rat lurches towards a nearby control panel, it trips over its own tail. ROBOT RAT Whoops ... The mecha rat comes down with a crash. It crushes the control panel, starting a chain reaction that affects both machines. They explode. Metal plates and shrapnel shoot off in all directions. Sparks and smoke fill the area. VOICE Eject! Eject! Negator hears a popping noise. The smoke and flames are cleared away as automatic sprinklers do their function, leaving the huge robot rat in ruins and a frightened Tinker, in malfunctioned para-sail, hanging from the rafters. TINKER (chuckles dazedly) Eh heh heh ... NEGATOR (covers his eyes from the smoke) I should have known ... GUARDS (converging together) Get him! The mammal officers drag the protesting Tinker down from his perch and start putting cuffs on him. TINKER (resisting and protesting) It was a mistake! I was only testing out my new battle android ... it's a present to the UAC! It just malfunctioned! I'm not a criminal! I'm an inventor! I'm not bad! If you want a real lawbreaker, arrest Toadborg! Or the Air Marshal! Or Cameleous! Or the regens! Or ... Tinker pauses and espies Al Negator trying to slink away in the crowd. TINKER ... Al Negator? All the officers follow his gaze and recognize Al Negator. Negator sighs and prepares his smoke grenades. SCENE 4 - BUCKY'S APARTMENT, GENUS JENNY is sitting on a comfortable mat, meditating. Her forehead gem sparkles slightly when there is a knock at the door. JENNY (without opening her eyes) Come in. BUCKY (ducks his head in) Am I interrupting? JENNY (her eyes still closed) A little. Come in and give me a minute? Bucky nods and steps in lightly, still wearing his uniform. He glances around and finally sits down on Jenny's plush, neatly made bed. He tries not to sigh loudly, but Jenny's soft grin makes it obvious she heard him. A few silent seconds pass. Bucky stretches out on Jenny's bed and looks at the 2D pictures sitting in pretty silver frames on the nightstand. They are pictures of her and the crew, relaxing at the Genus Planetary Forest and Park Grounds. Bucky is smiling at the fond memories when Jenny speaks. JENNY (quietly, behind Bucky) You needed to see me? BUCKY (jumps slightly) Huh? Oh! Yeah, uh ... Mimi's got extra tickets to a performance art show tonight and wants us to join her and Dogstar. JENNY (nods, walking away) Does she? BUCKY (sitting up) Yeah. (beat) So? ... JENNY (rummages through a dresser drawer) So ... leave. I have to change if I'm going. BUCKY (blushes, which Jenny does not see) Right. Uh ... They'll be here at eight. Bucky stands while Jenny just nods, pulling out some silken midnight blue material from the dresser and raising an eyebrow at him. She thumbs toward the door over his shoulder. BUCKY I'll go and, uh... get ready. Bucky exits as Jenny shakes her head and grins. Later that night, Bucky is waiting in the living room, pacing nervously. He is dressed in a white high-collared button-up shirt with silver buttons and dark forest green trim. The shirt is tucked into matching forest green trousers, which hang loosely over well-polished, classy combat boots. On a chair nearby is a forest green vest with delicate silver trim. He turns as he hears Jenny walks down the stairs from the sleeping areas. Bucky tries not to gape like a school boy as Jenny walks down the stairs in a form-fitting midnight dress. It's made of a sheer, silken material with tiny specks of silvery threads here and there, giving the appearance of a night sky. It's sleeveless, exposing Jenny's muscular arms and red memory stones. Her hair is coiled up away from her shoulders and face in intricate braids and curls. As she walks, a long slit shows off her legs, clothed only in her thigh gems and midnight blue high heels. On one ankle is a small silver chain with a blue crystal starburst hanging from it -- a birthday present from Bucky more than five years ago. BUCKY (after stammering slightly) You look nice. Jenny smiles. Only through a quick Emotion Control spell does she refrain from blushing. JENNY Thanks. So do you. A long silence begins as they look at each other. The moment is broken by a knock on the door. Bucky turns and opens it to reveal Mimi, wearing a tight, black leather bodysuit. It is a sleeveless number with wide flaring lapels and a broad collar. It cuts in a V shape, enticingly low. A wide, black leather belt rests lightly just below her waspish waist. Its large gold buckle seems more ornamental than functional. The pants mold to her legs, down to knee-high spike-heeled boots. On her forearms are many gold bangle bracelets, and on the upper part of her left arm is a gold band. She looks very much the arms smuggler she once was. MIMI (smiling at Jenny with a hint of jealousy) That's a beautiful outfit you're wearing, Jenny. JENNY (no less cordial) Thank you, Mimi. MIMI (looks at Bucky, up and down) Hey Jenny, I thought I asked Bucky to join ... oh. Bucky. Wow, I didn't recognize you. (winks) I thought for a second you'd hired a gorgeous stunt double to get out of joining us for the evening. BUCKY (runs a hand through his slightly unruly hair) Uh, yeah. And you don't look so bad yourself, Mimi. Another knock is heard, and Dogstar arrives. In place of his uniform, even his formal Class A Ceremony Flight Suit, is a black tuxedo. It is well-tailored, with a matching black cummerbund and bowtie. On his feet are polished dress shoes. He's not even wearing his hat. Instead, a small fluff of light, ginger brown, near-poodle-like curls rests on his head and nearly drowns his ears. The formal look is completed by a small white rose in the lapel of his coat. MIMI (eyes wide in astonishment) I don't think I've ever seen you in a suit before, Dogstar. DOGSTAR (smiles and reaches into his pocket) Doesn't matter what I'm wearing. I've still got my communicator. Dogstar shows his communicator around, then puts it in his pocket. No one notices Mimi make a mental note of which pocket. MIMI (points accusingly) That's not fair. We're supposed to relax today. DOGSTAR As I told Bucky earlier, I'm never truly off duty. The group smiles knowingly. JENNY So, whose ship are we taking? MIMI (grins broadly) Oh no! Nobody's driving tonight! Mimi taps a wrist communicator, and a taxi flies to them. MIMI Everybody on board! Everybody does get on board. It's not roomy, and Bucky allows everyone to climb in before he does. With a soft smile, he holds Jenny's hand to help her step into the smallish taxi car, then climbs in himself. Bucky squeezes in, next to Jenny. Bucky blushes lightly as he accidentally sits on Jenny's tail, causing her to meow softly. BUCKY Oh! Sorry. Jenny tucks her tail onto her lap and out of the way, smoothing the fur. JENNY Don't be. We've been in tighter spots before. MIMI (notices Bucky blush) Hey, what tighter spots? What are you talking about? BUCKY I mean when we, my crew and I, had to go crawling down the maintenance shafts in a toad mothership. MIMI (miffed) Oh. Dogstar laughs. MIMI (playfully, to cover her own discomfort) Oooh, you two look so cozy. C'mere Dogstar, let's make them jealous! Mimi hugs Dogstar fiercely, causing him to yelp. DOGSTAR Mimi! Everybody laughs heartily at Dogstar's expense. MIMI (pulls back, holding her arms up) Just a joke, Dogstar! (to the driver) To the Lyrlyria Opera House please. The taxi speeds away, and the four start to chat. Deftly, Mimi hides the communicator she took from Dogstar's pocket in her handbag. SCENE 5 - CORRIDORS, HIGH-LEVEL SECURITY FACILITY, PLANET TORUS At first glance, the corridor is empty. Suddenly, Negator comes dashing through. He quickly looks around and sees a maintenance closet. He quickly opens it, hides between the brooms and slams the door shut. A few seconds later, a frantic Tinker comes bursting in. TINKER Help! Help! Help! Hel ... oof! The maintenance closet opens as Negator grabs Tinker by the neck and pulls him into the hiding place. He clamps his hand over the rat's mouth. Barely a split second passes before the squad of heavily armed mammals troop past the corridor. GUARD #1 They can't have gone far! Hurry! GUARD #2 My eyes haven't cleared up yet! GUARD #1 Quit complaining, you baby! GUARD #3 Let's move it! We can't let them get away! Soon, the danger is past. Negator and Tinker cautiously step out of their hiding place. Negator wipes his hand on his shirt. TINKER (vastly relieved) That was close. Thanks for helping me out. NEGATOR (grabs Tinker by the scruff of his shirt) The only reason I saved you is so's I could kick yer scrawny butt! What the heck were you doing here? I thought you said you were testing a new invention! TINKER (struggling) And I was! That was my battle-armored mecha-mouse, Rodenticizer! I was field-testing it in combat conditions. NEGATOR Field testing!? In a heavily fortified UAC compound!?! Are you crazy? TINKER (gets a dangerously wild look in his eyes) Hey! Don't call me crazy! Don't *ever* call me crazy! My uncle Jarhead *may* have been committed, and my grandfather Kellogs *may* have been declared legally insane but *I'm not crazy*! NEGATOR (drops Tinker) Uh, sorry, Tink. Uh, really. Sorry 'bout that ... As Tinker continues to glare at him, Negator covers his discomfort by trying to open a new door. NEGATOR Look, let's just get out of here. TINKER What are *you* doing here in the first place? NEGATOR An assignment. TINKER Oh yeah? What kind? NEGATOR Retrieval. TINKER Really? That's odd because ... Tinker's remark is cut off as a bespectacled POSSUM carrying a clipboard rounds the bend. The possum stops right in front of Negator and Tinker, surprised. POSSUM What the? What are you two doing he-*aaaargh*! The possum screams as Negator covers the distance between them with a leap. They land on a heap and start struggling. POSSUM Stop! Stop! NEGATOR (to the possum) Shut up! (to Tinker) Don't just stand there, Tinker! Help me before he sounds the alarm! Tinker takes the fallen clipboard and whacks the possum on the head. The possum's head lolls about and is still. Negator and Tinker catch their breath and spare each other a befuddled glance. TINKER What're we going to do with him? We'll have to stash him somewhere. NEGATOR (motions to a door) Let's try that room over there. TINKER (has a doubtful look) It doesn't look secure ... NEGATOR (exasperated) Look, I know what I'm doing. I've had plenty of experience in concealing unconscious bodies. Negator picks the possum by his head and shoulders while Tinker grabs his feet. They carry the unconscious mammal to the door. NEGATOR You'll have to open it. Tinker drops one leg and moves over to open the door. NEGATOR C'mon, hurry up! A patrol could find us any second now ... TINKER Yeah, yeah ... Tinker operates the keypad and opens the door wide. What they've stumbled upon is the mammal general assembly room, filled to capacity with officers of all ranks. They seem to be having a meeting. The speaker stops his lecture about intruders in mid-gesture. There is a pregnant pause. SCENE 6 - LADIES' ROOM, LYRLYRIA OPERA HOUSE, GENUS Mimi and Jenny walk into the lushly furnished bathroom. They move to the counter where brightly lit mirrors are against the walls above the sinks. Mimi fluffs at her hair before turning to lean against the counter while Jenny pauses to pat at a rambunctious curl that insists on springing out the wrong way. MIMI So ... how long have you and Bucky been flying together? JENNY (still trying to get the curl to behave) Over six years now. We graduated from flight a semester apart. MIMI What did he look like in the academy? Was he cuter than he is now? JENNY (glances at Mimi in the mirror with a raised eyebrow) Cuter? MIMI Oh, come on! Don't tell me you don't think that rabbit's a hunk. JENNY (looks back at her reflection, slightly disturbed at Mimi's words) He's a hare. MIMI Whatever. He's still *gorgeous*. (watches while Jenny remains silent) You've got a thing for him, don't you? JENNY (stops her fussing and turns her red-amber eyes to Mimi) Excuse me? MIMI (grins, turning to face Jenny) Not that I blame you. He's gorgeous, sweet, and daring! JENNY (blinks) Yes, I suppose he is all those things, but ... MIMI (grins mischievously and pokes Jenny in the ribs) So ... Do you have a thing for him? JENNY (turns back to her reflection) It would hardly be appropriate, given our line of du- MIMI (interrupting) Duty-schmuty! If I could be locked up in a small fighter frigate with that hard-bodied little bunny ... Mimi inhales through her teeth and growls softly, almost purring, and steps away from the counter to rub at her hips. MIMI The rest of the crew'd *never* sleep! JENNY (narrows her eyes menacingly at Mimi's reflection) I'm sure. Mimi glances at Jenny over her shoulder, then moves to the door, sneering at the feline behind her. MIMI Come on, we'll miss the opening scene. Jenny turns to follow Mimi, her Aldebaran coldness following her as she glares into Mimi's back. SCENE 7 - ASSEMBLY ROOM, HIGH-LEVEL SECURITY FACILITY, PLANET TORUS Negator and Tinker continue to stare blankly at the assembly. The gathered assembly gives them the same look back, multiplied a hundredfold. Then the possum wakes up. POSSUM Ow, my head ... What the heck do you think you're doin- (looks at his surroundings) Yaaaaaa! NEGATOR (reacts by hitting the possum on the head) Shut up! (holds the newly unconscious possum's head up) OK, we have this guy as a hostage! Nobody move or we'll off him! The officers refrain from moving. The possum wakes up again. POSSUM Let go, you stupid, slimy ... NEGATOR (hits the possum much harder this time) Don't you ever shut up?! Keep quiet of we'll take your head off ... what the?! The possum's head falls off. It lands on the floor and rolls between the crowd and the mercenaries. Everybody takes a horrified step back. Negator and Tinker drop the body in shock and disgust. POSSUM'S BODY (muffled noise from within) Oof! You could have let me down gently, you idiots! Tinker recognizes the voice and inspects the body's neck cavity with trepidation. TINKER Newton? Is that you? The newt steps out of his control chair inside the possum's mechanical body. He shakes his little fists and yells angrily at Negator and Tinker. NEWTON Well, it sure isn't the Headless Manhorse! Thanks a freaking lot, you guys! You ruined two weeks' worth of infiltration! The officers, knowing now that they've been fooled, react. They start reaching for their maser pistols. Negator is about to make a similar move but realizes how badly they are outnumbered. NEGATOR (turns around) Let's get outta here! Newton grabs hold of Tinker's tail as the rat is about to make a break for it. NEGATOR Hey! Wait for me! The three mercs shut the door just before the officers reach them. Negator and Tinker take a second to put their weight against the door, knowing that their effort is futile. It's enough time for Newton to drag himself to the ground from Tinker's tail and start reaching for the keypad by the access. TINKER Hey! What're you doing? NEWTON Help me up to the keypad! I'm going to jam it! Tinker gingerly picks Newton up and holds him to the console. Newton presses the buttons on the keypad and electronically locks the door. NEWTON (dusts his hands) There. That won't hold them for long but it will buy us some time. NEGATOR (wipes the sweat from his brow) Thanks for the help. NEWTON (sneers) Help? Help? Ha! Don't make me laugh! You're idiots, you know that? That's two weeks of my time, flushed down the cosmic drain! Kaput! NEGATOR (apologetic) Hey, it was an accident! How were we suppose to know that it was you in that construct? NEWTON It wouldn't have happened it you weren't muscling in on my score, you buffon! NEGATOR (gets angry) Now look here, you little runt ... NEWTON (props up his butt) And *you* look *here*, you big galoot ... TINKER (really worried) Can't we discuss all this in a safer place? Please? NEWTON Oh, all right! I know a place where the cops won't look. Follow me! Newton leads the two a short distance to what appears to be a blank wall. He slides a side panel open and gestures to the others. NEWTON (getting inside the small space) Quick! In here! NEGATOR (gets inside after Tinker nervously squeezes in) What is this thing? NEWTON (pressing a button) One place where the cops won't look. The garbage chute. NEGATOR and TINKER Did you say *garbage ch*-- The chute opens and the three of them fall into the icky, inky darkness. A few minutes later, the three mercenaries emerge from the disposal unit, all grimy, soiled, and smelly. TINKER Gosh! I knew being a merc was dirty business ... NEGATOR (to Tinker) Shut up! (to Newton) All right, Newton! Explain! Last we saw you was at Wrenches's Bar! What's with the possum construct? What the heck were you doing, impersonating an officer? NEWTON (folds his hands over his chest) Who said I was impersonating? I really was an officer! Well, junior secretary-in-training, actually, but you know what I mean. NEGATOR You mean you got the job here? NEWTON Yup, this is my work. I've been working as an assistant in the accounting department for two weeks now. TINKER Unbelievable! You were really doing honest work? NEWTON (shakes his head) Heck, no! I've been undercover so's I could case the joint. I got an assignment and I figure the best way to do it is by research. I was just waiting for the perfect moment to strike. It was perfect. Nobody would suspect me because I was already part of their staff. (shoots daggers at Negator and Tinker and starts stalking off) Of course, I had to have the bad luck of running into you foul-ups. Now that my cover's blown, I'll have to go through with my plans prematurely. NEGATOR Wait, where're you going? NEWTON (walks to one direction) To the high security level. I know its location and its passcodes. That's why I worked around here; to procure the proper clearance. I'm going there right now and getting this whole mess behind me. (notices that Negator and Tinker are following him) Hey, what about you guys? What are you guys doing here? TINKER For some reason, same as you. Going to the high security level. NEGATOR Me too. NEWTON (scratches his head) I didn't know you two were working together. NEGATOR We weren't. We just stumbled onto each other. NEWTON That's strange. Well, you might as well come with me then. We can all go together. I can get us past the security devices then we go our separate ways. (punches some codes) Incidentally, how did you guys plan to reach the center? Without any clearances like me? NEGATOR (laughs) "Genius" here had a gigantic robot to fight his way in. TINKER Hey, it would have worked too if it hadn't been for those pesky skids! How were you going to get in, Negator? NEGATOR Kinda like your way, Newton: infiltration. NEWTON (guffaws) Your technique could use some polishing, Al. NEGATOR But at least I didn't have to push paper for half a month! I'd have made it inside easy. NEWTON (shakes his head) Wouldn't have worked. Security's been beefed up with all the regens teleporting around. No person can enter without knowledge of the system, that is, unless you're invisible or something. (strides forward haughtily) Only I could pass through all the traps. I know where everything is and how to bypass them all. Suddenly, their way is blocked by a plastic wall dropping from the ceiling. The same thing happens behind them. Gel starts flooding in their small enclosure through the vents. Newton stares the pool forming over his knees incredulously. NEGATOR (looking very droll) You were saying? SCENE 8 - LYRLYRIA OPERA HOUSE, GENUS The double daters have a great view from a box seat overlooking the center of the stage. It's a garden-type set, with low purple lighting. A young FEMALE hare steps out onto the stage and moves to a rose bush as the music begins to play. FEMALE (singing in a beautiful, longing soprano) Waiting for something I can't give a name. Wishing for one moment, you'd say you feel the same. Why does the world seems bent on keeping us from holding on? Oh, I wait for that special day. I want, so much, to never let you go. Oh, I wait for that one tiny moment, When you'll turn to me, Forget your place, and say ... I want nothing more than every day. Holding you ... Watching you ... To spend one more ... Moment of laughter ... Moment of joy ... I want nothing more than every day. Holding you ... Watching you ... Loving you ... A MALE hare on the other side of the stage steps out into the other part of the garden. He's wearing the uniform of a Captain of the guard of the King's Royal Army. The music deepens as he begins to sing. MALE (singing in a soothing tenor) Waiting for something I can't give a name. Wishing for that moment when I can never leave again. I know my world seems bent on keeping us apart! I wait for that special day, I want so much to keep you safe from harm. I wait for that wondrous moment, When I can turn to you ... I can leave my place and say ... Before the hare can continue the verse, Jenny stands and walks out of the opera box, teary eyed. Bucky watches her go, then stands a moment later to follow. Mimi watches them with a frown, while Dogstar is too caught up in the play to notice. SCENE 9 - CORRIDOR, HIGH-LEVEL SECURITY FACILITY, PLANET TORUS The gel is filling up the enclosure. What started as a steady flow is slowly turning into a flood. Newton has climbed on Negator's shoulders as the level has reached over his head. Negator and Tinker are pounding desperately on the plastic walls, to no effect. TINKER (shakes his hand as the slime coats his paw) Yuck! What is this thing? NEWTON Paralytic gel! In case regens ever break inside. There's a chemical that messes up their teleporting abilities. TINKER And on non-regens? NEWTON They call it paralytic gel for a reason, y'know ... NEGATOR We don't have time for this! (takes out his rifle) Stand back! I'm gonna get us outta here! NEWTON Not with that rifle, you're not ... Negator fires at the plastic wall. The maser blast is absorbed. NEWTON It's a special energy-absorbing plastic. TINKER Even I recognized it. It's a hybrid polymesh treated with a sponge lacquer. NEGATOR Do you know a way to break it? TINKER Unfortunately, no. NEGATOR Swell. The gel is up to Negator and Tinker's necks. Newton had climbed up to Negator's head. He sees a hazy figure appearing from outside the plastic. NEWTON Oh great, here comes an officer! The mercs can see the figure squinting through the plastic, then putting his hands on it, like he was testing its strength. Then, the figure brings out a sword. NEGATOR Since when do UAC guards carry swor-mrpghsh! The gel now completely covers Negator and Tinker's faces. Only Newton had a good view of the figure outside making several quick slashing motions at the plastic wall. The figure sheathes his blade and takes a step toward the side. The wall bursts open, spilling the gel into the floor. Negator, Tinker and Newton slide out and start coughing and gagging. The figure gives them a hand up. NEWTON Yuck! This thing is gooey! ZOD I didn't expect to see you guys here. Hello, my comrades. TINKER (gasping) Slyly Zod! You saved us! ZOD It was just a beneficial side effect. I was merely removing an obstacle from my path. NEGATOR (coughs) Path? Don't tell you're here on a mission as well! ZOD But I am. TINKER How come you're not surprised to see us? ZOD (puzzled) You mean it isn't natural to bump into one's associates while at work? NEGATOR Not if we're all after the same thing! I assume you're also looking for the high security level? ZOD Yes. NEWTON Oh, brother ... ZOD Well, if we all share the same goal, what say we get it over with while nobody is around to hinder our progress? Zod treads carefully over the gel and reaches the other plastic wall. He deftly slashes it open. ZOD (motions to the others) Coming? NEWTON (inspects the floor, which is pretty easy for him to do) Hey! How come your feet ain't gooey like ours? You stepped on the gel! ZOD I tread very lightly. NEWTON (sarcastically) Lightly like nobody-could-hear-you-and-you-just-sneaked-all-the-way -into-the-central-station-without-being-caught-and-just-hid-in-the -shadows kind of lightly? ZOD Yes. That is the way of the ninja. NEWTON Oh. It doesn't take long for the four of them to reach their destination: an imposing, intimidating, reinforced steel vault. TINKER Looks like we made it. C'mon, let's crack this egg open! NEGATOR Newton, do you know the passcode? NEWTON Sure. But there's an electronic time lock on the keypad. TINKER Let me deal with that. Tinker brings out his toolkit and goes to work. He opens the panel above the keypad and attaches some cables to the circuitry. He operates the gizmo in his hand. TINKER (while he's working) All you have to do is speed up the timer and ... viola! The keypad's buttons pop into view. NEWTON All right, help me up. I'm punching in the combination I learned while I was undercover. Negator picks up the newt and brings him closer to the pad. Newton enters a long series of numbers and characters. NEWTON Done! The vault door starts to swing open. Suddenly, two maser guns pop out of the ceiling. Its barrels train themselves at the mercs. COMPUTER VOICE Fingerprints not accepted. The masers start firing. The four jump aside and hide in a corner where the masers can't get them. NEGATOR What happened!? NEWTON I forgot! The construct suit you wrecked had the registered prints! ZOD (unsheathes his sword) Well, we'll just have to deal with it. Zod steps out into the corridor, weapon at the ready. The masers train on him and fire. Zod deflects them with the flat edge of his sword. NEGATOR (takes his rifle out) My turn. Negator steps out. He takes a casual aim at the recharging maser canons. Two well-placed shots reduce the security devices to slag. NEWTON Well, that was fun. NEGATOR Let's just get this over with. The four cautiously enter the vault. They find it to be a rather small room with drawers on every wall. NEWTON All the important files are kept in here. Go on, pick up whatever it is you guys want. I'm getting what I need ... ZOD All right. Do you see which one is the folder labeled omega priority? NEGATOR What? That's the file I'm supposed to retrieve! TINKER Me too! That's not possible ... ZOD Maybe there are several copies? NEWTON No. The omega priority is only supposed to contain a single copy of schematics for ... ALL FOUR (in unison) Willy DuWitt's mark-5 photon accelerator. The four mercenaries look at each other, revelation dawning on them. NEGATOR (massages his forehead) Great. Just great. We really were after the *same* thing. ZOD You mean this doesn't happen all the time? NEWTON No, lizardbrain, it doesn't. NEGATOR Look, let's just get the plans first and get outta here. We can discuss everything else afterwards. NEWTON Oh, all right. ZOD Agreed. TINKER Fine. But I get to open it! It takes Tinker a few seconds to locate the drawer labeled omega priority. He disables the lock and slides it open. He gasps. NEGATOR What? What is it? TINKER The plans ... ZOD Yes? What about the plans? NEWTON Let me see! Let me see! They all look into the drawer. There's nothing inside. SCENE 10 - LYRLYRIA OPERA HOUSE, GARDEN Jenny is sitting on the ground, near a rose bush, crying. Bucky walks out from the opera house a moment later and watches her for a second, then walks toward her, not noticing Mimi sneaking up behind him to crouch in the shadows of a nearby bush. BUCKY Jenny? JENNY (gasps lightly and wipes her eyes) Yeah? BUCKY (walks over and crouches) Hey? What's wrong? JENNY (chuckles lightly, drying her eyes) It was ... a good story? BUCKY (sits down next to her and watches her for a moment) Yes, it was. But there's more to it than that, Jen. (reaches out to touch her arm) What's wrong? Please tell me. JENNY (looks up at his sincere amber eyes) I ... (stammers and looks down) The story just ... hit close to home. BUCKY (swallows and nods) I know. If it's too personal ... JENNY (nods) It is. (studies his face briefly) It's not that I don't want to tell you ... I just ... (blushes and looks down) I don't know how. BUCKY (pulls Jenny into a hug and pats her shoulder) It's OK. I've lived with your secrets. I know you'd tell me if you could, and when you can. Just ... take your time. If it's something you need to tell me ... you will. Jenny nods into his chest and closes her eyes, and though she's unable to speak them, she mouths the words "I love you." Bucky, rubbing his first mate's shoulders with his ungloved hands, noses lightly into the curls of her hair, unconsciously kissing them. Mimi, from her angle, sees Jenny's words and Bucky's tender caresses, and drops her head. After a moment, she backs away silently. At the doorway of the garden, Mimi bumps into Dogstar, out of Bucky and Jenny's earshot. DOGSTAR Oh, there you are, Mimi. I noticed Bucky and Jenny were gone. Are they OK? MIMI (not looking at Dogstar) Yeah, Bucky's with her. (reaches into her pocket) Oh, and here's your comm. DOGSTAR (takes it and smiles, oblivious) Stars! I thought I left that at Bucky's place. Wherever did you find it? MIMI When we were leaving. I just forgot to give it back to you. (pushes away) Sorry ... I gotta go. DOGSTAR (blinks and notices there's something wrong) All right. See you later. Mimi leaves. Dogstar stares at the comm. DOGSTAR I must be getting old to think I forgot about-eh? The comm starts beeping. SCENE 11 - THE VAULT, HIGH-LEVEL SECURITY FACILITY, PLANET TORUS The four mercs continue to stare at the empty box. NEGATOR Where are the schematics?! NEWTON I don't know! They were there a few hours ago! I checked! TINKER The head of security must have moved it someplace else. NEWTON Impossible! I would have known! ZOD Do you think someone else beat us to it? NEGATOR I hope not! Suddenly, they hear alarms. Negator swears. TINKER Did we trip a silent alarm? NEWTON I'm not sure. NEGATOR Maybe all the guards just caught up with us. ZOD Let us quit this area. They rush outside the vault and are met with a barricade of troopers too surprised to defend themselves. Negator and Zod use their momentum to their advantage. Zod quickly disarms the men in front with his sword, and Negator stuns the rest with his masers before the guards could react. The four round the bend and encounter something. NEWTON Drat! It's a battle tank! The tank rumbles toward them. The close quarters and relative proximity prevent it from using its heavy armament, but it can still herd the intruders into a corner. TINKER (points and hollers) Aim for the treads! That's its weak spot! Negator and Zod don't need to be told twice. They use their respective weapons to take out the treads. The tank rumbles to a halt but not before crashing into a wall, effectively blocking the corridor. The four mercs, who made their way around the tank before it crashed, continue to make their escape. NEGATOR (on the fly) Y'know, we make a pretty good team. ZOD Yes. We can probably handle everything they throw at us. TINKER (hold his mini-transceiver to his ear) Uh, guys, I'm picking up a transmission! They've called in Dogstar! All four mercs suppress a shiver. They glance fearfully about them. ZOD The dreaded Dogstar! TINKER He's going to put me in a box again! NEGATOR Let's get outta here! TINKER (still listening to his transceiver) They've closed off the main exit! We can't reach our ships! NEWTON Follow me! This way, to the hanger! They make a beeline to the hanger bay. Any opposition they meet, Negator and Zod quickly dispose of with a little teamwork. Newton leads the way because of his knowledge of the compound's layout, while Tinker keeps them posted on where the guards are passing. They reach the hanger in no time flat. NEWTON (points at a specific ship) Use this one! It's under repairs! Not guarded! NEGATOR Get the door open, Tinker! TINKER (brings out his gizmo again and uses it to open the door) Done! They four of them pile inside. Newton races to the pilot seat. NEWTON I'm driving! Fasten your seatbelts! TINKER (on his transceiver again) Guys, the guards know we're here! They've found us! ZOD (glances outside to see a squadron of officers pouring from the door) I see them. They're firing at us! NEGATOR So let's fire back! Zod goes to the maser port while Negator shoots from the door. A combination of their firepower keeps the mammals on the defensive. In the meantime, Newton gets the ship running. NEWTON Lift off! The shuttle launches. However, the hanger bay doors have been activated and are rapidly closing shut. At its top speed, there's no way the ship would make it through in time. NEWTON (through the pilot's comm) Tinker! You at the engines? We need a boost, right about now! Tinker, who has indeed stationed himself at the engines, mumbles through the comm. The doors are still closing. NEWTON (nervously) Any time now would be nice! The doors are still closing. NEWTON (panics) Tinker! TINKER (yells) All right! All right! I finally got the conductors to oscillate! This ship is junk! Nevertheless, the shuttle gets a short but powerful engine boost. It's strong enough to send the ship racing out the hanger doors to freedom, barely. Negator nearly gets knocked out of the shuttle doors, but Slyly Zod is there to grab his arm and pull him back inside. NEGATOR (breathing heavily as the shuttle doors close shut) Thanks. ZOD (solemnly) You'd do the same for me. NEGATOR (fakes a grin) Uh, yeah, I would. NEWTON (over comm) Strap on your seatbelts, guys! Tinker's got the hyperspace drive going! We're home free! The shuttle goes into hyperspace. SCENE 12 - HANGER BAY, HIGH-LEVEL SECURITY FACILITY, PLANET TORUS The stolen shuttle has just entered hyperspace when a new ship arrives. It is the Indefatigable. The hanger doors, which had just closed, immediately open up again. The Indefatigable lands, and Dogstar steps out. DOGSTAR Lieutenant Amscray! Lieutenant AMSCRAY, a ram officer, steps forward. DOGSTAR I got the emergency beacon too late. What has happened here? AMSCRAY We had several intruders today. They came from all sides, striking virtually at the same time. We were taken by surprise. DOGSTAR No excuses! This is a high-level security base! We're supposed to be ready for anything! Amscray looks properly chastised, so Dogstar softens his tone a little. DOGSTAR Well, what's done is done. What is the extent of the damages? AMSCRAY The mark-5 schematics were stolen, along with a broken-down shuttle. Various defense units, like our plastic shielding and battle tank, were taken out. The docking bay was damaged. None of our men were grievously injured, though. DOGSTAR Hmm, be thankful for no loss of life. Regens are usually more destructive with their work. AMCRAY Oh, they weren't regens. DOGSTAR Come again? AMSCRAY I mean the intruders weren't regens. Just mercenaries. We've identified them as Al Negator, leading the way for Tinker to break open our outer barriers with a robot. Afterwards, they met up with their mole, Newton, who apparently infiltrated our ranks weeks ago to gain the layouts of the base. Slyly Zod, the ninja lizard from Kanopis, was their backup. DOGSTAR That's odd. Those mercenaries would never work together. They'd have to split the reward money. But what would they want with the mark-5 schematics? Outside, on the barren area, an officer is walking away. He brings out the rolled-up plans from his coat, then sheds his disguise. KADAF WARNER lights a cigarette, then teleports away. SCENE 13 - STRATUSS NIUMBUS PLATFORM, GENUS Still in their evening gear, Bucky and Jenny have left the opera house for a private dinner, still feeling tender. Bucky holds Jenny's chair as she sits and snatches a red rose from a passing waiter who had a small bouquet on his tray. Bucky, hiding the rose behind his back, moves opposite Jenny and holds it out to her, just to see her smile. JENNY (smiling, reaches out to take the flower) Thank you. BUCKY (smiling back, removing his vest) You're welcome. It matches your gems. JENNY (chuckles slightly, sets the rose down next to her plate) This has been a fun evening. BUCKY (nods) Yes. I'm glad Mimi talked me into it. I was planning on staying home and watching the news. I have to admit, as much as Mimi can get on my nerves, she has some pretty good ideas. JENNY (grins) She gets on your nerves? BUCKY (blushes) Yeah, sometimes. She's just too pushy and loud sometimes. (changes the subject) So ... have you finished recalibrating the sensor arrays on the Righteous yet? JENNY (smiling inwardly at her victory over Mimi) No. The parts I requested from Aldebaran haven't arrived yet. Bucky sips at the water the host left with them earlier and flags down a waiter, who bustles over quickly. BUCKY That's odd. Normally Aldebaran shipments are faster than anyone else's. Do you think that nebula nearby is causing the Aldebaran shipping fleet some trouble again? JENNY (after placing her order and waiting for the waiter to leave) It shouldn't. We've been shipping things around that nebula for generations. It might be ... BUCKY (looks up and prompts when Jenny stops) It might be what? (nods when Jenny shakes her head wordlessly) It might be something you can't tell me about, right? (sighs) Damn it, Jenny. Look, I'm not upset at you, it's just ... I don't know. Weird things seem to happen involving your people, and that's all right -- I mean, weird things happen with hares too -- but when it starts affecting my ship and crew ... JENNY (cuts in) ... you have to stand up and take notice. I know, but Buck, you have to understand, if I could tell you ... BUCKY (cuts in) ... you would. I know. (looks up and stares frankly into Jenny's large eyes) Maybe I'm just waiting for the day when you'll forget your place as a Sister of Aldebaran and tell me ... everything. The day when we have no secrets between us. Bucky shakes his head as their dinner arrives and dismisses the waiter before looking back up at Jenny and smiling softly. BUCKY But I'm not going to hold my breath. You'd tell me, if you could. I trust you on that one. Let's eat. Dinner progresses with soft chit-chat about the ship and other things. Jenny's thoughts don't stray far from the song at the opera. After dinner, Bucky hails a taxi, and they go home. After changing, they spend an amiable night playing video games against each other. Jenny is quiet and reserved but lingers over the occasional brush between them. SCENE 14 - CHAIRMAN WARNER'S OFFICE FRITZ WARNER sitting behind his desk, talking on the comm, when Mimi bursts into the room. MIMI Fritz! FRITZ (on the comm) All right. Prepare the delivery. (to Mimi) Yes, Captain ... Fritz notices that Mimi is shook up. He stands up to catch Mimi in case she falls. FRITZ Mimi? What's wrong? Did something happen? MIMI (tries to push Fritz away) Oh sure, something happened, all right! FRITZ Daffy said everything went smoothly at the base. The mercenaries will be blamed for the missing plans, throwing off the scene from the regens. We can finally consummate the deal with Cameleous. MIMI (sarcastically) Oh yeah, I'm so glad everything's going peachy! We're doing it so skillfully. Problem is I can't tell anybody about it, not even my own crew, because they're the ones we're fooling! Our own friends! The people who trust their lives to us and ours to them! FRITZ (stares at Mimi carefully) You knew it was going to be like this. We had to find a way to distract Dogstar and Bucky and get them away from the base while Daffy stole the plans. You volunteered for this. MIMI Of course I did! I was the only one who could have pulled it off! Nobody's better at fooling our own friends than me! FRITZ You'd be surprised. (beat, stares carefully at Mimi) What happened at the concert? Mimi tries to pull away, but Fritz grabs hold of her. FRITZ (softly) It's OK. Tell me. MIMI (softens) I saw Bucky ... with Jenny. I saw the look on Jenny's face when they were together. She looked so happy with him. FRITZ This is not news. (beat, realizes) That never stopped you before. MIMI I know. But this time, I saw the look on Bucky's face when they were together. He had the same look. He loves Jenny. He really does. (voices cracks) I don't stand a chance. I never have. Mimi puts her face on Fritz's shoulder. MIMI I said I was good at fooling people. (cries) But that's because I'm good at fooling myself. Fritz, a foot taller than Mimi, looks down at the weeping fox, a little stunned, and searches for the best response as he puts his arms around her. FRITZ Shhhh ... Mimi rushes to regain her composure. MIMI Look at me ... crying like a baby on the Chairman of the UAC Security Council ... FRITZ No, it's all right ... (blinks) I knew there was something beneath that hard shell of yours. Mimi smiles wearily. FRITZ You know, there's more to life than winning the heart of some dashing space hero. MIMI Like? FRITZ Being one yourself. MIMI (cheering up) You think I'm dashing? Fritz blushes, then straightens himself. FRITZ I think you're beautiful. Without thinking and caught up in her need for reassurance, Mimi kisses him. They break it off, staring at each other in embarrassment and amazement. The scene closes with them exchanging another long, deep kiss. SCENE 15 - WRENCHES'S BAR The four mercs are playing cards again. They're all laughing boisterously and generally caught up in their own camaraderie. WRENCHES (yells from the bar) Keep it down over there! NEGATOR (shushes up a bit) Heavily fortified and heavily trained and we still handed that UAC cannon fodder their heads! Got any jacks? TINKER Go fish. Yeah, we sure showed those guys what a bunch of fools they were, didn't we? Got any aces? NEWTON Go fish. And I was under their noses for weeks too! Got any fives? ZOD Go fish. I don't see what all the back-patting is about. Got any nines? NEGATOR Go fish. What do you mean? We got away from those mammal fools scot- free. Got any eights? TINKER (goes into a thoughtful pose) Go fish. Hmm, actually, we didn't really come out unscathed. You left your cruiser behind, and my mecha rat got trashed. Not to mention Newton's cover was blown. Got any fours? NEWTON (frowns) Go fish. Hey, that's right! I spent weeks perfecting my possum construct controls! I should bash your heads in for that! And I'd have gotten those plans first if it weren't for you guys interfering! Got any twos? ZOD Go fish. Not really. I would have gotten it first. I was one with the shadows, invisible to all. My skill was at its peak. I only stopped to assist you in that trap you all foolishly fell into. Otherwise, I would have procured the schematics before any of you even laid eyes on it. Got any sixes? NEGATOR Go fish. Yeah? But we had to stop you from committing suicide for failing your mission. Don't go blabbing about your vaunted ninja skills to us, lizard! I infiltrated Bucky's own crew once! The UAC would have been a snap! Got any queens? TINKER Go fish. Oh yeah, sure, for someone who likes to stumble into everything, trusting in blind luck and charm. Technology and know-how is a working man's best asset. My Rodenticizer was making mincemeat of those army troops! Got any tens? NEWTON Go fish. Until you tripped on your own tail, that is. Ha! Clumsy, clumsy. But that doesn't matter. I still got first claim to the contract! The assignment was lined up for me the day I secured my undercover job. Got any threes? ZOD Go fish. Not true. I had a pending request for a mission tailored to test my stealth skills when I first got into this mercenary business. By rights, the contract was mine. Got any eights? NEGATOR Go fish. Who cares who got first dibs? It boils down to the fact that you guys horned in on my score! Everybody starts shouting and protesting at the same time. A few seconds later, the friendly discussion degenerates into a brutal brawl. It ends with the four dog-piling on the table and breaking it in half. The four are stunned for a moment, their hands on each other's throats. NEGATOR (gasping, because Zod has him in a headlock) Truce? Newton can talk because Tinker's trying to crush his tiny body and not his mouth. NEWTON Truce's for losers! TINKER (squeezes a tad bit, because Negator is threatening to choke him) Say that again? NEWTON I said, *lose*-ack ack ack ... (Newton nearly lets go of Zod's throat as Tinker squeezes some more) I mean ... truce. ZOD (can talk, now that Newton has released his windpipe) Officially, we're all the losers. None of us got the schematics. Someone else beat us to the prize. NEWTON We wasted so much time and effort into something that didn't produce anything! TINKER Even from the beginning, we had to pay the commission in advance! NEGATOR So the only one who got anything out of this is ... Wrenches! All four stare at Wrenches, who is polishing the glasses. He's whistling. He spares the furious four at the table a withering glance. WRENCHES I gave you guys the same job to teach you a lesson about putting off paying your tabs. But the commission you paid me covered that in full. But the table you just wrecked, plus the mugs, the chairs and the cards, well, that's another story. Negator, Tinker, Newton and Zod survey the mess they've made. WRENCHES I'll set out more contracts so's you could pay for the damages first thing in the morning. In the meantime, you clean up after yourselves. (brings out his shotgun from under the bar and smiles at them evilly) Do I make myself clear? All four groan. THE END