Copyright 1999 --- Robert Baer Jr. The Space Rovers -- "A Hero's Welcome -- Part 1" DISCLAIMER Road Rovers characters, names, situations and the Road Rovers universe are the property of Warner Bros. I, nor this script/story are connected with Warner Bros. in any way, shape or form. This document may not be publicized or reproduced in any way, shape or form. It must remain fully intact and may not be altered in anyway. It is strictly used for not-for-profit entertainment purposes only, and is not intended to infringe on any Copyrights. This story is written by Robert Baer Jr and the characters Fydo, Boomer, Rasputin, Saundra, Alexander, Grunt, Daisy, Abdullah, Bob, Cactus Jake, Marie, Francis, Calypso, Sheena, Bruno, Molly, Deborah, Lady, Orchid, Dot, Ultra, King, Luigi, Sophia, Lao Zi, Su Li, Claudia, Numbia, Derby and Poncho are all Robert Baer Jr's creations, copyright pending, 1999, Cobber is a creation of Mike Browner. The Space Rovers -- "A Hero's Welcome -- Part 1" The scene is in Persia's office, she is recording an additional log entry. PERSIA (into mic): Captain's log, entry 1323. The Canius Minor is still under tow, traveling to a repair facility on the planet Graum 7. Commander Zeldor of the Jurrassian vessel Degalo has informed me that we are one hour away from Graum, he and his crew have been very gracious to us during our journey. We have many things to do once we land there. First of all, many of our ship's systems are still offline, including weapons and warp engines. There were several minor hull breeches as well that are in need of repair. There is much work to be done, but this will also be a 'shore leave' for my battle weary crew. The highlight of our stay on Graum will be a double wedding between Lt Commanders Boomer and Saundra, and Cadets Hans and Deborah. The Willians, the beings that run this planet, have been looking forward with great anticipation to our arrival. But first, there is a minor matter I must attend to, a matter I will not record in this official record. End log entry. Orchid and Daisy enter Persia's office, both looking very sad and nervous. PERSIA (sitting behind her desk): Ladies, please sit down, I think you both know why I have called you here. Orchid and Daisy take their seats as Persia reaches over and turns on her monitor. PERSIA (looking at monitor): Daisy, Orchid, I think you know by now how I feel about fighting aboard my ship. Your behavior at our dance last night was inexcusable. DAISY (pointing): She started it, Captain! ORCHID (turns to Daisy): Hey, you tripped me, remember? DAISY (angry): After you pushed me ... PERSIA (slams hands down on her desk): ENOUGH!! I've had all of this I'm going to tolerate! You are both pursuing a romantic relationship with Ensign Rasputin. And I also know that this isn't the first time you two have confronted each other about it. However, I cannot regulate your off-duty activities. Daisy, since you are a civilian aboard my ship, there is little I can do to discipline you in this matter. Orchid, since you were off-duty at the time of this incident, and since I feel that BOTH of you are responsible for the brawl, I will let you off with a verbal reprimand at this time. But I will warn both of you, if you're not on your best behavior when we land on Graum, I'll confine you both to quarters for the entire time of shore leave, is that clear? DAISY and ORCHID (replying in unison): Yes, Captain. PERSIA (smiling): Off the record, I want to tell both of you that I've also spoken to Rasputin concerning this situation. I'll give you each some friendly advice. Give Rasputin the time he needs to make his choice. I know that both of you love him and so does he, but he can only choose one of you. Keep that in mind, dismissed. As Daisy and Orchid leave the office, Bruno calls Persia on her communicator. BRUNO (on speaker): Captain, we are approaching Graum 7, and Ki-alla is hailing you. PERSIA (into mic): I'm coming to the bridge, tell her to hang on until I get there, Persia out. Minutes later, Persia appears on the bridge, Saundra, Boomer, Alexander, Whitey, Grunt, Bruno and Cactus Jake are all seated at their stations. ALEXANDER (shouts out): Captain on the bridge! PERSIA (walks over and sits down): What is our current status, old man? ALEXANDER (holding clipboard): Captain, Lt Molly reports that our landing thrusters are operational. Ki-alla is waiting for you to open a channel to her. PERSIA (turns to Bruno): Bruno, open a channel! BRUNO (looks at monitor): Channel open, Captain! Instantly, Ki-alla, Cheif Administrator of Graum 7, appears on the front viewing screen. Like all Willians, Ki-alla looks like a orange grizzley bear with a green face. PERSIA (smiles as she sees Ki-alla on front viewing screen): It's so good to see you again, Ki-alla! Ki-alla (smiling): Captain Persia, it is a great honor to be serving you and your gallant crew again! Our entire planet is at your command! You're not only heros of the Jurrassian Allaince, but heros to all Willains on Graum! We have prepared landing area twenty for your vessel , my staff will transmit the coordinates to your navigator. I look forward to meeting you once more in person, Captain! PERSIA (smiling): It is you who honor us, Ki-alla. Thank you for your legendary hospitality! Ki-alla (smiling): We have many wonderful surprises for you and your crew when you arrive, Ki-alla out! BRUNO (turns to Persia): Captain, Molly urgently wishes to speak with you! PERSIA (griminces): Ok, on screen.... MOLLY (angry): Captain, I heard that the Willians have a repair team that wants to work on my engines! If you think for one minute that I'm going to let those orange furballs.... PERSIA (interrupting): Lt Molotov! I'M in command here! The Willians have vast experince in warp drive engine repair. They can even teach all of us a thing or two about Barium energy. I order you to allow our Willian friends to assist your engineering staff in our engine and systems repairs. I further order you to be polite and kind to them as well, understand? Persia and the bridge crew can hear Molly growling over the speakers. PERSIA (sternly): Lt Molotov! Do you understand? MOLLY (calmly): Da, Captain, I understand. Molly out. BRUNO (turns to Persia): Please forgive my wife, Captain, she takes her job very seriously. She treats those warp engines like they were her own children! PERSIA (smiles at Bruno): I know, Bruno. That's one reason why Molly is my Chief Engineer. SAUNDRA (looks at monitor): Captain, I've just received our landing coordinates from the Willians PERSIA: Very well, Boomer, as soon as the Degalo releases their tractor beam, commence landing procedures! BOOMER (smiling):: Aye-Aye, Captain! WHITEY (looks at monitor): Captain, the Degalo has released their tractor beam. PERSIA: Take us in, Boomer! CACTUS JAKE (shouts): Yeeeeee-Haw! I LOVE THIS PLANET! GRUNT (sternly): GRRRRRRRRRRRRR GROWL! GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR PERSIA (turns to Grunt): Grunt, it's alright to show some enthusiam! Apologize to Ensign Jake. GRUNT (turns to Cactus Jake): GRRRRRRRRRR GROWL! CACTUS JAKE (grins): It's Ok, big guy, no problem! WHITEY (looks at monitor): Captain, I've scanned the region around landing area twenty. There are over two hundred thousand life signs registering there. They seem to have surrounded the entire landing area. ALEXANDER (puzzled): A large reception committee? PERSIA (smiles): Could be, old man. These people consider us all heros. Bruno, put me on ship-wide intercom. BRUNO (pushs some buttons): Go ahead, Captain! PERSIA (on PA system): This is your Captain speaking! We will be landing on Graum 7 shortly. The ruling leaders there have apparently set up a large reception committee to greet us. When we leave the ship, all Space Rovers will line up in formation to present ourselves to the Willian leaders. Calypso, Fydo and Dot will be in charge of keeping the Rover children in formation, Commander Alexander will be in charge of the rest of you. The Willians have graciously offered their maintenence personnel to assist in our shipwide repairs. Give them your full cooperation. We will be on Graum for approximately one week. I encourage all off-duty personnel to enjoy the many things this wonderful world has to offer. Later in the day, as you all know, we'll be having a double wedding. All off-duty personnel are encouraged to attend. That is all. The Canius Minor lands safely on the landing pad. Cheers rise up from the crowd as the Space Rovers depart from their ship. Many in the crowd are holding up large banners with alien writing on them, the mood is very jubilant. The cheers grow very loud when Grunt and Bob walk down the ramp, Willian security staff has to restrain the crowd as they walk by. BOB (smiling, waving): The Willians really like us, don't they, Grunt? GRUNT (confused): GRRRRRRRRRR? BOB (surprised): Because we stopped the hijacked Willian ship from rampaging the galaxy for one thing. You almost singlehandedly did that yourself! GRUNT (pats Bob on the back): GRRRRRRRRRRR GROWL! GRRRRRRRRRRRR! BOB (sliming): Yes, and I did save your life, and you're welcome! All of the Road Rovers stand in formation, even the Rover children line up quietly behind the adults. Ki-alla walks towards Persia, followed closely by two of her assistants. Ki-alla shakes Persia's hand and then turns to address the still growing crowd of onlookers. KI-ALLA (lifts up hands): Fellow citizens of Graum and honored guests! We are gathered here to pay homage to the Space Rovers, a brave group of galatic explorers who have been helping to defend the Jurrasic Alliance. On their first visit to Jurrassia, they foiled a plot by the evil Milex to take over the Alliance, in a later mission, they rescued our King and Prime Minister from their abductors. Only a few days ago, the Space Rovers stopped one of our own hijacked space cruisers from attacking innocent planets or spaceships. I believe I can speak for all Willians when I say, thank you, Space Rovers, for a job well done! The large audience claps and cheers. Grunt looks very bewildered, and walks over to Ki-alla. GRUNT (to Ki-alla): GRRRRRRRRR GROWL GRRRRRRRRRRRR KI-ALLA (smiles): Lt Commander, your last mission was not a failure, why would you think that! GRUNT (to Ki-alla): GRRRRRRRRRRRR GROWL GRRRRRRRRRRRR KI-ALLA (puts hand on Grunt's shoulder): Grunt, lost Willian space cruisers can be replaced, lost Willian citizens can not. If it hadn't been for you, no one would've known where to find our marooned space travellers! The name of Lt Commander Grunt will go down in Graum's history! GRUNT (surprised): GRRRRRRR GROWL? KI-ALLA (grins): Grunt, you are by far the bravest creature in this part of the galaxy! Of course you are worthy of high praise! In fact, the entire crew of the vessel you stopped is very anxious to meet you personally! Follow my assistant, he will take you to them! PERSIA (telepathically to Grunt): Grunt, go see them, don't be afraid to take compliments for a job well done. Grunt follows Ki-alla's assistant away from the landing area. Ki-alla turns to speak to Persia. KI-ALLA (holding a crude notebook): I have a maintenence crew standing by to begin repairs to your ship, we also have a buffet luncheon prepared for all of your crew. You told us earlier that you wish to perform a wedding today! PERSIA (nods): Yes, Ki-alla, just tell us where we can set up our ... KI-ALLA (interrupting): That will not be neccessary, Captain! We have studied Earth-style wedding procedures, just over that hill you and your crew will find everything you'll need for a wedding. Things like chairs, a pulpit, even a reception area is at your disposal! PERSIA (surprised): You Willians certainly don't miss much! KI-ALLA (grins): And we have even more pleasant surprises for you! For now, please allow your crew to sample the buffet luncheon we have prepared. We are becoming quite good at making Earth delecatcies! Our people have grown a 'taste' for hot dogs, ice cream and something called 'fried chicken.' PERSIA (turns to Alexander): Old man, dismiss the troops! Looks like the dinner bell has rung! ALEXANDER (shouts): Space Rovers, dismissed! All of the Space Rovers make a mad dash towards the buffet tables, they are soon joined by those in attendance, all of them seem very friendly towards the Space Rovers. Most of the onlookers crowd around the picnic table where Grunt, Persia, Bob, Fydo and Claudia are sitting. FYDO (shaking hands with others): WOW! The folks here sure are friendly! BOB (shaking hands also): Yes! They are! GRUNT (shaking hands, looks confused): GRRRRRRR GROWL! GRRRRRRRR PERSIA (laughing): Yes Grunt, many people want to shake your hand! How does it feel to be a celebrity? GRUNT (sadly): GRRRRRRRRR GROWL PERSIA (smiles): Different, you say? I realize you're not use to being around large crowds, but don't be afraid. We're all friends here! GRUNT (slight smile): GRRRRRR! PERSIA (smiles): You're welcome, Grunt! At another picnic table sits Sheena, Deborah, Hans, Abdullah and Whitey. Sheena just picks at her food with a fork, looking very depressed. DEBORAH (turns to Sheena): Sheena, is something wrong? Sheena sighs and continues to pick at her food. ABDULLAH (reaches for his medical scanner): Sheena, do you feel alright? Sheena sighs again and takes a sip of lemonade. WHITEY (sternly): Doctor Sheena, can you hear us? SHEENA (sadly): Yes, I can hear all of you. I'm sorry, I guess I'm not good company today. HANS (smiles): Sheena, what's troubling you? Deborah and I want all of her bridemaids to be smiling and happy! SHEENA (sits fork on her plate): I miss my Cobber! I know I spoke to him over the com system last night, but it's just not the same. I know he'd love to be here in this beautiful place, it sort of reminds me of the outback. DEBORAH (looks at Sheena): Oh Sheena, I know you really care about him, I saw you and Cobber hugging each other when we were about to leave Earth. As the others continue to talk to Sheena, Ki-alla walks over the their table and sits down. KI-ALLA (looks concerned): Sheena! You've barely touched your Brewnoc! I know you love it! Is something the matter? Is the food sastifactory? SHEENA (shakes head): Nothing wrong with your food, Ki-alla, I just miss my boyfriend back on Earth. I wish he was here with me, he'd love your planet! KI-ALLA (smiles and holds Sheena's hand): We have an old saying here on Graum Doctor Sheena. Roughly translated into your language, it says that "Life is full of possibilities", never forget that, my young friend! SHEENA (slight smile): Somehow, coming from you, that saying makes sense to me! Thank you, Ki-alla! One of Ki-alla's assistants comes and whispers something into her ear. KI-ALLA (stands up and smiles): Don't thank me yet, Doctor, the best is yet to come! Ki-alla giggles as she slowly walks away. SHEENA (confused): What in the bloomin' world does she mean by that? At another table sits Calypso, Dot, Numbia, Poncho, Alexander and Rasputin. CALYPSO (holding a fried chicken leg): Isn't the chicken a wonderful ting? Not only is the meat tasty, but the bone be even better! It be the perfect treat for us dogs! PONCHO (holds up a chicken leg): Si, Calypso! You are SO right! NUMBIA (holds up a hot dog): I'm rather partial to hot dogs myself! Commander, would you please pass the mustard? ALEXANDER (passes it to Numbia): Here you are, Cadet! This place sure brings back memories to when back when I was a wee lad. DOT (reaching for a napkin): Why don't you tell us about it, sir? ALEXANDER (smiling): Since you asked me so politely, Dot, I'll tell you! I can remember when my master would take me and his family out in the Scottish hills on picnics! Yes, it always gave me such a thrill when a hot dog would fall off the table and I would run and grab it in me wee mouth! Ah! there's nothing in the world like the taste of fallen food! PONCHO (excited): Si, Alexander! And if you think that's good, try a dust covered burrito like I used to eat! Now that's living! NUMBIA (sadly): When food would fall to the ground in the desert, it'd get all coated in sand! YUCK! CALYPSO (laughs): Now that be a real sandwich, yes? Hey, Rasputin! Why you be so jumpy? Rasputin looks nervous, he turns his head to the left, then suddenly to the right, then takes a bite of his salad. He continues this 'routine' unaware that now everyone at the table is staring at him. CALYPSO (shouts): RASPUTIN!!! Rasputin is so startled he drops his fork and ducks under the table. Slowly, he returns to his seat. looking very embarrassed. ALEXANDER (sternly): Ensign Rasputin, what on earth is the matter with you? RASPUTIN (softly): I'm waiting for it..... watch, it'll happen soon... NUMBIA (confused): What will happen soon? RASPUTIN (hushed tone): Daisy and Orchid will see me and run over here to sit with me! After what happened at the dance last night, I don't know what to expect from those two anymore! CALYPSO (beaming smile): Young love! It's a wonderful ting! RASPUTIN (turns to Calypso): It's not wonderful for me, ma'am. Both Orchid and Daisy are in love in me! I can't keep putting them off, I know I must choose one of them.... ALEXANDER: Ensign, you're putting too much pressure on yourself. Maybe this will work out all by itself (he points) See, look over there! Daisy and Orchid are sitting together, and even having pleasant conversation! RASPUTIN (shocked): Really? (he turns and sees them) WOW! You're right, Commander! They actually seem to be getting along together! The scene shifts to another table, the one where Daisy and Orchid are sitting. DAISY (happy): Ok then, it's settled, right? ORCHID (smiling): Yes, we are in complete agreement! DAISY (passes Orchid a dinner roll): Good! Rassy is off limits under after the wedding... ORCHID (reaches for the butter): After we have our ..... Orchid stops in mid-sentence as she sees Persia walking towards her out of the corner of her eye. PERSIA (puts her hands on Daisy and Orchid's shoulders): I am very proud of both of you! You're actually getting along together! DAISY (smiling): Yes, ma'am! This is a special day for all of us! ORCHID (smiling): I concur! We won't ruin the wedding or disrupt everyone's shore leave! PERSIA (smiles): I'm so glad to hear you two say that! Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to inspect the wedding area! As Persia, Grunt and Ki-alla walk away, Daisy and Orchid turn to each other and growl slightly. Hours later, after the picnic, the Space Rovers and their Willian hosts prepare for the big social event of the day: The Double Wedding! The scene shifts to the bride's ready room, where Deborah and Saundra stare into a wall mirror and fuss over their wedding gowns. The bridemaids are also preparing for the ceremony. Dot, Orchid, Sheena and Molly are all dressed in flowing light red gowns. DOT (putting on makeup): I've never been a bridesmaid before, I hope this long gown doesn't trip me! ORCHID (smiles as she looks at herself): You'll do fine, Dot. Don't worry about it. SHEENA (looks at Molly): Molly, you've done this before, any advice for us rookies? MOLLY (sighs): Da, stop worrying so much! We are only part of the ceremony, our two brides have the toughest jobs of all! DEBORAH (shakes nervously): Thanks for the encouragement, Molly! At least you've already been through this once, Saundra! SAUNDRA (faint grin): And history is repeating itself! I think I'm going to hurl! SHEENA (panics): And me without my medical kit! The scene shifts to the bridegroom's ready room, where Boomer paces back and forth as Hans sits quietly in a chair. Alexander, Whitey, Bob and Derby are all dressed in matching tuxedos. BOB (looks at himself in the mirror): I've been a Dino-Sapien for a long time now, but I still find wearing fancy clothes a bit uncomfortable. WHITEY (turns to Bob): Lt Bob, you are Hans' best man in this wedding ceremony, you are attired properly for the task. DERBY (laughing): Blimey, would you rather go out there bloomin' naked? WHITEY (sternly): That would be a very undesirable situation. ALEXANDER (tying his bowtie): Now, simmer down, gentlemen. I've seen many of these weddings before.... BOOMER (interrupts): And that's why I chose you to be my best man, you have a lot of experience! ALEXANDER (grins): Aye, laddie, that I do! HANS (standing up): Have you had any experience at a groom, Commander? ALEXANDER (fumbles with bowtie): No, Hans, I've never been married before. DERBY (smiles): Any prospects, old man? ALEXANDER (grabs Derby by the collar): Let's get one thing straight, Cadet, only the Captain may call me 'old man,' understand? DERBY (swallows hard): I apologize, sir! BOOMER (raises eyebrow): Well, Alex? ALEXANDER (ties bowtie): Well what, Boomer? BOOMER (sighs): Are you seeing anyone now? ALEXANDER (low growl): That be none of your business! DERBY (shakes head): Too bad, I hear that Calypso is sweet on you! ALEXANDER (angry): I do not take kindly to gossip and rumors, Cadet! HANS (points at Boomer): Look at Boomer, guys! Boomer is so nervous that he continues to pace back and forth. Without realizing it, he is pacing at super speed, leaving a trail of smoke and fire in his path. ALEXANDER (shouts): Commander Boomer! Attention! Boomer instantly stops as Derby quickly grabs a fire extinguisher and puts out the flames. ALEXANDER (shakes his head): Mister, we better get you married, before you start a forest fire! The scene switches to the large outdoor amphitheater, one hour later. The wedding march begins to play, and the bridemaids are all escorted by the bridegroom's friends and best men. This was quickly followed by Yuri as the ringbearer and Josephine as the flower girl. Then, slowly, the two brides walk down the runway, each wearing their veils and carrying bouquets in their hands. Saundra stands next to Boomer and Deborah stands next to Hans as Persia, wearing her official Captain's dress uniform, stands at the pulpit to begin the ceremony. PERSIA (loudly): Ladies, gentlemen, honored guests. Since the days of the old sailing ships on earth, one special priviledge that all Captains have had is the ability to bring two people together in the bonds of holy matromony. This day, we are doubly blessed to see Saundra and Boomer, as well as Hans and Deborah, standing before us to take their wedding vows. If anyone can show just case that ..... KI-ALLA (stands up, waving her hands in the air): Captain, please pause your ceremony! PERSIA (shocked): Ki-alla, why do you want us to stop the .... KI-ALLA (points right): Because of THEM!!!! The entire audience turns to see, and gasps loudly. PERSIA (stuttering) But...... how......... ----------------------------------------------------------- to be continued