Tales from Nike+

This will be a collection point of the Tales from Nike+ as posted to the Nike+ forums.

Season 1
Episode 1. Pilot – by PMag
Episode 2. Last Man in Manhattan? – by 1Miletogo
Episode 3. A New Hope – by MAT2006
Episode 4. The Prisoner – by PMag
Episode 5. The diversion – by 1Miletogo
Episode 6. The “Other” Manhattan – by abelisle
Episode 7. Britain, ‘O Britain – by Apocalyptica
Episode 8. Escape from LA – by allnighter
Episode 9. It is neither a bird nor a plane, but… - by Iconoclast
Episode 10: Transatlantic bio-terror breakthrough – by Ange+
Episode 11: The Calm Before… - by PMag
Episode 12: Elsewhere… - by Apocalyptica
Episode 13: The Dawn – by allnighter
Episode 14: Raptor attack – by reach
Episode 15: The Storm – by PMag
Episode 16: The Illuminati – by PMag
Episode 17: What you don’t know can hurt you – by abelisle
Episode 18: Divided – by PMag
Episode 19: It’s not what you know…it’s who you know – by mawz76
Episode 20: Things Fall Apart - by PMag
Episode 21: And Pieces Fragment - by Apocalyptica
Episode 22: The Rumble in the Desert - by Ange+
Episode 23: The Last of the Rosicrucians - by PMag

Promotional Stills from Season 1:

UFO Over mountain:

Alex in Tunnel 108:

rlerdorf working on the solution:

The Resistance getting pumped up:

The Runnerbowl doing drills in the desert:

NIKEKOREA in hot pursuit of JenW:

Exposion in the desert:

Season 1 Deleted Scenes

In episode 15 MUN received the weapon from Texasbuckeye.  Originally MUN was to receive the weapon from Will, but do to scheduling, this scene had to be changed.  The scene between MUN and Tex was a great scene and worked very well with the story. Here is the image from the deleted scene:

Episode 1 - Pilot

Starring - abelisle
Featuring the audiobooks of Dipak Chopra
Written by PMag
Original Air Date: 12/15/07

Abelisle is running down a street in the Bronx, New York headed for the trailhead to his favorite running route. On his iPod he is listening to his favorite running playlist which he self-entitled “Running and spoken words of Dipak Chopra: How to run in a blanket of mental ecstasy.” He hits the trail and begins a five-mile loop, his steps falling into rhythm with his breathing, his brow beginning to moisten with his own perspiration. It’s a good run and he knows it. He picks up the pace as the elevation of the trail begins to climb. Years of running and training contributing to the ease with which he bests the trail. He sprints to the top where he can get a beautiful, scenic view of New York City at mid-morning. As he runs the daylight begins to break through the cover of the trees, baptizing him in its warm light. He stretches out his arms to accept the rays, bathing in its brightness.

At the top of the trail he stops. He pants from the effort and wipes sweat from his face with a small, white towel monogrammed with the word “abelisle”. The view is fantastic. He leans against a tree and removes his digital camera from the extra pouch in his fuel belt. He begins snapping some gorgeous photos of the city from his perch at the top of the trail.

Then, through the lens of his camera, he sees something horrifying in the distance, something that makes his knees weaken and his rosebud pucker! A mushroom cloud of destruction rises from the middle of Manhattan, followed by another one even further away! Thoughts of holy war land heavy in his mind, but then, just as he says, “No, oh…oh no…”, the sky parts and a small alien spacecraft flies with ungodly speed though the air a mere three hundred yards from where he stands. It screams as it cuts the air and heads towards Manhattan…

Episode 2 - Last Man in Manhattan?

Locations - Hills above the city, City, coffeehouse
Starring - abelisle, the mysterious man, little green man, & Tony Bennett
Written by 1Miletogo
Original Airdate: 12/15/07

Terrified for the city he loves abelisle runs at top speed down the hill to find help wherever it may be. He hits his power song and new found energy flows through his body as the sounds of Tony Bennett jolts his senses and the task at hand seems even more dire. As his footfalls echo on the empty streets, it seems that someone may have beat him to warning the people of the city. Even so, he yells at the top of his lungs, “the Aliens are coming… The Aliens are coming”.

He stops panting at the sight of one lone man. Trying to catch his breathe, he asks the guy in front of him… “Hey… where… is everyone? The guy turns and says “WOAH man, you like need to shower or something, did you just run a marathon or something?” Alex gets a little upset at this and says. “I will have you know my good man, that the marathon is not something to be taken lightly, now did you not see the space ship fly through the city and did you not see a huge cloud of destruction within the city, maybe 127 blocks from where we stand? And did you not witness the spectacle of a motorized highly technical and futurized ship carrying occupants toward the city?”

“Oh the little green men, they wanted to know where the nearest starbucks was, he seemed a little rude, so I sent him to the farthest one, that little prat didn’t seem to like the answer and speed off in the wrong direction saying something like, I will show them for messing with our secret formula or something like that”

Alex feared that he was getting nowhere with this line of questioning and decided to run toward the destruction to see what else he could do to help. He stooped and tied his shoes in a double knot, he knew that he was in for a very long run and the safety of all mankind could be on his shoulders. As he stood up the man was nowhere to be seen, had he even been there. Was all of this his imagination, no it couldn’t be. He felt like he would soon be embarking on the greatest run that he had ever known, that he alone would answer all of the questions of the universe. He knew that somewhere in the city, somebody would soon be saying - oh Alex you are my hero. With a very large smile, he started to run down the deserted street.

The buildings whirred past as he sped on, he could smell fresh brewed coffee and donuts, his stomach growled in protest. Hey he thought, what is one donut and a cup of coffee, a small price to pay for the hero of the city.

Alex stopped at the coffee shop, but to his horror, the store had been gutted and all of the donuts were gone and the coffee was cold. This is unacceptable, totally unacceptable, where is everyone, this is getting very old very fast. I demand some warm donuts and hot coffee. Then he heard something that made him shutter and his blood to freeze in his veins. He turned around slowly and let loose a blood curdling scream. “OH NO IT CAN’T BE….”

Episode 3 (the mini-sode) - ….A New Hope

Locations - Coffeehouse, Central Park
Starring - abelisle, the young apprentice, mysterious new hero wearing hatphones
Written by MAT2006
Original Airdate: 12/15/07

“I thought you might need a hand, so I pedaled up from Georgia,” said allnighter, standing astride his shiny new road bike. “I would have been here sooner, but I thought it might be phunn to stop off in DC and run the Marine Corps Marathon. I found out the rest of those slowpokes won’t show up till next October, so here I am.’

Alex paused to consider his options. He could use some extra manpower, but could he spare the time and effort that would be needed to advise and mentor this young apprentice? As he pondered, allnighter proved he was ready for action. “First, let’s see who can do more pushups in two minutes, then it’s off to find those little green men!” Alex sighed with a new realization that this was going to be a very long day.

The pair set off into Central Park, heading toward Times Square on the theory that everyone (even evil space aliens) passes through Times Square eventually – Alex perched on the handlebars till they realized they’d be more efficient on foot and stashed the bike under a pile of leaves. As they neared the southern edge of the park, before their eyes appeared the bright red “1 Mile to Go” sign that had apparently been forgotten and left in place after the NYC marathon. While Alex explained that it was most unusual for the NY Road Runners and the City of NY to be so careless, allnighter wondered aloud, “What would 1Miletogo do at a time like this?” And right on cue, 1Miletogo rounded the corner, calling “This way guys – I just saw them, and you won’t believe who they’ve captured!”

Episode 4 - The Prisoner

Starring - abelsile, allnighter, 1Miletogo, and the W’s
Written by PMag
Original Airdate: 12/15/07

JenW watched the horror on television as the wave of annihilation spread from Washington DC to New York. Other major cities around the world were also being overrun by the alien invaders. Houston. New Jersey. Los Angeles. Paris. London. Berlin. Tokyo. The invaders had not made contact, there were no demands for surrender, no reason for the invasion. Instinctively, Jen laced up her sneakers and plopped the kids into the jog stroller. If necessary she would run the kids out of any major metro areas towards safety!

As she watched a report of the New York attack her husband, Tee, burst into the living room carrying a crate of survival equipment. Gas masks, firearms, bulletproof vests. “I knew all this gear from work would come in handy,” he said happily, tossing Jen a child size bulletproof vest, “here…see if these will fit the kids! We’re out of here!”

“And just where,” Jen said, her hands on her hips, “do you think we’re going?”

“To Mexico, babe! I’ve been watching the news and listening to the radio and so far there are no reports of any attacks in Mexico. Make sure you pack up some energy gels…and those tins of butter cookies that I like to eat after dinner. Those’re good. And some Glide. Can’t forget the Glide. And my Under Armour compression shorts, too!”

After thirty minutes of packing and stretching, the W’s set off down the road towards Mexico, Tee pushing the jog stroller packed with the kids and supplies, Jen at his side recalibrating in midstride. “We should be there in two days,” Tee said.

Meanwhile, back in New York 1Miletogo led Alex and allnighter through Central Park to the area where the alien invaders were keeping their prisoners. 1Mile stopped and hid behind a tree, signaling the other two to hide. “It’s just beyond that fountain,” 1Mile said, “You can see it from here.” Alex peeked his head up and saw for himself. There, surrounded by armed alien guards, was the gangly frame of MadeUpName, his expression more one of annoyance than fear.

“I say,” MUN said, “I really find this all inconvenient! I’m just visiting this town, you extraterrestrial yobs! ’twas on my way to fetch a morning scone and some Marmite and you lot have to go and ruin it all. Quite vexing, if I say so meself!”

Episode 5 - The diversion

Starring - abelisle, allnighter, 1Mile, MUN, The W’s, 2 prisoners
Locations - Central park, Road to Mexico, The sewers
Written by 1Miletogo
Original Airdate: 12/16/07

Alex was pacing behind the bushes. OK, we will need a diversion - allnighter go eradicate your bike and ride the gales through central park. If my calculations are correct the assemblage will give chase. Then 1Mile and myself will liberate the prisoners. Allnighter disappeared and soon returned in a flash. Oh, this will be phuni watching all those jabber jaws try and catch me. It will be like taking candy from a baby.

Allnighter jumped on the bike and sped into the park, the last rays of sunlight glinted off the finely polished frame and a beacon of light glared into the group of aliens standing guard. They screamed something in a tongue that no one knew sounded like “ZZAAC AACK WACK KANACK” and they soon gave chase after the blur known as allnighter. One guard stayed back to keep watch. MUN looked up and said “Yo, you little prat, what is up with your keeping me prisoner?”

Well, it is now or never lets blitz the little devil, turn on this headlamp and we will blind him with it, they seem to not like bright lights. The last rays of the sun escaped over the hill and the park was suddenly blanketed in darkness. NOW shouted Alex, 1Mile and Alex led the charge with headlamps at full power. The little green guard shrieked at the sight of 2 bright lights shining at him and coming fast, it sort of looked like a large creature with shining eyes. He picked up his ray gun and started firing, but couldn’t see what he was doing…. It was over in seconds, the park had smoldering trees and burnt park benches. On the ground lay the unconscious form of the green man. Quick lets tie him up.

1Mile started to untie MUN, “It is about bloody time that you two get here, they have already taken most of the prisoners to the main holding pen on their ship” Did you stop for tea or something? Soon the 3 prisoners were untied. It was hard to believe that this was all that was left. The other 2 prisoners were non-other than the mayor of Nike+ Metropolis LeoRNR and the leader of the resistance PMag. They both looked worse for the wear, but were now in good spirits at being released.

LeoRNR hobbled over and said in a quiet voice “We need to get out of here, it won’t be long before the guards come back from all of this ruckus” Alex looked relieved to see that Leo was OK, I will show you the way, we will go through the sewer system.” PMag’s jaw dropped, I’m not going in that stink hole, I am wearing a new pair of shoes and I don’t want them mucked up” MUN looked a little agitated, OK, your alternative is to stay here and get fricasseed” at that, a loud commotion could be heard down the path. “They are returning, we need to get going” 1Mile stated, “what about allnighter? He will be fine moaned Alex, he is probably half way to Mexico by now.

The 5 entered the sewer system and followed Alex, who seemed to know his way better underground then above ground. “We need to find tunnel 108 it will lead us to my secret cache of weapons and supplies” Everyone looked at Alex in suprise, he did know the underground very well.

MEANWHILE somewhere on the road to Mexico…

“ow ow, I forgot the band aides” Tee exclaimed. Jen looked at him in the most tender way - and shouted “get over it, we need to get to Mexico” wait, do you hear that, what is that whirring noise? It sounds like a jet, quick lets hide behind this billboard. But before they could get off the road, up pulled allnighter, “Hey it’s the Wubs, phunni seeing you peeps here, did you say you needed some aides? You are in luck, I happen to have some with me here”

Then there was a loud sonic boom, “quick lets hide.” The W’s and allnighter hid behind the billboard just as an alien vessel zoomed by overhead. It flew past at blurring speed. How did they find us questioned allnighter… Tee was marveling at the tricked out bike and found the answer. They bugged your bike dude, we need to get as far away as we can from it. Quick get in the jog stroller, there is room. So, the W’s and allnighter sped down the street at top speed to outrun the alien technology.

Underneath the second jog stroller, unseen by the occupants was the slight red beeping of a second tracking device….

Episode 6 - The “Other” Manhattan

Starring - abelisle, PMag, Leo, MUN, 1Mile
Locations - Deep within Manhattan’s bedrock
Written by abelisle
Original Airdate: 12/16/07

“Look at the way they’re looking at me. What do I tell them?” The truth would simply be unbelievable so maybe a very good lie was in the making. That reputation I took so long to build was going to surely take a beating after I showed them what I knew and what I had in my possession. For years, that academic cover provided by the “Company” satisfactorily assuaged the concerns of my students and my peers when I had many absences from work. I had been involved in one of the biggest cover-ups this country ever attempted. I say attempted because it was all going to get blown up now.

The government hired me early in my career after reading my thought papers on the connections with X-file work and apocalyptic eschatology. For me they were abstract diversions used to enhance my theological studies. For the government (with the special knowledge they were trying to keep secret for years) my work was way too close to the truth. But thank goodness, it wasn’t going to be another “Three Days of the Condor”. My work was done as an independent contractor, sent to my home and using my knowledge of Russian and Biblical (koine) Greek, I was able to decipher the strange plans of these very same aliens that were on our tails.

They wouldn’t believe this so I quickly concocted a story centering around conspiracy theory and my secret penchant for weapons. As a native New Yorker, I always wondered from the time I was a kid why Park Avenue had that long stretch of median that seemed to cover a subway line. But there was more than a subway line down there and all these rich people didn’t even know that their salvation was nigh.

Tunnel 108 was conveniently 2 blocks north of Central park’s most northern boundary, so we had a lot of underground traveling to reach my arms cache at 86th St. and Park Ave. As a licensed arms dealer (which wasn’t that hard to get back in the day) I had been stockpiling weapons for over 20 years. And my government connections gave me access to military issue weapons. If there was going to be a massive right wing overthrow of our government , I was going to be ready. Well, that was the substance of the story I decided to tell my 4 companions.

But now there were real aliens out there. Aliens I knew about but couldn’t predict when they planned to visit our world. The time was seriously out of joint, as my friend Hamlet would have said, I’m sure. Now I had to deal with 4 friends who were clueless, now only about this subterranean world I was leading them through but also about the reality of other worlds, some of whom were not very friendly. And the fastest of the bunch, MUN was giving me the most problems. He simply refused to believe the reality around him in which he was deeply entrenched. “Do you know what the f — you’re doing and where ‘re going down here?, I can’t see my own arse!”

PMag was no better, with his concern for his new shoes and in combination with his brooding personality I wanted to kick his arse all the way to 86th St. Thank goodness, the 2 big guys were with me, 1Mile and Leo. They didn’t have the special martial arts skills I developed over the years, but big was better than small when confronting anybody or anything. It was nearly exactly 2 miles to go to my cache. When we got there, how was I going to explain not only all the laser-guided weapons but the laser rifles which were still designated as Top Secret?

After 1 hour of trudging through sludge, we finally get there - an open chamber off to the side of the sewer tunnel and lo and behold who do I see sitting there with a look of “What took you guys so long?” look but RicC ! ! I should’ve known it. His Scotland Yard work was just a cover for M.I. 5+, the British counterpart of the “Company” who had hired me. Would he keep the secret or play along with my conspiracy theory story?

Episode 7 - Britain, ‘O Britain

Starring: Pat_UK
Locations: Wokingham, UK and Alford, UK
Written by Apocalyptica
Original Airdate: 12/16/07

“In other news, downtown New York City is reporting that aliens have been sighted there and that the whole populace of New York City has indeed gone missing. Paranormal Investigators are suggesting that the populace may have been enticed into going aboard their alien vessels by hypnosis.” said the United Kingdom news reporter.
“Ello, what’s all this about?” said Pat_UK in reply. He scratched his growing stubble thoughtfully and absorbed the situation going on in the world. Pat stood up and checked the phone to call his wife. There was no tone. He followed the power cord to the electric outlet and found it to be plugged in. As he glanced into the living room he saw that the television was completely dead. “What is going on Pat?” he said to himself under his breath. He went to the kitchen counter and took out a sheet of paper and began to write:

Dear Mrs. UK,
I will be back in a timely manner. The world is under attack by aliens and I am running to Alford to meet Brown. It’s 212 kilometers away, so I should be back before dinner.
Love you honey,
Pat

He stood up and walked to his room where he kept his running shoes. He laced his shoes, dressed warmly for the cold temperatures, and headed out the door towards Alford, United Kingdom.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

He arrived several hours later, panting heavily with sweat pouring down his brow despite the cold temperature. He pounded on the door of RABrown. He stood patiently, awaiting a reply but there was none. Out of curiosity and desperation he leaped over the garden fence so he could glance in through the dining room window. The sight he saw shocked him. Tables were overturned, chairs lying in pieces, and walls partially destroyed. Pat leaped back over the fence, careful to be very quite. He breathed in deep and silently twisted the doorknob.
There lying on the kitchen floor was one of the aliens. This alien, he found, would be about his height if fully standing. Its skin was a light shade of grey and covered in hieroglyphic like shapes. Most likely the lines on that devil are rudimentary face paintings or ceremonial marks, Pat thought. He examined the alien’s body closer and found to his surprise that the alien had “gills” where he assumed it would take in its needed gas on the side of its odd face, if that is what it could be called. The face structure itself was far from the normal human shape as we know it. The placement of its nose was protruding from the face. In fact, as he now realized it was quite dog like without all of the hair.
As he continued to examine the alien’s grotesque body, a sound came from Brown’s bedroom. Pat slowly stood up and with a shaking hand, reached for a nearby cooking knife lying in the sink. He squatted down on the balls of his feet behind the counter trying to be as silent as possible. The house was eerily quiet. As he sat there in silence he caught the sound of sniffing and low breathing. Pat swallowed hard. He was facing the fight or flight choice. Before he could make his decision it was made for him. . . .

To be continued.

Episode 8 - Escape From LA

Starring - The Dubs, allnighter
Locations - Western US
Written by allnighter
Original Airdate: 12/16/07

“We better pick up the pace a little!”, ordered allnighter as the Dubs trotted down the deserted highway westbound somewhere in Arizona. “Do you even know where we are?!”, nagged Jen earnestly in Tee’s direction. “I knew we should have gotten a map when we stopped for GU and water in Flagstaff!!”, she quipped. “We have a limited supply of resources, the world as we know it is coming to an end. We have no idea how long we will be able to survive out here so we need to be smart about it”, explained Tee. “Still don’t get why we couldn’t just get a map”, she grumbled under her breath.

After hearing this exchange, allnighter remembered one of the features that drew him to his most recent purchase, the Charmin Outrunner 409. It had the ability to track anything that moved, as long as you could get within 2 miles of it and have line-of-sight to paint it with a laser designator. Having been an observer on more than one combat tour, he felt comfortable in his proficiency with long range lasers even though he had never used this particular one. Or even read the manual for that matter!

After informing the Dubs that he now had a vague plan for thwarting at least part of the alien invasion, the 3 decided it was indeed a virtuous venture and set a course for Los Angeles, the direction the craft they has seen earlier had been traveling. Just then, Jen says she hears something. “Quick, behind this billboard! I hear another craft!”, she yells. Tee and allnighter look at each other and they both know what the other is thinking. There ain’t no damn way those outer space rednecks found us again out here in the middle Bumslap, Arizona!! There MUST be another tracking device! They both set to work frantically searching for the infernal piece of technology, finally finding it attached to the front axle of the jog stroller. Tee rips it off and sprints 300 meters to a cliff and throws it off.

He trots back, barely panting, as if he had run to the fridge and back. “You two ready to kick this plan into high gear?!”, he asked of his traveling mates. After a couple of eager head nods and a, “Save The World Like You MEAN It!!”, from allnighter, the three hit the road at breakneck speed headed west.

They were only 62 miles from LA when allnighter spots the perfect opportunity to employ his countermeasure. As they crested a hill, an alien craft was laying in the valley just within sight. “What do you figure the range is boss?”, he asked of Tee. “I figure it to be right at 2 miles, you think that thing can range it?”. “Only one way to find out!”, allnighter shot back. He quickly thumbed through the menus so as not to miss his shot, found what he needed and took aim. “Make it count SGT! You’re only gonna get one crack at this!”, the more experienced man barked. “I’ve got it right where I need it. Don’t worry about a thing”, the young blood calmly informed. With his hand steadied on a rock, allnighter employed the laser!! An invisible stream made it 2 miles to the target in less than 1/100 of a second. He got a tone lock, telling him the target had been identified and confirmed. “Roger! Mission accomplished!”, he said without looking back.

“Tee! Come up here and give me a hand getting into this overturned delivery truck!!”, he shouted, “There might be supplies inside!”. After hearing no reply and not seeing his friend appear for several seconds, he began to worry a little. These were, after all, sketchy times at best.

He looked down the hill…and was horrified at the sight before him!!!

Episode 9 - It is neither a bird, nor a plane, but….

Written by Iconoclast
Original Airdate: 12/16/07

It was Will Smith!! Apparently, he is not Legend. The sky normally, filled with squawking birds and little puffy clouds was speckled with whirring machinations of alien design hovering menacingly above, erstwhile the unwelcome invaders pursued the weary band of runners. ( I cannot recall who composes the group exactly, but I was safely at home watching the whole thing since we have the CBC in Canada ). I wanna say the ships were round but a more accurate description would be that they were dodecahedronal and traveling at a rather slow pace since they could not overcome the Nike+ runners. One of nefarious invaders fired a beam of light with a loud ” bang! bang! ” and then hit…..

Episode 10 - Transatlantic bio-terror breakthough

Starring: Pat_UK, Rlerdorf
Written by Ange+
Original Airdate: 12/16/07

The scene cuts back to the UK…

“Noooo…” screams Pat_UK as he now finds himself face to face with the horrific creature that put a tragic end to the highly decorated and promising running career of the great RABrown.

With un-characteristic heroism, and un-bridled fury, Pat slashes the kitchen knife into the throat of the alien, who collapses immediately into a pool of its own green slime that now oozes out all over the Brown bedroom. Still high on his own adrenaline, Pat gathers up samples of the green goo and sets off quickly to London, where Rlerdorf, who has been mysteriously circumnavigating the globe has set up a temporary lab.

Halfway there, running in the pouring rain, Pat stops short. “Bloody Hell! I forgot my sensor!” “And I really needed those miles to beat Kitty!” In his second act of heroism, he conceded the miles and met up with Rlerdorf at his secret location in the London underground.

In less time then it would take allnighter to score a fastest mile PR, Rlerdorf had taken the slime samples that Pat ran across the UK countryside, genetically profiled its DNA and manufactured an anti-mutation biological weapon of mass destruction to help control the massive genocide now taking place on both sides of the pond.

He neatly writes the code for the weapon and from his web portal at slowgeek.com he encrypts it and sends it to undercover agent RicC who is now accompanied by his motley crew, and stockpiled with weapons of all kinds in the sewer underneath the city never sleeps.

“Okay fellas”, RicC commands. “Let’s get out there and show them who runs this town!”

Episode 11 - The Calm Before…

Starring: Abelisle, PMag, 1Miletogo, LeoRNR, MUN, RicC, Monk_monkey, texasbuckeye, Apocalyptica, JenW, TeeW, allnighter, Will Smith, and The Resistance
Written by PMag
Original Airdate: 12/17/07

“It would be folly to engage the enemy with such small numbers,” PMag said, “I know of a small army of Resistance fighters who would join us in our assault. We may be headed towards our doom in the process, but our own lives would be a small price to pay to rid this planet of this alien vermin!” After a few minutes of debate, the New York Six agreed to enlist the aid of The Resistance. They grabbed as much heavy weaponry as possible and headed through the sewer sludge towards The Resistance’s headquarters.

At the end of the line, Leo and 1Mile conferred quietly between themselves. “I know of this so-called Resistance,” Leo said, “They’re a crude, anarchist bunch! During my Mayoral campaign they engaged in dirty smear tactics and other unsavory techniques. Once this quarrel with the aliens is over I will use this opportunity to rid New York of The Resistance once and for all.”

“I agree,” 1Mile said, “their arrogance and refusal to compromise with elected authority will be their downfall. Once the deathblow has been delivered to the aliens, look for me and together we shall strike the killing-stroke to the head of their forces!”

“PMag?” Leo asked, his hands wringing, an evil smile on his face.

“Yes,” 1Mile replied, “PMag…”

*****

JenW slapped Tee in the face for a third time and then gripped his throat with her hands! “Are you frakking kidding me?” she asked, “You want to leave me and run off with Will frickin’ Smith!?” She shoved her husband down to the ground and kicked him in the special male area.

“Whoa,” allnighter said, holding Jen back from inflicting more harm on Tee’s baby-making equipment, “not so phast! It’s been like a totally long and tough day for all of us! I think Tee just needs some tyme to get his head on straight, maybe get some electrolyte-enhanced fluid into his system.”

Will shrugged his shoulders and said, “I don’t know what y’all are all jabberin’ about but I’ma get outta here.” He looked Jen in the eye and said, “You better get your man to tune into the right frequency, lady. I know this is some end-of-the-world type stuff that’s goin’ on, but the last thing I need is for some skinny dude to be tailgatin’ me back to Hollywood.”

Jen rolled her eyes, “He’s not skinny…he’s ripped.”

“Yeah,” allnighter said, “check out his tri’s. They’re like totally the size of softballs!”

“Whatever,” Will said, “I got to get back. Peace.” And with that he turned and sprinted quickly away. His departure left Tee convulsing in a pool of tears and anguish, his body contorted into the fetal position, his feet and upper lip quivering from the agony of being left behind. “Will…,” he sobbed, “Will…Oh…”

Allnighter could do nothing but stand there next to the jog stroller as Jen kicked furiously at the sandy road, plumes of dirt rising into the air as a continuous, unending profanity laced tirade spilled from her tongue!

*****
Back in New York, PMag and crew climbed out of the sewer near Time Square and moved stealthily towards the remains of the W hotel. “The Resistance is in there,” he said, “let’s move.” They carried their gear into the hotel lobby, RicC carefully cradling the anti-mutation biological weapon in both arms. The silence was startling, almost frightening, but as soon as they entered the lobby a stream of laser guided sights bathed them.

“Bloody hell,” MUN said, “I thought you said this Resistance would be amenable to our cause, PMag!”

From behind the concierge’s desk a figure stood holding a fully automatic carbine rifle, its sight aimed right in the middle of PMag’s forehead. “What’s the password,” the figure said.

PMag spoke one word, “Brooding.”

Almost immediately, the laser sights were turned off. Abelisle stood in awe as more and more figures revealed themselves from the shadows, all carrying weapons and dressed in black or camouflage. The figure who stood behind the desk approached PMag, slowly revealed to be the shape of a woman.

“Monk-monkey,” PMag said to her, “meet Abelisle, 1Miletogo, LeoRNR, RicC, and”

“MadeUpName,” MUN said, grabbing Monk’s hand and kissing it, “charmed and most pleased to make your acquaintance. Your dedication to your cause is both remarkable and quite sexy”

“What’s this all about, PMag,” Monk asked hurriedly, “we thought you were dead for sure. And what are you doing with the mayor?”

“Let’s get inside where it’s safe,” PMag said, “There’s a lot you need to hear.”

****

In the bowels of the W hotel, Monk rubber her chin as she considered the task at hand. PMag, abelisle, and the others had delivered what could be the pivotal moment in the continuing existence of the human race: the anti-mutation biological weapon. If used correctly, the alien enemy would be eradicated and mankind freed from the oppressive genocide that had recently been forced upon it. Monk’s lieutenant, texasbuckeye, had already agreed that such an offensive would need to be made sooner rather than later. Monk knew that in all war casualties were inevitable, but the knowledge that most of her forces would be killed in the battle weighed heavy on her. She summoned her science advisor, Apocalyptica, for another opinion.

“I agree,” Apocalyptica said, “the weapon must be used now, before the enemy has the chance to land more forces and create more fortified staging grounds.”

“What of our losses?” Monk asked.

Apocalyptica took off her glasses and pushed her long, flowing Peruvian locks behind her ears. “They,” she said quietly, “will be many.”

“But necessary?”

“Yes,” Apocalyptica answered, “they will be necessary if we are to achieve victory.”

During this exchange, MUN and abelisle watched from a corner of the room as they ate some hastily made liverwurst sandwiches. MUN’s eyes transfixed on the beauty of Apocalyptica. “Simply stunning, no?” he asked abelisle.

“Yes,” Alex replied, “Monk is very fit.”

“Pardon,” MUN said, “I was speaking of the simply ravishing Peruvian astro-physicist that Monk has in her employ. See how the lab coat clings her to her! She how slim and slender is her nape! In these most desperate of times ‘tis nice to know that the beauty of the female species still endures!”

Alex set down his half-sandwich, his jaw agape, the uncertainty of how to respond locking his thoughts, “I…uh…I’m fairly certain that your she is a he.”

“Ho,” MUN said, “Oh..ho..ho…is it quite possible that in the day’s carnage your eyesight has been damaged, Friend!? ‘My she a he’! Ha! I think you need some long overdue rest!”

*****

The decision had been made. Under cover of darkness, The Resistance would face the enemy at the Battle of Central Park. Preparations had been made, ammunition rationed out. Monk_monkey would lead the frontal assault to distract the enemy while texasbuckeye would lead PMag, RicC, and the others in a flank formation to catch the enemy by surprise. Once close enough, RicC would use the weapon and destroy the alien invaders once and for all! The Resistance was ready, their numbers gathered before the battle. Monk_monkey spoke, “Today we will take from the enemy what they have taken from us! Just yesterday, we lived in a different world with different rules. Today, we live in a world where we must fight to survive, where we must hide to sleep, where we must kill to ensure that we will live! This is the world we live in today! But tomorrow, our world will be different yet again! We will start over, start from the beginning, but we will no longer have to fight…or hide…or kill! No. Today is the day for us to kill. Today is the day for us to rewrite our rules! Today we will take from the enemy what they have taken from us! TODAY!”

TO BE CONTINUED…

Episode 12 - Elsewhere. . . .

Starring: Mysterious man, AndreCh, Ange+
Locations: Southern California, off the coast of Mexico, Toronto, Canada
Written by Apocalyptica
Original Airdate: 12/17/07

Night had fallen upon the small Californian forest. The sound of whirring machines and screams of those taken by the alien scourge pierced the silence of the woods. Houses burned, children cried, as the aliens continued in the everlasting march towards complete domination. One witness hid in the bushes; one witness capable of saving the entire race of mankind.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

As the sun set on the Yucatán Peninsula one lone man stood standing on El Precipicio de Belleza, the Cliff of Beauty. The sun, larger then normal, bathed the entire area in a beautiful color. The sunset making the sky looked like a painter’s masterpiece. Thirty meters beneath his bare feet the clear, blue waters crashed against the red rocks; the water slowly wearing away the once popular scenic location. World too was crumbling around him. A few weeks ago life went on as it always had for thousands of years. Now the world was changed forever, never to be the same. Thoughts flooded his mind, of the past and of the future. For him the future was grim indeed.

Out of the corner of his eyes he saw a wave of dust and dirt coming from the north. The man took his eyes off the sunset and turned towards the north. His keen eyes were able to pick out a small dot reflecting the last rays of the sun low on the skyline. Steadily it was growing larger and larger, coming into focus quickly. The man dropped down onto the reddish the dirt and watched the unidentified flying object come nearer. Now he could make out features of the craft. It was discus shaped and seemed to be an off shade of silver. Its chassis sliced through the air hurtling at a tremendous speed. It was only a few kilometers away when an enormous dust cloud completely enveloped him blinding him as the object flew overhead. Once the swirling dust settled, the craft was gone once again.

The man stood up and ran. He ran as fast as he ever had, farther then he ever had. He had to warn the ancient city of Durango, Mexico.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

The moon bathed the icy expanse of Don Valley near Toronto, Canada in an eerie blue light. The Aurora Borealis in the sky above reflected off of the pools of melting snow and ice leaving a deep impression in the heart of the one who witnessed it. Ange+ took her attention off of the vast expanse beneath her and trudged to the bottom of the valley. The world around her was completely silent other then her slow and stifled breathing. No one could hear her down in the valley, no one. She proceeded towards a group of rocks on the western slope and methodically searched the snow covered ground. Beneath the farthest rock was what she was looking for.

It was a small object about the size of her palm. It was rectangular shaped and approximately one centimeter thick. On its front side was a small knob and on its left side, a button. She turned the knob meticulously. She glanced around her then positioned herself behind one of the rocks. Ange+ crouched down sinking to her knees in frigid snow. She scanned the area around her again and pressed the button. She held the object towards her mouth and spoke into the top.

“Commence operation Apocalypse.”

To be continued.

Episode 13 - The Dawn

Starring - abelisle, PMag, Apoca, texas, Ange+, Monk_monkey,
Location – NYC
Written by allnighter
Original Airdate: 12/17/07

“Roger that!”, Monk_monkey barked into her iCom satellite radio. She turned to the group and informed them that the time was upon them. The button had been pressed on this full-scale, multi-front assault, and there was no turning back now. They had to be in it for the long road now, or face being forever labeled cowards for the rest of their days, and from the looks of things, that may not be too many.

As Monk led her rugged band to the north end of Central Park to begin staging for the offensive, similar elements were preparing to engage the intruders in various other metropolitan areas. Ange+, the trigger for the entire operation, stealthily moved back down the mountain from her vantage point and rejoined her rebel band. The scene was dark but one of impending triumph and freedom, as these 2 battle hardened women surveyed their respective troops for the final time before heading into battle. A last minute morale pump speech was inevitable, and almost expected, by all in attendance.

“As we stand here today”, yelled Ange, “We are unified not only by our desire to live, but by our primal need to survive!!!” A deafening roar was raised at the sound of these most auspicious words. “These outsiders must be shown no mercy, as they have clearly shown none for us!! It must be made painfully evident to them that they are not welcome here!!”

Monk’s group, having heard this over the SatCom, were equally riled and all involved steeled their nerve. The sound of all manner of weaponry being loaded, cocked, initialized, and readied for combat. Monk signaled texasbuckeye to begin moving his group to the support postion on the south end of the Brooklyn Bridge. It was a fair piece, but the group of seasoned marathoners handled it in respectable time. There, they awaited their phase of the operation, the ambush! They shared a PowerBar and a bottle of water as they hunkered down to wait their turn at saving the planet.

Monk gathered her platoon just under a manhole on 81st St. “Apoca!”, she whispered loudly, “get your butt up there and see what’s up!” The young Peruvian androgynous man clambered up the slimy ladder with ease and gently lifted the cover. “Looks like there’s 4 of ‘em out there!”, he reported. “Ok!”, said Monk, “When I give the signal, Apoca, you slide that cover off as silently as you possibly can, and texas, get up there and open a can of whoopass with that BioLaser!!” “Roger!”, the young lieutenant shot back.

“Here we go”, Apoca mumbled as he opened the manhole. “As soon as texas hits the first one with the Bio, everyone split up into 4 man fire teams and move south, taking out any targets of opportunity that may arise!” Monk ordered. “The primary targets are those crafts! We need to at least disable them so that we have the beings trapped here on our planet and then we can work on finding a weakness that we can use to our advantage and defeat them!” texas hauled the cumbersome weapon to the top of the ladder and in his head he thought, “Man I sure hope this works! If I don’t make this shot count, they’ll be over here faster than MightyWeezie can eat a gelpack and we’re all screwed!” He slowly emerged and quietly set the weapon on the asphalt. He was sure no enemy personnel saw him in the pre-dawn darkness. He took a second to take in the eerie calmness. A breeze blew some trash about and the front page of a newspaper landed a few feet away. IS THE WORLD ENDING?! the headline read in 4 inch bold print. texas wasn’t sure, but he knew he was gonna do everything in his power to keep that from happening.

“What’s the holdup?!”, whispered Monk, obviously getting anxious. Without further pause, texas leaned down and peered through the infrared sight of the BioLaser. He took aim at one of the crafts, said a quick prayer, and let it rip! ZZZZZZZZZZ BOOOOOOMM!!!!!!! The nearest of the 4 alien vehicles broke the silence of the night with a horrific explosion!!! The massive transporter began falling all around them in twisted, flaming chunks of metal. “NOW!!!”, Monk screamed, and with that the freedom fighters burst out of the manhole like water shooting out of a water bottle squeezed tightly in the muscular hand of abelisle. They split up and took up defensive positions as per the battle plain laid out by Monk and waited to see if the aliens would come looking for them. Several minutes go by, the craft is still smoldering, pieces of metal are clanging as they fall off of the mangled wreckage. Oddly, there is still no sign of any aliens.

“That’s weird”, Monk reported. “I figured it would be all-out carnage by now. They must have all gone somewhere and left the crafts unguarded. I wonder where they are.”

Just then, PMag sees a glint out of the corner of his eye and snaps his head to look down an alley. “Don’t rest yet fellas!!”, he shouted. “The sun is rising, and so are they!!”

Episode 14 - Raptor attack

Starring – TeeW, allnighter, JenW, Guippino, Patcini, LeoRNR, 1Mile, PMag,
Written by reach
Original Airdate: 12/18/07

He coughed and wiped tears from his eyes.
“I’m sorry but I only brought enough masks for Jen, the kids and I.” Tee explained meekly.
“Don’t worry about it, I’ve seen worse than this, I’ve seen far more than you could ever comprehend…” allnighter stood, hands on hips, surveying the burning city all around him. He had seen the extra mask under the jogging stroller and knew that Tee was trying to make sure that he had no hope of competing in WDW. He knew that this was the only was Tee could win. Here he was, putting his butt on the line, and Tee was still thinking about WDW, it was outrageous. But allnighter knew just what to do, he wouldn’t try to even the score physically, oh no, he would do something far more damaging to Tee than that…Jen
He casually ran his hands through his hair and turned to face MrsDubya, “You know Jen, I can run a 5k in under 12 minutes without my Nike+.” He followed this with a flash of his pearly whites and stretched his arms out wide, pretending to yawn. He knew Jen was checking out his rippling muscles under the compression clothes but what she said next almost took his breath away.
“Guippino? Is it really you?”
allnighter span on his heels, furious that he had been interrupted. There before him stood the figure of the mighty Italian, a limp body slung over his shoulder. allnighter remembered reading that the Italian Raptors had been invited to tour the US after creaming all other teams in the Hood To Coast Challenge.
Tee sprinted over and helped Guippino lay the immobile body of Patcini onto the ground. She had a cut on her brow but Tee was relieved to feel a steady pulse on her wrist.
“Why are you here?” Tee asked but the handsome Italian didn’t seem to understand the question. “Guippino…USA…why?:
“To destroy you.” Tee jumped at the voice. It had come from the tiny frame of Patcini. She was sitting up and pointing some kind of black wand in the direction of allnighter and Jen. Tee knew he had to react fast and instinctively dived to his left. Not fast enough. Guippino shot out his hand and grabbed Tee’s ankle, slamming him down to the ground and stamping on his lower back.

allnighter surveyed the scene. Tee was writhing in agony, clutching at his back whilst Guippino stood over him laughing. Patcini still sat down but the black rod was alive with energy, little blue and red sparks fizzing and popping from the tip.
“The Italian Raptors need AndreCh, and you’re going to lead us to him.” Guippino said in perfect English as he and Patcini ripped their masks off and revealed their true selves.
Jen, Tee, allnighter and the children screamed, knowing that humanity was doomed.

Meanwhile, back at the ranch…er, wrong story

Meanwhile, back in NY
If anybody had been looking at LeoRNR they would have witnessed the impossible. For just a brief second his eyes turned black. The pitch black of oblivion. AndreCh would soon be theirs and 1mile was glaring at PMag whilst the rest of this puny human “army” were about to be vaporized on the streets of New York City. The human-race would belong to him by the end of this day. What a glorious victory this would be, even if it meant standing in human waste up to his knees for it. It was worth that small sacrifice.
Only that pesky Canadian still troubled him, but what was one woman. Pah, nothing could stop them now. Nothing.
The first shots rattled the streets of New York City, and the sun climbed ever higher…

To Be Continued……..

Episode 15 - The Storm

Starring: MUN, Monk_monkey, abelisle, Apocalyptica, PMag, 1Miletogo, LeoRNR, texasbuckeye, and RicC
Written by PMag
Original Airdate: 12/25/07

Abelisle awoke as a cloud of dust and tiny debris floated in the air around him. He was on his back on the hard New York concrete. His eyes stung and his throat was filled with the smoke from a nearby explosion. He could hear nothing except the low hum of his own eardrums readjusting. He tried to rise but quickly realized that something heavy was on top of him. Wiping soot from his face he saw the fallen body of RicC lying horizontal atop his body, the blank, lifeless eyes of RicC confirming that he had been felled during the battle. Summoning all of his strength, Alex pushed the body to the side and climbed out from underneath it. Almost immediately, an alien fiend saw this movement and charged him. Still stunned, Alex had no time to react! The alien creature was a mere five meters away, its fangs bared, its claws ready to draw blood. Then, suddenly, a burst of machine gun fire cut the creature in two.

Monk_monkey grabbed abelisle from beneath him arms and pulled him to his feet. “C’mon,” she said sternly, “we need to move!” Still wobbly, Alex followed Monk through a dizzying maze of wrecked vehicles and fallen bodies until they found refuge in the charred chassis of a destroyed armored car.

“What the heck happened?” Alex asked. He felt his own body to see if he had been injured and breathed a sigh of relief when he discovered that he was, for the most part, uninjured aside from a few minor lacerations.

“Their mothership landed in the middle of the park,” Monk said, “we had to retreat, but their ground forces flanked us! We’re trapped in a three block radius and they’re closing in.”

“What about the anti-mutation weapon?”

“It’s with texasbuckeye,” Monk said, “He’s hunkered down in a safe position near 34th Street, but he’s badly wounded.”

“We need to get that weapon,” Alex barked, “it’s the only thing we can use to take out that alien ship.”

****

“I do hope she is okay,” MUN said from his vantage point near the Brooklyn Bridge, “that battle looks like it’s going to rage on for bloody hours and it’d be nice to know that a beauty such as her’s will survive this freakish nightmare.”

“Who are you talking about?” 1Mile asked, “If you’re talking about Monk I’m sure she can handle herself just fine.”

“Has the world gone mad? Did none of you other blokes notice just how fine a female specimen that Apocalyptica is? Stunning. Simply stunning…”

Leo and 1Mile looked at each other in confusion. Surely, the legendary MadeUpName had not confused the adolescent, undeveloped boyish good looks of Apocalyptica for a woman! Just then, as Leo was about to ask for clarification, MUN’s walkie-talkie hissed static as PMag’s voice came in through the speaker. “This is PMag to the Brooklyn Bridge recon unit!”

“Copy, PMag,” MUN said, “Chuffed to hear your voice, mate! How go things in the battle of the apocalypse against our alien visitors?”

“Not good,” PMag said, “we have a situation and we need your help! Texasbuckeye is down near 34th street, but the anti-mutation is safe, as far as we can tell. We need you guys to retrieve it and bring it up here. An alien mothership has landed! We are pinned down and desperate.”

“Bloody hell,” MUN said, “give us his coordinates and we’ll retrieve your weapon.”

“He’s in the Victoria’s Secret on the corner of 34th and Broadway, street level. Get there. We don’t have much time!”

“Will do, PMag,” Mun said, “Oh, and PMag, one other thing…Apocalyptica…how is she?”

There were a few seconds of dead silence before PMag answered, “MUN! We’re dying up here! Please, this is no time for your sardonic Brit-humor…or, sorry…humour! Just get that weapon! PMag out!”

MUN clipped the walkie-talkie back into his waistband and knelt down to double-knot his laces. “I’m sorry, gents,” he said to Leo and 1Mile, “but we all know I’m the fastest one here. I need to go alone. It’ll be quicker that way.”

“Oh, please,” 1Mile said, “I might not be as fast as you, but I can cover that distance! And you need all the help you can get.”

“Not to be short,” MUN said, “but I move faster on my own. Besides,” he pointed to Leo, “someone needs to stay here to ensure that the mayor makes it through this. Should we rid this city of this alien scum we’ll need someone to lead the recovery effort. With that, gents, I am off…”

MUN turned away and sped off into the horizon, his footfalls landing often and effortlessly, his posture straight, a slight wind at his back pushing him towards his destiny.

*****

MUN ran north up Broadway, bursts of alien laser rays exploding at his feet. His immense speed made it impossible for the enemy to get a bead on him, plus his zigzag approach kept him continually unpredictable. Feeding of the adrenaline that was pumping through his veins, MUN found himself able to leap over cars and other wreckage that littered the streets.

He found the Victoria’s Secret on 34th Street, it’s façade blown out, various pieces of women’s undergarments strewn about and clinging to sharp pieces of glass and metal. “I daresay,” MUN muttered as a thong flew into his face, “all this for me…” He carefully stepped into the lingerie shop and called out, “Tex, where are you, mate? I’ve come to liberate you of your bloody anti-mutation weapon!”

A severely wounded Texasbuckeye was lying on a heap of satin robes, several pieces of flimsy delicates pressed against a horrific wound on his abdomen. He was sweating profusely, his breath coming in short gasps, his pallor deathly white. “H-h-here…,” he said weakly, “here…”

MUN’s heart sunk as he saw his fellow running enthusiast in such a desperate, terminal state. He crouched down next to him. “Mate,” MUN said softly, “this is…truly…bollocks…”

Texas tried to steady himself on a forearm, but wavered. MUN grabbed his shoulder to help prop him up. “The weapon is over there,” Texasbuckeye said, “beneath that stack of racerback sport bras. Its payload…is still effective, but…the long-range…capabilities were…damaged. You’ll…get…one shot off…at most…”

MUN grasped the hand of his soon to expire friend, “I’ll make sure it counts.”

Texas’ strength was quickly slipping away. “Whoever…detonates it…will have to…stay…with it, MUN…make sure…they understan…..” His head fell back as his body slumped back onto the robes. MUN shut his friend’s eyes and patted him softly on the chest.

“It’ll count,” MUN said in a whisper, “It’ll bloody count.” He stood and retrieved the weapon from beneath the bras. Using the shoulder strap, he slung it over his shoulder and sprinted out of the store towards Central Park!

*****

“Fall back,” Monk screamed into her radio, “Fall back! All forces fall back. This is a full retreat order!” The alien forces were closing in on the Resistance fighters. PMag and Apocalyptica had joined up with Monk_monkey and Abelisle inside the charred armored car.

“I’m running low on ammo,” Apoc said, his or her high-pitched voice cracking from the fear and desperation.

“Same here,” abelisle said, “once we’re out we’ll have to give the order to engage in hand-to-hand combat.”

“That’ll be the end of us,” Monk said matter of factly as she fired rounds from her rifle.

“Better to go out fighting than to be captured,” PMag said. Just then an alien creature leapt into the armored car. Abelisle tackled it and began pounding it furiously. PMag quickly joined him, his arms wrapped around the creature’s head in an effort to snap its neck!

“Aieeeeeeeee,” Apoc shrieked, “Aieeeeeeeeeeee!”

The creature flexed its torso, sending both PMag and abelisle flying through the car, their bodies crashing against the inside of the roof. The creature lunged at Monk_monkey, it’s sharp teeth ready to rip her to shreds, but as it leapt through the air a sharp pole came crashing through one of the car’s window’s, glass flying through the air as the pole impale the creature’s head. It fell to the floor with a loud thud and skidded towards Monk’s feet. “What the…” Abelisle said.

“G’day,” MUN said as he peered his head in through the window, “I believe you Yanks need some assistance in these wartime affairs.”

“MUN,” abelisle said happily, “get in here!”

MUN stepped inside the bus as PMag and Monk picked up their rifles to continue their suppressing fire. “I have the weapon,” MUN said, “its been reduced to a single payload, but it’ll work. Or at least that’s what that Texas bloke relayed to me before he…expired…”

“Damn,” Monk said, “Tex is dead?”

“Unfortunately, yes,” MUN answered, “though the bad news does not end there. This single payload can only be detonated on site, so whoever uses it is going to have to be there when it goes off.”

“Suicide mission,” Alex said.

“Indeed.”

“I’ll do it,” PMag said, “I’ll go.”

“NO,” Monk said, “my army is decimated, everything I know is destroyed. I’ll do it.”

“Both of you need to forget about that,” Abelisle said, “I’m the oldest one here. No point in you two sacrificing everything. I’ve had a good, full life. I’ll take care of it.”

MUN looked at all three of them, then towards the face of Apocalyptica. Her beauty had never been more vibrant than right now, here in this wrecked armored car, with laser beams and bullets flying past, circles of soot and dried blood around her eyes. MUN swallowed hard and then said, “No offense to any of you, but I’m the only one who can deliver this thing to that ship. We all know it. I’m the fastest one here. You’re all great runners, but you’ll all be cut down in seconds. I’m going.”

There was silence in the car as MUN’s words hit home with PMag, Monk, and abelisle. Finally, Apoc began shaking, a single tear dripping down her face making a clear straight line through the soot. “No…,” she said softly.

MUN looked her straight in the eyes, “I have to.”

“Noooo,” Apoc cried. She flung herself at the British champion, her thin Peruvian arms embracing him in a tight stranglehold of love, a stranglehold that was returned with equal passion. “Please no!!!!”

Finally, Abelisle pulled Apoc away from MUN, Apoc’s hands reaching for MUN. “He’s right,” Alex said, “he’s….right.”

“It’s been an honor,” Monk said.

“The honour has been all mine, mates,” MUN said as he stood and prepared to bolt from the armored car. He grasped the hands of both Alex and PMag as they wished him luck, a final show of male camaraderie between them. Lastly, he looked again at Apoc as she wept. He could think of no words for this moment. He simply stared for a few seconds and leapt from the bus, his feet landing in perfect stride as he sprinted towards the mothership.

Monk spoke into her radio, “This is Monk-monkey. All units take cover. Imminent detonation of the anti-mutation weapon in under two minutes!”

*****

The alien laserbeams fired from all directions at MUN. He dodged them smoothly as he made his way towards his target. The ground had been pockmarked by bursts from rifles and ray guns. MUN needed to be careful where he placed his feet for a wrong step could result in a broken ankle!

Finally, he was within fifty meters. He launched into an impressive finishing kick, his legs become blurs of speed, his arms pumping furiously in the air. The enemy must have sensed him coming because the doors to the ship were quickly closing. “Bollocks,” MUN said! He leapt through the air and barely made it inside the ship as the doors hissed shut! The force of the jump made him roll into a bulkhead. He was momentarily stunned, but quickly slung the anti-mutation weapon over his head and primed it, its red button glowing now! Doors inside the ship opened and about fifty or so alien commandos ran towards him. MUN simply smiled as his finger caressed the detonation button. “Chuffed,” he said as he pressed down.

*****

From inside the armored car, Apoc watched as the alien mothership blew apart from within in a series of massive explosions! Large section of the ship fell from the main hull as crumbled into small fiery pieces as the crashed against the ground. The other alien ships that were flying around began to hover in erratic patterns before they too crashed to the ground. Even more amazing was that the alien infantry that had been engaging the Resistance began to convulse in what appeared to be some sort of serious brain hemorrhages. “It’s over,” Apoc said, “they’re dying!”

“I can’t believe it,” abelisle said, “It’s really true…”

*****

1Mile and Leo watched the explosion from the distance, but their thoughts quickly shifted when Giuppino and Patcini initiated a mind-meld. The time to reveal themselves had come! The alien menace was over, but a new threat was preparing to threaten the existence of humanity…a threat that was more dangerous, more treacherous, and more deceitful than the visitors from space…

TO BE CONTINUED

Episode 16 - The Illuminati

Starring: TeeW, JenW, , Patcini, allnighter, NIKEKOREA, LeoRNR, 1Miletogo, abelisle, Monk_monkey, PMag, and Apocalyptica
Written by PMag
Original Air Date: 12/26/07

The blindfolds were removed from the eyes of TeeW, JenW, and allnighter. They were tied to chairs in what appeared to be the subbasement of some unknown structure. Strangely, their mouths were not covered, which led Jen to surmise that they were far away from any help. Why bother shutting them up if no one was close enough to hear them.

“Well,” allnighter said, “this is like totally not cool.”

“Y’think!” Jen said sarcastically, “They have our kids! We need to get out here, like, ten minutes ago.”

Tee struggled against his binds, testing them to see how firm they were. Unfortunately, the more he struggled the tighter they became. There would be no slipping out of these ropes. Instead, they’d have to think of something else.

The door to the room opened and Patcini walked in, her innocent, gangly frame now more frightening considering the evil that was lurking inside it. “We do not wish to harm you,” she said quietly, “or your children. All we need is the location of AndreCh. If you lead us to him we will let you go.”

“We don’t know any AndreCh,” Jen said sternly, “you have the wrong people. You’ve made some kind of horrible mistake.”

“Yeah,” allnighter contributed, “we’re just like trying to get away from the alien invasion and stuff.”

Patcini chuckled. “Oh dead lord,” she laughed, “that minor annoyance from the aliens is over and done with. Your people have much graver concerns now.”

“Don’t you hurt my kids or I’ll make you wish you were never born,” Tee shouted, his neck veins bulging as he fought against the binds.

“Hahahaha,” Patcini laughed, “your idle threats ring hollow, Tee. Your children are now being held in the care of NIKEKOREA, the most vile, evil entity known to man. Know that NIKEKOREA is legion! Scores of thoughtless automatons held together by a single mind. My mind! All I need to do is wish harm and it will be done!” She spun on her heels and headed for the door, “Take some time to brood on it, dear friends. The life of AndreCh for the life of your children!”

*****
Back in New York, the recovery effort was in full force. The aliens had been soundly defeated by MadeUpName’s ultimate sacrifice and now there was much to rebuild. Abelisle and Apocalyptica led the recovery efforts in the park. What was once an oasis of tranquility in the middle of this bustling metropolis had been severely damaged. New grass needed to be laid, debris carried out, alien bodies burned.

Elsewhere, Monk_monkey and PMag had arranged a meeting with LeoRNR and 1Mileto. In the moments after the victory, The Resistance had offered to assist the Mayor with the rebuilding. This meeting was the first step towards building a lasting peace in this new era of mankind.

“Thank you for joining me,” Leo said, “I know there is much to be done. The efforts of The Resistance have meant much to this city during this time of crisis. And for that the city thanks you both.”

“It’s really no trouble,” Monk_monkey said. “We all love this town and wish to see it back on its feet quickly.”

“Yes,” Leo said, “unfortunately that is where we differ.”

“What are you talking about,” PMag said, “I though we agreed that joining forces during this time would be beneficial for both sides.”

Leo rubbed his chin as 1Mile stood quietly behind him. “We did agree,” Leo said, “but there’s been a new development.”

“What…development?” Monk asked.

“See,” Leo said, “I appreciate what The Resistance stands for. You sacrificed your own to ensure that the alien visitors perished. May texasbuckeye find peace in death. However, being that The Illuminati has never shared power before, we cannot begin now.”

“Illuminati?” PMag asked in disbelief, “The secret society! Surely you jest!”

“I think not, PMag,” Leo said, “and I certainly have not forgotten how your little resistance almost prevented my election into this seat of power. Now, if you’ll excuse me I have to watch you die!” With that, 1Mile stepped out from behind Leo and aimed a pistol at PMag. BANG! The weapon fired and PMag sat stunned as a bullet ripped though his chest, a slowly growing circle of crimson appearing his shirt!

“NO!” Monk_monkey screamed as PMag slid out his chair and collapsed on the floor, “Nooooo!”

TO BE CONTINUED…

Episode 17 - “What you don’t know can hurt you!”

Starring: Tee, JenW, Patcini, that other Italian dude, Leo, 1Mile, PMag, Monk_Monkey, abelisle, allnighter, Apocalyptica, NIKEKOREA, MadeUpName, et al
Written by abelisle
Original airdate: 12/27/07

I felt the pain while I was walking across Sheep Meadows in Central Park. It’s a special kind of pain, a telepathic warning signal that told me that someone close to me was in trouble. The pain was a shortened version of the “rig’ - that pain in the last 100 meters of a 400. I had to leave the Park and I had to leave now!

It was that time long ago when I was just ten years old. My uncle, a strange character, healed me when I had a bad cold. I was lying on his kitchen table and all I remember was the heat emanating from his hand on my chest. Fifteen years later he asked me to join his secret society - the Rosicrucians. Due to his high and elevated status in this society, I was admitted relatively easily. Now I would learn what’s in his books, I said to myself. Years and years of secret studies and hands on parapsychological lessons now came into play.

After arriving at that place I knew not, there was PMag, life draining out of him, colored bright red. I glared at 1Mile and Leo. “What did you do? PMag isn’t our enemy, it’s the Illuminati and that cover for the New World Order = NIKEKOREA”.

“I didn’t know,” said Leo. “I thought . . . . .” I told them to clear out. I closed my eyes, went deep into the recesses of my mind, put my hands on his chest wound and let my life force drain into him. Those Illuminati have nothing on me. I’m a Rosicrucian. We’ve been here since Egyptian times. They only knew the 18th century - they didn’t even know Will or Milton. I knew exactly what had to be done as I felt PMag’s life slowly come back to him.

“Let me explain to you what going on here.” I explained to them why I had taken that anarchist platform when running for mayor. I was trying to make a statement that soon all of us would be on that slippery slope that would lead to a One World government. Even that shadowy US agency which hired me didn’t know about my Rosicrucian background, but I had access to a whole collective of my own now, more powerful than the Illuminati and NIKEKOREA combined. All my mental faculties would now have to be brought to bear.

Leo and 1Mile looked astonished as PMag came back to life and Monk_Monkey kept apologizing to me for beating me in that 400M race years ago. Of course I could have won, but that wouldn’t have been fair. Let’s go and help Tee and Jen , I said. I know where they are, where AndreCh is and most importantly where the kids were. From here on this war would be fought with and in our minds. I had a lot of quick instruction to take care of. Thankfully, all of these people were quite intelligent. Must be all that mental discipline honed by all that distance running?

Patcini and her large contingent of Italian comrades, gleefully happy with their Jesuit/Freemason roots were going to see how they stacked up against eons of esoteric, erudite mystical knowledge. MUN would be my mouthpiece - his sardonic splendor would be put to good use now. We would break the tentacles that were slowly but surely trying to strangle us and our freedom.

“What happened to me?” PMag moaned as he sat up. And in the distance we heard that voice of hope “Don’t ever give up, unless you mean it!” Allnighter was riding a small BMX bike towards us. He jumped off the bike and explained what happened to Tee and Jen. A war of the minds was in gestation. “Yo bro, what happened to you?” he said to PMag. “You look like s____”

I looked at allnighter. There was a mind down under all that bluster. I was determined to harness it for the power of good. At that thought, everyone started to grab their heads as if all of them had a headache? Oh no, the collective mental energies of the NIKEKOREA collective was coming to bear. I had to do something and do it soon. Self-sacrifice was something I wasn’t prepared for.

The future of the world was at stake and it was starting to happen right now.

Episode 18 - Divided

Starring: JenW, TeeW, NIKEKOREA, Patcini, and Giuppino
Written by PMag
Original Airdate: 12/28/07

It had been sixteen hours since Patcini came into the room and took Allnighter. Jen feared the worst, feared that her cocky but talented friend was in a bad state, feared that he was being tortured by these sadistic warlocks and witches. She feared that Allnighter was dead.

Inside the room Tee was in bad shape. The agony of having his two young children ripped from his arms was too much to bear. He had not spoken for hours, had not answered any of Jen’s questions. He sat still, his head down, his eyes fixated at his lap as he clenched his jaw repeatedly.

The ropes bit into her wrists and ankles. She had to get of this room. Somewhere in this god-forsaken compound her kids were being watched by NIKEKOREA, a single-minded group of beginner to intermediate runners who were controlled by Patcini! The thought of this made rage swell inside Jen’s petite frame. Using all the strength left in her body she rose as much as she could and then slammed the chair back against the floor. The shock of this action made Tee snap his head. “Babe,” he finally said, “what are you doing?”

Without answering, Jen repeated this action. Again, And again. And again. The chair continued to slam against the floor, the legs beginning to wobble, small splinters flying in the air. With each slam, the ropes bit further into Jen’s wrists and ankles, blood being drawn and staining the ropes.

“JEN!” Tee pleaded.

Without missing a beat, the fury in Jen came to a boil and she screamed, “Arrrrrrrrrrrgghhhh!” as she slammed down on the chair for a final time. It shattered into fragment of varying size, all four legs splintering, the seat and back cracking into many small parts. Jen fell to the ground with it, her hair flying in the air as she collapsed atop the pile of broken wood.

“Babe,” Tee said, craning his neck to see his wife, “you okay?”

Jen couldn’t believe what she had just done. All 100lbs of her had destroyed a wooden chair. Those extra lunges and squats had paid off after all! She moved around to see what she could do with her limbs now that she was no longer bound to the chair. Sweeping her arms under her butt and around her legs, she brought her bound wrists over her feet. Finally! Her arms were in front of her. She quickly undid the binds at her feet and then untied Tee’s wrists and ankles. “That was so hot,” Tee said.

“Just shut up and untie my wrists,” Jen said.

Once she was freed Tee took off his shirt and ripped it into four slivers of cloth. He wrapped the bleeding lacerations on his wife’s ankles and feet and then, much to Jen’s surprise, he plopped a big, wet juicy kiss on her lips.

“What was that for?” Jen asked.

“That,” Tee said with a sly grin on his face, “is for being one tough ******! Now let’s get the kids and get the flock outta here. Whatdya say?”

“Sounds like a plan, you stud you.”

At that moment Giuppino entered the room with two bottles of water. A look of both surprise and total fear washed over his face when he saw the two prisoners standing in front of him. “Eh,” Giuppino said in a soft, heavily-accented voice, “I-uh no…understanding… how-uh…you…get free?”

It was as if the Giuppino represented all that had anguished Tee for the last day. He lunged at the Italian marathoner! “TEE!” Jen screamed.

On a normal day, under normal conditions, Tee and Giuppino would have been evenly matched. Two elite athletes in prime shape, but on this day one of them was overcome with rage. All of Tee’s military training came back to him instantly as he grappled with Giuppino. He wrapped his muscular arms around Giuppino’s neck, effectively placing him in a sleeper hold. Giuppino struggled, his own hands scratching at Tee’s forearms to no avail.

“Eh…,” Giuppino said weakly, “….I-uh…I…die…”

Sensing that the life had slipped from Giuppino’s body, Tee loosed his grip. The Italian’s body slid to the floor in a loose heap. Tee quickly bent down and grabbed a ring of keys from Giuppino’s pocket. He tossed one of the bottles of water to Jen and stuffed the other one in his pocket. “Let’s move,” Tee said.

Quietly, Jen and TeeW slipped through the labyrinth halls of the complex. It seemed to be mostly deserted, many areas were dark, most of the rooms empty. They heard Patcini’s voice from a nearby room and stopped to listen.

“Yes,” Patcini said, “this is most unfortunate. If Alex discovers the identity of the other Rosicrucian their combined powers will be too much for us….Then ensure that that does not happen….I agree, PMag and the Resistance are secondary….We must ensure that AndreCh and Abelisle never meet….Yes, yes….I released allnighter….Do not be obtuse….I would not have released him if there were not reason….The device? Why, it’s in his most prized possession….It’s in his bicycle….Leo has the detonator…..Of course you agree….Now you have all the facts….I will speak to you soon, Lisa….Oh, yes. I mean…Edens…Our time will soon come.”

“We have to get out of here and warn allnighter,” Jen said. “Whoever this Abelisle is he’s important. We need to find him. Let’s get the kids and then let’s get out of here.”

They slithered through the corridors for what seemed like an eternity until, at last, they heard the unison breathing of NIKEKOREA in a large room. Peeking their heads in, the W’s saw the true might of NIKEKOREA: Hundreds and hundreds of Korean long distance runners, their lean fit bodies glistening with sweat. In the middle of the room were the little W’s, their eyes transfixed on a HD-DVD of Ratatouille.

“There’s no way we can take them,” Tee said.

“I know,” Jen replied. “What do you think we should do?”

Tee thought long and hard. The last thing he wanted to do was split up, but he knew that separating was the best chance they had at getting the kids back. “Diversion,” he said calmly.

“What?”

“I’ll lead NIKEKOREA out of there then you slip in grab the kids, grab the jog stroller and head for the exit. Wait for me there and together we’ll hightail it outta here.”

“Babe, no—“

“It’s the only chance we’ve got, Jen. We’ve got to go for it.”

“We can’t split up. We need to stay together.”

“I’ll be fine, hon. You just get those kids. Trust me.” Tee plopped another kiss on his wife’s lips and said, “You ready?”

“I love you, Tee.”

“I love you, too.” They shared a long stare. Then, Tee stood up and shouted, “Hey, NIKEKOREA, let’s see if your shared sensor can beat mine, you cheating sumbiatches!” He sprinted down the hall away from Jen as the hundreds of feet of NIKEKOREA gave chase after him. The roar from their footfalls was deafening. It shook the very walls of the compound, pieces of ceiling falling down on Jen as if it were raining. Once it was clear, Jen shot up and sprinted into the room. She scooped up the kids, both of whom were ecstatic to see their mother. “Mommy,” they screamed gleefully, “Mommy!” She put the kids into the jog stroller, fastened their belts, and headed out of the room towards the exit. It wasn’t far. She ran quickly for it, past several intersections f hallway and empty rooms. The sunlight from the exit burned brightly against the dark corridor, cool air rushing in from the outside. Once she was there she stopped and turned back to the corridors. “C’mon, Tee,” she said, “where are you?”

She saw him, not more than one hundred meters away. He was sprinting as fast as he could down the hall, the mass of NIKEKOREA hot on his tail. “GO!” Tee screamed, “JEN! GO!”

But Jen could not move. She stood motionless as she watched Tee get closer, her heart aflutter from the adrenaline. Then, to her horror, she saw Patcini emerge from an adjacent room and tackle Tee. They fell to the ground together as NIKEKOREA converged on top of them! “NOOOOOOOOOOOO!” Jen screamed, “TEEEEEEEEEEEE!”

Her screams got the attention of NIKEKOREA. All together, the entire mass turned their heads towards Jen and came rushing towards her. Realizing that the kids’ lives were at stake, she spun the jog stroller around and ran out into the open. The sunlight stung her eyes and it took her a moment to realize that she was in the desert. The footfalls of NIKEKOREA grew louder, closer. Taking a deep breath, Jen pushed the jog stroller and headed out into the unknown. She would have to come back for Tee, but for now she had to get away.

As usual, to be continued…

Episode 19 - It’s not what you know… it’s who you know

Starring: The NFL Runnerbowl
Written by mawz76
Original Airdate: 12/29/07

In the middle of the desert in Death Valley, California, hundreds of men and women have gathered and formed a makeshift camp within the center of an old ghost town. Some are talking and laughing, others are silent or napping on cots. One group is tossing a football around. There is an air of familiarity among the people and at the same time there is tension in the air that is almost stifling. One man has been pacing back and forth anxiously and periodically stealing glances toward the eastern entrance to the ghost town grumbling to himself. Occasionally a man or woman will approach and speak to him, after which he jots something down on a small silver notepad he has cradled in his left palm. The notepad is silver with a large blue star on the cover.

A woman who has been seated in a lawn chair in the center of the crowd stands up and pushes the hood of her sweater back from her head. She takes a glance toward the east also, at the rising sun and then speaks…”Alright TobyTyke, what’s the 411? Who’re we missing?”

Immediately the man stops pacing and jogs over to mawz76. “The Vikings and Saints aren’t coming, but then again they haven’t shown up all season! The rest of the Steelers should be here in twenty minutes,” he says . “And here is a list of those who we haven’t been able to contact.” TobyTyke hands the notepad to mawz76.

She reads the names aloud, “Texasbuckeye, Tommaso, patcini, 1Miletogo, Apocalyptica, Supermushi, JenW, TeeW–”

TobyTyke interrupts, “–Where the hell is he anyway? With all that smack he’s been talking, TeeW and I have some unfinished business!” He shoots off another glare toward the east.

mawz76 finishes the list before addressing him. She rips the page out of the Dallas Cowboy notepad and hands it back to him.

“Cute!”, she smirks, nodding her head toward the notepad, “wherever TeeW is, you both better get over your drama real quick. There are much more important things at stake here. If we don’t get moving there may not be a Runnerbowl II! Got it?”

TobyTyke nods as mawz76 searches the crowd. Her eyes settle on the huddle of Green Bay runners and calls one over. After reach jogs up she tells him and Toby to instruct the others to gather up their rucks and lace up their running shoes. Once the rest of the Steelers arrive, they will make their way to the rendezvous point.

In the same desert…
JenW had been running for hours in the dark and felt she had pushed out a bit of a lead on NIKEKOREA although she can still hear their feet beating the hard earth of the desert. God, are they all actually running in exact stride with one another? Is that even possible?

She steals a look over her shoulder and now they are about a mile or so off in the distance. She can see them now that the sun is rising. It appears that their numbers have diminished but they are still after her. There is a pounding in her ears and she isn’t sure now whether it’s their feet or her heart beating in her chest.

She can’t help but feel a twinge in her gut wondering if TeeW is okay. That feeling is soon replaced when she looks ahead and to the slight left of the rising sun. She sees what looks like a small town, a row of small buildings, maybe a few miles up ahead. With new resolve she adjusts her grip on the jogging stroller and steps up her pace. She’ll have to get help before she can go back for her husband.

Back at camp…
Everyone has packed up and is ready to head out. TobyTyke seems to have resigned himself to the fact that he won’t be seeing TeeW any time soon.

“Will everyone be ready to go once Pittsburgh gets here?” mawz76 yells out to the crowd of people.

Before they can respond a voice booms out from the east entrance to town, “What about the playoffs?”

mawz76 turns to see AndreCh strolling into town, a broad smile on his face, with the rest of his team.

“The playoffs will have to wait!,” mawz76 laughs and heads over to give him a hug. “We gotta get over to the rendezvous pronto!”

“Cool,” AndreCh says, “I haven’t met abelisle yet!”

Episode 20 - Things Fall Apart

Starring: abelisle, Monk_monkey, PMag, Apocalyptica, LeoRNR, allnighter, mawz76, AndreCh, TobyTyke, JenW, the little W’s, Mightyweezie, Ange+, RSantos, and Ryan Gosling as Snowcrash
Written by PMag
Original Airdate: 1/1/08

Jen had reached her limit. Every muscle in her body burned from pushing the jog stroller, her perspiration dripped from her leaving her in a state of severe dehydration. Her vision was blurry, her hearing dropping in an out. She needed some nutrients badly, but fearing that she did not have a big enough lead on NIKEKOREA she continued onward. Her calves felt as if they were engulfed in flames, her mouth dry from thirst.

The desert was proving to be most unforgiving. The constant heat battered her, though the jog stroller provided moderate relief for her two little ones. She could see nothing but the same vastness of sand upon sand in all directions.

She stopped for a moment, unsure which way to go. A single tear dripped down her cheek. Her children were laughing in the stroller. “Tee,” she whispered to herself, “which way to I go? What am I supposed to do?” She placed one knee on the ground, her forehead resting against the handlebars of the jog stroller. It had been right to escape with the kids. But now that they were free she did not know where to go.

***
In New York, Monk_monkey had ordered 1Miletogo and LeoRNR to be placed under arrest. Knowledge of this had not yet been made public. It was agreed upon that it would be too much to bear for the survivors of the alien attack to have to accept that their Mayor was complicit in the attempted murder of PMag. Instead, Leo and 1Mile were placed in different rooms for interrogation, their hands cuffed behind their backs.

Outside of the room where Leo was being held, Monk and abelisle conferred briefly.

“What are you going to do to him?” Alex asked.

“Whatever it takes to get what I need,” Monk said calmly.

“I won’t let you hurt him,” Alex said sharply.

Monk looked at the tall figure of Alex. “Really?” she asked sarcastically, “and what makes you think you’re in any position to tell me what to do, Alex? Last time I checked you were a civilian caught up in the midst of all this. Now you’re the one who’s giving me orders?”

“He’s still a human being,” Alex said.

“Yeah. A human being who tried to have PMag killed. Chances are he would’ve killed me, too.”

“I understand that,” Alex said, “but we’re…no…you’re better than that, Monk. Don’t let your thirst for revenge get the best of you.”

“We’ll see,” Monk said, “you can watch the video feed in the adjacent room with allnighter. I have business to take care of.” With that, she opened to door to the interrogation room and stepped in.

***
Leo looked up as Monk_monkey walked into the room. He scoffed at her, then turned his head away from her. “I have nothing to say to you,” he said, “so do not even begin to waste my time.”

Monk approached Leo and then slapped him hard across the face. “Ohhhhhhhhh,” Leo yelped, “I’m the mayor of the Nike+ Community! How dare you use physical violence on me!” Another slap from Monk sent Leo’s head whipping in the opposite direction. “Aieeeeee,” he gasped. Red imprints from the palms and fingers of Monk were visible on Leo’s face. He panted heavily from the shock of being beeotchslapped.

“Now,” Monk began, “You’re going to tell me who you’re working with. Before you shot PMag you mentioned that you were part of a secret society, The Illuminati. Who else is with you? Is it 1Miletogo?”

“I’ll never talk,” Leo said, “Never!”

Monk unbuckled her belt and slid it from the loops on her cargo pants. She held it like a whip in her hands. “Never is a long time,” she said menacingly, “and I have nothing but time.”

***
“Ouch,” allnighter said as he and abelisle watched the video feed of LeoRNR’s interrogation from an adjacent room, “she like a totally tough cookie.”

“You can say that again,” Alex said, his eyes both transfixed and repulsed by the horror on the video monitor, “Ewwwwww. That was…just…uncalled for.”

“Look, dude,” alllnighter said, “I know you have your reservation about this method of interrogation, but if what Monk and PMag said is true…if Leo and 1Mile are part of some sort of larger scheme…we need to know about it.”

“I agree that we do need to know about it,” Alex replied, “but torture!? I just don’t know…”

“Dude,” allnighter said, “you need to clear your mind, bro. Let’s go for a run. We can like totally check out the progress they’re making with the cleanup in the park!”

“Oh, I don’t know…”

“C’mon, dude! We’ll go see how PMag and Apoc’re doin’! If you want you can ride my bike. It’s got a sweet saddle!”

****
Mightyweezie and Snowcrash were sitting in the front seats of the Winnebago when they saw the woman waving her arms wildly in the distance. “Look at that,” Snowcrash said, pointing in the direction of the woman, “looks like a survivor.”

“Maybe she’s lost,” Mightyweezie said, “What do you think? Should we give her a lift.”

“Oh man,” Snowcrash said, “looks like she’s got some kids with her.”

“Let’s pick her up,” Mighty said, “we’ve got enough extra food and water for ‘em. At least until we can drop them off at the closest FEMA aid station.”

Mighty steered the Winnebago off the main road and onto the desert canvas, it tires sending clouds of brown dirt into the air. As the vehicle got closer to the woman, they could see that she was thin. He face was pancaked with the sand of the desert. With her were two little children, both of them sleeping inside a well-worn jog stroller. Mighty pulled the vehicle up next to the woman as Snowcrash opened the door.

“Hey,” Snowcrash said, “Can we give you a lift?”

Jen hugged Snowcrash, causing the fit marathoner to be taken aback for a moment. “Oh thank God,” Jen said tiredly, “we were out of water…and we weren’t sure if we were safe from them…”

“Safe from who?” Snowcrash asked, “Ma’am, I don’t know if you know, but the alien invasion is over. We won!”

Jen used her remaining strength to grab Snowcrash by the collar. “Do I look like a complete idiot to you!? I know the alien invasion is over!”

“So then what—,” Snowcrash began to ask, but before he could finish his question he saw something in the horizon, something strange, something odd. He saw the shapes of what looked to be a hundred or so marathoners running towards the Winnebago. In the desert it was hard to tell exactly how far away the runners were, but they were moving fast, their shapes becoming bigger and bigger every few seconds as they got closer. “Whoa. Are those more survivors?”

Jen whipped her head around and saw for herself. “Crap,” she said once she recognized the furious footfalls of NIKEKOREA. “We need to get of here. NOW!”

“But what about those people? Who are they? Maybe they’d like to join the Quad?”

“Those people will kill you and me if we don’t get out here right away!” Jen said sternly. Snowcrash continued to look at the fast approaching mass of NIKEKOREA. Jen slapped him across the face and screamed, “I’M NOT ASKING!”

Realizing that the petite woman was not joking, Snowcrash helped her carry the jog stroller into the Winnebago. Mightyweezie turned around from the driver’s seat and asked, “Everything alright?”

“You need to start driving right now,” Jen said, “or we’re all dead.”

Not understanding why this sand covered woman was giving her directions, Might look at Snowcrash. “Go,” Snowcrash said. As the word left his lips the RV began to tremble. Bags and other items within the vehicle began to shake.

“What the…,” Might said softly.

“That,” Jen said, “is the force of more than a hundred savages coming this way. They’re coming for me and my kids. And since you’ve already helped me they’ll be coming for you, too. So I suggest we all stop wondering if we’re going to leave and GET…THE HECK…OUT OF HERE! NOW!”

“Alright,” Mighty said, “alright.” She put the vehicle into drive and began to drive back towards the main road. Snowcrash looked out of the window and saw that NIKEKOREA was no more than a hundred meters away. All of their arms outstretched as if reaching for the Winnebago.

“Mighty,” Snowcrash said, “she’s right. You need to drive faster!” Mightyweezie steered the vehicle onto the main road and pressed down hard on the gas. The vehicle began to accelerate, leaving NIKEKOREA behind. Finally sensing that she was safe, Jen collapsed onto the floor from exhaustion.

“She okay?” Mightyweezie asked.

Snowcrash looked at Jen. “Yeah,” he said, “looks like she needs some food and water bad. Same with her kids. They’re passed out, too.”

“Okay,” Mighty said as she drove, “as soon as those three and the other one wake up we’ll stop and rest for a while. Lord know we could use some.”

Snowcrash picked Jen up and carried her over to a sofa. He sat her down on it next to the unconscious body of Ange+. “Hard to believe,” Snowcrash said to himself, “wonder who we’re going to pick up next…”

***

PMag, Apocalyptica (dressed in short race day shorts and a sports bra, a sparkling pair of new women’s Air Zoom Vomeros on her feet), allnighter, and abelisle were jogging a loop around central park, allnighter with a slight lead. It was strange to run on the outskirts of the recovery efforts, as workers continued to clean up the park and burn the dead alien bodies, but the exercise felt great to all four of them. Recently, the only physical exertion they’d experience was under high duress as they fought for their lives.

“I agree,” PMag said to abelisle, “torture is not ideal, but considering what Leo did to me…and what he might have in store for the rest of humanity…whatever Monk can do to extract that information is necessary.”

“Interesting point,” abelisle said, “you guys might’ve just swayed my opinion.”

“In other news,” Apoc said, “we need to plan some sort of memorial service for everyone we’ve lost. Especially MadeUpName…if it were not for his sacrifice we’d all be dead.”

“That’s a great idea,” Abelisle said, “Can’t believe we didn’t think of it before.”

From up ahead allnighter saw an SUV fast approaching, Monk_monkey behind the wheel. The SUV screeched to a halt and Monk_monkey jumped out, her hands and shirt covered in blood. “Allnighter,” she asked hurriedly, “where’re Alex and PMag?”

Allnighter pointed behind him, “They’re like totally fifty meters behind me doing like a nine minute mile. Pathetic!”

Monk ran towards Alex and PMag as fast she could.

“Monk,” Alex said, “are you alright? What happened to you?”

“It’s not my blood,” Monk said, “It’s Leo’s. Listen! I broke him. I found out who he’s working with.”

“That’s great,” PMag said.

“No it’s not,” Monk said, “he’s part of The Illuminati, that much is true. But he’s not alone!”

“1Mile?” Alex asked.

“1Mile is just his soldier,” Monk said, “Leo takes his commands from two people, Patcini and Edens. Apparently they’re the matriarchs of The Illuminati and they want to control mankind, but in order to do so they have to first eliminate you, Alex..”

“Me?”

“That’s right,” monk answered, “you and another Rosicrucian named AndreCh.”

“AndreCh?” PMag said, “who the heck is AndreCh? And why does he not have any vowels in his last name?”

“I don’t know,” Monk answered, “but we have to find him before they do. And there’s another thing. Leo and 1Mile weren’t the only members of The Illuminati here in New York. They’ve got a spy!”

“Who?” PMag asked.

“Leo wasn’t told,” Monk said, “but we need to find out!”

From fifty meters away “allnighter” heard bits and pieces of Monk’s information. He ran off the trail until he was in a clear area. From the inside keypocket of his shorts he removed a small communicator and spoke into it. “This is Rsantos,” he said quietly, “The Resistance has broken Leo. They know about Patcini and Edens, and also know about the spy in their ranks. Please provide further instructions.”

***

Mawz76, TobyTyke, and AndreCh were having a game of touch-tackle with the rest of the NFL Runnerbowl when they saw the sight of the lone cyclist coming towards them. He was pedaling furiously.

“What the heck is this?” mawz76 asked.

The cyclist rode up to them and then pulled into a sliding stop, a plume of dust flying into the faces of mawz76, AndreCh, and Toby.

“C’mon, Man,” Toby said, “that was unnecessary!”

“I’m like totally sorry, dudes,” the real allnighter said as he dismounted his bike, “but I need your help. About 100 miles back there’s a compound where two of my best buds and their two kids’re being held captive by some wicked magicians or something. I need you’re help!”

“Are they with you?” Mawz76 asked.

“Huh?” allnighter said quizzically, “Is who with me?”

“Them,” AndreCh said, pointing behind allnighter to the fast approaching sight of NIKEKOREA. It was coming towards the NFL Runnerbowl, arms and feet swinging in unison.

“Oh,” allnighter said, “crap…”

Mawz76 dropped the football in her hands and said loudly, “Runnerbowl! Let’s get ready! Looks like we’re about to have ourselves a hoedown!”

To Be Continued.

Episode 21 - And Pieces Fragment

Starring: Pat_UK, rlerdorf, Marky5503, Mightyweezie, Snowcrash, Ange+, JenW, RSantos, abelisle, PMag, Monk_Monkey,
Written by Apocalyptica
Original Airdate: 1/3/08

Sweat cascaded over the brow of Pat as he slammed his fingers repeatedly on the keyboard that lie in front of him. The room pat was in was dark and dank with the incessant sound of a leaking pipe that dripped water unto the computer he was staring into. Out of the corner of his eye he saw a mouse scamper underneath and start to chew on the wires that the computer was plugged into with. “Will these blokes never leave me alone?” he said under his breath; the exhaustion of his body seeping through his voice. He stood off his chair and knelt down to finally kill the mouse when rlerdorf barged into the room Pat was in.

“I found them Pat! I found them!” he yelled with apparent excitement in his voice. Pat attempted to stand up only to slam his head into the desk. At seeing this rlerdorf burst into laughter. Pat cleaned himself off and joined rlerdorf in the celebration.

“So you’re telling me that they’ve been under our nose all along? How could we have missed it” Pat asked, rubbing his chin as if the answer would come from there. Pat and rlerdorf were walking down the all familiar street Belvedere Road near their hotel. Their destination was on of serenity and a place of rest, Jubilee Gardens.

“Precisely, that was after all the last place we would except to find them. As JRR Tolkien said ‘The closer we are to danger, the farther we are from harm.’ The same principle applies to all humans.”

“Did we radio Mark?” Pat said suddenly stopping his strut. He turned a looked urgently at rlerdorf.

“Why yes I did. He’s actually supposed to meet us here. I suppose it must have quite slipped from my mind. It may have done so due to all of the mirthfulness. Ah, here he is now.”

“Mark stood off his bench and greeted his newcomers. “Good day mates!” he said shaking each of their hands. “I’ve been meaning to see you for a while but wouldn’t dare with them on my back if you catch my meaning.”

“Yes and likewise I’m sure. My friend and I would have liked to have met you in more secure surroundings but failed to do so, on such a short notice.”

“I’m okay with that. I always did like nature. Have you been to the newsagent yet? There was this wonderful article in the paper that –”

“I’m sorry to cut you short but we’re running low on time. Pat has already ordered our tickets and we do have to be there as fast as possible. With repairs still going on from the invasion contact with America has been scanty. As of now I’ve only been able to put a few calls through.”

“Well then let’s be on our way!” Marky5503 remarked.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

The sound of grinding tires over the crystalline structures of carbon we call sand was deafening to the ears of Snowcrash as him and his new companion rode over the vast salt plain known as the Bonneville Salt Flats. He looked anxiously into the sky, searching; searching for what brought him so much distress. “Mightyweezie, punch the gas! I think I see ‘em!”

Far into the distance slowly gaining on the group of fast friends were several fast vehicles flying towards them at an enormous speed. Snowcrash reached down into one of the pockets of the backpack he was wearing and extracted a pair of high-powered binoculars. He strained his eyes and was able to make our several dots. “I think there’s three of them—wait make that four.”

“Dang it!” Mightyweezie said angrily under her breath. “What’s there ETA?”

“Can’t say for sure but thirty minutes; at most.” Snowcrash said worriedly. “Do you think we can make it?”

“In case you haven’t noticed these things can’t go very fast!” she snapped. Mightyweezie straightened her posture and looked back towards Snowcrash. “I’m sorry Snow. It’s just these times.”

“I know. It’s difficult on all of us.” Snow said choosing his words carefully sensitivity.

The sound of moaning and a toppling body in the back of the Winnebago startled Snowcrash. He quickly cast a glance at Mightyweezie who motioned for him to check on their passengers. Snow stood up and went to the back of the large vehicle. There on the ground lied a sight he would not soon forget.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

“You are not to engage the enemy nor cause any dispute. You must blend in for now is not the time for you to be revealed. Report to Theta waypoint and wait for further instructions.”

“Understood. RSantos over and out.”

RSantos tucked the communication devise back into his pocket and jogged over to the rest of the group at a brisk pace.

“You guys still runnin’? ‘Cause running against myself is no phun.”

In unison, the group looked up to RSantos with a look of both shock and despair. “Leo admitted that a traitor is in our midst.” PMag said solemnly. We are still unsure of who it may be but on thing is sure. He is going to regret it.”

We’ll see about that. RSantos told himself in his head. As this was being said Alex looked up at him in sudden shock and horror that made a wave of fear crawl up his spine. Alex eyes bored into his head melting all of the borders of RSantos mind. All but one; his “wit”.

“You okay Alex? You don’t look so good. RSantos said for a diversion.

“Fine, just fine. We should get back now.” Alex answered suddenly. “We don’t want to be caught in the cold.”

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Over the body of JenW stood Ange+ in a rage and shaking from head to toe. The body of Jen was unscathed but Snow new she had run out of oxygen and fell victim to the black emptiness of unconsciousness. She took her gaze off of Jen and lunged at the shocked Snowcrash. Snow held up his arms in the boxing fashion but was caught off guard by the strength of Ange. Snow fell hard on his back and felt all of his breath released from his lungs. Ange+ pulled him back up to his feet and put him in an arm lock. With her other hand she covered his moth and led him back into the room where Jen lay. Ange continue her hold until Snow fell to the floor. Snow fell hard to the floor, bumping his head hard against the corner. He would never get up. By the time Ange moved her way to the front of the vehicle Mightyweezie stood, gun in hand, mighty indeed. Ange paused and stared at her foe.

“You cannot defeat me.” An inhuman voice said from Ange voice chords.

At that sound Mightweezie pulled the trigger three times. Three small pieces of cone shaped lead hurtled towards Ange’s chest.

To be continued. . . .

Episode 22 - The Rumble in the Desert

Staring: Season 1 ensemble cast
Written by Ange+
Original Airdate: 1/4/08

And in an instant, the terror and rage ended. As the blood from Ange+’s body drained onto the floor of the Winnebago, she was finally at peace. It was later discovered that Ange was suffering from an addiction known as NPOS, “Nike Plus Obsession Syndrome”, a common but terminal condition that is caused by excessive running, manic highs from challenge wins and panic attacks at the thought of elimination nights. Her rage attacks on Jen and Snowcrash were the direct result of her addiction. “At least her mind and body will be at rest now”, MightyWeezie said mournfully.

She then went to check on the condition of the other passengers. Jen, still weak from her escape from exile and the beating that Ange+ unleashed on her, managed enough strength to tell Weezie what had happened “Life is just so unfair!”, sobbed Jen, as the release of emotion made her feel better in an instant. She hugged her beautiful babes close as Weezie went to check on SC. She put her ear down on his wonderfully defined chest and was relieved to feel the small thump of a faint heartbeat. “You’ve got a nasty bump on your head, but you’ll be okay” Mighty said as Snowcrash came to “Snow, we have to keep moving. This woman, JenW, has just been through hell and says that her stunningly ripped and handsome husband is being held captive and that drone of runners that passed us are controlled by an evil force know as the Illuminati!” “She says our superuser friends are in grave danger. We have to help” and they sped off in the direction of the desert compound.

***************************************************************************************************************************************************

“We need to get to the desert immediately.” Monk_Monkey commanded. “I have a chopper landing for us in the Sheep Meadow in T-10 minutes – let’s sprint it out the last 4 miles team”. Abelisle,Leo, PMag, Apocalypica, 1Mile and RSantos fell in line and hoofed it the pick-up point. In the helicopter, they all sat quietly, anxiously. Without accusing, but with incredible suspicion, they all knew that they were also transporting the traitor among them back to the ringleaders Patcini and Edens.

Meanwhile on British Airways Flight 1628…Pat_UK and Marky sat cuddled up under a paper thin blanket, watching old Roger Moore Bond films on the mini tv screens, while Rlerdorf tapped away at his computer writing new algorithms for his ultimate run analysis monitoring system. “I know more about the N+ community than they know about themselves” he thought to himself. “I know their habits, their strengths and weaknesses. I know when they take pauses and what weather conditions are where they run. I know everything. Heh Heh Heh”.

“We’ll be touching down in 30 minutes, please fasten your seatbelts and return your tray tables to their upright position” the flight attendant announced.

***************************************************************************************************************************************************

“Come on guys! We can do this! NIKEKOREA can’t outrun the Runnerbowl! Dig Deep and go one-on-one as if you’re fighting in Run Club”, Mawz76 rallied her crew. It was becoming an all out sweatfest in the desert as the outnumbered RunnerBowl slugged it out with the footsoldiers of the Illuminati. “Pass the BodyGlide!”, yelled TobyTyke, “I don’t think my nipples can handle any more chaffing!”

As Toby took a break, he rested where allnighter had parked his beloved bmx bike. “Dude!” he called out to allnighter, “what the hell is ticking in your bike, man?”. “Oh, that’s not my bike, it’s my new Garmin 305 letting me know that my heartrate is too low. Even sprints don’t get me into the fat burning zone you know”

“No really, it’s your bike”, Toby insisted as he pulled the seat off of it, revealing a small device with wires and a countdown timer now at 12 seconds.

“Bomb! Holy S**t! Everybody run!” allnighter yelled.

Everyone was already running, but disengaged from their battle with NIKEKOREA, bodies already collapsed in exhaustion, dragged themselves as far as they could.

10, 9, 8, 7 6 ticked away at the timer. Allnighter, while sprinting away had one fleeting thought. “If this is how I die, I will die with a broken heart. I should have told that ravishing beauty Apocalyptica how much I loved her, er him. Now he, er, she will never know how I feel. God, please let me live”

5, 4, 3, 2, 1 BOOOM! An explosion rang out in the desert which brought with it enough force to send everything in the vicinity flying. A dust cloud engulfed what was left of the melee and out of the cloud emerged three barely recognizable figures: two women leading a captive man at gun point. One of the women transmits a message on the sat phone: “Yes, this is agent Hmonkeyruns. My sister MAT2006 and I have completed our task. We have AndreCh.”

“Excellent work. The husky voice of Edens replied back. “RSantos has also reported in and he has Abelisle. Once we have the Rosicrucians together we can harness their combined power and nothing will stop us”. “Get back immediately with AndreCh”.

“Over and out” Hmonkeyruns confirmed as they started to pick up the pace.

TO BE CONTINUED….

EPISODE 23 - The Last of the Rosicrucians

starring:Edward James Olmos as abelisle
guest starring:JenW, TeeW, 1Miletogo, LeoRNR, allnighter, PMag, Monk_monkey, Apocalyptica, Pat_UK, rlerdorf, Marky5503, Patcini, mawz76, TobyTyke, AndreCh, MightyWeezie, hmonkeyruns, MAT2006
with
Ryan Gosling as Snowcrash
and
Diane Lane as Edens
Written by PMag
Original Airdate: 1/4/08

The blast hurtled allnighter high into the air. Instantaneously, he felt a tear in his rear. His right glute must’ve ripped from the force of the explosion. “Damn,” he thought to himself, “there goes a sub three hour finish at WDW!” He flew through the air in what seemed like slow motion, slow enough for him to see that TobyTyke didn’t make it, slow enough for him to see that AndreCh was being shielded from the flames by two female members of the Runnerbowl. He landed hard on the ground, the wind knocked out of him, his running shoes flying off his feet.

“Phuq!” he said as he hit the ground, “I’ll pheel that later!” He lay there, immobile and in pain. The sand rained down on him in painful little pellets. All around allnighter were the groans of the Runnerbowl and NIKEKOREA, most of them certain to perish from injuries sustained in the blast.

Nearby, AndreCh was being escorted at gunpoint by the two female members of the Runnerbowl who had protected him from the explosion. “What the…,” allnighter said. He knew this wasn’t good. NIKEKOREA was the enemy. Why would anyone from the Runnerbowl want to hurt AndreCH? Allnighter tried to get up, but his gluteal tear was too much. He had to do something! Realizing that he’d have no chance of keeping up with them, he slipped off the HRM for his Garmin 305 and slung it at AndreCh. Amazingly, it landed perfectly Andre’s head, neither of his two captors realizing it sudden appearance. “Gotcha,” allnighter said to himself. He watched as the two women marched AndreCh away, their figures getting smaller and smaller as they ran into the distance…

************

“Do you see that?” P