The Black Lightning

While Irvine lies unconscious in the hospital following the battle with Raven, Van and the others agonize over the disturbing news they must tell him. The Zoid core of his beloved Command Wolf was hit. A blow like that is similar to a fatal heart attack for a human....Irvine's Zoid was dying (¬_¬).

Meanwhile, Raven's vicious attacks have forced the Empire and the Republic to call an emergency Summit.

Later that day, Van and the others (minus Irvine) meet up with Dr. D who was very anxious to introduce his latest project...the Lightning Saix. It seems that during his research of ancient Zoidians he discovered a template of their technology. Using the template in combination with modern methodology he was able to create the Saix. Dr. D gives the gang a trial to demonstrate the Zoid's capabilities. Its speed is beyond impressive. The Dr. explains the true extent of the Lightning Saix is unknown, because there is a safety device built into it that prevents it from operating faster than the pilot can safely handle. During the demonstration something goes terribly wrong. The pilot loses consciousness and must be ejected just before the Zoid crashes head-on into the mountains.

Back at the hospital, Irvine has awakened. He wanders from his bed to find his dying Command Wolf. He stares at the damage as Van, Moonbay and Fiona approach him. Sadly he reminisces of his relationship with his Zoid. Irvine recalls how temperamental the Zoid was in the beginning and how it seemed to act jealous when he would pilot another Zoid. Depressed, Irvine asks to be left alone. (I got all choked up at this part...kind of like swallowing an un-chewed Dorito sideways....Ooooo, now that was graphic.)

Overhead President Camford's Hammerhead is hijacked by a disguised Hiltz who criticizes the lack of security. When the President comes up missing, Thomas and Van are sent out to search. Thomas and the Dibison find the downed Hammerhead and an unconscious man lying several yards in front of it. Unbeknownst to Thomas, that man was Hiltz faking injury. Thomas recognized Hiltz when trying to assist, but he is KO'd before taking any action. (Ya know, I don't think I'd have any ribs left if I got hit in the stomach as much as these guys do.)

At the base, Dr. D is livid! The Lightning Saix memory bank was destroyed. The memory bank is considered the brains of the Zoid where all of its combat data was stored. To reprogram would takes months. Then Moonbay gives him an idea, and he approaches Irvine with his plan. Why not put the Command Wolf's memory bank into the Lightning Saix....kind of like a brain transplant. Irvine is angry and totally against it until Moonbay tells him to put himself in the Command Wolf's place. Maybe the Zoid would like another chance. With Irvine convinced, Dr. D goes to work.

Inside the Hammerhead, Hiltz has planted a time bomb then left with the Dibison and President Camford. Luckily, Van arrives just in time to diffuse the bomb and save Thomas and the other prisoners.

The Dibison along with numerous Gunsnipers begin an attack on the Summit conference. From the Dibison's com system, Madam President tells Rudolph that Hiltz' intent is to destroy the leadership of both nations. She instructs him to attack the Dibison, but Rudolph is hesitant. With no other means of defense, Irvine jumps in the Lightning Saix prior to any testing. At first the Lightning Saix has trouble accepting the Command Wolf's memory bank, but by stage II mobilization, Irvine had full control of the Zoid. He easily destroys the menacing Gunsnipers, but the Dibison's firepower creates clouds of dirt which temporarily blind Irvine. That brief distraction gives Hiltz a chance to run, racing the Dibison towards the cliffs. However, once Irvine is back in control, he easily overtakes and immobilizes the stolen Zoid. The president is saved, but not before Hiltz escapes with the help of Ambient.