A/N: Managed to do another chapter since I've been home sick. At least I've been productive. Enjoy!

Chapter 22: Prison Break!

"Going by all the chatter I've managed to hear, I would stake that your father is indeed there, April," Saber states as the four teammates peek out from behind a cluster of rocks down towards what looks to be a base or prison. "We need to see just how secure the place is."

"I just wish I knew for sure," April says quietly.

Peering through binoculars, Shinji is looking for any vulnerabilities. "They got this place locked down tight," he mutters with a shake of his head.

"Intel states that this is the Outriders maximum security prison. There are some pretty bad rumors going round about things that happen there," Saber says darkly. "They say this place is so tight that an insect can't even get in."

"Well, let's see how they feel about vultures," Colt says as he watches a buzzard fly overhead towards the prison. The bird circles and starts to swoop down and is immediately blown apart by laser fire from a guard tower.

"Well, I guess that confirms that rumor," April replies.

"Aye, indeed," Saber says. "Didn't even try to dissuade it away, just killed it."

Colt let's out a low whistle, "I don't think we should try and break in down there, I'm rather fond of livin' and breathing," Colt mutters.

Just then, a helicopter flies up from seemingly nowhere and the four quickly duck down as low behind the rocks as they can; praying that they weren't spotted.

After a brief search with a camera, the chopper leaves and the four decide to leave their hideout.

"We need to go, April," Shinji says quietly.

April takes a long look back at the prison, tears threatening to fall, "We'll get you soon, father," she says quietly before the four return to their ship. They head to a nearby city to see what information they can gather.

Walking along a main thoroughfare, the four all in darkened shades look around in shock as the Outriders and human seemingly coexist peacefully.

"They're right out in the open," Shinji says incredulously.

"They act as if it's an everyday occurrence," April mutters just as a well dressed curvy blonde saunters past them, grabbing Colt's eye.

"Oh man, I need to get out more!" Colt says, turning to admire the woman's backside.

"Colt! Stop being a pig!" April scolds.

Just as she's speaking a toy plane comes flying directly at the group. Colt dodges it, but steps out into the street to regain his balance.

"Colt!" Shinji calls, as he spots a trucks blazing down the street.

Colt jumps out of the way of the oncoming vehicle, narrowly getting missed, his hat falling to the road and being run over as the truck barrels past. "Hey!" Colt calls as he retrieves his hat. Staring angry at the truck as it turns a corner without stopping. "That Bastard!" Colt grumbles and takes off on foot after the truck.

"Wait!" April and Shinji call out as they race after the hotheaded cowboy.

Catching up to him, they manage to snag him just before the corner and stop him as they stand back to watch as the driver of the truck and a man running a warehouse converse.

"Good afternoon, Sir," The manager says to the one in the truck. "We're almost done with you next shipment. The last of it is being loaded as we speak," he adds while trying to hide his nervousness.

"Got another order. It better be ready when I come back," the driver says passing the man a folded paper.

"Taking the paper, the other man nods. "Of course…um…Sir. Uh, do you know when payment is coming for this shipment?" he asks hesitantly.

"You'll get it when you get it," the driver snaps back. "Unless you want to meet with the warden personally," he adds with a malicious grin.

The manager pales, "Oh, no…no…no…Sir. I don't mind waiting. I'll get right on this next order." With that, the truck is finished being loaded and heads off.

"That was the bastard that tried to run me over!" Colt states as he tries to go past Shinji, where they were watching the interaction of the two men.

Shinji holds out an arm to stop him. "Hold it, Cowboy. There is something strange going on."

"Yes, hold up. We may yet learn something useful," Saber adds, grasping the cowboy firmly on the shoulder to prevent his breaking free from Shinji's blockade.

As this is occurring, the remote controlled plane makes another appearance and throws off the workers who are scurrying to load the truck, causing two to fall over and topple a pallet of food. The manager starts yelling and the craft dives for him, causing him to fall over. About that time the boys with the remote are spotted and they run past the four who are watching. Seeing them being pursued, they stash the boys just before the men come around the bend.

"Hey, did ya'll see some ruffians come through here?" one of the two workers in pursuit of the boys asks.

"They went that way," April says pointing far away from where they turned.

"Thanks," the other man replies and the two men take off after them.

"Okay, you can come out now," April says turning towards a vehicle parked nearby.

Cautiously, the three boys poke their heads out, before hopping out of the vehicle.

"Thanks. You saved us," the eldest boy says with a grin.

"I don't think messing with those men was such a good idea," Shinji states firmly.

"We did it in good fun. Sorry. The boy states half apologetically. "I'm Thatch," the eldest of the three states.

"I'm Maki," says the red-headed boy.

"I'm Tai," says the youngest.

"Nice to meet you. I'm Shinji," he says offering his hand in greeting.

"Thanks again for saving us," Thatch says taking his hand. "What kinda of group are you anyways? Three guys hanging out with one chick?"

"Wha?" Shinji asks stunned.

"Whose girlfriend are you? All three of 'em?" Thatch asks looking pointedly at April.

"Excuse me?" April replies in shock. "That's none of your business!" she retorts forcefully.

Saber and Colt stand behind her looking a mix of stunned and amused at the boys antics.

"Aw, come on," Maybe she hangs with all three, she is a looker," the youngest says as he waves a hand to point out her 'attributes', causing April to blush and get angry, knocking the boy on the head.

"Show some respect to your elders, kid!" she retorts.

"Okay, okay. Sorry lady. How about a peace offering, since you saved us?" Thatch asks.

"Yeah, we can get you some food from the bakery my momma runs," Maki adds.

"Maybe she can get some meat on your bones, Miss. I bet these guys wouldn't mind that," Thatch replies with a grin.

"You're horrible!" April says in shock.

"You saved them," Shinji remarks, finding her being uncomfortable amusing.

"Perhaps going with them would be beneficial. We may find some information about this place," Saber states quietly.

"So long as this isn't a trap," Colt muses before they decide to follow the boys.

"You want me to do what?!" a woman turns and looks between the boys and the four strangers. "I don't do hand outs. You either work for what I give you or pay for it."

"But momma," the boys plead. "They saved us from the warehouse guy and his men!"

She holds out a hand to cease the protests, "I don't wanna bring any undue attention to this place with the Outriders hanging around." Turning to face the strangers she gives a slightly apologetic glance, "You have to understand my point of view, "Those bastards already took my eldest son and threw him in prison, I can't risk losing this place or my other boys."

"What happened?" April asks kindly.

"They claimed he was a rebel. Said he was leading a force to throw the Outriders out, so they broke in one night and took him away," the woman replies. April goes to speak and the woman cuts her off. "Look, I know who you are, and if you want to find info, you need to blend in." She grabs a couple of aprons and passes one to April, "Here, I can use some help around here, so put this on and help out. All kinds of people come through here, I'll talk more about it tonight." She then starts to hand Colt an apron and he immediately goes to protest. "What? You too good to put in a day's work?"

"Um….uh….no Ma'am, I just…I don't think wearin' an apron quite does it for me," he replies dumbfounded.

"Alright then, I got boxes that need haulin' and wood that needs choppin' perhaps that's more your speed," she replies sternly before letting her gaze fall to Shinji and Saber. "And don't think you're shirking out of your share of work too," she says causing the two to flinch just as a man enters the bakery.

"Um, Ma'am, someone just came in," Shinji says quickly.

Turning around, she sees the manager of the warehouse enter. "Good afternoon, Sir," she says politely.

"You need to get better control of your brats, lady. They have caused me a couple of hours lost wages with those blasted toy planes," he replies in anger.

She turns a glare down to the three cowering boys, "Face the wall," she says as the three offer apologies. Giving them each a firm spanking, she walks with the manager to the door of the bakery. "I'll be sure they are thoroughly punished. I'm sorry for the trouble."

"I'm warning ya, they mess with me or my men again, and I'm sicking the Outriders on them and they can join their brother in prison!" he says before shutting the door, leaving the woman to glare at the door.

April kneels down to comfort the youngest, "You really should leave him alone. You don't want to upset your mother anymore."

"Bah, that old man is all talk!" he replies with bravado.

Meanwhile, the three men watch the truck leave from around the back of the building, "I think he's taking another shipment to the prison. You think he'd actually turn those boys in?"

"That bastard? I'm sure he would," Colt retorts.

"Let's follow him," Shinji states.

Saber nods in agreement. "Keep an eye on things here, Colt. We'll be back," he says with a wave as he and Shinji take off after the truck.

"Hey guys, you're just leaving me here?" he asks but the two are long gone.

The warehouse manager pulls up to the prison gate in a truck, "Got the next shipment, Sir as the warden requested."

"Just need to run our security scan," the armed Outrider guard states, signaling someone to begin a scan.

A mechanical female voice is heard, "No weapons or metallic instruments found. Scan complete."

"Very good, go on through," the guard says and the gates are opened to allow the driver in and he enters the prison.

"This place is ridiculously tight for the middle of nowhere," Shinji states as he and Saber watch from a distance, trying to gauge how to get in.

Just then a patrol copter spots them and they take off for their vehicles. Saber on Donatello, and Shinji in his Fury.

"I knew it was going too good," Shinji states through the com. How do you wanna handle this?"

"Split up and meet back at the bakery," he replies and they go different directions, each being chased and dodging attacks.

Back at the bakery, Colt is busy chopping wood when Saber comes through the back door. April comes over and after splitting another piece Colt turns around to face Saber. "You did what?" he asks.

"We had to split up, we were being pursued," Saber replies.

"But Shinji could be out there hurt," she says with worry in her tone.

"He knew that one of us had to make it back, so I made the call and he agreed. It was our best chance. He will come when he is able," Saber replies.

"Do you think they knew who you were?" Colt asks coming over to the two.

Saber shakes his head. "No, I don't. Let's hope not, or they might either hurt your father, if they haven't already; or move him elsewhere."

April gasps as Shinji moves slowly towards them from around the corner. "Shinji!" she says rushing to him. "Are you alright?"

"We need to move, I may have been followed," he says weakly.

The others gasp in shock.

Just then, the baker comes over and dumps flour over the four of them, causing them to cough and look at her in confusion as she gets a look of anger over her features, as an Outrider comes up behind her. "You try and convince these freeloaders to work. Tell them you'll gladly take 'em if they don't shape up," She says forcefully in the direction of the four.

"We had some intruders at the prison. They were seen heading this way," the Outrider says as a second soldier comes up.

"Oh my!" the woman says trying to sound frightened. Just then, Shinji lets out a huff, blowing flour onto the Outrider soldier.

"Hey! Watch it you peon!" the soldier says angrily.

"You ungrateful brat!" the woman says in anger and slaps Shinji hard across the face, knocking him to the floor. He let's out a yelp and she turns on him. "Stop wastin' my time and do your work; or I'll send you to the prison to work off your debt, you got it?!" She then turns back to the soldier with her most innocent look, "I swear Mister, if any of us see anything suspicious, we'll be sure to notify you."

"You'd better," the soldier states and the pair of soldiers head off.

Turning back around, she has a look of relief come across her features, "Okay, they're gone," she says quietly.

Shinji stands up, still touching the place she slapped him, "Did you have to hit so hard?"

"That was some quick thinking' Ma'am. We owe you for saving us," Colt states.

"I didn't do it for you. I did it for my sons," she replies. "My eldest is one of the underground rebels," she states.

"A rebel?" the four state in shock.

She nods, " We want to end the reign of the Outriders here, as most of the population does. Tonight, I'll help you get a message inside the prison," she says with conviction.

Later that night, she has the four up on a ledge across from the prison, ducking near to the rocks. Glancing to her watch, she holds up a pair of binoculars and looks towards the prison. "There he is," she says and Shinji holds up another pair of binoculars as a young man begins flashing a mirror. "The have Eagle. In solitary. Going to move him and release monster to attack city. Get out while-" The message stops.

"Oh no, he's been discovered," Shinji says and they see a guard grab the young man and drag him off.

"My boy!" the woman says frantically.

Shinji gently places an arm around her. "Come on, we need to go for now," he says leading her away. Colt and Saber follow.

"I think I've got a way to get us in there," Saber states to Colt as they are leaving. "Let's go, we need to act quickly."

April comes waltzing up to the warehouse manager, her hair pulled up to look short, wearing extremely short yellow shorts, a tight fitting dark green shirt and mirrored sunglasses and carrying a purse.

"Well, hello there," a worker says eyeing her up and down. As he walks over to get a better look at her. "What can I do for you?"

"I'm looking for a job. I like driving the trucks. Word round town is you guys do the most haulin'." she replies with a smile.

"Sorry sweetheart, no jobs here. But I'm sure you can find something' looking so good," the man says as the manager walks up behind him.

"And just who said you can say whether we're hiring or not?" he asks the man, causing him to jump with a start.

"Um…well, sir, I…I didn't think-" the worker stammers.

"Yeah, you thought…don't try making the hard decisions. Send all inquiries to me," the manager says.

"Oh um, yes…yes sir," the worker replies sheepishly.

"Now go finish loading up the truck. We gotta roll soon to make it to the prison on time. Gonna take the back road, with those characters snooping around. Be ready to go in an hour," he says passing him a clipboard and the man rushes off. Turning his attention to April, he eyes her seductively. "Now, just what can I do for you, Miss?" he says with a smile and touching her on her shoulder with a wink.

"Oh, you know. I'm not sure this would workout," she says, turning on her heal and digging her stiletto into the manager's foot, causing him to shout and hop on one foot in pain, as she leaves.

"Well, how did it go?" Shinji asks as April comes in.

She flashes an "OK" sign and smiles. "I know they will be heading out in an hour and taking the back road to the prison."

"I can't believe you drug it out of them," Shinji says incredulously.

"What can I say?" April says.

"I'm glad the plan worked," Saber say with a chuckle. "I barely recognize you."

"Well, we don't have much time, Let's do this!" Shinji says looking to the baker, both nodding in agreement.

The delivery truck is cruising down the back road, it's cargo loaded. The manager is reclining while the worker drives. Approaching an intersection, the driver slams on his brakes as a van is headed down a crossroad. Barely stopping in time, and bumping the van slightly.

The female driver of the van hops out. "Hey! Watch where you're going! You could'a knocked me right off the mountain!" she yells, shaking her fist.

"Sorry Ma'am, the man says. I didn't see you. Not too many use this road," the driver replies apologetically.

"Now, we gotta a delivery to make lady! Move out of the way," the manager says waving his arms for emphasis.

"Okay, okay. I suppose no harm was done, just watch out from now on!" she retorts before getting back in and backing up, allowing the truck to pass.

The truck goes by and she sees the three men in their battle suits wave before they disappear into the delivery truck's cargo area.

She gives a nod before waiting a short time. "Time for the next phase, " she says with a hint of excitement as she turns down the same road as the truck and follows from a distance.

The truck arrives at the gate and is being scanned prior to entry. The scans come out clear and the truck is waved through.

The three men are holding tightly to the axles of the truck, their backs on skateboards as they make their way inside the prison.

We are now in the yard of the prison where the woman's son is tied to a stake and wearing a blindfold, a row of armed Outriders are holding guns stand at attention in front of him. Somewhere a drum roll is being played.

"This is your last chance kid. Tell us who you were messaging or meet your maker!" A higher ranking Outrider, presumably the warden says to the youth tied up.

"Go to Hell you demons!" the youth replies.

"Very well, you've made your choice," the warden says. He signals for the soldiers to get into position for the execution. "Ready," he says as the drumming tempo increases. And the soldiers drop to firing position.

"I'll cut him loose, you two cause a distraction," Saber says and the three spread out from under the vehicle. Taking advantage of the attention being drawn elsewhere.

Colt and Shinji come out on skateboards, whooping and causing a scene, knocking over several soldiers caught unaware moments before. The warden turns to see the cause of the commotion.

"Fire you imbeciles. Kill the intruders!" he yells, pointing to Shinji and Colt as they race around on skateboards and around the far side of the delivery truck.

Saber appears behind the prisoner and cuts him loose. Pulling his sword from his sheath and removing the blindfold.

"I am glad to see you," the boy says relieved.

"Your mother helped us get to you, come on now," Saber replies, shoving the boy to the ground as shots are fired in their direction. Using his sword to cut a path, he and the youth make a run for it.

Shinji and Colt grab weapons from downed soldiers and hop into the delivery truck. Colt fires as Shinji drives for the gate. The windshield is shot out and the two duck, continuing on a crash course for a nearby gate, towards the interior. "Hold on, Cowboy," Shinji calls as they duck in attempt to hold course and avoid shots in their direction. Crashing through the doors and crating enough debris to halt pursuit briefly, Shinji and Colt grab a downed guard's key card and begin releasing other prisoners. They soon meet up with Saber and the boy.

"Have you found Eagle yet?" Saber asks hurriedly.

"No," Shinji and Colt reply.

"Commander Eagle?" the newly rescued boy asks. Getting a nod from Saber the boy looks upset. "They came and got him a while ago. Said they heard ya'll were close, so they moved him out."

"Where to?" Shinji asks.

"I…I dunno."

"Damn it!" Shinji swears under his breath. "Okay, we need to get out of here. Anyone know where some vehicles are?" he asks to the crowd around them.

"I do!" one of the men call out. "I saw them when they caught me trying to help free the commander. They have tanks over this way," he says turning to the left.

"Lead on," Shinji says and the crowd rushes off.

"Find those Star Sheriffs and those prisoners or Nemesis will kill us all!" the warden says angrily, slamming his hands down on the console of the security room. "Aye sir," the soldier says hitting a series of buttons.

"They're headed for the artillery and tanks," he replies.

"Then release the Renegade. Kill all of them before they can put up a fight."

"Nemesis said-"

"I don't care what he said. He'll be more angry if we let the Star Sheriffs get away with a bunch of prisoners!" he replies. "Now release the damned Renegade!"

"This is on your head, sir" the soldier replies before hitting a series of buttons to release the Renegade unit.

The escapees are led by Colt, who has commandeered a tank and they are rushing the gates, with most of the former prisoners armed with some sort of weapon when a series of lasers fire around them and they all turn to look. Collective gasps are heard as smoke clears and a plume of smoke clears from a collapsing wall as people realize what is happening. Shinji tries to call April on his com unit. "Damn! The electrical waves are blocking the coms." He turns to the baker's son, " Your mother is outside in her usual spot. See if you can signal her, let her know we need help."

"Right," the young man nods and takes off, toting a gun tightly. Going around the corner, he grabs a mirror from his pocket and starts signally furiously.

"He says they're trapped. That the warden released a renegade monster. They can't communicate because of the electrical fields," the mother says to those that are gathered with her, including her three younger sons, who have their remote controlled planes.

"We can help with that," Thatch says, holding his plane up slightly.

"The towers are what you need to take out."

"We can do it!" the boys say confidently.

"Then go!" she says.

"Right!" the three boys release their planes, crashing them into the towers.

The renegade starts firing, knocking rocks down onto the humans trapped in the yard. Spotting the planes, the Star Sheriffs jump when April's voice comes on the com.

"Hey guys, can you hear me?" April asks.

"Boy am I glad to hear you!" Shinji replies. "We need you here, and fast!" he adds as the Renegade corners the humans, preparing to strike.

Just as it does, it's hit with laser fire, drawing it's attention away as April arrives and lowers the ramp to the Bismarck, "Need a lift?" she asks.

"Hell yeah!" Colt says and the three make a dash for the ship, only to have a fighter start firing at them, blocking their way.

"Huh?" the three say as they spot the fighter.

It comes in for another shot at them when it is hit by another toy plane that gets sucked into the engine and causes the fighter to explode. The boys whoop and the three Star Sheriffs take off for the ship and up the waiting ramp. Bring the ship up from the ground as the enemy Renegade refocuses on it, Shinji and the others hop into their saddle units and enter Challenge Phase. "Let's do this!" he says as the transformation completes.

Immediately the beast throws its tentacled arms towards the robot like a set of whips.

Firing at the beast and knocking it back a bit, they go to fire again when it grabs a hold of the blaster.

"Shit!" Colt swears as he tries to keep it in the robot's grip. The Renegade wins and grabs the blaster and turns it on the Bismarck.

"Damned thing is shootin' us with our own blaster!" he says as Shinji tries to evade the blasts.

"Let's see that thing grab these," Shinji says as he readies the chest cannon blasters. He's just about locked on when the beast hits them and throws them into a wall. "Damn! Hang on." Shinji says through gritted teeth as they're tossed backwards and impacts the wall.

It goes to attack and they throw an arm up to block, so it grabs the arm and swings them towards itself, firing the blaster. Shinji manages to swing upwards and come down on the beast feet first, knocking it off balance.

Hitting a series of buttons, Saber mutters as he gets a lock on the beast. "Got you," he says as he fires the chest cannons, the Renegade exploding into nothing.

The warden sees he's lost and takes off in a waiting vehicle.

"Gotta stop him!" Colt says as he grabs the blaster off the ground and readying to fire.

"Wait! Check it out, the prisoners are gonna make sure he doesn't get away," he says and they see a group of logs come falling onto the vehicle and it falls off the road and into a ravine before exploding, enticing cheers from the former prisoners.

They four Star Sheriffs are standing on the edge of town preparing to leave when the baker comes up with her three youngest boys, a bag of baked goods in her arms. "It's not near enough, but it's all I can give for your help," she says passing the bag to Shinji, who was closest to her.

"Anytime, Ma'am. Hopefully you won't have anymore trouble from the Outriders here," he replies.

"Aw, I wish you could stay," Thatch says to April. "I'm sure you could teach me a few things, you know?" he says with a wink.

"I think you'd better stop while you're ahead," April says while trying to keep her anger in check.

"Yeah, she is one female that you don't want mad at you, trust me," Colt says earnestly. "She could easily take me down," he adds for emphasis.

The boy stammers and quickly straightens. "I…I was just kidding, honest," he says suddenly uncomfortable with the glare she's giving him.

The adults all laugh at the boy's discomfort and they say their goodbyes before waving and boarding their ship and taking off.