Copyright 2000 --- Robert Baer Jr. Buford's Collie Squadron -- "Blind Dates" DISCLAIMER Road Rovers characters, names, situations and the Road Rovers universe are the property of Warner Bros. I, nor this script/story are connected with Warner Bros. in any way, shape or form. This document may not be publicized or reproduced in any way, shape or form. It must remain fully intact and may not be altered in anyway. It is strictly used for not-for-profit entertainment purposes only, and is not intended to infringe on any Copyrights. This story is written by Robert Baer Jr and the characters Otto, Ben Maddog, Abby Maddog, and Vicki Maddog are all Robert Baer Jr's creations, copyright 1997-1998. Striker is a creation of Gerhand Naude, Convoy is a creation of Matt Daily. Misty Maddog is a creation of Bart Walls. Jazz is a creation of Dylan Rinald. Buford's Collie Squadron -- "Blind Dates" The scene is a very busy ladies' room inside of Ben Maddog's manison outside of Atlanta, Georgia. Three Maddog sisters are busy making late minute preparations for their dates this evening. Abby is sitting in front of a vanity mirror applying eye liner to her eyes. She looks very elegant in her blue sequiened evening gown with a slit up the side. Vicki is using a brush to put the 'finishing touch' to her hair. She is wearing a very stylish pink chafon dress. Misty is standing up, trying to zip up the back of her strapless dark blue minidress. MISTY (reaching for the back): Hey, Abby, Vicki, can one of you help me zip this thing up, please? ABBY (puts eye liner down): Sure, sis (walks over): Now hold still (zips it up to the top) There we go! MISTY (smiles, looks at herself in mirror): Thanks! (turns to Abby & Vicki): But I still don't understand, why do we have to get all dressed up like this? I'd rather wear blue jeans and a top! VICKI (brushing hair): Because this is a very special evening out! Imagine, the three of us going out on blind dates! How exciting! ABBY (smiles, powders face): Yeah, aren't you glad we talked Otto into picking them for us? MISTY (surprised): Otto? What did he have to do with this? VICKI (puts brush down): We asked him to cross-reference all of the current Road Rover men with our files to find compatable matches for us! It's a good thing Otto talked all three of them into going out with us tonight! ABBY (looks dreamily): I got Convoy! What a strong, masculine name! Bet he's a real hunk! VICKI (smiles): And I got Striker! The personnel records says he comes from South Africa, I love foreign men! MISTY (smiles): Hey, I got a nice guy too! His name is Jazz! (looks at herself in mirror again): But are you sure we have to wear fancy clothes like these? This is the first time I've ever worn a dress! ABBY (looks over at Misty): That's right, you haven't been a cano-sapien long, have you? VICKI (looks over at Misty): You'll do fine! Just remember to watch how you sit down, climb in and out of a car, and bending over in that dress is a real 'no-no', OK? MISTY (nods): I think I understand, I've watched enough human females to know what to do. ABBY (smiles): That's the spirit! VICKI (smiles): Yeah, little sister. This may be our best opportunity yet for true romance! Don't spoil it, OK? Meanwhile, driving up to the entry way of the Maddog estate is a minivan, driven by Convoy, with Striker and Jazz inside of it. CONVOY (points): There's the place! Straight up that long driveway! STRIKER (nods): A very spacius estate, I must say! JAZZ (takes out camera): So THIS is the famous Maddog estate! I wonder if I'll have time to meet the great Ben Maddog himself! CONVOY (smiles): We'll see! STRIKER (looks at Convoy): Is it customary in America to dress in blue jeans, a cowboy hat and a rhinestone shirt to go out on the town with a lady? CONVOY (nods): It is for me, partner! JAZZ (smiles): Hey Striker, in that dark suit and tie you're wearing, you look like James Bond! STRIKER (smiles): Really? That's positively smashing! CONVOY (smiles): Me and Jazz like the casual look, right Jazz? JAZZ (nods): Brown dress slacks and a Eddie Bauer shirt! I hope Misty and I really hit it off! CONVOY (laughs): I know I'm gonna like Abby! Just think, a lawyer who looks SO much like Colleen! STRIKER (nods): Vicki and I have much in common according to Otto, and I trust his judgment! JAZZ (smiles): Misty has only recently become a Road Rover, I read all about her story! All these years she never knew she was a daughter of the most famous canine lawyer in the world! STRIKER (nods): True, there are no canine barristers in South Africa. Only one other in America besides Ben's daughters. CONVOY (nods): That's true, Striker! (stops the van): Here we are! I'll honk the horn! Convoy blows the horn several times, soon, Abby and Vicki rush outside. Misty, who is feeling somewhat nervous, lags behind. ABBY (surprised): A minivan? VICKI (shocked): They came for us in a minivan? MISTY (happy): A minivan! Cool! Convoy steps out and opens the side panel of the minvan. CONVOY (smilng): Good evening, lovely ladies! I'm Convoy! Striker and Jazz are inside. Abby, you sit up front with me, OK? ABBY (looks at Convoy's clothes, thinking to herself): Cowboy attire.... how charming..... Vicki and Misty climb inside as Convoy shuts the side door and gets inside. He gives out a shout of 'YEEEWWW HHHAAAWWWW" and steps on the accelerator. Misty, still moving towards the back seat of the van, falls backward, landing in Jazz's lap. She and Jazz smile at each other before she finds her seat and buckles up. JAZZ (smiles at Misty): Not exactly the classic way to meet on a blind date! (extends hand): My name is Jazz, and you are ... MISTY (very nervous, shakes hand): I'm....I'm.....Misty! MIsty Maddog! Yeah, that's it! JAZZ (warm smile): Hey, no need to be nervous, Misty! This is a dinner date, not a job interview! MISTY (nods): Yeah, you're right, sorry... VICKI (looks at Striker): You are certainly looking great, Striker! (extends hand): I'm Vicki Maddog! STRIKER (shakes hand): I'm Striker! Very pleased to make your acquaintance! VICKI (happy): Wow! I love your accent! STRIKER (confused): What accent? (smiles) I always talk this way! VICKI (giggles): You're so funny, Striker! STRIKER (confused): I am? ABBY (looks around): This is a ...er.... nice minivan, Convoy! CONVOY (big grin): Yes ma'am! I rented it because all of us wouldn't fit in my big rig! ABBY (nods): You do have a point there. May I ask, where will we be dining tonight? CONVOY (happy): Get ready to put on the old feedbag, ladies! We're going to Bubba's Steak 'N Stuff! ABBY (shocked): Where? VICKI (shakes head): Never heard of it! MISTY (happy): HOORAY!!! STEAK!!! JAZZ (nods): It's a good restraunt, I've been there a few times before. CONVOY (big grin): I knew y'all would be happy! They have a two fer ten dollar special tonight, with all the soup and salad you can eat! Makes me drool just thinking about it! ABBY (reaches for a kleenex out of her purse): Here Convoy, don't drool on your clothes! CONVOY (nods): Oh yeah... sorry.. STRIKER (smiles): Classic American cuisine! This will be a real treat! VICKI (looks at Striker): er.. Sure! (smiles): Great idea, Convoy! ABBY (confused): Convoy, I thought we were all going somewhere like...like the Mingo Room or the Blue Ox or ... CONVOY (smiles): Hey, them places are a little TOO fancy for my tastes! C'mon! You'll love Bubba's! Trust me! MISTY (excited): WOW! Sounds great! None of my masters would EVER take me inside of a restraunt with them! JAZZ (smiles): Most don't allow dogs, other than seeing eye dogs, to enter. CONVOY (smiles): I'm hungry! Time to put the petal to the metal! Hang on everyone! The minivan suddenly speeds up to over 70 mph. Abby is cringing in the front seat, Vicki is too busy staring at Striker to notice while Misty shouts 'WEEEE!" each time the van hits a bump or flies over a hill. Soon, they pull into the parking lot at Bubba's Steak 'N Stuff. The last one to get out of the van is Abby, who has been 'scared stiff' by Convoy's driving. All six Rovers enter the front door and see the 'serving line' in front of them. ABBY (looks around): Where's the Mater'dee? VICKI (looks around): Do they have a wine list? MISTY (excited): Look at all these people! This must really be a great place to eat! ABBY (taps Convoy on the shoulder): Who's the head chef in this establishment? CONVOY (looks forward): Tonight's it's LeRoy! (waves, shouts): HEY LEROY!!! WHAT'S SHAKIN'? ABBY (mumbles): How quaint... STRIKER (smiles): I do believe that they are serving cafeteria style! Absolutely splendid! VICKI (weak smile): Yeah.... splendid..... (smiles): Like you said, Striker! JAZZ (points): Yes, we follow the line, place our orders, they had us our salad plates and then we help ourselves to the salad bar. Later, our server will bring us our steaks and potatoes! MISTY (bubbly): This is going to be SO MUCH FUN!!! WOW!! JAZZ (surprised): I must say, Misty, you seem very happy tonight! MISTY (happy): I am! My first date! My first time in a restraunt! My first dress! .... ABBY (sternly): Can it, sis, people are staring at us! CONVOY (puts arm around Abby): C'mon Abby! Loosen up! Misty's got the right idea! Let's have fun! Minutes later, all six are at their tables. They've been to the salad bar and are eating their salads while waitng for their steaks to arrive. Abby sits frowning, picking at her salad with a fork. Vicki can't take her eyes off of Striker, several times she tries to eat her salad with a fork and 'misses' her mouth. The only one speaking at length is Misty, who is having a lively conversation with Jazz. JAZZ (sips soda): So tell me more about your special powers, Misty! Is it true you can control people's minds? MISTY (takes bite of salad): Well, sort of. If I look someone right in the eye, I can give them a single command and they'll obey it. It's not really mind control per se. CONVOY (smiles): Misty, can you show us? MISTY (relunctant): Wel..... (smiles): OK! (looks at Abby & Vicki in the eyes): Sisters, will you please stand up and give us a military salute? VICKI & ABBY (blank looks on faces): WE OBEY! Abby and Vicki stand up and salute. Suddenly, they look at each other. ABBY (concerned): Hey, why did I just do that? VICKI (shocked); Why are we standing up? CONVOY (giggles): Hey! That's really cool! STRIKER (nods): Remarkable! JAZZ (smiles); So that's how it works! MISTY (nods): Yeah, Uncle Buford says I may have other hidden abilities, too! He's working with me to develop them! ABBY (angry): Misty! You controled us! VICKI (growls): That's not funny, sis! MISTY (sadly): I'm sorry, I was only showing the boys my powers and ... ABBY (furious): DON'T DO IT AGAIN!!! VICKI (upset): YEAH!! CONVOY (calmly): Abby, Vicki, hold your horses! Misty meant no harm, relax! (looks): Hey, here comes our steaks! The waiteress serves the six Rovers their steaks. Misty happily begins to cut up her meat, while Abby and Vicki simply stare at their plates. CONVOY (pouring ketchup on his steak): Mmmmm boy! Now THIS is good eating! Dig in, y'all! ABBY (stands up): Er.... will you excuse us ladies, we have to go to the powder room (elbows Vicki) VICKI (stands up): Er.. yeah, we'll be right back... c'mon Misty! MISTY (eating a french fry): Well, OK! (stands up): Excuse me, Jazz, I'll be right back! The three ladies go to the ladies room and shut the door. ABBY (fuming): This date has been a DISASTER!! Taking us to a low class restraunt where we have to get our own salads and the head chef is named LeRoy! This place doesn't even HAVE a wine list! VICKI (smiles): I'll admit, this is not exactly a classy place, but I'm sure enjoying myself! MISTY (bubbly): Me too! Jazz is a great guy! ABBY (turns to Vicki): And if you stare any harder at Striker, you'll burn a hole in his forehead! VICKI (dreamily): Isn't he just dreamy? WHAT A MAN!!! ABBY (snorts): Well, at least YOUR man is wearing a suit! Convoy is dressed like some extra in a Clint Eastwood movie! MISTY (defensive): Hey! I think Convoy looks great! Didn't you two once tell me that having dinner out is more than just the food and decor? It's the company and companionship that count, that's what you said, right? VICKI (smiles): She's right, Abby! ABBY (sighs): Yeah, you're right. After all, Convoy went to a lot of trouble to plan this date. (smiles) Ok, I'll go along with all of this! MISTY (nods): Good! Now let's get back to our table before our food gets cold! As the three collie sisters emerge from the ladies room, their 'dates' are finishing their conversation. CONVOY (sips soda): So, are you two having a good time? JAZZ (nods, happy): Misty is a wonderful young lady! STRIKER (sternly): I will admit, Vicki is quite ravishing, but she seems to be staring at me a lot. CONVOY (takes a bite of steak): Ain't Abby beautiful? WOW! She's really a looker! STRIKER (looks at Convoy): But I don't think she seems to be enjoying herself though. I maybe wrong, but I think Abby was expecting more out of this date than what she's getting. JAZZ (sips soda): Well, all I know is that I owe Otto big time for introducing me to Misty! STRIKER (nods): Maybe Vicki is just nervous, perhaps she'll talk more later on.. CONVOY (looks): Hush y'all! The girls are coming back! Abby, Vicki and Misty return to their seats and continue their meal. Abby is actually smiling as she cuts her steak. Vicki smiles at Striker. VICKI (sips soda): That's a very fine suit you're wearing, Striker! STRIKER (smiles): Thank you, and may I say how lovely you look in pink, Vicki! VICKI (smiles): You sure do know how to compliment a female, don't ya? ABBY (takes a bite of her potato): Y'know Convoy, this was a great idea to bring us all here! CONVOY (surprised): Really? Do you mean it Abby? ABBY (nods): Sure! This restraunt has a certain, well, rustic and homey feel to it! CONVOY (tips hit): Shucks, ma'am! That means a lot to me coming from a lovely lady like you! MISTY (smiles, whispers to Jazz): I think my sisters are 'getting the hang' of it! JAZZ (whispers back): You talked to them, didn't you? MISTY (nods): Yep! This is going to be a fun evening! After they finish dinner, the six re-enter the van and are soon on their way to the theater to take in a movie. Vicki and Striker are having a very lively conversation, Misty and Jazz hold hands as they sit together in the back. ABBY (smiles): Convoy, what movie are we going to see? CONVOY (looks at Abby): Well, fair is fair! We men folk chose the restraunt, it's up to you ladies to choose the movie! ABBY (nods): Sounds like a winner to me, Convoy! When the van stops at an intersection, Abby stretches over to give Convoy a kiss, just as their lips are ready to meet, an loud beep is heard in Convoy's vest pocket. CONVOY (returns to his seat): My cell phone! Sorry! (opens it): Convoy here! (shocked): What? Oh NO! We'll get right on it, Master! Bye! (closes it and floors the excelerator) ABBY (panics): Convoy! What's going on? CONVOY (shouts back): That was the Master, Zachary Storm has broken into the National Guard Armory just north of here. We have to hurry! ABBY (sternly): Then let me and Vicki out! We can get there faster by flying! CONVOY (steering): The Master says he may have already left the armory by now, there's no time to stop! Hold on! Convoy floors the excelerator and jumps a railroad crossing to reach the armory. When they all stop at the gate, they can see that the armory is on fire and several fire trucks are already on the scene to keep the blaze under control. CONVOY (slams fist on hood of van): We're too late! VICKI (shakes head): Maybe not! Abby and I will take to the air! ABBY (nods): If what they're hauling is heavy, they can't be moving that fast! Stand back! Abby 'flames on' and rises, then flys to the north. Vicki floats off the ground and heads south. Soon Misty hears a message on her wrist communicator. ABBY (on radio): Abby to Misty, Abby to Vicki, I see Storm's fleet of trucks! They're heading in the direction of Stone Mountain! MISTY (into mic): We got it sis, we'll meet you there! VICKI (on radio): I copy Abby, I'm on my way! STRIKER (angry): We have to get there first! JAZZ (shakes head): No possible, they have a huge head start! MISTY (smiles): You guys are forgetting something! I'm a member of the Collie Squadron! Let's all get into the van and I'll teleport us there with my collar! CONVOY (climbs in): Are you sure you know how to do this? MISTY (grins): Sure! Just relax. Misty climbs into the van, then with a loud BOOM!!!! suddenly the van is teleported to Stone Mountain, jjust barely ahead of Storm's stolen vehicle fleet. MISTY (happy): I did it! I did it! CONVOY (smiles): Ok, we're in business! Break out the laser rifles, Striker! Striker nods and opens a panel beneath the back seat to reveal several standard issue Road Rover laser rifles, he passes them out. MISTY (shocked): Why did you have these on ... CONVOY (smiles, holds his rifle): Never hurts to be prepared for anything! JAZZ (points): Here they come! CONVOY (turns to the others): Aim for their tires, we just want to stop them, OK? Convoy, Striker, Jazz and Misty aim their laser rifles out of the van's window's and fire. Three of their shots strike the tires of the lead jeep, causes it to turn and screech to a halt in the middle of the road. This stops all the other vehicles from moving. MISTY (shouts): We did it! Soon, the van is riddled with laser fire from the soldiers of Storm's army. CONVOY (shouts): Jump out the back door, QUICK!! The four hop out the back door seconds before the van explodes in flames. JAZZ (shakes head): It won't be easy explaining this to the insurance company! Before any of them can get to their feet, Storm's soldiers grab them, tie their arms behind them and walk them over to the General himself. Abby and Vicki, still floating in the air, are shocked. STORM (points upward): You flying dogs get down here and surrended NOW, or I'll have these four Rovers shot on the spot! Abby and Vicki slowly come to the ground, Abby 'flames' off. They raise their arms to surrender. STORM (looks at the other four Rovers): Any of you miserable mutts have any last words before we.... Storm notices that Misty has her head down, crying her eyes out. Storm walks over to her as Striker, Jazz and Convoy growl. STORM (stares at Misty): Stop crying, collie girl! (angry): Look up at me when I speak to you! Storm takes his hand and gently lifts Misty's head upward, she is still crying. STORM (furious): Any last words, Rover? MISTY (suddenly opens her eyes and stares into Storm's eyes): Please order your men to surrender, lay down their weapons, and untie us! STORM (shakes head, sudden blank look on his face): I OBEY!! (takes out a bullhorn): Attention soldiers! Surrender! Lay down your weapons, and untie the Road Rovers! The soldiers look at each other, and then do as their leader commanded them. Abby and Vicki soon gather up all of their weapons and call for the police as the soldiers untie the others. JAZZ (smiles): Good plan, Misty! STRIKER (nods): Way to go! CONVOY (happy): YEEEAAA HAAAAWWWW! Storm suddenly comes to himself, but by that time all of his soldiers had been 'rounded' up and their weapons melted by Abby's flames. STORM (angry): ATTACK!! STOP THE ROVERS!!!! Jazz, Striker and Convoy grab Storm and wrestle him to the ground. MISTY (smiles): I have an idea! Twenty minutes later the Georgia State Police arrive and take all of Storm's soldiers into custody. TROOPER (looks around): Hey, we got all the mercenaries, but where's Zachary Storm? MISTY (giggles, points): Right over here! The Trooper is amazed to see Zachary Storm, his arms 'flapping' in the air and making clucking noises. TROOPER (laughs): He must have really gone crazy this time! JAZZ (shakes head): Not really! STRIKER (nods): That's right! Misty here told him to act like a chicken for the next half hour! CONVOY (smiles): That way he wouldn't try to escape! (checks watch): He'll be back to normal in a few minutes. ABBY (laughs): Till then, just give him some worms and a post to roost on! Everyone laughs. The scene is the Maddog estate one hour later. Striker, Convoy and Jazz are saying goodnight to their dates. Abby and Convoy stand in front of the orange grove on this moonlit evening. CONVOY (apologetic): Well, this isn't exactly how I wanted our date to go... ABBY (smiles): Convoy, don't worry about it. We're Road Rovers first! We had to stop Storm! CONVOY (sadly): But we missed the movie... ABBY (holds Convoy's hand): That's not important. Tell you what, next time it'll be my treat! CONVOY (surprised): You mean you'd like to see me again? ABBY (warm smile): Sure, you're very kind, thoughtful and ... CONVOY (happy): And... ABBY (happy): and thank you for one night I'll never forget! She reaches over and kisses Convoy. ABBY (waves): Goodnight, Convoy! Convoy nods and shouts 'YYEEEAAAA HHHHAAAAAAAAAWWWWW' as he walks back out towards the driveway. Vicki and Striker are saying their 'goodnights' also. STRIKER (holding hands): Vicki, this has been an experience for me, I must confess! VICKI (nods): Well, things didn't exactly turn out the way we wanted... STRIKER (looks into Vicki's eyes): I had a positively smashing time this evening, thank you! Striker kisses Vicki's hand. VICKI (smiles): Thank you, Striker. There's an American custom I'd like to perform now, we always do this when a date ends, may I? STRIKER (nods): By all means, Vicki! Vicki holds Striker and gives him one long passionate kiss. STRIKER (huge grin): That's one American custom I enjoy very much! VICKI (waves): Goodnight, Striker! STRIKER (waves back): Goodnight, VIcki Maddog! Striker joins Convoy in the driveway as they wait for Jazz to say goodnight to Misty. MISTY (happy): Thank you for the most wonderful evening of my life! JAZZ (grins): You're welcome, Misty. Maybe I could see you again sometime? MISTY (excited): Sure! We can go out for steak again! JAZZ (nods): Of course! This has been a evening of firsts for you, hasn't it? MISTY (happy): Yes, it sure has! JAZZ (smiles): I'll add one more first to your list! Jazz reaches over and kisses Misty on the lips. JAZZ (happy): There's your first kiss! MISTY (amazed): WOW!!! All these years of being four legged, I sure have missed a lot! JAZZ (giggles): Well, you have plenty of time to catch up now! Goodnight, Misty! MISTY (smiles): Goodnight, Jazz! Jazz walks over and stands with Striker and Convoy. Otto walks out to join them. OTTO (sternly): Prepare for teleportation to Road Rover Headquarters... A loud BOOM!!!!!!!!!! shakes the ground, all four Rovers have vanished. ------------------------------------------------------------------------