Chapter 2

"My Federation informants have brought me some interesting news." Mala reported to the Great Spirit.

"What Federation informants?" Zoltar grumbled. "All of the agents who have attempted to infiltrate the Federation have been discovered."

"Correction:" said Mala, smugly, "all of the agents you have used to infiltrate the Federation have been discovered. You attempted to place your agents in positions that were too high; too risky. They were all exposed through security checks. I, however, have managed to infiltrate the Federation offices through a low-ranking position."

"And what position is that?" Zoltar asked sourly.

"Sanitation Engineer." replied Mala.

"A janitor?" Zoltar screeched. "You're getting information about G-Force from a janitor?"

"It does seem like a questionable decision." added the Luminous One.

"This agent has brought me new information about the secret identities of G-Force." Mala insisted. "For one thing, it turns out that they are teenagers."

"Teenagers?" laughed Zoltar hysterically. "Really? The mighty Spectran Empire is routinely defeated by a group of kids?"

"Actually, four teenagers, and one younger child." Mala clarified. "And you are the one who has been defeated by them, Brother, not I."

"Oh, really?" hissed Zoltar, "What about that time on the…"

"Not my fault." Mala insisted. "You gave us faulty information."

"What?" screamed Zoltar, "I did not!"

"Did too!"

"Did not!"

"Did too!"

"Did not!"

"I think it is not G-Force who are the children, here." interrupted the Great Spirit. His manner was irritated.

"Sorry." mumbled both Mala and Zoltar. There was a moment of silence.

"I admit, the short one does seem like a child," Zoltar mused, "but the others are much older. I am certain of it."

"As you were saying, Mala…" the Luminous One prompted. Zoltar could have sworn that the giant blue bird was rolling its eyes at him. But given the alien's bizarre visage, it was difficult to tell for sure.

"Yes." Mala replied, composing herself. "Not only are G-Force said to be teenagers, but they are rumored to attend the Federation High School."

Zoltar began to laugh again.

"Next you'll be telling us that they're part of the school band." Zoltar chuckled skeptically.

"I have not received any information about their extra-curricular activities." Mala replied seriously.

"What else have you learned?" asked the Great Spirit, apparently unaware of (or perhaps, just ignoring) Zoltar's amusement.

"The most important piece of information we have ever discovered about G-Force." bragged Mala.

"And what is that?" sighed Zoltar.

"They wear t-shirts."

"T-shirts?" cried Zoltar sarcastically. "You mean, they're teenagers in t-shirts? Oh, that really narrows it down for us!"

"Apparently, these t-shirts have numbers on them." added Mala, rather crossly. She was quite miffed that her brother wasn't taking this entire discussion seriously. No wonder Spectra had suffered one humiliating defeat after another, under his leadership!

"Numbers." repeated Zoltar. "Is that all you've got?"

"It is more than you have ever provided us, about the secret identities of G-Force." the Great Spirit pointed out.

"If it's true." Zoltar retorted.

"It is true." Mala insisted. "And I will prove it by capturing the G-Force team, at this school of theirs."

"How could they possibly attend school?" Zoltar asked. "They spend much of their time fighting us!"

"Federation High is for the children and grandchildren of the Federation elite." Mala explained. "The parents and guardians of these children travel frequently, taking their offspring with them. Many of these teenagers are also undergoing special training through Galaxy Security; as Spectran children do, through our military."

"These students all have frequent, unexplained absences." Mala continued, expounding on her theory. "G-Force could easily be among their number."

"You mean, their numbered t-shirts could be among their number. " mocked Zoltar.

"Oh, grow up, Zoltar." Mala replied sourly.

88888

Jason waited patiently, until Brad Peterson had left. Whether or not Mark wanted to admit it, Brad was serious competition. His father was President Kane's head military strategist, and Brad had picked up his intelligence, athleticism, and charm. He was president of the Physics Club and captain of the Federation High Rugby Team.

Once Brad was gone, Jason approached his teammate.

"Hi, Prin!" he greeted her,

"Hi, Jase!" she smiled back. "Isn't it a great day?"

Princess was practically glowing, looking more beautiful than Jason had ever seen her.

"Uh, Prin, could I ask you something?" Jason said. He was surprised at how nervous he felt. This wasn't even his date, but suddenly, it felt as if it was.

"Sure, Jason." Princess said distractedly, sticking her head into her locker, to search for a book.

"What is it?" Her voice echoed from inside the locker's metal walls.

"I, uh…" Jason stuttered. He got ahold of himself. What was wrong with him? He never had trouble asking girls out, and this wasn't even for himself!

"I was wondering," he began again, "about the prom…"

"The prom?" Princess replied, her head still buried in books, "Brad asked me to go with him, but I haven't given him an answer, yet."

"Oh, that's great!" Jason said, relieved.

Princess pulled her head out of her locker, giving him a quizzical look by arching a graceful eyebrow.

"It is?" she asked.

"Yeah." Jason rushed to explain. "See, I was wondering if you'd like to go to the prom with… well, you know…" he stared at his feet, incredibly embarrassed by what he was doing. Why couldn't Mark get his own dates?

"You were?" Princess was obviously not expecting this. "I… I'm surprised."

"Well, I think you know that there have been some feelings there, for awhile, now…" Jason tried to explain.

"There have?" Princess' mouth was formed into a perfect 'o' shape, her lips prettily arranged into an expression of shock.

"Don't give me that, Prin." Jason lectured her, leaning casually on the wall of lockers and crossing his arms. "You know that you have these feelings too."

"Well, now that you mention it," Princess said slowly, tapping her bottom lip thoughtfully with a perfectly manicured fingernail, "I guess it has crossed my mind once or twice."

She looked at Jason speculatively.

"I guess, I just never really thought it was possible." she offered.

"Oh, it's possible, Prin." Jason said, leaning in close to whisper into her ear. "And I'm going to do everything I can, to make sure it happens."

"Oh!" Princess blushed furiously, but she couldn't help smiling.

"I guess, in that case, I'd better tell Brad that I'm not going to prom with him." she mused.

"Damn straight!"

"I suppose, I'll see you later, then." she giggled.

"Definitely!" Jason grinned. "See you around, Princess."

He sauntered casually back to where Mark and Tiny were eagerly watching him.

"What did she say?" Mark asked anxiously.

"It's all set." Jason replied smugly. "Just leave it to the expert."

Just then, the bell rang, and students began moving off in all directions. Princess walked by the trio.

"I'm really looking forward to going to prom with you, Jase." she said, giving Jason a quick peck on the cheek, before rushing off to class. She didn't notice the expression of shock on the Weapons Officer's face.

"What have you done?" cried Mark, aghast.