Chapter 3: Old Enemies, Old Allies, New Surprises

Amara P'Quar was a proud Asari, trained by the best, but even she was amazed as she sat across from the one she was assigned to protect. Just like the small blue planet of Earth, her charge was far more powerful and dangerous than she appeared to be.

"To meditate requires you close your eyes and focus inward, child," the old woman seated before her stated without opening her eyes or moving from her lotus style, "Not watching sad old women to see if they take another breath."

"Forgive me, Master Sensei…" Amara ducked her head.

"It is ok, child; with your life span, I am certain you will surpass me," Master Sensei's dark eyes opened, and her aged lips turned to a mischievous smile, "IF you can learn to avoid distraction."

"You could teach my people many things," Amara stated, smiling at her teacher and charge.

"I doubt that; I am just a sad, lonely, old woman…" Master Sensei said as she moved to her feet. "I have buried too many loved ones in my two hundred odd years… parents, my dearest brother… his loving wife, my husband who was her brother, and another husband after. All I have to teach is martial arts and the stubbornness that made my brother and sister-in-law crazy…

"But, alas, it is time for us to leave," the Master turned and walked out of the room into the hidden Yamanouchi School's grounds.

"Leave? Where are we going?" Amara asked, following behind.

"Fetch your daughter. We leave for Citadel space tonight. The time of the Monkey Master's rise is at hand," Sensei stated, "His enemy's heart beats, life is threatened, it is time." A smile crossed her lips. "The Master Sensei before me foretold I would live to see the Monkey Master's next coming…" she looked up to the stars. "I have looked forward to this day… I have missed you… big brother…"

KPME

Ron Stoppable sighed as he stood under the steamy shower. The headaches were actually getting better since he had reunited with Kim. Ever since they were children, she always had a way of making him feel better even at his worst. "Well, well," Ron blinked and looked at the entrance of the circular communal shower room. "Most impressive, Stoppable," Shego smirked as her eyes traveled over Ron's body. "If I knew what you were hiding, I'd have taken you up on that offer years ago."

"You're nuts, Shego," Ron rolled his eyes as he continued to wash off.

"You said I was cute in the light of that lair back when we first met," Shego pouted slightly as she undressed.

"You were in that light," Ron smirked back at her, "but then I saw you in a better light."

"You're a jerk, well endowed but a jerk," Shego said as she walked past him to turn on a shower.

"Good morning, Ron," Yori said as she came in followed by Drakken. The good doctor hesitated and watched Yori undress for her shower but moved on when Shego glared and growled slightly at the man.

"Morning, Yori," Ron greeted as Yori and Drakken moved to different showerheads.

"If you want to look at something, Drew, it'd better be your beautiful wife," Shego said, narrowing her eyes on her husband.

"Yes, dear…" Drakken sulked, then noticed Ron. "Showoff…" he snorted before the two shared a laugh as Drakken chose a shower head next to Shego's.

"You know, if someone told me fifteen years ago that I'd be on a ship, sharing a com shower with you two, I'd have laughed them out off the planet," Ron commented.

"Same here…" Kim commented from the door, and Ron covered himself as he glanced back at the redhead closing the door. "Morning, guys!" She said, unsnapping her top.

"Don't you have your own shower in your quarters, Captain?" Yori asked, washing under her head tendrils.

"Yeah, but I still like spending time with my crew, clothed or otherwise," She winked at Ron as she finished undressing and taking the empty showerhead beside him. "And… the shower in my quarters is kind of small…"

"Tight spaces still an issue, KP?" Ron said sympathetically.

"Yeah, never got over that small box some villain locked me up in back in the days…" She said, sending Drakken a small glare.

"Sorry about that by the way…" Drakken waved sheepishly.

The room fell quiet as the crewmembers bathed; Drakken and Shego exchanged smiles when they saw their old enemies sneaking looks at each other.

"So… that was a bit awkward, meeting with Professor Solus…" Kim said, trying to break the ice.

"Mordin tends to speak before he thinks, but he is an expert on several different species, including humans," Drakken commented, "He could tell your life story just by watching you for a few minutes."

"Oh…" Kim said awkwardly.

"So… he said something about you being …er… active… you…uh… you and Erik ever?" Ron asked but turned away quickly, "Sorry, that's none of my business."

"Ron, you've been a part of my life as long as I can remember. If it's anyone's business…" Kim smiled slightly, "Yes… we…um… yeah. Also, I had a fling with a commando I was working with shortly after you went black and I found about Erik and Joss… but I haven't had anything serious since. Amazing that he saw that with just the way I was standing…" She sighed slightly as she turned to wet her long, red hair; with her eyes closed, she didn't notice Ron staring or gulping.

"So, what about you?" Kim asked, opening her eyes to stare at her friend.

"What about me?" Ron asked, shaken from his daze.

"Anyone special? Anyone not special?" Kim asked with a smile, though Shego carefully observed Kim was holding her breath.

"Are you kidding?" Ron pounded his chest with his fist. "The Ron Man has all kind of ladies!"

Kim smirked and caught the snort from Yori across the shower. "OK, not much to really tell…" Ron deflated.

"Ron, you don't have to be anyone you're not, not with me, you know that, right?" Kim smiled softly, "Like you said, it's not really my business either… I was just curious… like you…" Kim glanced to the Asari, rinsing off some soap, "How about Yori? You two seem close…"

"Yori and I are just friends; she was kinda like a substitute best friend in your place after I was recruited into the joint project," Ron explained, "There was someone, though… this one was beyond special… I was actually ready to marry her. I met her on an infiltration mission into a cult in Terminus space. She'd had a hard life, but she was really sweet and funny, just a kindhearted girl, though she'd never admit it to anyone's face... She got involved with the cult just because she wanted someone to love her. I promised her that I'd get her out, and I'd give her everything she wanted and more."

"What happened with her?" Kim asked, forgetting about bathing completely, as had everyone else in the room.

"The time for my unit's attack came; we tried to get out together, but we got separated… I saw the ship we were supposed to escape on takeoff… I couldn't find her, so I'm sure she was on it… then, I saw it explode." Ron turned away, letting the water hit his face to mask the tears that were forming. "It really hurt for a while... still does, but you know what they say: time heals all wounds."

"I'm sorry…" Kim said, moving in to hug him, and despite their current state of undress, he embraced her comfort. "Sorry I wasn't there for you through that."

"You were there for me, though," Ron smiled into her wet hair, holding her tightly to him. "Even when you're not there… you're there."

"Ditto…" Kim giggled slightly when he kissed the side of her head. She then backed off and cleared her throat at the display they made for the other crewmembers present. Only to her surprise, they had cleared out while they were having their moment.

"Where'd everybody…" Kim blinked when Ron pushed her against the wall, "go…" her hands slid up his chest to rest on his shoulders, and she suddenly realized just how much taller he was than her. Her fingers traced a single tattoo on his shoulder, and she tilted her head curiously. It was a simple number zero and Greek letter beta. She was about to question him on it when she looked up and realized just how close he was.

"Ron…" She whispered as her eyes fluttered shut and she tilted her head as his slowly lowered till their lips were only a fraction of an inch apart with the warm water from the shower rushing over their bodies.

Kim and Ron could feel each other's breath as their lips just barely touched… "ACK!" Kim yelped as the ship jerked and the two fell to the floor.

"What the hell!" Ron cursed as Kim laid on top of him.

Suddenly, the lights turned red, and alarms sounded. "Red Alert! Unknown enemy attacking. Captain Possible and Commander Stoppable to the bridge! Repeat…"

Kim and Ron looked at each other before quickly moving for their uniforms. "Hey, Cap P," Ron said as they quickly suited up.

"Yeah?" Kim asked, somewhat breathlessly.

"To be continued…" Ron grinned, and Kim returned it.

"Yeah, but we got work to do first," Kim nodded as they ran for the CIC.

"Status Report," Kim called out as the two entered.

"I think we surprised... um, whoever they are," Felix replied as he made the Middleton twist and spin to dodge fire. "We came through the Mass Relay and nearly hit em; it looks like they were messing with it." he said, and Kim looked on the holodisplay to see a large battle cruiser attached to the Mass Relay.

"Any idea who this is?" Kim asked, crossing her arms.

"Looks like Lowardians, but after they got spanked repeatedly by just about every race, including Earth, three hundred years ago, they haven't done much," Chief Williams replied from a computer station. "If it is the Lowardians, I have no idea why they'd be trying to hack a Mass Relay…"

"Then, we're going to have to find out," Kim smiled, "Ron, take a team and see if you can grab a friend to talk to or hack their database," Kim ordered.

"It's been a while since I did a spacewalk… Drakken, Yori, you're with me," Ron ordered as he ran for the door with Drakken and Yori following.

"Ron, remember," Kim called after him and smiled when he came to a short stop. "Be careful. We have to continue what we started earlier."

KPME

Since the Systems Alliance joined the galactic community, several Earth cities began to boom with tourists and traders from distant stars. Among the port cities was Tokyo, Japan, and among the countless people at the spaceport was Master Sensei leading her bodyguard and her daughter through the huddles masses.

"We need to find a transport," Master Sensei smiled as the young Asari clung to her mother's leg, not used to being in such crowds. "Come, child, do not fear. Your mother and I are here for you."

"I hear you need a pilot," Sensei and Amara turned to see a Volus standing before them in armor slightly taller than Amara's five-year-old daughter.

"Hello, Rufus," Master Sensei smiled at the Volus, "It has been a long time."

"Sure has, Grandma," Rufus snorted, holding out his suit's stubby hand to the old woman. "You're looking good for your age."

"We need to get to the Alliance ship SSV Middleton," Master Sensei replied.

"Why the Middleton, Master?" Amara asked curiously.

"Mutual acquaintances of all of us are there," Master Sensei's aged eyes looked to the sky. "They must be prepared to face their destiny."

"A Mumbo-Jumbo thing; just like old times! Let's get going, then," Rufus replied, giving slight wheezes between his words. "My cargo ship is this way…"

The group made their way through the dock but came to a stop when they saw a group of humans gathered at Rufus' small ship. "Did you pay your taxes to park this scrapheap here, E.T.?" One said with a smirk.

"I paid the parking fee," Rufus replied coolly, his chubby arms going to the sides of his wide, barrel-like waist. Amara started to step forward, her fists balled up, but Master Sensei held up a hand to stop her, shaking her head.

"I know what you're thinking," Rufus said, looking up at the group of much-taller human beings. "You're thinking, 'how big is a Volus? Are they roughly the size of their life-support suits? Or are they smaller?'" Rufus tilted his head, the lights for his 'mouth' and 'eyes' blinking with each word. "Then you're probably thinking, 'if they're smaller, how many weapons can one fit in these suits?'" he said as his armored suit began to pop open, revealing various guns, lasers, and missiles. "Now, you must ask yourself one question…" the small, chubby war machine glared up at the suddenly fearful humans. "Do I feel lucky?" Rufus wheezed, "Well, do ya, Punks?"

"We were just being good citizens and making sure you were all paid up," They said fearfully, backing away, "Didn't want you to get in trouble with the authorities! Have a good day, and come back and visit Earth again soon!" They yelled as they ran away.

Rufus chuckled as his weapons and armor closed down. "I love this suit…" He wheezed, waddling toward his shuttle-like ship, "Your chariot awaits, m'ladies."

Amara grinned, "Most impressive, Rufus," she said, leading her daughter up the loading ramp.

Master Sensei started to follow, pausing long enough to gaze up at the star-lit sky.

"Brother!" she cried as she ran to her big brother.

"Hey there, My Little Intruder!" Her brother said, catching her under her arms and heaving her over his head. "How was your first day at Pre-K?"

"It was badical, Brother!" She giggled. "When can I skip to college like Jimmie and Timmie?"

"Slow it down there," her brother grinned, his brown eyes sparkling. "You need to slow down and smell the roses. You have plenty of time til college and figuring out what you wanna be."

"I already know, Silly," she grinned proudly.

"Oh?" her brother smirked, holding her in his arms.

"I'm gonna be an As-Ter-Nut!" She said proudly, holding up her arms toward the sky. "I'm gonna fly up in space!"

"I'm sure you will someday, Sis; I'm sure you will…"

"Be with me, Brother," Master Sensei said, looking back to the ground, "I need your strength…"

"Master?" Amara asked, looking back at the aged human.

"I'm coming," Master Sensei smiled, "Don't mind an old woman and her musings…" She said as she climbed up the ramp of the ship, and a few moments later the ship took to the skies.

KPME

The Middleton banked hard to the left as the large Lowardian warship fired its canons on the smaller frigate. "We need to get as close as we can for Ron and his team to drop," Kim said from the CIC.

"Relax, Captain," Felix said as he easily maneuvered the ship to dodge a barrage of fire. "I'm a leaf on the wind…"

"Right…" Kim hesitated a moment before going to her com. "Ron, you ready?"

"Don't worry, Captain," Drakken's voice spoke through the com, "WE'RE ready."

"And we will bring the Commander back safe and sound," Yori joined in Drakken's game.

"Seal those ports, Soldiers," Ron said loudly through the com, causing Kim to jump slightly. She'd known Ron all her life, but this was the first experience with Commander Stoppable. "Ready and waiting, Captain," Ron said emotionlessly, and Kim could imagine him snapping a salute.

Kim took a deep breath and nodded, "Alright, people, begin operations!" She said and felt the battle ship lurch forward.

"Felix, the cruiser is attached to this side of the Mass Relay, right?" Kim asked, running up to the cockpit to look through the window.

"Affirmative," Felix replied, working the controls effortlessly.

"Then spin around to the far side of the Relay and go in that way," Kim ordered, "The Relay will block their guns."

"Good idea; on it, Captain," Felix replied, "Away team, prepare for space jump," Felix spoke into the come as the ship turned on a dime and rocketed around the Mass Relay.

As the Middleton approached the top of the Relay, the cargo bay door slowly opened. "Ready?" Ron spoke over the com as the air left the sealed compartment. "Remember! Don't turn off the magnetic boots. EVER! And just because The Lowardians are ugly doesn't mean they're any less spongy and killable than we are!"

"Alright, Drakken, your job is to find an access node on the ship and hack their CPU; Yori and I will cover you," Ron instructed, looking at the pair, "Got it?" They gave a quick nod. "Then, let's kick ass!" He said, running toward the open hatch and jumping into open space.

Yori and Drakken nodded to each other before following suit. There were several lowardian troopers on the hull of the cruiser, but Ron didn't show a hint of fear as he ran toward them, body low to dodge their fire. He pulled his blade from his belt, and it unfolded into a full-length katana. With a loud battle cry, he sliced across the closest trooper's leg, sending him floating into space with his lower legs still in the boots magnetically attached to the hull. Ron didn't hesitate once as he pulled his pistol and opened fire on the remaining group with deadly precision.

"Holy shit," Drakken's eyes widened behind his helmet, "I'm glad we're on the same side now…"

"Hurry, Doctor," Yori said as her armor gave a blue glow and she used her biotics to telekinetically throw troopers out of the way. "I am certain more are coming."

Drakken discovered an access point and held out his hand. He grumbled slightly before slapping his gauntlet til the digital control interface appeared around his hand.

"What's wrong?" Yori asked, pulling a pistol and returning fire on a group of attackers in the distance.

"Control glove's a little loose," Drakken replied as he began hacking the CPU system, "I'll fix it when we get back on the ship."

"ANY DAY NOW, DRAKKEN!" Ron called out, leaping into the air before bringing his sword down across a lowardian's shoulder, passing on through his flank.

"This isn't easy!" Drakken replied, then yelped as he ducked a blast that barely missed his head. "Give me twenty more seconds!"

"I can give you ten!" Ron replied, firing his pistol point blank in a lowardian's face.

"Fifteen," Drakken shouted back.

"This isn't an auction!" Yori shouted at the both of them before sending a burst of Biotic energy at a group coming out of a nearby hatch.

"Ok, ok, almost… almost, I'M IN!" Drakken yelled, "Downloading data concerning Mass Relays to my database; oh, this is interesting…"

"You know what Time is, Drakken? Something we don't have, HURRY!" Ron shouted, throwing his sword at an oncoming Lowardian and plunging it through his chest. He followed up by jumping forward and kicking the hilt, sending it farther in before drawing his shotgun to fire on the troopers behind him.

"Right, right, sorry!" Drakken said as he continued his download.

"Kim, we got the download started; bring the ship around to pick us up, on the double, ma'am!" Ron requested through the com.

From the bridge of the Middleton, Kim slapped Felix's shoulder, "You heard the man, Mr. Renton; pick our people up!"

"This should be fun…" Felix smiled as the ship circled back toward the cruiser.

"Download done, I'm accessing the engine now," Drakken said, tapping some holographic buttons.

"Self-destruct?" Ron asked, reclaiming his sword from the trooper's body.

"No, I don't see a need for that," Drakken said, "Just going to have the ship disengage the Relay and get stuck in reverse, it'll be at least a day before they regain control."

"Always knew you were my favorite bad guy," Ron grinned, firing his shot gun at another trooper.

"Ship's here. Yori, a little push would help," Ron said, and as the ship approached over them, Yori used her biotics to help their jump to land on the lowered gangplank of the Middleton.

"Good work, people," Ron said, but at the last second, a Lowardian sniper fired at him.

"Watch it, Boy!" Drakken said, shoving him back, but the blast clipped his hand, sending his data glove floating off in space.

"I got it!" Yori said, switching off her magnetic boots and jumping out after the glove.

"YORI!" Ron called out, before hitting his com. "MAN OVERBOARD!"

On the bridge, Kim and Felix looked at each other for a second before looking out in space. "NO!" Felix screamed when he recognized Yori's armor.

"Pull us around!" Kim ordered, going for the side docking hatch, grabbing a breathing mask and a grapple on her way.

"Hang on, Yori," Felix said with a strained voice as he turned the ship toward her floating body.

Yori turned in space and watched as the side hatch of the ship opened and watched Kim jump out into space, a small hand rocket propelling her toward her.

"Hold on!" Kim called out to her as she grabbed her wrist. She hit the button on her belt, and the grapple recoiled, pulling them back onto the ship.

As soon as the ship's airlock cleared, Kim and Yori both collapsed to the floor, removing their helmet and breather respectively. "Thank you, Captain…" Yori said before the hatch opened and Ron stomped in.

"What the hell was that?" Ron snapped, pulling Yori rough to her feet.

"Commander…" Yori breathed, still clinging to Drakken's glove.

"Don't 'Commander' me. What the hell was that?" Ron snapped, cornering Yori.

"Ron…" Kim whispered.

"What did I tell you about the magnetic boots?" Ron snapped.

"After everything we did for this data, I couldn't let it just float away…" Yori said, holding her chin high.

"What did I tell you about the magnetic boots?" He growled again.

"The data…" Yori started.

"Could have been recovered another, safer way," Ron snapped, "What did I tell you about magnetic boots? ANSWER THE QUESTION, COMMANDO!"

"Do not turn off the magnetic boots," Yori replied, looking straight ahead.

"And did you follow those simple instructions?" Ron paced.

"I did what I…"

"Yes or no,"

"No, Sir…"

"Listen to me this time," Ron growled, "I do not want to send a message to Matriarch Corana telling her that her daughter died because she was stupid. When I give you an order, I expect it to be followed. Understood?"

"Yes, Sir," Yori replied.

"Do you understand me?" Ron asked, his voice slightly softer but still hard as steel.

"I understand completely, Sir," Yori replied.

"Good, Captain Possible will come up with a proper punishment; this won't go on your record," Ron stated. "Go get some rest, and other than that last hiccup, you did well, Commando."

"Thank you, Sir!" Yori said, saluting and then walking from the airlock.

"Don't go easy on her, KP," Ron breathed, turning to the redhead.

"Says the Commander who said he wasn't putting it on her record," Kim gave a small smile. "She did save us a lot of time and effort; plus, we'd be hypocrites for calling her on that after some of the crap we'd done back when we were teens."

"Why do you think I went easy on her?" Ron smiled slightly. "And… that thing we were going to continue… might postpone it a little longer, I'm sore as hell."

"I'll give you a massage and wash your back in a hot shower," Kim said, grabbing his arm and pulling him into the ship.

"Sounds good," Ron said rubbing his eyes.

"By the way, twenty-four-hour engineering duty with Adams for Yori," Kim said as they walked.

"Engineering duty with Chief Adams?" Ron glanced to her. "You're evil…" she smiled brightly.

KPME

The Middleton came to rest at the dock at the Citadel, and the crew filed out, many excited for a whole day of shore leave. "We'll have plenty of time to enjoy the Citadel's Bueno Nacho after we make our report to Councilor Anderson," Kim said, smiling at her excited XO.

"Where's Yori," Felix said wheeling toward the docking arm.

"She won't be having Leave," Kim said with a slight smile, "She's helping Engineer Adams clean up the heat sinks."

"Ew…" Felix winced. "Permission to keep her company down below? You know… in case she needs help or something…" he said, adverting his eyes.

"Normally, I'd say no…" Kim said, blinking, "But since most of the crew will be off the ship, safety first… and it is your leave time." She said with a shrug.

After Felix wheeled back through the ship, Ron grinned, "It's the loooove boat…"

"They're friends," Kim shrugged.

"Whatever you say, KP," Ron chuckled.

"Well, well, well, look who got ranks," a wheezing voice spoke, and Kim and Ron turned to see a familiar pink-and-blue Volus.

"Rufus!" Ron beamed, moving briskly to his old friend. "What are you doing here?"

"Looking for you two, actually," Rufus nodded, "Grandma wanted to see you guys."

"Grandma?" Ron looked toward the elevator as Master Sensei walked out.

"Hello, Young One," Sensei smiled, laughing when Ron pulled her into a hug. "My, have you grown! You were but a small boy when I saw you last…"

"I'm sorry I haven't been able to visit like I've wanted," Ron said, before the old lady turned toward Kim.

"And you, you have grown into a beautiful young woman; your parents must be proud. I know I am, Kimberly."

"Thank you, Grandma Hana," Kim smiled, before hugging her as well, "It's great to see you."

"Hello, Kim," Kim's eyes widened and her body tensed when she heard a familiar voice behind Hana. "Amy?"

"Greetings, Captain Possible," Amara smiled at Kim. "I knew you'd make it to that rank in record time."

"Amara… it's been, what? five… six years?" Kim asked, smiling brightly. "Amara, this is Ron Stoppable, my best friend and XO. Ron, this is my old friend Amara P'Quar. She's an Asari Commando I worked with shortly after you were assigned away from me…"

"Kim spoke of you often and in high favor," Amara took Ron's hand.

"Nice to meet you, Ms. P'Quar," Ron replied with a kind smile before he caught sight of the young child at Amara's legs. "And who is this?"

"This… this is my daughter, Hannah," Amara introduced, awkwardly avoiding Kim's oblivious eyes.

"It's nice to meet you, Hannah," Kim said as Ron stood back up at her side, about to say something to the young Asari as well.

"Hannah," Amara spoke up before Ron could say anything, "This is Kim Possible… your father." Amara said as Hannah looked up at Kim with dark green eyes.

"What?" Kim breathed as Ron's jaw went slack.

"Kim… this is your daughter…" Amara replied softly. Kim answered by rolling her eyes back into her head and collapsing in Ron's arms.

To Be Continued…

A/N I know, evil cliffhanger… those who know about Mass Effect will understand how this worked out… those who do not want to wait till the next chap, Google 'Mass Effect Asari' to learn the 'science' behind it. How about the new Master Sensei and Rufus? Thoughts? More to come! Read and Review!