I want to say thank you again for reading and enjoying my crossover fanfic of two badass women, who don't take crap from anyone or anything. Also, I'm very excited to begin writing about Carmen's 'missions' and her experiences all over the world. I do not own - in any way, shape, or form - the Netflix series Carmen Sandiego and Kim Possible, except for my OC, Kat Possible. In this chapter, I own Olga, Alan Caflisch, the orphanage kids, and the orphanage, and the idea of the necklace.
I'm celebrating because, in the last few hours of posting the second chapter, I have three thousand, three hundred and ninety views, sixty-four faves and followers, and fifty-eight reviews for my crossover fanfic!
I want to thank:
Faves:
ramonalvarez451, Flashstormplayer, Darkmaster10000000, Flygande Katten, TheFishKing, Baddest. of. them. all, LokiKingOfMischief, FinalKingdomHearts, Desertjet, Althea Sirius, sebasgallgmail .com, kinightceb, catgirl3899, AlastorGodofVengeance, LombaxElite
Follows:
ramonalvarez451, demon19027, Emperor Potter, Darkmaster10000000, Flygande Katten, Darkness is where I thrive, ghostchemical, TheFishKing, frogger94, Baddest. of. them. all, foxchick1, LokiKingOfMischief, FinalKingdomHearts, Desertjet, Althea Sirius, knightceb, Shurukkah, DcotorWho41, AlastorGodofVengeance, Britishviking
Reviews:
MaurauderPrime12: I'm ecstatic you like it and continue craving for more!
D.J. Scales: Thank you very much for the pleasant review about how epic the last chapter was! For introducing Carmen to Ivy and Zach, I have a specific plan for their first meeting, and by the time you'll read it, you're probably going to hate me (since it's completely transparent), but I had to do it. It's been plotted out for a while now, so all I have to do is write it down into words. But, I can't do that until I finish the next couple of chapters. Another concern you had was the V.I.L.E. operatives in town and whether or not Kim is going to run into them. I haven't thought that far ahead yet since I'm only focusing on one chapter at a time before I get into the heavy stuff with Kim and the whole thing. When I reach that point, everyone will know. However, for now, my only priority is to do an excellent job of writing out this current chapter for everyone.
manticore-gurl071134: You're welcome.
Avenger2003: I'm delighted you enjoyed it, and I can't wait for the action scene too!
LegionCenturionMaster: Well, thank you for your compliments and the PM you sent me. Also, I'm not trying to make Player of equal or greater than Wade. Player is just a computer hacker, Wade is a math, science, and tech genius, so there's a bit of a difference. Player is the 'skeleton key' for Carmen while Wade is the 'brains' for Kim's missions.
Menatron the Angel of Ideas: Thanks for the compliment for my last chapter! Let me write out the first couple of chapters, then we'll see.
OMAC001: I'm glad you like the buildup to the mission. It means a lot that you're enjoying it!
Cyrannus: First of all, thank you very much for your comment about my story being an entertaining read. Second, the KP side of this is WAY before the Tick-Tick-Tick episode; so Tick-Tick-Tick won't happen yet, but I promise you it will. And finally, I'm following the KP episodes in chronological order, because that's how I saw it when Kim Possible premiered on TV. In doing so, there won't be any confusion because episode 1 is episode 13 and so forth. I hope this clarifies a few things and hope you like it!
Guest: You're welcome, and I'm ecstatic that you enjoy what I did in the previous chapter as well for the Spanish translations for their conversations. I wanted to make sure it was authentic for wherever she is and showing respect to that culture and country.
Darkmaster10000000: Don't worry, the next chapter is on its way!
Guest: Carmen and Kim won't meet each other until much, much later in the story. However, I have it all plotted out, so it might be something to read about. But, you're just gonna have to be patient until that chapter arrives.
AnimeGamerGirl23: Carmen won't reunite with Kim until the end of Tick-Tick-Tick so that epic meeting won't happen yet. Also, with Crackle, they won't be meeting until she finishes her job in Poitiers. It will take a while to write them down, but I promise you (and everyone reading this fanfic) it WILL happen.
Bruno (Guest): I'm glad you like the fanfic about these two legends finding each other again, so that means a lot. Also, I'm sorry, but Ivy and Carmen are just friends in this fanfic. For Carmen's love interest, I've already had that mapped out already.
TheFishKing: I'm glad that I have another reader for this story. Right now, the only thing Kat's focused on is her mission, so for her to send a sign that she's alive is kinda redundant for me. I already have mapped out how she finds out that she's alive and the epic family reunion interaction, so for now, this is sticking to my guns in her necessity for secrecy. Also, Carmen and Kim aren't rivals, they're siblings (even though they haven't met or seen each other in over a decade). They're on the same side, but Carmen (Kat) blurs the lines between right and wrong for good to prevail. Kat is more worried about V.I.L.E. and meeting former friends/operatives about it, so those are her primary focus on rivals while Kim's more mainstream.
foxchick1: Glad that you're curious about what happens next in the story! So ecstatic that you like it!
TheFishKing: It's strictly a Kat/Carmen x whatever guy I decide is a good fit for her.
Guest: I'm glad that you enjoy the 'Red Crackle' pairing, but right now, we'll have to wait and see :D
Brooke (Guest): This story begins WAY in the beginning. Their story begins in Season 1, with Tick-Tick-Tick, but that won't happen for another couple of chapters. And, I can imagine Kim fighting aliens with Ron and Gray too :D Don't worry, I'll update as soon as I can.
StanBill (Guest): Well, thank you very much for liking my story and for the incredible comment you wrote. I remember watching the TV Game Show, Cartoon, and playing the computer video game, and found it incredible that a woman who was so strong and independent didn't give a damn of what anyone thought about her. The crossover between Carmen and Kim was evident because it's something that hasn't been explored before. I mean, in the new 2019 Netflix series, they explore Carmen trying to find out more about who she is and where she came from, since they describe her as an orphan, so there was always that question orphans and adopted kids always ask in their lives: 'Who am I?" and 'Why would anyone give me away?' Since there were already stories about the old cartoon and video games, I'd figure it was time to modernize and add a new reboot to the series. Also, Kim is a very strong, independent, and fearless character with a strong moral compass, so I became drawn to that. There weren't a lot of stories that talk about Kim having another sibling who was gone for a very long time, but it was always a brother. I'd figured, combine two incredible females to be part of the same family, and it turned out exceptionally well. I enjoy watching the new Carmen Sandiego series on Netflix because throughout my entire life, they asked "Where in the World is Carmen San Diego?" but now, they're asking "Who in the World is Carmen Sandiego?" This new Carmen is beginning to ask questions about where she came from, how she ended up on V.I.L.E.'s radar, who her birth family is, etc. Carmen understands the clear lines between right and wrong, which she learns early on, but isn't afraid to enter the grey areas that no one crosses. When I saw Paper Star, I freaked out! She was the most terrifying person I'd ever seen, and I was watching it. The relationship between Crackle and Carmen was clearly defined in the series, but his storyline was cut too short, which I found sad because there would have been more opportunities for character growth, which is what I want to explore in mine.
Ten (Guest): I don't know if there are any Carmen Sandiego reaction stories, but you might have to check that out for yourself.
Silico Sedusa (Guest): Well, I'm delighted you like it. I don't think they will have a rivalry. I mean, Kim is a smart girl, but so is Kat (Carmen). She knows how not to let everything lead a trail back to her. But, sooner or later, Kim will begin to piece things together until they confront each other, but that won't happen yet. There's no rivalry as to who's the better 'spy' or something like that. But, I'm thrilled that you're waiting for the next chapter!
FinalKingdomHearts: Thank you very much for enjoying my story and hope you continue liking it :D
ghostchemical: I'm excited that you relish it so much and that you're anxiously awaiting the next chapter!
Althea Sirius: Well, I'm sorry that you don't think of it as exciting and that it's my first time doing a crossover with two cartoons that I grew up on (as did everyone else) for a story, even though everyone else likes it. If you don't like it, then don't read it: plain and simple. But Carmen and Kat are the same person; just like Carmen in the 2019 Netflix version, my OC, Kat, is beginning to discover who she is as a person and reintegrate herself into society as well as her family later on. She spent a decade away from them, so she doesn't have a good enough standing with her family because the island is all she knows. She was told a majority of her life that she was abandoned, so she bought the lie pretty clearly - except for learning her name. But, the only thing she is sure of is that she wants to take down V.I.L.E.; However, if they were to discover that she has family, then things can go straight to hell, in a manner of speaking.
Brianne (Guest): Thank you very much for your kind words and your enthusiasm for my story.
Shurukkah: I'm glad you're enjoying my story, and I'll post the new one pretty soon.
Anyway, here you go! Chapter 3! Enjoy!
Chapter 3: Going Swiss Banking
Two hours and fifteen minutes on a private plane, and Carmen and Shadowsan arrive in Zurich, Switzerland. She finally has her first mission: pull a Robin Hood. Kat looked out the window and saw the city of Zurich, Switzerland. She smiled to herself that she is going to do this. Shadowsan read his book as he subtly stares at his student. He grinned to himself, glad that Black Sheep is feeling better from her nervous breakdown last night. He knew that she would do incredible things, even if it is through thieving. He returned to his book, each one lost in their thoughts.
Zürich was permanently founded in 15 B.C., nearly 2,000 years ago, by the Romans who called it, "Turicum." However, there is archaeological evidence that people might have settled and lived there nearly 6,400 years ago. During the end of the Middle Ages, shortly after 400 AD, Zürich gained independence from the Roman Empire after it fell in Rome. However, in that time gap, it was preceded by the arrival of the Germanic tribe - Allemanni - that gave the country it's Swiss German dialect, or "Schwyzerdüütsch." By the 9th Century, the city became part of the Carolingian Empire as the emperor, Charlemagne, created - and founded - Zürich's main cathedral, "The Grossmünster," but he never resided in Zürich, but near Lindenhof.
During the 12th Century, Zürich grew well from the economic standing with Otto von Freising. In 1218, the House of Zähirngen died, thereby leaving Zürich to be named a free city with a parliament, according to sources. In the 13th Century, Zürich became an imperial city, only answering to the Holy Roman Empire, which grew out of the Carolingian Empire. The Abbess of the cathedral was the official head of the city, but her powers over the abbey - along with the city nobility - fades as the city began to absorb property rights from the provost as well as the abbey itself. In 1336, Rudolf Brun brought down the ruling merchants patriciate with the help of the dwindling nobility and the craftsmen, which is known as the "Guild Revolution." Because of it, he introduced Zürich as an autocratic regime, and from 1383, two mayors alternated every six months, governing the city, with the guilds taking over power during the 15th Century. In the autumn of 1291, Zürich linked with Uri and Schwyz; then Brun concluded the alliance of Lucerne and the city-states surrounding Lake Lucerne on May 1, 1351, which took on more significance. Until the end of the Old Zürich War (1436-50), politically, the city swayed between Austria and the Confederation. The city became a humble, artisan city, but gained appellation of a federal suburb, since its economy - based in textiles and grain - were suffering; especially the rural hinterlands which most of its local economy provided commercial produce.
With the Reformation movement growing strong throughout Europe, Ulrich Zwingli leads the movement in Switzerland in 1519, which gave the city European significance. The secular authorities agreed with the Reformation in Switzerland, and Zürich became the head of Protestant Switzerland, even though the Reformation lead to a religious civil war that ended Zürich's status as a suburb. Refugees and immigrants in the 16th Century brought new life and trade - especially in the textiles trading with silk - to the city. During the 17th Century, now with a textile industry, Zürich began to move away from being a rural area. In 1642, a new fortification began in the city as rural workers in cottage areas provided a comfortable affluence. The 18th Century, the city enjoyed a cultural surge from the likes of Johann Jakob Bodmer (Swiss author and professor), Johann Jakob Breitinger (Swiss philologist and author), Salomon Gessner (Swiss translator and author of Idylls), and Johann Kaspar Lavater (Swiss writer, Protestant pastor, and founder of physiognomies, a religious and literary movement). The constitutional status, or "sworn briefs," rarely changed until the Helvetic Revolution in 1798. In 1803-1805, Zürich lost control of the land and its economic privileges, with the fall of the Ancien Régime. The canton and the city separated their possessions throughout those two years.
Until 1869, the 19th Century was marked in opposition between the rural areas and the politically privileged city. Even though the liberal representative constitution of 1831, and how it brought trade, industry, and transport for almost four decades; the Alfred Escher era brought an economic upturn for Zürich, but also saw the city grow into the new federal state. It wasn't until the democratic movement mobilized swarms of people to its cause, which destroyed Escher's authoritarian free-market policies, thereby leading Zürich into a direct democracy, breathing new life - not only music and culture - but Industrialism leads rural people and migrants to flock to Zürich and rapid population growth. Now, Zürich is the primary economic center of the world, because of its service sector (banks and insurance, communications, and travel and tourism), is increasing due to its close contact with the Zürich Airport as well as the low tax rate which attracts companies to set up their headquarters there.
Kat looks around in wonder at the beauty that is Zürich. The towering skyscrapers, the bustle of the crowds, and how incredible everything seemed. They reserved a hotel room for her first heist since they weren't going to be here for that long, but it didn't mean that she couldn't enjoy it for the time being. Shadow called for a cab, which stopped at where they stood. The cab driver saw they had luggage, and opened the trunk for them to put their bags in, which they did.
"Wohin, Herr?" the cab driver wondered.
"Baur au Lac Hotel, bitte," responds Shadow. The car begins to move and head precisely to the directed hotel. Looking out the window, Kat saw Zürich pass her by and how everything was bright and modern but full of life. Her eyes shine with the same spark of curiosity and awe she recently got after her first escape attempt into Casablanca, Morocco. Now that she's free from the island and the entire organization of V.I.L.E., she's going to enjoy the life that was denied to her as well as seeing the world that she never could. Kat smiled in spite of the seriousness of her project. A few minutes later, Shadow and Kat finally arrived at the Baur au Lac Hotel, which was a bonus because it was down the street to where the National Swiss Bank is.
The cab stopped at the entrance, and Shadow paid 86 Swiss Francs (CHF) to the driver for getting them to their destination. He thanked Shadow and helped unpack the trunk with Kat and his luggage. The beautiful hotel was elegant and not too over-the-top with its luxury, but subtle enough to showcase how simple and beautiful it is without being tacky.
"Danke," Shadow replies.
"Bitte," the driver replies. After waving goodbye, he drove off to find his next client. They carried their luggage as they entered the beautiful hotel. Marble floors that gleamed whenever the sun's rays hit just right, the carefully arranged flowers on each strategically placed mahogany table, and the furniture gave off a homey, upper-class elegance that anyone could see from miles around.
Shadow and Kat shuffled to the front desk as they waited for their turn, which happened in ten seconds as one of the receptionists saw them and waved them over to him.
"Willkommen im Baur au Lac Hotel. Wie kann ich dir helfen?"
"Wir hätten gerne eine Suite mit zwei Zimmern. Wir werden nicht lange hier sein," Kat responds in German. For all those years of being taught by her revolving door of nannies, she is grateful they taught her languages.
"Okay. Wie viele sind in deiner Gruppe?"
"Nur ich und mein Onkel." The receptionist typed in some information about the two of them, occasionally glancing back and forth between the two. Although they don't look anything alike, the receptionist saw they cared about each other very much. So, he smiled to himself and continued typing. The only information that was needed was how long were they staying at the hotel.
"Wie lange bleibst du?"
"Eineinhalb Monate. Spätestens zwei Monate." All the people that were checking in and out of the hotel heard the clicking of the keyboard at the front desk. Soon enough, they were checked in and given the room key to Suite 2316. Kat and Shadow thanked the receptionist for his attention to them. They said their goodbyes and waved for a bellboy to carry their bags to Suite 2316. The ones they couldn't support were on the trolly, as they waited for an elevator to open and be free from people. When it reached the lobby, a hoard of guests came out like a flood; then it was over. The elevator became available and in went the bellboy, their bags, the student, and master inside in relative silence. The bell rung on their floor, alerting them that they arrived. They stepped out of the elevator, carrying their bags, and reached Suite 2316. Kat used the key card to open the door to let the bellboy in, which he did to put the bags down in the room. Master and student gave sideways glances that everything's going according to plan.
Shadow thanked the bellboy and gave him a kind tip as they watched him leave to help other people. The door clicked shut behind him, leaving them in the room. Kat exhaled a sigh of relief that they won't be watched, much less judged for what they're about to do.
"Katrina," his voice calls out her name. Kat turned to pay attention. "Are you alright?"
She gave a somewhat nervous smile to her mentor.
"Fine. I'm fine. It's just..." Kat hesitated. He raised an eyebrow, wishing for her to continue. "...it's now hitting me that this is all happening. I'm about to do this."
"The silence before the battle is unbearable. Make no mistake about it, Black Sheep. Your first heist will be your Final Test: to see if you are ready to do what needs to it's. You cannot have any reservations about this; when you make this choice -" She opened her mouth to answer, but held out his hand to keep her quiet. "- which I don't need to know about, it will define who you are and your place in history. These next few weeks will determine if you are a scared victim or a powerful, independent young woman, unafraid of the risk and danger she is embarking. Do not let V.I.L.E. win; do not let them diminish your light and your essence." With that, he carried his luggage and went into a room before closing the door, leaving her alone in her room. She thought about his words. Kat heaved her bags onto the large bed, unzipped them, and began to unpack.
The words, Shadow's words of wisdom echoed in her mind as she did her menial task, along with questions she hasn't answered yet.
"Am I ready? Is it worth all that I suffered by their hands to destroy them?" Kat was arguing with herself on her conscience and her morals (or whatever morals she has in regards to this) on this mission. She knows it's necessary and vital to making sure her plan succeeds, but the doubt continues to remain in her head.
"Maybe it's just nerves that are causing me to second-guess everything that I've decided to do. All the training, all the lessons, the preparation; it all comes down to this moment." Kat continued to argue and prove points that did question everything, which stems from her fear of failure and getting captured again. Too engrossed in her mind that she didn't even notice her suitcase was already unpacked and organized, which surprised her more than anything.
"I'm gonna take a bath. That'll calm me down a bit," she said to herself. Getting her pajamas, and her bag of toiletries, she entered the big marble bathroom in her room. The floor was of polished white and black tiles, with his-and-her sinks made of white marble on the countertops and part of the walls. A big porcelain bathtub stood right in the middle of the room while the shower was on the other side, made of the same material. A giant, light up mirror hung over the sinks, giving it a more sophisticated feel to it. The sunset shone through the window, bathing it in a warm glow. Kat filled up the tub with hot water and put lavender-vanilla scented bubble bath gel. Placing her hand in, she swirled the liquid around to make the suds appear a bit quicker. Before long, the tub filled up with sweet smelling bubbles. Undressing, she stepped into the bathtub, relaxing and letting her concerns melt away.
She thought about the mission and how she was going to do this. She knows the target is several accounts inside the Swiss National Bank. Also, she knows that the bank has ties to V.I.L.E. because it's one of the few countries that accept blind offshore accounts hidden inside - without any extradition treaties or consequences and that a majority of the money is being wired through their server and sent into the appropriate account number. However, she can't access the server fiber optic line from the comfort of her hotel room because of military-grade encryption. So, she has to enter the bank itself, hack (or have Player hack) into one of the central computers, decrypt the codes and shut off the security system - both in the bank itself and the software - and funnel their funds through a private account where she'll continue with Phase 2 of her plan. Kat, thinking about the entire mission and her final decision on what to do with her life, she didn't even realize that the sky was dark, and the hot water grew cold.
Finally, Kat noticed the light has gone from the window, and the tub lost its warmth. She grabbed one of the large, fluffy white towels sitting next to her, got out, and wrapped herself with that same towel. As she put on her pajamas, Kat saw her reflection in the mirror. A beautiful young woman with auburn hair and blue eyes staring back, with hesitation and nervousness. A while later staring back at her reflection, Kat walked out of the room and into the main living room.
Shadow was there, eating some food when he noticed her walk in. He grew concerned for his favorite student.
"Everything alright?"
Kat nods.
"Yeah. Just...it's all happening," she said. "Still can't wrap my head around it." Shadow 'hmm's in contemplation. He sees Katrina slipping up; second-guessing herself. So, for her to finally decide, he has a plan just for tomorrow and will let her decide what to do with that choice.
"Tomorrow, I want to show you something, Katrina," he said. Katrina grew wide-eyed at Shadow speaking her full name. She swallowed harshly, knowing that whatever Shadowsan has to show her, is necessary.
"Okay," she rasps out.
"Ten a.m.; we're going somewhere. Now eat your dinner."
"Yes, Sensei." Kat sits down and eats her dinner of sautéed chicken breast with a butter and white wine reduction, mixed vegetables, and rice pilaf. As they ate, it wasn't like they were student and teacher, but something more than that. It was like they were father-figure and daughter. For that tiny moment, Katrina didn't worry about V.I.L.E., the mission, trying to get back to her family, but here, in the hotel, with her mentor, laughing about their time at V.I.L.E. (mostly Kat's memories) about causing mischief and trouble for everyone and all the adventures he had when he was younger; before V.I.L.E. recruited him. In a beautiful hotel room, in the center of Zürich, two broken people found a way to put themselves back together again.
The next morning, at ten a.m., Shadowsan was true to his word. Fed and dressed, Kat exited the hotel as they walked around Zürich, seeing everything the city has to offer. The stores, the parks, the people, and learning about how Zürich has become the economic center of the world. Kat entered every store, which she recorded in a diary that she bought in Madrid. Sort of like a log detailing all her adventures, starting with her escape from the Isle of V.I.L.E. right up to her plan in Switzerland. But, at the same time, she's also a tourist; exploring life and finally living it for the first time in fifteen years. As they enjoyed the beautiful day, eating food from the street, asking the locals in German where to go, and - of course - shopping, it was peaceful. However, Shadow led her somewhere that was the seedy part of Zürich, something no one would even dare go through. But, for the martial arts master and the Samurai, it wasn't scary.
"Um, Shadow, why are we here? Not that I'm not having a good time, but why?" she asked.
"There's an orphanage just down the street. Today, we're going to volunteer. The head of the place is a friend, and tries to make the best for these kids," he explained.
"What's so special about this orphanage?"
"The landlord is a horrible man who's trying to evict them and toss them out on the street, leaving these kids with no stable home or place to go. My friend has tried to get him removed from the Board of Orphans, but he never leaves a trail linking to his corruption. Which is why I called her by offering to volunteer while getting proof that he's stealing funds that were supposed to be for the orphanage." Kat grew angry at the thought of someone stealing from orphans. They have nothing, and this bastard isn't even giving them a shred of decency. Her jaw clenched with retribution and justice; that these kids aren't invisible. They do matter, they have a voice, but no one is listening. Now, Kat has an opportunity to give them a voice, and they deserve to be listened to and heard.
"Let's do it." Both entered the building where the door had a bell, signaling their arrival. The sitting room is a comfortable, simple room. Sofas that look worn, but still presentable for potential parents to wait and meet the children. The light fixtures had a warm, hanging chandelier that cast the room in a subtle glow. The mahogany coffee table stood in the center of a cheap, Persian rug, and two armchairs in front.
"Hello?" Footsteps came rushing through the back, rushing to meet with new clients. A woman came out with red hair, freckles, a straight nose, thin lips, and bright brown eyes. She put a book down, but when she looked up, a smile warmed her face as soon as she saw Shadowsan.
"Shadow!" She greeted as she walked over to hug him. He returned that hug, happy to see another familiar face an old friend.
"Olga, it's so good to see you," he said.
"It's good to see you as well," she said. Olga turned to Kat, who stared with curiosity and suspicion. "And who's this?"
"This is my student, Carmen. Carmen, this is the manager of the orphanage, Olga Altherr," he introduced. Kat held out her hand for a handshake, which Olga returned with kindness and enthusiasm.
"It's nice to meet you."
"You as well."
"Thank you both for helping out today. I am too understaffed, and because we don't have funds, I can't hire any help," she said. Shadow opened his mouth to respond, but Kat beat him to the punch.
"It's no problem. We're happy to help out as much as we can," responds Kat. Shadow concurs with a small nod.
"Alright. Well, Kat, you can help out with the kids, while Shadow and I can start on lunch. The kids are upstairs, second door to the left." Kat walks away from them, heading upstairs to the kids' dorms. When she did, she saw kids from ages five to fifteen. Some of them were playing, and others were trying to work on homework. She entered the room, and some kids said hi to which she waved back. As she watched the kids, one of them was struggling with their math homework. His hand was grasping his hair in frustration, biting his lip, and groaning softly about everything.
"Need some help?" Kat hesitantly asks. The boy turns around to see her face full of understanding and kindness.
"Do you know how to do Algebra I Quadratic Formulas?" the boy asks.
"Yeah, and I know how you feel. They're a real bitch to deal with," she responds. The boy smiles that someone understands what he's going through with math. Kat heads over to the table, pulls up a chair, and sits next to him to help. Soon enough, she helps kids with their homework, played with them, told them her experiences about growing up alone, and inspired them to be great and always to have a voice. In those few short hours, Kat felt calmer and relaxed in volunteering than she ever had in her entire life; the kids, in return, looked up to her: saw her as a lost orphan, trying to make her way into the world, but also attempting to do the right thing, not for herself, but for everyone. At that moment, Kat knew that this is what she's meant to do: help and protect people from the evil of V.I.L.E. and anyone else that tries to do them harm.
While Kat was upstairs bonding with the kids, Shadow and Olga were drinking tea and talking about getting the evidence necessary for arresting the landlord.
"Shadow, we're down to our last hope. Pretty soon, he's going to evict us, and there's nothing I can do about it. I need to make sure this evidence is found and sent to the proper authorities. We're barely making ends meet and struggling to survive," pleaded Olga.
"I understand your concern, Olga. But, this is a severe crime you're asking me to do. I know, I promised you I'd help you, and I will; make no mistake about that," he said. "But, if we get caught, Kat could go to jail and who knows what they'd do to a fifteen-year-old who just escaped her captivity around a couple of weeks ago. Kat and I will do this, but we need information about the landlord. We need a name, and we'll take it from there." Olga nods her head in agreement.
She took a deep breath and exhaled, saying the landlord's name. "Ajan," she said. "Ajan Caflisch."
Shadow nods his head in acceptance, giving his friend a satisfied smile. Olga returned that sentiment.
"Thank you." The thudding of footsteps let Shadow believe it was the kids, but it was only Kat who came down.
"The kids are amazing. We're really connecting," she said excitedly.
"That's wonderful, Black Sheep," Shadow replies. "Would you mind if I speak with you for a moment?" he asked.
"Sure." She walked over to a quiet hallway, waiting for Shadow to talk.
"Excuse me, Olga." He stood up from his chair without another word and headed towards the hallway she went into.
"So, Shadow, what's up?"
"Tonight, we're going to find evidence that the landlord for this orphanage, a man named Ajan Caflisch, is stealing funds from this orphanage. We need to know exactly what he uses those funds for and why. Then, we'll 'anonymously' drop off the evidence at the nearest police station, and hope that he gets arrested for fraud and embezzlement. What do you think about this plan?" he wondered. Kat's face turns stoic and expressionless, but behind her eyes was the fire of determination with the thirst of justice. She turns around, paces back and forth while thinking it over. Then, she turns back, gives a chuckle, and he sees the sadistic smile on Kat's face.
She leans in and whispers, "When do we start?" He smiles, and she smiles back. They begin to plan out everything, right up to the last detail. Master and apprentice return to the living room, to talk to Olga. She gave them his address and said that was all they needed. For the remainder of the day, they cooked lunch, helped out with the kids, and made their lives a little bit brighter, despite the cards that are dealt to them. However, when they left, the kids saw that no matter what happens, there was always be Light amidst in an ocean of Darkness. It was one lesson they will never forget; especially from the girl in red who taught them that.
When they returned to their hotel room, Shadow and Kat went up in silence. As they opened the door, Carmen and Shadow were concerned and shocked that someone would be cruel to take from those who have - literally - nothing.
"That man...incorrigible," Kat grits out. "For him to steal from them..." she began stuttering and hesitating in forming a sentence. "I can't even. I-I-uh, it's laughable that he thinks he can get away with it." The fury was evident in her expression.
"So, what do you plan to do about it?" Shadow wondered. Kat turned back to face him. She marched up to his face, stared him down, without any fear. The decision was evident in her eyes. Before she said it, Shadow knew what she's going to do.
"I'm gonna make that son of a bitch pay for what he did to those kids and make sure he never does anything like that again." He smiled, happy that the girl, the soon-to-be legend, has finally arisen.
"Then, Carmen Sandiego, call Player to assist you." Kat nods her head while pulling out her phone, calling Player for her first 'unofficial' mission. The other line rings twice before his voice appears. Kat gave a sly grin, knowing that this little detour, is going to be fun.
"Hello?"
"Hey, Player," greeted Kat.
"Guten Tag, Rot! How's Zürich?" Curiosity laced his tone.
"Great. But we need your help with something," she said.
"Sure. How can I help?"
"I need you to tell me everything about a man named Ajan Caflisch."
"Ajan Caflisch?"
"Yeah, he's done something horrible, and I need info on him."
"Is he from V.I.L.E.?" Player knows that the National Swiss Bank has ties to the criminal empire, but isn't sure how this guy fits.
"No, but 'vile' is a word I'd describe him. He's utterly unrelated to V.I.L.E. However, that doesn't mean I won't leave what he did unpunished or unscathed."
"Why? What'd he do?"
"Steal funds from an orphanage and try to get them kicked out from that home, leaving everyone on the street." After giving Player the short version of the explanation (which she didn't have time to provide the extended version), Kat could hear the wheels turning in his head as soon as he listened to the words 'steal,' 'funds,' and 'orphanage.'
"What do you need?" Kat smiles a wicked grin over the phone.
"Everything."
"On it." The click-clack of the keyboard let Kat know that Player is finding - and succeeding - in finding the necessary information on Alan Caflisch.
The sounds stop. "Okay," he began. "Ajan Caflisch was born on April 14, 1964, at 7:45 am in Zürich Hospital. His parents are Sofia and Milos Caflisch, who are both real estate developers. He has no siblings. He graduated Valedictorian at Institut auf dem Rosenberg in St. Gallen. He then went to America on a full-scholarship to Wharton School of Business in New York, where he graduated Magna Cum Laude with two MBAs in International Business and Economics. He returned to Zürich, gaining an internship in Credit Suisse. Staying there for four and a half years, Alan, gradually, grew into their trusted ranks. Before he quit, he was named Senior Vice President of Credit Suisse; Alan was being groomed for President and CEO of Credit Suisse. However, after a while, he said that he was going to do something different with his life, so he quit. On some occasions, he does consult for them every now and again."
"So, he's a money expert. Especially how to hide funds from the public eye," Kat mused to herself.
"He does have an account in the Cayman Islands. So, I'm guessing that's where he's funneling the money into. But the only question is why? Why would he steal money from the orphanage just to kick them out on the street? Doesn't make any sense? What would he want with that orphanage?" The inquiry is a good one for Player to make. Why would a man of Alan's stature want the orphanage, when all he's going to do is kicked them out. If he's developing it by destroying the building, then it could be a motive for something. Maybe there's an object inside of those walls that could be damning enough or something valuable that he's heard rumors.
"The number of reasons is infinite, but the main thing is to make sure he's caught, arrested and put on trial for fraud and embezzlement. Especially on a charity."
"Fine," he said passionately. "I assume you want more as to why he's taking a particular interest in that specific orphanage, am I right?"
"You assume correctly."
"Hang on." The click-clack of the keyboard returned as Kat waited for answers. "Okay. Supposedly," which Player put a lot of emphasis on the word 'supposedly,' continued. "There is a trove of historical treasure of intrinsic value inside its walls that accumulated into a very hefty sum..." Player trailed off, letting Kat figure out the rest.
"Enough to make him wealthy beyond his imagining and never work again. If he finds it, he could sell it on the black market for cash or say to auction houses that it belonged to his family, thereby everyone believing it was his, to begin with."
"That's why he wants to kick them out of the orphanage. Currently, the pocket deed to the orphanage itself belongs to your friend, Olga."
"And since it rightfully belongs to her, she can sell it to different museums for money, thereby saving the orphanage. But, if she's kicked out or evicted, the pocket deed reverts back to Ajan."
"But, that's the rumor, anyway. I don't know what kind of treasure is valuable enough to try and destroy an entire building as well as kicking kids to the curb." Kat thought it over, pondering what to do.
"I don't care what you have to do Player. Find it. Find anything you can about the treasure and see which one jumps out at you. Follow your gut. But I want that information soon."
"How soon?"
"Well, I plan on getting the necessary evidence from his computer and/or house to drop off to the police anonymously...maybe tonight?"
"I'll find out as much as I can, but it's gonna take some time to unearth. Let me call you back in, say, an hour and a half?"
"That's fine. Thanks, Player."
"Anytime Red. Don't worry; I won't let you down."
"I know you won't." With that, Kat hangs up, leaving Player to do his 'undercover digging.' She got her clothes for this mission (and it became her outfit for every single job afterward), and entered the bathroom, making sure that Carmen Sandiego will make her appearance and bring justice to those who deserve it. She turned on the shower, feeling the hot water cascading down onto the marble floor; she removed her clothes, set her outfit near her with a towel, and stepped inside, letting the warmth soothe and relax her for what's to come.
Biding her time, Kat pulls out a VS Sport X Bra and underwear, black leather pants, black Michael Kors knee-high lace-up boots, a black short-sleeve shirt, her black gloves, and for the pièce de résistance, her bright red coat and fedora. Her hair grew longer while she was in Spain, so she decided to leave it down. Putting all of her tools in the appropriate places inside her coat, as well as attaching the portable grappling hook to her right hand, Kat looked in the mirror as she saw the reflection staring back. In a personal mission, Carmen Sandiego made her appearance. Her lips were red, eyes with mascara, eyeliner, and a little bit of eyeshadow, made her blue eyes pop out. She didn't need that much foundation, concealer, or blush because her face is flawless. Just a pinch on her cheeks and they were rosy. She smiled at her persona, liking what she saw. Before, she was a young fifteen-year-old girl who escaped her captivity, but at the same time, the young woman staring back at her was the warrior she needed to become. The person she is destined to be. A legendary thief who will bring down her enemies, however long it takes.
Kat exited out of the bathroom, dressed in her battle armor, ready to fight. Shadowsan hears the bathroom door open. He turned his head to the noise when his eyes widened with disbelief and pride. His student became the thief she was always meant to be. He assessed her from head to toe, while she stood straight, looking stern as she had her red fedora and coat. He walked over to her and smiled.
"You look beautiful, Black Sheep," he complimented.
"Thanks for the vote of confidence, Shadow," she replies. She picks up one of the suitcases which houses her equipment and began putting her tools inside the pockets for her usage. While focusing on her task, Kat's phone rings suddenly.
"It must be Player," Kat told him. "Shadow, can you answer it?"
"Of course, Black Sheep." He pressed the 'Answer' button on the phone as well as putting it on speaker when his voice echoes through the room.
"Hello, Red," Player greets his two favorite people.
"Hey, Player."
"Hello."
"I did some digging as you asked me to and I think I found something."
"Okay," Kat announced. "Lay it on me."
"Turns out, there is a treasure of historic and intrinsic value buried within those walls, but it's more compact." Kat and Shadow were confused.
"What do you mean by 'compact?'" Kat wondered for her and Shadow. Shadow looked confused when Player said that.
"There's a necklace that hasn't been seen in over three hundred years. The necklace has seven pounds of polished diamonds, rubies, and emeralds; entirely made out of 24K gold, it was for a woman called Madame Caroline de au Lac-Burkhalter, Duchess of Valais. It was passed down through her family for a few years during the 13th Century until a thief broke into their house, pocketed the necklace, and ran off into the night with it. Legend has it that the thief lived in the very same building as the orphanage you and Shadow visited today and hid the necklace inside its walls to keep the secret. Over time, the legend grew into a myth, but no one has ever found it. Today, it's said to be worth - at auction - almost $3 billion dollars."
Kat whistled at the sheer amount of all that cash. If she pocketed the money, she wouldn't have to work ever again for the rest of her life, but doing so would deprive the entire country of a historically cultural artifact that is part of their legends and stories today.
"Dude, I could retire with that kind of cash."
"Same here, Red," commented Player, but he continued, saying, "Looks to me like he's buying this legend and wants to take it for himself. In the black market, this necklace could sell three times that amount it could get at Christie's."
"We have to find that necklace before he does. If Ajan gets his hands on it..."
"We've lost. The orphanage will lose everything; the kids will be thrown out into the street, Olga and her employees will be out of a job, and he'll destroy a piece of three-hundred-year-old Swiss history for greed and hubris."
"I might be able to find it as long as you're bringing the x-ray scanner."
"Yeah, I am. It's inside my pocket right now."
"You turn it on, and I'll find it." Kat smiled.
"Shadow, go to his house and retrieve the information that we need to incriminate him for his embezzlement and fraud. As well as any plans to demolish a historical landmark." He nods, ready to do his task. "I'll go to the orphanage and find the necklace so we can return it to the museum where it belongs. We're gonna do this so quick; they won't know what hit them." Kat finishes loading her gear, tilts her red fedora to hide her face, and gives a justified grin that's she's doing what she's trained to do: to protect people from evil intentions. "Let's make this bastard our bitch and take him down." Shadow nods his head in approval at his favorite student. She walks out the door, a confident stride in her step, ready to fight. Shadow follows her dutifully as he knows what he needs to do.
They both reach outside as they walk towards the orphanage. Before entering the alley, they stop. Shadow gives a derisive nod in her direction, telling her that he will do what is necessary, while she's busy finding the necklace inside the orphanage. A silent conversation of understanding and pride, both master Samurai and thief, go off on their separate ways. Carmen Sandiego made her first appearance to help the innocent. She quietly heads down to the orphanage while Player speaks to her through her walkie-talkie diamond stud earrings.
"Red, you okay?"
"Yeah, I'm fine. Don't worry about me."
"It's my job to worry, Red."
"I know, I know," she assures him. "I'm just...praying that this unofficial mission goes according to plan."
"Knowing you, it will. And I will be here to guide you every step of the way."
"Thanks, Player. Alright, about to head inside, going silent until I get in."
"Good luck, Red, and be careful."
"I will." Kat climbs up the house to the roof where a glass window was her best point of entry. She unlocked the latched, lifted the lid, and used her grappling hook to lower herself to the floor. As she went inside, she looked around to see that the coast was clear; everyone was sleeping, so she needed to make sure that her mission was as quiet as possible.
"Okay, Player, I'm in. What's next?" she asked.
"The necklace had to be buried within the walls of the house."
"Yes, that narrows it down to the...oh, I don't know, the entire building? I need something more concrete than that, please. Any clue or hint as to where and the location it was hidden would be helpful, please."
"No need to get snippy with me, Red," Player retorts.
"I'm sorry, Player," apologized Kat. "I'm just frustrated and mad that someone would destroy a safe place for these kids," she says, heavy with concern.
"I know, I know. I get it, but taking it out on other people isn't helping anyone, Red."
"I know. I apologize."
"Thank you," Player forgave Kat. "Now, let's find that necklace."
Kat opens her coat and pulls out the handheld x-ray scanner, turning it on to see where the necklace is hidden. She slowly scans the walls carefully for anything out of the ordinary. While creeping around, Kat sees on the scanner that there's an unlocking mechanism to a secret door. She looks around until she found a sconce on the wall that had some light grooves on the paint. She twisted it upwards where she heard a click. Kat smiled to herself, knowing that she's found the missing answer.
She steps inside, turning on her small flashlight, Kat looks around her surroundings, trying to catch where you would hide a priceless necklace. She shines the light as she held the x-ray scanner to the walls.
"Hey Player, what else did the legend say about the hidden necklace?"
"Something about located in the heart of the house. Why?"
"No, just about to head down to the basement, and kinda freaked out by how -"
"Creepy it is?"
"I was gonna say how 'dark' it is."
"Oh."
Kat walks down the stairs and observes her surroundings as she heads towards the basement. The light from the flashlight lights up the creepy basement; even though she's a fifteen-year-old, the basement - no matter what - is incredibly disturbing during the middle of the night. Suppressing a shudder, Kat continues with her plan: find the necklace in the heart of the house, grab it, and put the bastard landlord in prison. She scans the room carefully, when all of a sudden, a blip on the screen appears.
"Player, you see what I'm seeing?"
"Yup."
"So, how do I get in there?"
The clicking sound of the keyboard is transmitted over the phone as he finds a way to get Carmen in there.
"There's a mechanism that opens up the secret compartment. Find something that doesn't belong or is not like the others," he instructs. Kat followed his advice and looked for what seems to be out of order. A fireplace near the wall, but on the mantle with crown moldings, there was a tiny latch on the inside of the frame. Kat ran her fingers underneath the ridge until she felt a groove from the edge. She grasped and pulled it out, which caused the mechanism to activate and open the door. From there, Kat saw the door open as she grinned.
"You may not rap, Player, but you rock," she compliments.
"Thanks for the vote of confidence, Red." She rushes inside, and sees the necklace they were talking about; Kat grabs it, places it inside her bag and rushes out of said secret room. She closes the latch again, creeps back upstairs, and was about to escape when creaks echoed throughout the quiet and dark compartment. She hides behind a wall and spies someone coming down.
"Shit," she mentally slaps herself. Seeing a shape coming down the stairs, Kat, using the corner of her eye, saw someone head into the kitchen. Quietly, she closes the door to the basement, planning to make her escape. When Kat is sure that person was gone, Kat crept towards the living room where the skylight is. She fired her grapple hook upwards, and flew through the window and closed it before anyone could notice she was there.
"Player, I've got the necklace. Heading out right now."
"Got it, Red." Kat ran on top of the roofs with a grace and fluidity that only gymnasts could demonstrate. As she jumped down, she saw a familiar katana sword strapped to a person's back. Climbing down as stealthily as she could, she saw the usual samurai outfit she came to know.
"I know you are there, Black Sheep. You can come out now," he said. Hesitantly, she got out from her hiding place and saw Shadowsan standing where they would meet up. Turning around to smile, she walked into his line of sight and bowed in respect.
"I got the necklace. Did you get the info?"
"Absolutely, Black Sheep. All the details listing his crimes are on this flash drive. Well done, Black Sheep," he congratulated his prized pupil.
"Great," Kat exhaled a sigh of relief. "Now, let's drop this flash drive off at the nearest local authorities and put him away for good." Two master thieves, disappeared into the night, without a trace. The next morning, they turn on the news, detailing the discovery of the necklace, the orphanage is saved; credited for the discovery and dubbed as "Madame Caroline de au Lac-Burkhalter Orphanage," and the arrest for Ajan Caflisch for embezzlement, fraud, and extortion. Shadow and Kat look on in glee as he is dragged by police officers, being carted away to prison while he awaits his arraignment, but they assume he's getting twenty years in prison with no parole.
"You know," began Kat. "I don't know why I was so hesitant about my life before. I mean, sure getting caught and the thought of being brought back to the Isle of V.I.L.E. still gives me dread, but doing this: stealing and restoring historical artifacts back to their rightful owners, making sure the world isn't deprived of incredible things, gives me a sense of accomplishment I'm enjoying right now."
"I know that you're worried about this venture of ours, but the only way to defeat and destroy V.I.L.E. is to be what they trained you to be: a thief. Returning them to the world is the only way to beat them at their own game, Katrina."
Kat nods in agreement in that respect. She knew - as well as Shadow - the only way for V.I.L.E. to pay for what they've done is to destroy them once and for all; the only way to do that is by stealing back the items they plan to case.
"Well, after this, I'm ready," she said determinedly. "No matter how long it takes, V.I.L.E. is goin' down. You can be sure of that." Shadowsan saw the strength in his favorite student and was proud of the person she's become and who she is about to be.
"So..." Shadow trails off. "What do we do now?"
A smirk on her face appears as she faces Shadowsan.
"We go banking."
Shadow thinks about it for a moment before he turned to her, leans in his face, and said, "When do we start?" Now, the real fun begins.
A month and a half later
February 14: Valentine's Day. A day where the world celebrates love and friendship with cliché commercialism, but it was also the day where she robs the Swiss National Bank of several V.I.L.E. accounts, containing hundreds of trillions of dollars. She prepares by going over the blueprints of the entire building, the mainframe of the computers, physical security, the building's security, and layout of where the safety deposit boxes are. Kat and Player are discussing strategy while Shadow was taking pictures of the bank itself, to see where the cameras are placed, and how to avoid them.
"Alright, so it looks like the best way to get to the bank, undetected, is through the roof. Player, can you check to see if there are any windows that I can access to gain entrance inside?"
"On it, Red," Player said. A few seconds later, he answers Kat's question. "Sorry, Red, no windows up top. But, there are windows near the sides of the building. Maybe there's one that has a screw loose," he teased.
"Thanks, Player. Please check that."
"Will do." While Kat waited for the best point of entry, Shadow returns to the hotel with the camera in hand.
"Shadow, did you take the pictures of the entire building from top to bottom?"
"They're all on the SIM card." Kat grew excited at her first official casing. It gave her chills, and her entire body tingles with anticipation.
"Great," she said. "Upload them to the laptop and see if there are any cameras; that way, we'll know exactly how to avoid them."
Player cleared his throat to grab their attention.
"There's one window that's always been loose. The bank tried to fix it multiple time over the years, but after a while, they gave up and left it alone. That's the only source of entry and exit."
"You sure?"
"Positive."
"Is it big enough for a person to squeeze through in and out?"
"Yeah, it is."
"That's all I need. Is there any boxes that cut off the alarm system inside?"
"Checking."
Shadow goes through the pictures to see if there are any - if at all - cameras around the building. They know some are inside, but if there are any outside, Kat might have a problem.
"Black Sheep," Shadow calls out. "You might want to come and take a look at this." She comes to Shadow and peers over his shoulder. A small camera that sees the broken window and the entire two streets near the bank waits on the far right of the building.
"Okay...that's gonna be a problem," she mentions.
"We need to find a way to disable the cameras and alarm system before you get there."
"One of you is going to be in disguise as a janitor, so you'll allow me access to the system. I pick Shadow," Player nominates.
"Same."
Shadow was taken aback at this. "Why me?"
"Because people will believe you if you're a janitor. A fifteen-year-old being a janitor? C'mon, get real." Shadow stares at Kat for her input, which she gave a look of agreement.
"He's right," Kat confirms. "If people see me as a janitor, it's gonna raise red flags," Kat explains her and Player's logic, to Shadow. Internally, he admits they have a point, which is true. If a teenager gets a job in a bank, people will begin asking questions no one wants to answer. "But, if an adult does it, it won't matter. They won't bat an eyelash."
Shadow exhales a sharp breath. He shakes his head at this, knowing he has no choice. "Fine."
"Find the alarm box, plug the drive in, and it will copy the schematics and encryption for the bank's security. The drive will flash a green light when it's done. Unplug it, and come straight back so I can control it from here," Player explains.
"Alright."
Kat and - in Montreal - Player gave identical grins that demonstrated their success in getting Shadow to do it. He got his janitor clothes for the bank across the street. As he went to the bathroom, Kat looks over the pictures with Player hacking in and seeing them as well.
"It's a pretty straightforward in-an-out situation. Sneak in, disable the alarm system, drain the accounts, and walk out."
"Let's hope that this goes smoothly as it possibly can."
"Tell me about it," Kat mutters. "Hey, speaking of which, did you decrypt the next place on the black box?"
"Yup. The next place is at an art gallery in Cairo, Egypt."
"Cool. As soon as this is over, tell me about it on the plane."
"Will do." The twisting of a doorknob caught Kat's attention. Her head turned towards the noise and saw her mentor dressed, head to toe, in the bank's janitorial uniform.
Kat whistled in amazement. "You look great, Shadow."
His face was one of annoyance and irritation. "I look ridiculous."
"Well, right now you pretending to be a janitor is a necessary expedient. So suck it up and deal with it." He took the lipstick USB-C drive, put it in his pocket, and walked out of the hotel. The door clicked shut, so Player and Kat can finish planning out the entire break-in.
"Okay," Player began. "After you enter from the window, the floor has pressure sensitivity, which I found out from their blueprints. They recently upgraded their alarm a couple of months ago. Everything: the cameras, the floor, the lasers -" Before Player can finish, Kat interjects with her query.
"Lasers? Really?" The thought was laughable that a bank would have an actual laser grid.
"Yeah," Player said. "Some of the accounts are legitimate accounts to some people, including one jewelry store that store their most valuable stones there. Those stones belong to someone, and I don't want to bring bad karma right now. So, no, you can't steal one of these stones for yourself, Kat."
Kat looked shocked that he would think that.
"I-I would never -"
"Kat, I could hear the wheels turning in your head. Remember the plan: steal hundreds of trillions of dollars in euros from the V.I.L.E. accounts and get out." She rolls her eyes but concedes to the plan.
"Alright, alright. I won't do anything else, unsavory or otherwise. Just rob the euros and get the hell out of Zürich."
"Attagirl," Player said. "Once inside, you'll have to gain access to one of the bank managers' computers. Plug the drive directly into the server mainframe, and I'll do the rest. After that, once we're done, leave the same way you came in, I'll turn back on the alarms, and then we're on our way to Cairo."
"You're the man, Player."
"I try." Kat gives a small grin.
After talking about the entire layout for seven minutes, Shadow came back, looking disheveled and exhausted.
"I have more respect for the janitorial business than I ever did before."
"Sorry, Shadow," apologized Kat. "We needed an adult to do this."
"I understand, Black Sheep." He pulls out the USB-C drive and hands it to Kat. She plugs in the USB-C drive into the laptop and allows for Player to do what he does best.
Kat nods. "Did you do it?" Shadow gives a sharp nod in response.
"Player?" The keyboard sounds were a sign that Player was entirely on board.
"Finding the frequency...analyzing the mirror encryption pattern firewall...and done! I'm in." The pride in his voice was felt on the other side of the phone. "When you get to the bank, just say the word, and I'll turn on the alarms again. That'll start the party soon enough."
"Okay, gentlemen," Kat spoke in a clear, concise, voice. "There are no do-overs. We get one chance at this. Get in, plug in, and get out. Got it?"
"Yes."
"Got it."
"Good," she checked her watch and the clock on the mantle. "I'm going to take a little walk." She's dressed in her scarlet coat and hat, exits the hotel, and walks towards the bank. She enters the bank, tilts her hat down, so they don't see her face, and walks around, seeing everything, as a signal that Carmen Sandiego has arrived.
In the middle of the night
Carmen Sandiego climbs up to the roof of the hotel to get a good vantage point. In her red threads, she looks ready to kill.
"Player, can you hear me?"
"Loud and clear, Red." Kat uses her handheld grappling hook that's attached to her wrist, aims, and fires at the roof of the small shopping mall across the street from the hotel they're staying in. She runs and jumps, which causes her momentum to swing up to the roof.
"Shadow, do you read me?"
"Absolutely."
"Shadow, wait for my signal. You might want to contact transportation as soon as I give the word. We need to leave by the time we reach the airport."
"Of course."
"Player, can you find that broken window Shadow talked about?"
"Tracking you through GPS satellite and...found it! The window is on the side of the building, so you're positioning is perfect. There's a red ribbon attached to the frame. That's where it is." After dislodging the hook, she ran and repeated the same process with the bank.
"Player, I'm about to enter. Turn off the security now." Player did his job, and a BEEP! from his computer let her know that it was done.
"Alright Red, you're ready to proceed." But, she aimed at the ledge where the broken window is. The hook pulled her up to said ledge and found the red ribbon on the window. Being athletically fit and a bit short, she was able to squeeze her way inside without worrying about getting caught. Kat enters the bank, seeing the entire room bathed in darkness and moonlight. She lowered herself with her hook until her feet touched the floor.
Her heels clicked on the tiled floor, trying to find a computer. She turns on her small, portable, LED flashlight to see better in the darkened room.
"Pick any computer, and I'll do the rest."
"Copy that, Player." She goes to the back of the room, where computers were littered, ready for the taking. She walks over to one, turns it on, and sees the screen with a popup for username and password lock. She takes out her USB-C drive, plugs it into the server, and begins her mission.
"Alright, Player, ready to rob some vile bankers?"
"Ready." In Canada, Player began his hacking expedition where he locates several accounts to V.I.L.E. "Found them. And half goes into your account and the other into another for philanthropic causes, just as you wanted."
"How long is that gonna take?"
"About five minutes."
"Okay," she said. "Let me help you." For the next five minutes, in silence, Player and the newly named Carmen Sandiego hacked and robbed the accounts from the V.I.L.E. organization.
"Anddd...done." A BING! rang through the walkie talkie. "The money from the V.I.L.E. accounts have been split into two: one for your personal use and the other for philanthropic organizations."
Kat grinned to herself. She succeeded in stealing a good percentage of money from V.I.L.E., which will allow her to sleep easy tonight.
"Thanks, Player."
"You're welcome." Kat unplugs the drive, shuts off the computer, and shot her grappling hook to the wall near the window she entered from. Carmen Sandiego left her calling card and disappeared into the night. She went back to the hotel, where Shadow waited for her.
"Is it done?"
"Yup," she confirmed. "Let's pack up and blow this popsicle stand." A nod from Shadow and both retreated to their rooms to pack up their things and continue on their journey to destroy V.I.L.E. They finished packing, went down to the lobby, and checked out. They called a cab to take them straight to the airport. By the time they reached the airport, a private plane is waiting for them on the terminal. Kat turns to Shadow with a questioning look on her face.
"This is my gift to you, Carmen," Shadow began. "Well done."
Carmen Sandiego exhaled a sigh of relief and pride. This is who is she is now...and she's not looking back: a professional thief, who would become - one day - a legend.
In Middleton, Colorado, the Possible Family, celebrated Anne's birthday, which so happens, fell on Valentine's Day. The family sang 'Happy Birthday' to the matriarch of their family, gave presents to show their appreciation and love, and bought marble cake since it is Anne's favorite.
"Happy birthday, honey!" James said.
"Happy birthday, Mom!" Kim, Tim, and Jim cheered.
Anne looked as she was about to cry at the thoughtfulness of her family. She places a hand over her heart, touched by the incredible, intimate party.
"This is wonderful, thank you," she said.
"This is from us, Mom," Jim began.
"We hope you like it," Tim finished his twin's thought.
Anne opened it and saw it was a picture of the entire family, in Hawaii for summer vacation. All of them, smiling at the camera, wearing leis; Anne and Kim with hibiscus flowers on their heads while Jim, Tim, and James wore tacky, Hawaiian shirts.
Oh, boys," she brought them closer to her and gave the twins a big hug for their gift. "This is beautiful."
Kim walked over and held out her present. "My turn."
Anne took Kim's present and began opening it. She unwrapped it, and it was a scarf that she had her eye on for a while that's only sold in Paris. Anne looks shocked that this scarf is exclusive, but wondering how her daughter got it before it was on sale in all countries. Her look of confusion became evident on her face, which Kim answered her unasked question.
"I got a call in Paris, which I helped saved a designer from being kidnapped by one of his competitors, and helped stop his plan to steal his identity. The designer was so grateful; he gave me this scarf as a thank you. Since I know you like Hérmes, and this scarf hasn't come out yet anywhere, I thought it would be a nice gift for you." Anne got up from her chair, walked over to daughter, and hugged her, thanking her for her gift.
James was the last one, and he gave his wife a small, wrapped box with a pretty bow on top. "For you, honey. Happy birthday." She received and opened the present, which she saw a small locket with scrollwork on the surface. When Anne opened it, there were two pictures inside; on one side of the pendant was a picture of Kat, smiling at the camera. And on the right side was the entire family, together.
"I know that you miss her. We all do, but she would want you to be happy; at least, now, you can keep her close." Anne began to cry to which James walked over and gave his wife a comforting hug. The kids followed suit and joined in on the family hug.
"Thank you." Kim, Jim, and Tim went to the kitchen and brought out Anne's birthday cake. They lit the candle and sang the 'Happy Birthday' song to Anne. She smiled and blew them out, while James took a picture of the moment.
"What did you wish for, Mom?" Jim asked.
"My family to be safe, healthy, and happy. What I always wish for."
"We love you, Mom," Kim, Jim, and Tim said in unison. As sat down at the table and ate marble cake, Anne thought about her wish; the real one she always makes on her birthday: that her firstborn daughter would come home once again.
I want to thank everyone who liked, commented and read my story. Your support, belief, and enthusiasm gave me so much confidence in myself, that I am incredibly grateful that you're giving me a chance. Also, I have good news and bad news: the good news is that there are only four more chapters before the confrontation between Carmen and Crackle on the train to Paris. The bad news, there are only four more chapters. I know everyone wants to see that conversation between them and the Possible Family reunion (pun intended). Trust me, I'm anxious about it too...and I'm the one writing it! But don't worry, they will be drafted and published; however, it will take time to write. All I ask is for you to be patient and hope that you'll still read this story when that happens. Almost thirteen thousand words for this chapter alone! Wow! Still can't believe it!
Also, I appreciate the comments you all wrote to me - good and bad - about my story. But, if there is something you want to talk to me about that you'd rather say in a message instead of a comment for the story, just send me a PM, and I will answer you as best as I can.
Next chapter: Carmen goes to Cairo
Translations (German):
- Wohin, Herr? = Where to, sir?
- Baur au Lac Hotel, bitte = Baur au Lac Hotel, please
- Danke = Thank you
- Bitte = You're welcome
- Willkommen im Baur au Lac Hotel. Wie kann ich dir helfen? = Welcome to Baur au Lac Hotel. How may I help you?
- Wir hätten gerne eine Suite mit zwei Zimmern. Wir werden nicht lange hier sein. = We would like a suite with two rooms. We won't be here long.
- Okay. Wie viele sind in deiner Gruppe? = Okay. How many are in your party?
- Nur ich und mein Onkel. = Just me and my uncle.
- Wie lange bleibst du? = How long are you staying?
- Eineinhalb Monate. Spätestens zwei Monate. = A month and a half. At the latest, two months.
Also, credit to my German language was brought to you by Google translate, so if I get anything - grammatically or spelling - wrong, let me know in a PM, and I'll fix it ASAP. And, I'd like to point out that I don't know German, so I will do the best I can to make sure everything's correct.
And the information of Baur au Lac Hotel also by Google Images (from what I saw) and the actual website of the hotel itself. The history of Zurich was brought to you by one website I found on Google that really helped out a lot.
Songs:
- Thomas Rhett (feat. Maren Morris) - Craving You
= When they leave Zürich and head straight to Cairo as well as Anne's birthday dream
- Rhianna - S&M
= Kat breaks into the bank and begins her first official heist against V.I.L.E.
- Woodkid - Run Boy Run
= Kat breaks into the orphanage to find the necklace.