DJ – *from inside* Pliers.

DAWN – Check.

She gets a pair of pliers and hands them to DJ. He takes them and continues working.

DJ – *from inside* You know, of all times for the wiring to get all frigged up and faulty, it HAD to be now.

DAWN – Yeah, tell me about it. *kneels down and watches better* Does it really take this long just to fix some wiring?

DJ stops his work and pulls out from underneath, his fur a little bit scruffed up now.

DJ – Well normally not too long, but the wiring here is kinda small and delicate so I have to take my time. Wish I didn’t have to
but I gotta in this case.

CRICKET – Well, can’t you maybe go a little faster? I mean, who knows what’s happened by now and we have no idea
what’s going on.

DJ - *sighs* Hey, I’m trying as best as I can here. I’m just as worried as you are, but I can’t afford to screw this up if we’re
gonna get any kind of contact back.

CRICKET – Oh right…

DJ nods and goes back to his work.

DAWN - *worried* I hope they’re okay though…

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
12:55 AM, main lobby. We see Derv, Cobb and Bay run in from one of the halls, which is surprisingly not blocked now.
Coincidentally, from the other side, we see Alethia, Bear and Nitro run into the lobby as well from a now-unblocked hall. They
all see each other and run to the center of the lobby.

DERVISH – THERE you are! We were looking all over for you three!

NITRO – We should say the same thing!

COBBER – At least you three are okay.

BEAR – Yeah but not without some problems. How about the others?

BAYSON – We got them out already. They headed outside so they’re probably waiting for us now.

ALETHIA - *rubs her arm* Good thing too. Let’s get out of this place.

VOICE – Not so fast…

The groups quickly bolts around, only to see Jake standing a ways off, holding a rifle and flanked by at least 10 canomutants.

JAKE - *disturbed look on his face* That’s about as far as you’re ever gonna go.

DERVISH – Jake?? Pheh, don’t you have anything better to do, like go clothes shopping?

JAKE - *growls* Shut up, Sheltie! You and your little friends may have gotten past the enjoyable nightmares I set up around
here, but seeing as how you think you can just leave here unscathed, I found it best to just kill you all myself.

COBBER – You and what army, scruffy?

JAKE – This one.

He snaps his fingers and about 7 other canomutants drop down in front of the group and block off all the exits. All the
canomutants slowly start to surround the group, guns and other weapons at ready. The group backs together, keeping careful
eye on the mutants, ready to fight yet a bit nervous (there’s an understatement for you).

JAKE - *grinning* See, Parvo left me in charge of this little escapade, and when he gets back I’m sure he’ll be more than
delighted to see your rotting, ripped-apart and blood-stained carcasses lying on the floor. Ahahahahahahahahaaaa!!!

The canomutants close in more on the group. The group becomes more bunched together.

NITRO – Now we really have a problem…

BAYSON – Well guys…I guess this is it, huh?

COBBER – Wish it wasn’t…

DERVISH - *grits teeth* Well, I might as well say it.. Cobb?

COBBER – What?

DERVISH - *fake crying* I love you man!

COBBER – Oh please…

The canomutants ready their weapons at the group. The six brace themselves.

JAKE – Ready!…..Aim!… --.

VOICE – Spaghetti!

ALL – HUH??

At the moment they all look up as a figure flips off the ceiling rafters and lands before the group, taking a fighting position. The
mutants are thrown off guard and back up a ways, a bit frightened.

JAKE – Who the hell??!

COBBER – What the -- ?!

FIGURE – Not so tough now, eh?

The mutants warily come back closer, but when the figure makes a move towards them, they leap back in fear again. Jake
watches in disbelief.

JAKE – Who the hell are you?!

FIGURE - *turns and smiles at Jake* Someone…yet no one.

Bear and Nitro stare at the figure, amazed.

BEAR – Hey wait a second! You’re…

NITRO – PITCH!

PITCH - *not even turning around* Nice to see you again. Now how’s about we do something about these guys, hmm?

JAKE - *growls* Well don’t just STAND there! Shoot them!!!!!!!!!

The canomutants quickly regain themselves and aim their weapons but before they can even ready them, the weaponry all flies
out of their hands and over above where Jake is, but some distance above. Everyone just watches in confusion.

DERVISH - ?? Wha…how did….huh??

In the next instant, all the weapons simply crumble to pieces in the air and drop to the floor, shattered and destroyed. Every last
person is wide-eyed and in shock.

JAKE - ?!?!?!?!??!!?!?!?!?!!

VOICE – Simple enough.

They all look around, even more confused by the voice.

COBBER – What the heck’s going on in this place?!

VOICE – Nothing to be worried about.

Without warning, another figure drops down beside Pitch. Oddly, this figure is dressed exactly like Pitch is too…and LOOKS
like Pitch as well! The entire room goes silent.

FIGURE – *smiling a bit* I’m enjoying this. I really am.

JAKE – Who the hell are YOU?!

FIGURE - *waving a finger* Tsk tsk tsk. Must you always ask such dumb questions like that? It does get a tad annoying.
*turns to the group* Wouldn’t you agree?

The group says nothing. The figure turns to Pitch and smiles.

FIGURE – Not bad.

PITCH – Not so shabby yourself.

DERVISH - *confused* Who’s who?

FIGURE - *to Derv* Let’s just finish this mess, shall we?

The group slowly nods in unison and takes fighting positions.

BEAR – Go for it!

The group, the figure and Pitch charge the unarmed canomutants immediately. Ten of the mutants freak out and run as fast as
they can out and away from the melee, leaving only seven mutants to contend with. Derv socks one mutant hard in the jaw and
it doesn’t retaliate. Instead, it runs away like the other ten. Amazingly, the other six mutants left follow in suit from one mere
attack each, leaving Jake all by himself on the opposite end of the room, shocked and horrified.

JAKE – Y-you cowards!!! COME BACK HERE!!!!!!! *turns to the group* Grrrrrr….fine. I don’t need those wimps to finish
you all off! I can do it myself!!!

The group reforms together with Pitch and the figure before them.

DERVISH – You’re the only coward I see here, Jake. Might as well give up, or are you too chicken to admit defeat for once?

JAKE – Chicken?!!! Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr I’ll show you chicken!!!!!!!!!

Jake charges the group in a furious rage, fire raging in his eyes. But before Jake even makes it within 5 feet of the group, the
figure lunges at Jake with blinding speed and slams Jake square in the muzzle, sending him flying all the way to the other side of
the room and hitting the wall. He slides down the wall slowly, collapsing to the floor, unconscious. The rest just stare in shock.

BAYSON – Whoa…

FIGURE – So weak. How overly pathetic.

COBBER – Haven’t even seen Colleen pull off a blow that bloody fast.

DERVISH – Yeah…*looks at the figure and Pitch* But wait a second here. There’s something I don’t get. You both look like
Pitch, or whatever the name is. Who’s Pitch and who isn’t?

FIGURE & PITCH – I am.

BEAR - *scratching his head* Um, that doesn’t help any.

DERVISH – No, seriously now, who is who?

FIGURE & PITCH – I’m Pitch.

NITRO - *sighs* Look, one of you is lying but if neither of you will tell the truth then let’s not bother with this and just get outta
here already.

PITCH - *nods* Maybe one of us is Pitch….or maybe neither is. But regardless, I’m sure you can sort it out when you get
back.

ALETHIA - *nods* I suppose so. *extends a hand* Thank you both very much for your assistance. If it weren’t for you we
wouldn’t be alive right now.

PITCH – Our pleasure. *goes to accept the handshake but retracts his hand* Oh wait a moment, can’t shake with dirty hands,
you know. *turns to the figure* Got anything on you?

The figure nods and hands Pitch a rag from his pocket. Pitch takes it and wipes the insides of his hands and then accepts the
handshake.

PITCH - *smiles* That’s a little better now.

ALETHIA – Yes, it --.

She stops. The others look at her, confused.

COBBER – Something wrong?

Alethia looks down slowly at Pitch’s hands and notices something: they look a little discolored now. She stares at them.

PITCH – Something bothering you?

ALETHIA - *stunned* Y-your hands….they’re….lighter…

PITCH – Hmm? *looks at his hands* Oh silly me. *laughs a little* They were filthy anyway. Hope that doesn’t bother you.

ALETHIA – But….they’re….brown!

The others look at Pitch’s hands as well. Oddly enough, his hands appear a shade of brown rather than black like the rest of his
fur. They stare at Pitch.

BEAR – You…you have….have…

PITCH - *cocking an eyebrow* Hmm? Something on my face? Lemme take care of that for you.

He takes the rag again and rubs the area around his muzzle.

PITCH – That get it?

The rest stare at him.

PITCH - *rubbing again* Or here?

No reply…

PITCH - *shrugs* Or how about all over?

He rubs his entire face with the rag as the others watch him, eyes going wider. They notice that strangely, Pitch’s fur color is
changing wherever he rubs his face with the rag. Soon they notice that parts of his face are the same color as the brown on his
hands, but other colors start to show up as well. Darker brown shows as well as a golden color. In moments everyone in the
group aside from Pitch and the figure starts to become pale.

PITCH – *small laugh* Didn’t think cleaning required an audience.

Pitch then rubs his arms and his tail a bit, yielding similar results. He finishes mostly and looks back at the group.

PITCH – Well, that better?

DERVISH - ….Oh…

COBBER - ….My….

BAYSON - ….Gosh…

NITRO - …..Hooooooly…

BEAR - …Crap!

PITCH – *grinning* Well? Fixed enough for you?

ALETHIA – *shaky now* D…….D……

ALL – DYLAN!!!!!!!!
 

DYLAN - *grins, taking off the bandana on top of his head* Hi guys! Miss me?

Without hesitation, Alethia hugs Dylan tightly and starts to cry. Dyl hugs her back. Silly as it looks, Bayson and Cobber join in
the hug, Bayson starting to cry a little and Cobber holding back his tears. Derv, Bear and Nitro look on in amazement.

DYLAN – *light smile, tearing up a little* It’s okay guys…I’m all right….and I’m back.

ALETHIA - *in tears* You’re alive….You’re really alive….oh God….

DYLAN – Yeah…I’m as alive as ever, Al. It’s okay…

BAYSON - *sniffle* Dyl….

DYLAN - *nods lightly* I know bud…I know…Everything will be just fine…

They all break the hug as Alethia, Dylan and Bayson wipe their eyes and smile at each other.

NITRO – So….you’re Dylan?

DYLAN - *nods* The one and only, Nitro.

BEAR - *grins* Amazing…..just amazing.

DERVISH – Heh…I knew you were okay, Dylmeister. I always knew..

DYLAN - *smirks* Riiiiiight.

COBBER - *rubbing his eyes* So lemme get this straight. Dyl, you’re you, so then who is --.

He looks up to where the figure was…but he is gone. The others look as well, confused.

COBBER – He’s…..gone…

DYLAN - *nods* That, guys, was the REAL Pitch.

BEAR – Man…that guy wasn’t too shabby. I mean he disarmed all the mutants in a second! And I’ve NEVER seen anyone
pound someone with such power as he did with Jake!

DERVISH – Heh, what a big chicken! *laughs a little* Dyl, I still can’t believe you’re related to a sissy like that.

DYLAN - *shrugs* Well, that’s just how it is, I guess.

ALETHIA – God…*rubs her arm* I don’t want to go through another nightmare like that ever again…*sighs* But….*turns to
Dylan* Dylan, why did you go and pretend to be someone else like that? We all thought you were...dead…

Dylan hangs his head a bit then looks up at Alethia.

DYLAN – I’m sorry. There’s a reason why I did it, really, but it was with good intentions. You see --.

Suddenly an agonizing cry is heard from a nearby hallway. The whole group goes pale.

BEAR – The heck was THAT??

DYLAN - *motions to the hall* It came from there! C’mon!

He runs down the particular hallway. The others follow. They run down some ways until…

ALETHIA - *shocked* Oh dear God….
 

Lying on the floor is a strange-looking reddish brown/white/grey wolfish creature, sprawled out and apparently unconscious. Dylan rushes over and turns it over. DYLAN - ….*checks for a pulse* He’s alive but out cold…

DERVISH - *tapping his foot* What IS that thing anyway? One of Parvo’s mutants or something?

NITRO – Sure looks it to me. But if --.

DYLAN – *noticing something* Wait! What’s this?

He looks at something hanging around the neck of the “mutant”. It’s a set of dog tags. Dylan lifts the tags up a bit and reads
what’s on them…He goes wide-eyed.

COBBER - *cocks an eyebrow* Dyl?? What’s the matter, mate?

DYLAN – It says….”Alan Cook”….That’s…

Alethia’s eyes grow a little in surprise.

ALETHIA – Wait…wasn’t that the name of the man who --.

DYLAN – Helped us with the last base attack…*realizing exactly what is going on* Oh man…!!

BEAR - *raises his eyebrows* You mean that he was……….damn….

DYLAN – Yeah….*turns ro Cobber* Let’s get him out of here. We can’t just leave him, I mean.

COBBER - *nods* Right.

The two hoist up the mutant Alan.

DERVISH – Well! Now that THAT schbeel is all over, how about we…?

The lights of the base begins to flash red on and off rapidly. The group looks around, worried and confused.

PA – Emergency! Emergency! Self-destruct sequence activated! This building will self-destruct in 5 minutes!

ALETHIA – Not again!

DERVISH - *running ahead a bit* Well don’t just stand there like Pop Tarts! Let’s get the funk outta here!

The others nod and follow Derv out to the main room again.

??? – Not so fast!!

They stop and turn around. Standing a little ways behind them is Jake, holding an uzi in his hand and grinning maniacally.

JAKE – Don’t think it’s THAT easy to get outta here!

He laughs. Dylan lets go of Alan and walks towards Jake, but stops 10 feet away. Cobber looks at him, confused.

COBBER – Dyl!!

JAKE – *grins* So you want another round, eh pipsqueak?! *laughs* Then c’mon, “little brother”!

DYLAN - *keeping his eyes on Jake* You guys go! I’ll take care of this!

BAYSON – But Dyl! We --!

DYLAN – Just go! Hurry! I’ll be fine!

Dylan readies himself as Jake tosses the uzi to the side and clenches his fists, seething.

ALETHIA – But --!

PA – 3 minutes to detonation…

DYLAN – GO! NOW!

The others pause for a moment, then dash out as quickly as they can for the main entrance. Jake grins at Dylan.

JAKE – Now I have you right where I want you!!

DYLAN - *hardly amused* You can harm me all you want, Jake, but I WON’T let you harm my friends!

JAKE – *laughs* Oooooo! Quite brave, aren’t we? *flashes his fangs* C’mon! Show me what you got, you pathetic runt!!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Outside the base, 2 minutes later. The others have made it outside and get a safe distance away from the base. They all turn
back and wait.

ALETHIA – C’mon! Hurry!!

BEAR – Who’s she talking to?

DERVISH – In a sense, Dylan. *looks on* C’moooooon…

COBBER - …He’ll make it…

A few more seconds go by…

ALETHIA - *starting to sweat a little* God, please…

BAYSON – Oh man…

COBBER – Trust me, he’ll make it.

NITRO – How can you be so sure about that?

COBBER – Look, I know Dyl well enough to –.

At that instant, the entire base explodes in an eruption of flames and debris. The group stares off, horrified…

ALETHIA - *starting to shake* …No….

She tears up, trembling.

BAYSON - *pale and close to tears* Dyl….he’s….

The rest lower their heads, unsure of what to think.

COBBER - ………..

DERVISH – *wringing his hands* Gone….again….

He takes out his communicator.

DERVISH - …Might as well tell them that --.

VOICE - *faint* GUYS!!

They all abruptly look up, throw off guard. Bear peers out at the inferno in front of them.

BEAR - *squinting* Huh? …Wait, that looks like….like…

ALETHIA - *incredibly wide-eyed* DYLAN!!

Sure enough, from the flaming wreckage they see none other than Dylan, running in their direction. Alethia dashes out and hugs
him tightly as he nears. He hugs her back.

ALETHIA - *sniffling, a bit shaky still* You….had us so scared. Thank God you’re okay…

DYLAN – Yeah, I’m all right, and I’ll stay that way.

They cease hugging and rejoin the others. Bayson rubs his eyes and smiles.

BAYSON – Dyl, I…

DYLAN - *grins* It’s okay, Bay. *pats Bayson on the back* I don’t go down that easily.

BAYSON - *light laugh* Yeah. Guess I should’ve realized that.

Dylan smiles and turns to Cobber, who returns the smile warmly.

DYLAN – Cobb..

COBBER – Mate…

They immediately hug each other without hesitation, then they break a few seconds after and just grin. Derv smirks.

DERVISH – Eh, I knew you’d make it, Dyl. I’m always right on those kinds of things.

Cobb turns to Derv and yanks the Sheltie’s ponytail hard. Derv’s eyes bug out.

DERVISH – AAAH! HEY!

Cobb smirks slyly.

COBBER – Sorry. Thought that was for silencing nuisances.

DERVISH - *sarcastic* Ha ha, really funny…

COBBER – Well I certainly thought it was. *turns to Dyl* Hey, what happened to Jake and Parvo?

DYLAN - *shrugs* Parvo probably got away. Jake did.

BEAR – Figures. The bad guys always get away….Now um, about this guy here..

The others look over and notice Bear is carrying Alan this time.

DYLAN – Cobb, I thought you --.

COBBER – He got too heavy for me, so I slung him at Bear.

BEAR - *rolls eyes* And it was much appreciated, too. So what’re we gonna do with him?

DERVISH – Guess we should take him back with us for now, right? Can’t throw him aside and go, ya know.

NITRO – True…just one problem.

DERVISH – What’s that?

NITRO – We have to walk all the way back to get out of here.

DERVISH - …Oh yeah…Darn.

DYLAN - *looking up* We might not have to, actually.

ALETHIA – Huh? *looks up* Such timing.

Above them is the Turbo Jet Rover, hovering there for a few moments. It descends and lands near the group. A few seconds
later, Hunter steps out to the doorway of the craft. The group runs over.

HUNTER – Need a lift?

DERVISH – It would help.

HUNTER – Oh yeah, it would. Climb in and let’s get outta this place.

NITRO – Wait a second. Weren’t there two of these used?

HUNTER – Yeah, but Exile fixed up the Sky Rover and flew it back ahead of us. We found the one you guys used over the
mountain, so that’s why we’re using it.

COBBER - *nods* Makes perfect sense to me. Let’s go.

The group climbs aboard and takes their seats. Bear sets Alan down on some sheets at the back and takes a seat.

COLLEEN - *in the co-pilot seat again* All set?

DYLAN – You bet! Let’s fly!

COLLEEN – Roger!

HUNTER - *confused, to Colleen* Uh, Colleen? Seriously, who’s Roger?

COLLEEN – *rolls her eyes* Just no one…

HUNTER – Oh….okay.

He starts up the Turbo Jet Rover again and they soon start to fly off.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
RRMC, communications room, that moment. DJ closes a door panel underneath the main control board and dusts himself off.

DJ – There! Fixed! *taps a few keys on the board and the screen works again* All right!

DAWN – Can you contact them again?

DJ – Sure hope so.

He attempts to contact the rest of the Rovers.

~Quick switch: Turbo Jet Rover. Derv’s communicator goes off and he gets it out from his jacket pocket and turns it on. ~

DERVISH – Talk to me.

DJ - *over comm.* Derv! Thank God this thing works again.

DERVISH – Sure does. What happened on your end? Last time you contacted us you --.

DJ – *comm.* I know, I know, but the equipment here blew out a bit and we lost contact. It’s al fixed now, as you can guess.
Where are you guys?

DERVISH – On our way back. Everything went as we hoped, though with a few things we wished didn’t happen. We’ll
explain everything when we get back.

DJ - *comm.* Gotcha. Just glad you’re all okay.

DERVISH - *grins* Yup, we’re always fine. Oh, and I think there’s someone here who’d wanna say hi to you.

DJ - *comm.* Huh?

Derv hands the communicator over to Dylan.

DYLAN – Hey Deej!

DJ - *comm., goes wide-eyed* …!!! Dyl????

DYLAN - *grins* Yup, it’s me.

DJ - *comm., a little pale* But…..but….!!?

DYLAN – I’m all right, Deej. I’ll explain the deal back home.

DJ - *comm.* …O-okay.

DYLAN – See ya then.

Dyl closes the connection.

~Quick switch: RRMC, communications room. The screen goes blank and DJ stares at it in disbelief. ~

DJ – He…..he….

DAWN – *excited* He’s alive!!!

DJ – I can’t believe it….I just….

He turns to Dawn and grabs her in a big hug, smiling. Dawn hugs him back, a little misty-eyed.

DAWN – Oh thank God…Dyl’s okay!

DJ - *smiling* Yeah…

Cricket comes in a few moments later, confused at the hugging.

CRICKET – Something happen?

DAWN - *turning to Cricket* Dyl’s alive! He’s all right!!

CRICKET - *wide-eyed* What?!

DJ - *nods* No lie, Crick. He’s all right.

Cricket tears up and quickly joins in the hug.

CRICKET - …….

DJ - *thinking* I hope they don’t get TOO comfy…

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Turbo Jet Rover, about 10 minutes later. Alan starts to wake up at the back of the Turbo Jet Rover. He slowly opens his eyes
and moans a bit. Alethia and Dylan, being in the back seats, turn and watch Alan.

ALETHIA – You all right?

ALAN - …Uhhh….*rubs his eyes* What happened…? *looks around* Wh-where’s this??

ALETHIA – It’s okay. Don’t worry, Alan. Just relax…

ALAN – Huh? Road Rovers? What happened? I had the weirdest dream I was turned into some monster by some other
mutant. *scratches his head* It was --.

He suddenly stops and slowly looks at his hand and notices that it’s not human anymore. His eyes go wide.

ALAN – What the --?! *looking himself over* AAAAAAAAGGGHHH!!!!!!

He begins to shake uncontrollably in fear. The others in the craft quickly turn in their seats.

BLITZ – Vat now??

ALAN – *panicking* It’s real! It…it wasn’t a dream!!!!! AAAAAAH!!

He huddles up in a corner, shaking frightfully. Dylan gets out of his seat and rushes over to him.

DYLAN – Alan…

ALAN – *starting to cry a bit* No…..God no…..

DYLAN - *comforting* Alan….we’ll find a way to change you back….

ALAN - *still shaking* …I…I don’t…..want to be this way…..oh God….

ALETHIA – You don’t have to be…We’ll find a way….

Alan very slowly turns his head to the two of them, then looks at the others around him. He then closes his eyes and lowers his
head, still somewhat shaky and afraid as they all continue to fly through the night…

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
RRMC, 2:30 AM. Having returned from the mission, Dervish, Cobber, Alethia, Hunter, Exile, Shag, Blitz, Colleen, Bear,
Nitro, Bayson, Alan and Dylan enter the Main Hall. Waiting for them are the Master, DJ, Dawn and Cricket. Dawn and
Cricket see Dylan and dash up to him, Dawn hugging him tightly.

DAWN - Dylan!! Oh God…

DYLAN - *hugging her back* Yeah, I’m back Dawny. Thankfully…

CRICKET - *biting her lip* God….I thought you were gone for good.

DYLAN - For the time all that happened, so did I.

DJ smiles and walks up to Dylan, extending a hand, which Dylan gladly shakes.

DJ - Glad to have you back, bud.

DYLAN - *smiling* And it’s good to be back, Deej. Thanks.

MASTER - Apparently there are some things even I don’t know. *grins* I am glad to see that you are all right, Dylan. But if I
may ask…how is it you survived?

Dylan raises his eyebrows and looks at the others. They return the look, interested in hearing. Dylan turns back to the Master.

DYLAN - Well, here’s what happened…

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Flashback…days before, the middle of the night. Pitch is seen walking along in the woods until he comes across the destroyed
remains of Parvo’s base. He stops and cocks his head to the side a bit.

PITCH - Hmm…interesting.

He walks around and on the rubble, intrigued at the mess. As he walks along he notices a small indication of some fur
underneath some splintered cement. He approaches it and lifts up the slabs.

PITCH - ….Eh?

Underneath is the battered and wounded body of Dylan, his clothes tattered and some areas of his body badly bruised and
bloodied. Pitch reaches down and touches Dylan’s body gently.

PITCH - …Hmm…barely alive, but unconscious…

He turns Dylan over and lifts him out of the debris.

PITCH - Poor fella…Guess you’ll need medical attention now.

He sighs and carries Dylan off into the woods…

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Back in the present…

DYLAN - Pitch tended to me for some time. When I woke up he told me about him finding me and about himself. I had a
feeling you guys thought I was dead, so I knew suddenly showing up again might be too much at once. To add onto that, Pitch
suggested that, since I looked kinda like him without the black fur, I could temporarily take on his persona. Though I still can’t
figure out how, he apparently knew much of what was going on with Parvo and that Bear and Nitro were to show up and see
the wreckage, so he figured that if I showed myself gradually, not only would it be easier to take in for you guys, but it also
might throw Parvo and Jake off guard. *turns to Bear and Nitro* The Pitch you two met during the survey of the debris was
really me.

BEAR - *blinks* Dang…could’ve fooled me. And you did, of course. Was that you as well in the genetics lab helping me?

Dylan nods.

DYLAN - Sure was.

BEAR - *grins* Thought so. Thanks for the help again.

DYLAN - Hey, anytime, Bear. *looks at the others* And for the most part you all either were helped by me or the real Pitch.

COBBER - But who was who?

DYLAN - While I helped Bear and Derv, Pitch aided you and Bayson. Even split so the job got done. *grins*

COBBER - Heh, true. I was about to go insane there, though. *gives a brisk head shake* One period of torment with
Stephenson was enough for me.

DERVISH - *shudders* God I HATE vacuum cleaners…

The rest look at him funny, except for Dylan, who smirks.

DYLAN - The mighty Dervish Vagabond…afraid of the little Dirt Devils of Death!

All but Derv get a small laugh out if the remark. The Sheltie grumbles…

DERVISH - Well hey, can ya blame me?

DAWN - *shakes her head* No….but we can try. *grins*

Derv rolls his eyes and smiles a bit in spite of the small embarrassment. The Master grins, then notices Alan a bit shaky behind
Shag. He cocks an eyebrow.

MASTER - Shag, who is that behind you?

SHAG - Ro rimm? Rokay!

Shag steps aside so the Master has a clean view of Alan. Alan just looks up at the Master nervously.

ALAN - …..Uh…..

The others look at Alan, waiting for him to say something.

MASTER - And who would this newcomer be?

ALETHIA - Alan Cook. He helped us back in the original mission.

MASTER - Ah yes, Mr. Cook…but you’re rather different that I expected.

ALETHIA - He WAS human, until Jake had him mutated.

Alan trembles nervously, not knowing what to say or do. Nitro walks over and puts an arm around his shoulder. He looks at
her.

ALAN - I…

NITRO - You needn’t say anything. It’s okay. *looks over at Bear then back at Alan* Bear was afraid when he became a
canosapien, but he got used to it and I’m sure you’ll be able to do the same.

ALAN - But I don’t want to be this way…I don’t…I…*swallows hard* I don’t know what to do…

MASTER - Mr. Cook…if I knew of a way to change you back, believe me, I would do so. But in truth, it’s too dangerous to
even attempt now. It was tried once before and almost cost a life. The risk is just too high…I’m sorry…but if something
becomes possible, then…then maybe….

ALAN - ….So I’m….stuck this way….for good?

He begins to tear up. Dylan, saddened, walks over to Alan and puts a hand on his shoulder.

DYLAN - Alan…I know it’s hard this way…but we’ll help you work through this any way we can. I promise you.

Alan looks at Dylan, brows raised.

ALAN - …….I……..*sighs*……..thank you….

MASTER - Might I suggest some rest, Mr. Cook? In the morning we can perhaps sort all that has happened to this point.
Might be best for all of us, in fact.

All nod in agreement. Cobber approaches Alan.

COBBER - C'mon mate. I'll show you to one of the extra rooms.

Alan just nods in reply, not making direct eye contact. Cobber leads him away as the rest follow.

MASTER - Dylan?

Dylan stops and turns around.

DYLAN - Yes sir?

MASTER - I'd like to speak with you for a moment.

DYLAN - Uh, sure. That's fine.

He walks back towards the Master and stops about 7 feet away. The others are gone.

MASTER - *smiles* Even though I feel you should have tried to make some sort of contact with us after Pitch helped you, I
do commend what you've done to help. You took a risk and succeeded in aiding the others when they needed help. You're a
good, good dog.

Dylan blushes and looks away a bit.

DYLAN - Just doing what I felt was right, sir.

MASTER - Just as I had thought when I chose you to be part of the team...

Dylan freezes for a moment, then looks at the Master, confused.

DYLAN - Pardon??

The Master turns away and puts his hands behind his back.

MASTER - Dylan, you've wondered why I chose you in the first place, correct?

DYLAN - Well yes, sir, I have.

MASTER - And I'm sure you've wondered if you had any sort of power that was of use to the team, right?

DYLAN - *nods* Yes, I have, but...

MASTER - Then I suppose I should let you know....*turns back around* Dylan, you do indeed have a power.

DYLAN - *blinks hard* ...I do??

The Master nods in response and grins.

MASTER - Yes, you do. But first, let me explain the nature of powers in general.

DYLAN - *nods* All right.

The Master begins to pace back and forth. Dylan watches him attentively.

MASTER - Usually there are two kinds of super powers a Rover would have: physical and mental. In cases such as with
Hunter, Exile, Blitz and others, their abilities have physical aspects to them based on natural abilities. Of course, in cases such
as with Cobber and Rune, for example, their abilities require more mental strength to use than physical strength.

DYLAN - *nods* Gotcha.

MASTER - I'm sure you're wondering which of the two you have, right?

DYLAN - Yeah. Which one, sir?

The Master stops and faces Dylan.

MASTER - Neither.

Dylan gives a rather bewildered look.

DYLAN - But you just said...

MASTER - *shaking his head* In truth, Dylan, there is a third type that isn't fully recognized: emotional.

DYLAN - ...Emotional?

MASTER - I know it makes little sense but that's natural. Let me explain it this way.

Dylan nods and listens.

MASTER - Dylan, even before I chose you, I knew what traits in you were special and still are. You're kind, gentle, caring,
giving and very loving, Dylan. Because of this, the power you have is very different from those of the others. Your power,
Dylan, is a strong heart.

Dylan blinks, amazed yet a bit confused at the same time.

DYLAN - ....A strong heart?

MASTER - *nods* Yes. I know this may not make sense right now, but in truth, sometimes the power of the heart is the
greatest power there is. Strength of heart is always of use. That is something you should always remember, Dylan.

DYLAN – But….How come I never noticed it all before? *scratches his head* I mean…

The Master shakes his head but with a smile.

MASTER – Sometimes things just aren’t as obvious as we wish them to be. If they were, I doubt we’d learn as much as we
do, but I wouldn’t worry about it all, Dylan. I think you’ll understand everything eventually. Just give it some time.

Dylan nods, understanding the Master's words fully.

DYLAN - I will, sir. I will. *smiles* I'm glad I finally know now.

MASTER - *grinning* Now you know, and now you also know why I chose you.

Dylan smiles happily.

MASTER - Now go off to bed. I'm sure you're exhausted from the day.

DYLAN - *nods* Yeah. Very much. Good night, sir.

Dylan turns and starts to leave.

MASTER – Oh, Dylan?

DYLAN - *turning back around* Yes sir?

MASTER – Here.
 

He takes something from his pocket and tosses it to Dylan. Dyl is thrown off a bit but catches the object and looks at it. It’s a gold medal with a red satin ribbon suspending it. The medal itself is in the shape of a heart. Dylan looks up at the Master, a little confused.

DYLAN – Wh-what’s this?

MASTER - *smiling* Consider it….a reward….a keepsake….and a reminder of what makes you special.

DYLAN - ….*grins* Thank you, sir. Thank you very much.

MASTER – And I thank you too.

Dylan smiles and walks off towards his room. The Master looks on after him...

???? - He's a good kid.

MASTER - Hmm?

The Master looks to the side. From the shadows walks Pitch, his arms crossed, smiling.

MASTER - Pitch...I'm surprised you're here despite all this.

PITCH - Thought I'd take a look at the old place again. *looks around* Hasn't changed much since last time. Of course,
neither have you.

MASTER - *smiling* Nor yourself. So...willing to change your mind and come back?

PITCH - *shaking his head* Not at the present time. Maybe sometime in the future, should I see it necessary.

MASTER - *nods* Your decision, Pitch. Just nice to see you again.

PITCH - *small smile* Likewise.