Dynamic Duo

Chapter 4

The two friends sat outside the principle's office, covered in a green substance. Elmo was busy writing down notes from his experiment and making calculations. Drake just had a worried look on his face.

"Boys?" A friendly face greeted them from the newly appointed principle's office. He was short and middle aged. He had signs of balding but he didn't try and cover it up.

"Yes Principle Hooter?" The two said in unison.

"I'd like to talk to Mr. Mallard alone. You can run along Mr. Sputterspark."

Knowing that they shouldn't be separated because of Chanticleer's threat, Elmo spoke up. "If you don't mind sir, I'll just wait for Drake.

Hooter eyed him, Elmo was hiding something. "Very well, I suppose I haven't given you your punishment yet. " Elmo got a look of dread. "Come along Mr. Mallard". Drake gave a quick look to Elmo and followed him inside.

Hooter sat down at his desk. "First day on the job, and already I have two hellions at my front door."

Drake was really nervous. "About the meat casserole, Elmo just wanted to test his experiment. Know one could have predicted the explosion."

"What you two did was reckless and it's a wonder why know one was hurt. But that's not why I wanted to talk to you".

Drake was confused. "Then why call me in privately?"

"It's about yesterday's robbery"

That's the last thing Drake wanted to talk about.

"You helped with an important police case. You put your own life on the line, stood up and did what was right. That is a rare thing these days."

"Well I did have help."

"Ah yes, the duck in purple mask. He appeared out of no where and helped you save the day, then as quickly as he came, he left. What a strange thing indeed."

"He did not leave! He'll come back"

"Now, now Mr. Mallard, I'm only stating the facts"

"And how did you get those facts. How do you know about Darkwing!"

"I have my sources young man. It would do you wise to calm down."

Drake didn't like this guy. His instincts were telling him that Hooter was hiding something about all this.

"How long did you know the King?"

"Not that long. His brother, Lamont, was trying to recruit me into his gang."

"Did the King ever take orders from anyone?"

"Him take orders…HA….He liked running the show, and if anyone spoke up, he'd make them sorry."

"Hmm" Hooter thought about this. "And what about your injuries, did he do that to you?"

Drake knew if he told on Chanticleer, his life was as good as over. He needed to change the subject. "Um…Principle Hooter?"

"Yes lad?"

"Why do you care about all this?"

Hooter looked a little stunned as if trying to think of something to say. "Well…I…that is….if something of this caliber involves one of my students, then I should look into every aspect of it. What kind of principle would I be if I did not?" Drake didn't fall for it, but he knew he wouldn't get any answers out of the owl.

"Well if there's nothing else Principle Hooter, I'd like to go now."

"One moment" Hooter hit is call button to the secretary outside. "Send in Mr. Sputterspark, please."

Elmo came in shortly after and had a seat next the Drake.

"Now it's time to discuss your punishment."

Both boys became nervous. "I think suspension the rest of the week should do it"

"But that's not fair!" Elmo cried.

"For destruction of school property and endangering the lives of your peers, I think it's lenient"

"But that will be on my record, I won't be able to go to college"

"Your still in middle school Mr. Sputterspark, Universities hardly care how your do at this age"

"I want to have every advantage I can" Elmo was desperate. Drake didn't know what to say. He honestly thought it was a fair punishment for what they did, but he didn't like seeing he's friend upset.

"I'll tell you what boys. I am a man of principles and morals. I believe one should earn their right in life and respect from others. If you want to earn my respect enough to delete this incident from your records, I have two things you can do for me."

"What do want?"

"First of all no one is to know about this. If you tell anyone, I'll expel you both." Both gulped. "First thing I need you, Elmo, to win the science fair next week"

"What! I was planning too already."

"I know, but you have to understand that is it important you do. Once you have ribbon, I need you to gather any of the other winners and come straight to me. Don't talk to anyone other than your friend Drake"

"Ok…."

"Second. If the two of you spot any unusual activity within the school grounds, I need you to report it immediately"

"What qualifies as unusual activity?" Drake asked

"I'm not real sure. But if you see something, or someone is acting strangely or suspiciously, please tell me. I want to help."

"Again I ask, why do you care?"

"Listen, it's either comply with my requests, or suspension, you two pick"

"I'd rather take the suspension then be a puppet again" Drake was angry at him again.

"Please Drake! I can't have this on my record"

"Well…I guess. Ok I'll do it"

"Very good. Now run along home for the rest of the day. Get cleaned up. And Elmo, I was a stellar project"

The boys left more confused than ever. Once alone Hooter turned to his bookcase and pulled on a book. It revealed a secret room with half a dozen secret agents inside working on computers. "And they say working for S.H.U.S.H is dangerous, they never ran a school for a day". He said to himself.

Author's Note : Hehe…Hooter makes his first appearance as the undercover principle. Hope you guys aren't getting board. Next chapter will be a long one, I think. Finally done setting up everything. Again thanks for the reviews, they really keep me motivated.