CANNONBALL RUN 7: HIGH SPEED HEROES by BKelly95 and The Turbo Man
CHAPTER 10: 'I'm selling these fine leather jumpsuits'.
DISCLAIMER: As usual, we own nothing except our own original characters.
KARR moved himself forward fast on his wheeled legs and tried to scoop up KITT 3000 in one of his claws. Mike quickly evaded him and got ready to go on the offensive.
Garthe let out an arrogant chuckle and drove Goliath straight for the Barbarian. KITT quickly moved himself out of the way just as Goliath's laser started to charge up. As he evaded, KITT scanned Goliath to see if there were any potential weaknesses.
I heard you were concerned you with my life.
I heard you had a lot to say .
(Motherf-in' thanks for nothing)
"Michael, that power box just behind the cab is what's generating the shield around Goliath." he announced as he showed an image of the power box on a monitor.
"So, all we have to do is hit it with enough firepower to knock it out." Michael replied.
"I have detected a similar device on KARR's body." KITT 3000 said. "We'll have to stall for time until we can take both of them out."
"Hang on, guys. Here we come!" RC3 said as he gunned the semi's engine and ran right into KARR.
I'm gonna do it if it feels right.
I'm gonna do it anyway.
(Motherf-in' thanks for nothing)
KARR put out both his clawed hands to hold the semi back before it could hit him. Despite his defensive shield, KARR could still feel the force of the push and was struggling to stand still.
"You cannot beat me! Your defeat is imminent!" KARR sneered.
Goliath's laser gun had fully charged as Garthe turned his truck around and went straight for the Barbarian.
Michael activated ski-mode on the left side of the Barbarian and evaded the blast. Then, with lightning reflexes he avoided another collision with the monstrous vehicle.
Well I'm saying,
Don't say I'm not alright.
I'm used and confused and,
I'm still putting up a good fight.
I'm still putting up a good,
F!I!G!H!T!
Fight! Fight! Fight!
F!I!G!H!T!
Fight! Fight! Fight!
As Garthe got ready to swing around again, both the Barbarian and KITT 3000 got a clear shot at the power box for Goliath's shield on the rear of the cab.
As RC3 still pushed the semi forward in a power struggle against KARR, KITT fired a strong laser blast at the power box on Goliath. KITT 3000 followed this up with a missile.
Within seconds, the power box was destroyed and the shield around Goliath dropped.
"BASTARD!" Garthe yelled as he powered up Goliath's laser again.
KARR had managed to push the FLAG semi back far enough and now turned his attention to both the Barbarian and KITT 3000 as black smoke began to erupt from the destroyed shield generator on Goliath.
He fired multiple shots from his mounted guns at KITT 3000 who managed to hold out with his molecular bonding.
At the same time, the Barbarian was able to easily dodge Goliath's laser. Garthe reached for a switch above him in the cab and fired a few explosive rockets from the launchers on the cab's roof.
Everybody thinks they know my problems.
Everybody knows what's best for me.
(Motherf-in' thanks for nothing)
"The park rangers aren't gonna be happy with you for that!" KITT said as he narrowly avoided the explosions.
"Try and imagine how much I care!" Garthe snapped back.
"Let's see how the two of you handle this!" KARR roared as a new weapon extended from just behind his 'head'.
An intense, bright red heatstroke wave came out of it and affected the Barbarian and KITT 3000.
"What is that?" asked Mike as he felt the heat.
"He's gotten wise, Michael." KITT 3000 said. "The heat from that ray is so intense that it's damaging our molecular bonding."
"Then we've gotta knock out his shield and fast!" Mike said as he manouevered away just before KARR could slam one of his hands down and crush them.
Don't think that anyone can solve them.
Don't think there's anyone but me.
(Motherf-in' thanks for nothing)
Bonnie's voice came over the comms.
"Mike, KARR's shield generator is on his back, between the shoulder blades." she said. "If you're quick, you can fire your grappling hook and rip it off. That'll bring his shield down!"
"Roger." Mike replied as he swung the Mustang around and avoided one of KARR's missiles by using his ski-mode.
While this happened, the Barbarian avoided another collision with Goliath as KITT scanned for weak spots.
"Michael, the sides of Goliath's cab are vulnerable." he announced. "If we hit him hard enough there, it will put him out of commission."
"Gotcha, pal." Michael said as he clenched his teeth.
KITT 3000 drove quickly through KARR's legs before KARR could attack again. As he did, Mike activated a rear-view screen and locked its crosshairs on the shield generator on KARR's back.
"NOW!" he yelled as he fired the grappling iron out of a rear hatch.
The hook latched onto KARR's shield generator and Mike accelerated forward, ripping the generator off of KARR and dropping his shield.
"WHAT?" KARR yelled in disbelief.
Before he could react, the FLAG semi rammed him head-on with its battering ram and knocked him off his feet.
Well I'm saying,
Don't say I'm not alright.
I'm used and confused and,
I'm still putting up a good fight.
I'm still putting up a good,
So don't say I'm not alright.
I'm used and confused and,
I'm still putting up a good fight.
I'm still putting up a good,
Mike turned KITT 3000 around and fired a few missiles at KARR, knocking off his heatwave weapon and damaging him greatly.
RC3 backed the FLAG truck up again and plowed into KARR again, disabling his guns and missile launchers before he could get back on his feet.
Goliath still tried to either ram the Barbarian head-on or broadside it with its molecular bonded front grille. Michael managed to avoid it each time.
F!I!G!H!T!
Fight! Fight! Fight!
F!I!G!H!T!
Fight! Fight! Fight!
Fight! Fight!
Fight! Fight!
Fight! Fight!
As Garthe prepared to fire more of his own missiles, KITT fired his laser at the launcher and short-circuited it.
"I will beat you!" Garthe yelled. "You're running out of time and you know it!"
"Good! we've pissed him off." said Michael. "He won't be thinking straight now."
"That's not exactly comforting." KITT remarked.
As Goliath swung around and tried to attack again, the Barbarian rushed straight towards the passenger-side of the cab.
Michael Turbo-Boosted as they were in range and hit Goliath straight in the side, actually nearly tipping the truck over.
Warning lights began to show in the cab, but Garthe ignored them.
Woah Oh oh.
Don't say I'm not alright.
I'm used and confused and,
I'm still putting up a good fight.
I'm still putting up a good,
So don't say I'm not alright.
I'm used and confused and,
I'm still putting up a good fight.
I'm still putting up a good,
Meanwhile, KITT 3000 and the FLAG semi had taken KARR out of the picture. The evil prototype was unable to get back up.
He tried to transform back into vehicle mode to retreat, but was too damaged to do so.
Bonnie climbed out of the trailer and threw a grenade-like device towards KARR. It activated a 'net' of green laser beams, holding KARR in place as the last of his power drained from him.
"I...cannot...fail! I...am...the prototype!" KARR weakly said.
"Then thank God we went back to the drawing board." Bonnie smirked.
"I'll go help Dad." Mike said as he drove KITT 3000 to engage Goliath.
The armoured truck had taken a few more hits in both sides thanks to Michael and KITT's dodging and fast manoueveres.
The cab now started to fill with smoke. Garthe coughed, but was still blinded by his hatred of Michael and swung around for one last attack.
As Garthe got ready to rush the Barbarian again, KITT 3000 launched a couple of missiles.
They pummeled the right side of Goliath, inflicting critical damage.
Just to be sure, KITT 3000 rammed into the driver-side at high speed.
Ooooooh!
Still putting up a good fight.
Wooah.
Don't say I'm not alright (no)
Don't say I'm not alright.
A fire had now broken out in Goliath's cockpit. Realizing he was beaten, Garthe jumped out of the cab and tried to make a break for it on foot.
Mike climbed out of KITT 3000 armed with a beanbag shotgun. He fired it at Garthe, knocking him off his feet.
"Damn...you!" Garthe groaned
Michael joined his son and fired a taser into Garthe's chest. This knocked Garthe out completely.
Don't say I'm not alright (no)
I'm still putting up a good.
-"F.I.G.H.T." by Unwritten Law.
"Good job, dad!" Mike said.
"You were great yourself." said Michael as he put his arm around Mike's shoulder.
Goliath was now completely engulfed by flame and within a few seconds, it exploded. Needless to say, this spooked some of the wildlife in the park, but thankfully there was no stampede.
"We've contacted the police in Mombasa, Michael." Bonnie announced. "They're on their way."
"Good job everybody." KITT said. "What about KARR?"
"We'll take him back to the Foundation to make damned sure he's dismantled and junked this time." KITT 3000 said.
"So, I guess that means you can get back to the Cannonball now, huh?" Mike asked.
"After I have the pleasure of seeing Garthe back behind bars." Michael said seriously.
"I think it's safe to say he'll not be troubling anybody for a good, long spell." Bonnie smirked.
"Amen." RC3 added.
Two Nod soldiers looked over the landscape between Yendys and its twin city Acinom in Dorajland.
"You think we can find those Cannonballers and recapture those secret agents?" asked one.
"I hope so." said the other. "Then we just might get a serious promotion."
"Tanner?" asked Lara over the radio. "Come in, Tanner."
"This is Tanner. Go ahead."
"I seem to have BLOWN my transmission somewhere south of Yendys." said Lara. "I need some assistance before THE BROTHERHOOD finds me. Over."
"Ten four." said Tanner. "We're on our way. I HOPE the Brotherhood doesn't find you FIRST."
"Well, how about that?" asked one solder.
"Looks like good fortune has just fallen into our laps." said the other.
"Let's go render assistance." said the first.
Ma sat with Big Boss in his office as the two of them enjoyed a glass of champagne.
"So, I see that you broke your boys out again." Big Boss remarked.
"Well, I can't stand being alone around the house." Ma smirked. "It gets very lonely without some family around."
"I know. But it must be frustrating at times with the mistakes they keep making. I mean, don't even get me started about my nephew Berserko!" Big Boss chuckled.
"Don't I know it." Ma chuckled in return. "Bigtime is supposed to the brains out of his brothers and he didn't even finish kindergarten!"
In a nearby office, Squeaky showed Burger, Bouncer, and Babyface a trophy in a glass case. It was made of gold and was shaped like a hand holding a cosh.
"This is the Golden Blackjack." Squeaky announced. "Big Boss won it a few years back at the Criminal of The Year convention."
"Nice." Burger remarked. "But didn't he fix the contest?"
"He did, but if he hadn't, one of the others surely would have." Squeaky chuckled. "I've been with Big Boss since he started his career in Stillwater. Back in the days where he lived off the Big Swallow meal deal, before it was all champagne, caviar and foie gras. If there's one thing he learned, it was never to trust anybody. Even a fellow criminal."
"He trusts you, doesn't he?" Babyface asked.
"Yes, but there are things he won't even trust me with." Squeaky sighed as he pointed to a miniature vault with a two-foot thick Plexiglass door. Inside the vault on a pedestal was the Total Anarchy mask, fitted onto a bronze bust.
"Ain't that the mask with the gnarly powers that was used last year in the Cannonball Run?" asked Bouncer.
"Yep. Some piece of shit drug lord from Miami wanted it, but Big Boss thought it would be better off in his hands. It has some oomph to it, of course. That's why Big Boss won't even trust me with it. No-one knows the combination except him."
"So why are you showing it to us?" Burger asked in confusion.
"Well, like I said, Big Boss made sure that only he can access it." Squeaky said. "Besides, I doubt anyone would be..."
A buzzer sounded and Big Boss' voice came over a speaker.
"Squeaky, break out another bottle of the best Dom Perignon. And bring me some of those pizzas as well."
"Gotta go now, boys." Squeaky smirked. "Stay out of trouble." he added with a wink as he exited the room, closing the door behind him.
"Okay, Bigtime. We're alone at the vault." Bouncer whispered over his comlink.
Babyface took out an electronic hacking device and attached it to the numbered keypad next to the vault door.
"Okay, youse guys. Ya gotta work fast! Squeaky won't be feeding that blubber barrel forever."
"We're goin' as fast as we can." Babyface grumbled as he pressed random buttons and waited for the device to confirm that he'd hit the right number.
"Hey, guys. I got an idea!" Burger whispered.
"Not now, Burger. You keep watch!" Bouncer whispered sharply.
"Hey, listen!" Burger hissed back. "Squeaky said that Big Boss lived off the Big Swallow meal deal from Freckle Bitch's back in Stillwater."
"So what?" Bankjob asked in the van.
"Maybe the combo is the price of the meal deal." Burger said.
Bouncer rolled his eyes. "Always thinking with your stomach!"
"You could give it a try." Burger hissed.
Bigtime sighed in the van. "Let him try it, boys. You'll never hear the end of it until he does."
"Alright, then, genius. What is it?" Bouncer asked.
"Well, the Big Swallow Burger itself is twenty bucks, large curly fries with it is ten dollars, onion rings are $6.40 and the double-thick shake that rounds it off is $3.55. So, altogether, it's $39.95."
"Okay. Here goes nothing." Babyface sighed as he keyed '3995' into the keypad.
The vault door slowly slid open and the Total Anarchy mask was exposed.
"I'll be gosh-darned!" Babyface said as Bouncer whistled.
"Well, don't just stand there! Get it!" Bankjob snapped.
"Roger." Bouncer replied as he reached in and took the mask off the bust.
"It's official. Freckle Bitch's clogs your arteries for too high a price." Babyface sighed as he pressed a button on his device.
Back in Big Boss' office, Big Boss was over at his desk, opening up one of the pizza boxes.
As he was busy, Ma noticed the jewel on the ring she was wearing glow slightly. A signal of triumph. She smirked to herself.
"That's my boys." she thought to herself.
At the border leading into Dorajland, President Kante accompanied a battalion of military troops from Tanzania. He spoke to Brock on a video link.
"We're standing by to help the Cannonballers, Mr. Yates." he announced. "But it could be tricky. It won't take Kane long to work out how your protectors got through his laser fence shield. What we really need is a way for the fences to drop."
"Hold on a minute. I'll see if Shavers can come up with a solution." Brock replied.
Just then, a large shadow fell over the troops, causing them to look up.
In the sky above them, several of Yuri's Floating Discs had appeared and they hovered near the laser fences.
With a low hum, the Discs started to glow. Kante was stunned to see that as they did so, the red laser beams on the fences started to fade. Eventually, the fences blocking the entrance of Kante's troops had been brought down.
"(Mr. President! There are more of those flying saucer things taking out the rest of the fences surrounding Dorajland!)" an aide yelled excitedly.
Kante smiled and spoke into his video link again.
"No need to trouble yourself, Mr. Yates." he smirked. "We had a little help from above. We're moving out!"
In Yendys, a squadron of Assault Bikes and Raider Buggies patrolled the streets, looking for the Cannonballers.
A pair of the bikes straggled a bit towards the rear of the convoy. As they poured on the speed to catch up, the Stormrider roared out of an alley and Brian swung its rear into the two bikes, knocking the riders off.
Brian honked the vehicle's horn and gave the finger to the rest of the convoy as they turned to see what had happened.
"YEAH! HOW D'YA LIKE THEM APPLES!" he yelled.
"Get after them!" the driver of the lead buggy yelled.
Brian peeled rubber off down the street as the convoy turned to chase them.
"Good job, Brian. We got their attention." Dom announced. "Vince, you ready with the launcher?"
"You better believe it." said Vince as he leaned towards the rear window of the Stormrider with what looked like a miniature rocket launcher.
Dom himself held up a small iPad-like device.
As two Raiders got right on the Stormrider's tail, Vince fired the launcher at each of them in turn. A small electronic device that looked like a hockey puck had been shot out of the gun and attached themselves to the front quarter panels of the Nod buggies.
"Huh?" asked one of the drivers.
"Okay, they're ready." said Vince as he checked a readout on his gun.
"Sayonara, suckers!" Dom cheered as he activated commands on his hand device.
On each of the buggies, their front wheels turned to the sides and caused the buggies to mount the pavement and crash through store-front windows.
"Nailed 'em!" laughed Vince.
"Okay. Now get ready to deal with the others." Dom said as Vince took aim when more of the buggies and bikes came up behind them.
The Dark Rage appeared behind them and Xander activated twin-machine guns in the hood which fired their tranq bullets at the bike riders while Vince used the disruptor chips to take out the buggies.
Dom and Xander smirked and gave each other a 'brother' nod.
"Great, Lara." said Joanna. "What are we going to do? Nod's sure to bring troops in numbers."
"I know that." said Lara. "What we do is create a distraction and catch them while they're not paying attention."
"Any ideas?" asked Nina.
"Yes." said Lara. "We destroy the van and make our move while they're investigating it." She pointed to an old Ford Transit parked nearby.
"Well, leave that to me." said Anna.
She ran over to the van and planted an explosive on the rear bumper. She ran back to the Vulcano as the van exploded. She climbed into the Vulcano which backed into a nearby barn. Nina closed the doors and watched through a crack in the wall.
Four Scorpion Tanks, one with a Dozer Blade and Laser Capacitor, rolled down the road.
"This is Red Leader to radar. Do you have anything? Over."
"Negative. Over."
"Wait! Is that smoke?" asked one tank commander.
"I believe it is." said Red Leader.
The tanks pulled over near the van's wreckage.
"Does this look like the Cannonballer's car?" asked one tank commander.
"I think so." said another.
"What are we doing?" asked Joanna.
"Once those men finish their investigation," said Lara "we will follow them back to their base. That's likely where they're holding Jarod."
"Guys, they're packing up and pulling out." said Nina.
The tanks pulled back onto the road and drove off.
"Let's go." said Lara.
Nina opened the doors to the barn and got into the Vulcano. Lara drove out and followed the tanks.
The Firestorm had just passed through Acinom in Dorajland.
"I still think we should turn around and go back to Yendys to give a hand." Rory said.
"Yes, you're right." said the Doctor. "I've crossed paths with Kane at various points in history and he is trouble."
"What do you mean?" asked Amy in confusion.
"I'll explain later." said the Doctor. "Rory, turn us around!"
Rory spun the steering wheel around and the Firestorm turned to face the opposite direction it came from.
Rory put his foot down and they roared off back towards the two main cities of Dorajland.
As they crested a hill, the Handbasket suddenly roared towards them.
Rory quickly swerved to avoid a collision.
Amy looked stunned at the speed of the Handbasket as they had a near miss and nearly went off the road.
"What was their hurry? Looking for customers?" she asked incredulously.
"That wasn't very nice." Luther chuckled behind the wheel of the Handbasket as he hung a 180 and got on the Firestorm's tail.
"We've got trouble by the look of it." the Doctor said as he saw the Handbasket roaring up the mountain road after them.
"Hang on! We'll lose them!" Rory said as he poured on the speed.
The Handbasket came up on their left side and tried to force them off the road.
As it did, Lester leaned out his window and mockingly gave the Doctor's team a 'gun' hand gesture.
Luther rammed into their left side again and laughed.
"Excuse me!" he laughed mockingly as he continued to shove the Firestorm towards the brush at their side.
"Get on the other side!" Lester said. "We'll knock 'em right over the side!"
Luther got on the brakes and dropped behind the Firestorm.
"Straightaway." Amy reported.
"Here we go!" said Rory as he activated the NOS shot.
Luther smirked and kicked the Handbasket's supercharger into action.
He soon caught up with the Firestorm and got on its right side.
Both Lester and Luther laughed as the Handbasket rammed into the Firestorm's right side, trying to force them through the guard rail and over the cliff side.
"You won't get us!" Rory yelled as he accelerated even more.
The Handbasket dropped a bit behind as they approached a turn in the road with a large area of ground near it.
Luther slammed the Handbasket into the Firestorm's rear quarter panel and spun it out.
As Rory got on the brakes, the Handbasket failed to stop in time and slammed into the guard rail at the turn, nearly going over the edge.
"You overgrown half-wit!" Lester yelled.
Behind them, Rory had turned the Firestorm around to face the rear of the Handbasket.
"I can see a tree a little bit down there." The Doctor said as he leaned forward. "So, we can put them out of action non-fatally if we hit them just right."
"You think we should?" asked Rory.
"You know you want to, sweetheart." Amy said mischeviously as she raised an eyebrow.
As Luther struggled to start the Handbasket's engine again, Rory gunned the Firestorm and rammed into its' rear, knocking them through the guard rail and over the edge.
"SHIIIIIIT!" yelled Lester and Luther.
About thirty feet down, the Handbasket landed in the upper part of a large tree. One of the headlights got broken on a branch and the supercharger took a dent. But DeMarco's servants were alright, apart from a few bruises.
Up above them, Rory honked the Firestorm's horn at them triumphantly after seeing they were alright but inconvenienced and drove off at high speed.
"Oh, FANTASTIC!" Lester groaned to himself.
"I thought that guy had a new catchphrase." Luther said in confusion.
Lester glared at him.
Back in Yendys, Priss, and Howard were both riding their bikes hard and dodging fire from a Reckoner pursuing them.
Both of them swerved off the road and onto the opposite pavements lining the road, allowing the Reckoner to overtake them.
"I hope this was a good idea." Howard said.
The Reckoner turned into a large intersection and turned around to face the two Cannonballers as they approached.
"Now we have you!" the Reckoner's commander smirked.
Suddenly, the Bone Crusher roared down the street on the Reckoner's left side and crashed into it. The Nod vehicle was completely knocked over.
"Well done, Angels!" Priss smiled.
"Now we just need to make sure they stay down." Alex said.
"And it looks like they brought company." added Natalie as she saw a few more Reckoners approaching from the east and west intersections.
Just then, more Floating Discs appeared in the sky above them and hovered over the Reckoners. They drained the power from the Nod troop carriers and rendered them useless.
"Excellent." yelled Dylan, as she got ready to pour on the power to the Bone Crusher.
"Bail out!" yelled one Nod soldier as the Reckoners' troops abandoned them and the Bone Crusher ploughed right through them, crushing them into junk.
As Ma and her sons left Big Boss' HQ, Big Boss waved goodbye to them from the door.
"Take care, Ma. And don't be a stranger!" he cheered.
"You take care yourself, big boy!" Ma smiled as she and her three sons climbed back into the pizza van.
Bigtime started the van up and drove off down the plaza towards the airport.
After making sure they were out of Big Boss' sight, Bankjob looked into the back of the van.
"Ya got it?" he asked.
"Cha-ching!" Babyface cheered as he held up the Total Anarchy mask.
"Are you sure we'll be on the flight to Cape Town before he checks?" asked Bigtime.
"Oh, please. Big Boss can be counted on to get at least five bottles of champagne inside him when he's in a party mood." Ma smirked. "And nothing gets him in the party mood more than a joyful reunion with an old and trusted friend."
"He trusts you?" asked Burger.
Ma rolled her eyes. "About as far as he can spit a rat. But he's a sentimental big lug."
"Okay, we're outta here!" Bigtime smirked as he drove.
The Asp had made it to Yendys and the Viper team had found themselves in the thick of the action in the middle of the city.
"Typical. We catch up to find out the Puzzle Hunt has gone bust again AND we end up getting caught up in a bad guy's latest power play!" Cole groaned.
"They'll have to catch us first." smirked Joe as he navgated around a raider buggy and left it in the dust.
"Raider K454 reporting!" the driver reported. "Cannonballer sighted. In pursuit!"
Raider K454 sped off after the Asp. As the red Viper got far enough ahead, Westlake reached for the dash and activated the hologram projector.
A perfect holographic replica of the Asp appeared and drove back the way they had come, directly into the path of Raider K454. The buggy's driver was not perturbed but kept on coming.
"You want to did to be a hero? Fine by me." he sneered.
The Raider kept on going, as did the hologram.
At the last minute, Raider K454 lost his nerve and swerved to one side to avoid a crash.
As his buggy mounted the pavement, the hologram disappeared and he realised that he had been tricked.
"BASTARDS!" he shouted as he got his buggy back on the road and continued pursuit.
This time, he saw the Asp itself now approaching him head-on.
"Think you can punk me twice?!" the buggy driver snarled as he poured on the speed.
This time, before a crash occured, Joe opened the left weapons pod on the Asp and trained the static pulse on the Raider.
He fired the blast at the Raider and put it out of commission. Raider K454 piled up at the side of the road and the Asp moved around it and headed off to help the others.
In the war room of the Presidential Palace, Kane listened to reports from a few of his generals.
"The Cannonballers are fighting back, you say?" he blurted in surprise.
"Affirmative, sir. And troops from Tanzania are on their way to the city." replied one general. "We're trying to hold them back, but they're tenacious bastards!"
"They got through the laser fences because some strange aerial devices drained the power from them." a second general added. "More such vehicles have been seen throughout the country, causing our units trouble."
Kane narrowed his eyes suspiciously. "Do these vehicles look like stereotypical UFOs?" he asked.
"Yes, sir, they do." the second general confirmed.
"That sneaky frickin' Russian." Kane grumbled under his breath. "Call in all our reserves and beat these bastards back as much as you can!" he then ordered.
"YES, SIR!" the generals chorused.
"Sir, do you want to triple the guard at the base Jarod is being held at?" an aide asked.
"I doubt any Cannonballer would be able to penetrate it!" Kane replied. "Those troops will make short work of any who try."
Lara pulled up to the edge of a clearing and looked at a large military complex.
"It's hard to believe this place wasn't here last week." she said.
"A testament to Nod's advanced building techniques." said Joanna.
"Hold on, someone's coming." said Nina.
A black and red half-track with a streamlined body rolled towards the entrance of the base.
"That appears to be a Reckoner." said Anna. "Not to be confused with the Reckoning."
"That's our way in." said Joanna. She activated one of her CamSpies and sent it towards the gate.
The CamSpy made it to the gate at the same time as the Reckoner. The Reckoner stopped and the hatch opened.
"Stop." said the guard. "Identify yourself."
"Blue five." said the Reckoner's driver. "Returning from patrol. It is unseasonably warm."
"The unicorn offers tranquility." said the guard. The gate opened and the Reckoner drove in.
"That must be their pass phrase." said Lara.
"I've got this." said Joanna.
They climbed into the car and drove towards the gate. They came to a stop at the gate.
"Stop." said the guard. "Identify yourself."
"Joa...Uh, Joan Black." said Joanna. "I have captured a Cannonballer's vehicle. It is unseasonably warm."
"The unicorn offers tranquility." said the guard. The gate opened and Joanna drove in.
"There must be an agent by that name on their database." said Nina.
"That or he's been on guard duty so long, he just stopped caring." said Lara.
They parked the Vulcano and climbed out.
"Okay, let's start looking for Jarod." said Nina.
"Where would he be?" asked Anna.
"We'll certainly not find him just sitting here." said Lara. "Perhaps we should..."
"Hold it right there!" ordered a female Nod soldier. She ran over to Lara's team.
"State your business here!" she ordered firmly
"How do you do?" asked Lara as she put on a charming smile. "I'm selling these fine leather jumpsuits."
"How did you get in here?" asked the soldier.
"The guard at the gate let me in." said Lara. "He agreed that I could provide a service for the Brotherhood."
"Oh." said the soldier. "Well, your outfit does appear to be appealing. Kind of like the one Emma Peel wore."
"Ah yes, I know." said Lara. "I'm glad you've heard of THOSE Avengers.
"Well, your outfit wouldn't look out of place on Black Widow either." Joanna joked. Lara rolled her eyes.
"Would you be willing to sell me one of those suits for two hundred dollars American?" asked the soldier.
"But of course." said Lara.
The soldier handed over some money and Lara put it in her pocket.
"You know, I heard President Jarod is being held here." said Lara. "Do you think his guards would be interested in these fine, high quality jumpsuits?"
"Of course." said the soldier. "They're right by his cell in the Operations Center."
"Thank you." said Lara.
The girls headed off towards the Operations Center.
"This is could turn out to be profitable." said Anna.
"Stay focused." said Nina. "Next time, it could be us getting busted out."
Minutes later, they made it to a large building with a giant radar dish on the roof.
Next to Jarod's cell, one of the guards glanced over his shoulder into the cell.
"Hey, Mr. President. Did you inhale?" he joked.
He and his partner laughed.
"Have you planned to enact strategery?" asked the other.
Both guards laughed again.
Lara walked around the corner. "Hello." she said in a flirty tone as she undid her ponytail and fluffed her hair a bit. "I take it you're the guards watching the president."
"Well, hello." said one guard in a lecherous way.
"I see some general upped his hiring standards." said the other.
"You look like you could use a rest." said Lara as she stepped closer and partially unzipped her jumpsuit.
"What do you have in mind?" asked the first guard teasingly as he got a good glimpse of Lara's cleavage.
"Oh, this." said Lara. She grabbed the guard and forced him facefirst into her chest.
The guard groaned and flailed his arms for a few seconds before collapsing.
"Worth it." he muttered as he slumped to the floor.
"What did you just do?" asked the other guard.
"I'll explain later." said Lara. "But first, does this look familiar to you?"
The other guard looked up at what looked like another CamSpy, except for the payload of darts it was carrying.
"No." said the guard.
The DrugSpy fired a dart at the guard and knocked him unconcious. His knees buckled and he fell to the floor as well.
Joanna, Nina, and Anna walked around the corner. "What did you do to him?" asked Nina.
"Cate Archer sent me a little present." said Lara as she unzipped a bit more and reached between her breasts.
She took out a small bottle of what looked like perfume that had its lid off.
"It's a knockout drug disguised as a perfume bottle. It's an improved formula that UNITY came up with for the perfume knockout gas they used to use." Lara explained as she zipped up again and put the bottle in her pocket.
"I'd say it worked like a charm." Joanna remarked. "But it still looks like UNITY has sexist gadget designers."
"Looks like it's clear sailing from here." said Nina.
"Don't say that." said Anna.
Nina pressed a few buttons on the keypad next to the cell door and the door opened. Jarod looked out and stood up.
"Lara Croft, we meet again." he said. "Perfect timing, too. I think they were about to ask for my birth certificate."
"Nice to see you remember your friends, Jarod." said Joanna.
"Nice to see you too, Joanna." said Jarod.
"Alright, let's blow this pop stand." said Nina.
"Just a second." said Jarod. He walked over to a computer terminal and started typing.
"Great." said Anna. "We bust him out of prison and the first thing he does is check his email."
"Jarod, we have to get out of here." said Lara.
"Don't worry, I'm done." said Jarod. "Now, let's blow this soda kiosk."
The group made their way back to the Vulcano.
"Our car is right this way." said Joanna.
"Can it seat five?" asked Jarod.
"I'm surprised it can seat four." said Nina.
"What do you mean you didn't let in a leather jumpsuit saleswoman?" yelled the soldier from before.
"Would you?" asked another guard.
"We have intruders." said another. "Be on the lookout."
"Bollocks." said Lara. "That's going to make this impossible."
"Not impossible." said Nina. "Just a little more fun."
The guards spread out through the base, leaving six behind to watch the Vulcano.
"What do we do when we see the intruders?" asked one guard.
"Shoot to kill, naturally." said another.
"Hello, boys." said Nina as she and Anna approached.
"Although I could try something else." said the guard.
"I don't know whether to take aim or fall in love." said another.
"Ladies, you're going to have to come with us." said a third.
"I have another idea." said Anna. She performed a jumping spin kick and connected with the guard's head. She followed with a lower spin kick to the guard's thigh, and a last spin kick to the guard's torso.
Nina threw a kick into the next guard's shoulder blade, followed by a kick to his head without putting her foot down. She followed with a kick to the leg, then a kick to the stomach.
Another guard tried to strike Anna only to be grabbed by the wrist and bent over. Anna quickly gave him a couple of kicks to the face.
Nina somersaulted towards another guard and dropped a kick on him. The guard was knocked back a couple of steps. Nina ran towards him, dropped to the ground, and slid into him foot first.
Anna dove towards the next guard and knocked him back. She rolled back to her feet and jumped while kicking. She knocked him down.
Nina ran towards the next guard, grabbed him, and flipped him over her head. She followed up with a stomp to his chest.
The guards laid around the Vulcano in defeat. Lara, Joanna, and Jarod ran out of hiding.
"Okay, now let's go." said Lara.
At the Four Dragons, Toulour checked his watch in his room and confirmed that it was now time for the hotel/casino to close up for the night. He wore a black turtleneck top, a matching pair of pants and black socks and shoes. He had a toolbelt wrapped around his waist.
He smirked to himself and turned the light out as he pulled a black stocking mask over his face and exited his room.
He carefully checked the corridor to make sure that no one was around. He knew that even the race organisers and reporters had had to call it a night.
As Toulour slinked down the corridor, making as little noise as possible, he failed to notice that following behind him, making equally sure to keep to the shadows, was David Dunn. David wore his dark green security guard rain slicker with the hood pulled up to conceal his face. David was determined to make sure that Toulour would be halted in his efforts to steal the Cannonball prize money.
As Toulour approached the vault corridor, he slipped on a pair of infra-red goggles to make sure that no new laser alarms had been installed.
David crept up behind him, ready to make his move.
"Almost too easy." Toulour whispered to himself.
David lunged and got Toulour in a headlock with one arm and pinned his right arm behind his back before he could react.
"Not on my watch, pal!" David hissed.
"Who the hell are you?" Toulour croaked in a strangulated voice as David tried to apply a sleeper hold.
"Just a guy doing his job." David replied.
"Up...yours!" Toulour yelled as he threw his left arm back and made an elbow strike to David's mid-section.
David shook off the attack, but it took him by surprise and made him release Toulour.
Toulour turned to face David and raised both his fists. Placing both his feet a shoulder-width apart, he moved his right foot in a backwards step and returned it to its original position whilst doing the same move with his left foot, altogether making a triangular step.
It was one of his infamous Capoeira moves, putting him in a fighting stance. David balled up his fists and got ready to make his move.
As David threw a punch, Toulour bent his torso forward and brought his head low, placing his legs even farther apart. As he dodged, he put his left foot back and his right hand on the floor whilst using his left hand to protect his face and head.
As Toulour dodged David's punch, Toulour threw a back-handed punch to David's solar plexus. David hissed in pain, but quickly recovered as Toulour took a few steps off.
"Tough Yankee bastard, aren't you?" Toulour asked as he got ready to execute another move.
Toulour got himself into a semi-crouched stance and swung his right arm towards the floor in a downward slanting motion. Keeping his right leg straight, he bent his left leg as he stepped around. With his right hand keeping him rooted to the ground, he spun his body at a 45 degree angle and used both feet to deliver a Meia Lua De Compesso Dupla kick to David's mid-section.
David merely shrugged off the attack and grabbed Toulour by both ankles before he could get his feet back to the ground.
David growled and lifted Toulour up in the air. With a loud yell, David drove Toulour to the ground in a piledriver.
"Im...possible." Toulour groaned as he started to lose consciousness.
"Didn't you know? I'm unbreakable." David laughed as he drove an elbow strike into Toulour's face and knocked him out.
As Toulour was knocked out for the count, two security guards approached. They had heard the sound of the fight and had hurried to the vault corridor. As one of them hurried along, he thought he could feel someone running behind him, but saw nothing.
If he had paid proper attention, he would have noticed that his security swipe-card for the vault seemed to have disappeared.
As the guards saw David, he turned to face them and showed his security guard badge.
"It's okay, fellas. I just halted an attempted robbery." David smiled.
"Have I seen you here before?" one guard asked.
"I'm just a guest, but I am a security guard by trade." David explained.
The other guard reached down and yanked Toulour's stocking mask off.
"I know this guy!" he said. "This is Francois Toulour! The Night Fox! He's an international goddamn criminal!"
"Are you shitting me?" the other guard asked in surprise.
"No, it's him alright." the second guard said.
"Bet a few people in authority would be interested in having a word with him." David said as he began to walk away.
"Hey, where are you going?" asked the first guard.
"I don't need a lot of attention right now." David said mischeviously. "The way I see it, you guys caught him and are gonna get a big, fat reward for it."
"Thanks, buddy." the second guard said as they cuffed Toulour and hauled him to his feet.
After everybody had left, a red laser outline appeared to form a female figure. Nightshade suddenly 'faded' into being.
She looked down at the stealth camouflage device she had used to make her invisible. She had watched the whole scene unfold.
She blew a kiss in the direction the men had left.
"Sorry, fellas. But I have a job to do so no-one else can try that." she whispered.
She held the swipe-card and the stealth camo activation switch in one hand and held what appeared to be a laser gun in the other.
"Here goes nothing." she whispered again as she activated the stealth camo and did a few cartwheels down the corridor towards the vault door.
Lara met with Tanner outside of the base.
"Well, Jarod." said Lara. "I'm afraid we must part company here. I'd be honored to take you to Yendys, but there isn't any room in the Vulcano."
"Don't remind me." said Jarod as he rubbed his shoulder.
"Don't worry." said Joanna. "Tanner's possibly the best wheelman in the world. If he can't get you back to the capital, no one can."
"Well, time's wasting." said Tobias.
"Yeah, let's go." said Nina.
Tanner, Tobias, and Jarod walked to the Sorcerer.
"Just out of curiosity," said Tanner "exactly at what point two years ago did you realize I was a double agent?"
"Right about when Mr. X told Stone Cold to put you down." said Jarod.
The two teams got into the two cars and drove off.
"So, what's the deal with this escape route?" asked Anna.
"It's the rear entrance to the base." said Lara. "We didn't come this way because there's a couple dozen laser turrets between here and the exit."
"Like those?" asked Nina as she spotted two turrets.
"Right." said Lara.
The laser turrets aimed for the two cars. Lara and Tanner swerved and the lasers missed them.
Yeah, yeah, yeah!
Another turret aimed for the Vulcano, but Lara swerved around the shot. Tanner dodged a shot as well.
"Lara, I don't think these turrets can hit a moving target." said Tanner. "If we blow past them at high speed, we can avoid them altogether."
"Right. Got it." said Lara.
"Tanner, can you handle the turns at that speed?" asked Tobias.
"It will be just like that parking garage in Miami." said Tanner.
Lara sped down the road and swerved around the turrets. Tanner did the same. More laser turrets aimed for the two cars, but failed to hit them.
Lara raced through a crossover as a turret aimed for her. Tanner raced through a second later and the turret tried to aim for him. It managed to lock onto neither.
Everybody sees her walk into the room.
Burnin' up with fire, still her eyes are blue.
Ooh, you know she's lookin' tough.
Gonna turn the key and start me up.
"We're about halfway through." said Lara. "The second half is through a metal-lined gully."
"Are you sure your car can handle the terrain?" asked Tanner.
"Watch me." said Lara. "Hopefully better than them."
Three Raider Buggies raced up behind them three abreast. The one in the middle had EMP coils and a laser cannon.
"The road divides here." said Tobias.
"Head for the capital." said Joanna. "They can't follow us both."
"You got it." said Tanner. "Stay safe."
(Redline)Never one to make it easy.
(Redline)She was pushin' from the start.
(Redline)Never gonna let me get the higher gear.
She's gonna redline my heart.
"Ignore the Cougar. Stay with the Lamborghini." ordered the driver of the lead buggy.
"Can you really stay with us?" asked Lara.
"Prepare to die." said the Buggy's driver.
Lara drove into the gully and kept racing. The Buggies fired their guns at her. Lara managed to dodge their fire.
More turrets took aim, but failed to draw a shot on the Vulcano.
Wwwwweavin' all over the road.
Pppppushin' til I think I might explode.
Oooh, we're movin' way too fast.
The rate I'm goin' there's no way I can last.
"Get ready to feel the heat." said Lara.
She activated the flamethrower and fired it at the Buggies. One of them caught fire and pulled off to the side. The driver jumped out and ran before it exploded.
"Got one!" said Joanna.
"Great." said Lara.
(Redline)Never one to make it easy.
(Redline)She was pushin' from the start.
(Redline)Never gonna let me get the higher gear.
She's gonna redline my heart.
Another mass of laser turrets came up. Again they tried to target the Vulcano and again they failed to score a hit. On the other hand...
"Oh sh..!" yelled another of the Buggy drivers just before he crashed into a laser turret.
Lara continued down the gully. The remaining Raider Buggy (the one with the EMP coils and laser cannon) tried to get on Lara's tail.
"Still one left." said Anna.
"Hang on." said Lara.
There I lay up in a pile, a twisted wreck.
I couldn't take no more, she pushed me to the deck.
Ooh, Mama pray for me.
Open my eyes and let me see.
Lara reached the end of the gully. The Raider Buggy powered up its EMP coils.
"Lara?" asked Nina.
"I have an idea." said Lara.
Lara suddenly got on the brakes and stopped at the end of the gully. The Raider Buggy stopped as well.
"Lights out." said the Raider Buggy driver.
(Redline)Never one to make it easy.
(Redline)She was pushin' from the start.
(Redline)Never gonna let me get the higher gear.
She's gonna redline my heart.
The laser turrets finally were able to target something. Unfortunately for the Raider Buggy driver, it was him.
The laser turrets fired and blew out the Raider Buggy's engine and EMP coils.
"What?" yelled the driver. He quickly jumped out and ran.
(Redline)Never one to make it easy.
(Redline)She was pushin' from the start.
(Redline)Never gonna let me get the higher gear.
She's gonna redline my heart.
"Okay, let's go." said Lara.
Redline!
Redline!
Redline!
-"Redline" by King Kobra
Neither of the teams were aware that at the top of the ridge above the gully, DeMarco and Badvibes watched them from the Snakehead. Horace had joined them by this stage as well.
"We'd better stop them from reaching the capital." DeMarco said. "More trouble with the Brotherhood equals more time the Cannonballers will be stuck here."
"I like your thinking, sir." Badvibes smirked.
Horace revved his engine in an evil laughing type of noise.
The Firestorm had reached Yendys and found a battalion of Scorpion tanks heading towards them.
"No thank you, guys. I don't want any fuss." the Doctor teased as he attached the end of some kind of lead into a port on his sonic screwdriver.
Amy pressed a blue button on the gear lever and a mini-satellite dish extended out of a hatch on the Firestorm's roof.
The Sonic Amplifier is ready!" she cheered.
"Here we go!" the Doctor said as he activated his screwdriver.
The interference beam from the screwdriver was channeled through the dish and managed to short out the engines on the Scorpion tanks and their weaponry as well.
"Brilliant! It worked!" the Doctor cheered.
He then noticed Amy and Rory looking at him with slightly frightened expressions and hastily cleared his throat.
"Um, I mean 'of course it worked'." he said haughtily as he drove right around the disabled tanks.
The Icebreaker had just taken out a group of Flame Tanks with its tough hide saving it from damage.
Lone Wolf and his team were more than holding their own against the Nod troops. A squad of Assault Bikes and Raider Buggies were chasing them.
"Stay on their tail!" Kane yelled through the radio.
"Sir, we've been chasing these guys for hours. Our tires won't hold out much longer!" the squad leader replied.
"I want results, not excuses!" Kane snapped back. "I don't care what you have to do. Take those bastards out!"
Bulletproof leaned out the side of the Icebreaker and fired a machine gun at the engines of the Raiders and disabled most of them.
One Assault Bike rider aimed a gun at him and fired right at his chest. The bullets deflected harmlessly off of his bulletproof cybernetic torso.
"Did you think I was codenamed 'Bulletproof' because I love macho B.S.?" Bulletproof mischievously yelled.
"Shoot him in the head!" the squad commander yelled.
Just then, the balding tires on most of the vehicles did finally give out and it resulted in a major pile-up. There were no fatalities, but a huge mess.
"Serves them right for being stubborn." Hardtop joked.
At their roadblock, Banner's enforcers had noticed the increasing signs of violence around the city.
"Uh, boss? Do you think we should just call it quits before we end up stuck up a certain creek without a certain instrument or even a boat?" asked Victoria.
"Let's just try and catch one Cannonballer." Banner said. "One is bound to come this way."
Just up the street from them, the Espion was being pursued by two Scorpion tanks.
Snake was able to dodge their fire with fast reflexes but it was getting a bit intense. Rico fired his gun out the window but had trouble hitting the tanks. "I need a better position." he said. "By the way, guys, I'm sorry."
"About what?" asked Ethan.
"This." Rico replied as he aimed his gun at the windshield and fired six shots into it. He raised his right foot and kicked the windshield out completely. He then turned himself around 180 degrees and stretched the top half of his body out of the now bare opening where the windshield had been and unholstered another gun.
Now with a gun in both hands, he took aim at the Scorpion tanks.
"Snake, just keep driving!" he yelled. "Try not to think about what I'm doing!"
"Got it!" replied Snake as he continued to dodge the laser fire from the Scorpion tanks' tails.
Snake did his best to avoid hitting any civilian vehicles which were still on the road whilst the pursuing Scorpion tanks just forced their way past the civilians.
Rico concentrated his fire on the tails of the tanks and caused them to spark and malfunction. He also got a few shots off at the drivers' compartments and shattered the windshields, blocking their view.
"Reload!" Rico yelled as he handed one of his guns to Ethan who quickly slid another clip into it.
"Here! Take this too!" Snake yelled as he took one hand off the steering wheel and gave Rico a combat shotgun.
"It's an autoloader!" Ethan confirmed to Rico.
"Good!" Rico said as he emptied his uzi into the tail of the Scorpion tank on the right and caused it to short out completely.
"Shit!" yelled Snake as he quickly avoided hitting a bus which was going in the opposite direction.
As they got a lead, Rico got a couple of shots off from the shotgun into the tracks of the other Scorpion.
The bus driver saw the tanks and screeched to a halt in terror, blocking their way.
"Oh no, you don't!" one Nod soldier said as he fired a miniature homing missile from his gun in the direction the Espion had gone.
As the black TVR got a good lead, the mini-missile hit its rear right tire.
"Son of a bitch!" Snake yelled.
"Just keep going!" Rico yelled as he kept his eyes on their rear.
They were now approaching Banner's roadblock.
"Jackpot!" Banner yelled as he signaled his troops to get their guns ready.
They reluctantly took up their positions at the roadblock with their sidearms drawn.
Snake got a good look at them, and also the way that Slater and Michaels had parked the Lockdown at the roadblock.
"Rico, get back inside! I'm either gonna save us or kill us!" he yelled.
"I'd prefer the former." said Rico as he climbed back in.
"Me too." Ethan uncertainly agreed.
"What are they up to?" Amos asked. "We've got them dead to rights!"
Snake quickly turned the Espion's steering wheel to the right and turned the vehicle sideways so that it drifted towards the roadblock at high speed with its left side facing the roadblock.
"Please keep your hands and feet inside the vehicle at all times." Snake joked as the drift continued.
"Ho-ly SHIT!" Slater and Michaels chorused as they dived for cover when the Espion was nearly upon them.
As the Espion was about an inch away from hitting the block, it flipped over and did a barrel roll in mid-air and landed on its wheels on the left side of the Lockdown.
The impact caused the prison bus to flip itself over to the right and land on its right side. It also slid on its side towards the right until it was pointing straight in the direction of the rest of the street.
This meant that the left side now made a flat surface, with the Espion sitting on it as if it were a normal stretch of road.
Snake gave a mock salute and drove the Espion forwards and off the edge of the Lockdown.
They landed back on the road and drove off as fast as they could.
"Did I just see that or did someone slip LSD into my coffee?" asked Bender in shock.
"Never mind! Hold your ground!" Banner yelled as he turned back to face the roadblock.
The officers' jaws dropped as they saw the remaining Scorpion tank approaching with its laser tail aimed at them and charging up.
"Okay. I take it back." Banner said. "RETREAT! RETREAT!"
Banner's squad ran for cover and got away just before the tank opened fire.
"I don't get paid enough for this!" Banner groaned as they got a safe distance away.
The Sorcerer drove through some rough countryside, heading towards Yendys.
"We're about ten miles out now, Jarod." Tanner reported. "You say that there's a way we can sneak into the city right under Kane's nose?"
"That's right." confirmed Jarod. "I'll let you know more about it when we're closer. Are you sure we'll be safe, though?"
"Sure." Jones said. "After Tanner's Challenger got laid low by Jericho back in San Fran, we made a point of making sure the Sorcerer could hold her own in a fire fight."
"100% armoured, amigo." Tanner smiled as he tapped his left hand off the roof. "Not indestructible, but can take a hit guaranteed to send any normal car straight to the boneyard."
"Check this out." Jones said as he rolled down his window and aimed his gun at the passenger side window.
He took a shot and the bullet caused no damage.
"Even the mirrors are tough as a rhino sandwich!" Jones cheered.
Jarod heard the sound of an engine coming up behind them.
"I think the armour's about to get tested." Jarod warned as Horace came up behind them and got on their left side.
He honked his horn angrily and opened a panel on his right door, revealing a mounted gun.
Horace fired at the Sorcerer. Tanner was slightly startled and the old Mercury wobbled a bit.
Tanner clenched his teeth and got it back under control and pushed a bit to the left, causing Horace himself to swerve a bit.
Horace swerved to his right and tried to knock the Sorcerer off the road. Tanner hit the brakes and dropped back a bit, allowing Horace to get ahead of them.
There was enough space for the Sorcerer to move up along Horace's left side. That was exactly what Tanner did as he got alongside the evil Beetle.
"See how you like it!" Tanner snarled as he swerved to the right and knocked the Sorcerer into Horace's side.
As Horace tried to steady himself, the Sorcerer dropped behind him again. As Tanner prepared to take action, the Snakehead swerved onto the road behind Tanner's team. The Sorcerer now had enemies on both sides.
DeMarco laughed as he drove the Snakehead and activated a switch on his Firebird's dashboard. This caused more weapons ports which Badvibes had installed to open up.
Badvibes himself leaned out a hatch on the roof while DeMarco opened his window with a machine pistol ready.
"Buongiorno, assholes!" DeMarco yelled as the Snakehead got on the Sorcerer's left side and he swerved to try and knock it off the road.
Tanner grunted and kept his car on the road.
"Eat hot lead, scumsuckers!" Badvibes yelled as he activated the mounted weapons with a remote control and then fired his own gun.
DeMarco fired his gun out of his own window as well.
"Tanner! Keep going! I'm gonna try something!" Jarod yelled as the Sorcerer withstood the gunfire.
As the Snakehead kept alongside them, Jarod waited for the firing to ease off and took out a miniature magnetic device with a digital timer on it.
"Dare I ask what that is?" asked Jones.
"It's just what we need right now!" Jarod yelled back as he threw the device at the Snakehead and it landed on the red Firebird's hood.
DeMarco could clearly see the timer on the device counting down from ten seconds.
"Oh crap!" he muttered.
"What is it?" asked Badvibes.
"I don't want to find out! BAIL OUT!" DeMarco yelled as he opened his door and dived for cover.
Badvibes jumped from the hatch as well and rolled into a ball as he rolled to the side of the road.
As the device ended its countdown, it sent an electric charge through the driverless Snakehead, causing the engine to smoke and catch fire as it went out of control.
"HA HA!" Jarod cheered.
"We're not home free yet." Tanner said as he saw that Horace had re-entered the fray, coming up on their right side.
Horace revved his engine angrily and tried to ram them off the road again, which Tanner evaded. Horace was so angry that he failed to notice the smoking and flaming remains of the Snakehead coming to a halt directly in his path.
Horace slammed on his brakes, but it was too late. His left front quarter-panel hit the side of the wrecked Snakehead at high speed and he flipped himself into the air.
He eventually crashed down onto the ground on his roof and slid about twenty feet before coming to a halt, fruitlessly spinning his wheels in the air. Tanner brought the Sorcerer to a halt, to make sure they were home free.
DeMarco staggered towards the car, armed with an AK47 and looking royally annoyed. Tanner got ready to start the Sorcerer up again, but the engine stalled.
DeMarco angrily fired a hail of bullets at the Sorcerer which deflected off harmlessly as Tanner kept trying to start it up.
As DeMarco's gun ran dry, the engine of the Sorcerer started and Team Tanner drove off with Jarod and left the drug lord in the dust.
As DeMarco yelled out in frustration, Badvibes came alongside him and checked a walkie-talike he was holding.
"What's that?" asked DeMarco as he breathed heavily in anger.
"I managed to tag them with a bug while we were shooting at them. We'll hear everything they say and still be able to make sure they don't reach the presidential palace in one piece." Badvibes smirked.
"Good." DeMarco smiled evilly. "I'll get in touch with Barricade."
"He escaped from the base?!" Kane yelled into his communicator in disbelief. "You idiots had better make sure that he can't get back into the city!"
"We're doing our best, sir! But a butt-load of troops from Tanzania are causing us trouble. Not to mention the Cannonballers." one troop commander replied.
"Well then, you cause THEM some trouble!" Kane snapped back.
"Affirmative, sir." the commander wearily replied.
The Black Knight had an assault bike and a raider buggy on its tail in the central part of the city. Max was going at full speed.
Then, he and Jake heard a warning beep.
"Crap." said Max as he looked at the fuel gauge and saw they were running low on gas.
"You've dealt with a problem like this before, right?" asked Jake.
"Sure. Just strap yourself in." Max replied as the assault bike got on his left side and the raider buggy got on the right side.
The assault bike rider took aim with a laser rifle just as the soldier in the raider's passenger seat did the same.
Before either of them could get a shot off, Max slammed on the brakes so the shot from the raider buggy co-pilot ended up hitting the front wheel of the assault bike and sent it careening out of control.
As the bike was taken out of the fight, the raider buggy was now in front of the Black Knight. Max and Jake could see another buggy coming across the plaza towards the road from the right.
Making sure he timed it just right, Max activated the nitrous shot in the Black Knight and rear-ended the raider in front of them at high speed.
It was pushed forward at a massive velocity and ended up crashing into the second raider as it swerved onto the main road. Both vehicles instantly rolled over and were smashed into junk.
Max stopped briefly to make sure that the Nod troops were still alive.
"Good. They're okay." he smirked. "Now, we just need to get some gas."
"I think these guys can help." Jake said as he nodded in front of them.
A battalion of regular military troops approached them. At the head of them was President Kante in an officer's uniform.
"Are you Cannonballers?" he asked through a megaphone.
Jake turned on a loudspeaker and microphone in the Black Knight.
"That's affirmative." he said. "Are you here to help?"
"You'd better believe it." Kante smirked. "Kane's in some trouble now."
Meanwhile, the Dark Rage dealt with a small patrol of Nod vehicles. Xander roared right through a platoon of assault bikes, knocking them off the road and their drivers into some nearby foliage.
"Welcome to the Xander Zone, guys!" he laughed.
"See if you find this funny!" snapped a voice over the radio as a Reckoner swerved onto the road in front of them and lowered its rear hatch to reveal about a dozen Nod soldiers who were ready to attack.
"You want it? Come and get it!" Xander dared the troops.
"With pleasure!" smirked the platoon leader.
Six of the soldiers leaped from the rear hatch and landed on top of the Dark Rage. Just as they got ready to smash through the windshield and windows to attack, Xander flipped a switch on his dashboard which was marked with a lightning bolt.
A surge of electricity went through the exterior body of the Dark Rage, shocking the Nod troops clinging to the exterior of the car.
It was powerful enough to shock, but not kill. The soldiers convulsed and then fell limply off the black Fiero and landed on the road, rolling over and to the side of the road.
"You want some too?" Xander laughed at the remaining six soldiers on the Reckoner.
Before they could react, another of Yuri's Floating Discs appeared above the Reckoner and fired its power-draining beam.
As the Reckoner was left helpless, Xander chuckled and swerved past it.
Some more of Kante's soldiers had joined up with Team NUMA, the Muppets, MacGruber, and Vicki, who pushed back a few more Nod troops.
A patrol of Flame Tanks had joined the fray on Nod's side and fired their flame weapons at the Icebreaker which led the charge.
Skeeter's Street Van pulled up behind the Flame Tank battalion and he activated a magnetic beam. This ripped the covers off the engine compartments of the Flame Tanks.
"Okay, guys! Give 'em hell!" Pitt cheered as the Panama, Hellenbach, and Chinchilla poured on the power with the flames from the tanks deflecting off the strong shield panels that Skeeter had attached to their windshields, engine compartments and side windows earlier.
The flames were pushed back over the Flame Tank battalion and gradually started to overheat their engines. As the tanks' engines started to smoke and short out, the troops in charge of them frantically shut down their power.
By this stage, the tanks had been surrounded by Kante's army units.
"(You are surrounded! Come out with your hands above your heads!)" one sergeant called over a megaphone.
The Nod troops begrudgingly complied.
"YAAAAAAAAY!" cheered Kermit.
"I'd say we've certainly turned the tide of this battle." MacGruber declared.
"Yeah, but it ain't over until the real president retakes his seat." Giordino added.
"Let's hope that happens real soon." Rizzo answered.
In Yendys, the Saleen Police Cruiser sat in a parking space as DeMarco's voice came over its radio.
An observer would not have seen it at first, but in the centre of the cruiser's steering wheel was the sigil of the Decepticons.
"Are you tracking them, Barricade?" DeMarco asked, identifying the cruiser as the Decepticon scout Barricade.
Barricade received the signal from the bug that had been planted on the Sorceror earlier and tracked Jarod and Team Driver's movements.
"That's a big roger, Mr. DeMarco." Barricade smirked. "They're about five miles outside the city. I'll head to intercept them now."
"Good. Show no mercy!" DeMarco ordered.
"Have I ever?" laughed Barricade as he drove himself off.
In a parking garage, Banner's enforcers had taken cover from the conflict. They had encountered Corvax's team who had been hiding out there ever since the Starlight had been damaged in the race against Priss.
"You guys are lucky I'm not able to arrest you right now." Banner grumbled at Corvax.
"Well, we can't race right now anyway because of this little fracas and our car is wrecked." Corvax replied.
"Yeah. This sucks." Butthead remarked.
"Yeah, yeah! It sucks." Beavis chipped in. "We were about to score as well! Totally sucks!"
Slater and Michaels looked over at the Starlight nearby, still with flat tires and damage to the undercarriage.
"Hey, how about the two of us fix your car for you?" Slater asked.
"WHAT?" snapped Victoria. "You'd give these guys an advantage?!"
"Well, it's not like we'll be going anywhere for a while anyway." Butthead replied.
"And besides, once they start racing again, we can chase them down and bust them." Michaels said.
"So, you want to help us out just so you can book us later on?" Corvax said as he raised an eyebrow.
"Well, how about this." Buford said. "As much as it goes against our grain to make deals with sumbitches like y'all, after this scuffle here's over, we give you 24 hours before we come after ya?"
"That actually sounds rather fair." Banner said.
"I guess so." Beavis said.
"You bet it is!" said Buford. "'Cause when we do catch ya, your asses are grass. So be grateful y'all get a short break."
"Alright, it's a deal." said Corvax as he extended his hand.
"Deal." Banner said as he shook Corvax's hand.
Corvax smiled charmingly and said something in Arabic.
"What does that mean?" asked Banner.
"A greeting from my country that is a high honour for visitors to receive." Corvax said.
"Well, thank you." smirked Banner. "Okay, Slater, Michaels. Get to work on that car."
"Roger!" Michaels said.
As the Sorcerer neared the city limits of Yendys, Tanner spoke on the CB to Team Angels.
"We're outside the city now, Dylan. You should be tracking us on GPS." Tanner said.
"Yeah, we're reading you now. Where should we meet you?" Dylan replied.
"Jarod says he has a secret way into the city which will let us slip past Nod." Tanner answered. "He says it comes up in the shopping district about two miles from the palace."
"Right. We're on our way there now with Max and Hymie." Dylan said. "Meet you there."
Tanner hung up the CB and headed towards the city.
"See that billboard there, with the graffiti on it?" asked Jarod.
"Yeah, I see it." Tanner confirmed.
"Aim straight for the centre of the graffiti and it'll let us into the tunnel." Jarod said. "It has to be dead-on centre, though."
"Nothing like the easy stuff." groaned Jones.
"Relax. It's me." Tanner smirked as he drove straight for the centre of the graffiti message at the bottom of the billboard.
As the Sorcerer went straight for the centre of the scrawl, a secret passage opened underneath them and let them into a subterranean tunnel.
"Great." Jarod said. "I had this tunnel installed in case of any military occupation. Just keep driving in a straight line until we reach the end."
"No prob." Tanner replied as he turned his headlights on and followed the tunnel
Little did they know that on the surface above them, Barricade followed their signal and waited for them to surface.
As he reached the shopping district, he turned a 180 and waited for the Sorcerer to emerge from the end of the tunnel which was under another billboard near a liquor store.
As the secret tunnel opened and Team Driver emerged with Jarod, Barricade snarled and transformed into his robot mode.
"Aw, crap." Tanner groaned. "No-one said there were Decepticons involved."
"You're not getting back to the palace on my watch, Jarod!" snarled Barricade as he activated his arm blaster and fired a ball of plasma energy at the Sorcerer.
Tanner sped off and avoided the blast as it narrowly missed them and disintegrated the billboard behind them.
"Floor it!" Jones yelled.
"It's floored!" Tanner replied.
Barricade flipped in the air and switched back to his car mode and drove off after them.
As both vehicles rushed past an intersection, the Bone Crusher and the Alpha pulled up and saw them pass.
"Looks like Jarod's got a problem." said 99.
"Leave this to me." said Hymie as he got out of the Alpha and ran off after Barricade at his high running speed.
"It's okay, ladies. He's got this." smiled Max.
Barricade was still chasing the Sorcerer and had extended his left headlight and turned it into a blaster. Tanner used his quick moves to avoid the blasts but it was clear that he could only hold the evil Transformer off for so long.
Hymie had run to about ten feet behind Barricade and leaped into the air and landed on top of him.
Hymie's hard impact caused a dent on Barricade's roof.
"OOF!" Barricade grunted. "Hey, loser, get off me!"
Barricade swerved from side to side, trying to shake Hymie off, but the CONTROL robot hung on.
Using quick moves, Hymie flipped himself under Barricade's wheels and moved to his front end and under his front tyres.
"Now, according to Decepticon anatomy I've studied...this should make things difficult." said Hymie as he reached under Barricade's front fender and ripped out a small, blinking box.
"My transtector!" Barricade snarled. "You moron! Now I can't transform!"
"That's the idea." smiled Hymie as he put each of his hands in front of Barricade's front wheels and stopped the Decepticon cop car from moving any farther.
Barricade poured on all his speed to his front wheels as Hymie kept holding his hands against them, but he still wasn't moving. Barricade poured power to his back wheels as well, but all they did was dig into the ground and cause smoke to come from them.
Eventually, all Barricade succeeded in doing was wearing out all the rubber on his four tires and ending up with nothing but bare rims.
"Damn you!" Barricade snarled.
"Now, all we have to do is call a tow-truck and let the US government deal with you." Hymie laughed as the Alpha and the Bone Crusher drove past.
"You okay, Hymie?" asked 99.
"A-OK, 99." said Hymie as he gave a thumbs-up. "You guys make sure Jarod gets back to the palace."
"You got it!" Natalie smirked as the Alpha and the Bone Crusher drove on and caught up with the Sorcerer.
Tanner had brought the old Merc to a halt after seeing Barricade defeated.
"Thanks, you guys." Jones smiled.
"It was our pleasure." said Max as he opened the door to the Alpha. "Mr. President, I believe you have an important appointment."
"That will be MY pleasure." Jarod remarked as he exited the Sorcerer and headed for the Alpha's passenger seat.
The last remaining pockets of resistance from the Brotherhood of Nod had more or less been mopped up by the Cannnonballers and President Kante's troops and the Nod soldiers had been captured alive.
One last group of Flame and Scorpion tanks had tried to attack, but Yuri's Floating Disc fleet had drained all their power.
DeMarco watched this happen on a monitor that Badvibes had set up.
"That cossack clown! What is he doing?!" DeMarco yelled. "Didn't he realise that by shutting down Kane's troops that he was helping the Cannonballers win?!"
"And I thought Big Boss' nephew was the biggest lamebrain I'd ever seen." Badvibes grumbled. "But, look on the bright side."
"Which is what, exactly?" DeMarco demanded.
"Kane's not beaten yet. He won't take this stuff lying down." Badvibes replied.
"If he does, he's a damned fool!" DeMarco said.
"Also, we still have the Wasps. Mr. Chairman's ready to unleash them when the Cannonballers least expect it." smirked Badvibes.
"Good." nodded DeMarco
Kane marched down the hall to his office. He quietly cursed his luck at everything going wrong. He stormed into the office to find the chair turned away from him.
The chair turned around to reveal Jarod sitting in it. "Hello, Kane." he said. "I believe we have something to discuss."
"You came back here?" asked Kane. "All I have to do is call for the guards."
"They won't get here in time." said Alex as she and the Angels walked out of the corner. 99, Maxwell, and Hymie walked out of the other corner.
"And why not?" asked Kane.
"Because we have a hundred CONTROL commandos surrounding this building." said Maxwell. "A hundred commandos, can you believe it?"
"I find that hard to believe." said Kane.
"Would you believe fifty rangers from the army?" asked Maxwell.
"No." said Kane.
"How about a hunter who's played too many video games?" asked Maxwell.
"Mr. Kane." said Jarod. "This conflict has gone on long enough if not too long. There has been much violence committed by both sides. I want to settle this matter without any further bloodshed."
"What do you propose?" asked Kane.
"A race." said Jarod. "There is a town not far from Yendys called Acinom. The road between the two has no speed limit. Local street racers use it all the time."
"And you're proposing that we use it." said Kane.
"You catch on quickly." said Jarod.
"What cars will we be using?" asked Kane.
"I have a collection downstairs." said Jarod. "They are left over from the previous president's reign."
Jarod pressed a button on his desk and a secret door opened on a far wall. Inside the door was a staircase leading downwards.
Jarod, Kane, and the Angels went down the stairs and entered the secret garage. Dozens of cars lined the rows. 99 let out a low whistle.
"Ladies and gentlemen, the promised land." said Natalie.
"Find a car, then we'll race." said Jarod.
As Jarod and Kane searched the rows of cars, the others looked around.
"Wow, this guy could host a Cannonball all by himself." said Dylan.
"Ah, this one will do." said Jarod as he leaned on a white '92 Pontiac Grand Prix. The car had rims with five pairs of spokes on low profile tires. It also had a bulge in the hood, a body kit, an air scoop on the roof, a spoiler at the back of the roof, a carbon fiber spoiler on the trunk, window louvers, dual exhausts on both sides, headlight eyelids, and white tinted windows.
"Oh, that's a nice choice." said Maxwell.
"According to the previous president's journal," said Jarod "he referred to this car as the Capshaw after Kate Capshaw."
"Looks nice too." said Alex.
"Here's my choice." said Kane as he opened the door to a metallic green '88 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme. The car sported a chrome grill and bumpers, blacked out windows, and 22 inch Giovanna rims.
"The previous president called that one the Claymore." said Jarod.
"So, it's a deal?" asked Kane.
"Deal." said Jarod.
"Alright, let's go." said Dylan.
"We'll just switch back to our Cannonball car first, though." Alex reported.
"That's fine." Jarod nodded.
Meanwhile, Yuri used his psychic powers to spy on the conversation.
The Asp drove along.
"I've never thought about that." said Cole. "What car are they talking about when they say a car length?"
"At least that business with Nod is more or less over." Westlake sighed in relief.
"Yeah, but I doubt we're home free yet." Joe said grimly
Just then, a group of Rats pulled up behind them.
"You have a big mouth, Joe. You know that?" Westlake moaned.
"Holy crap." muttered Joe. "How many of them are there?"
"Looks like eight or so." said Westlake.
"I don't see any kind of a threat." Joe said doubtfully.
Guns emerged from the Rats' headlights.
"Ah, there we go." said Westlake.
Mr. Chairman watched through a drone with a camera. "Now hear this." he said. "Engage the car."
The Rats began firing on the Asp. Joe swerved to avoid gunfire.
"We could use a little help." he said.
"Guys?" said Frankie over the radio. "Is something going on?"
"Yeah." said Cole. "How did you know?"
"Spy satellite." said Frankie. "By the way, don't tell the government I'm doing that."
"Can you do something about these riders?" asked Joe.
"I'm getting some weird kind of signal from them." said Frankie.
"Hang on a second." said Joe.
He hit the brakes and threw open his door. One of the Rats hit it and threw the Wasp droid off. It landed on the pavement and tore its sleeve off, revealing the metal frame and wiring underneath.
"Robots!" yelled Westlake. "These riders are robots!"
"Wait, let me get a better look at them." said Frankie. "I thought they looked familiar. These are the Wasp droids developed by Dr. Charlie Weller for their battles against the second MASK team."
"Can you do something about them?" asked Cole as Joe sped off.
"Already started." said Frankie.
Joe drove through a hairpin turn to a lower road. The Rats followed him. The Wasp that had been thrown from its Rat jumped down the embankment.
"It's a good thing we haven't seen anyone else on this road." said Westlake. "Don't want any innocent victims."
Joe made another turn and came upon a dead end. He quickly got on the brakes.
"Well, there's why." said Cole.
The Rats closed in on them. The Wasp on foot ran up behind them and raised a rifle.
"Maybe you could run some of them over." said Cole.
"Yeah, that's gonna do wonders for our undercarriage." said Joe.
Frankie finished hacking into the Wasp control system. "Got it." he said. "Now hear this: stand down."
The Rats retracted their guns into their headlights. The other Wasp lowered its gun.
Joe, Cole, and Westlake all breathed a sigh of relief. "Bless you, Frankie." said Westlake.
Joe drove around the Rats.
"What?" yelled Chairman. "What are you doing? Those are your targets!"
Joe made it past the Rats and started to accelerate.
"Now hear this: pursue." said Chairman.
The Rats turned around and started to chase the Asp. The lone Wasp took off on foot.
"Uh, guys?" said Cole. "Those tinker toys are back."
"Not a problem." said Joe. He floored the accelerator.
"Trying to run, eh?" said Chairman. "Now hear this: split up."
Three of the Rats stayed on the Asp's tail. The other four aimed for the embankment and raced up.
Joe made it through the hairpin again. "Nice to leave those guys behind." he said.
The four Rats landed in the road and steered towards him.
"Oh, come on!" he said.
The other three Rats and the lone Wasp came up behind them.
"Uh, Joe?" asked Cole.
The Rats closed in on them. Joe quickly turned the wheel and slid off to the side. Three Rats made it through. The other four crashed into each other.
"Guess they weren't programmed for self-preservation." said Westlake. "Or common sense, for that matter."
The Wasps riding the crashed Rats got back up and pulled out rifles of their own.
"Now hear this: stand down." said Frankie.
The Wasps on foot lowered their rifles while the remaining Rats retracted their guns.
"Thanks again, Frankie." said Cole.
"No problem." said Frankie.
"Why are you doing this?" yelled Chairman.
Joe maneuvered around the Wasps and made for the exit.
"Now hear this!" yelled Chairman. "Engage the car!"
The two Rats between the Asp and the exit deployed their guns again.
"Again?" yelled Joe.
He steered for the embankment and drove down. The Rats and Wasps followed him.
"There must be someone else in the system." said Chairman. He started typing on the keyboard.
"These guys are really persistent." said Cole.
"Hang on." said Frankie. "Now hear this: stand down."
The Rats stopped their pursuit halfway down the embankment, fell over, and tumbled the rest of the way. The Wasps on foot lowered their rifles.
"I wish these guys would make up their minds." said Westlake.
Joe steered for the hairpin again.
"Now hear this: eliminate the car." said Chairman. "Initiate lockout code one nine seven seven."
The Wasps again raised their gun and pursued the Asp.
"This is getting annoying." said Cole.
Joe parked on the hairpin with Wasps approaching from either side.
"Now hear this: stand down!" said Frankie.
The Wasps stopped and raised their guns anyway.
"Now hear this: stand down!" yelled Frankie.
The Wasps aimed their guns at them. Mr. Chairman grinned and breathed heavily.
"Now hear this: Kilroy." said someone else.
The Wasps lowered their guns and exploded one by one. Joe, Cole, and Westlake stared in shock. Mr. Chairman froze in shock with his eyes and mouth wide open.
"Poke out my eyes." said Frankie.
"That is one serious factory defect." said Joe.
"What did we do?" asked Cole. "I don't recall doing anything to cause this."
"The threat is averted." said Westlake. "That's all I care about right now."
"Let's go." said Joe.
He drove off. As they pulled away, Cole looked at the androids. "Domo arigato, Mr. Roboto." he said.
The four cars arrived at the start of the road leading from Yendys to Acinom. The Detector and the Alpha hung back while the Capshaw and Claymore pulled up to the starting line.
"What is that?" asked Alex. A black '70 Cadillac Eldorado pulled up. Much of the trim was plated gold as were the Dayton Boulevard rims.
"I have no idea." said 99.
The driver's side door of the Eldorado opened and the driver stepped out. It turned out to be Yuri.
"What are you doing here?" asked Kane.
"I wanted to join you." said Yuri. "I thought that if the two of us worked together, we'd have a better chance. This is my car, the Golddigger."
"Two against one?" asked Jarod. "Not exactly fair."
"I'll join you." said Dylan.
"You will?" asked Jarod.
"Two of us, two of them." said Dylan. "Besides, I need to prove I'm still good after my bout with vampirism."
"Any objections?" asked Jarod.
"No." said Kane and Yuri together.
"Okay, let's line 'em up." said Dylan as she got behind the steering wheel of the Detector.
Jarod climbed back into the Capshaw. Kane walked up to the passenger side window and knocked. Jarod rolled down the window.
"Look, Jarod." said Kane. "I just want you to know that I'm sorry for all of the trouble I've put you through. It wasn't my intention. It's just that you were in the way of my goal of bringing peace to the world."
"What you call bringing peace, others would call conquering." said Jarod. "I'm just doing my part to prevent that from happening."
"Well, may the best man win." said Kane. Just before stepping away from the window, he dropped a small bag into the Capshaw. A scorpion crawled out seconds later.
As Kane walked back to his car, Jarod's radio came on. "Jarod, are you there?" asked Jacoby Shaddix.
"I'm here." said Jarod. "What's going on?"
"We were thinking that Papa Roach could do a song for your race." said Jacoby.
"So, crank it up and let us guide you to victory." said Jerry Horton.
"Alright, guys." said Tobin Esperance. "Let's get ready to rock on."
"Here's a little bit of Bachman-Turner Overdrive." said Tony Palermo.
The four cars lined up at the starting line as the music started. 99 walked up in front of the cars and raised her hands. She dropped them and the Capshaw, Claymore, and Golddigger took off. Dylan watched them race off for a couple of seconds, then took off after them.
We rented a truck and a semi to go.
Travelled down the long and winding road.
Look on the map, I think we've been here before.
Close up the doors, let's roll once more.
The Claymore sped up and got to the head of the pack as they exited Yendys. Jarod sped the Capshaw up and managed to get alongside Kane and got ready to pass him on the right side.
Cop's on the corner, look he's starting to write.
Well, I don't need no ticket, so I screamed out of sight.
Drove so fast that my eyes can't see.
Look in the mirror, is he still following me?
Kane maneuvered to the right and tried to push Jarod off the road, being careful not to make it look obvious that that was what he was doing.
Jarod gritted his teeth as the Capshaw got pushed off onto the dirt track at the side of the road.
The Claymore got ahead, but Jarod got back on the road and took off after the Nod leader and soon got up behind him again.
Let it roll down the highway.
Let it roll down the highway.
Roll, roll.
Jarod caught up with the Claymore again and managed to get on Kane's left side this time.
Kane got ready to attack again, but Jarod knew to expect it this time and dropped back before Kane could force him off the road.
As the Claymore wobbled a bit, Jarod hit his nitrous and took the lead, with the Golddigger coming up behind him.
Kane got the Claymore under control again and took off after Jarod and Yuri before Dylan could get ahead of him.
Look at the sign, we're in the wrong place.
Move out boys and let's get ready to race.
454's coming over the hill.
The man on patrol is gonna give us a bill.
The Capshaw reached Acinom first and Jarod saw a wall of hay bales. He drove around the back of it and drove back onto the road towards Yendys.
Yuri and Kane entered Acinom together and Jarod drove between them. Kane managed to steer around the back of the wall of hay, but Yuri spun out and crashed into it. Dylan raced into town next and made it around the hay.
The time's real short, you know the distance is long.
I'd like to have a jet, but it's not in the song.
Climb back in the cab, cross your fingers for luck.
We gotta keep moving if we're going to make a buck.
Let it roll down the highway.
Let it roll down the highway.
Roll.
Jarod raced down the road towards Yendys. He checked his rearview to see if any of his competitors were behind him. He couldn't see anyone close enough, so he kept it up.
That's when the scorpion made its move. It climbed onto Jarod's shoulder. Jarod noticed it and started to swerve. He spun out and blew his engine.
Kane and Dylan continued their race and approached Jarod. Dylan quickly stopped next to him. She threw open the door.
"Get in!" she yelled.
Jarod got into the Detector and they took off.
Let it roll.
Let it roll.
Let it roll.
Let it roll.
The Detector caught up with the Claymore and tried to pass. Kane tried to block her. Dylan managed to slip by on Kane's left.
Let it roll down the highway.
Let it roll down the highway.
Roll, roll, roll.
Kane quietly picked up a small handgun. He raised it and prepared to shoot.
Down the highway.
Let it roll down the highway.
Roll, roll, roll.
Jarod glanced over at the Claymore. He noticed Kane aiming his gun and hurredly grabbed the steering wheel. The Detector swerved into the Claymore and knocked it into an embankment, flipping it over.
Let it roll down the highway.
Let it roll down the highway.
Roll, roll, roll.
-"Roll On Down the Highway" by Bachman-Turner Overdrive.
The Detector raced towards the finish line. Natalie, Alex, 99, and Maxwell cheered them on. Hymie simply stood still and watched.
The Detector raced across the finish line and stopped. Dylan and Jarod climbed out. Natalie and Alex ran over to Dylan and cheered her.
99 and Maxwell approached Jarod. "Mr. President." said Maxwell. "It's nice that you did your part for world peace."
"Glad I could be of service." said Jarod.
The Golddigger pulled up to the finish line. Yuri had stopped to pick up Kane. Both men climbed out of the car.
"Well, Mr. President." said Kane. "It appears that you are a superior driver after all."
"I am today." said Jarod. "Now, you remember the deal. Get your men, gather your equipment, and get the hell out of my country."
"Ah yes, your deal." said Kane. "I do remember our deal. But the Brotherhood wouldn't be where it is if we honored such things."
"You're backing out of the deal?" asked Natalie. "What kind of man are you? Don't you have a code of ethics?"
"That's something else that would get in the way." said Kane.
"What's your plan?" asked Jarod. "Call up your boys and have them take back this country by force?"
"That's about the size of it." said Kane. "But for you, I have something else planned." He pulled out a communicator and said "Now." into it.
A loud rumble was heard and the Cannonballers started looking around. Suddenly, a fifty foot tall, black robot walked into the area. It had a laser cannon mounted to its left arm and three legs. It looked over the racers menacingly.
"That is the second biggest combat robot I've ever seen." said Maxwell.
"Ladies and gentlemen, I give you the Redeemer!" said Kane. "Once it finishes you off, the rest of the country will follow easily."
"Isn't that a little overkill?" asked Alex.
"You have all proven quite the pests." said Kane. "I just want to be sure."
"Don't you know the meaning of mercy?" asked 99.
"Oh, I know the meaning of mercy." said Kane. "I just choose not to show any."
"Your plan won't succeed." said Jarod.
"It already has." said Kane. "Ready? Fire!"
"Mr. Kane!" said the commander of the Redeemer. "Our weapons systems have shut down! We can't get them restarted!"
Kane looked to Jarod in anger.
"And that is why." said Jarod. "Just after I was busted out of jail, I sent a little email. It looks like any plans of yours went down in flames."
"What did you do?" asked Kane.
"I'm sure this man will explain it to you." said Jarod as the Destroyer approached.
The Destroyer parked and Destro climbed out and approached Kane. "Are you Kane? I am James McCullen Destro."
"What are you doing here?" asked Kane.
"Don't you remember?" asked Destro. "My armaments company is your weapon supplier. But for some reason, I received notice that our funding from you has been cut off."
"Your funding came directly from our treasury." said Jarod. "I ordered my treasurer to cease all funding until we can establish a different army. Preferably one less inclined to conquer the world."
"As you have not paid your bill," said Destro "I used an advanced computer system to remotely shut down your weapons systems. They will be reactivated when your bill has been paid in full." He handed a document to Kane.
"I can't pay this!" said Kane.
"The nearest border is thirty kilometers to the east." said Jarod. "I suggest you start moving. You wouldn't want to get caught by the legitimate army, would you?"
"I have a race to run." said Destro curtly. He returned to the Destroyer and got into the driver's seat.
"That goes for you as well." said Jarod to the Angels.
"Right." said Dylan. "Let's go."
99 and the Angels started to get back into the Detector. Natalie started to close the door, then got back out and walked up to Kane. "You know, if you just tried to intimidate us with the Redeemer, you probably could have won against us." she said. "That way, we wouldn't have discovered your weapon systems were disabled. Just wanted to point that out."
She got back into the car and closed the door. The Detector and Destroyer raced off.
"Looks like it's just you and me." said Kane to Yuri.
"I believe the expression is 'kiss off'." said Yuri.
The express train that Dick Dastardly's team were on was getting ready to pull into the station at Mozambique.
"I haven't seen Yogi for a good while." Boris remarked. "Looks like we beat him."
"I wonder if Cindy will let him raid her wardrobe for what he has to do in Antarctica when we do beat him." Dastardly cackled as Muttley sniggered with him.
As they approached the final quarter mile leading into the station, a car engine could be heard going at high speed.
"Oh, no! It can't be!" Fearless Leader said as he turned pale.
Sure enough, the Regalo appeared on the streets of the city, heading towards the station.
The train started to slow down as it approached the station.
"HEY! We have to speed up!" Natasha yelled at a conductor.
"You know full well we have to slow down as we come into a station, lady." the conductor replied. "Do you want us to crash?"
"Of course not." Natasha said. "But..."
"But nothing!" the conductor said in return. "Now kindly return to your seat."
The Regalo headed right for the station.
"Gangway, people!" Quick Draw yelled as he honked the horn on the Regalo as they approached the turnstiles on the station.
"This is..." Ranger Smith began.
"...absolutely crazy!" Dastardly finished as he saw the Regalo crash through the turnstiles and drive onto the platform of the station as the train still pulled in slowly.
As the Regalo sped along the platform and managed to avoid hitting anyone, the stationmaster angrily waved his fist after the Wacky Racers.
"You'd better be insured or you're getting hit with a friggin' humongous lawsuit!" he yelled.
As the train began to come to a halt, Quick Draw swerved the Regalo onto the train tracks and came to a halt in front of it just as it came to a halt at the barriers.
"They really ARE wacky racers!" Fearless Leader moaned as he facepalmed himself.
Yogi got out of the Regalo and smirked as Dastardly looked out of his train window.
"I'd say we won that bet, Ricardo." Yogi smiled.
"You're really loving this aren't you?" Dastardly moaned.
"Well, we're not totally malicious like you are." Cindy added. "So we decided that you don't have to dress in drag after all."
Dastardly's group all sighed in relief. "Thanks for showing mercy." Boris said.
"The least we could do." Boo Boo added as he heard sirens approaching. "I think we'd better get going now."
"Adios, amigos!" Baba Louie said hurriedly as the Regalo swerved off the train tracks and drove off.
"Meanwhile, Team Rocket was forced to own up to losing their bet."
"Of all the things we've had to go through, this is the worst." groused Jessie from the changing room of a club.
"You're only saying that because we're only up to Africa." said James.
"Why do I keep making bets involving you two?" asked Giovanni.
"Guys, the stage awaits." said Tobias.
"We're not coming out!" yelled James.
"Then you're not completing the race." said Tobias.
A collective groan later, the members of Team Rocket left the changing room...dressed like it was the 80's.
"I agree we should stop making bets involving us." said Jessie who wore a sparkly green skirt over a white lace one, white blouse, and purple pearl earrings. Her hair had been moussed up to the middle with blonde highlights and hung down the back.
"I just want to get this over with." said Meowth who wore a curly brown wig, a green Hawaiian shirt, and glasses.
"That's the spirit." said Tobias who wore a powder blue suit with a tan porkpie hat and large glasses.
"Why did you dress up?" asked James who wore a dark blue suit, a pink shirt, and a blonde wig with the hair spread out. "You didn't lose the bet."
"Well, I'm pimping you guys out to the fans." said Tobias. "So, I decided to dress up as an 80's pimp."
"He wasn't. He had actually dressed up like famed 80's musician Elton John."
"Are we doing this?" asked Giovanni who wore a long black wig, leather pants, and a white tank top.
"Of course." said Tobias as he picked up a keytar. "Let's rock and roll!"
"You know, that might be the first time that has been said in response to actually performing rock and roll." said James.
Back at Race Central, Brock, J.J. and Victor had a video conference with President Kante.
"The Nod threat has been neutralised, Mr. Yates. Your racers were very brave and of great help to all of us." Kante reported. "President Jarod has said that he would like to give them all official commendments for it. But he said that could wait as he knows they have a race to continue."
"That's excellent." J.J. smirked. "So, are the Cannonballers on their way again?"
"Affirmative." said Kante. "They left the country not long ago. We're still looking for Kane, though."
"I'm sure he'll turn up." Brock said.
"As the convoy lead by Team Mario got the news that the race was back on, they decided to burn rubber for the bridge right away."
"Okay, here we go!" said Sonic as he put the hammer down.
Up ahead in the road, they saw a very downhearted looking Kane trying to hitch-hike.
The Doomsayer roared past him.
"Arrivederci, senior dumbass!" Mario laughed.
The Overlord roared past next.
"Smell ya later, snapperhead!" Ford Fairlane yelled.
The Wisdom raced past next.
"Grilled cheese!" yelled Bob.
The Ambitious passed him next.
"Eat my dust!" Michael Bluth yelled.
"That's actually the title of a very good car chase movie with a very talented, handsome, and versatile man in the leading role. I really recommend that you see it sometime."
"Don't forget we have to pick up Tobias later on." Buster added.
"Just let me set up the broadcast." Michael said as he sent an email to Race Central.
"We've just received an email from Team Bluth letting us know that for a bit of light relief after the intensity in Dorajland..." began Ron.
"Not to mention that they lost a bet with Ford Fairlane." Veronica added.
"...Team Rocket are about to provide us with a musical performance." Misty finished. "This should be interesting.
"Can't be any worse than some of the acts I've seen on 'Fame Or Shame'." Lazlow chipped in.
"I thought people watched that show just to see your stupid ass get humiliated." Randal called over.
"Sit and spin, moron!" Lazlow yelled back.
"Oh, how witty." Dante sneered. "Oscar Wilde has got nothing on you, good sir!".
"Why you..." Lazlow yelled as Misty took out her mallet.
"BEHAVE!" Misty yelled as she clobbered Lazlow with her mallet.
"Uhhhh!" groaned Lazlow as he passed out.
The audience applauded Misty for her action.
"Anyhow, here now, live from the Wooden Kamel club in Acinom, Dorajland, is that musical performance." Ron said as he cued the footage.
The group made their way onto the stage. Giovanni sat behind a drum kit, Jessie picked up a microphone, James grabbed a guitar, and Meowth grabbed a bass. Except for Tobias, nobody looked like they wanted to be there.
Domino, Butch, Cassidy, Annie, and Oakley watched their teammates gather onstage on the television.
"Wow, the guys look really humiliated." said Butch.
"Yeah, I see what you mean." said Annie.
"Is the boss there too?" asked Domino.
"Hell no! There's no way he'd agree to be made a fool of like this!" Cassidy replied.
"Then, let's record this." said Oakley. She hit the record button on the DVR. "We'll make sure these Rocket rejects never live this down."
"Ladies and gentlemen, Team Rocket!" announced the club announcer.
The team started to play their instruments.
"What followed after that was another relatively uneventful trip."
Jessie started to sing as another photo montage started.
When darkness falls,
Leaving shadows in the night,
Don't be afraid,
Wipe that fear from your eyes.
A photo showed the Infinito racing with the Flash who was on foot.
The desperate love,
Keeps on driving you wrong,
Don't be afraid,
You're not alone.
Another photo showed a policeman had pulled over both the Infinito and the Flash. He looked at the Flash in confusion while holding his ticket book.
You can run with us,
We've got everything you need,
Run with us,
We are free.
Another photo showed the Terrific swerving close to the Clover. Denis looked at them with a black rectangle covering his mouth.
Come with us,
I see passion in your eyes,
Run with us.
Another photo showed the Terrific driving along with the Clover next to it and Denis strapped to the hood of the Terrific. Charlie, his team, and Dane laughed at him.
When the cold wind blows,
Turn your cover to the cold,
Don't be ashamed,
If you need someone to hold.
Another photo showed the Primus and Reaper racing through a mountain road.
If you're sinking in quicksand,
And it's dragging you down,
And you feel you're going under,
We'll be around.
Another photo showed the Reaper having spun out and facing the Primus. The Primus sat at the end of a pair of skid marks.
You can run with us,
We've got everything you need,
Run with us,
We are free.
Another photo showed the Simpsons posing in front of the People's Palace in Dorajland. The family smiled, except for Bart who dropped his jaw and hung his tongue out.
Come with us,
I see passion in your eyes,
Run with us.
Another photo showed Homer strangling Bart while Marge looked on in horror and Lisa and Maggie made faces at the camera.
And you're behind closed doors,
All alone by yourself,
And you're longing inside,
To be somebody else.
Another photo showed Skeeter walking around the battlefield looking at the wreckage of the Nod vehicles.
You pick up the telephone,
And there's no one on the line,
Don't be afraid,
'Cause there's still time.
Another photo showed Skeeter loading the cloaking device from a Stealth Tank into his van. He already had a flamethrower from a Flame Tank in there.
You can run with us,
We've got everything you need,
Run with us,
We are free.
Come with us,
I see passion in your eyes,
Run with us.
Another photo showed Herbie and Giselle racing along a highway.
You can run with us,
We've got everything you need,
Run with us,
We are free.
Come with us,
I see passion in your eyes,
Run with us.
Another photo showed Giselle racing through a tunnel while Herbie passed her on the ceiling.
Run with us.
-"Run With Us" by Lisa Lougheed.
Baxter and Masado walked down a hallway in Tennessee. They entered Baxter's office to find Banner sitting in a chair. The Justices stood nearby.
"Sheriff Baxter, we need to talk." said Banner.
"What is this about?" asked Baxter.
"We know you're forming a task force to combat the Cannonball Run." said Banner.
"Ah yes." said Baxter. "The Cannonball Run Assault Patrol."
"Doesn't that abbreviate to..." asked Junior.
"Yes." said Baxter curtly.
"Anyway, I was thinking that since we have the same goal," said Banner "that maybe we should join forces and work together to apprehend the Cannonballers."
"How would this work?" asked Baxter.
"What we would like to do," said Buford "is keep tabs on the Cannonballers while you continue to develop your methods and equipment."
"And then what?" asked Masado.
"And then we will launch a decisive strike against them." said Banner.
"Your proposal sounds appealing." said Baxter. "However, I don't know if we can stay organized enough to handle the task at hand."
"Oh, we've been handling the situation well enough." said Banner.
"Yeah, we're keeping a close watch on where they're going." said Junior. "Other than our failed attempts to arrest them, we've been doing well."
"Junior!" said Buford. "Too much information."
"Well, I see you could use some help." said Baxter. "So, what the hell? Let's do it."
"It will be a pleasure working with you." said Banner as they shook hands.
"So, it's a deal." said Baxter.
Banner repeated what Corvax told him.
"What was that?" asked Baxter.
"One of the Cannonballers said it." said Banner. "It's an Arabic blessing."
"Um, no it's not." said Masado. "Loosely translated, it means 'May the fleas of a thousand camels infest your armpits.'"
Banner stared at Masado in slowly building rage.
"Run." said Baxter.
Masado made a beeline for the door.
"That goddamn camel jockey." growled Buford. "If you help us, we will get him and those two teenage burnouts and barbecue their asses in molasses."
"So, it's a deal?" asked Baxter.
"It's a deal." said Banner harshly.
The Hellenbach GT entered Cape Town.
"Well, now that the action is done," said Kermit as he drove "we can head to Antarctica. Then we can keep it going to the finish."
"Brotherhood of Nod wasn't that big of a deal." said Fozzie.
"Nod! Nod! Nod!" yelled Animal.
"And Jessie's not that bad a singer." said Kermit. "We should have her on the show sometime."
"The photo montage was good too." said Gonzo.
"I just we had gotten featured." said Rizzo. "That incident in Botswana should have been in there."
"Didn't have your bad day or even our getaway."
The Regalo pulled up alongside the Hellenbach GT with Yogi at the wheel.
"It's Yogi!" yelled Fozzie.
"Hey, Yogi. How's it going?" asked Kermit.
"We missed you in Dorajland." said Gonzo.
"Oh, we got into some action ourselves." said Boo Boo. "Dick Dastardly challenged us to a race, us vs. a train."
"And we busted him up." said Huckleberry.
"Which almost justifies getting in trouble with the law." said Ranger Smith. "That chase wasn't something I'd like to remember."
"You were chased?" gasped Kermit.
"Don't worry about it." said Yogi. "We managed to lose the Mozambique constabulary in the most epic chase ever seen."
(Flashback)
A Mozambique police car raced down the road in pursuit of the Regalo. It roared past a billboard. Seconds later, the Regalo pulled out from behind it.
"Classic." said Yogi.
(End Flashback)
"We heard you had a little problemo in Dorajland." said Baba Louie.
"Nothing we couldn't handle." said Rizzo.
"So, it's off to Antarctica?" asked Cindy.
"You bet." said Kermit.
DeMarco, Lester, Luther, and Golem waited in a garage in Cape Town. Lidell and Yuri pulled in with Charger, Camaro, AMX, and Stingray behind them.
"Look who's out!" said Lidell.
"Apparently the only thing going for us right now." said DeMarco.
"Boss doesn't sound happy." said Camaro.
Sissy, Missy, and Chrissy pulled into the garage with the Golden Lords right behind them.
"Okay, boss." said Sissy. "I can explain everything. First..."
"Save it." said DeMarco. "Okay, the meeting will now commence."
"What about the Foyts?" asked Yuri.
"I got them right here." said DeMarco as he opened up a laptop. Janice and Alice appeared on the screen.
"Hello, gentlemen." said Alice.
"We've decided to communicate with you guys by video conferencing." said Janice. "Not a bad way to do business once we went to the local Egghead."
"I thought they went out of business." said Lester.
"Oh, not the computer store." said Alice. "I meant we got a couple of friends." She grabbed her monitor and turned it so they could see a pair of men with glasses and pocket protectors. They both looked insulted.
"As I was saying," said DeMarco "what have you been doing to impede the Cannonballers so far?"
"Car theft, kidnapping, attempted murder." said Missy. "You know, the usual shenanigans."
"And how much of that has been successful?" asked DeMarco.
"None of it, sir." said Chrissy.
"Yup, usual shenanigans." said DeMarco.
"Well, there's a new field of racers again." said Sissy. "They've got skills and abilities we weren't prepared for. They took us by surprise."
"Excuses, excuses." said DeMarco. "I would have hated to be your teachers in school."
"You have no idea." said Lidell.
Just then, the Beagle Boys rolled up in their van. They got out and approached.
"And then we have these guys." said DeMarco. "So, what's your excuse? Big Boss caught you sneaking in? You set off the security system trying to hack the safe? You just decided it was too hard?"
"Actually..." said Bigtime as he took out the Total Anarchy mask.
"You got it?" asked an astonished DeMarco. "I don't believe it! Well, nice job, you guys."
"That's more like it!" said Bigtime.
"If I was an 'Alpha', I honestly don't know what my ability would be!" yelled Janice.
Just then, the Pollution Ministers rolled into the garage and got out of their vehicle.
"Who are these guys?" asked Luther.
"Japanese." said Lester. "Let me do the talking."
The Pollution Ministers walked up to the group.
Lester held out his arms to them and said in Japanese "(My hovercraft is full of eels.)"
The Pollution Ministers looked at each other in confusion.
Yogostein held up an alien-looking device and pressed a button. "Greetings, nari!" he said. "We are the Pollution Ministers, nari!"
"A handheld translation device." said Luther. "What will they think of next?"
"How about saving themselves the trouble and getting a smart phone?" asked Digit.
"A smart phone, zoyo?" asked Kitaneidas.
"Of course." said Uzi. "There's an app for that."
"What are you doing here?" asked DeMarco.
"We too oppose the Cannonball, ojaru." said Kagaleisa. "Unfortunately, our ally has been arrested and sent to jail, ojaru. We require your assistance since we have similar goals."
"Guys, 'Warhammer' can be played so many ways!" yelled Alice as the image on the monitor shook.
"And what's in it for us?" asked DeMarco.
"The same thing in it for us." said Yogostein. "Delaying the Cannonballers to steal the prize money through any means necessary."
"Well, gee." said Sissy. "That's basically what we've been trying to do all this time. Maybe we should try dropping some of this dead weight like those idiots in the muscle cars."
"What?" asked Camaro. "We actually had a great plan in Europe. It wasn't our fault we grabbed the wrong girl."
"Yeah, maybe you should have done a little research." said Missy.
"Like how you researched the tensile strength of that tow cable?" asked Yuri.
"Hey, you thought it would be a good idea to race Jarod!" said Stingray. "It didn't take psychic powers to see how that was going to turn out!"
"At least I didn't see fit to bring in a bunch of washed up street racers!" said Yuri.
"And they were still more successful than anything you brought to the table!" yelled Goldilocks.
"Shut up!" yelled Lidell. "Just all of you! Shut up!"
Everybody stopped and looked at him.
"You guys are pathetic!" yelled Lidell. "Blaming each other for your mistakes, but not taking responsibility for your own! Going in without a decent plan! This has got to stop!"
"Look who's talking." said Missy. "All this time, you've been trying to get revenge on that Trikz guy."
"Don't kid yourself." said Lidell. "We're all in this for revenge against someone for something. What we have to do is look for a weakness. Then we go after that weakness and exploit it. After that, we..."
Lidell stopped yelling when he had another vision of Mango dancing.
"Mango." he said wistfully.
"Lidell?" asked Lester as he shook Lidell's shoulder.
Lidell snapped out of his trance looking embarrassed. "Leave me alone!" he yelled and ran off.
"What was that about?" asked Luther.
"I don't..." said Golem before he had a vision of John Cena doing a victory dance. "Cena." he said wistfully.
The Rumor and Utopia raced through South Africa. In the Rumor...
"Well, that was a bad situation." said Brian from behind the wheel.
"Well, we survived." said Dominic. "That's the important thing."
"Still, we should probably try to ease our minds a bit." said Vince.
"Let's see what's on the radio." said Dominic. He turned on the radio.
We dug in deep. And shot on sight.
And prayed to Jesus Christ with all of our might.
Dominic immediately turned it off.
"Hey, that was 'Goodnight Saigon'!" said Vince.
"Who can listen to that song after what we just went through?" asked Brian.
In the Utopia...
"And we would all go down together!" sang Ron, Venom, and the Drake. "We said we'd all go down together!"
Someone somewhere watched the television.
"After they reach the bridge in Cape Town, it's on to Antarctica." said Veronica.
"And then it's snow cones for all." said Lazlow as he used his free hand to hold an ice pack to his head.
"Who knows what kind of trouble the racers will encounter there?" asked Misty.
"I'd like to establish that was a rhetorical question and not a request." said Ron.
"But first, a message from Presidents Jarod and Kante." said Veronica.
On the screen next to her, Jarod and Kante appeared.
"Greetings, Cannonball fans." said Jarod. "I would like to issue my most sincere thanks to the racers for their assistance in dealing with the Brotherhood of Nod. I should've known better than to allow Kane to control our military. He was quite the slimeball."
"Kane and his Brotherhood of Nod have now been driven from Dorajland." said Kante. "We have the Cannonballers to thank for this. Where they go, villainy is defeated."
"Wait, are you saying that right now, Dorajland has no military?" asked Lazlow.
"No, no. We are not." laughed Kante. "I apologize for giving would-be raiders ideas."
"No, another military force has moved in to take their place." said Jarod. "They are called PALM. Because of them, we won't be having a resurgence of a military coup."
"Jarod, you're a Cannonball veteran." said Misty. "Kante, you're a Cannonball fan. Is there any chance of you two doing a future race?"
"We'll see." said Jarod.
"Yes, we'll see." said Kante.
"Well, thank you for your time." said Ron.
"For the Cannonball Run, I'm Veronica Corningstone."
"I'm Lazlow."
"I'm Misty."
"And I'm Ron Burgundy. Stay classy, Cannonball fans."
"Someone" turned off the television.
"The Cannonballers are approaching. We were hoping to go to them, but they are coming to us. And after they are recruited, we can spread our influence around the world."
He got up and turned toward the camera. In the dark, his eyes glowed yellow.
TO BE CONTINUED...
AN: Thank you for reading and Happy Halloween.