Meanwhile, Gi, Ma-Ti, and Kwame have just arrived in New Holland Pennsylvania, site of the New Holland Horse Auction. There are hundreds of horses being loaded in and out of trailers. Over the loudspeaker, a man's voice was calling out a lot number, describing a horse, and starting the bidding. The Planeteers look to their left and see a group of people crowded around a corral, bidding on a horse.

"That horse looks sick. You can see its ribs!" Ma-Ti says.

"Who would want to buy a horse like that?" Gi asks.

"No one. Which is why they end up here," Kwame adds. "According to Gaia, the killer buyers come to auctions to get horses real cheap and fatten them up so that they can make a profit when they sell them by the pound to the slaughterhouses."

"SOLD to the man in the green hat."

The Planeteers turn their attention to the man leading the sad looking horse away from the corral.

"I do not believe it!" Kwame exclaims.

"RIGGER?!" Gi and Ma-Ti gasp.

The man in question looks around at hearing his name.

"PLANET BRATS?!"

"What are you planning on doing with that horse Rigger?"

"None of your business, Eco-Geek. Besides, there's nothing you can do about it because I'm not doing anything wrong."

"Maybe not legally, but morally, what you are doing is sickening," Ma-Ti says.

"It's just business kid," Rigger says as he loads the horse into the double-decker trailer, which already contained several other horses, and locks it up.

"Rigger, you can not haul those horses in that trailer! It is meant for cattle, not horses. Their necks are too long. Those trailers force them to keep their heads lowered and makes it difficult for them to breathe," Kwame says.

"Not only that, but they are crammed in there so tight, they can not move," Ma-Ti adds.

"Do they even have food or water in there?" Gi asks.

"They'll be fine. That trailer is much nicer than their next destination. They should enjoy it while they can. Now, if you'll excuse me, I've got more horses to buy…oh, and if you even think about breaking those horses out, I'll have you arrested for stealing. I paid for them fair and square. They're my property now, yep yep," Rigger threatens as he walks away.

"Ma-Ti, you stay here with these horses and keep them calm. Let them know that we will save them…" Kwame says.

"…But Rigger said…"

"I know what Rigger said. We WILL find a way. Gi, you go back to the Geo Cruiser and see what you can find about Pennsylvania's animal cruelty laws. Surely we can find something that Rigger is doing that is a violation, or at least find something that can stall him from taking these horses to the slaughterhouse," Kwame orders. "I will follow Rigger to see what he is up to."

Kwame catches up to Rigger and sees him talking to a young woman and a middle-aged man. Kwame stands back so Rigger doesn't see him, but is close enough so that he can hear the conversation.

"Beth is leaving for college this fall and can't take care of Patriot while she's away. We tried to sell him on our own, but I guess we were asking too much. We thought it'd be nice to have some extra money for books. Then we heard about the auction and thought it'd probably be our best bet to sell him."

"But daddy, why can't I just board him somewhere while I'm gone? Then when I come home for breaks, I can take care of him," the girl pleads.

"Do you know how much it costs to board a horse? You need that money for school."

"Why can't he just stay at our place and you take care of him?"

"I don't have time. I can't get up and feed him, go to work, then come home from a long day at work, and have to clean out his stall. He'd have no one to ride him or spend time with him. Do you really want that for him?"

"No."

Rigger started talking.

"Don't worry kid. I'll take good care of him. I have a little girl of my own and I'm looking for a good horse for her. Your friend here seems like a perfect companion."

"He is."

Kwame listened intently and thought to himself, "Rigger does not have a kid. What is he doing?"

"How much were you asking for him?" Rigger asks.

"15 hundred," the dad said.

"I'll give you five," Rigger offered.

"NO! Daddy! He's worth more than that. If I have to sell him, at least make it worth it. 500 will only get me books for one, MAYBE two semesters."

"There's no way we're going to get what we were asking for Beth. 500 is a good start. You can get a job in the summer to make more."

"NO! I WON'T GO. I'LL FIND A LOCAL COLLEGE SO I CAN LIVE AT HOME."

"Don't be ridiculous Beth. Clarion is a good school. I'm not going to let you give that up for community college."

"But it's my life!"

"And your mother and I have worked very hard to give you a good one. You need to get a good education and get a good job. Then you can get as many horses and you want."

"I don't want any others. I want Patriot!"

"It's ok, I promise he'll have a good home and will be loved," Rigger said.

"You need to be an adult about this Beth. Now, say your goodbyes. You have a deal Mr. Rigger."

"Excellent. He'll be very happy at my farm. I have lots of land for him to run and graze on and a little girl who will be his best friend," Rigger lied.

Kwame could not stand it any longer.

"WAIT, DO NOT LISTEN TO HIM. THIS MAN IS LYING," Kwame yelled as he ran up to the group.

"Who are you?" The father asked.

"This guy again! He's crazy. I outbid him for a horse earlier and now he's trying to sabotage all my sales," Rigger said.

"He is lying to you again. This man has over 10 horses loaded into a double-decker trailer. He's buying them here and selling them to slaughter. That is where your horse will end up," Kwame explains.

"Daddy!"

"Is that true?" The older man asks.

"Nope, nope. I told you…this guy is nuts. He's making stuff up."

"If you follow me, I can show you," Kwame offers.

"You know what, forget it. I don't need this. If you don't believe me, you can keep your horse, I'll keep my money. Good luck in school kid," Rigger says as he rushes away.

"If you need to find a safe home for your horse, there are shelters that will take him and adopt him out to a GOOD home. You can trust them to place him in the perfect place. And who knows, maybe when you finish school, you will get to visit him," Kwame says.

"Thank you!" Beth says as she hugs Kwame.

"You are welcome. Now if you'll excuse me, I have to follow that man to make sure he does not try to deceive anyone else."

Just then, Ma-Ti contacts Kwame,

"Kwame, Gi has found something. In 2001, a law was passed that made it illegal to haul horses in Double-Decker trailers in Pennsylvania. The police are on their way."

"Well they better hurry. I just caught Rigger trying to con someone into selling him their horse. I think he is getting ready to leave," Kwame says.

"I see him. Hurry Kwame. Meet us back at the Geo Cruiser. We will have it ready to fly and follow him."

"How are the horses?"

"I was able to calm them. They are still uncomfortable, but I was also able to get some food and water to them through the slots in the trailer."

"Good."

Kwame arrived at the Geo Cruiser just in time to see Rigger pulling away.

"Hurry Kwame!" Ma-Ti yells as Gi fires up the engines.

Kwame jumps in the Geo Cruiser and they take off. They spot Rigger's trailer and prepare for a long night of following him.

"WHAT DO YOU MEAN WE CAN'T SEE HIM TODAY?"

"Wheeler, calm down."

"I mean, the Senator is booked for the rest of the day. He has other appointments already scheduled and meetings," the secretary said. "I can squeeze you in tomorrow afternoon at 1:15."

"1:15? ARE YOU KIDDING?"

"No, sir. I'm completely serious."

"1:15 is fine," Linka said. "I apologize for my friend. It is just…we have something very important we need to discuss with the Senator. Time is important."

"That's what they all say," the secretary says under her breath.

"Do you believe that? We come all this way and don't even get to talk to our number one guy? That's bull!"

"Wheeler, I am not going to tell you again, CALM DOWN. You are making us look bad. We need to be professional and courteous in our conversations."

"C'mon Babe, it was just a secretary."

"That secretary has a direct connection to the Senator. She can tell him what a jerk you are or she can tell him what a gentleman you are…Which do you want?"

"Ok, ok, I see your point. I'll apologize."

Wheeler walks back over to the secretary's desk and turns on the charm,

"I'm sorry about losing my cool. It's just…horses, an American icon, are being slaughtered for food, and there's a bill that would stop it. I want to get that bill passed," he says as he sits on the corner of her desk.

"You mean like being killed to make dog food?" she asks.

"No, people are eating them…rich people. Isn't that awful…" Wheeler picks up the nameplate on her desk "…Amanda?" He looks down at her and smiles.

"Yes, it's horrible…and my friends call me Mandy," she says flirtatiously.

"Does that mean I'm your friend?" He asks, also in a flirtatious tone.

"Sure. I mean, you seem nice. Plus it's always nice meeting new people. And usually, the only people I see coming through here are old men. And they're always trying to flirt with me. And I'm all, 'eeew. I'm 23.' These guys are old enough to be my dad. Gross right?"

"Totally. I'm 23 too. My name's Jason by the way, but my friends call me Wheeler," he says as he offers her his hand.

"Why Wheeler?" she asks.

"It's my last name."

"Well if your friend's call you Wheeler, who calls you Jason?"

"My family...and girls that I date."

"Maybe I can call you 'Jason' while you're in town?"

"Yeah, maybe. But If I don't get to see the Senator, there's really no point in me staying in DC. I'll probably be heading home later today."

"Bozhe Moy," Linka whispers to herself as she rolls her eyes.

"You know, once the Senator is done with his current appointment, you may be able to speak to him for a few minutes between appointments," Mandy says.

"Really? That'd be great."

"Wheeler, can I talk to you," Linka asks.

"In a minute, Babe. I'm busy right now."

"NOW."

"Excuse me Mandy," he says as he slides off the corner of her desk and goes over towards Linka.

"What? I was really making some progress."

"I said be nice, not flirt! What part of 'act like a professional' do you not understand?! Your behavior is inappropriate."

"Hey, are you…jealous?" Wheeler teases.

"NYET!"

Just then, the door opens and none other than Hoggish Greedly emerges.

"GREEDLY?!" They exclaim.

"I figured you Planet punks would show up. Lucky for me, they sent the dumb one and the Commie who can't even speak English! No one will take you seriously!" Greedly snorted.

"Don't talk to her like that you overgrown pork chop! You're the one that should be slaughtered and served up on a plate. You give pigs a bad name Porky! She's the most stubborn person I know and she never backs down from an argument. And when she has something important to say, no one says it better than her! When she's done, you're going to wish she never came here," Wheeler said to Greedly through clenched teeth.

"And Wheeler is the most passionate person I know. Once he sets his sights on something, he will not quit until he gets it. This is no different. He will not quit until he wins…and neither will I," Linka promises.

The Senator comes out to see what all the commotion is.

"Amanda, what's going on?" He asks.

"These two have something very important they'd like to talk to you about sir. Your next appointment hasn't shown up yet. Do you think you can talk to them for a minute?"

"I suppose. But as soon as my next appointment arrives, I have to take it. I don't want to get behind."

"We understand sir. Thank you for taking the time to talk to us," Linka says.

"You're wasting your time Planet Brats. I've already talked to the Senator," Greedly says.

"And I've listened to you. Now it's their turn to talk…so go ahead."

"Whatever that…THING over there told you, don't believe it. He's a liar who will say anything to make money and destroy the environment," Wheeler says.

"This doesn't even have anything to do with the environment Eco Geek."

"Like hell it doesn't!"

Linka steps in and takes over before Wheeler's temper gets him in trouble

"What my friend here means to say is, in the city of Kaufman, Texas, people living in a neighborhood near the Dallas Crown horse slaughter plant would beg to differ. While the Dallas Crown horse slaughter plant was in operation their daily life was spent dealing with the problems this plant burdened them with, such as blood backing up into their bathtubs due to the slaughterhouse overwhelming the city's sewer system, rat and vermin infestations, and the stench generated by the plant while it operated. Due to these, and numerous other health code violations the city of Kaufman responded by declaring the plant a nuisance and ordered them to close in 2006."

"Yeah, and then there's the issue of American horsemeat not being fit for human consumption. Horses are not regulated as food animals in the United States. Almost all horse owners regularly treat their horses with de-wormers, pain killers, and fly sprays, plus there's the usual vaccinations and inoculations. These drugs are clearly labeled 'Not For Use On Animals Raised For Food.' Meat tainted with these products can cause some pretty nasty long term side effects in people, such as cancer. The government knows this, which is why Federal regulations forbid that these products to be used on beef cattle, chickens, or pigs…but Greedly, if you wanna use products that cause cancer, go right ahead."

Linka pulls him aside.

"Wheeler…do not stoop to his level," she warns. "You make yourself look bad and less credible."

"Sorry Babe." Wheeler turned back to the Senator and continued,

"Since there are no regulations to prevent these drugs from being given to slaughter bound horses, it is very likely that contaminated meat is being shipped to Asia and Europe as we speak. If they knew what we were sending them, that could have a huge negative impact on foreign relations, right?"

"Yes, of course. It would be no different than China sending us tainted pet food or toys with high levels of lead," the Senator offers.

"No one has gotten sick. So obviously, it's not an issue. Besides, ending horse slaughter in America would have a negative impact on the economy. You don't want that do you Senator?" Greedly asks.

"That's a lie and you know it Miss Piggy! The live horse industry contributes far more to the nation's economy than the horse slaughter industry. The live horse industry contributes 39 BILLION in direct economic impacts to the US economy. The horse slaughter industry claims a paltry 40 million (roughly 1 percent of the live horse industry); however, most of that profit is siphoned overseas to foreign stakeholders. As far as tax contributions go, the live horse industry contributes 1.9 billion dollars; while in comparison, the Dallas Crown Company paid a measly 5 dollars in 2004. How did they manage that? They made 12 million dollars, but only had to pay 5 bucks in taxes? Correct me if I'm wrong, but don't you pay taxes based on earnings? I paid way more than 5 bucks, but made WAAAAAAAY less than 12 million."

"Another point is that for years, American taxpayer dollars were spent to cover the expense to have a USDA inspector on site in these plants. That is right; YOUR taxpayer dollars were spent to have the USDA inspect a product which is not even sold in your country."

"Really? I was unaware of this," the Senator admitted. "I will definitely want that looked into. But one concern I have, something that has been brought to my attention by the pro-slaughter side and the American Veterinary Medical Association, is that ending slaughter will result in an over population of horses and lead to more abandonment and abuse of the animals. No one wants to see them suffer by being abandoned and left to starve, right?"

"That is just more misinformation and the same old excuse used by the American Quarter Horse Association and the AVMA. Those are the only arguments that they can come up with. Instead of looking at the facts and realizing that they are WRONG, they refuse to admit it. They seem to think that if they keep repeating it, it will become true. The favored argument of the AVMA and AQHA is that if horse slaughter is banned, horse welfare will suffer in the form of abandoned horses and horse neglect. They fail to take into consideration USDA statistics that show that their dire claims have not happened in the past. Instead, these statistics show a business driven by supply and demand rather than unwanted horses," Linka said.

"So you're saying that ending slaughter will not result in unwanted horses?" The Senator asks.

"Absolutely not," Linka continues. "According to the USDA, there was a sharp decline in the number of US horses slaughtered during the 1990s. There were 345,700 horses slaughtered for export in 1990; 10 years later in 2000, that number was 50,400. During this timeframe the number of horses slaughtered per year dropped by as many as 79,000. California banned horse slaughter and saw no increase in the number of abandoned horses. When the Cavel Slaughterhouse in Dekalb Illinois burned down and was not operating, once again, there was no increase in reports of 'unwanted horses.' We did not see newspaper articles telling tales of starving abandoned horses."

Wheeler picks up where Linka left off,

"Fast forward to now. Since 2002, there has been a steady rise in the amount of horses slaughtered in the US. In 2007, more than 120,000 American horses have been slaughtered for export to France, Belgium, and other countries where horsemeat is popular. This is because of increased demand. I just read an article that said that France was worried because the US is a big part of their supply. Chef's in France are trying to get more people to start cooking with horsemeat by targeting them with monthly recipe suggestions. It is estimated that in 2007, the demand for horsemeat increased by 3 percent. Through clever marketing, these chef's are increasing demand."

"See, there's a need for it because people are willing to pay for it. Why not make money off them?" Greedly argues.

"Shut up Greedly! You had your turn," Linka blasts. She composes herself and carries on. "Since there has been increased overseas demand for horsemeat, the slaughterhouses had to supply that demand. If America had an abundance of horses to slaughter, that should have been an easy demand to meet, correct?"

"Yes, one would think," the Senator says.

"Well, according to USDA records, horses were often imported FROM Canada INTO the US for slaughter to fill that demand," Linka states.

"Really?"

Wheeler reaches into his pocket and pulls out a piece of paper.

"Check this out Senator, I wrote down the number of horses imported into the US from Canada for slaughter. In 2005, 7,865 horses; 2006 - 4,022; 2007 - 2,488. How can there be an 'unwanted horse problem' if the slaughterhouses have to IMPORT them from Canada? I would love to see the AVMA and AQHA respond to this question." Wheeler turns to Greedly, "How 'bout you Pork Chop? Got a response to that one?"

Greedly says nothing. So Linka continues,

"The statistics do not lie. Horse slaughter is not being used to 'save unwanted horses' from neglect as the AVMA and AQHA want you to believe. The statistics show that the only reason that the horse slaughter industry exists in the United States is to make a huge profit by satisfying Europe and Asia's appetite for American horsemeat."

"Anytime the pro-slaughter side is confronted with quotes and statistics showing that horse slaughter has nothing to do with horse welfare, they really can't respond properly…kinda like Wilbur over here," Wheeler says.

"Wilbur?" Greedly asks.

"Yeah, the pig from Charlotte's Web…keep up lard ass …Pro-Slaughter has a PR group which does nothing to answer questions or respond to arguments, they just constantly repeat their claims, as if saying them repetitively and loudly enough times makes them factual."

"But I have been sent articles that talk about abandoned horses running wild and destroying property, so clearly this is an issue which concerns me."

Linka picked up the argument there,

"It is not beneath the pro-slaughter side to make up fake stories of abandoned horses running wild. It just proves the lack of morals and the lengths they will go to in an attempt to win. Last year, there were a number of articles on the Associated Press newswire claiming that there were abandoned horses running loose. One article even quoted a police officer regarding nine new cases of abandonment; however, when the group 'Veterinarians for Equine Welfare' contacted the officer, the story he told was completely different than the claims that were made in the article."

"A similar story also appeared in a Kentucky newspaper, but that story was also exposed as a hoax. You're just as likely to find a picture of Big Foot as you are to find a herd of abandoned horses. Since the pro-horse slaughter side has to make up stories to make their points, they have lost all credibility. An intelligent person should not believe them when they say this country needs horse slaughter to 'save' horses from abuse," Wheeler added.

"But think of all the money we could make by selling horsemeat to other countries. Why not open an American run slaughterhouse instead of allowing foreign owned slaughterhouses to operate here. You said it yourself Firebug, the foreign owned slaughterhouses aren't paying enough in taxes. If the foreign owned slaughterhouses are making 12 million dollars, then an American owned slaughterhouse could do just as well, AND have to pay taxes. Thanks for the info Pyro-teer!" Greedly sneered.

"Actually, in a 112 billion dollar horse industry, a LIVE horse is a consumer. They need food, water, minerals, salt, shoeing, hay, and people buy clothes, land, fences, trailers, and trucks. The horse, by being ALIVE, is creating many, many dollars," Wheeler countered.

"This has all been very eye opening. If you could fax me this information and the websites you got it from, I would like to sit down and review it before addressing the issue on the floor. I suggest that you do the same to other Senators."

"We will do that. Thank you," Linka says.

"Yeah, thanks. You know Senator, here's one more thing for you to consider, I may not be the smartest person in this room, or the best at public speaking, and I know I let my temper get the best of me and I come across as a hot head, but this comes straight from the heart. There's a saying that goes 'the truth shall set you free.' Those of us that are fighting to pass the American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act have no need to lie or make up stories. The facts are clearly on our side. These facts are true and cannot be disputed. The pro-slaughter side is likely to continue spouting their lies and myths, but they never give a shred of proof to back up their claims. What Linka and I are doing is simple, to continue spreading the truth. Horse slaughter is an UN-necessary evil that has NO PLACE in the United States of America."

"Thank you for your time Senator," Linka says as they leave the office.

"Thank you sir," Wheeler says as he extends his hand. Then he turns to Mandy, "And thank you for your help."

"You're welcome," She says as she shakes his hand and places something in his palm.

Wheeler walks out of the office and unfolds the piece of paper as he meets Linka in the hall.

"What is that?" She asks.

"I'm guessing it's Mandy's phone number," he replies.

"Oh. Are you going to call her?"

"Nah, what's the point? It's not like we're going to be sticking around," he says as he tosses the piece of paper into the trash. "Besides, she's not my type."

"Oh really? I thought your only requirement for 'type' was 'single female.'"

"Who said they had to be single?" Wheeler joked.

"Very funny Yankee."

"And for your information, I DO have a type and I'm VERY picky."

"So what is your type then?"

"Don't you know by now?" He asks as he leans against the wall and looks her straight in the eyes.

"I…uh. Well…I guess, um…"

Just then, Greedly walks out into the hall and stops when he sees his foes.

"This isn't over. It's gonna take months to get this bill voted on and passed if they even decide to bring it to the floor. In the meantime, I'll be making thousands of dollars and eating all the horsemeat I can and there's nothing you can do to stop me."

"Go ahead. I meant what I said in there Greedly. Eat all you want. I hope you get sick," Wheeler said as he grabbed Greedly by the collar and threw him against the wall. Two security guards who were patrolling the halls were immediately on top of him and pulling him off.

"Wheeler!" Linka yelled.

"Nice try Pyro, but you don't have the guts you hippy," Greedly taunted.

"I'll fry you, you son of a bitch! I'll turn you into the biggest pork rind ever you giant sack of…"

"Sir, calm down or you'll be placed under arrest."

"Wheeler, please. I need you to calm down. I need you with me on this, not in jail," Linka pleaded as she grabbed his arm and held his ring hand until he stopped aiming it at Greedly and glaring at him and looked at her instead.

"Alright, alright. I'm cool."

"Miss, I need you to get your boyfriend out of here."

"Yes officer. We are leaving," she said as she led Wheeler away by the arm.

As they walked down the stairs of the Capitol Building, Linka was the first to speak,

"Nice work in there Yankee…except for the part where you almost got arrested! We really do need to work on your temper."

"Sorry. I know, that guy just gets to me though. But you did a good job too, Babe. I think we won that battle. I couldn't help but notice though, when that cop called me your boyfriend, you didn't correct him…why?"

"Wheeler, Linka?" Ma-Ti's voice echoed through their minds.

"Ma-Ti! How are things going?" Linka asked, thankful for the interruption.

"Good but not good. We found Rigger. He is doing horrible things. We are following his trailer. We were in Pennsylvania and we figured he would be going to Canada, but he is heading south. So we are assuming he is going to Mexico, unless he is just trying to lose us. Either way, we are going to be here for a while. You will have to stay in DC until we are done, unless you can find another way home. It does not look like we will be stopping anytime soon."

"Ok Ma-Ti. We will find a place to stay. It works out. Now we will have another day to spend getting in to see the politicians," Linka says.