Well, to my loyal fan(s), the fourth chapter is completed! I know you're
very mad at me for not updating sooner, and I could come up with some BS
excuse to get out of it, but I'm unoriginal and lazy. So, once more, I
don't own zooids, their characters, yada yada yada. And now, for the
exciting beginning of…
PART FOUR
"You mean that's it? You came all the way here to tell us that?" Bit said in a mocking voice. "What? Do you already know?" Don asked, surprised. "Listen. Every time we fight those losers we always win. Why should this be any different?" Bit questioned. "Listen. This is us," Troy said, holding up seven fingers. "And this is them," replied Diego, flashing 10 fingers over and over and over… "So what?" said Brad, Diego still flashing his fingers. "Yeah. The royal tournament will have more adequate pilots there. I'm sure they'll help us," said Leena. "If those files Don downloaded were true, we're going to need more then a few cocky pilots and a handful of zoids," Cassie said. "You know, maybe they're right, so I should go out and buy some new weapons, shields, and armor so I'll be right back…" Doc said. "You know, that sounds like a good idea. I think I'll tag along…" Diego said. Troy jumped up and grabbed Diego, pinning his arms behind his back, while Brad and Jaime did the same to Doc. While Doc gave up and returned to his seat, Diego wasn't so easily conquered. In the end, it took Troy, Don, and Bit while Cassie tapped him back to his chair. Doc smiled at Diego. "I like your chutzpa Diego. You're exactly like me when I was your age." Diego accepted the compliment and looked around the room. "WOAH! Is that the modified-X-Taras with hidden particle cannon?" Diego asked. "You bet your life it is! I'll show you my whole collection!" Doc said, un-tapping Diego and leading him to his workbench. "Well, I guess we should start to prepare dinner. Jaime, what are we having?" Leena asked. "Well, I wanted to try out my new hibachi table. . ." Jaime said. "You know, Don's been know to cook a pretty mean teriyaki steak…" said Cassie, elbowing Don in the ribs. "Cassie will you stop?! I don't mean to brag, but the girl has a point," Don said, smiling. "He's right. Where he comes from, they call him the Hibachi Kid," Troy said, Pulling out a piece of Jerky. "The Hibachi Kid?" Brad questioned. "Well, that and Oswald," Troy explained. "YOU TOLD!" Don screamed, pointing an accusing finger at Troy. "Um… er… Did I say Oswald? I mean Killer Don. The Big D. D-Day," Troy said in a pitiful attempt to cover up. "Aww, don't be mad Ozzie. Tell ya what- Let's go watch The Wizard of OZ." Cassie said innocently. "Troy, you better watch your back, because I will have my revenge. I KNOW WHERE YOU LIVE, AND I'VE SEEN WHERE YOU SLEEP- " Don started yelling. "Brilliant, Holmes, considering we live together!" Troy shouted. "If you don't mind, I think we should start cooking," Jaime said. "Don't worry yourself. I'll cook it!" said Don, eager to get on another subject. "No offense, but I'm the cook around here," said Jaime. Is that a challenge?" Don asked. "Maybe. Depends if you're willing to take it," Jaime retorted in a cool voice. "You're on!" Don said. "Wait- we can't have two dinners," Cassie said. "She's right!" said Leena. "Then how will we tell who is the better chef?" questioned Brad. "I don't care, I'm just HUNGRY!" said Bit, getting mad that the food was still not prepared. "Wait- I got an idea," said Troy, and called them all into a huddle.
* * *
"Tonight, on Iron Chef, tow masters of cuisine duke it out in a hibachi showdown. And here's our host, Troy!" Troy came out and bit into a golden pepper. "BLEECH! Aww dude that was nasty! How does he eat these things?" Troy said, spewing pepper chunks. "Anyway, presenting the challenger, the hibachi kid, you know him, you love him, it's Don!" Don walked in. "Troy, do you really have to talk like that?" Don said in a peeved voice. "Yes I certainly do. Now, presenting the current Iron Chef in Kitchen Stadium, Iron Chef Jaime!" Jaime walked in, his clothes covered in tinfoil. "Troy, this metal hat is heavy. Can I take it off?" Jaime whined. "Shut up, Jaime. Now, presenting our special ingredient, top off the line, imported fresh from Alaska, it's Salmon Jerky!" Troy uncovered the table piled with pieces of jerky. "TROY!" bellowed Cassie. "Okay, Okay, keep your shirt on. The real ingredient is. . ." Troy, enough with the dramatic pause, just get on with it," said Don. "Well, heh heh, I actually don't have a secret ingredient," he said sheepishly. Troy got evil looks from everyone in the room. "But, I got this stuff!" he said, producing a bag of steaks, chicken fillets, fish, and vegetables. "Now, let the games begin!" Bit held up a cookie sheet as Brad banged it like a gong. Don wheeled out a hibachi table, sprayed some oil, and pulled a few pyro-acrobatic tricks to 'warm up the crowd.' Jaime, seeing that he wouldn't be outdone, started juggling razor-sharp knives. Don scowled and through on the vegetables, while Jaime did the same. Jaime cut up a carrot and proceeded to flip a piece into everyone's mouth. Don Quickly separated onion layers, and stacked them on top of each other. He practically squeezed his whole bottle of oil, and threw a match in. The fire raged for almost 3 minutes. The crowd oood and awwwd at this giant burst of flame. Then, the real cooking began. When the vegetables and the noodles were done and put on plates, Troy stuck them in the oven to keep them warm.
* * *
Thirty minutes and 7 scald wounds later, the food was done. "Troy, keep Diego from trying to catch the food in mid-air again" Cassie said. "It doesn't matter. The food's done!" Jaime said. "Ready to lose?" Don questioned. "No. I'm ready to win," Jaime said. The food was served and everyone got a plate of small portions from each chef's meal. Cassie and Leena were elected as main judges, and they both tasted the food. "Wow. They're both great, but taste exactly the same" they said. "Aww man! We have a 7 course meal and you can't pick?" Jaime said. Troy and Diego had hearts in there eyes. "Don didn't win, but we have two first-class meals to eat," Diego said. "Now that's what I call loosing the battle but winning the war," Troy said back.
BOOM! "What was that?" Don asked. "Jaime, activate perimeter cameras," Doc said. The view screen showed nothing at first, but upon closer inspection, the camera showed a large fleet of Rev Raptors moving towards them, while Zabbats rained havoc from above. "It's the Back Draft! Did they follow us here?" Bit smiled cockily. "Don't worry. Me and my Liger will take them!" Brad looked a little doubtful. "Bit, were talking about a wing of Zabbats and a whole mess o' Rev Raptors. I think you may just be out of your league." " WE 'LL HELP YOU!" Diego cried, and ran off to the Hover Cargo. A few seconds later, they heard the sounds of the Sky Talon's launch bay. "He didn't…" said Don, trembling with rage. "C'mon! We gotta help him!" Don, Troy and Cassie ran off the Hover Cargo. "But I don't have a Zoid!" Don said. "Don't worry. You can use my old Cannon Tortoise," Cassie replied. "Oh joy. Does it at least have a good weapon?" Don asked sarcastically. "It's got a Hybrid Cannon," Troy added. Don lit up. "COOL!" Soon, they were in there Zoids, and launched. Troy put on a burst of speed. The horns on his Zoid spread, and glowed magnificently. He plowed through the first two, disabling them, and fired on them when they hit the ground. He didn't notice the Elephander creeping up behind him. It was just about to fire on him, when a shot form Don's Hybrid cannon cought it's side. The one besides it was blasted to pieces from two shots with Cassie's particle cannon. Then, the blitz team showed up. "GUYS? I COULD USE SOME HELP RIGHT NOW!" Diego screamed into the comm. Troy, Cassie and Don looked up to see that Diego had taken a chunk out of the fleet, but he had at least 6 Zabbats on his tail. Don released a blast from the Hybrid Cannon, wiping out five. The last one managed to shoot the Sky Talon's wings. "Diego, get out of there!" Don yelled into his mike. "The controls aren't responding! The system's blacking ou-" Diego got cut off. The Sky Talon streaked to the ground like a bullet. At the last second, Two Zabbats swooped down and grabbed the Sky Talon. They pulled up, and flew/carried the broken Zoid to the Whale King. "They're not going to do what I think they're going to do, are they?" Troy asked. "Diego, get out of there NOW!" Don screamed, but it was no use. The Sky Talon had gone into total system blackout. Cassie and Don fired their cannons, but the Whale King was to far out of range to hit effectively. They could only watch in horror as they Whale King flew away.
* * *
Diego looked around. He was in a small cell. He looked up to see a strange man on his bed eating a cup of noodles. "Ahh, you're awake. I'm Dr. Laion," the man said, slurping on some noodles. "Mmmmmm. Noodles," Diego said, reaching feebly for the cup. "Oh, so you're hungry, eh? Well, I can help you with that. That is, if you can help me with something," Dr. Laion said with an evil grin on his face. "You are Diego Onin, the tactician for the Dynax team, are you not? Well, we at the Backdraft group feel that you have a talent. We would like to… employ you as our tactician," The Doctor said. "How about, you give me the noodles now, and I'll think about it," Diego suggested. "No. Make your decision, then you get your noodles," Laion countered. "I can't make a decision on an empty stomach now can I?" Diego replied. "I'm afraid that I have the upper hand, Mr. Onin. Decision first, then noodles." Diego looked at Laion intently. "Then I'm guessing… no," Diego said. "Fine," Dr. Laion said. "Good," Diego said back. "Great," Dr. Laion said a little louder. "Stupendous," Diego said calmly. "Outstanding," Dr. Laion said, his voice sounding more and more annoyed. "Peachy," said Diego quietly, with a sly grin. "WONDERFUL! NOW SHUT UP!" Dr. Laion said as he stormed out of the cell. "Keep him in his cell for a couple hours. He'll crack," Laion said to the guard.
* * *
"So Diego is captured by the Backdraft," Troy said. "Yeah, the point is pretty self explanatory," Don said. "Well, we obviously have to rescue him, don't we? Imagine what Andy would say if Diego was captured," Cassie said. Brief thoughts of the apocalypse flashed through their heads. "But we don't have any idea where they may be keeping him! We don't have any idea what we're up against!" Troy said. Don snapped his fingers. "Wait! If memory serves me, then I think we may have some hope. A while ago, there was a big commotion about some warrior from the Backdraft going legit. She might be able to help us," Don said. "Well, let's go find her! " Cassie said.
* * *
"THERE GOES JOHN JACOB JINGLE- HIEMER SHMIT LA LA LA LA LA LA LA…" Dr. Laion groaned into his pillow. "Six hours… he's been singing it for six hours…" Half of the Whale King's staff was ripping their hair out, begging Dr. Laion to throw him out. Dr. Laion refused, thinking that Diego would crack. Obviously he was dealing with a very powerful mind. Or a complete psycho. He went down to the cell to find the guard on the floor, sobbing with happiness that the singing had ceased. He looked inside to see Diego sitting in the corner, munching happily on a power bar. "Where did you get that food?!" Dr. Laion asked. "The guard gave it to me," Diego said, finishing the power bar. "You may think you've won, Taraves, but you WILL work for us! Here's all the tools necessary for you to plan, now do it, or it's light's out for you!" Dr. Laion shoved papers, rulers and pencils into Diego's hands, and strode out in a huff.
* * *
"So, this Pierce gal should be able help us out?" Don asked. "I certainly hope so," Cassie sighed. "Yeah, but we're gonna die before we get there if Troy keeps driving," Don said, turning a slight green. "Troy, slow down!" Cassie yelled. "Hold on- a light six blocks away just turned yellow," Troy said, making racecar noises. "Did we just go 8 miles in four seconds?" Cassie asked, her eyebrow twitching. "Now Cassie… . calm down… why don't we have some lunch?" Don suggested. "Yeah! There's some jerky in the glove compartment," Troy said. "Uhh… Troy, don't you think you have a little to much smoked meat in your diet?" Cassie asked. "Don't worry, I got some veggies," Troy said, pulling out 5 packets of Fruit Leather. "Wonderful," Cassie said sarcastically. They pulled up to a small base on the edge of the town. "Um, Hello?" Don yelled. His voice echoed into the darkness. As they walked in, they looked at the different Zoids lining the walls. "Zabers," Don said. "and Lygers," said Cassie. "And Stormzorders," Troy said. "Oh my!" they said together. "So, are you the three I was supposed to meet?" said a voice behind them. They all jumped, and turned around to see a beautiful woman. "I I I I I. . ." Don stuttered. "Ms. Pierce?" Cassie asked. "Yes. You're here to get information from me, aren't you? Well, I can help you… if you give me some incentive. . ." Pierce said. Troy handed him a bundle of money. "Very good. Your friend was taken in the Great Whale king, the personal transport of Dr. Laion. The Backdraft Data net says that he is currently in the custody of Dr. Laion, who is in his base located somewhere in the Gobi desert," Pierce said. "This map should be helpful," he finished, handing them a map. "Thanks. Let's go Find Diego!" Don said, and they were off.
PART FOUR
"You mean that's it? You came all the way here to tell us that?" Bit said in a mocking voice. "What? Do you already know?" Don asked, surprised. "Listen. Every time we fight those losers we always win. Why should this be any different?" Bit questioned. "Listen. This is us," Troy said, holding up seven fingers. "And this is them," replied Diego, flashing 10 fingers over and over and over… "So what?" said Brad, Diego still flashing his fingers. "Yeah. The royal tournament will have more adequate pilots there. I'm sure they'll help us," said Leena. "If those files Don downloaded were true, we're going to need more then a few cocky pilots and a handful of zoids," Cassie said. "You know, maybe they're right, so I should go out and buy some new weapons, shields, and armor so I'll be right back…" Doc said. "You know, that sounds like a good idea. I think I'll tag along…" Diego said. Troy jumped up and grabbed Diego, pinning his arms behind his back, while Brad and Jaime did the same to Doc. While Doc gave up and returned to his seat, Diego wasn't so easily conquered. In the end, it took Troy, Don, and Bit while Cassie tapped him back to his chair. Doc smiled at Diego. "I like your chutzpa Diego. You're exactly like me when I was your age." Diego accepted the compliment and looked around the room. "WOAH! Is that the modified-X-Taras with hidden particle cannon?" Diego asked. "You bet your life it is! I'll show you my whole collection!" Doc said, un-tapping Diego and leading him to his workbench. "Well, I guess we should start to prepare dinner. Jaime, what are we having?" Leena asked. "Well, I wanted to try out my new hibachi table. . ." Jaime said. "You know, Don's been know to cook a pretty mean teriyaki steak…" said Cassie, elbowing Don in the ribs. "Cassie will you stop?! I don't mean to brag, but the girl has a point," Don said, smiling. "He's right. Where he comes from, they call him the Hibachi Kid," Troy said, Pulling out a piece of Jerky. "The Hibachi Kid?" Brad questioned. "Well, that and Oswald," Troy explained. "YOU TOLD!" Don screamed, pointing an accusing finger at Troy. "Um… er… Did I say Oswald? I mean Killer Don. The Big D. D-Day," Troy said in a pitiful attempt to cover up. "Aww, don't be mad Ozzie. Tell ya what- Let's go watch The Wizard of OZ." Cassie said innocently. "Troy, you better watch your back, because I will have my revenge. I KNOW WHERE YOU LIVE, AND I'VE SEEN WHERE YOU SLEEP- " Don started yelling. "Brilliant, Holmes, considering we live together!" Troy shouted. "If you don't mind, I think we should start cooking," Jaime said. "Don't worry yourself. I'll cook it!" said Don, eager to get on another subject. "No offense, but I'm the cook around here," said Jaime. Is that a challenge?" Don asked. "Maybe. Depends if you're willing to take it," Jaime retorted in a cool voice. "You're on!" Don said. "Wait- we can't have two dinners," Cassie said. "She's right!" said Leena. "Then how will we tell who is the better chef?" questioned Brad. "I don't care, I'm just HUNGRY!" said Bit, getting mad that the food was still not prepared. "Wait- I got an idea," said Troy, and called them all into a huddle.
* * *
"Tonight, on Iron Chef, tow masters of cuisine duke it out in a hibachi showdown. And here's our host, Troy!" Troy came out and bit into a golden pepper. "BLEECH! Aww dude that was nasty! How does he eat these things?" Troy said, spewing pepper chunks. "Anyway, presenting the challenger, the hibachi kid, you know him, you love him, it's Don!" Don walked in. "Troy, do you really have to talk like that?" Don said in a peeved voice. "Yes I certainly do. Now, presenting the current Iron Chef in Kitchen Stadium, Iron Chef Jaime!" Jaime walked in, his clothes covered in tinfoil. "Troy, this metal hat is heavy. Can I take it off?" Jaime whined. "Shut up, Jaime. Now, presenting our special ingredient, top off the line, imported fresh from Alaska, it's Salmon Jerky!" Troy uncovered the table piled with pieces of jerky. "TROY!" bellowed Cassie. "Okay, Okay, keep your shirt on. The real ingredient is. . ." Troy, enough with the dramatic pause, just get on with it," said Don. "Well, heh heh, I actually don't have a secret ingredient," he said sheepishly. Troy got evil looks from everyone in the room. "But, I got this stuff!" he said, producing a bag of steaks, chicken fillets, fish, and vegetables. "Now, let the games begin!" Bit held up a cookie sheet as Brad banged it like a gong. Don wheeled out a hibachi table, sprayed some oil, and pulled a few pyro-acrobatic tricks to 'warm up the crowd.' Jaime, seeing that he wouldn't be outdone, started juggling razor-sharp knives. Don scowled and through on the vegetables, while Jaime did the same. Jaime cut up a carrot and proceeded to flip a piece into everyone's mouth. Don Quickly separated onion layers, and stacked them on top of each other. He practically squeezed his whole bottle of oil, and threw a match in. The fire raged for almost 3 minutes. The crowd oood and awwwd at this giant burst of flame. Then, the real cooking began. When the vegetables and the noodles were done and put on plates, Troy stuck them in the oven to keep them warm.
* * *
Thirty minutes and 7 scald wounds later, the food was done. "Troy, keep Diego from trying to catch the food in mid-air again" Cassie said. "It doesn't matter. The food's done!" Jaime said. "Ready to lose?" Don questioned. "No. I'm ready to win," Jaime said. The food was served and everyone got a plate of small portions from each chef's meal. Cassie and Leena were elected as main judges, and they both tasted the food. "Wow. They're both great, but taste exactly the same" they said. "Aww man! We have a 7 course meal and you can't pick?" Jaime said. Troy and Diego had hearts in there eyes. "Don didn't win, but we have two first-class meals to eat," Diego said. "Now that's what I call loosing the battle but winning the war," Troy said back.
BOOM! "What was that?" Don asked. "Jaime, activate perimeter cameras," Doc said. The view screen showed nothing at first, but upon closer inspection, the camera showed a large fleet of Rev Raptors moving towards them, while Zabbats rained havoc from above. "It's the Back Draft! Did they follow us here?" Bit smiled cockily. "Don't worry. Me and my Liger will take them!" Brad looked a little doubtful. "Bit, were talking about a wing of Zabbats and a whole mess o' Rev Raptors. I think you may just be out of your league." " WE 'LL HELP YOU!" Diego cried, and ran off to the Hover Cargo. A few seconds later, they heard the sounds of the Sky Talon's launch bay. "He didn't…" said Don, trembling with rage. "C'mon! We gotta help him!" Don, Troy and Cassie ran off the Hover Cargo. "But I don't have a Zoid!" Don said. "Don't worry. You can use my old Cannon Tortoise," Cassie replied. "Oh joy. Does it at least have a good weapon?" Don asked sarcastically. "It's got a Hybrid Cannon," Troy added. Don lit up. "COOL!" Soon, they were in there Zoids, and launched. Troy put on a burst of speed. The horns on his Zoid spread, and glowed magnificently. He plowed through the first two, disabling them, and fired on them when they hit the ground. He didn't notice the Elephander creeping up behind him. It was just about to fire on him, when a shot form Don's Hybrid cannon cought it's side. The one besides it was blasted to pieces from two shots with Cassie's particle cannon. Then, the blitz team showed up. "GUYS? I COULD USE SOME HELP RIGHT NOW!" Diego screamed into the comm. Troy, Cassie and Don looked up to see that Diego had taken a chunk out of the fleet, but he had at least 6 Zabbats on his tail. Don released a blast from the Hybrid Cannon, wiping out five. The last one managed to shoot the Sky Talon's wings. "Diego, get out of there!" Don yelled into his mike. "The controls aren't responding! The system's blacking ou-" Diego got cut off. The Sky Talon streaked to the ground like a bullet. At the last second, Two Zabbats swooped down and grabbed the Sky Talon. They pulled up, and flew/carried the broken Zoid to the Whale King. "They're not going to do what I think they're going to do, are they?" Troy asked. "Diego, get out of there NOW!" Don screamed, but it was no use. The Sky Talon had gone into total system blackout. Cassie and Don fired their cannons, but the Whale King was to far out of range to hit effectively. They could only watch in horror as they Whale King flew away.
* * *
Diego looked around. He was in a small cell. He looked up to see a strange man on his bed eating a cup of noodles. "Ahh, you're awake. I'm Dr. Laion," the man said, slurping on some noodles. "Mmmmmm. Noodles," Diego said, reaching feebly for the cup. "Oh, so you're hungry, eh? Well, I can help you with that. That is, if you can help me with something," Dr. Laion said with an evil grin on his face. "You are Diego Onin, the tactician for the Dynax team, are you not? Well, we at the Backdraft group feel that you have a talent. We would like to… employ you as our tactician," The Doctor said. "How about, you give me the noodles now, and I'll think about it," Diego suggested. "No. Make your decision, then you get your noodles," Laion countered. "I can't make a decision on an empty stomach now can I?" Diego replied. "I'm afraid that I have the upper hand, Mr. Onin. Decision first, then noodles." Diego looked at Laion intently. "Then I'm guessing… no," Diego said. "Fine," Dr. Laion said. "Good," Diego said back. "Great," Dr. Laion said a little louder. "Stupendous," Diego said calmly. "Outstanding," Dr. Laion said, his voice sounding more and more annoyed. "Peachy," said Diego quietly, with a sly grin. "WONDERFUL! NOW SHUT UP!" Dr. Laion said as he stormed out of the cell. "Keep him in his cell for a couple hours. He'll crack," Laion said to the guard.
* * *
"So Diego is captured by the Backdraft," Troy said. "Yeah, the point is pretty self explanatory," Don said. "Well, we obviously have to rescue him, don't we? Imagine what Andy would say if Diego was captured," Cassie said. Brief thoughts of the apocalypse flashed through their heads. "But we don't have any idea where they may be keeping him! We don't have any idea what we're up against!" Troy said. Don snapped his fingers. "Wait! If memory serves me, then I think we may have some hope. A while ago, there was a big commotion about some warrior from the Backdraft going legit. She might be able to help us," Don said. "Well, let's go find her! " Cassie said.
* * *
"THERE GOES JOHN JACOB JINGLE- HIEMER SHMIT LA LA LA LA LA LA LA…" Dr. Laion groaned into his pillow. "Six hours… he's been singing it for six hours…" Half of the Whale King's staff was ripping their hair out, begging Dr. Laion to throw him out. Dr. Laion refused, thinking that Diego would crack. Obviously he was dealing with a very powerful mind. Or a complete psycho. He went down to the cell to find the guard on the floor, sobbing with happiness that the singing had ceased. He looked inside to see Diego sitting in the corner, munching happily on a power bar. "Where did you get that food?!" Dr. Laion asked. "The guard gave it to me," Diego said, finishing the power bar. "You may think you've won, Taraves, but you WILL work for us! Here's all the tools necessary for you to plan, now do it, or it's light's out for you!" Dr. Laion shoved papers, rulers and pencils into Diego's hands, and strode out in a huff.
* * *
"So, this Pierce gal should be able help us out?" Don asked. "I certainly hope so," Cassie sighed. "Yeah, but we're gonna die before we get there if Troy keeps driving," Don said, turning a slight green. "Troy, slow down!" Cassie yelled. "Hold on- a light six blocks away just turned yellow," Troy said, making racecar noises. "Did we just go 8 miles in four seconds?" Cassie asked, her eyebrow twitching. "Now Cassie… . calm down… why don't we have some lunch?" Don suggested. "Yeah! There's some jerky in the glove compartment," Troy said. "Uhh… Troy, don't you think you have a little to much smoked meat in your diet?" Cassie asked. "Don't worry, I got some veggies," Troy said, pulling out 5 packets of Fruit Leather. "Wonderful," Cassie said sarcastically. They pulled up to a small base on the edge of the town. "Um, Hello?" Don yelled. His voice echoed into the darkness. As they walked in, they looked at the different Zoids lining the walls. "Zabers," Don said. "and Lygers," said Cassie. "And Stormzorders," Troy said. "Oh my!" they said together. "So, are you the three I was supposed to meet?" said a voice behind them. They all jumped, and turned around to see a beautiful woman. "I I I I I. . ." Don stuttered. "Ms. Pierce?" Cassie asked. "Yes. You're here to get information from me, aren't you? Well, I can help you… if you give me some incentive. . ." Pierce said. Troy handed him a bundle of money. "Very good. Your friend was taken in the Great Whale king, the personal transport of Dr. Laion. The Backdraft Data net says that he is currently in the custody of Dr. Laion, who is in his base located somewhere in the Gobi desert," Pierce said. "This map should be helpful," he finished, handing them a map. "Thanks. Let's go Find Diego!" Don said, and they were off.