Defending Darkheart, Parts 3.A Skug learns of the V.R. Troopers plans to de-virtualize Ryan's father, Tyler Steel/Dark Heart and warns Grimlord. who decides to use Dark Heart as bait to lure Ryan to his destruction. Professor Hart and J.B. analyze the data and discovers that Dark Heart is literally connected to Grimlord through a specific chemical and electronic link. The only way to break the link is to destroy Grimlord! Grimlord appears on the lab's screens and gives Ryan specific coordinates on the reality grid. There he will find his father. Grimlord threatens that if Ryan does not appear, Dark Heart will be destroyed. Ryan keeps his appointment and must fight several mutants who intend to destroy both him and his father. Dark Heart is shot and Ryan rescues him. The father and son escape on Ryan's Turbo Cycle. However, Grimlord begins a full scale assault on the lab.