Victors of Victorine

Chapter 7 'The Rescuers Arrive' or 'Shimougouan Emergency'

Hullo! My name is 'Scarlett Tanager' and I am a Sub-Kommodore in the 'Sky City Flying Corps'. Yup! I'm a 'Hawk'. I'm here on this cool new world with my 'cousin'. Well, she'll be here by tonight I hope. In the meantime, I've been asked by a tall redheaded lady who is a high ranking officer- a Supreme Marshall, no less- with the 3WA- to read some legal jazz which must be read before each and every sharing of vidfiles and vidlogs of the 3WA so here we go.

First, we wanna thank all of our friends whose Creations we have been graciously allowed to use especially Mr Haruka-San Takachiho (His birthday is 7 November so happy birthday to him) without whose Angels and other characters, the 3WA just would not be here, folks! And anyone who wants to may use our own OC's and other Creations so long as we are given proper credit for their usages. Now on with the show! Take it away, 'Kommodire Eagle-Eye'. By the by, the 'Kommodore' is my fiancee and probably one of the greatest 'Hawks' in the entire corps.

As you can well imagine, the news that this 'Time Traveler' character had slipped through our fingers was not received very well by the 3WA folks. Their anger turned to worry, if not sheer terror, when I told them that 'Lord Ashka Khan' had allowed the 'Traveler' to borrrow a shuttlecraft and fly to the 3WA's home world of 'Shimougou'.

"Just a few damned hours? We missed the blighter by just a few hours? What can we do now, Bob?" asked 'Flight Lt Alvin Newkirk', formerly of the Terran RAF in WW II Germany where he had been part of an elite undercover saboutage group posing as POWs in 'Stalag 13', the 'escape-proof' prison camp where he had been a mere lowly corporal.

"What the Hell are ya askin' me for, Alvie? I'm new to the 3WA same as the rest of us. Orders, 'Gally'?" replied 'Brigadier Robert Hogan' who had been the saboutage group's leader and a Colonel in the USAA.

"Don't look at me, 'Hogan' baby. Her Nibs is here now and she outranks everyone. What do we do now, Boss?" asked 'Lady Galatea Prydonia', the 3WA's temporary Commander on 'Victorine'.

"We re-route 'Molly' ('Eastwood-Kelly') to 'Shimougou'. Damned shame that 'Khan' didn't tell 'Eagle-Eye' where on 'Shim' the little pest is headed." growled the Amazon redheaded firebrand Hellcat, the Supreme Marshall of the 3WA- despite her youthful age of mid 20's. "Hey, 'Kinch' ('Flight Lt John Kinchloe' was a former staff sergeant and the WW II group's radioman and comm relays expert), send a coded signal to whatever ship 'Molly's commandin'. Send her to-" added the Boss Lady.

"Send the lass to 'Elenore City'. That's where 'Traveler' is heading. The Western part of your world is sparsely populated and will be easier to conquer. Of course, the fool does not know that the coup has already been busted, mum." said 'Khan' who was standing in the opened portalway.

"Thanks, pal. You heard the man, Johnny. Make it so. And hurry it up, man." growled the Boss. "What are you doin' here, Pirate? I thought you'd be gone by now. That 'window' will be gone soon." she added quietly.

"I need flight orders to prove that I'm no longer a fugitive from justice, 'Reds'. If that's OK with you, mum?" answered 'Khan'.

"OK. 'Gally' will handle that for ya, kid. Stay outta trouble and best o' luck on yer treasure hunt, Pirate. (She glanced at her wristchromo). Ya got exactly fifteen solar minutes to clear this world- otherwise, all bets are off, boyo. Sayonara." replied Keirran O'Halloran. 'Gally' quickly tapped a few keys on a PDO unit and tossed it to 'Ashka'.

"There's yer travel orders and proof that you're no longer wanted by anyone. Same applies to your co-horts. Bye." said the 'Gallifreyan' beauty. He saluted and left for his ship. 'Khan' was running! 'She' meant what 'She' said- always.

"Cap? 'Molly's only a half a day out from 'Shim's outer markers. She should make 'planetfall' by morning, ma'am." said 'Kinch'.

"What do we do in the meantime, ma'am?" asked 'Flight Lt Andrew Carter', 'Hogan's demolitions expert and a former top ranking NCO- a platoon sergeant- way back when.

"Pray?' suggested 'Bill Shade' and his face was grim.

"So 'Vultan' has disobeyed my orders and deployed his 'Hawks' and has already reached 'Victorine', my dear?" asked 'Varin', the newly coronated King of Mongo.

"Yes, my Love. Aha! Cousin 'Scarlett' is 'mind sending' me that our 'Hawks' have captured 'Zorin', that evil son of 'Davros' and that horrible 'Cybre Leader' creature. Oh my! 'Vicious' put up a damned good fight, but he was finally subdued and arrested by 'you-know-who'. Ah. It seems that 'Lord Khan' is content with that ancient 'vidstar chart map' and 'log' that points the way towards the 'Flint' treasure trove. Apparently 'Flint' was a pirate on ancient Terra, dearest husband. So, he'll be off on his 'galactic treasure hunt' now that all charges aginst he and his men have been dropped and all bounties against them have been cancelled. Cousin 'Vultan' has discovered a strange new delicacy called 'chili'. Given my cousin's voracious appetite, he and his 'Hawks' will not be coming home anytime soon, my darling." replied 'Arabella', 'Varin's wife and the new Queen of Mongo.

They were both aboard the 3WA 'flagship vessel', the 'Lovely Angel 4' under the able command of 'Starfleet's own 'Commodore Kiva Nerese' which was heading for 'Victorine' with their fleet of starships to back-up the 3WA forces.

"Outer markers in sight, mum." announced 'Warrant 3 (jg) Lilly Langtry', the new helmsperson. She was on loan to 'Starfleet' from 'MSC'- 'Minerva Star Command'.

"Thanks, Lil. Steady as she goes, 'Mr Checkov'. By my reckoning, we are only an hour or so out from 'Vic's inner markers. We should make 'planetfall' well before morning or 'daylight time' as they call it on this world. 'Danzig', you have the helm. I'll be in my quarters should you need me." said 'Kiva'.

'Sub-Commodore Alexis Danzig' was 'Kiva's new exec. Her new 'Number One' had recently been transferred from the 'ENSF'- 'Earth Naval Space Fleet' to the 3WA. 'Kiva' had had to call in quite a few favours to acquire him since 'KASP'- 'Kaguran Air & Space Patrol' had also wanted this talented officer on their payroll.

"By your command, mum." replied the 'Cyborg' officer. If truth be told, he was smitten with the young 'Starfleet' beauty and vice versa. They had been dating for the last monthlet and he was about to 'pop the question' to her this weekend. Perhaps they could be wed before they returned to 'Shimougou'.

"You heard the lady, 'Mr Checkov'. Steady as she goes. Keep a sharp watch for stray asteroids, 'Warrant 3. I don't feel like using 'Smugglers' Ravine' to get through 'Bison Fields' if I can help it, Lil." drawled 'Alexis' who was being coached in Texas twang accents by 'Marshall Han Solo'.

"Aye, sir." replied 'Lilly'. 'Alexis' accepted a mug o' java from the ship's new 'yeoperson' (Like an old-fashioned Terran secretary similar to 'Miss Della Street', 'Mr Mason's assistant), 'Ensign Melanie 'Mel' Bush' who was taking a much needed 'vacation' from her journeys with the 'Leprechaun' (Doctor #7).

'Alexis' smacked his lips and smiled. 'Much appreciated, 'Ensign Mel'. I really needed that drink. Many thanks, my dear child." said the 'Sub-Commodore' who was picking up bad habits from 'Mr Peabody', the obnoxious male Chauvinist pig white doggie who served as logistics and strategies officer to the 3WA.

"You're quite welcome, sir. Um- you- forgot to sign my 'vidlog' for our last shift, sir. If you don't mind-" replied 'Mel'. 'Alexis' grinned and winked at her (Courtesy of that naughty Samurai warrior, 'Mugen'!) before tapping in his personal 'vidcodes' and 'signing' her PDO unit.

Seating himself in the command chair, 'Alexis' crooked a forefinger at the vessel's new 'science officer', 'Commander Zog', a 'Romulan' defector who was responsible for 'borrowing' the technology that allowed starships to 'cloak' the same way that 'Romulan Warbirds' and 'Klingon Birds-of-Prey' starships could accomplish this major miracle.

"You summoned me, sir?" asked the young 'Romulan' who was now a 3WA officer and highly respected by all hands.

"Have we heard from our 'spy' on 'Rom' yet, 'Antares'?" whispered 'Danzig'.

"Not since his last 'mind send', 'Al'. I'm worried. If her true identity is ever discovered, my niece is dead. Perhaps it is time-" whispered 'Antares Zog'. 'Al' put a finger to his lips and nodded his head towards the ship's ready room office. "5 minutes, my friend. Feign a headache and meet me in the office." whispered 'Al'. 'Antares' nodded and then put a hand to his head and began moaning.

"Damned bloody headache! Permission to leave the bridge, sir? I think it will pass if I rest a bit, sir." he asked, saluting. Apparently, 'Rom' required military courtesy salutes aboard vessels. The 3WA did not. 'Al' pretended to be reading over rhe 'vidlogs' and merely waved 'Zog' off the bridge.

"I mean it, 'Al'. I'n worried about 'Fanella'. I think that we should pull her out- now." said 'Antares' a few minutes later in the ready room. "As soon as we reach 'Vic'. Surely she can hold out for a few more hours, 'Antares'? We must know if 'Romulus' is supporting us, our enemies or is standing neutral. After that summit meeting, we'll know for certain sure. Then we'll get her out. 'Vic' is within 'transporter' range of 'Romulus'." replied 'Al'.

"What if 'Rom' jams the 'transporter' beams? What then?" demanded 'Antares' angrily. 'Al' stared at him with his 'Sharingan Eye' implant before giving his answer. "Then 'Bortok' (The Saiyaan 'Z Fighter') will whisk her away using his 'instantaneous transmission' powers. Do not worry, my friend. I love 'Fanella' as much as you do. Are we all not 'blood siblings'? Our 'sister' knew the risks before she agreed to go undercover for the 3WA, 'brother'. You need a glass of the Boss's 'special stock' Irish whiskey and so do I." said the 'Cyborg', pouring out several 'fingers' of the 'golden elixir' for both of them.

"That's good booze, man! And- Wait! An incoming 'mind send'. 'Fanella' says-" shouted 'Antares' excitedly. "I know. I can 'hear' her as well. 'Romulus' and 'Remus' are staying neutral. Quickly! To the 'transporter room'! We must get her outta there- now!" yelled 'Al' and they both dashed for the lifts.

"Damnation! I knew it! They are jamming our 'beams'." cried the 'Romulan'.

"This is 'Sub-Commodore Danzig', commanding the 'Lovely Angel 4'. I am trying to reach 'Lord Bortok', 'Lord Vegeta' or 'Lord Goku'. This is an emergency! We need an 'instant transfer' for someone from hostile territory behind the 'Neutral Zone'. A matter of life and death! Can anyone hear me, dammit?" yelled 'Al' into his comm badge.

"Hi. 'Suba Bulma Brief' here. 'Bortok' and 'Goku' are offworld, but my husband, 'Lord Vegeta' has just left to rescue 'Lady Fanella'. By the time you make 'planetfall', she will be safe. You have my word, sir. Brief out." Both 'Al' and 'Antares' breathed a sigh of relief and had another snort and each lit up a cheroot.

"Thank you, my 'brother'. 'Fanella' and myself are all that is left of the 'Zog' Clan. Those 'Romulan' butchers have slain the rest of our Clan. Perhaps you should return to the bridge? I will be fine- now. See you at 'planetfall' tomorrow. G'Night." said a relieved 'Antares Zog'.

"Another fine mess we have gotten ourselves into! What are we to do now? 'Gon'?" whined 'Leorio' who was now a licensed 'Hunter' as were two of his three compadres- 'Gon' and 'Kurapika'. 'Killua' had failed the 'Hunter Exams'. After 'rescuing' their friend 'Killua' from his assassin clan family, the three 'Hunter' friends- 'Killua' had been disqualified for killing a fellow combatant in the 'Hunter Exams'- had decided to take 'Killua' as far away from his homeland as they could get him because, by defying his clan and choosing not to be an assassin anymore, a 'bounty' of ten million 'Barsakks' had been placed on the poor kid's head!

"Where are we anyway?" asked 'Killua', his 'skateboard' under his arm. His three pals had bought themselves 'flying scooters' and the quartet had just entered a spooky forest several thousand miles from 'Mt Kami' where 'Killua's clan had their vast estates.

"Wherever we are, guys, I sure don't think it's 'Gradaland', man. Look." replied 'Gon', pointing towards the overcast sky.

"I wasn't very good at astronomy in school, so- correct me if I'm wrong- Earth has only one sun and one moon, right?" said 'Leorio' who wanted to be a medical doctor.

"Nor was I, 'Leorio', but I have never seen more than a single sun and a single moon in the skies." agreed 'Kurapika'.

"OK. Then how come I can see 'two' suns and 'seven' moons?" asked 'Gon'.

"Not only that, guys. How come we can see all of those suns and moons in the daytime?" demanded 'Killua'.

"Because we are no longer on Earth, boys. It's the only explanation that I can divine." said 'Kurapika' who had just climbed a juniper tree for a better look-see.

"But, how could that happen, guys?" asked a puzzled 'Gon'.

"Because of a little pest named 'Time Traveler', boyos. Do not be afraid. Like the others of my race, I am a 'telepath'. I am also a 'time lady'. My name is 'Romana'- 'Romana Mandlinkova Caldy'. You are on a world called 'Victorine'. At the other end of the forest which you are now in, you will find our 'colonists' staging area'. I will be awaiting you in the largest 'quonset hut'. You cannot possibly miss it. It's the building with '3WA' painted on it in big red letters.

"Simply walk 'through' the portals, excuse me, doors and walk to the opposite end of the long corridor to the doors marked '3WA HQ Offices' and pull the 'Klaxon chimes'. Since you did not come through the 'Continuum', we should be able to send all of you back home soon. Take care and beware of the 'wild steed beasts' and 'jacaronda wildcats'. Again, please excuse me for trespassing within your minds. 'Caldy' out."

The voice in their minds ended as suddenly as it had begun!

"Now what?" moaned 'Leorio', the crybaby of the group.

"We keep going. What other choice do we have?" replied 'Kurapika', hopping on his 'flying scooter'. 'Killua' placed his 'skateboard' on the ground and stepped aboard it. It lifted a few inches off the ground and he sped off. The others hurried to catch up with the former assassin boy.

"Well, this looks like the place. Pretty damned big 'hut', guys. OK, how do we walk 'through' a door?" asked 'Leorio'.

"Hey! It's a 'hologram door' of some kind, guys! C'mon. Follow me." crowed 'Gon' whose hand had just passed 'through' the 'door'. Once they were inside the 'hut', they walked along the long wide hallway all the way to the massive 'doors' at its terminus.

'Leorio' put down his suitcase and pulled the 'klaxon chain'. "Come in, 'Mr Leorio', sir. Do not fear. Come in, 'Mr Gon', 'Mr Killua', 'Mr Kurapika', sirs. We do not bite, I assure you, gentlemen." said the same voice that they had last heard within their heads.

"Greetings, gentlemen. Welcome to 'Victorine'. You have been made the unwitting victims of a cruel 'experiment' by a cunning little pest named 'Time Traveler' who has been slipping through our fingers for the last several monthlets. Your pardons I beg! I know you, but you do not know me. I am 'Romana Caldy'- call me 'Romy'. I hail from a nearby world- 'Gallifrey' and I am a 'time lady' as well as being a 'telepath'. That is why I was able to 'visit' your thoughts, gentlemen.

"I am also a 'Brigadier' in the 'Worlds' Welfare Works Association'- the '3WA' for short. We are the intergalactic police force, well, one of them anyway and we are by far the largest. Our jurisdiction spans a dozen galaxies or so. You four, correction, three gentlemen, are licensed 'Hunters'. 'Mr Killua', unfortunately, failed his final exam and is not yet a 'Hunter'.

"No, 'Mr Gon', this is not 'Gradaland' on your home world. This world's nearest neighbour is Mars. Even so, Mars is a good solar week's voyage from here being as it is several hundred 'lightys', 'light years', from us. However, other explanations can wait. You all need food and rest. 'Scarlett' will take you to your suite and get you some food and beverages. Please go with her. Oh, do not be afraid. Despite her wings, she is not an 'Angel'. 'Scarlett'!" said 'Romy' and the tall silver-haired 'Hawk' flew into the office and landed in front of the huge desk. She crashed her gloved right fist across her left breast in the strange 'Galactic Salute' before nodding to the four newcomers.

"Mum! 'Sub-Kommodore Tanager' reporting as ordered, mum!" she bellowed and the four guys were amazed that such a young woman had already achieved such a very high military/police ranking. Peeping above her winged shoulders was the golden hilt of some kind of sword. Strapped to either hip was a holstered pistol while bandoliers criss-crossed the battle armour on her chest.

"Wow! A 'bird lady' just like that superhero babe 'Birdie' in that 'manga' book that I found in that old haunted house, 'Gon'." whispered 'Killua'.

"That was not a haunted house, 'Killy'. It was merely a 'sounding board' for certain 'manifestations' from other 'planes' of existence and-" explained 'Leorio', the 'big brain' of the group.

"Ye gods! He uses big words like 'Johnny' the archaeologist does when 'Doc Savage' visits us!" said 'Hawk Girl' Helena, pouring out java for the four newbies. "Take your java and go with 'Scarlett' and no wisecracks about 'Tara' either, guys." added Helena, ostensibly referring to the fictional Earther Southern belle 'Scarlett O'Hara' and her 'Tara' plantation.

"C'mon guys. You're with me. By the by, I am not a 'bird lady'. I am a 'Hawk' and a proud member of the 'Sky City Flying Corps' and almost the highest ranking flight officer on 'Mongo' as well. No, 'Mr Leorio'. I am already engaged to be married." said the 'Hawk', scaring the Hell outta the wanna-be medico.

"It would seem that 'Gallifreyans' are not the sole possessors of 'telepathic' powers." observed 'Kurapika'.

"Quite correct, young sir. Almost everyone in this time era possesses some form of 'mind send' although the 'Beta Zoids' have the most developed of these powers. The 'Vulcans' who can 'mind meld' come in a close second, 'Mr Kurapika'. Ah, here we are. Gentlemen, your quarters. This is a 'replicator'. Just ask it for what you want and it will be 'replicated' for you. I will demonstrate. 'Tea. Rose Hibiscus. Hot'. See?" explained 'Scarlett' when the requested cup of tea appeared by magic.

"There are more things betwixt Heaven and Earth-" quoted 'Kurapika' and their guide smiled.

"A reader of the Earther 'Bard', I see. 'Then are dreampt of in our philosophies'." replied the 'Hawk', finishing the quote.

"Darn it. My cousin's ship has just passed the 'inner markers'. I'm afraid that I gotta fly, boyos. If you need anything, just ask 'Artok' for it. Bye." she said and then she took to the air and was gone.

"Hmmn. This world is certainly a lot different from ours, guys. Brrr! A lot colder too!" said 'Leorio' who was busily exploring the 'suite' of rooms allocated to the four friends. "Hey! The closets and bureaus are loaded with clothes- in our sizes too! It's almost like they knew we were coming and prepared for it, man. I wonder how they got our sizes right?" added the wanna-be medical man.

"Simplicity itself, young gentlemen. Your arrival on our world and in our time era was recorded as were your 'holographic images' from which I was able to determine your measurements. Forgive me for startling you. Call me 'Artok'. No, you cannot see me. I am an extension of the 3WA's computer programming unit. I saw 'Mistress Scarlett' demonstrate the 'replicators' for you so I will not need to show you how to operate them.

"Those items on the table that resemble your home world's 'cellphones' are 'vidcells' and operate in the same manner. Rather limited range though- only a few hundred 'light years' meaning that you can call Mars or 'Kagura', but not much farther. The bands for your wrists there are 'wristchromos' and operate in the same manner as do 'wrist watches'. Those 'brooches' are 'comm badges' and they are used for communications. Simply speak into the 'aether'. The small gadgets at the end of the table are 'PDO' units and operate like Earther 'tablets', 'eReaders' or 'Smartphones'. They are used for everything here.

"Are there any questions, young sirs?" said 'Artok's voice and 'Kurapika' pointed to the wall chromo which showed time, day, date, monthlet, season and solar year.

"Is that clock accurate, sir?" he asked.

"Of course, young sir. Accurate to within a few 'nano-seconds' every century. Ah, I see. Yes, this is the year AD 2260 and this is the 23rd Century. I fear that your own home world is very far away from here indeed- several hundred million 'lightys', what you would call 'light years'- separate 'Victorine' from 'Terra', your own 'Earth', 'Mr Kurapika'. Anyone else have a query for me?" replied 'Artok'.

"Can I enroll in medical school while we're here?" asked 'Leorio'.

"Not on this world, young sir. However, there are excellent colleges and universities on 'Shimougou', Mars and 'Kagura'. Oh yes- tuition is free. You may begin now if you like. Your 'PDO' unit contains everything you will need and that device over there that resembles a magician's 'wand' is a 'medical tri-corder'. Complete instructions for its usages can be found in your 'PDO' unit." explained the voice.

"When can we go back home, sir?" asked 'Killua'. The poor former assassin kid was homesick already.

"That answer is not in my memory banks, young sir. I suggest that you ask someone in authority here. Now, I must leave you because I am being summoned by another of our 'displaced persons'. If you need anything else, just ask. Ciao." said 'Artok' and then there was silence throughout the suite.

"We have a living room, parlour, study, dinette, kitchenette, six bedrooms, six bathrooms, a sunroom, a games room, a trophies room and a big library too, guys. I dunno about you, but I wouldn't mind staying here instead of going back to our world." said 'Leorio'.

"I must admit that these are better accommodations than what we have been getting of late." agreed 'Kurapika'.

"I'll miss the 'Hunter Exams'." said a tearful 'Killua' who'd been looking forward to passing next year's exams and joining his three friends as a licensed 'Hunter'.

"The 'holodeck' rooms can easily recreate anything that you like, any place that you like, young sirs." said 'Nico Robin' who was standing in the open portalway of the suite's main sitting room. "Where are my manners today? I'm 'Nico Robin' and I'm a 'Subaltern' in the 3WA. It is time for dinner and I have been sent to guide you to the dining hall. 'She' is most anxious to speak with you and, perhaps, figure out a way to send you back to your own home world and time era. Please follow me." said the tall brunette wearing a black and wine-coloured uniform.

"After you've eaten, I will show you around the compound. That is, provided this snow squall doesn't get here first. By the by, 'Mr Kurapika', 'Mr Gon' and 'Mr Killua' are now 'Sub-Ensigns' in the 3WA and 'Mr Leorio' is now a 'Second Lieutenant' on our force. Your new uniforms will be waiting for you after you have finished your tour. Oh yes- it is winter here, not summer so it might not be a bad idea to dress a mite warmer before we begin your tour. Here we are. After you, gentlemen." said 'Robin', standing aside to allow them to precede her into the huge dining hall.

After dinner, 'Robin' took the newbies for a tour of the main HQ building. Then she waited in the sitting room while they changed into otdoor togs before she took them on a hasty tour of the 'staging area', 'motor pool' and the other 'quonset huts' before she flew them for a visit to 'Stalag 13'/'MASH 4077th' across the river. She had been forbidden to take them to the new city until the weather improved.

'Robin' stood atop the 'well' in the stalag camp and pointed towards the 'high-rises' in the distance. "That's 'Victoria City', boyos. This is as close to it that I'm allowed to take you until the blizzard's over. (She pointed over her shoulder) That's 'Mt Peabody' and the home of our guardian 'Djinn', 'Gladius Ahura Mazdan'. You'll meet him soon enough. (She glanced at her wristchromo) Almost 1900 hours, seven PM and you four have a meeting scheduled with the Boss. We'd better go because 'She' does not like to be kept waiting. Back aboard the 'sky sled', please." said 'Robin'.

On the short flight back, she pointed out the river, lake and the new reservoir which provided water to the new city for the colonists. 'Robin' 'touched down' expertly and slid to a smooth stop outside of the 'motor pool'. They all piled out and followed their new guide- not back to the HQ 'hut', but towards the 'spaceport tower'.

"Where is this 'Boss' of yours, 'Miss Robin'?" asked 'Gon' and she pointed a gloved forefinger at a huge multi-tiered 'parking lot building' a few hundred metres away.

"She's aboard her 'flagship' making a few last minute corrections before she 'lifts off' tonight, guys. 'Lovely Angel 5', Level 1311, Northeast Sector, Berth 117-XX, please." she replied after they had boarded the lift. They were whisked upwards so abruptly that 'Leorio's face turned green when he glanced out of the lift's window and saw how high up they were!

'Robin' spoke into the 'aether' as they approached the immense starship which looked to the boys' eyes like it was at least a mile long and half as wide! It was. "I say- 'Suba Nico Robin' reporting as ordered, mum. I have our guests with me. Five to beam aboard. (She turned to the boys) Don't be scared, guys. Just stand as close to me as you can. It'll all be over in a few seconds." said 'Robin' just before they all began to shimmer and 'dematerialize' only to 'rematerialize' a few seconds later aboard the ship.

"How's tricks, 'Ari'? Long time, no see, kid. Where's the Boss?" asked 'Nico Robin'.

"In her 'ready room'. You know the way, right? Hullo there, boyos. We've been expecting you. Welcome aboard. Name's 'Ari'." replied 'Sub-Subaltern Ari' the former 'Elf Huntress' who now served as the 'transporter officer' on the ship.

"About time you showed up, dammit. I ain't got a lotta time, kiddies, so I'll be brief. With all of our TARDISes offworld at the moment, you gents won't be goin' back home anytime soon. Don't fret none though. I'm certain sure that 'Gally' and 'Romy' will find you guys somethin' to keep ya busy. Oh yeah and I'm 'Kei O'Halloran'. Call me 'Kei' or Boss. That's all I got fer ya. We're liftin' off in five minutes, so unless ya wanna free ride to 'Minerva', I'd get off my ship, boyos. Dismissed." growled the redheaded Amazonian firebrand Hellcat who was one of the highest ranking officers in the 3WA despite her young mid-20's age.

"Yes, mum. Thank you, mum. Follow me, boys." said 'Robin'. When they were almost back at the 'transporter room', their guide grinned at them. "By the way, that was the 'Supreme Marshall' of the 3WA and our Federation." she added.

"But, she's just a kid, man!" yelped 'Leorio'. "And what about me, sir? I'm barely ten years older than the Boss and I hold a rank between a major and a colonel. Youth is not considered a detriment to promotion in the 3WA. It's results that count, not protocol, 'Mr Leorio', sir. Get us off quickly, 'Ari' and have a nice voyage to 'Minerva'. Catch ya on the flip side, man." chortled 'Robin'.

While they were walking back across the airfields, 'Robin' glanced up at one of the many 'wall chromos' affixed to the buildings on the compound. "You guys old enough to drink? It's just 'Synthenol'- artificial alcohol, but it still packs quite a wallop your first time. "I'm 25 so I'm old enough, 'ma'am. How about you guys?" replied 'Leorio'.

"We all like milkshakes, ma'am. Right, guys?" said 'Gon'. 'Kurapika' and 'Killua' nodded eagerly. None of the trio was anywhere near legal drinking age- legal on Earth, that is. They'd no idea what the legal age was on this new world. "Same as it is on 'Terra', guys. C'mon. There's a new place over by the West Gate. It ain't far so let's walk." suggested the tall brunette and they all agreed.

"Wow! A hundred and ninety-eight different ice cream flavours! Thanks for bringing us, 'Miss Robin', ma'am." crowed 'Gon' while they were looking over the 'vidmenu' set into the booth's table at the newly opened 'Victorian Creamery' ice cream shoppe and tavern. In the end, both 'Leorio' and 'Robin' opted for shakes rather than liquor so the 'little ones' wouldn't feel left out.

"Thank you for a most enjoyable evening, 'Miss Robin', mum." said 'Kurapika', kissing her hand like a Cavalier.

"Please! You make me sound like an old maid, 'Kurapika'. Just 'Robin', OK, guys? G'Night. Someone will come for you in the morning. I wouldn't recommend wandering around the halls though. You might wind up in a restricted area and get in trouble so restrict your sleep-walking and midnight strolls to your own suite. Hmmn. You'll find your new uniforms have been laid out for you when you get up tomorrow. Sleep well, boyos. 'Night." she said, the portals shooshing closed behind her.

"Holy moley! Have you guys seen the beds yet? I can't remember the last tme I got to sleep in a real bed, man! I got the green room, but there are still five bedrooms left for the rest of ya." crowed 'Leorio'.

"Will you shut up, 'Leo'. We're trying to watch television. Look! They get the same channels we get back home, man!" yelled 'Killua'.

"That library is something else, guys. The 'manga' section is loaded with rare titles. I may not go to bed at all tonight." sighed 'Kurapika'.

"Ya gotta check out the game room, guys! They got video game titles I never even heard of before!" shouted 'Gon' excitedly.

"Well, I have to admit that 'Leorio' may have the right idea after all. Being 'marooned' here wouldn't be too bad after all. Yes, 'Killy', I know. We are all 'Hunters' and you want to join us. However, you can practice on those 'holiday decks' that 'Miss Robin' told us about and you'd be all ready to pass the 'Hunter' exams next year when you get back home." observed 'Kura'.

"Ya mean IF I get back home to take it, 'Kura'. That Boss didn't sound all that confident to me. Hush! I missed this episode of 'One-Punch Man' when it was on last month. Pow! Down goes that monster! Anybody want some popcorn?" replied 'Killy'.

"No shower for me tonight! You guys have just gotta see these bath rooms! Golden bath tubs the size of fish ponds! Ooh! Bubble bath crystals too! That settles it! Do what ya like. I'm staying! 'Miss Galatea' said that they have a hospital in the new city and they need doctors. I can help the sick and injured here just as well as I could back in 'Gradaland'. 'Night." said 'Leo'.

An hour later, the squawkboxes came alive, scaring the Hell outta poor 'Leorio'.

"Attention! For those of you who are interested, we will be having a Hall-o-we'en get together this weekend. There are plenty of costumes or you may 'rep up' your own. Please let 'Nico Robin' or 'Mr Gilligan' know if you plan to attend. Thank you and please forgive this late announcement. This is your President speaking. That is all. Good night."

Allison Poe-Prydonia's voice ended as unexpectedly as it had begun. 'Leo' turned over and went back to his dream of becoming the greatest surgeon in the world. 'Killy', 'Kura' and 'Gon' eagerly began to discuss possible costumes. They were still at it in the morning when 'Leo' walked into the kitchenette and began to make breakfast for them.

"I wonder if they'll have games like 'Bobbing for Apples' and stuff?" wondered 'Leo'.

"Ghost stories too?" asked 'Killy'.

"The scarier, the better!" shouted 'Gon' from the bath room.

"Perhaps there will be some Hall-o-we'en films on TV?" suggested 'Kura' who had downloaded a scary fanfiction story to his PDO unit and he was almost totally engrossed in it.

"Yes to everything and more, guys. G'morning. Afraid you'll have to eat your breakfasts in a hurry today. You have a 'vidmeeting' with 'Mr Garner' at ten hundred hours. That's ten o'clock AM. Oh- and it's formal so wear your new uniforms that 'Artok' has laid out for you. Please hurry." said 'Robin'. She was standing in the open portalway and today she was 'dressed to the nines' in her 'dress blacks' complete with gunsash, holster and ion cannon. Atop her brunette locks sat a saucer cap with more braid on it than 'Gon' remembered seeing on that fat 'general' that they had met in 'Kuraskot City' last week.

"Yes, it's formal for me as well, 'Gon'. Sorry. I keep forgetting that 'mind send' and 'mind speak' are new to you boyos. Better get used to it because almost every female and a good many of the males here on 'Vic' are 'telepaths'. I'll be back to get you guys in half an hour- at 0930 hours, half past nine. That way 'Allie', 'Romy' and 'Gally' can 'brief' you before 'Mr Garner' comm relays us at ten. Please be ready and please leave your suitcase here, 'Leo'. Nobody's gonna steal it. Ciao." said 'Robin' and then she was gone.

The three 'Sub-Ensigns' and the 'Lieutenant' were sitting on the divan waiting when the 'suite klaxon' chimed and the portals slid aside when 'Robin' returned. A brisk walk to the huge 'office' where 'Allie' welcomed them warmly and pointed them to chairs. 'Romy' poured each guy's beverage for him without being asked. 'Gally' became spokesperson.

"I've heard from 'Gallifrey', my home world which is HQ of us 'time ladies and lords'. Until further notice, all TARDIS travel is restricted to space travel only so you guys won't be going home again anytime soon. I understand that at least one of your party has expressed a desire to remain here with us. 'Lt Leorio'? Have you changed your mind? ('Leo' shook his head) Fine. Then I'll only be ferrying you three boyos back home, eh? OK. I must ask you this. How exactly did you arrive here? What I mean is- where were you on your world and in your time era before you noticed that you were no longer on 'Terra'- what you call 'Earth'?" asked the 'time lady', igniting a cheroot with a snap of her gloved fingers which made 'Gon' fall out of his chair.

Before he could stand up, his body was wafted upright and reseated in his chair. "Be more careful, 'Mr Gon'." said 'Allie' who had reacted instinctively and used her 'kinetic' powers on the lad. 'Kura' cleared his throat.

"Mums, we had just entered a huge forest somewhere in the Southern provinces near 'Gradaland'." he replied.

"That was when I saw the two suns and all of those moons, man!" shouted 'Leo'.

"When can we go back home, 'Miss Galatea'? 'Gon', 'Kura' and 'Leo' are already 'Hunters', but I failed the exams and I can't become a 'Hunter' unless I pass 'em." moaned 'Killy'.

"Pshaw! We could make you a 'Galactic Hunter' by 'Thanksforgiving Day' if that's your only reason for going back home." chortled 'Romy'.

"Ditto for you three as well. I am sure that you could all pass our 'GH' exams with flying colours." said 'Allie', pulling her PDO unit towards herself and poising her nimble fingers over the keyboard. "Just one form or do we need four?" she added.

"Um, how much does one of your 'Galactic Hunters' make anyway? We make-" asked 'Kura', rapidly punching in an Earther amount of currency with six figures. 'Allie' smiled and tapped in a figure beside his.

"In Earther currency terms, this would be your salary." she replied. 'Killy', 'Gon' and 'Leo' crowded around to read over 'Kura's shoulders and 'Leo' whistled. "Not even an Earth doctor of the first calibre makes that much in a year!" he crowed.

"That is not a yearly salary, sir." said 'Romana'.

"Quarterly?" asked 'Gon'.

"Monthly." explained 'Gally', grabbing hold of 'Gon' before he fell out of his chair again.

"Did I hear someone mention our 'Galactic Hunters'? Don't tell me that we have new 'trainees' for that job?" laughed the mustachioed face on the vidscreen which was peering myopically at them through thick-lensed spectacles.

"Mr Garner! My apologies, sir! I was just 'briefing' our newest 'guests' about-" said 'Allie', but he waved her back to her seat behind her huge desk.

"Afraid that I have bad news for all of you on 'Vic'. We just missed nabbing 'Time Traveler'. However, he did bring a few of our old friends forwards in time to your time era on your world. The 'spies' are 'totally' back with their boss, 'Jerry Lewis' and 'GLADIS'. Yes, he brought all four of 'em again. Sam, Alex, Clover and Mandy are back with us. However, they are currently somewhere in the 'new city' out there. This was the last 'bearing' we had on them, 'Allison'." said 'Mr Garner' who was the 3WA Territorial Sector Chief HQ'd on 'Shimougou'.

A 'holographic map' appeared in the 'aether' above the desk with a winking red illuminator indicating the girls' last known location in 'Victoria City'. "Hmmn. Near the new 'CourtHouse'. I'll send out a search party at once. Damn! Pardon my profanity, sir! Our 'trackers' are all offworld with 'Molly', sir. Whom can I send?" asked 'Allie'. 'Garner' grinned.

"My dear child! ('Allison' looked like a 17 year olf schoolgirl, but, in fact, she was 130 in earther years!) You have three licensed 'Hunters' and a 'Hunter' in training. Why not send them with our 'Nico Robin' as leader? Excellent practice for the 'GH' exams which begin next monthlet, don't you think? By the way, is 'She' still there?" asked a worried TSC.

"No, the 'Supreme Marshall' (Keirran O'Halloran) left last night for 'Minerva', sir. A capital idea, sir. If the young gentlemen are willing? (Four smiling faces gave her the answer to that query.) Fine. We'll send them out just as soon as you have spoken with them, sir." replied a beaming 'Lady President'.

"Oh, I think that my prattle can wait a bit, my dear. Best you get them kitted out and on their way as quickly as possible. Nice meeting you, 'Mr Gon', 'Mr Killua', 'Mr Kurapika' and 'Mr Leorio'. I hope that we can all become good friends. 'Garner' out."

The vidscreen went blank and 'Robin' stood up, tapping each of the 'Hunters' on the shoulders. "Let's be on our way, boyos. It's OK, mum. Everything we need to know is on my PDO unit. I'll comm relay 'Miss Street' on my vidcellphone in the meantime and see if anyone over there has seen 'Peck's Bad Girls' and 'Mr Lewis' and that lady computer of theirs. Come on, 'Leo'. We'll pick up your 'black bag' before we leave. You can't go 'hunting' in 'dress blacks', can you? With your permission, mum?" said 'Robin', saluting.

"Of course. Best of luck, my girl. You as well, gentlemen. Dismissed." replied 'Allie', returning her salute.

Within the hour, the five new friends were jetting towards the new city and the last known 'touch down' position of the 'spies'. 'Leo' had held them up by 'repping up' everything he needed for his 'medical bag' separately, much to the annoyance of 'Gon'. All of them were dressed in fur from head to toe and armed with sidearms, plasma rifles, laser sword hilts and 'stun' grenades. In addition, 'Kura' carried a 'stasis' gun since he was the best shot of the four 'Hunters'.

"We'll land on the CourtHouse roof, guys. 'Miss Street' will meet us there and we'll see if any of our 'legal eagles' have noticed anything unusual in the last hour or so." said 'Robin', sliding to a smotth stop in the already knee-deep snow on the roof. 'Gon' was the first one out and he searched in vain for a 'mooring rope' or anything to secure the 'sky sled' to the roof.

"Tell me something, 'Gon'. On Earth, do you tie your cars to a lamp post when you park them?" chuckled 'Robin'. He replied in the negative while 'Kura' and 'Killy' unloaded their rucksacks and weapons. They all buckled on their gunsashes and 'Robin' demonstrated how to check their weapons' 'actions'. 'Leo' helped 'Gon' and the others with their rucksacks and then allowed 'Kura' to fit his own onto his back before he picked up his 'black bag' and slung his rifle across his back.

There was a howling 100 kph wind gusting and it was bitterly cold. No 'weather shield' over the city yet. A short brunette waved to them from the open portalway of a 'lift' and they hustled over to join her. Once they were all aboard, 'Della Street' told the 'lift' to take them to the 'legal counsel conference room' and down they went.

"Have any trouble getting here, 'Robbie'? What with the storm and winds, 'Perry' and 'Paul' were worried when you told us that you were flying over here. Hi there, boys. I'm 'Della Street', 'Mr Mason's private secretary. Call me 'Della'. 'Paul Drake' will be accompanying you on your search. He knows this city better than any of us Earthers do. Here we are. Everybody out. First door on your left. I'll get 'Paul' and join you there in a few minutes." said the very business-like legal assistant.

"About time they got here, 'Beautiful'. It was a damned tom fool idea to fly over here in a blizzard! 'Perry' and 'Becky' are working on those briefs for the first trial next week. I told 'Mae' that she couldn't join us, so-" explained 'Paul'.

"So- she's already warming up a 'speeder' on the 'docking bays', isn't she?" laughed 'Della'.

"OK, as I understand it, our newest 'visitors' are 'city folks'. That means that they'll try and find shelter from the cold. In the remote area of our new city where we last picked up their 'blips', that leaves only the shell of the new 'spaceport terminal' closest to them. I say we start our search from there. Who knows? Maybe we'll get lucky. 'Perry'? Here's my report with everything I could find out about 'Mr Zorin Oakenshield'. OK, let's go, kids." said the tall tough-looking blond guy with 'Della'.

"Back to the roof again, man? My aching feet!" whined 'Leorio'.

"No. The basement. Coming, 'Beautiful'?" chortled 'Paul'. 'Della' shivered and returned to her filing.

"No thanks, 'Paul'. It is absolutely frigid outside. I froze my giblets off waiting for these guys in an open 'lift' upstairs on the roof. Besides- 'Mr Mason' needs me. You know what would happen to this office if I left him alone in here for five seconds." giggled the brunette who was wearing a very business-like dark pantsuit.

"Yes, 'Paul'. I'm just a doddering old codger like 'Hamilton Burger'." chuckled the greatest defense lawyer in the Universes.

"Hey! I resent that remark, Counselor and I object to it." said the tall dark-haired assistant district attorney of 'Victoria City' who had just walked through the open portalway. "I was going down the boulevard to 'Moretti's' for lunch, but then I looked out of the window. I'll stick to the cafeteria instead. Aha! New clients, 'Perry'? What are they up for? Did 'Arthur' ('Lt Tragg' the police homicide detective form Terra) catch them playing 'hooky'?" he added sarcastically. The 'Hunters' were not amused. 'Leo' walked up to 'Hammy' and took his pulse and stuck a thermometre in his mouth.

"We are here to search for four young ladies, their father and their housekeeper, sir. They are lost in this storm, sir." explained 'Kurapika' much to everyone else's amusement. Even 'Hammy' had heard 'Mr Garner's 'vidconference' comm relay signal and knew all about the 'spies', their boss and 'GLADIS', their 'walking lady computer'.

"Let's go! Follow me, 'Robbie', guys. 'Mae' should have my new 'speeder cruiser' warmed up by now." said 'Paul'.

"Who's 'Mae'?" demanded 'Gon'. "The 'Blonde Bomber'. We call her 'Kitten' although her real name is 'Minnie Mae Hopkins'. She's a 'bounty hunter' from Earth's 20th Century Chicago. She's half of the 'Gunsmith Cats'. Her partner's 'Rally 'Cat' Vincent'. Rally's combing the streets for our missing kiddies in her 'Shelby Cobra'. We're wasting time! C'mon!" added the private eye.

"Took ya long enough, 'Mr Drake', sir. Pile in, guys. No! I'm piloting this time, 'Mr D'. You promised!" yelled the short blonde. "Be careful back there, guys. That 'nitro's pretty touchy even in this cold." said 'Mae', easing her foot off the airbrakes. Then 'Paul Drake's size 14 boot crushed her foot to the floor, jarring them to a halt.

"What 'nitro', 'Missy'? This is a 'search only' mission, not 'search and destroy'! Get that 'nitro' out of this 'speeder' right now!" yelled the tall detective. 'Mae' pouted and her face began to turn blue. "That won't work with me, kiddo. Ya kin hold yer breath from now until doomsday and I could care less, dammit. Lose the 'boom booms' and I mean now, girlie." he ordered.

"OK. It's all back in the storage lockers. Satified, sir? Can I 'lift off' now?" whined the blonde, cute in her new white jumpsuit.

"Go ahead. We're going to the new 'spaceport' tower on the other side of town. Got it? Good. No speeding either." said 'Paul', strapping himself in and checking that 'Robbie' and her 'Hunters' had done likewise. Then the 'speeder cruiser' slipped through the 'air lock' portals and lifted away into the 'aether' at a serene sedate 'Point 2.75 Warp'- dead slow- a mere few hundred kph.

"Well, what now, 'Sherlock'?" asked 'Mae' after tower control had assured them that there had been no sightings of the 'spies'. "Comm relay 'Cat' and see if she's seen anything." ordered 'Drake'. "Nope. 'Rally' ain't seen nobody yet." replied 'Mae', hanging up her vidmike. "She has not seen anyone yet." corrected 'Kurapika' automatically and 'Mae' stuck her tongue out at the young Earther.

"Cruise around the neighbourhood first. Everyone keep yer eyes and ears open. Depending on how they're dressed, they could freeze to death in this cold in just a few minutes." said 'Paul' off-handedly, freezing the blood in their veins. For the first time, the dangerous seriousness of their mission occurred to all of them. Even 'Mae' stopped whining.

"I'm frigging COLD!" whimpered 'Mandy' for the umpteenth time in ten minutes.

"We're ALL cold, 'Mandy'. I don't remember 'Shimougou' being this cold the last time we were here. How about you, 'Clover'? 'Sammy'?" replied 'Alex'. Like her companions, 'Alex' too was wearing a very skimpy 'bikini' bathing suit and beach sandals under a smelly greatcoat.

"What are you girls complaining about? You, at least, have tops! I was whisked away in my gym trunks! A damned good thing that 'GLADIS' managed to locate that old prison camp where we found these old 'Luftwaffen' greatcoats. I wish that we'd found some cleaner ones though. These stink to high heavens." grumbled the older guy with a pencil mustache and iron-grey hair. 'Jerry Lewis' was 'WOOHPS' sector chief for 'Alex', 'Clover' and 'Samantha', his 'spies'. 'Mandy' was their 'Beverly Hills High School's fellow cheerleader and a royal pain-in-the-whatsis.

'GLADIS' (An acronym for 'Gadget Lending And Distribution Interactive System') was their 'walking lady computer friend' whose 'voice' was as sweet as honey and on a par with the likes of the 3WA's 'CC' and 'ARTOK'. Without her assistance, they might already be 'totally dead' which was how 'Clover' and 'Mandy' felt right now.

"Why'd ya hafta drag me along on yer crazy adventures again, darn it?" whined the brunette beauty and then 'Mandy' started to cry- again.

"Fer Christmas's sake, will you shut the Hell up, ya little brat? I'm hungry!" snarled the blonde 'spy', 'Clover'.

"Take it easy on her, 'Cloey'. We're all in this together after all. Strange. I'm not getting a signal reading at all." observed their leader, the red-headed 'Sammy'.

"If we are on this 'Shim' place again, that 'cellphone' of yours is really out of range, 'Sammy'." chortled 'Jerry', sneezing and wiping snow out of his eyes.

"But, this isn't a 'cell', 'Jerry'. It's 'Mr Steigel's 'vidcellphone' that he loaned me when we were on 'Kagura' during that horrible football game and those awful golf matches. It should reach 'Kag' or Mars at least. Maybe it's this storm. Here, 'Cloey'. I've got one of those old 'K rations' candy bars left. Split it with the others. Hey! One's missing, man!" yelped 'Sammy'.

"Eh? What one's missing, dear girl?" asked a perplexed and shivering 'Jerry Lewis', sneezing again.

"Look!" yipped 'Alex' and the brunette pointed skywards. "I remember that 'Shim' had 'three' suns. I only see 'two', guys! That's why 'Sammy's 'vidcell' won't work. We ain't on 'Shimougou' at all! We really are lost, man!" sobbed 'Alexandra' until 'Sammy' slapped her across the jaw- hard. "Thanks, 'Sammy'. I needed that. Sorry." added 'Alex', drying her eyes with her sleeve. "Yuck! I'm all sticky! Hey! Where'd this wall come from? Wonder what's inside it?" asked 'Alex'.

"Who cares? It's shelter, ain't it? Maybe we can find some decent clothes! Where's the darned old door, man?" whined 'Mandy' and 'Jerry' put a fatherly arm around her shoulders and steered her towards what looked like a door. The snow was falling heavily and was now waist deep and the winds were terrific. The cold cut through cloth and skin like a surgeon's scalpel. 'Mandy' was crying steadily now and so was 'Clover'. They all huddled around the 'door' while 'GLADIS' manipulated the portal controls.

"Number of party, please?" asked a voice. "Six. Four female. One male. One machine." replied 'Gladdy' in her sweet cultured female voice. "Entry approved. Please come in." said the voice and the 'door' 'dematerialized'!

"Gangway!" yelled 'Mandy', tossing off 'Jerry's arm and dashing inside the warm structure. 'Jerry' (always the gentleman) stood aside to allow the 'spies' and 'Gladdy' (This outing she resembled 'Marlene Dietrich'- a buxom blonde with a 'Marilyn Monroe' voice) to precede him inside. Then he too entered quickly.

"Destination?" demanded a heavier husky female voice. "Earth?" suggested 'GLADDIS'. "There is an indeterminate delay on all voyages to 'Terra' until further notice." replied the voice. "Is there a darned hotel or motel in this rotten dump of a town?" shrieked an impatient 'Mandy' who was cold, shivering, hungry, embarrassed and angry.

"1207th Level. We will be happy to accommodate you, Madam." replied another voice and the wall behind them opened- a cleverly concealed 'lift'. Their 'ride' took all of sixteen seconds. A genial smiling 'Orkite' was waiting to greet them. "Howdy do. Name's 'Mork'. Aha! I see that you have stayed with us before- in our 'Moravian City' (Mars) branch some years ago. Welcome to 'Hotel Viktor Borge', 'Mr Lewis', 'Miss Clover', 'Miss Alexandra', 'Miss Samantha', 'Miss Gladys', 'Miss Mandora'." said the tall gawky guy with orange hair.

"Um, 'Mandora'? Pretty name, my dear. So nice to be remembered, sir. Do you have a room for us?" asked 'Jerry' politely. 'Mandy's face was beet red. She hated her full Christian name. It was supposed to have been 'Pandora', but the 'Beverly Hills Hospital's computer had transposed the first letter on her birth certificate when she had been born back on 'Terra'.

"A 'room', sir? Certainly not, sir! The best 'suite' in the hotel. You are in the 'Flamingo Penthouse', sir. You will find suitable clothing and a 'replicator' in every room. Please follow me to the 'updraft shaft', sir, Mademoiselles." said 'Mork', leading the way to a strange looking 'transparent cylinder'. Gingerly, 'Jerry' and 'Gladys' stepped inside the 'shaft' and- Whoosh!- Up they went followed by 'Sammy', 'Clover', 'Alex' and- finally- 'Mandora'. 'Mork' had hold of the crybaby's hand for the short trip.

After demonstrating all of the modernistic stuff in their suite, 'Mork' tossed their smelly greatcoats into a 'recycle chute'. His eyes popped when he saw the four girls and the 'older lady' in their swimsuits. However, he said nothing and bid them a cheery good afternoon.

"I want FOOD!" screamed 'Mandy' into a 'repper' unit. 'Sammy' placed an order for five for a large luncheon which appeared instantly. Then they 'chowed down' greedily. Afterwards, they each chose a bedroom/private bathroom and changed into warm clothing. 'Jerry' was relaxing with a cigar and a drink and reading a 'holopape' by the cheery fireplace. The girls were watching vidTV and 'Gladys' was singing 'Lilly Marlene' in the shower when the suite's 'klaxon' chimed.

Thinking that it was room service, 'Jerry' called out. 'Come in. It's not locked."

"Trusting soul, aren't ya? Do ya know how long we've been looking for you guys?" growled 'Paul Drake', collapsing into an easy chair and lighting a cigarette. 'Jerry' poured him a drink and 'Paul' apologized for his cranky manners. Then 'Paul' yanked out his comm badge. "Call off the hunt. We found 'em. Huh? The 'Hotel Viktor Borge'. Yeah. In the new 'spaceport' complex. They don't seem any the worse fer wear. They're in the 'Flamingo Penthouse' suite on Level 1207. Might as well come on up. From the looks of that storm out there, we ain't going nowhere today. Ask 'Mork' if we kin have the empty suite across the hall. See ya, 'Robbie'." said 'Paul', pocketing his comm badge.

"The 'Orker' says OK, 'Paul' so I've already sent the 'Hunters' and the 'Cats' after our gear. Did ya see that blizzard outside? And those winds are murder on my 'hands' and 'wings'." grumbled 'Robin' a few minutes later when she walked into the 'Spies' suite.

"Surprise! I made hot cocoa and cookies for us. Well, the 'repper' thing did anyway, but it's the thought that counts. Right, 'Gladys'?" said 'Jerry Lewis' who was passing out mugs of hot chocolate and trays of cookies. 'Robin' took her warm mug gratefully, but passed on the cookies.

"Nope, this'll be fine, 'Jerry'. Now that I'm back on a surface world, I gotta watch my weight. In space, ya kin eat and drink what ya like and never gain a milligram, ya know? Different story down here though. One can actually gain weight more rapidly on this world than you can on 'Terra'. I'd bear that in mind, ladies. Don't pig out unless you're on a , here come our wandering troubadours now. Still snowing, guys?" said the 'OnePiece' pirate woman.

"Better believe it, 'Robbie'. Luckily, my 'bag' has lots of cold medicines in it. 'Rally' and 'Mae' both have the sniffles and 'Killy's been coughing up a storm if you'll pardon my little pun." replied 'Leorio', the wanna-be doctor.

"I sure hope we get back in time for the Hall-o-we'en costume party, 'Rally'. I'm dying to try on the new costume that I bought on 'Kagura' last week." said 'Mae' and 'Rally' grunted. "I sure as Hell hope that the snow don't get into my 'superchargers' on the 'Cobra', man. I think she might need a tune-up." growled the older 'Gunsmith Cat'.

"Good news! The vidradio weather gal just said that the storm will be over by tomorrow's 'sunsrise'. So- we can all go back home in the morning. 'Robbie', I just made arrangements to rent another 'sky sled'. 'Mae' can pilot it back home and somebody kin ride back with 'Rally'. I promised 'Alley Cat' that I'd make sure that our 'Hunters' and 'Spies' all got back safely. I'll return the rental sled myself. Best thing we can do now is to get a good night's sleep. It'll be a long flight home tomorrow. Let's go, guys. We're across the hall. 'Night, everybody." said 'Paul Drake', ushering the 'Hunters' and 'Cats' and 'Robbie' to their own suite.

Next morning, bright and early, 'Paul' strolled down to 'We Rent 'Em' and rented a standard sized 'sky sled' for 'Mae' to use to fly the 'Spies' group back to the other side of the planet. He would fly their own sled back home while 'Robbie' would pilot her own skysled with the 'Hunters' while 'Rally Vincent' flew her own 'Cobra' back home. 'Paul' would fly the rental sled back tomorrow and 'Mae' would pilot his sled back to the city.

'Allie' was happy to accommodate everyone in the huge 'quonset hut' and 'Killua' was very surprised when he was told that he had been accepted into the upcoming 'Galactic Hunter Exams'. However, he was very grateful as were his three friends.

"Thank you so much, ma'am. Guess the four of us will be training together?" asked 'Killy'. 'Gally' smiled.

"Here ya go, guys. These are your temporary 'Galactic Hunter' licenses. You'll get the permanent ones next monthlet. 'Mr Galadriel' personally approved your 'GH' licenses when he heard that you had already passed your Earther 'Hunter Exams'.

"Great! Uh- who's this 'Mr Galadriel' guy?" asked 'Leorio'. 'Robbie' replied 'God' offhandedly while she was pouring java.

"Huh?" chorused the 4 'Hunters' together.

"She means 'Uncle Vito', kids. He's the 'God of the 3WA'. It's just a nickname." explained 'Jerry Lewis'.

"Yeah. You guys are really special if 'Uncle Vito's lettin' ya skate through the 'GH Exams', man." said 'Clover' who was toasting marshmallows in the fireplace.

"Yup. 'Sammy', 'Clover' and me took those darned old 'Hunter Exams' and flunked 'em. 'Course, we were sent back home a few days later, man. How long we gonna be here this time, 'Robbie'?" replied 'Alex' and 'Robin' shook her head.

"Beats me, 'Al'. There aren't any TARDISes onworld just now and 'Allie' thinks that the 'Doctors' and other 'time jockeys' will be tied up for a few more monthlets." explained 'Nico Robin'.

"Ya got that right, kiddo. Mine and 'Romy's are back at 'Gallifrey' in the repair shop." agreed 'Gally'.

"What about 'Madam President's conveyance? Couldn't she ferry us back to LA?" asked 'Jerry Lewis', helping himself to more cookies and Skotch.

"Lent it to 'Bulma'. She's off 'dragon ball' hunting again. No, you folks are stuck here on 'Vic' until summer. Do not despair. I am certain sure that we can find something to keep you occupied." laughed 'Allie'. The 'WOOHP' girls and their boss were not amused.

"Sure thing, ma'ams. We can always use more babysitters for the Walkers and-" suggested 'Mae'.

"I'm hungry." whined 'Clover'. 'Sammy' grinned and pointed to the 'repper' on the table. She was busily braiding 'Glady's 'hair' into a 'bob' style. 'Alex' was now engrossed in a new 'vidnovel' on her PDO unit and 'Jerry' was chatting on his 'vidcellphone' to 'Professor Edward Challenger'.

"That must have been a harrowing experience for you, 'Kome', 'Sherlock' and 'John'. When will you be arriving here, Ed?" said 'Jerry'. 'Eh? Tomorrow afternoon? Great. Then you chaps won't miss our 'Hall-o-we'en Fancy Dress' party. Sorry. I must dash. My best to everyone. Bye." added 'Jerry', putting down his 'cell'.

Meanwhile, on the other side of 'Mt Peabody' which the 'colonists' had yet to explore, a most unusual group had just arrived.

"Kiva! Where the Sam Hill are we, man?" grumbled 'Jamie'. "Yeah, man. Where in the wide worlds are we, Honey?" added 'Goat Smith' who was peering through 'MEGAS's 'eye slits' which were really 'vidcams' so what he was seeing was what 'MEGAS' was 'seeing'.

"Nope. This world ain't on the 'vidstar charts' that we 'borrowed' from 'Federation' HQ, Darling." said 'Coop' who was co-piloting 'MEGAS'. The tall blonde pilot/navigator of the 'BGR' (Big Giant Robot- 'MEGAS' was a huge 'Gundam-like' structure which had been adapted for inter-stellar galactic travel) grimaced at 'Coop's 'male Chauvinist' slur.

"If you morons would shut the Hell up for five bloody minutes and let me think, I might just be able to fathom our location. OK?" snarled the very upset and quite angry girl pilot from the future. Little did 'Kiva Norell' realize that this time era was her own! They had landed on 'Victorine' in the 23rd Century which was when 'Kiva' had first become lost in a 'time vortex', winding up in a small suburban town on Earth in the Eastern US state of New Jersey- circa 1988.

That was where she had found 'Coop', 'Jamie', 'Goat' and her 'BGR' 'ship', 'MEGAS', which was an acronym for 'Mechanized Earth Guard Attack System', which she had inadvertently landed in 'Coop's back yard. 'Coop' had been tinkering with it along with his friend 'Jamie'. They had scrounged up parts for the 'BGR' from another friend's junkyard. Thus 'Goat Smith' had joined their team.

"Hey, man! Looks like we found that new planet, man! The one those guys at 'Fed' HQ were yakkin' about. They're 'colonizing' it after it was 'terraformed' using that 'EDEN Seed' thing." crowed their remaining passenger.

'Selena Usagi' was aka 'Sailor Moon' and they had picked her up when the poor schoolkid had become separated from her school's 'field trip' to an asteroid. Poor 'Moonie' had been left behind and, against her better judgment, 'Kiva' had said OK when the guys had offered her a 'lift'. That had been six months ago- as near as she could reckon- and 'Moonie' was still aboard 'MEGAS' with them.

"You know where we are, 'Selena'?" asked an astonished 'Kiva' who had no idea how 'Moonie' knew so much about space travel. "Sure. This has gotta be 'Victorine' and that must be 'Mt Peabody', mum. Look! Ever heard of any planet whose suns and moons were all visible at the same time? Twin suns and a slue of moons. Can we go explorin', mum, huh, can we- please?" pleaded the 12 year old.

"Breatheable atmosphere, 'Kivvy'." supplied 'Jamie'. "Maybe we'll find them 'colonists', Honey." suggested 'Goat'. "Better get yer 'snuggies' on first and some cold gear. Temp reading outside is close to 14 below zero Fahrenheit, 'Kiva'." said 'Coop'.

'Kiva' knew when she was beaten so she gave orders for everyone to get bundled up good and warm. She thanked her lucky stars that the boys had 'liberated' several sets of 'Mithril' underwear from that 'pirate vessel' that they'd pillaged a few weeks back. These 'Elfin' garments were as light as a feather yet as strong as steel and warmer than flannel. According to a guy they'd met in a 'Corrallian' beer garden, 'Mithril' could turn aside a bullet or an energy blast better than a bulletproof vest!

"Don't forget your 'Mithril' undies. I'll be ready in five minutes, guys. You'd better change too, 'Moonie'. Five minutes, guys. We'll rendezvous at the aft hatch." ordered 'Kiva'. She and 'Moonie' changed quickly and met 'Coop' and 'Goat' at the hatchway. 'Jamie' was late as usual, but he had brought their backpacks, gun sashes, weapons and canteens and quickly distributed them to all hands. Even 'Moonie' got a small 'stasis' pistol.

"No shooting unless we have to, guys. Understand, 'Coop'? Good. Let's go." said 'Kiva', leading the small party through the rear hatchway and down the long ladder to the new world's surface. The wind almost blew her off the ladder and she and the others clung tightly to the metal rungs until- at long last- they felt solid ground beneath their deck boots.

"Damned shame that 'Jamie' and 'Coop' lost our 'shuttle' in that poker game last month, 'Kivvy'. Looks like it's 'Shank's Mare' for us today. Wow! This cold is brutal, man! Which way now?" yelled 'Goat', trying to be heard over the roaring of the solar winds. "Yeah, too bad. Doesn't seem to be anything around here. Guess we shoud try the other side of the mountain. With those winds, we can't climb the damned thing. Guess we'll just have to skirt it, guys. Take my hand, 'Selly' and hold on tight. You guys better link hands. 'Jamie', grab hold of 'Selly's other hand. OK, don't let go- no matter what. Follow me." shouted 'Kiva', pulling her muffler over her mouth and nose and adjusting her goggles. In their white parkas, they resembled a family of polar bears from those ancient Terran soda pop commercials.

Holding hands and squinting to see against the terrific solar winds and blinding sleet, the little group of visitors stumbled into 'Stalag 13' close to midnight. Suddenly-

"Halt! Who goes there?" yelled a sentry who was wearing a beige two-piece tailored skirt-suit and black high-heeled pumps! 'She' leveled a plasma rifle at them and poked poor 'Kiva' in the midriff.

"Sorry, ma'am. We seem to be lost. Our, uh, 'ship' is docked on the opposite side of the mountain. We mean you no harm, Miss." explained 'Kiva', raising her gloved hands in surrender and signing for her friends to do the same.

'It's 'Mister', lady. 'Lt Maxwell Q Klinger', ma'am. You guys had better come with me. The 'brigadier' may want to queston ya. Follow me." said 'Klinger' and he led the way to the 'Kommandant's office where 'Brigadier Sherman T Potter' was filling in for 'Kommandant Klink' who was off on some fool mission with 'Hogan' and his pals.

"What is it, 'Klinger'? Shut that damned door! I'm freezin' my whatsis off. Oh, beg pardon. Pardon my French, ma'am. Please sit down. 'Klinger'! You're not in our army anymore so why the dress?" asked 'Potter'.

"Old habits are hard to break, Colonel, uh, Brigadier, suh. I'll 'rep up' some java and hot food fer the newbies, suh." replied 'the 'lady' who was really a guy. He scurried off and 'Sherman' picked up his 'vidphone'.

"I'll have our 'orderly' find you folks sleeping quarters. Jest a sec. That you, 'Shade'? Good. I have five tired people who need billets, son. Eh? I know it's after midnight. Get yer keester over here- on the double. Thanks, 'Bill'." said the man from ancient Terran 'Missouri'.

'Gladius Ahura Mazdan', our resident guardian 'Djinn' reduced himself to human size and walked into Potter's office.

"How many times must I tell you people not to leave your toys lying around? You have a gigantic 'mechanical man' on the other side of the mountain. It is blocking my cavern's back door and I want it removed immediately. I do not wish to be cross with you, 'Brigadier Potter', but it rankles me when my simple requests are ignored and I am treated in such a Cavalier fashion, sir." said the angry 'Djinn', pouring tea for himself. 'Kiva' cleared her throat.

"I am afraid that we are the guilty parties, sir. I landed 'MEGAS' on your doorstep as it were. However, until this storm lifts, I cannot possibly move our 'ship'. 'Commodore Three Kiva Norell' at your service, sir. My 'colleagues' are 'Coop' Webber', 'Jamie Davis' and 'Goat Smith' and this is 'Selena Usagi', my 'cabin girl', sir. And now, if you don't mind, we would like to retire. It has been a most harrowing day, 'Brigadier', sir." said 'Kiva' and her companions agreed.

"About time ya got here, sonny. Folks, this is 'Bill Shade'. 'Bill', please find suitable quarters for our guests. After you've done that, come back here. I have a little job for ya, son. Dis-Missed." ordered the 'Brigadier' who'd been through three wars before he'd arrived on 'Victorine'. His 'MASH 4077th' US Army unit had been plucked from the winter of 1952's 'Korean Conflict' on Terra and transported here to 'Vic' by 'Time Traveler' several solar weeks ago. His 'MASH 4077th' unit and 'Stalag 13' POW camp from Terran Germany's 'World War II' were sharing the base of 'Mt Peabody' with 'Hogan', 'Klink', 'Burkhalter' and 'Potter' taking their turns at being the 'CO' for both military units.

"Follow me, ladies, gents. Better bundle up warm. Our 'weather barrier' has been malfuntioning tonight. It's colder than a witch's bum outside. Ready? OK. Let's go. 'Night, 'Brig'." said 'Bill Shade', tossing the older fellow a galactic salute- right fist across left chest.

If possible, it felt even colder to 'Kiva' than it had felt earlier that night. 'Moonie' kept sneezing and crying all the way across the compound to the strange looking thing that 'Bill' called a 'sky sled'. They all piled aboard the strange conveyance, 'Bill' snapped the top shut and lifted off into the teeth of the storm. They were tossed about like rag dolls until 'Jamie' and 'Goat' had managed to get all hands strapped into their seats. The solar winds still tossed the tiny craft all across the 'aether' until after what seemed like an eon, but was only ten minutes, 'Bill' 'touched down' in the 'motor pool' opposite 3WA HQ's 'quonset hut'. He hustled them inside the huge building and quickly led the way down a long hallway. He stopped at a portal and waved his hand across the control panel. The portal slid aside noiselessly and he led them into an immense sitting room.

"This is your sitting room, that's the dining room, there's your kitchenette, library and study through those doors. This suite has eight bedrooms, each with its own bath room. At the moment, you five are this suite's sole occupants. You will be called in the morning. You need have no fear of anything happening to your 'MEGAS ship'. As I speak, it is being 'tractored' to our new city's 'spaceport tower'. We try not to upset our 'Gladdy' too much if we can help it. He's our guardian angel, uh 'Djinn'. 'Reppers' throughout the suite. Nice to see ya again, 'Miss Usagi'. Don't be surprised if you and 'Miss Norell' are pressed into service as babysitters or waitresses. You three gentlemen may get called up for 'KP duty'. By the way, 'Miss Usagi'- this world is a week's voyage from 'Shimougou' which you know quite well. Your friends may remember our 'home world' as well. Well, get a good night's sleep. You'll be awakened at 'sunsrise'. 'Night." said 'Bill' and they were left alone in their new temporary home.

"I told ya, Chief. This ain't 'Dariabar VI'. This woild ain't even on the 'Galactic Compendium' fer cat's sakes. Hey! That looks like new 'terraformin', man! Oh no! This must be 'Victorine'! Ya know, Boss. The 3WA's new home for their stranded strays? I hoid they was colonizin' it, but I thought fer certain sure that was supposed to be next year! You would get us to swipe a 'cruiser' without no 'cloak' on it, man. We'll be settin' ducks on the surface! Wait a sec. How about behind that big old mountain?" said 'Seymour Shadarack' to his 'boss'. The pair had just escaped from 'Orgutang VII' in one of the outer quadrants. 'O 7' was a prison planet for repeat offenders and it was under the joint commands of the 3WA, the Intergalactic Space Command and the Inter Solar Systems Police.

"Well, we sure as Hades can't orbit the place until someone spots us or we run outta fuel, 'Shaddy'. Put us down behind that mountain. Maybe this damned blizzard will keep any roving patrols on the other side. Whoa! Someone else seems to be here! Looky there! A 'BGR' (Big Giant Robot) like 'Big O'. Huh? 'M-E-G-A-S'? 'MEGAS'? Didn't we tangle with that thing's spitfire pilot, 'Kiva Norell' and her band o' lunatics when we stole 'Starcrusher' a few years back? Wonder what she's doin' here? Put us down in that little forest glade behind her." ordered the 'boss', 'John Berringer', once the feared nemesis of the 3WA, the ISSP, the IGSC and even the Earthers' 'Interpol' and 'MI5'.

"OK. Only I sure as Hell hope for all o' our sakes that 'She Who WILL Be Obeyed' ain't here too! And don't go all 'Khan-like' on me and start quotin' 'Herman Melville' again, man! That looks like a dormant volcano fer sure. Your 'Perdition's Flame', 'Johnny'. I'm hungry and this tub's got no 'reppers' aboard her. Good thing we picked up that floozy in the 'Bad Lands'. At least she kin cook- sorta." grumbled 'Shaddy'. 'John' agreed with his 'Number One', his only crew besides the purple-haired 'Trakken' girl who was navigating and housekeeping for them. 'John' raised his voice to a bellow.

"Yo! 'Nereid'! Fix us some supper and then try and find us a course to some neutral world or moon. Better wear something else over that wrapper, girlie. Damned cold outside, man!" yelled 'John' across the hallway to the 'nav room'. Unlike most 3WA ships, this nighmare vessel did not sport the famed 'double bridge'.

"Philly Steaks and French fries OK, 'Mr B'? We goin' ashore tonight? In that snowstorm? I'd just as soon wait here fer ya, boyo." growled the 20-something 'Trakken'. When her world had been blown to atoms during the 'Third Klonnic War', 'Nereid' had signed aboard a pirate vessel which had been taken over by 'Ashka Khan' a week later. She had jumped ship in the 'Corrallian Bad Lands' and had earned her daily bread in the gambling halls.

When 'Seymour Shadarack' had accused her of 'double dealing from the bottom', she had pulled a blaster on him. Bad move! The spry 'Galeggian' had disarmed the poor girl and taken her prisoner. When he had dragged her aboard the 'Flubber', 'John' had immediately lifted off- one step ahead of the 'ISSP's 'John Raven'. So now 'Nereid' was the ship's chief cook and bottle washer and their reluctant 'navvy'. This last duty was pretty hard since 'Nereid' had no navigational skills whatsoever.

This world had looked peaceful enough even though it didn't show on any of the star vidcharts nor the 'GC'. Now she saw that they had landed in the deepest days of a very harsh winter. The guys had given the girl a very nice bedroom with private bath room located between the kitchen galley and the 'nav room'. The closets and armoires and space chests and bureaus were full of female attire in the very best of a myriad of alien tastes. Not cheap stuff either! These two boyos stole only the very best it seemed.

"How about that dinner, 'Neery'!" howled 'Shaddy' and she hurried to the kitchen to toss the prepped steak sannis and French fries into the 'micro-blast oven' which was powered by a small 'power pack' energizing cell. For the few seconds that dinner would take to cook, she brewed some strong java and dumped a bag of something called 'chikory' into it. 'Mr B' had told her that the stuff was a delicacy and mixed well with java. Carefully balancing three trays of food and three empty java mugs on one arm, she picked up the java carafe and walked slowly up the hallway and onto the tiny bridge where 'John' and 'Seymour' relieved her of her burdens and set them down on the console.

'Nereid' poured java for them and then took her own tray and mug to the 'star room' to eat. She loved watching all of the stars, asteroids, suns and moons. This world seemed to possess two suns and several moons. She shivered when she espied the snow atop 'Mt Peabody' and remembered that she would have to bundle up before they went outside. Her suggestion of staying behind to guard the ship had been greeted with smug grins. They didn't trust the 'Trakken' one iota and the feeling was mutual. Oh well, nothing ventured is nothing gained like 'Cousin Nyssa' used to say.

'Nyssa' was an ace of a 'navvy' and she had left 'Trakken' a few years before the end of everything. 'Nyssa' had hitched a lift with that very handsome 'Doctor' guy aboard his 'police box' ship. Since then, her dear cousin had joined the 3WA and was now a fully accredited 'navvy' and pilot, holding the esteemed rank of 'Sub-Major'. Where exactly her dear cousin was at the moment was anyone's guess. With the destruction of 'Trakka', all correspondence had ceased.

Was 'Neery' worried about 'Nyssy'? Not a bit. She had almost become the 'Keeper of Trakka' until the 'Doctor' had dissuaded her and 'Auntie Florentina' had assumed the role of 'Keeper'. Sadly, the 'Keeper' is always locked into a glass cell which can only be opened when a new 'Keeper' is needed. Poor 'Auntie Flo' had perished when 'Trakka' had been atomized! 'Neery' missed her terribly, but that was all waters beneath the viaducts now.

There was a tap on the open portalway, startling 'Neery'. "Didn't mean to frighten you, 'Neery'. Just thought that I'd remind you to dress very warmly tomorrow. And you had better have this back as well. The three of us are now fugitives from the law and the 3WA rules with a Kelvinite fist." said 'John Berringer', handing the startled girl her old 'Mark VII' astro-blaster and a few spare 'power packs' to charge the weapon.

"Then we aren't going to take a chance with that storm after all, 'Mr B'?" asked 'Neery', laying her gun and ammo on a side table.

"Only if it's still going in the morning, 'Neery'. However, even now the solar winds are beginning to subside and the snowfall has stopped. I don't want to remain here any longer than necessary. However, we need 'dilythium krystalline diodes' to fuel the 'Flubber'. Perhaps we can buy some from the 'colonists'. By the by, if anyone asks, we are traveling merchants who have lost our way and landed here to avoid a pursuing pirate vessel. 'She' won't believe a word of it, of course. Hopefully, 'She' won't be on this world. Oh and my name is 'Phileas Bagby'. 'Shaddy's name is 'Kaleb Mitteran'. Yours will be 'Naomi Bagby'. You are my daughter and your 'Uncle Kaleb' is my brother-in-law. Of course, I am a widower. Think you can keep all of that stuff straight, dear child?" asked 'John' and she nodded.

"What about the ship? Anyone with eyes will know it's a 3WA vessel, 'Daddy' dear." replied 'Nereid'.

"That's why I am going to have you and 'Shaddy' camouflage it tomorrow before we go exploring. We'll dock it in one of those caverns under the mountain. Then some brush and branches can cover the entrance. Oh and- I'm a very wealthy merchant so wear your most expensive clothes and lots of jewelry. 'UniCreds' can be traced so we'll use 'gold pressed Latinium' bars for currency. In the 3WA, nobody pays for anything anyway. About an hour's hike around the mountain and a few more hours to visit and barter, then another hour's hike back to the ship and we should be gone from here before dark. Uh, any luck on finding us a nice neutral world or moon?" asked 'John'.

"How about 'Shack G'? Only a few 'parsecs' from here and a very quiet quadrant. Maybe a fortnight from here." suggested 'Neery'. "Now where have I heard that name before? Oh well, beggars can't be choosers, can they? Lay in a course for 'Shack G' and have it ready for us before we lift off tomorrow evening. 'Night." said 'John' and she sighed.

Finishing her dinner, she gathered up the trays from the bridge and the empty mugs. She stuck them all in the space age dishwasher unit and went to her bedroom. 'Shaddy' had also retired which meant that the 'Flubber' was on 'George' for the night. Choosing warm expensive clothing and valuable jewelry for the morning took less than an hour and soon 'Neery' was in Dreamland.

"Up and at 'em, kiddo! The storm's over and both suns are long up. Meet us in the 'transport room' after you've had breakfast. Shake a leg, 'Naomi'." chuckled 'Uncle Kaleb'. "OK. I'll hurry, 'Uncle', dear." gushed 'Neery', sounding like a love-struck schoolgirl. He grinned and headed for the 'transport room'.

"Everyone ready? Don't forget our 'samples case', 'Shaddy'. We're supposed to be traveling merchants. Remember? Uh, lose the suitcases, 'Neery'. We're just going to buy fuel. We ain't on holiday. OK. Here we go." said 'John Berringer' and they 'dematerialized' only to 'rematerialize' outside a few nano-seconds later.

"Brrr! It's really cold, 'Papa-San'. Watch your hands, 'Uncle Kaleb', dear. I'm not that kind of a girl!" snarled a very cold 'Trakken' teenager. 'Kaleb' smiled and told her that he was 'only playing his part'. "What's in the package, 'Papa'?" asked 'Naomi' when she saw the long parcel beside 'John'. "Why not open it and see for yourself, dear daughter?" he replied.

"Huh? Skis and poles?" wondered the violet-haired beauty. "I was gonna bring snowshoes, but that path looked too damned narrow for 'em. These'll make the going easier. Ever done any ski-ing, dear child?" asked 'John' and she grinned. 'Nereid' was an ace on the slopes and had several trophies to prove it. 'John' had first used skis on 'Gysymeo', the ice world and had become quite proficient. 'Seymour' knew how to ski, but didn't like the sport at all. However, he helped 'Naomi' to strap on her skis while she balanced herself expertly on her poles.

"Follow me. You behind me, 'Neery' and 'Shaddy' will bring up the rear. Here, tie yourself to me, dear. Now, tie yourself to 'Seymour'. Get lost in a sudden snow squall and they won't find ya until the ground thaws out in a few monthlets. Just walk behind me 'herring style' and don't try to ski. That's a three and a half kilometre drop off that cliff beside us." warned 'John'.

Almost an hour and a half later, they spotted the 'Stalag 13' and 'MASH 4077th' signs on the other side of the mountain pass. Without waiting for orders, 'Neery' unbuckled her skis and stepped off of them. She leaned them against a tree with her poles. Then she helped her 'uncle' out of his skis. 'John' leaned his skis beside theirs, added his poles and mopped his brow. The wind was freshening and there was ice in the aether. He quickly led the way to the building marked 'Kommandant's Office' and knocked on the door.

A buxom blonde yanked it open and stood there, looking over her new visitors. "More strays? C'mon in. 'Wolfie'! We got company. 'Rep' up some more java and bring in three washtubs for our guests. Heat some water too, Love. Sit down, folks. Name's 'Helga'. 'Wolfie's my hubby. We're looking after things for the 'Brigadier'." she said, busying herself with taking fresh baked bread from the antique oven.

"Thank you, Madam. My brother-on-law and I are traveling merchants. Our vessel ran out of fuel and we just managed to coast down on fumes. Do you have any 'dilythium krystalline diodes'- 'fuel cells'? I'll pay you for them, of course. Oh, forgive me. I am 'Phileas Bagby' and that is 'Kaleb Mitteran'. This is my daughter, 'Naomi'. You don't have to fuss over us, Madam 'Helga'. Just being inside where it is warm and toasty is good enough for us." said 'John Berringer' and 'Kaleb Mitteran' nodded his agreement.

"Ooh! That warm water feels so good on my poor tootsies! You should try it, 'Papa-San'!" cooed 'Naomi Bagby'. The door flew open and a tall redhead marched inside, lugging an armload of firewood which she dumped into the wood box beside the fireplace.

"Thanks, 'Revy'. We have visitors. Could you get out the butter, bitte (please)?" said 'Helga Hochstetter-Schmidt'. "Sure thing, 'Helly'. Where you guys from? 'Shim'? 'Kagura'? Mars? We're a little off the beaten track up here." said 'Revy Roberts' after the introductions had been made. 'Revy' was wondering why 'Phileas Bagby' looked so damned familiar. 'Kaleb Mitteran' she'd seen somewhere too, but where? 'Naomi Bagby' reminded her of 'Nyssa' somehow. Sure! The girl was 'Trakken'- only 'Trakka' had been destroyed during the 'Third Klonnic War', hadn't it? Still- 'Nyssa' had mentioned a cousin, a violet-maned minx vixen not unlike 'Yuri Donovan'. Could this be her?

"Got another load o' wood fer ya, kiddo. Gimme a hand, will ya, 'Miss Bagby'?" growled the 'Lagoon Girl' and meekly 'Naomi' followed the older woman outside. "Look here, kid. I know them bozos in there from somewheres and they sure as Hell ain't merchants. I have a friend, a 'Trakken' gal like you. Named 'Nyssa'. Are you her cousin? You can trust me. Not sure about 'Mitteran' and 'Daddy' dear in there. If you are from 'Trakka', you're amongst friends. Speak up, Honey." whispered 'Revy'.

"Yes, you are correct, mum. I'm 'Nereid' and 'Nyssa's my cousin. 'Mr B' and 'Seymour' picked me up in the 'Bad Lands' and I've been keeping house and trying to navigate for 'em ever since." explained the teenager. Then 'Revy' snapped her fingers.

"Now I got it! Your 'Mr B's real moniker wouldn't be 'Berringer', would it? (The girl nodded) 'John Berringer'? (She nodded again) And who's 'Uncle Kaleb'?" seethed a now angry 'Revy'. "He's our first officer and the rest of our crew. 'Seymour Shadarack's his real name, mum. They're pirates. They swiped a 'cruiser', the 'Flubber' and it's hidden in a cave on the other side of the mountain. Do you know them, 'Miss Roberts'?" whispered the frightened girl.

"In a way. I arrested 'em both on 'Gysymeo' ten years ago. They were given long prison terms and sent to 'Orgutang VII'. Guess they escaped and grabbed you for insurance. Trust me. 'Johnny' knows your cousin and I'd bet my bottom 'UniCred' that he knows you're her cousin. Grab that firewood and follow me. Don't let on that you know anything, kid." whispered 'Revy', hefting another load of wood.

"Prison? What'd they do, man?" asked 'Naomi'. "Murder and espionage- amongst their other goodies. Hush. Not a word about this stuff to anyone. I'll try and get word to my superiors as soon as I can. Whew! That's the last of it, 'Helly'. I gotta get back now. Wanna come fer a ride, 'Miss Bagby'? With your father's permission, of course." said the redhead.

"Of course. We won't be shoving off until this afternoon anyway. 'Mr Hochstetter' here has been kind enough to sell us a few spare 'fuel cells' and his wife has prepared us an excellent repast. Enjoy yourself, my dear child." said 'Phileas/John'. So far, so good. Had he recognized 'Revy'? Sure didn't seem like it. 'Revy' helped 'Naomi' into her fur parka and boots. 'Neery' made sure that she still had her small 'astro-blaster' and spare 'power packs' in her pocket. Then she followed the redhead outside to a waiting 'sky sled'. The trip back to 3WA HQ took less than ten minutes. 'Gally' recognized 'Nyssa's cousin immediately.

"Uh, 'Neery'? Is it really you? We had heard that you'd survived the blast on 'Trakka', but nobody could find you anywhere. 'Nyssa's been worried sick about ya. Oho! So 'Berringer' and 'Shadarack' are here too? Old home week. Well, I'm in command so- grab a few volunteers and get back to the camp. I hereby authorize you to place both gentlemen under arrest, 'Roberts'. Bring 'em back here and we'll lock 'em up in the brig. 'Kiva'? (The 'MEGAS' pilot was startled) Go with 'Neery'. She'll show ya where their ship's hidden. Impound it and take it to the motor pool. Better put a triple guard watch on it. Better take some 'fuel cells' with ya. 'Neery' says their tanks are dry which is why they landed here. They're lucky. 'She' ain't here at the moment. OK, ya got yer orders so blow, man!" commanded 'Lady Galatea Prydonia' and 'Revy' grabbed 'Jamie', 'Goat' and 'Coop' while 'Kiva' 'volunteered' four cadets, two guys and two girls, to accompany her and 'Nereid'.

The small 'speeder' acted as lookout while 'Kiva' and the two male cadets cleared away the brush and branches from the cavern's entrance. Then the 'speeder' flew to the 'motor pool' followed by the 'Flubber' with 'Kiva' at the controls. 'Neery' sat quietly in the co-pilot's seat and wondered where her cousin was.

"I told ya that broad was trouble, 'Johnny'! Great place to pick to land, too! Right next door to a 3WA base unit!" fumed 'Shaddy' during the short ride in 'Revy's 'sky sled' to the brig. "You were the one who wanted to escape 'O 7' with me, pal. At least, 'She' ain't here this time." replied 'Berringer'. "Thank 'Kami' fer small favours." grunted 'Shadarack'. "A damned big favour, ya mean! 'She' is trouble with a capital 'T', man!" corrected 'John'.

"OK, ''Gally'. Both of 'em are in the hoosegow. Ya better have transport sent for 'em. It wouldn't be a good idea to have 'em still here when 'She' gets back." growled 'Revy'. "The 'Flubber's in the motor pool and under triple guard as ordered, mum." reported 'Kiva Norell'. 'Nereid' had had enough stalling for one day.

"Where is my cousin, dammit? Where's 'Nyssa'?" yelled the furious 'Trakken' teenager.

"On a star-mapping mission with the 'Boss'. They're due back here in another monthlet. Relax. They'll be in 'vidcell' range tonight and you can yak to her all ya wanna." said 'Revy', yawning. It had been an awfully long damned day.

"Do ya think it's really a good idea to skotch our mission just so ya kin celebrate Hall-o-we'en on 'Victorine', Boss?" asked a nervous 'Commodore (jg) Gina Phillips' who was 'Supreme Grand Marshall Keirran O'Halloran's latest exec and 'Number One' on the Boss's flagship- the 'Lovely Angel 2'.

"Are ya kiddin', man? 'Yuri' ('Vice Marshall Donovan') and me ain't never missed a 'Scary Night' party since we were kids! And I don't see no good reason to break with tradition, 'Ginny'. Won't they all be surprised when we make planetfall, man?" growled the redheaded firebrand Amazon Hellcat.

"They'll be tickled pink- I hope." replied 'Vash the Stampede', the ship's chief security officer. His orders had been to make damned sure that 'She' stayed as far away from 'Victorine' as possible until 'Thanksforgiving Day'- and that order had come from 'Uncle Vito' himself.

END of Chapter 7. Chapter 8 'Angry Angels' or 'Reunion Rumble' to follow soon. R/R/S away and thankee for your loyalty and support- and suggestions. See ya soon!- 'Kiva Norell' & Your Friendship Team.