The Savage Swarm

[Kooshmeister]

Intended as a sequel to (my version of) The Doctors of Doom, this script is my idea for a finale of sorts, creating a "Ci-Kat-A trilogy." As usual, it's a WIP.

THE SAVAGE SWARM

A Script by Kooshmeister

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

SCENE 1

EXT. FAST FOOD JOINT - EVENING

A hamburger joint. The tow truck is going through the drive-thru. CHANCE FURLONG is at the wheel, impatiently squirming in his seat at the slowness of the driver ahead of them in ordering. Beside him, JAKE CLAWSON seems oblivious to the slowness of the guy up ahead because he's busy listening to the radio.

CHANCE
(under his breath)
Come on, come on... I need a fish sandwich in my tummy!

The voice of Ann Gora is coming through the truck's radio.

ANN
(through the radio)
At an unknown time this evening, the Aqueon mothership will be returning to our planet, bringing with it the Aqueon ambassador.

The slow customer ahead finally finishes and he pulls forward with what seems to Chance to be intolerable slowness. Grinning, Chance eases the gas pedal forwards, the tow truck inching up to the drive-thru speaker.

JAKE
Isn't this great, Chance?

CHANCE
(not really paying attention)
Yeah, yeah.

He leans out the window.

BURGER GUY
(fizzled through the speaker)
Welcome to--

CHANCE
(impatient)
Yeah, yeah, yeah, I can have it my way. I'm lovin' it. Now, I want three fish sandwiches, two with extra tartar sauce and two with none...

JAKE
I mean, can you imagine? The Aqueons are making official contact with katkind!

CHANCE
(ignoring him)
...five orders of fries and two chocolate milkshakes...

INT. FAST FOOD JOINT - KITCHEN

The BURGER GUY, a teenage kat boy with a huge overbite and prominent braces and an awkwardly oversized headset, looks panicky as he scribbles down Chance's order on a notepad.

CHANCE
(muffled through the headset)
...no, wait, three milkshakes, two chocolate, one vanilla...

BURGER GUY
(nervous)
Uh-huh. Y-Yeah. Sure, sir. Sure.

Behind him, we see another employee handing the food through the window to the driver of the van that's ahead of Chance and Jake. He smiles and drives off.

EXT. FAST FOOD JOINT - EVENING

The motorists behind the boys are starting to get a little irritated now, honking their horns.

CHANCE
(still yakking)
...and a couple of tuna and apple pies.

BURGER GUY
(through the speaker)
How many is "a couple?"

Chance frowns.

CHANCE
I mean, y'know... two.

INT. FAST FOOD JOINT - KITCHEN

The burger guy throws his hands up, sending the notepad and pencil flying. He's through.

BURGER GUY
Uughhh.....

EXT. FAST FOOD JOINT - EVENING

The thoroughly defeated employee's voice filters through the speaker.

BURGER GUY
(through the speaker)
Anything else, sir?

CHANCE
Mmmm...

He looks at Jake.

CHANCE
Jake!

Jake is still fixated on Ann Gora's news report.

ANN
(through the radio)
The ambassador personally meet with Mayor Manx as the first part of his tour of the country in what will be the first official peaceful contact between katkind and aliens! We here at Kat's Eye News have unconfirmed reports that the city's own beloved SWAT Kats will be in attendance as well. Commander Feral was unavailable for comment.

JAKE
(amazed)
Wow!

CHANCE
Woo! Earth to Jake!

He snaps his fingers in front of Jake's face. Jake jerks as if brought out of a trance.

JAKE
Oh, uh...

He glances back at the long line behind them.

JAKE
Well, I am hungry... but I don't wanna keep everybody waiting. So that's a no from me. I'll just get some leftovers outta the fridge later.

CHANCE
Suit yourself.
(into the speaker)
Hey, you still there?

BURGER GUY
(through the speaker)
Yeah...

Dread fills his voice.

CHANCE
That's a negatory on anything else, there, bud. Oh, uh, except for about twenty packets of ketchup.

We hear the poor employee sigh in relief.

SCENE 2

EXT. ROAD BY THE OCEAN - NIGHT

Later. The tow truck drives along the two-lane blacktop leading towards the salvage yard. Chance is doing his best to focus both on driving and on digging through the massively overstuffed, bulging fast food bag to make sure the burger place got his order right.

CHANCE
(grumbling)
That guy better not have forgotten anything...

JAKE
Sorry for zoning out back there.

He's beaming excitedly.

JAKE
But it's just that this news really is amazing! The Aqueons coming here to make official contact!

Chance munches a few fries while doing his inventor.

CHANCE
So what? Everyone already knows about aliens. Including them. I mean, in case you forgot, we saved 'em from that four-armed creep Mutilor.

JAKE
Yeah, well, true, but this is them making it official! I mean, after the whole thing with Mutilor, the Aqueons could've just decided to stay as far away from our world as possible! But they wanna come back and make friends and open up trade agreements! Aw, man, imagine all the space-age technology they could share with us!
(a little more enthused)
And the SWAT Kats were part of that! Like you said, we helped free 'em from Mutilor.

CHANCE
(distracted)
Yeah, it's gonna be bigger than the microchip.

Jake smirks.

JAKE
Besides... we'll get to be there. Remember, we've been officially invited.

Chance brightens a bit, but then sours.

CHANCE
(confused)
What would the delegation need with a couple a' mechanics? MASA's got those comin' outta their ears.
(realizing)
Oh! As the SWAT Kats! I dunno. I mean... I hope so. Like you said, we did save their blue butts from Mutilor.

The truck turns into the yard entrance as Chance makes a horrifying discovery.

CHANCE
Arrrghhhhh! That bucktoothed burger geek forgot the ketchup!

SCENE 3

EXT. ABOVE THE MEGAKAT PLANET - OUTER SPACE

The Aqueon mothership approaches.

INT. AQUEON MOTHERSHIP - HALLWAY

Aqueon science officer BERTRON walks down the hall leading to the bridge. He is extremely thin with a neatly-trimmed John Waters-esque mustache and wearing an official science officer's uniform. He pauses at the doors. They beep and whoosh open.

INT. AQUEON MOTHERSHIP - BRIDGE

Bertron enters the bridge. AQUEONS (CREW MEMBERS, TECHNICIANS and DELEGATES) mill around, performing various tasks. AMBASSADOR KWI-ESS is noticeably taller than the other aliens, with a dignified beard, broad, impressive shoulder armor and flowing robes.

Bertron walks over to Kwi-Ess. He turns and he and Bertron exchange a wordless Aqueon greeting by holding their hands palms out towards one another. They stand like that for a moment, then both lower their hands at the same time. Bertron seems nervous. Kwi-Ess, however, seems relatively calm, turning away from the science officer to gaze out at the kat world looming large through the front viewport.

KWI-ESS
You seem uneasy, Bertron.

BERTRON
Can we really trust these kats, Ambassador? And with the Queen on board and in the shape she's in?

The Ambassador blinks and turns to look at him.

BERTRON
They're so warlike.

He makes a fist, trembling a bit.

BETRON
Are you absolutely sure we can safely entrust them with the sorium?

Kwi-Ess frowns.

KWI-ESS
Captain Grimalkin vouches for them. And just because their ways are not our ways doesn't mean we can't or shouldn't extend our hand towards them.

He nods his head sagely to indicate the discussion is finished. Bertron sighs and shakes his head.

INT. AQUEON MOTHERSHIP - LAB

The doors whoosh open. Bertron enters a high-tech science lab. It's dark except for a single spotlight coming down from an unknown source to illuminate a glowing crystalline structure contained in a tall glass cylinder sitting on a reinforced pedestal. Bertron walks up to it and leans against the pedestal with both hands, looking conflicted. The crystal in the cylinder glows and emits a soft him.

BERTRON
(to himself)
It'll be like giving bomb fuel to the kats. Because that's what they'll use it for. They're warmongers.

He sighs and hangs his head a bit.

BERTRON
And yet so were we once. And the Queen has commanded it.

He frowns, straightens and leaves the laboratory, the doors whooshing shut after him.

INT. AQUEON MOTHERSHIP - BEDCHAMBER

Lying in a bed atop a dais in the middle of the room is QUEEN AKI-VASHA. She is older but still beautiful, with an impressive, intricate crown made of many different pieces. The room actually belongs to the ambassador, but is being used by the Queen for the trip. Beside her is her daughter, PRINCESS JEHNNA. In contrast to her regal mother, Jehnna is young and rambunctious-looking, wearing a much simpler crown. The Queen's hair is long and straight while Jehnna's is a little wilder, almost punkish.

The Queen, we see, is very old and sick and hooked up to a bunch of high-tech life support equipment. She nevertheless maintains her dignity. Jehnna refuses to leave her side and she is being tended to by AQUEON DOCTORS.

Jehnna is looking out the window.

JEHNNA
I for one can't wait to see the kat world. It seems so fascinating and exciting.

AKI-VASHA
(smiling tiredly)
Now, Jehnna, just remember to behave yourself when you're down there. Although you'll be representing our family, Ambassador Kwi-Ess will be doing the talking.

Jehnna squeezes her mother's hand tightly.

AKI-VASHA
I don't feel right about leaving you up here.

AKI-VASHA
(tired smile)
Oh, I'll be all right. You just worry about getting the Sorium to the inhabitants of this planet. And more importantly, the Water of Life.

She indicates the jug nearby. Its contents sit serenly.

AKI-VASHA
It shall be the symbol of everlasting friendship between our two worlds. And I'm trusting you to carry it for the Ambassador. Do you think you're up to the task?

JEHNNA
Oh, yes, mother! You can count on me!

The door opens and Ambassador Kwi-Ess enters. He pauses, bowing, then exchanges greetings with the Princess. As before, they hold their hands palms outwards towards one another, without actually making physical contact, and lower their hands at the same time after a few moments. Kwi-Ess goes to repeat the greeting with the Queen, but she impatiently waves him off with a tired smile.

AKI-VASHA
Save the ceremonial greetings for the kats, Ambassador. I don't want to spend my remaining time greeting everyone every time they walk into the room. Report.

Jehnna starts and looks concerned for her mother, but Aki-Vasha takes and squeezes her daughter's hand lovingly. The doctors continue tending to the beeping medical equipment. Kwi-Ess clears his throat and straightens, embarrassed, smoothing his robes out.

KWI-ESS
We're arriving at the kat planet. We'll orbit until we come in over the location of Megakat City, which appears to be their world's greatest city. We must make ourselves ready to greet the first of their leaders...
(struggles to pronounce "Mayor")
...Mah-ayyy-ohr Manx.

Jehnna covers her mouth and laughs quietly.

SCENE 4

EXT. ABOVE THE MEGAKAT PLANET - OUTER SPACE

Meanwhile, a derelict-looking MASA rocket, its exterior covered in a thin layer of frost and ice from being in space for so long, is in the last stages of a decaying orbit around the planet. It makes contacts contact with the upper atmosphere.

INT. ROCKET - CONTROL CENTER

A single CI-KAT-A DRONE perches on the control panel with his mandibles jammed into the metal. He's stuck. He isn't moving and doesn't appear to be alive, ice coating his body. As the rocket is shaken by the tremors of its entering the planet's atmosphere, however, we see the alien bug's eyes shine a malevolent red, dim, then glow brightly again, indicating a hideous and sinister life.

EXT. ABOVE THE MEGAKAT PLANET - OUTER SPACE

Continuing through the upper atmosphere as fire erupts around it, the rocket descends towards the surface of the planet.

EXT. UPPER ATMOSPHERE - EVENING

The rocket descends down through the sky on an unstoppable course.

SCENE 5

EXT. FOREST - EVENING

A deer walks along, pausing every now and then to glance around himself. He has an impressive set of antlers. The sound of bugs (cicadas, crickets, etc.) fills the almost prehistoric-looking forest. Finally, assured that he is alone, the deer pauses to munch at some plants near a gently babbling brook. The barrel of a laser rifle rises into shot slowly.

Through the scope, we see the deer finish eating a piece of planet, then go for a drink at the stream. In a reverse shot, we see two hunters. OGILVY is tall and broadly built, wearing yellow-tinted glasses and a hat with a tree branch (a twig, really) stuck in it for "camouflage." He's the one peering through the targeting scope. STENT is younger and looks more inexperienced. He has a baseball cap tipped insolently back on his head. Both of them are wearing reflective hunting vests and armed with laser hunting rifles that look like futuristic AK-47s or Ruger Mini-14s. Ogilvy's is larger and more impressive than his friend's, with a bigger scope and power cel "magazine."

Ogilvy's finger tightens on the trigger. Stent is impatient.

STENT
(whispering)
Come on, man, take the shot already. I wanna get home and watch the game.

OGILVY
(whispering)
Almost...

Suddenly, the chirping bugs all go silent. This unnerves Stent, but Rupert doesn't notice. The deer also notices, jerking his antlered head up, eyes wide. THIS Ogilvy notices, blinking, taking his eye away from the scope for a second, but then he looks back through it, preparing to fire before the deer bolts, when suddenly there comes a thunderous roar from overhead and fire fills the sky. The deer runs off. Ogilvy reflexively fires, missing, his laser blast going into the trunk of a tree, and both hunters turn and gawk up at the side of the battered MASA rocket, engulfed in flames, goes shooting overhead. They throw themselves to the ground as the ship takes the tops of several trees off, raining branches, pine cones and needles down upon the area.

After it passes, they jerk upright, blinking.

STENT
What in the world was THAT?!

OGILVY
Let's go see!

SCENE 6

EXT. MASA - EVENING

Establishing shot of the Space Center. A banner hanging on the front of the building reads "Welcome Aqueons!" Judging by the quality of the writing, it was done in fingerpaints by various kids from Megakat City schools. There's also signs of a big impending to-do. Below the banner is a more official one that says "Megakat City Welcomes the Aqueons!" spread above a raised wooden platform with chairs for a delegation and a podium for a speaker. More chairs face the platform. A velvet red carpet leads to the platform.

INT. MASA - MISSION CONTROL

In the main control room area, the MISSION CONTROLLER and a MASA FOREMAN stand over a radar screen.

MISSION CONTROLLER
Whatever it was, it crashed in the forest area outside of the city!

FOREMAN
(worriedly)
Oh boy, I sure hope it wasn't the Aqueons!

MISSION CONTROLLER
No way!

He points to a big screen showing the kat planet. A blip representing the Aqueon ship can be seen.

MISSION CONTROLLER
They're still safely on their approach, thank goodness!

FOREMAN
What do you think it was, then?

MISSION CONTROLLER
No clue. But it's nothing to worry about. Just send a retrieval team out to investigate it.

Nodding the foreman goes and presses a button. There's a buzzing sound, indicating a low level alert.

EXT. MASA - EVENING

Two stern-looking MASA GUARDS stand at attention by the front gate. Hearing a honking horn, they snap to attention like soldiers and go open the barricade. An armored MASA van drives through and the guards shut the gate again.

SCENE 7

EXT. FOREST - EVENING

The rocket sits buried nose first in the ground in a crater at the end of a long trench dug by its sliding impact into the ground, back end slightly raised. Uprooted, bent and torn trees lay strewn around everywhere. Ogilvy and Stent's vehicle, a Jeep station wagon with faux wood paneling, drives up and stops at the rim of the crater. The two hunters get out, hefting their guns.

STENT
What is it? Is it those Aqueons we've been hearing about on the news?

OGILVY
No. It looks like some kind of old MASA rocket.

From the inside of the rocket, looking out through the blown hatch, we see a red-tinted P.O.V. shot taking in the approaching hunters.

SCENE 8

INT. GARAGE - LIVING ROOM

Chance, in a white undershirt and Scaredy-Kat pajama pants, is gorging himself on his food. Scaredy-Kat is playing on TV, though Chance is uncharacteristically only giving his favorite cartoon part of his attention in favor of complaining about the burger joint having forgotten his ketchup packets.

CHANCE
I still can't believe that bozo forgot my ketchup.

Jake is rummagging through the fridge, getting himself a sandwich on a cellophane-wrapped plate and a can of milk. These he brings over to the couch. Sitting down, he unwraps the sandwich and opens the can, taking a sip.

JAKE
You know, you have a bottle of ketchup in the gridge.

CHANCE
(grumbling)
It's not the same.

Jake just shakes his head and eats his sandwich. On the TV, we see SCAREDY-KAT being menaced by a SKELETON PIRATE wielding an enormous mallet. The cartoon kat screams as he gets pounded into a puddle by the pirate's huge hammer. Chance, seeming to have finally gotten over the injustice of the lack of ketchup packets, guffaws uproariously. Jake just rolls his eyes.

He finishes eating his sandwich and drains the last of his milk can in one big swallow. Getting up, he toges and throws the can, paper plate and cellphane wrapper in the trash. Dusting his hands off, he turns to Chance, who is still munching away and glued to the TV. We see the skeleton pirate is forcing Scaredy-Kat to walk the plank.

JAKE
I'm off to bed.

CHANCE
(distracted)
Yeah, yeah...

JAKE
(playfully stern)
Just remember, don't stay up too late. We've got to be up bright and early tomorrow to go out to the Space Center.

CHANCE
(still distracted)
Uh-huh.

Sighing, Jake heads upstairs to bed.

SCENE 9

EXT. FOREST - NIGHT

The MASA retrieval team drives up in their van, following the trench the crashing rocket made when it landed. We recognize the two men inside as the hard-hatted TECHNICIANS in jumpsuits from "Destructive Nature," although they're not wearing their reflective, visor-like sunglasses. We can see their eyes.

TECHNICIAN #1
Well, this is definitely the place.

TECHNICIAN #2
And there it is.

Tires crunching, the van slides to a halt opposite the hunters' Jeep. Ahead, in the headlights of both vehicles, they can see the crashed rocket. Ogilvy and Stent stand a little to one side, near their car, as the two technicians get out. Guns in the crooks of their arms casually, the hunters approach.

OGILVY
Evenin'.

TECHNICIAN #1
Evening.

He looks over the wreck, which tilts precariously a little.

TECHNICIAN #1
Looks like an old MASA rocket. Listen, you two better stand back, this thing looks like it could be dangerous.
(turning to the other technician)
Call it in.

Nodding, Technician #2 goes and reaches in through the window of the van, grabbing his radio. The hunters look annoyed. Slinging their guns by their shoulder straps, the hunters bend down and pick up rocks.

TECHNICIAN #2
(into the radio)
Retrieval team to control. It's just some old MASA rocket.

MISSION CONTROLLER
(through the radio)
Any casualties?

TECHNICIAN #2
No, nobody's hurt or anything.

There's a clang.

TECHNICIAN #2
(into the radio)
Hold on a second.
(yelling over as he sees something offscreen)
Hey!

He points. We see that Ogilvy and Stent are throwing rocks at the crashed vehicle. Technician #1, who'd been standing watching him, turns.

TECHNICIAN #1
Cut that out!

Ignoring him, they continue throwing rocks.

MISSION CONTROLLER
(through the radio)
We'll send a truck, so just sit tight. Over.

TECHNICIAN #2
(into the radio, annoyed)
Roger. Over and out.

He hangs up. He and the other technician walk over to the hunters, intending to make them quit throwing rocks.

TECHNICIAN #1
I told you guys--

He stops as something stirs inside the rocket. The hunters also freeze, each with a rock in either hand. They hear a chittering sound coming from inside the vehicle.

STENT
What was that...?

Suddenly, the Ci-Kat-A, eyes glowing red, leaps out towards them. It tackles the Technician #1, knocking him to the ground and sinking its mandibles into his throat. He screams and writhes. The hunters panic. Ogilvy unslings his rifle. As he jerks and lies still, the Ci-Kat-A gets off of him, turns and sets its sights on Technician #2, doing a flying, buzzing leap towards him. The process is repeated. The technician is tackled and bitten, his screaming and thrashing abruptly stopping.

Stent throws his own rocks at the creature, but they just bounce off of its carapace as it rises from its prone victim. With a hiss, the thing leaps off of the Enforcer and comes flying at him. Stent yells as the Ci-Kat-A hits him, knocking him down and pinning him.

STENT
(screaming)
Help me!

Chomp! Its mandibles sink into his neck. He shudders and stiffens. Ogilvy takes aim with his rifle but then lowers it again. He doesn't dare risk hitting his friend. He watches, wide-eyed, sweating. Turning, red eyes blazing, the Ci-Kat-A gets off of Stent and rushes at Ogilvy, who takes aim with his rifle and fires repeatedly. However, his aim is off due to how terrified he is, and with a flying leap the alien is upon him. It bites him.

[Kooshmeister]

SCENE 10

EXT. CITY HALL - DAY

It's the next day,

FERAL
(V.O.)
Absolutely not!

CALLIE BRIGGS and MAYOR MANX are in fancy "steppin' out" clothes. A long gown for Callie and a tuxedo for Manx. The Mayor is futzing with his bowtie in a mirror. He can't seem to get it right. Standing nearby is COMMANDER FERAL, who is very angry.

FERAL
I absolutely forbid it!

MANX
(curt)
YOU forbid it...?

Feral winces and changes tactics.

FERAL
What I mean is, I've already knuckled under in allowing those hotshots the SWAT Kats to attend, but I insist that you allow my Enforcers to provide security at the ceremony!

Manx goes back to messing with his tie. He isn't paying attention to Feral anymore.

MANX
Curse this tie! We're going to be late!

CALLIE
Commander, may I remind you that the Aqueons are extreme pacifists who don't like the sight of weapons and machines of war?

Feral crosses his arms, scowling.

FERAL
I know! But not one single tank or patrol car on hand...?

MANX
(frustrated)
Rrggg! Feral! If you're concerned about your darned Enforcers having a presence, you'll be up there on the stage with us--

FERAL
(protesting)
That isn't the point, sir--

CALLIE
Mr. Mayor, I don't think that's what--

MANX
(ignoring them both)
--and that niece of yours will be flying an escort squadron for these Aqueons when they arrive.
(chuckles, then turns serious)
An unarmed escort.

Manx narrows his eyes at Feral in the reflection of the mirror.

MANX
I will not risk offending the Aqueon Ambassador. Or the royal family.

Manx still hasn't gotten the tie right, so, with another sigh, Callie walks over and ties it for him. He smiles his thanks, then returns to preening in the mirror.

MANX
Besides, all this discussion is purely academic. The lack of any visible weaponry was a request from the Ambassador himself. And what the Aqueon Ambassador wants, the Aqueon Ambassador gets. Understand, Feral? If you think I'm blowing the intergalactic deal of the century just because you're a little paranoid, you've got another thing coming.

Feral just growls and storms out of the office. Callie watches him go, then sighs. Manx smirks.

MANX
And as for you, Callie, those SWAT Kats better be on their best behavior. I don't want them embarrassing me in front of the aliens.

CALLIE
Don't worry, Mr. Mayor, there'll be no danger of that.

As Manx returns to admiring his own reflection, waggling his eyebrows in a "Hey good lookin'" kinda way, Callie, rolling her eyes, slips out of the room.

INT. CITY HALL - HALLWAY

Callie steps out, leaving the office door open. Feral is by the elevator. He presses the "down" button. Clearing her throat, Callie walks over to him.

CALLIE
Commander Feral, you really have nothing to worry about. The Aqueons are peaceful.

FERAL
(annoyed)
It's not them that concerns me, Ms. Briggs. It's those who might hate them and fear them and try to attack them because they're aliens. It's my duty to protect any dignitaries visiting Megakat City... regardless of who and what they are and where they came from. I can't do that if I don't have my forces ready at hand.

Callie sighs, seeing that the Commander has a point.

CALLIE
(attempting to be conciliatory)
MASA has its own security guards.

FERAL
(dismissively)
Bah!

Feral turns and gestures with one hand as if the idea of MASA's guards being competent at their job is a foreign concept to him.

FERAL
Rent-a-cops!

Callie sighs again. She hates having to be the mediator between the prideful, stupid Manx and the hot-tempered Feral. Suddenly, she smiles.

CALLIE
You know, Commander...

She leans in conspiratorially. Feral blinks and turns to look down at her.

CALLIE
...the Mayor only said you couldn't have your men on MASA's property. Which, last time I checked, ended more or less at the front gate.

Feral's scowl deepens and for a moment he seems about to protest that this is nothing but the same kind of "wiggle room" the Deputy Mayor gives his hated rivals, the SWAT Kats, but then merely nods. The elevator doors swing open. Without saying anything else, he gets on and stands there wordlessly as the elevator doors slide shut. There's a "ding." Going and pulling the door of Manx's office shut, Callie takes out her communicator and activates it.

SCENE 11

INT. GARAGE - JAKE'S BEDROOM

The alarm blares. Jake jerks awake and launches out of bed like someone lit a fire under him. He's in nothing but a pair of black boxer shorts.

INT. GARAGE - HALLWAY

Jake charges down the hallway, a weird mixture of groggy but alert. He stops at Chance's bedroom door.

JAKE
Chance--

He can see Chance's bed hasn't been slept in. Growling, Jake turns and runs off down the hall again.

INT. GARAGE - LIVING ROOM

The alarm stops. Jake comes downstairs and finds Chance watching TV and talking on the communicator. The Scaredy-Kat marathon is still going.

CALLIE
(over the comm)
Sorry to wake you guys up so early, but I was just too excited!

CHANCE
(into the comm)
So what's up, Ms. Briggs? How are things down at City Hall?

CALLIE
(over the comm)
Manx is... well, Manx. And Feral just got through having a roaring fit about not being allowed to have any of his men at the Space Center when the Aqueons arrive.

JAKE
(speaking a little loudly so as to be heard)
Why? What's he afraid of?

CALLIE
(over the comm)
Is that you, Razor? Well, he's concerned, in his own way, that someone might try to harm the Aqueons.

Chance laughs.

CHANCE
(into the comm)
Someone should've told 'im that the only guy who ever wanted to do that is space dust by now, and we're the ones who did it. Well, Razor did. Mostly accidentally.

Jake playfully smacks him and leans in further over his shoulder.

JAKE
(into the comm)
Point being, if there's any trouble, we can handle it. Besides, last time I checked, MASA's got a crack security force. And we oughta know. We fought a whole bunch of 'em while they were being controlled by the Ci-Kat-A.

Chance shudders.

CHANCE
(quietly)
Please don't mention that word...

Jake chuckles.

CHANCE
(into the comm)
Anything else?

CALLIE
(through the comm)
Mayor Manx was adamant that you two had better behave yourselves.

CHANCE
(into the comm)
Don't worry about Manx. We can handle that old fuddy duddy.

CALLIE
(over the comm)
Careful. That "old fuddy duddy" signs my paychecks.

On TV, the Scaredy-Kat cartoon continues. The little cartoon kat is tied up and being boiled in a big pot by a bunch of cannibalistic NATIVES wielding spears. He screams piercingly. Chance guffaws.

CALLIE
(over the comm)
Is everything okay?

CHANCE
(into the comm)
Yeah, yeah. Sorry. I was laughin' at somethin' else. Anyway, like I said, that's great news! Razor and I will be over pronto!

He hangs up. Grinning, he turns and and gives a thumbs-up to Jake.

CHANCE
Imagine that! Feral thinking anyone on this planet would ever wanna hurt the Aqueons!

On TV, we see a native WITCH DOCTOR pouring some salt into the brew used to cook Scaredy-Kat. Right as he opens his mouth to scream, Kat's Eye News cuts in, their logo filling the screen. "News Flash!" and "UFO Mania!" scroll across the bottom. Chance grumbles. The screen then cuts to ANN GORA reporting live from MASA.

ANN
(on TV)
Ann Gora, Kat's Eye News, live from the MASA Space Center as the Aqueon delegation are moments from arriving! This is truly an historic moment!

CHANCE
Yeah, so historic it cut into the latest episode of Scaredy-Kat.

JAKE
Oh, come on, buddy. You've seen that one before. And besides, the news was gonna cut in eventually.

Jake shuffles over to the fridge. Chance turns down the volume and turns to look at him.

CHANCE
You okay?

JAKE
What if Feral's right?

CHANCE
It'd be even more newsworthy than the Mayor meetin' with aliens.

JAKE
Be serious!
(sighs)
The Aqueons are a peaceful and gentle people. If someone did try to hurt them...

Chance sighs.

CHANCE
Like I said, we took care of that creep Mutilor and all of his guys are in space jail somewhere. There's not a thing on this planet right now that could ever be considered a threat to those little blue guys. At least, nothing that we can't handle.

He turns the volume back up and laughs at something funny happening to Scaredy-Kat as Jake begins making breakfast.

SCENE 12

EXT. FOREST - DAY

The impact site of the rocket. Its engine groaning and grinding, a MASA retrieval truck pulls up to the wreck. The two jumpsuited TECHNICIANS inside frown and blink, glancing around, not seeing anyone or any other vehicles. The area is completely deserted except for the crashed rocket.

WHIP UP away from the truck over the charred and broken treetops and pan over towards the distance, zooming in on a road coming out of the forest and heading into more arid country.

EXT. COUNTRY ROAD - DAY

A dusty road out beyond the forest, heading into the desert area. The MASA van speeds along, followed by the hunters' wood-paneled Jeep station wagon. Both vehicles are driving somewhat erratically, swerving over the line and sometimes onto the median repeatedly. They weave back and forth as though their drivers are having difficulty concentrating on what they're doing.

In the lead car are the two MASA technicians from last night. Both of them now have their mirrored sunglasses on now, hiding their eyes, and grim, serious expressions on their faces. The Ci-Kat-A drone sits between them, twitching its antennae impatiently. The Kat's Eye News report has just finished up on the radio. Technician #2, riding shotgun, robotically leans over and switches it off. He and the other two stare ahead without moving, except for the drone who occasionally twitches restlessly.

TECHNICIAN #2
Did you hear? Bzzz.

TECHNICIAN #1
I did.

TECHNICIAN #2
The Aqueon filth are here. Bzzz! Bzzzzz!

TECHNICIAN #1
(annoyed but emotionless)
I said I heard. Bzzz!

TECHNICIAN #2
We must eliminate them and then get off this backwater rock. It's become too dangerous for our kind here.

The Ci-Kat-A drone between them buzzes excitedly, gripping the dashboard with its clawed hands. Its wings flutter behind it. Both technicians spare it a glance before returning their attention to the road. Keeping one hand on the wheel, Technician #1 reaches up and takes off his shades, revealing his multi-faceted, fly-like eyes. They blink and he rubs them with the hand holding the sunglasses, then puts the shades back on.

TECHNICIAN #1
(confident)
And we will. We'll eliminate the visitors and steal their ship. Then we can resume what we started years ago.

The two vehicles continue driving, passing a sign that reads "MASA Space Center: 3 Miles."

[Kooshmeister]

SCENE 13

EXT. MASA - MORNING

Manx stands at the podium. The seats are filled to capacity with important-looking DELEGATES and other ASSORTED CITIZENRY. Everyone is in fancy attire. NEWS CREWS (consisting of REPORTERS and CAMERAMEN) and their vans with mounted video cameras and satellite dishes can be seen everwhere. Closest to the elevated platform are of course Ann Gora and JONNY K., the latter filming diligently as Ann speaks into her microphone.

In the crowd, MR. YOUNG is sitting alongside a grumpy-looking Commander Feral, who sits with his arms crossed, indignant at the fact he's stuck in the audience despite having been promised a place up on the stage. We see he's wearing a cape that matches his uniform. A peaked cap sits in his lap along with an engraved command baton. A few ENFORCER SERGEANTS, hats in their laps, sit on either side of them, rigid and emotionless. There's also an ARMY GENERAL and his AIDE. Like the sergeants, they're hatless and sitting stern and unmoving. This group (Feral, his sergeants and the general and his aide) are the only evidence of any of kind of police of military at the gathering. The MASA guards standing around are another matter. They're armed with holstered laser pistols, but are doing their best to look inconspicuous, standing behind and apart from the gathered crowd of Enforcers, military, delegates and press.

On the stage, Callie and Mayor Manx are with DR. LOUISE HUBBLE, an important MASA scientist specializing in exo-biology. She's a little older but still attractive and constantly messing with her hair and clothes, clearly nervous about the prospect of meeting real live aliens. Also present is GOVERNOR CLAWSTONE, a tall, thin kat in a business suit with short curly hair. With him are two hulking BODYGUARDS. They wear impenetrable sunglasses.

Callie notices Dr. Hubble's nervousness and smiles, laying a hand on her arm.

CALLIE
Nervous, Dr. Hubble?

HUBBLE
Of course I am, Deputy Mayor. I've waited my entire life to actual meet extraterrestrials.
(frowns)
Well, live ones anyway.

CALLIE
Live ones?

Before Hubble can respond, Manx taps the microphone on the podium, getting some feedback. Everyone winces. Feral rolls his eyes.

MANX
Is this thing on? Heh-heh. Attention, everyone! I've just been informed that the guests of honor.

Clawstone leans in, covering the mic with one hand.

CLAWSTONE
(quietly)
Try not to become the center of attention like usual, Manx. The President is counting on this to go smoothly. He isn't going to want to meet the Aqueons himself if this goes badly. So don't screw this up.

Standing nearby with Dr. Hubble, Callie watches this exchange. She frowns and narrows her eyes, clearly disliking the Governor.

MANX
(nervous laugh)
Oh, of course not, Governor. What is there to screw up?

The Governor fixes him with a hard stare.

CLAWSTONE
Knowing you? Anything and everything.

He takes his hand off the mic and moves away as Manx sweats a little nervously. Below them on the ground, Ann speaks into her microphone as Jonny films her.

ANN
According to my sources, the SWAT Kats along with a special Enforcer escort is being sent to see the Aqueon ship safely down to the surface of the planet, where it will land directly behind me.

She turns and gestures to a large landing pad to the left of where everyone is sitting. A MASA guard stands with his arms behind his back at either corner.

SCENE 14

EXT. ABOVE THE MEGAKAT PLANET - OUTER SPACE

A diplomatic shuttle leaves from a hangar somewhere on the mothership's surface and flies down towards the planet.

INT. AQUEON MOTHERSHIP - BRIDGE

Queen Aki-Vasha and her attendant doctors as well as the captain and crew watch on viewscreens as well as the front viewport as the diplomatic vessel departs.

AKI-VASHA
Good luck, Jehnna.

INT. AQUEON SHIP - BRIDGE

An AQUEON PILOT duo (one MALE and one FEMALE) are sitting up front flying the ship. Seated behind them are Princess Jehnna, Ambassador Kwi-Ess, Bertron and the rest of the Aqueon delegation (four robed guys). Jehnna holds the ceremonial jug containing the Water of Life while Bertron has the futuristic-looking canister containing the Sorium. Jehnna is beaming excitedly. Bertron just frowns sourly. Kwi-Ess, for his part, simply smiles serenly.

EXT. UPPER ATMOSPHERE - DAY

The Aqueon ship is descending. The Turbokat and some Enforcer fighters swoop in to escort it. We see FELINA FERAL flying the lead jet.

INT. AQUEON SHIP - BRIDGE

A few of the Aqueons, including Bertron, are alarmed by this.

KWI-ESS
Calm yourselves. These fighters are being sent as escort for our protection. Nothing more.

T-Bone's filters through some speakers placed up near where the pilots are sitting. The Aqueons look out the window on one side and see T-BONE and RAZOR in the cockpit. They give them a thumbs-up.

T-BONE
(through the radio)
Hey there! I'm T-Bone of the SWAT Kats! You might remember me and my pal Razor as the ones who solved the little problem of your stolen ship last time. No need to worry. We're here to give the Enforcers an assist in getting you guys safely down to the ground.

RAZOR
(through the radio)
We'll turn you over to them now.

There's an audible, hissing click as the frequency changes over and Felina's voice comes through now.

FELINA
(over the radio)
Attention, Aqueons. Please don't be alarmed.

The Aqueons look out the other window at the lead Enforcer jet flying beside them. Felina smiles and waves.

FELINA
(through the radio)
My name is Lieutenant Felina Feral. As my friend T-Bone just got done explaining, we're here to provide escort to the Space Center for your guys.

The Ambassador smiles to Bertron and the Princess.

KWI-ESS
(reassuring)
See?

FELINA
(over the radio)
I apologize if we startled you.

FEMALE PILOT
(chuckles)
You did give us a start, Lieutenant.

FELINA
(over the radio)
Well, my profoundest apologies once again. Now, if you please follow us, we'll lead you to the Space Center.

FEMALE PILOT
Affirmative, Lieutenant.

BERTRON
(sullen)
I still don't like them sending fighter craft to escort us... even if one of them is the SWAT Kats.

Felina's jet leads the way. The Aqueon ship zooms down through the clouds with the Turbokat bringing up the rear.

SCENE 15

EXT. MASA - MORNING

Outside the front gate is a cordon of Enforcer Peacekeeper tanks, cruisers and other assorted vehicles. They're sitting discretely to one side just beyond the MASA property line as per the conditions discussed by Callie and Feral earlier. ENFORCER COMMANDOS mill about. They're being overseen by a grumpy-looking LIEUTENANT COMMANDER STEEL, who seems to have been stuck with commanding the backup detail in case of an emergency.

STEEL
Stupid stinkin' dead-end assignment.

He paces in an agitated manner. One of the commandos standing nearby is holding his bullhorn. This Enforcer - and his companions - is positively a model of deportment for someone forced to serve under the ceaselessly complaining Lieutenant Commander. Steel kicks a rock and sends it flying. It zings off a guardrail.

STEEL
Feral gets to be in there with all those important delegates and hobnob with the important alien dignitaries. Bah! And here I am, Lieutenant Commander of the Enforcers, stuck out here.

The stone-faced security guards from before are still at their posts by the gate, which has the striped no-entry bar lowered, occasionally sparing the gathered Enforcers a few glances. There's the sound of jet engines and then a rumble. Everyone looks up as the Aqueon ship and its escort approaches. Steel and his men shield their eyes from the sun watching the enormous vessel pass over them. Even Steel manages to forget being a jerk for a few seconds as he gawks in awe at the underside of the ship.

STEEL
Wow!

Over where the crowd of attendees is gathered by the raised platform - inside the MASA property proper - there's similar reactions of surprise and amazement, and more than a little nervousness, as the diplomatic vessel approaches. Lots of clicking cameras and flashbulbs as the jets zoom by and the Aqueon ship descends down over the Space Center like the mothership in Close Encounters.

Landing gear unfolds and it lands directly in the center of the provided landing pad. The Turbokat and the other jets circle around and land on a runway nearby. T-Bone, Razor, Felina and the ENFORCER PILOTS get out and walk over to join the gathered crowd as a disembarking ramp detaches and lowers down. Princess Jehnna, Kwi-Ess, Bertron and the Aqueon delegates along with a few crew members emerge and walk down with Kwi-Ess in the lead, hands folded serenly in front of himself in a priestly manner. Behind him, Jehnna carries the sacred jug. And behind her is Bertron with the Sorium. The other Aqueons come behind him. The two pilots remain aboard the ship and don't come out.

There's a hush which falls over the crowd. Mayor Manx rushes over and greets the group. Ambassador Kwi-Ess extends his hand, palm out towards him, to give the traditional Aqueon greeting, but Manx, misunderstanding, grabs his hand and gives it a vigorous shake that makes the Ambassador shake, startled but smiling. The other Aqueons look surprised at the concept of greeting by touching each other. Watching from the stage with Callie and Dr. Hubble, Governor Clawstone sighs and rubs his forehead. The SWAT Kats exchange glances, raising eyebrows. Has Manx blown it?

MANX
On behalf of the people of Megakat City and the rest of the world, welcome! I'm Mayor Manx!

KWI-ESS
(recovering)
Um, yes, pleased to meet you, Mr. Mayor.

Everyone breathes a sigh of relief. Manx, taking Kwi-Ess' arm, urges him to come with him, gesturing to the stage. Unprotesting, he comes with him, the other Aqueons following along. They walk along the red carpet, between the rows of seats, mount the stage and exchange pleasantries with Callie, Clawstone and a thoroughly enraptured Dr. Hubble. Clearing her throat, Callie beckons to the SWAT Kats. They look at one another, shrug, and then get up on the stage, Felina watching them go and playfully giving T-Bone a little shove. This doesn't go unnoticed by her uncle, we stews and squirms in his seat in the audience.

After a moment, Kwi-Ess takes the podium alongside the Mayor.

KWI-ESS
Greetings, citizens of Megakat City. I am Kwi-Ess, Royal Ambassador. I've been sent on behalf of our ruler, Queen Aki-Vasha, who unfortunately was unable to attend.

He doesn't elaborate.

KWI-ESS
(turning)
And these must be the famous SWAT Kats. Your world's greatest warriors.

The vigilantes burn with embarrassment. T-Bone fidgets and Razor rubs the back of his neck.

RAZOR
(awkward)
Well, not really. But I guess we're pretty great.

T-BONE
"Pretty great?"

The Ambassador signals Jehnna forward.

KWI-ESS
The Queen's daughter Princess Jehnna will now give the Water of Life to the saviors of the Aqueon people from the evil space pirate Mutilor.

T-Bone perks up.

T-BONE
Princess...?

Razor leans in, eyes narrowed.

RAZOR
(hissing)
Don't. Even. Think about it.

T-Bone looks embarrassed, then recovers, managing a crooked grin.

T-BONE
Never crossed my mind.

Razor facepalms. Either the Aqueons haven't noticed this exchange, or are too polite to comment on it. Kwi-Ess stands to one side, gesturing to the Princess. Jehnna holds the ceremonial jug.

JEHNNA
As per the traditional Aqueon protocol for first contact, we humbly offer you the Water of Life.

The jug is held out towards Manx, who looks a little uncertain of what to do with it. As he takes it amidst a flurry of flashbulbs and clicking cameras, Jehnna smiles, noticing his confusion.

JEHNNA
To us, water is the source of all life, and to give water is a sign of tremendous respect.

Manx nods, holding the ceremonial jug, tilting it this way and that, examining it from different angles, squinting with great interest. He's uncharacteristically careful to avoid spilling a drop. The Water of Life may just be water, but he's determined not to mess this up in front of the press. Governor Clawstone looks impressed... and relieved. As does Callie. Behind and to either side of her, the SWAT Kats exchange glances, one eyebrow raised each. Jehnna continues, taking the podium. Bertron, the Aqueon science officer, stands off to one side still holding the glowing power mineral, the sorium, in its cylindrical container.

JEHNNA
(speaking into the microphone)
Thousands of years ago, our world was a barren desert wasteland, and we had to ration water. Generations of Aqueons never knew what it was like to have a world covered in water, until our scientists developed climate conversion technology, powered by our other gift to you, the sorium, to bring thunderstorms to the planet, causing it to rain in sufficient quantities to replenish our oceans.

Most of those in attendance just nod along, interested, but a few people, Manx and Dr. Hubble in particular, perk up at the mention of the sorium. They spare the cylinder in Bertron's hands a glance before returning their attention to the Princess, who continues.

JEHNNA
The Aqueon homeworld is now one gigantic ocean. But although a thousand generations of our people have lived with a neverending supply of water, we Aqueons have never forgotten what it was like to live with a dwindling supply. It is for this reason that we give to all of our new friends the Water of Life as a gift.
(smiles)
It is also why we make our living as water merchants, helping developing worlds with their own water problems.

There's a smattering of applause from the audience. Jehnna smiles and glances at Kwi-Ess standing beside Bertron. The Ambassador smiles and nods encouragement. Clearing his throat, Manx steps forward and steps the jug on the podium.

MANX
(beaming)
Why, thank you, Your Highness. This pitcher--er, ceremonial jug and its contents will find a place of honor in our museum.
(a greedy look in his eye)
Now, as to that other gift you mentioned...

Jehnna chuckles, finding the Mayor's eagerness and lack of tact amusing. Bertron bristles.

JEHNNA
I'll leabe that up to our resident scientific expert. Let me introduce you to Betron, the royal science officer.

Bertron grumbles and comes forward, holding the cylinder aloft.

BETRON
This, my friends, is sorium, which we have refined into an aquatic mineral form we call hydrolater crystals. What you see here inside this containment vessel is just a small sample for demonstration.

The audience leans forward, even more interested than before. Razor especially looks fascinated, joining Dr. Hubble in inching forwards a bit to gather around the Aqueon scientist as he explains things. Manx looks at Clawstone. The Governor grins.

BERTRON
As a gesture of our friendship, I've been instructed to not only provide you with enough hydrolater crystals to power your entire city, but also to help your scientists with the formula for its creation.

There's applause from the crowd. Manx takes the podium again, elbowing Bertron aside. The jug wobbles but doesn't fall. Callie grabs the handle, preventing it from toppling over.

MANX
And now, ladies and gentlemen, I think it's time that Dr. Hubble took our new friends on a tour of our fine Space Center.
(turns)
Doctor?

Beaming, Dr. Hubble gestures for the aliens to come with her.

SCENE 16

INT. MASA - HALLWAY

A group - Dr. Hubble, the Aqueons (Jehnna, Kwi-Ess, Bertron and delegates), Manx, Callie, Clawstone, Feral and the SWAT Kats - walks down a long hallway inside the main building, being given a tour by an eager and excited Hubble. Bertron is at her side, listening intently, finding himself fascinated by the quaint and, to him, somewhat antiquated technology. The SWAT Kats bring up the rear. A pair of bored-looking MASA TECHNICIANS (not the two from the crash site; their eyes are visible and perfectly normal) follow the group, pushing a cart with the glowing hydrolater crystal on it.

T-BONE
(groans)
This isn't as glamorous as I thought it'd be. I mean, sure, we're here, but now suddenly it's just the same old boring tour we could take if we'd paid twenty bucks.

RAZOR
(smirking)
Yeah, but we're gettin' it for free, so lighten up, will ya? And if you're still worried about missing Scaredy-Kat, remember, you've seen everyone one darn near a hundred times each.

T-Bone just heaves a deep sigh. Callie sidles up to the pair.

CALLIE
Isn't this exciting, you two? Dr. Hubble says the Aqueon hydrolater crystals could revolutionize Megakat City's energy production.

T-BONE
(bored)
Sure. As long as it results in us getting a lower electric bill, I'm all for it. I just wish we were gettin' some action.

RAZOR
(holding up a finger)
Hey, don't wish for that kinda thing, T-Bone. I know you thrive on excitement, but I'm sure our Aqueon visitors would like everything to go smoothly. I sure would.

Callie watches Manx, who is busy talking to Governor Clawstone in hushed tones and not paying attention to anything Dr. Hubble is saying.

CALLIE
(smiling knowingly)
Looks like Hizzoner is already scheming to get the contracts to build the new hydrolater power plants.

T-BONE
Anything for a buck. That's our Manx.

Up ahead, Hubble is finishing up her spiel about everything the Space Center has to offer.

HUBBLE
...and in here is our main exo-biology lab, where we study alien lifeforms and also prepare ones from our world for space travel.

The group stops at a viewing window looking in on a high-tech (for kats) lab. Jehnna frowns.

JEHNNA
What ever would you want to do that for...?

HUBBLE
Part of our research involves seeing how different animals survive in Zero-G environments to we can have some idea of how they'd survive on other planets, so that we can potentially colonize them.

CLEAN-SUITED TECHNICIANS work with various delicate-looking instruments. The room is mostly given over to terrariums containing insects and other arthropods: big glass tanks containing praying mantises, spiders, beetles and other invertebrates. There are also three large examination tables. On one is a one of Mutilor's ALIEN PILOTS (specifically the one who was found dead in his crashed Marauder by Felina). Next to him is another, smaller figure covered by a sheet. The third table is empty.

HUBBLE
As you can see, we're starting with insects and arachnids.

Predictably, T-Bone shudders. Razor smirks and elbows him good-naturedly. As they look through the window, Hubble gently takes Bertron's arm and the Aqueon scientist, who'd been staring at the shrouded figure on the far table, starts, but recovers. He manages a smile. He seems to admire the MASA scientist's enthusiasm.

BERTRON
Uh, um, very fascinating, Doctor. As part of our joint scientific studies, I'd like to humbly offer to take several specimens of your wildlife back with me for study. Although I'm not sure how well insect life would do on our world. I think marine life would be more...

He trails off. Something has caught his eye.

BERTRON
What is that...?

He points. Hubble follows his pointing finger to the figure covered by the sheet. She looks confused, but then smiles, producing a keycard.

HUBBLE
That's just a specimen we retrieved during the Ci-Kat-A invasion the year before last.

The Aqueons all suddenly bristle. The SWAT Kats notice their change in demeanor and look concerned. An oblivious Hubble goes to the door allowing entry into the laboratory beyond, swiping her card. There's a beep and the door whooshes open, revealing a decontamination room beyond with clean suits and other protective gear hung up to one side.

HUBBLE
We can go inside, but we need to take the proper precautions to preserve the integrity of the room first.
(conversationally)
Have you ever encountered the Ci-Kat-A before--?

Bertron shoves past her, making her drop the keycard.

HUBBLE
Hey--!

KWI-ESS
Bertron! Stop!

The inner door doesn't require clearance and whooshes open automatically. The caped Commander Feral, accompanied by some MASA guards, shoves his way through the group along with the SWAT Kats.

FERAL
Stop him!

INT. MASA - SCIENCE LAB

The technicians working in here stop what they're doing and turn in confusion. Bertron rushes over to the shrouded figure and pulls the sheet back to reveal the shriveled and dessicated body of one of the original Ci-Kat-A drones. Its compound eyes are completely lifeless and its body is a dull rather than vibrant purple color. Bertron recoils in mortal horror, as to the other Aqueons. Jehnna clings to Kwi-Ess.

BERTRON
It is! I knew it! It's... one of them!

EXT. MASA - DAY

The MASA van pulls up to the gate, the Jeep station wagon belonging to the hunters right behind it. The nearby Enforcers don't spare either vehicle a glance, but the guards at the gate frown and look at one another, then one of them walks over to the idling vehicle on the passenger side. Through the rolled up window he can see the two technicians, their eyes hidden behind their mirrored shades. They sit staring straight ahead without moving, faces expressionless. He glances back at the Jeep, where, through the windshield, he can see Ogilvy and Stent sitting, also wearing sunglasses hiding their eyes. Like the technicians, they just sit rigidly without. Returning his attention to the MASA vehicle, the guard knocks on the window. Technician #2, the one sitting in the passenger seat, doesn't respond. He knocks again. Finally, Technician #2 rolls the window down.

TECHNICIAN #2
(monotone)
We've returned.

GUARD
(a little bemused)
I can see that.
(turning serious)
You're a little overdue. The guys sent to retrieve the crashed rocket didn't see you guys at the impact site.

Technician #2 turns slightly, regarding the guard with his impenetrable sunglasses. Robotically, Technician #1, behind the wheel, holds up his and his friend's ID cards, leaning over a little. The guard doesn't take them.

GUARD
(unsatisfied)
And...?

TECHNICIAN #1
(speaking up)
Nothing interesting happened. Bzzz, bzzz.

The first guard glances at his partner, still by the gate, who shrugs. He returns his attention to the van.

GUARD
Yeah, well, you guys might wanna report in for debriefing regardless.
(jerking a thumb at the Jeep)
And who are these guys?

TECHNICIAN #1
(tensing)
Friends.
(when the guard doesn't respond)
Open the gate. Let us in.

TECHNICIAN #2
Bzzz, bzzz.

The guard is suspicious.

GUARD
Wait here.

He moves away from the window, walking along the side of the van, towards the idling Jeep. Suddenly the van jerks forwards as Technician #1 floors it, roaring towards the gate. The second guard moves to draw his gun, hesitates, then leaps aside as the vehicle plows through the flimsy barricade, the Jeep station wagon right behind it. This catches the attention of the nearby Enforcers, who leap into action. The guards draw their sidearms and fire after the intruders. Steel grabs his bullhorn from the commando who'd been holding it, yelling into it.

STEEL
(to his men)
Stop them!
(yelling after the intruders)
Hey! Stop, you! Come back here!

They do not obey and keep driving forward. In the van, the Ci-Kat-A drone, previously hidden, pops up between the two technicians, buzzing excitedly.

INT. MASA - HALLWAY

The Aqueons are storming down the hall, Bertron in the lead, quite upset. Princess Jehnna and Ambassador Kwi-Ess are doing their level best to calm him down.

JEHNNA
Bertron, please! Calm down!

BERTRON
The Black Sleep of a Thousand Voices! I told we couldn't trust these kats!

He gives a sweeping gesture at the SWAT Kats, Callie, Manx, Governor Clawstone and the assembled MASA personnel, who look confused.

BERTRON
Their world has been infested with those vile creatures before and they didn't tell us!

JEHNNA
(placating)
It's not their fault. No one asks to be invaded by such evil.

Razor steps forwards, attempting to mediate.

RAZOR
The Princess is right. These things - Ci-Kat-A, we call 'em - weren't exactly invited here by us. And you can accuse us of hiding their existence. We had no idea you Aqueons had ever run up against them before.

Bertron scoffs, looking incredulous.

BERTRON
"Run up against them before?" Unbelievable!

T-BONE
Well, what would you call it, then...?

KWI-ESS
The Black Sleep nearly caused the extinction of our entire race, SWAT Kat.

There's a hush as everyone takes this in.

JEHNNA
Please, tell us that the only "Ci-Kat-A" still on this world are dead, kept in your laboratories for study.

T-BONE
(confident)
Of course! We SWAT Kats took care of those nasty critters both times they reared their ugly heads!

Cape swishing, Feral strides forward, baton in hand. He places one huge hand on Bertron's shoulder, trying to reassure him.

FERAL
And we Enforcers even developed a cure for their bite.
(turning to the other Aqueons)
I can assure you, Princess, Mr. Ambassador, honored members of the delegation, the Ci-Kat-A, this "Black Sleep," is extinct on our world.

An alarm suddenly goes off, making everyone jump.

ANNOUNCER
(over P.A.)
Alert! Security breach at main gate!

[Kooshmeister]

The SWAT Kats rush towards the exit, followed by Feral. The others move to go with them. Callie, however, turns and holds a hand out towards the Aqueons.

CALLIE
You'd better stay here and let the SWAT Kats and Commander Feral handle this.

They nod in understanding.

EXT. MASA - DAY

T-Bone, Razor and Feral emerge from the building through a side door and watch as the MASA van and the hunters' Jeep come barrelling towards them, being chased by some Enforcer cruisers with lights flashing and sirens wailing. Over by the Aqueon diplomatic ship, Felina and the other Enforcer pilots tense, drawing their sidearms, watching the vehicles speed past. In the van, the technicians eye the Aqueon ship.

TECHNICIAN #1
A ship! An Aqueon ship!

The Ci-Kat-A drone (unseen by those outside) buzzes excitedly.

TECHNICIAN #2
(buzzing)
Bzzz, bzzz! Yes! That ship is our ticket off this rock!

He spins the wheel. The van turns so sharply it almost flips over, but regains its balance and continues on. The Jeep follows. As they approach the landing pad, though, Felina gets down on one knee and fires her pistol, pelting the front of the approaching van with laser fire. The grill is destroyed and one of the headlights is blown out. The technicians and the drone wince and shield their eyes from flying glass as the windshield disintegrates. Dissuaded from a more direct approach, Technician #1 spins the wheel wildly, doing a U-turn; the van and the Jeep whip around and now begin driving away from the Aqueon ship, with the Jeep having its back window shot out by Felina, the other Enforcers joining her in.

The SWAT Kats and Feral observe this from over by the door. Behind them, the door opens and Princess Jehnna and Bertron tentatively peek out. Jehnna disobeyed Callie's instructions to stay put and Bertron followed her in an effort to catch her and bring her back.

T-BONE
Looks like someone's not a fan of our visitors.

Feral throws aside his fancy ceremonial baton and removes a walkie-talkie from inside his coat, speaking into it as the SWAT Kats prepare their Glovatrixes.

FERAL
This is Feral! What's the situation? Who are these attackers!

STEEL
(over the radio)
We don't know, sir! It looks like some MASA employees have just flipped! They blew through the barricade!

Feral frowns and looks at the SWAT Kats.

RAZOR
Don't worry, Feral! We got your back!

FERAL
(grumbling)
Much appreciated, SWAT Kats...

Over by the Aqueon ship, Felina and her fellow pilots run for their waiting jets as the cruisers fly past in pursuit of the intruders. The Aqueon pilots stand at the top of the ship's boarding ramp, looking confused and a little afraid.

Standing off to the side, the news crews report on the action. The cameramen atop the news vans aim their cameras at the the two vehicles which are leaving the pursuing Enforcers in the dust. The van, in the lead, barrels towards the audience seated in front of the stage. The various delegates and attendees scream, scrambling in all directions as the vehicles smash through, crunching chairs under their wheels or sending them flying, splintering them into matchwood. The Enforcer sergeants who were with Feral and the Army general and his aide draw their weapons, but focus on getting people to safety rather than shooting at the intruders. Mr. Young yelps and crawls under the stage, near where Ann is reporting while Jonny films over her shoulder.

The vehicles are heading right towards her. The van's damaged front end is feet away. Jonny scrambles to the side quickly, but Ann stands her ground, continuing to talk into her microphone, as if hypnotized.

ANN
Incredible, viewers! It seems that a group of unknown assailants is attacking the meeting between katkind and extraterrestrials!

Jonny's hand reaches in from offscreen and grabs her by the arm, yanking her out of the way mere seconds before she wouldn't ended up being run down. The two fall hard on their sides and lie there as van and Jeep continue past. Jonny's camera hits the ground and goes skittering away.

Standing atop the stage, Governor Clawstone's bodyguards from earlier, who hadn't accompanied their boss inside, reach inside their suit jackets, drawing laser pistols. But before they can fire, as the vehicles drive past the platform, the Jeep hits the corner of it, seemingly on purpose, and the entire thing teeters over and smashes to the ground, exposing the cowering Young hiding underneath. The bodyguards half jump, half fall off and go rolling.

The Enforcer cruisers, either having to stop because of all the scattering people, or drive around them, or slow so they can go through the group without hitting anyone, fall even further behind.

Over by the side door, as the attacking vehicles near the main building, the SWAT Kats kneel down, taking up defensive positions. Feral draws his gun and fires, destroying the MASA van's remaining headlight. Razor lines up a shot with his Glovatrix, along with T-Bone.

RAZOR
This oughta stop 'em in their tracks!
(yells)
Mini-Cement Launchers!

Pffut! Globs of sticky quick-drying cement fly from the Glovatrixes' nozzles.

T-BONE
Deployed!

The cement splatters over the damaged grill and fenders of the van, quickly dribbling down and cover the front wheels. There's a harsh grinding noise and the van sputters and comes to a bone-shattering halt, the technicians yelping as they're thrown forwards. They clonk their hard-hatted heads against the windshield frame. The Ci-Kat-A drone, seated behind them, is flung forwards and lands upside-down between them, his rear end and kicking spindly legs sticking up into view, although the defenders don't notice this just yet because they're focused on the other vehicle. The Jeep station wagon whips around the back end of the van and screeches to a halt beside it. The SWAT Kats and Feral hesitate, but keep their weapons ready. After a moment, both doors open and the hunters get out, holding their laser rifles from the night before. Grimacing, they take aim and start shooting at the heroes.

RAZOR
Watch out! Take cover!

He and T-Bone dive to one side behind some sundry equipment along with Feral as the hunters' laser fire flies through the air above their heads. Despite the high-powered scopes, Ogilvy and Stent are firing wildly, mindlessly, severely reducing the accuracy and effectiveness of their guns. Razor peeks out from behind the equipment.

RAZOR
Who are these guys?

T-BONE
Who cares? They've got guns and they're shootin' at us!
(grimly)
Let's kick their butts and then worry about who they are and what they want!

FERAL
For once, I agree with you!

Razor nods. They lean out and exchange fire with the hunters, who are using their open car doors as shields to duck behind and fire over, although their ankles are exposed underneath the doors. Seeing this, T-Bone lies down on his belly and aims with his Glovatrix, firing a Bola Missile. It whooses along close to the ground and goes under the passenger door, wrapping around Stent's ankles. The possessed hunter gives a yelp and falls over backwards, firing a shot wildly into the air. He lands on his back, dropping his rifle.

T-BONE
Gotcha!

Because of the angle the Jeep is parked at, the good guys don't have as good of a shot of Ogilvy, the other hunter, and he's managing to keep them pinned down when suddenly Felina Feral's jet swoops down. She doesn't open fire because, per the agreement with the Aqueons, the Enforcers flew an unarmed escort. Ogilvy yells and ducks as the jet zooms by above him, throwing him backwards with the sonic boom. Taking the opportunity, Razor leaps up and runs over, clambering over the Jeep's hood. As Ogilvy gets to his feet, Razor kicks the open driver's side door at him. It swings inwards, hitting Ogilvy in the chest. He is knocked against the side of the car and slides down into an unconscious heap. His sunglasses fall off, revealing his insectoid compound eyes. Razor gasps. He's turning to tell the others when he hears something to his left. On the other side of the Jeep, Stent is getting up, grabbing his weapon. Razor somersaults over the hood, lands in front of the hunter, and then kicks him in the stomach. As Stent doubles over, Razor grabs him and slams his head against the back door. He drops his gun and goes limp. Razor lets him slide down into a sitting position, then kneels and, with trembling hands, removes the unconscious kat's sunglasses. Another pair of bug eyes. He jerks back as if struck.

RAZOR
(yelling)
T-Bone! You gotta come see this!

T-Bone however notices movement in the van. The technicians, who still have their sunglasses on, are stirring. Technician #2, growling, kicks open the door. Getting out, he sees Jehnna and Bertron standing by the door behind where T-Bone and Commander Feral are. He snarls, going into a berserk fury at the sight of the two Aqueons. He lunges forwards, charging with such sudden fury that T-Bone and Feral are caught by surprise. Even as they bring their weapons up, they're knocked aside.

BERTRON
Look out, Princess!

Bertron shoves Jehnna out of the way and grapples with the technician. The possessed kat is bigger and stronger and bears the science officer to the ground. Desperately, Bertron claws at his face, knocking off his sunglasses. He screams in surprise and horror at the sight of his exposed insectoid eyes, all the fight going out of him. He's so thoroughly traumatized that he does nothing as Technician #2 punches him in the face. Once. Twice. Jehnna grabs a plank of wood sitting nearby and swings it, clobbering Technician #2, knocking his hardhat off and making him roll off of Bertron. As he lies there stunned and groaning, the trembling science officer sits up. Jehnna helps him to his feet.

BERTRON
(terrified)
Your Highness! Look! Look at his eyes!

Jehnna looks at the technician's bulging compound eyes. She gasps.

JEHNNA
They're here!

There's a buzz. Everyone turns. The Ci-Kat-A drone exits the van by knocking the back door off. He steps out, clenching and unclenching his clawed hands, antennae twitching, mandibles working ceaselessly. Technician #1 gets out on the other side, taking off his shades. He hisses like a snake.

RAZOR
A Ci-Kat-A!

The drone runs at T-Bone, arms outstretched.

T-BONE
Aaaghhhh! No! Get away from me, bugface!

He backpedals. Feral scrambles out of the way. It does a flying leap, slamming into T-Bone, who falls onto his back, driving his knees into the Ci-Kat-A's midsection. The alien bug's mandibles chomp at his throat, just missing him. With a grunt, he flips the bug off of himself, sending it tumbling head over heels through the air to land by the door leading into the main building. At the van, Technician #1 hears sirens, turns, sees the approaching Enforcer cruisers, and runs, tackling T-Bone and proceeding to get into a struggle with him. The two roll around, punching and kicking one another.

TECHNICIAN #1
(yelling)
Get inside! Quick!

The recovering Ci-Kat-A, shaking its head, turns and shoves past the terrified Aqueons, pushing open the door and running into the MASA building.

[Kooshmeister]

Jehnna watches the drone rush through the door. Narrowing her eyes and holding the wooden plank like a baseball bat, she turns and runs after it. A trembling Bertron hesitates.

BERTRON
Your Highness! Wait!

Overhearing, the SWAT Kats turn in time to see Jehnna go through the door in pursuit of the Ci-Kat-A. Grunting, T-Bone and Technician #1 separate and square off, balling up their fists.

T-BONE
Razor! Go after the Princess before she does something reckless and stupid!

Razor, over by the Jeep and the unconscious hunter Stent, manages a smirk despite the dire situation. He rises as the Enforcer cruisers drive up, lights flashing.

RAZOR
Sounds like someone I know.

T-BONE
(grumbles)
Oh, quit yappin' and go after her!
(turns back to his opponent)
I got this guy!

Razor hurries past. He grabs Bertron by the arm.

RAZOR
Why is that thing so interested in what's inside the Space Center?

BERTRON
(slowly overcoming his fear)
I... don't know!
(realizing)
The hydrolater crystal! It's after the hydrolater crystal!

Releasing his arm, Razor runs through the door. After a moment, a contrite Bertron follows. Meanwhile, T-Bone continues fighting the technician. The converted kat hisses and buzzes as he begins undergoing the next stage of his transformation into a Ci-Kat-A. His hands are becoming more like insect claws and the points of his mandibles are beginning to grow from the corners of his mouth. It won't be long before he's capable of biting people and converting them the same way he was.

INT. MASA - MAIN LOBBY

The Ci-Kat-A rushes through the big deserted lobby.

INT. MASA - HALLWAY

The hallway leading to the exo-biology lab. Here we find Callie, Mayor Manx, Governor Clawstone and the remaining members of the Aqueon delegation. Through the viewing window of the lab itself, we can see Dr. Hubble talking inaudibly to the assembled scientists and technicians in their protective suits.

MANX
Oh, this is dreadful! Dreadful! First contact with the Aqueons, ruined!

CALLIE
Relax, Mayor. It isn't your fault.

CLAWSTONE
(grumbles)
For once.

Callie shoots the Governor an angry glare. Then she notices the Aqueons standing to one side, looking a little annoyed that they're being talked about like they're not there. She attempts to be concillatory.

CALLIE
(to Manx)
I'm sure the Ambassador and his delegation won't hold you responsible for what's happening.
(to Kwi-Ess)
Will you, Mr. Ambassador?

Kwi-Ess manages a gentle smile.

KWI-ESS
Of course not. It can't be helped if not everyone on this planet is as... pleased about our visit as you.
(frowns)
I do wonder who is behind the attack, though.

CALLIE
I wish I knew. But don't worry. The SWAT Kats will handle it.

The Ambassador nods.

KWI-ESS
Of that I have no doubt.

There's an awkward silence. Then:

CALLIE
I hate to pry... but your science officer... the way he freaked out over seeing that dead Ci-Kat-A...

They turn and look through the window into the lan, where the dessicated drone lies on the examination table alongside the body of Mutilor's underling. Kwi-Ess nods.

KWI-ESS
As I explained to the big SWAT Kat--

CALLIE
T-Bone.

KWI-ESS
--the Ci-Kat-A, as you call them, almost destroyed our entire race. You see--

He's interrupted as the door at the far end of the hall busts open and the chittering Ci-Kat-A rushes in, stopping in its tracks upon seeing the group standing further down. Everyone gasps. The Aqueons look as though they're looking up evil incarnate and begin shrinking away slowly. Even the ordinarily stoic Kwi-Ess looks suddenly fearful.

KWI-ESS
Then it's true! They are on this planet!

CALLIE
(gasps)
But that's not possible! The SWAT Kats and the Enforcers killed or cured them all!

KWI-ESS
(darkly)
There's no curing this one, Ms. Briggs. This is no mere soul bitten and converted. This is an original drone, hatched from a queen's egg.

They begin slowly backing up. The Ci-Kat-A walks forwards, though he is restraining himself from attacking for the moment. A whimpering Manx runs into a janitor's closet, slamming the door behind himself. Governor Clawstone and the Aqueons (besides Kwi-Ess) turn and run off down the corridor, shouting. They disappear around a corner.

CALLIE
(worried)
They must've missed one, but I don't know how...!

She looks around for something to use as a weapon. Spotting a janitor's cart, she grabs a long-handled mop and holds it out like a javelin.

CALLIE
But we can worry about where he came from later! Get behind me, Mr. Ambassador! I'll protect you!
(gulps)
As best as I can, anyway!

KWI-ESS
(nervous)
Much appreciated...

The drone hesitates seeing Callie armed, and seems to be deciding what to do when the door behind him swings open. Princess Jehnna leaps in and swings the two-by-four down hard on the bug's head. The Ci-Kat-A gives a buzzing yelp and staggers forwards a bit. Seeing her opening, Callie swings the mop, hitting the evil alien in the face with a wet splat, sending dirty droplets of mop water flying everywhere. As she goes to jab him again, though, he grabs the handle, yanking the mop out of her hands. She cries out, jumping back, deftly avoiding his chomping mandibles. Turning, the Ci-Kat-A backhands Jehnna. She drops the plank and flies back, smashing into Bertron as he enters behind her. Both Aqueons go flying back through the door.

The Ci-Kat-A, clearly having had enough, grabs both ends of the mop handle and bends it, snapping it half with a loud, splintering crack. Tossing both pieces aside, he resumes advancing towards Callie and the Aqueon Ambassador. Suddenly, however, the insect turns. He runs and flings himself against the viewing window looking into the lab, but bounces off the reinforced glass.

INT. MASA - LAB

Seeing what he's attempting to do, Dr. Hubble whips out her keycard and rushes through into the decontamination room. Her intention is to lock the door electronically so the alien can't get in. She isn't fast enough. Having already been unlocked earlier, the door whooshes open and the Ci-Kat-A enters even as Hubble is trying to swipe her card. The creature grabs her arm and she screams as the razor-sharp mandibles bite through the sleeve of her lab coat and into her arm. Watching from the hallway outside, Callie and Kwi-Ess are horrified.

CALLIE
Dr. Hubble!

Hubble collapses, writhing in pain. Ignoring her now, the Ci-Kat-A walks through the decontamination room and into the main area of the lab. The assembled technicians gasp and back away from him, some even grabbing various things to use as weapons, but he ignores them. Instead, he focuses on the terrariums of various insecys, and then goes right for the cylinder containing the hydrolater crystal, seemingly mesmerized by it. The technicians (the two who wheeled the cylinder in on the cart and the ones wearing clean suits) inch towards the door and run through it. They mostly ignore the prone Hubble lying on the floor twitching. One, though, stoops down to try and help her.

INT. MASA - HALLWAY

As the terrified technicians run away, Callie walks towards the lab door, holding a hand out towards the guy stopping to help Dr. Hubble. Her outstretched hand trembles.

CALLIE
Careful!

INT. MASA - LAB

The technician jerks at the sound of Callie's voice, startled. He looks up, eyes wide behind the plastic visor of his suit's hood. Suddenly, Hubble opens her eyes. The technician yelps and jumps up. The MASA scientist's eyes are green compound fly-like eyes like all the others. At Callie's urging, the tech runs out to the relative safety of the hallway. Grabbing her dropped keycard, Dr. Hubble rises like a zombie, turning clowly and regarding those standing beyond the threshold of the decontamination room coldly, then swipes her card in the reader. The door whooshes shut and locks with a beep, sealing her and the Ci-Kat-A drone inside the laboratory.

INT. MASA - HALLWAY

The clean-suited technician who tried to help Hubble has run off. Now only Callie and Kwi-Ess remain, watching forlornly as Dr. Hubble pays them no more heed, turning and walking further into the lab to assist the drone in whatever it is it intends to do. The doors at the far end of the hall open and Razor rushes in, Glovatrix up, accompanied by Jehnna and Bertron.

RAZOR
What'd we miss?

CALLIE
A lot. That awful thing bit Dr. Hubble and now she's sealed herself in there with it.

Razor goes to the viewing window.

RAZOR
What are they up to...?

BERTRON
(grim)
Whatever it is, it has to do with the hydrolater crystal. Nothing good can come of one those horrible creatures getting its hands on that power.

EXT. MASA - DAY

Technician #1 runs at T-Bone, swinging his fist. The big SWAT Kat dodges and punches him in the gut. The bug-eyed tech doubles over. T-Bone then uppercuts him and knocks him back. He smashes to the ground and lies flat on his back, breathing heavily, but doesn't get up.

Behind him, Technciian #2 rises. Growling, he too begins mutating further. Even as mandibles are growing from his mouth, however, a huge fist comes in from the left (his right) and punches him in the jaw. At the sound of the startled tech crying out, T-Bone whirls and sees Feral standing over the prone form of the converted kat. Like his fellow MASA tech, Technician #2 lies there, visibly breathing but not moving. Feral grumbles.

T-BONE
Thanks, Feral. I owe you one.

FERAL
You'll owe me a lot more than just one when this is all over, SWAT Kat.

His cape billowing, Feral walks over to the cruisers as they skid to a halt. Steel and several commandos get out. Feral addresses them.

FERAL
Get on the horn to Headquarters. I want a shipment of our Ci-Kat-A anti-venom here on the double...

He glances at Ogilvy and Stent, who are starting to regaing consciousness.

FERAL
...before these four get any worse.

The commandos rush forward and hurriedly subdue the two hunters, who hiss and buzz angrily. More Enforcer join T-Bone in getting the two MASA technicians under control.

[marklungo]

Very good story so far! Glad to see that while most Aqueons cower in fear from the Ci-Kat-A, at least Princess Jehnna can defend herself... and others.

[MoDaD]

This is an entertaining story. I'm not sure if the intent is to be actual episode length i.e. "could be used as an episode." If that's the case, there's some issues with pacing and character focus that would probably need to be adjusted. But, if this is just a standalone exercise for fun it's pretty good. Everyone seems to be in-character. Chance's affect/disinterest is played pretty heavily for comedic effect, but I don't mind that. The Aqueon Princess character seems like a very 90s addition that doesn't seem out-of-place in this type of show. The continuity callbacks to The Ci-Kat-A have provided an avenue for reintroducing those creatures - though the timing is appropriately (in)convenient

It's an interesting choice to depict elements outside of Megakat City (i.e. the governor, military, etc.). But, considering that it's a formal extraterrestrial contact it'd make sense that it would affect the world and not just one city.

Manx seems a bit too competent... but then again, it's the one area he's shown to have passion/interest in, and that's making profitable deals. Thus far everyone involved seems to have their moments, from Callie, to Manx, to Ann (even Johnny), to Feral, along with some newcomers that get a decent amount of characterization. In fact, there's quite a lot of new additions in this. Dr. Hubble is a welcome inclusion:

Of course I am, Deputy Mayor. I've waited my entire life to actual meet extraterrestrials.
(frowns)
Well, live ones anyway.

The SWAT Kats sort of just "feel there" like they're just a smaller part of a story that really doesn't concern them that much. That's not a criticism, exactly, it's actually a fair representation of a SWAT Kats episode (particularly in Season 2 - The Origin of Dr. Viper comes to mind). I'm surprised they're involved early on and don't appear later as a reaction to events - but I suppose it's a good thing they're there.

I do still think that Callie's friendliness towards Feral seems a little bit out-of-character - she seems a little bit too nice to him. But, maybe that's just me. And, I still think it would be amusing if Manx had an eagerness to setup a golf course on the Aqueon home planet.

Early on, I also wondered if something like this would add to your scene:

CHANCE
So what? Everyone already knows about aliens. Including them. I mean, in case you forgot, we saved 'em from that four-armed creep, Mutilator.

JAKE
You mean Mutilor?

CHANCE
Whatever - I can't remember the name of every weekly psycho we meet.

Further adding to the tone you've taken with Chance that he doesn't really care about that stuff - a portrayal I think is accurate.

I think the most controversial element you've added is that there's a cure for the Ci-Kat-A bites. Not sure how I feel about that, as it feels a bit like a retcon. Though, I'm sure that will play into this current story, so it's probably not that big of a deal.

[Kooshmeister]

The cure for the Ci-Kat-A bites was introduced in my fan rewrite of The Doctors of Doom, which this is a sequel to. Dr. Viper made himself immune to the bite when he teamed up with Dr. Street, in case his partner in crime betrayed him. And when Street ultimately did, Viper went to the Enforcers and allowed them to make a cure from his blood just to spite Street.

I still don't agree Callie is being too friendly to Feral. Given when this is set, some time after season two, the idea is that Callie has softened towards Feral a lot. I'm not sure how else you would have the scene go. Have Callie oppose Feral's desire to protect the Aqueons and have her treat him poorly just because?

And I remember your suggestion for Chance not remembering Mutilor's name correctly. I don't see why he wouldn't remember his name. As for Manx wanting to build golf courses on the Aqueon homeworld, I thought that there was enough preamble leading up to the action already and couldn't find a place for it amongst all the chatter (if anything, I think the supporting cast is a little too crowded; it's funny you should bring up Governor Clawstone, as I'm considering writing him out in a later draft if there ever is one for that very reason). If and when I do have Manx suggesting that he build a golf course on the Aqueon world, the payoff would be that such a thing would be difficult, considering their planet is mostly water (which Manx would refer to as "One giant water hazard" in disappointment).

[Kooshmeister]

Don't worry, this is still being worked on! I'm well into the beginning of the bug attack on the city now!

[Kooshmeister]

INT. MASA - LAB

Dr. Hubble is wearing a hazmat suit with the hood off and, under the Ci-Kat-A's supervision, constructing some kind of ad-hoc sonic device with a big radar dish emitter on a crude tripod.

INT. MASA - HALLWAY

The group watches through the viewing window anxiously. Callie attempts to placate the Aqueons.

CALLIE
Don't worry. As soon as T-Bone and the Enforcers get the afflicted people under control, the situation will be under control.

KWI-ESS
How can you be so sure...?

CALLIE
Because the Enforcers have actually developed a cure for the Ci-Kat-A bite. It was used to prevent them from taking over a second time.

Bertron groans.

BERTRON
A second time?

KWI-ESS
Deputy Mayor, I wish you'd been more up front about the fact you kats had encountered these creatures before. Not once but twice.

Jehnna steps in to defend their hosts.

JEHNNA
Calm down, Ambassador. They had no way of knowing we'd encountered them.

BERTRON
(refusing to be placated)
Still. You'd think it would've come up in discussions about whether or not they'd encountered extraterrestrials before.

T-Bone continues staring through the glass. He holds up a hand.

T-BONE
Hey! Sshhh! Quit arguing, you guys! There's somethin' going on you might wanna take a look at...

The others walk over.

INT. MASA - LAB

The tripod-mounted dish is complete. It has a cylindrical container on its side for something to do in. The Ci-Kat-A buzzes excitedly. Nodding, Dr. Hubble pulls the hood of her hazmat suit on and then opens the lid of the container with the hydrolater crystal in it. As the group at the window watches in wide-eyed fascination and fear, Hubble transfers the crystal from the carrying container to the cylinder on the side of the device she and the drone just got building. The Aqueons are apprehensive, especially Bertron.

BERTRON
No, no, no... they're building an emitter to harness and fire a concentrated beam of pure sorium!

T-BONE
What for...?

As if in answer, Hubble grabs two makeshift handles and activates the machine. Reflexively, those at the window back away, but they're not her target. Neither is the drone. Instead, when she fires, sending forth a bubbling, almost liquid oxygen beam from the emitter dish at the front of the device, she sweeps it across the terrariums containing the various insect and arachnid specimens. Immediately, they begin twitching uncontrollably and growing at a rapid rate, busting free of their tanks, sending shards of shattered glass everywhere.

INT. MASA - HALLWAY

T-Bone shudders and sweats.

T-BONE
This is just gettin' better and better...

BERTRON
Incredible! They've created a makeshift growth ray by harnessing the sorium from the hydrolater crystal, using it to enlarge the cells of the isnect specimens!

T-BONE
Tell me somethin' I don't know!

INT. MASA - LAB

The freed bugs begin growing larger and larger as the clean-suited Dr. Hubble and the Ci-Kat-A begin backing up. As the increasing bulk of the insects begins to fill the room, the two hurry through a door, heading deeper into the restricted area of the lab, leaving the now monstrously invertebrates to completely fill the main laboratory. They hit and crack the ceiling. The lights flicker. Alarms begin blaring.

INT. MASA - HALLWAY

Everyone begins backing up. Razor runs in.

RAZOR
What'd I miss?

T-Bone just points through the viewing window. Razor gawks.

RAZOR
Aw, crud...!

CALLIE
I think we better get out of here!

Everyone turns and runs off. Mayor Manx peeks out of the closet, shrieks in terror, then scurries off after the main group, bringing up the rear. The entire building begins ominously shaking.

EXT. MASA - DAY

The group rushes outside as the roof erupts with a mighty explosion, sending chunks of debris raining down. The SWAT Kats move quickly. T-Bone shields Callie and Razor covers Princess Jehnna. Everyone else hugs the wall. It isn't long before the cause of the explosion becomes obvious - a swarm of giant insects pours out of the hole in the roof, wings buzzing. A few who can't fly, particularly various arachnids, crawl. The group, recovering, backs slowly away from the building, gawking up at the flying swarm.

A giant wasp dives down towards the Aqueon ship. It's shot at by MASA guards, but quickly returns, buzzing angrily. The two Aqueon pilots run inside as the guards continue pelting the enormous insect's chitonous body with laser fire. Back over by the building, the SWAT Kats ignore the main swarm for now in lieu of focusing on two huge spiders. One of them, a black, spindly creature resembling a black widow, spits a glob of webbing at T-Bone. He yelps and flings his arm up, shielding himself. The goo sticks to his arm and no matter what he does, he can't shake it off. He whimpers in considerable distress that's slowly boiling over into anger.

T-BONE
Eeew! Ew, ew, ewww!

The spider crawls down towards him.

Nearby, this development hasn't gone unnoticed by the Enforcers guarding the converted kats (Ogilvy, Stent and the two technicians). Leaving them tied up, Feral and Felina draw their guns and race over. They fire at the spider attacking T-Bone. The spider dies twitching and scrabbling at the ground, flipping over, its long, thinly-haired legs curling up. The other spider, more of a big, burly tarantula, crawls down the side of the building. The Enforcers' laser fire doesn't seem to be affecting it as much as the considerably wimpier black widow. Noticing the wasp over by the Aqueon ship out of the corner of his eye, Razor alerts his partner.

RAZOR
T-Bone, I think those guys could use some help!

T-BONE
(to the others)
You guys go with Commander Feral and the Lieutenant! We'll get to the Turbokat and slice n' dice these overgrown creepy crawlies!

The Ferals get everyone to safety, rushing offscreen, while the SWAT Kats hurry to where they left the Turbokat. They jump in, firing up the jet engines. As they take off in VTOL mode, a swarm of enormous winged bugs - flies, mostly, but also a few wasps and bees - cover the exterior of the jet.

RAZOR
Volting the exterior... now!

He presses a button. A surge of electricity flows across the surface of the Turbokat. The bugs fry! As their bodies drop, T-Bone turns and roars back across the MASA property, keeping the jet in VTOL mode. Sparing the main swarm, which is heading off over the treetops and the mesas beyond, with the Megakat City skyline off in the distance, a glance, the SWAT Kats focus first on the wasp that the MASA guards can't quite seem to put down. As the guards and run off, Razor gets the wasp in his sights, lowering his targeting visor.

RAZOR
Launching Buzzsaw Missile!

Whoosh! The missile shoots forward, spinning saw unfolding, and bisects the wasp neatly. Gloppy bug guts splatter the ground around the Aqueon ship. The pilots, peeking out from inside, smile and wave. The SWAT Kats give them a thumbs up and then throttle forwards towards the main building. Here, the Ferals are keeping the tarantula at bay with their laser fire. Callie, Jehnna, Manx, Kwi-Ess and Bertron cower behind them, some of them hiding behind the MASA van and hunters' Jeep wagon used to ram through the main gate earlier. The converted owners of the two vehicles simply sit impassively, unaffected by all the excitement.

FERAL
This blasted thing just won't die!

FELINA
The eyes, shoot for the eyes!

So saying, she puts out two of the spider's eyes with a few well-aimed laser blasts. Her uncle follows suit. Whoosh! The Turbokat swoops in from above, still in VTOL mode. As the spider, raising its pedipalps and front legs defensively, backs up, Razor takes aim with his target visor.

RAZOR
This oughta chill him out!

He launches some Freeze Missiles which bathe the spider in what looks like fire extinguisher foam. The stuff hurriedly freezes and hardens, turning the tarantula brittle and immobile. The Enforcers' laser fire strikes it and it shatters into pieces. Everyone cheers. As the Turbokat lowers down, canopy sliding back, the SWAT Kats confer with the others, particularly Callie, Feral, Felina, Princess Jehnna and a visibly nervous Bertron. T-Bone casts a glance at the roof. No more bugs are crawling out.

T-BONE
I think MASA's bug problem is solved, at least for now.

BERTRON
Provided that drone stays contained...

FERAL
He ought to.

The sound of approaching engines. The Enforcers who'd been station outside the MASA property drive up in their Peacekeepers. Steel is poking out of the turret hatch of the lead tank, a helmet on his head. He salutes as his tank grinds to a halt alongside Feral.

STEEL
Commander, the insect swarm is approaching Megakat City!

FERAL
Our main force there can handle it--

T-BONE
(grumbling)
Yeah right...

FERAL
(ignoring him)
...what about that shipment of the cure?

EXT. DESERT - DAY

An Enforcer chopper zooms along. Inside are two stone-faced ENFORCER PILOTS. In the cargo area behind them sit several orange crates (containing the cure).

ENFORCER DISPATCHER
(over the radio)
Attention all units! Giant swarm of insects heading for Megakat City!

The pilots turn to look at one another in surprised disbelief.

ENFORCER PILOT #1
More giant bugs...?

The other pilot notices something, pointing in surprise.

ENFORCER PILOT #2
What the heck is that...?!

The first pilot turns and frowns. Ahead, through the windshield, we see the buzzing swarm approaching rapidly. On the road below are multiple crawling creatures (more spiders, centipedes, etc.).

ENFORCER PILOT #1
(grimly)
That'll be the swarm, I reckon.

Grimacing, he and his co-pilot open fire with their chopper's side-mounted guns. But it's like shooting into a sandstorm. Many insects fall, but more keep coming. They swarm around and over the chopper, heedless of the chopping rotor blades. The pilots stop shooting and fight for control of their craft.

ENFORCER PILOT #1
(straining)
There's too many of them...!
(yelling into the radio)
Mayday, mayday! We need backup, pronto!

A scream from the other Enforcer beside him makes him turn. The side door as been ripped off its hinges and sent flying. Gigantic tiger beetles now slither insides. Clawing and biting at everything, they knock all but one of the crates containing the cure for the Ci-Kat-A bite out the torn open door. The crates fall to the road below. They bounce. One's reinforced exterior holds, but the other smashes open, spilling vials and injector guns all over the asphalt. A few of the blass containers shatter. The crawling spiders and centipedes ignore them and continue on. Back up in the chopper, one of the beetles grabs the second pilot, ripping him free and throwing him out the door, still strapped into his seat.

The first pilot draws his sidearm, shooting at the attacking bugs. He ventilates one beetle, who falls to the floor of the interior; a second beetle grabs the remaining crate and lifts it as though to hit the pilot with it, but the grimacing Enforcer shoots through its torso. The thing staggers back and topples out, taking the crate with it. Even as the remaining beetles swarm over the pilot, making him drop his weapon, he turns and grabs the control yoke. Through the windshield, the side of a mesa rapidly approaches. The pilot, covering in biting and clawing beetles, struggles with the controls. Whether he tries and fails to avert disaster or deliberately crashes is unclear, but the result is the same; the chopper swoops almost sideways into the mountainside and explodes, flinging fiery debris in all directions.

EXT. MASA - DAY

Feral gets the grim news.

ENFORCER DISPATCHER
(over the radio)
Commander! Chopper 1 is down! I repeat, Chopper 1 is down!

The Commander grimaces.

FERAL
But what about the cure...?

ENFORCER DISPATCHER
(over the radio)
Unclear.

FERAL
Drat!

Callie volunteers.

CALLIE
I'll go get it!

JEHNNA
And I'll go with her.

The other Aqueons are horrified.

KWI-ESS
Your Highness...!

BERTRON
You should stay here where it's safe!

JEHNNA
Nowhere is safe as long as those creatures are on the loose... and that thing is back inside there. I don't care how "contained" it is.

FERAL
Now look here, Princess, I can't allow--

But Jehnna is already rushing off with Callie. Feral sighs.

FERAL
Fine. Felina, you go with the main force to protect the city. I put all my trust in you.

He lays a hand on her shoulder. She smiles.

FERAL
And as for you, SWAT Kats...

He turns and points up at them.

FERAL
...I'd tell you to stay out of the way, but I know by now you aren't the listening types. Just don't get in the way!

RAZOR
Perish the thought, Commander!

The canopy slides shut and the jet turns and zooms off. Felina rushes over to her jet, hops in and takes off, following after them. Callie and Princess Jehnna, taking a MASA vehicle, go speeding off the property through the smashed open gate.