Super Soaker Central

Booooooooom!

One second, Force was talking to his commandos. The next, he was thrown to the ground. All around him, the tunnel started collapsing...

Monsoon dived out of the collapsing tunnel, only to realise Force and his entire commando team were still inside. He pulled out his CPS 4100 and drenched the Tempest tech and fried his laptop. The other Tempest drew out his Max-D 6000, but Monsoon quickly took out a Max-D 3000 from his belt clip and shot the Tempest in the face.

With the enemies now gone, Monsoon hurried back to the rubble that used to be the forest cave entrance. He could hear groans and quiet yelps for help. Monsoon used all the strength he had and pulled a large boulder from the rubble.

Force and the majority of his men were somehow weren't at all hurt, but some got it bad. Monsoon whipped out a radio and called in for a vehicle to pick up the injured.

"Well that was a disaster, now wasn't it?" said Force, as he climbed out of the fallen stones. "This will halt tunnel travel for a while," said Monsoon.

The team before the accident consisted of Force, Monsoon and a group of fifteen commandos. Now, three commandos were incapacitated. Force and Monsoon refused to come back to base and decided to get some camo combat fatigues for traversing the vast forest on the island. Monsoon's soakers weren't painted, so he got a camouflage blanket and ripped some holes in it for the pump, trigger, and nozzle.

"Well, looks like we're going to sneak past Tempest forest elites," said Force. "Forest elites?" asked Monsoon. "They're experts in camouflage and stealth tactics. They usually have traps set up everywhere and have snipers in the high treetops," replied Force. Monsoon nodded and Force gathered up his team. They set off in the woods in the direction of 6.

Rolling into the area surrounding 1, Toaster began to think that there might be some serious resistance should they try to enter the airstrip from the road. He made a snap decision and told Monkey to warn everyone up top to hang on. Bukan, in the passenger seat, said, "Not that. I hate that." Toaster turned back with a grin.

Turning the Armadillo, they bumped off the gravel road and into the field beside it, staying close to the forest. The Sabres headed for a stretch of shoreline that was several miles from the airstrip. Toaster had been meaning to test out the Armadillo in ocean conditions, and as temporal theorists say, 'there's no time like the present'.

Force, Monsoon and the commandos were finding it hard moving through the forest. Half of the twelve remaining commandos were checking for traps, while Force, Monsoon and the other half were looking out for snipers.

Force was scanning the treetops when he thought he saw something move. He raised his XX 50. Faintly, he could make out the shape of a Tempest. He pulled the trigger. Whoosh! The sound of the water was followed by a loud thud as the Tempest fell from the tree. "That was close!" Force commented.

They moved off again, keeping an even closer eye out. As they walked, Force looked at Monsoon, "I have an idea about what we can do now. My boat is still docked at 5. We can use it and some of the other boats to make our way back to the other side of the mountain." "Good idea!" Monsoon replied. They changed direction slightly, hoping to bypass 6 and head straight for 5.

The Tempest commander ordered his jeeps to halt. They had been following the rogue group, but now the checkpoint was dead ahead, and intact! The commander called out to the men at the checkpoint. "Did you see a large blue vehicle?" The Tempests at the checkpoint shook their heads. "Aw, dammit! We lost them. Men! Scour the area. They can't have gotten too far in this forest!"

Meanwhile, the Sabres puttered along, rocking in the waves. This wasn't the fastest way to get there, but it was as covert as this big lunk was going to get. The problem was that if they were spotted, they were pretty easy targets, going so slow. Even with the souped-up engine, the wheels' treads could only drag them along so fast.

While he was thinking on that subject, Wontwood was up in the turret with binocs, looking for any indication of the airstrip. They needed to find out what was on those Hercules craft. Then they could head back to the militia with some info. Then they might get paid.

(Flashback)

Ed frowned at Rick's statement. "Calm down. When did Rock throw you out?"

"Just after they've completely merged with the Tempests. I didn't agree with Rock about it, and s*** happened."

"And now?"

Rick took a deep breath. "I want to join your team."

Ed laughed softly. "What makes you think I'm with any team?"

"But-weren't you..."

"They were allies. I merely wanted to take revenge on the senior Tempest, so I joined their side."

"And now?" Rick asked back.

Ed pondered. "I suppose it wouldn't hurt to take out his second-in-command..."

"Can I join you, then?"

Nat piped in. "Ed, he was with the enemy. If he..."

"Backstabs us?" Ed said. "I say we give him a chance."

Nat just shrugged. Ed and Rick shook hands.

(end flashback)

Racer and Spinner stepped in the helicopter and started it up. They soon took off for 1.

"We're over 1, I'll put her in to hover," radioed Racer back to Spinner. "OK, bring us down, I want a head count of the Tempests," radioed Spinner.

"We gotta get a side carriage for Rick. My bike will only fit two," Ed said to Nat and Rick, as they were nearing an auto shop.

The mechanic stared at the trio. "Lookin' for anythin', kids?" he grunted.

"Side carriage for a Honda Varadero, please."

"Will take a while-dammit, those ruffians are here, again!" he squinted into the distance at a group of people, "Stay down, ya three."

"How old does he think we are, 6?" Ed thought grumpily, as they were herded behind a large table.

"OK, old man. You know what to do," a guy's voice said.

"Fine, just leave me alone after this s***." The trio saw the mech walk over to a till and get some cash out.

A small sound of paper rustling, then what sounded like a punch.

"Guys, I think it's time we kicked his butt." Laughter.

Rick started to say something, but Nat covered his mouth. "Shut up!" she hissed.

"Oh, but we won't do it the old-school way. He and his place are history!" More laughter.

5 minutes later...

"See ya, old bird! Tell us how the smoke smelled like later!"

Ed stood up. "Hold it right there!"

The antagonists had a slight shock, then laughed even more. "So the juniors’ve come to rescue old Gramps. How touching," the one in the middle said, and they each whipped out a MAX-D 6000.

Ed calmly took them out with his CPS 1000.

"Dammit, he's gotta big-assed one!"

"C'mon, let's split!"

"And don't you dare come back!" Ed yelled after them, until he saw the sudden flames on the biggest oil slick.

"Gotta play firefighter..."

(10 minutes later)

The trio had just finished putting out the fire when the mechanic woke up.

"What the..." he started.

"The arsonists have gone. D'you know which team they belong to?" Ed asked the mech.

"They ain't belong to any team, as far as I know. Look 'ere, I think I owe ya three something..." The mech whipped out a remote. One of the garage doors opened to reveal...

"You're giving us a car?" Rick asked incredulously.

"Not giving ya, me lend it to ya anytime you need it."

Nat goggled at the car. "I don't believe this. Ed, what'cha say...Ed?"

Ed was at the car. "Oh my god, a mint example of the Toyota AE86 Trueno. 4AGE engine..." Ed was lost in his ramblings.

"My son gave it me, he's a CEO in one of the big companies in Japan. He just said on the phone, 'Treat it as a gift.' He's ain't say no more 'bout it after that," the mech said. He then walked over to Ed, who was now underneath the Toyota. "Kid? You know how to drive?"

"Huh?" Ed's head popped out. "Yeah, I do. Gotta licence for bikes and cars. Don't worry, I'm not a reckless driver," Ed said.

"Good to hear that," the mech grunted, as he tossed Ed the keys. They were soon on their way to 7.

Toaster spotted a chopper hovering above the airstrip. He paid it no heed as he again resumed his watch through the spotting scope he had rested on the dash of the Armadillo. He was watching the transports, while the others had binocs, and were watching for signs that they'd been spotted.

A commotion started as the Tempests spotted the helicopter and began firing. Backing off, the helicopter provided a welcome distraction. Toaster knew that even with the new engine, the Sabres' vehicle couldn't get away fast enough to dodge even a small motorboat. This vehicle was no speed demon.

Spotting a flurry of movement by the planes, Toaster refocused there, only to watch a terrifying sight roll out of the holds. There appeared to be at least a dozen of the familiar horrors being offloaded. Bringing the engine roaring back to life, Toaster swung the Armadillo around, intending to get back to the militia to warn them.

Hearing the engine, the Tempests nearest the shore turned, spotted the vehicle, and leaped into their boats. Calling to Monkey, he told his crewman to relay the order to get ready. He also asked for Wontwood to put on his headset.

"Wontwood here," the Sabre at the controls of the Broadsword reported.

"Good. I'm going to bring the Armadillo closer to shore, so the Hercs are within Broadsword range. Take them out. Try not to hit anyone though. I don't want to kill them, only cut off their evac route."

"Got it!" Wontwood snapped.

Bringing the vehicle closer to the airstrip, Toaster heard the motorboats closing. The militiamen were good. They were able to pick off the drivers of the boats and then get the passengers. The boats slowed to a stop, their pilots fallen. When he knew that the Broadsword was well within range, he hit the reverse to bring them to a stop.

Wontwood lined up his shot on the first Herc as he activated the pumps, pressurising the Broadsword with the help of the old engine. When he got the green light, he pulled the trigger.

The Armadillo rocked as a stream of high-pressure, air-infused (kind of like carbonated) water burst cataclysmically forth from the barrel of the supercannon. Smashing into the plane with tremendous force, the shot tore one wing and the tailplane off of the mighty Hercules. Tempests scrambled as the plane disintegrated. Taking aim at the second Hercules, Wontwood was in awe of the power at his control.

The Armadillo quickly dispatched the planes, and hoping there were no casualties, Toaster set a course for the gravel beach they had begun this marine sting from.

The militia convoy was met by a superior Tempest force coming in from the North.

After a brief battle the militia was able to roll into 6, but severely outnumbered they could not hold it. The only option was to continue westward to 5 and the coast. Duxburian, NiborDude and others discussed their next move hastily and the convoy set off again.

Finally, the force reached 5, with the Tempest tanks and planes close in pursuit. The militia tanks stopped in front of a marina and were positioned to block the road into the marina.

With only about fifteen minutes to spare the whole force was going to have to find boats that would be able to get them to the North Island, several miles away. In great haste, people took what supplies and weapons they could and looked for boats. There were few boats, and even fewer ones with motors.

While some were lucky to get a motorboat, Duxburian was among those who could not. Duxburian found a sailboat in good condition and large enough to carry his stuff. It would have to do. He had sailed before, and that would not be a problem. As people started to load their things and some began to leave, the Tempests appeared down the road...

Force's commando unit were becoming weary and tired in the forests near the mountain. Monsoon and Force had decided to pitch a camp at the base of the mountain facing between 2 and 7. The woods were more impassable than they had imagined. Caves, boulders, thick woods, and other factors made it easy to get lost.

"Monsoon, radio a helicopter or something," Force suggested. Monsoon reached for his radio, but saw that it was gone. "I swear I left it on that rock right there!" Monsoon said. Monsoon got up and looked at where the radio once had been. A deep crevice was on the other side of the rock, too dark to view inside of it.

"Maybe it fell?" he said. "You...you...uggghhhh!" grumbled Force. Monsoon looked at the ground in dismay. The entire commando team and two of the militia's top warriors were stranded in the middle of the forest, with limited supplies and no radio or compass.

"You know, it would have been a good idea to bring a map or something!" yelled Force. "These woods are uncharted by the militia, this is Tempest territory. The only maps of this island are aerial maps," explained Monsoon. Force threw a rock down into the fissure. The echoes were loud and thundering, and then came a splash. The squad slept in small tents that night.

Ed, Nat and Rick arrived at 7, to find that there was no one there. "Where is everyone?" Ed asked Nat, "It looks like they have all evacuated here. Well, I guess our best chance is to stay here tonight and carry on down the road tomorrow." They parked the car and settled down for the night.

Early the next day, Force, Monsoon and the commandos packed up their stuff and were wondering what to do. "If I've got this right, if we head away from the mountain, we should come out somewhere on the road between 5 and 6. Then we can easily make our way to 5," Force suggested. The commandos headed off through the forest. After a short distance, they came across a path heading in the right direction and followed it. "Excellent!" Monsoon exclaimed, "This should make the going easier."

Ed woke up to find that it was quite late in the morning. He woke the others. "Wow, we've slept for quite a while!" Nat said. Ed started up the engine and they set off down the road to 6.

Force, Monsoon and the commandos were making good progress on the path. After several hours hard march, Force was sure they were very near the road. They took a short break.

Ed and company arrived at 6. "This place looks like it has taken quite a beating!" Ed commented. They drove through it, but they could still not find anyone. "No-one appears to be here either. Oh well, I guess we'll just have to carry on to the next place," Nat said. They continued along the road to 5.

Force thought he could see what looked like the road at the end of the path. The commandos left the path and arrived at the road. Force looked off left, and was surprised to see a car heading towards him fast.

Ed turned a corner and was shocked to see a group of commandos at the side of the road. He had to make a quick decision. Should he stop or should he pass? He did not know whether they were friendly or not. He pulled the car up. They did not look like enemies to him.

The car stopped in front of Force. He walked over. Alert. The window wound down and the person inside called out. "Hi." Force noted that there were three people in the car. "Who are you?" he replied. "The name's Ed."

Ed explained to him about their encounter with the Tempests and Force told him all about the Tempests and the militia. "Well it looks like we have a common enemy," Ed said, "We'll stick around with you for the moment." They all headed off for 5, with Ed driving slowly.

They arrived at 5 to find a large group of Tempests in front of them. They could see the militia rushing into boats in the distance, trading fire with the Tempests. The militia tanks had retreated further under fire and they were starting to be abandoned. "Dang, it looks like we've found the Tempests and the militia!" Force exclaimed.

So far, the Tempests had not noticed them. Ed called out of the car, "We'll create a distraction. You get to the boats." Tyres squealing, he drove off to the left. "OK, men. Let's move it," Force shouted to his commandos. They ran off to the right.

In the car, Ed was wondering whether what he was about to do was a good idea. His mind was shaken back to reality as he saw a Tempest tank fire at him. He swerved the car and dodged it. Their attention drawn to Ed and the escaping militia, the Tempests did not notice Force and his commandos get to the boats.

Dux spotted them running towards him. "Hey!" he called out, "No time to talk, we're getting out of here!" Force, Monsoon and half the commandos piled into his boat (which was still there, after he had left it). The other half took an older motorboat. They set off amidst water balloon fire. The militia were taking heavy beatings but were successfully holding the Tempests at bay so they could escape.

Meanwhile, Ed was still distracting the Tempests. "They're in the boats now, you can get over there now," Nat told him. "Oh, I was getting carried away with this car," Ed replied. He turned the car and headed towards the boats. He could see a largish sailing boat he thought would be good. Dodging the Tempests, he neared the boat. "Slow down!" Nat exclaimed. Ed slammed his foot on the brakes and the car squealed to a stop in front of the boat. They jumped out of the car.

"Such a short time driving an 86...But I'll be back - won't I?" he thought as he parked the car and armed the anti-theft system. He ran for the boat, dodging Tempest tanks attempting to surround him and had almost reached it when...

A tank from his left and right had each fired a shot right at him.

"Hit the dirt!" someone yelled in his head.

(slow-mo)

He rolled down, right into the boat, the shots hit...

(end slow-mo)

"Man, is that bad aiming, or what? LOSERZ!" Rick yelled at the Tempests.

Ed stood up for a look. The two tanks that had fired had somehow hit each other. "Someone should have put that on video," Ed said, and grinned.

The hull trembled. They were on their way.

The militia slowly left the island behind.

New Chapter

"I got a count of twenty Tempests over at 1," radioed Spinner down to base. "We should probably land now, it's getting late," Spinner said while Racer landed the helicopter. "Let’s set up camp here," said Racer.

The next day they took the helicopter back to 2, they had soon decided that there was more land over at the North Island. They packed up guns, scooters etc. They soon pitched together their money went to the dock to see if the could rent a boat.

Toaster had been to 2, 7, and 6. There had been no sign of the militia. The Armadillo was running low on gas, so they decided to head for 5 to refuel.

Rolling into the marina, Toaster spotted two Tempests talking animatedly on the end of one of the docks. Telling Bukan to take the vehicle and refuel, the commander of the Sabres hopped out, the Red Baron hanging loosely at his side. Spotting a Tempest armband in the mud, he proceeded to disguise himself temporarily.

Striding confidently up to the two Tempest goombas, he asked nonchalantly, "What's up? Where'd all the militia go?"

The taller Tempest replied, "What, where were you during the big battle here? Those militia cowards retreated to an island due north of here. We'd deploy our ace in the hole up there, but some unidentified group tore up our Hercs. Those were rentals too..."

"Thanks!" Toaster cheerily replied. Heading for the fuel depot, he ripped off the vile piece of fabric that seemed a blight on his arm. He was seriously disillusioned with the Tempests now. Anyone who would stoop to the tactics they had attempted with the Hercs' payload was not even ignoble. They were downright dishonourable.

Realising that the distance to North Island was much too far for the helicopter, Spinner asked Racer to communicate to the sailing boat's crew by semaphore that they would have to return to South to refuel. "We might also need extra tanks," thought Spinner, as he turned back southwards, "Could be tricky."

Night was falling as South Island came back into sight. Lights glowed beneath them as Spinner started to drop down towards 7. "Strange," he said out loud, "I thought everyone had left 7..."

His thoughts were cut short as the night sky seemed to explode around them. "Aargh!" he cried, flinging the helicopter round and whizzing off in another direction, "Ack-ack batteries!"

"We're in a right old mess here, skipper," murmured Racer, as three or four searchlights cut through the sky and attached themselves to the helicopter's fuselage.

It was only a matter of time. Spinner had been losing height deliberately, in case of a crash, but finally a shell of water smashed into the tail rotor and the helicopter started its final, crazy descent.

"Brace yourself, Racer!" yelled Spinner, "I don't know how far we have to..."

SPLASH.

Icy cold water was everywhere around them. "You okay, skip?" gasped Racer. "Just about," replied Spinner, trying to tread water, "The shore's that way. We have a chance, if we strike out hard." So saying, he and Racer commenced their bid for survival...

Later, after what seemed like hours, they felt sand under their feet. Dragging themselves up a beach, they collapsed in the vegetation, and slumbered, waiting for the dawn to come, when they would have to plan their next move.

Force pulled his boat over to the one Dux was in. He spotted the Behemoth in the boat. "Hey!" he called over, "I see you rescued the Behemoth." "Yeah. Can't have something like that falling into Tempest hands." "Well, I'm sure it will come in useful. By the way, the engine in this boat is powerful enough to tow the sailboat you're in and still keep pace with everyone else. What do you say?"

The "South Island" had now passed out of sight as Duxburian looked back. Forceuser than came over and offered to tow his sailboat. Gladly Duxburian accepted and, with the sailboat in-tow, Forceuser powered back towards the front of the group.

The days so far had been hot and sunny, the northern sky was deep blue and clear. The wind began to pick up, but Duxburian was busy making plans and didn't notice. A loud outburst of thunder abruptly shattered the calm. The group looked behind them in terror. The sky to the north was calm, but no one had noticed a storm racing towards them from the south.

To most, it appeared to be a simple squall and those with sailboats began taking their sails down. Duxburian, however, recognised this to be no simple squall. The jet-black clouds as a whole were progressing rapidly forward, but at the same time were sliding counter-clockwise.

"Not good," thought Duxburian. "The worst luck to have on the sea in small boats. Hurricanes, even a small one like this, should not be able to get this far north." He looked to the north and could barely make out the faint outline of an area of land. "We're only about five miles away..."

Toaster was resigned to crossing to North Island, no matter how long it took. However, they weren't about to leave this island behind for a few minutes yet. They had arrived at the shore after stockpiling provisions for the long journey ahead of them.

Toaster had been pacing, stalking as the crew set up the Armadillo for prolonged travel. Bukan had made the suggestion that they should have brought the mud treads. Toaster told him there was no point in whining about it now, but he did instruct Wontwood to try and come up with some type of enhanced treads to speed their journey.

He was stopped by the sight of movement farther down the beach. Trotting over, pressurizing the Red Baron as he went, the leader of the Sabres was expecting a Tempest spy. When he got there, he found two figures lying on the beach, wearing militia colours. He knelt beside them, as they obviously had been through a rough night.

"Who are you?" Toaster prodded.

"I'm Spinner. This is Racer. We're with the militia," one of the pair said.

"I'm Toaster. Glad to meet you. Listen, you know about the evac to North Island, right?" Spinner nodded. "Well, if you're coming, and it doesn't look like you have any means of transport, you can hitch a ride with us."

Spinner helped Racer up, and they proceeded to the Armadillo. It was going to be an interesting trip, Toaster decided.

"There's going to be hurricane!" Duxburian called out to the militia, "Tie everything down and get yourselves wrapped up. We're not that far away, if we can keep going we might not be affected too badly." There was a rush of activity on the boats as everyone secured all the equipment and pulled on their wet weather clothing.

Force was organising the men on his boat. Luckily, they could shelter below deck, but some of the boats were not very big and consequently had only one deck. He looked at the shore in the distance, and then back to the approaching hurricane. It didn't look good. The motor boats could make it on their own, but the sailboats had no chance...

The swells were really picking up now. A boat had been driven towards Duxburian’s by a wave and cut the cable connecting his to Forceuser's. This now forced Duxburian to raise his mainsail. Extending the sail as far out as possible he was able to catch the stronger wind and began making progress.

The motorboats were still way ahead and Duxburian was shouting instructions to those who didn't know how to sail. The coastline was now clearly defined on the horizon, maybe only a mile away. However, the motorboats had reached an underwater sandbar, where the water was only a few feet deep. As they had to reduce their speed, the sailboats were able to catch up. They all looked back towards the rising waves and the growing storm...

"So, how long will the crossing take?" asked Spinner.

"I'm guessing as much as two weeks," replied Toaster, "Slow, I know, but it's our only option."

"Two weeks! Ouch," responded Spinner, "Isn't there any other way of transport?"

"I don't think so," said Toaster, "Unless you can think of something."

"Hmmm..." considered Spinner, "Well...I've thought of something, but it's somewhat risky and we wouldn't be able to take the Armadillo - how would you feel about that? On the plus side, we'd get to North Island by the evening."

"By the evening? Well, spill it..." exclaimed Toaster.

"And we wouldn't have to lose the Armadillo either," mentioned Racer, "We could hide it for when we return, immobilised in some way."

"OK," said Spinner, "Here's my plan..."

"Not giving up the Armadillo, Spinner," Toaster thought. "If you don't want to come with us, go by yourself." He didn't voice his opinion though. He'd also been going over his estimates. Judging from the distance he'd heard, it would only take a week, with the new engine and the 'paddles' that Wontwood had rigged up. If that.

He didn't think that Spinner and Racer put any value on the Armadillo as more than a transport. That may have been because they had no idea of the secret weapon contained in the special storage container aboard the Armadillo.

Monsoon had little experience with boating and sailing. He was scrambling across the deck, trying to help out. A huge wave slammed the side of the boat, throwing him and other militia into one of the safety railings on the edge of the boat.

The hurricane was taking its toll on the sailboats, and some of the more elite water warriors were in peril. Force and Dux were frantic, trying as hard as possible to get to the North Island as fast as possible.

"Even if we do land, our boats are going to get it," said Dux to Force. Monsoon looked sick and vomited over the side of the boat. A militia member picked him up and went down the steps into the tiny room and set up some sheets like a bed and lay him down.

"Okay, Monsoon can't help. What are we going to do?" asked Dux. Force and Dux took another look at the sky, and looked at the water. An enormous wave was heading straight for them! "Everyone! Brace for impact!" screamed Force.

The militia on the top deck grabbed onto rope and tied it to the safety railings. They looked away from the oncoming wave and steadied themselves. "Ohhh crap!" muttered a militiaman.

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