Chapter 11: Middleton Space Center Incident! The Enemy is X!

This has not been a good week for Kim Possible…

First, with Liz and Crystal gone indefinitely, they were down two members on the squad. And now with Marcella MIA, they would definitely have to start looking for new recruits. Especially since cheer-offs were around the corner.

Then, after the attack at home, Ron almost got killed from that effeminate-looking guy and his extending nails. Believing that this was just a prelude to the worst to come, as well as not wanting to risk the life of her best friend since Pre-K, Kim decided that it was best to cut him from Team Possible. All week long she had to break the news to both Wade and Rufus and while at least Wade was understanding (If not pleased that she did this to him right after he was sent to the hospital), Rufus was pissed, to the point where he actually bit her. Now there were two people who were angry with her. But she couldn't worry about that right now…

It was Friday and it was going on five in the evening and so far, they haven't had a good turnout for try-outs for the cheer squad. They only had the rest of week to gain new recruits then they would have to make do with what they had and adjust accordingly. Whether if it's in fear of what happened to the three missing members would happen to them, or maybe being threatened away by either Bonnie or, as likely as it is in this case, Hope. Or even, for those who actually bothered to try out, they didn't want to have to deal with the brunette's attitude. As much as she couldn't blame them for wanting to keep as much distance away from her, Kim knew that the pros so outweighed the cons.

'Easy to say for the head cheerleader…' Kim thought, seated in her chair as she reviewed the list of names (or lack thereof) on the clipboard. She wondered if they should just cut their losses, skip out the Cheer-offs, and prepare for next year. She scoffed at the mere suggestion, what was she thinking? There was no Cheer-offs next year. They all graduate this year, after all… depending on grades, of course. That shouldn't be any problems for the most part. The only one who would have to worry about it was…

She shook her head, as thinking about him just made her feel worse. She could worry about Ron, later. Right now, the squad needed her undivided attention. She saw the two names before sighing: Monique Watson and Zita Flores. One was her female best friend while the other was Ron's… Great... The names she just had to see were the two Ron talked into trying out… He was trying his hard to get just about every girl he knew to try out for the squad, just to make things easier for her, all for her. And how does she repay him?

"Can we be done with this, already?" Boredom showed on Bonnie's face. They've been at this for hours now for a whole week and each day it's the same result. No one will show up. That was a laugh. One would think that any girl, no matter how beautiful or talented – and she used those words very loosely – they were, would be running at the chance to join the squad. But what was the deal? "I so have a lot to do…" If there was any silver lining in this whole mess, she didn't have to see Stoppable's face since he was stabbed by some freak with the nails. A shame he didn't finish the job… As she knew full well as soon as the failure has made a hopefully-slow recovery, she would have to work with him once again.

Speaking of the fool, it's as if he was avoiding her. When he saw him in class, his head – surprise, surprise – was on the desk, and he was nowhere to be found during lunch. But whatever… the less she has to see those two losers the better. Maybe now her life will finally get back on track…

"Bonnie's right! Why don't we just quit this farce and cut our losses!" Hope frowned, arms crossed. Nobody dared to show up for the squad which, honestly, suited her just fine. In fact she would be glad if nobody showed up. Especially with Cheer-offs just around the corner! Now was a good time for them to finally take a hint…

"We all know full well that we need at least two people as according to the routines," Kim reminded with a glare. "You two don't have to stay here, you know. I can handle this myself."

"No offense Kim, but knowing your history of scouting talent, I'm not exactly willing to take my chances with you finding someone for the squad." Bonnie frowned, "Stoppable's a good example of your great eye for talent."

"Funny, I'm not seeing you contributing to the problem."

"Why even bother with tryouts anyway? It's not like whoever we bring in will actually do us any good in the first place."

"We need six people at minimum, not to mention the volunteer spotters I've asked to help us!"

"Bonnie has a point! We should just cut our losses." Hope declared, much to her own surprise given recent events. But if led to Kim nixing this recruitment crap, she'll put aside her disgust for the brunette. Nobody was going to replace Marcella… "Besides, it's not as if anyone'll show up anyway." Within moments, much to her shock, two people entered the gymnasium. "Why did I tempt fate…"

Both noticing the other, Monique and Zita turned to the other, "Let me guess: Ron asked you to try out?"

"More like begging! He made it sound like the world was ending." Zita sighed, "I don't know why I even doing this. Cheerleading is so not my thing."

"Girl, tell me about it. This is so gonna cut into my hours." Within a few steps, Monique noticed the crowd…or lack thereof. "Where is everybody?"

"We are everybody…" Zita was surprised at the turn-out. Or lack thereof… She thought that anyone would be dying to join the squad. Still, given the certain circumstances of what has happened to three of its members, the reluctance wasn't that surprising.

"This is the best we can come up with!?" Bonnie didn't bother to hide her disgust as her rival sighed in response. Kim knew that she wasn't sure about Zita's athletic ability, and had a feeling Monique had some skills. But she wasn't going to be picky at this point.

"Monique, Zita! It's nice to see you both!" Kim tried to hide the desperation in her voice. But she was willing to take anyone at this point, even male cheerleaders.

"Girl, when I heard you were having problems, you weren't kidding!" Monique looked around. "Talk about serious LOI!"

Zita raised a brow, "LOI?"

"Lack Of Interest. Anyway, what're we supposed to do?"

"Normally we would have given you both a specific routine to do. But due to our unexpected turn out," Kim lowers her voice, "And our desperation…" Perking back up, "It's safe to say that you're pretty much in!"

"Whoa, girl! Are you serious!?"

Zita blinked, "Are you saying that we're automatically in?"

"Well the rules say that you have to go through an audition, and we…" Kim threw her hands up, "Who are we kidding? You're the only ones who bothered to show up."

"Heh, who'd thought that becoming a cheerleader would be so easy?"

Bonnie couldn't take K's sugar coating anymore, "Don't let it go to your heads. You're only in by default."

"Bonnie!"

"I'm just trying to keep it real, K!"

"Well your 'realness' may cost us our only recruits, B."

Monique waved off, "S'cool, Kim. We all know Bon-Bon here's just hating.'"

As within seconds, Bonnie snapped forward, "What…did…you…call me?"

"ENOUGH!" Kim rubbed her temples, feeling a migraine coming.

"Look Kim! We already have enough problems without Miss Mall-Shopping Homegirl over here getting in my face."

"Oh, I am this close from knocking that ugly look off yo' face."

As she saw Monique step up to Bonnie's face, all Zita could do is sigh, "I knew this was a bad idea."

"Tch, no kidding…" Hope muttered, eyes narrowing towards Zita.

Zita, however, overheard that remark. "And what do you mean by that?"

"It's what I just said! What would someone like you add to the squad!?" Hope grilled, "You don't exactly look cheer-squad material if you know what I mean!"

Zita felt incensed, "What are you trying to say? That we can't cut it?" She expected to take this amount of crap from Bonnie, but not from Hope.

"That's putting it mildly, seeing that you only made the team by default!"

"Guys…" Kim tried to keep the peace between Bonnie and Monique's arguing, and Hope and Zita looked as if she would have to jump in the middle of it.

Zita had enough, "I don't have to take this! I'm outta here!"

"I'm with you, Girl!" Monique turned to Kim, "Kim, I'm sorry, but if it means having to deal with Libby here, it's SNWTD!"

Kim blinked, "SNWTD?"

"So Not Worth The Drama!" Monique nodded to Zita as they both left the gym.

Hope crossed her arms, "S'not like we needed those losers anyway!"

Kim couldn't take it anymore, "What the hell's your damage, Hope? Those two were our last hope!"

"As much I really think this new recruit idea's a waste, you've been irritable lately!" Bonnie glared, not knowing why she was angry with Hope for more: Her attitude or forcing her to agree with Kim.

"You're sure as hell one to talk with being irritable! And as for my attitude, this whole damn idea of getting new squad members is 'my damage!' The whole idea is enough to piss me off to the core!"

"Hope, we've been through this already! We don't know how long Liz and Crystal will be gone, and we don't have any idea where Marcella is! For gosh sakes, you're being selfish!"

"I'm being selfish?" Those words were enough to unleash the rage, the fury that has been building up inside of her ever since the idea was brought up, "I'm being selfish? If anyone on the squad is selfish, it's you Kim! All week long you've been like, "'It's all for the good of the squad!' 'It's what's best for the squad!' But when did the damn squad ever do anything for anyone? It sure as hell didn't do anything for Crystal or Liz obviously, and it sure as hell isn't doing anything for Marcella. Yeah, Bonnie's a self-centered, arrogant, snobbish, backstabbing, manipulative bitch! But unlike you, at least she actually shows up each practice and doesn't leave in the middle of practice!"

"T-that's so uncalled for! You know why I have to leave-"

"Oh, that's right? You have to 'save the world!' Sure, you're able to do the routines correctly and flawlessly. But have you ever really spent time with us? Maybe then you wouldn't be so quick to just cut us loose if we're not up to snuff! After all, nobody can be as coordinated and flawless as the great 'Kim Possible!'"

"You're right!" Kim snapped back, "I may be just a bit better at learning the routines and being coordinated than others! Maybe I'm actually gone most of the time to 'save the world,' which happens to be one of my responsibilities! But at least I'm here when it matters! As squad captain I have to make the tough decisions, ignoring all of my personal feelings just for the sake of the squad's best interests!" She knew Hope has been upset over what's been happening to the others, but she had to see the bigger picture! All week Kim felt guilty about what happened to Ron, but she sure as hell wasn't going to take any grief for doing what has to be done. "Do you think you're the only one who's upset over this? Do you actually think this has been easy for me?"

"I don't see why not! Everything else is," Bonnie scoffed.

"So not the time, Bonnie…"

"No, she's right!" Hope snapped, "Everything you do is easy! Making good grades, memorizing the routines, participating in as many clubs, going out and 'save the world,' and somehow still have time for your boyfriend, who just happens to be one of the hottest guys in school! Even when you mess up, you manage to come back better than ever!"

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"I can't stand you! That's what! You always have to and always have everything go your way! It's basically your way or the highway! This whole damn recruitment's a prime example!"

"You're right! It is my way or the highway, seeing that I am your squad captain and have to keep everything together! And if you want to remain a part of this team, then I suggest that you get real and deal! Not everything revolves around you and what you-" Kim wasn't able to finish that sentence as she felt herself knocked to the waxed floor out of her chair as she felt a stinging sensation on her cheek. As she blinked and saw the closed fist of her attacker, it didn't take long to come to the conclusion: Hope just floored her with a punch! She could even hear Bonnie trying (and failing) to suppress a snicker.

"You're right… It's just around what you want!" Venom crept within Hope's voice, "It's always been your call, always able to get what you want! To hell what anyone else or what they want! And if that's the way it's gonna be, then I'm through being on the Kim Possible cheer squad."

"Wait, Hope! You don't really-"

As a part of her uniform hit Kim in the face, Hope walked back to the locker room, teary-eyed. "Fuck everything…" She could care less about being topless, as even that would be better than being a part of a squad who would abandon their friends like nothing…

Bonnie smirked as Kim stood back on her feet, "Smooth move, Possible!"

Kim slapped a palm onto her face, "I so don't have time for this…" As she placed the cheer top on the table, she couldn't help but sigh at the situation. Not only did they fail to recruit new members for the squad, now they've lost another. First Ron, now Hope was angry with her. This week was just getting better and better.

Middleton Labs – Dr. Helix's office.

"How's the process coming along?"

"I'm afraid it's the same as it was before. We're having trouble acquiring the aforementioned resources."

Helix removed his glasses, using a soft cloth to clean the lenses, "Just what do you have so far?"

"We've managed to hire a few volunteers to try out of what we have developed so far." Those words made the older man's eyes narrowed. Wondering to what extent of "volunteers" was the aide implying. "Don't worry, unlike the last time, all who volunteered was out of their own free will. It seems they want to be cured of their afflictions."

"Thank goodness. The last thing we need is to cause another backlash within the Mu-Type community. We all know better than anyone else what that type of backlash has led too, and if the situation in Middleton is of any example, we'll want to make sure nothing happens to the antidote this time."

"Yes Doctor. Know that we're working above and beyond the hour restoring the cure that was lost. Especially knowing that certain parties intend on hindering our progress…"

"See to it that it gets done, Geoffrey. Time is running out and we cannot afford to lose time." Within a click of the phone, Helix let out a repressed sigh. It had been a week and the results were the same as they were before he left Newport. While they did manage to make progress, it was at the lowest margin. As for the volunteers that were hired, he wondered if there were out of their own free will, or otherwise. There were those who would not think twice about abducting a Mu-Type off the streets for testing if it meant one less to worry about.

Still, while it was completely understandable why people wanted the antidote to the Xenocide that caused the transformations in the first place it was questionable if it was truly a good thing. While there are some who for the past year spent their life as a living hell due to less-than-appealing appearances and hazardous situations, there are those who found them to be –for lack of a better term – lifesavers. A young boy who was diagnosed with cancer suddenly developed a healing factor that suppressed to the point of completely rendering the disease non-existent. A mentally-challenged autistic man's brain began to operate in a faster pace, much to the relief of his loved once. And there was one girl with white, feathered wings that grew from her back who made it her life goal to help people in need to the point where she was believed to be a real-life guardian angel. Thus, Mu-Types couldn't be as bad as the people were saying, right?

But while there were those who would use their gifts to help contribute to society, there were those who would use them for personal gain, and not in the harmless sense. He knew of at least three different gangs of Mu-Types that would attack people and home just to gain what they believed to be "rightfully theirs."

"I guess I'm not the only one who thought a change of scenery would be nice…"

Eyes twitching at the sound of the voice, Helix turned to see a masked figured decorated with a long, blue scarf. "I didn't expect to see you in Middleton. I supposed you've learned about the crisis."

"From what I've gathered, this cause of this latest inflation of Mu-Types came from jawbreakers passed out at a party last weekend. Upon examining the wrapper, they seemed to be made at a candy factory in Upperton, 'Jolly Roger Sweets' to be exact. The police are already investigating, but whoever in charge probably already got rid of the evidence."

"Well if it's anything worthwhile, at least we know that they won't make any more," Helix sighed, opening a drawer from his desk. This wasn't making things easier for him at all. "But how were they able to obtain a drum of Xenocide in the first place? The last known drum vanished within the explosion years ago."

"Newport's not the only place with Xenocide from what I've heard. Apparently something happened at the Space Center years ago, long before the explosion at that firehouse… Perhaps this current situation goes beyond the jawbreakers. Maybe…" He turned a head towards Helix, "Wouldn't you know anything about it? This is your specialty."

Helix pulled out a few folders for review, "I'm just as much in the dark as you are. However, perhaps you should talk to one of the scientists at the Space Center. Dr. James Possible perhaps? He is a senior member of the research team. If anyone, he would most likely be the one who would know anything that might have happened within the timeframe."

"I'll go see what he knows…" He walked towards an open window, "How's the cure, coming?"

"Not as we hope it would be." Helix stated, "At the rate we're going, we'll be lucky if we finish by Christmas."

He heard a snicker from the masked visitor, "Wouldn't that be one helluva Christmas gift? Still, even when you manage to recover the cure, it'll be only a matter of time…"

"I realize what's at stake." Helix knew all too well what would happen. As soon as the cure is announced to be available for distribution, he knew Xanthos would organize another raid.

Leaning back against a wall, "I'm not talking about that! Xanthos' reaction's a given. I mean the cure itself! While everyone sees it as the 'Great White Hope,' you and I both know the truth about it."

Helix sighed, knowing full well the extent of the effects the cure would have on the Mu-Type abilities. …Or lack thereof. Within the first few days of the distribution of the cure, a boy was one of the first people in line who took the serum. Within a matter of weeks, his X-ray vision returned. This gave strong evidence towards the idea that Mu-Types were evolutionary rather than the result of a chemical accident. If that was truly the case, when the cure has become available, it would act more as a suppressant than the end-all be-all cure they were hoping for. "Even if that is the case, we can't just leave the issue unresolved."

"Yeah, but who knows what'll happen when the cure stops working? I doubt anyone wants find out, much less actually be there when it happens." One couldn't even imagine the riots that would take place as a result. "Oh, and a bit of advice: "Don't spray the cure in the air like you're trying to exterminate a few pests. You'll piss less people off that way…"

Sighing, Helix should've known that incident was bound to come back to him. "Knowing the situation at the time, it was the best solution!"

"Yeah, but look where it got you!"

"It was either that or risking the cure being stolen long before we had the chance to put it to use! The ends justify the means some-" Turning towards the wall, all he saw were the curtains swaying in response of his visitor's departure. Sighing, "Why can't he just use the door?" Sighing, "No matter, there are more important things to take care off…" He opens the folder, reading the information of another person who was recently "Awakened" as a Mu-Type: Marcella Hernandez.

Location: Unknown

"Wade, are you sure that this is the place?" Kim asked through her Kimmunicator while looking around at the area. From what she saw, it was like an oversized abandoned warehouse. Just as she finally got home after the whole argument with Hope, she had little chance to relax until she found out she got a hit on the website. According to Wade, they didn't say who they were. All they did was give her directions. This whole week has been stressful and now this seemed to be the perfect end.

"These are the exact coordinates he gave us," Wade confirmed, just as confused.

"I'm not getting a good vibe from here."

"I've already did a few scans on the area, nothing out of the ordinary here."

"Well that makes me feel better… even though the buildings here have seen better days… Wonder why he wants to meet me here."

"Is it really any stranger than most missions? If anything I'd say it must be top secret stuff."

"I guess, but-" Kim's eyes widened at the sound of metal clanging together. She tensed into a stance, "What was that?"

"I'm not picking up anything from here. Must've been the wind blowing on the doors."

"Wade, keep surveillance around the area. The moment you see anything suspicious, let me know!" Kim wasn't taking chances. She already almost lost a friend due to her unpreparedness. She wasn't going to put herself in that position again.

Within each step, she wondered what the sitch was that she had to come all the way here. Whether this was a trap, or something that was very important, she had to be on her guard. Who knew what could be in stored for her? Eventually reaching a door, Kim noticed the faded white paint on the rusted grey door. It was barely legible, but she could see it labeled "4." "Number four, I guess this is the place." Placing her hand on the hitch, she pulled as hard as she could to open the door. As the squeak, shrieking sound of the door slid to the side, it was obvious this warehouse has seen better days. Looking inside, darkness was all that Kim could see. "Okay, this is too weird."

"Weird as it may be, considering the situation it is quite necessary."

Flinching at the voice, Kim tensed, "Who's there?" As if to answer her, overhead lights switch on, leaving a dim lighting to engulf the previously-dark room. "This is so not what I wanted to be dealing with right now."

"I am Dr. Kenneth Burgess. If you would calm yourself, I'll be happy to explain why I wanted to meet with you here." Kim looked above to find standing on the catwalk a man who appeared to be in his early thirties. His eyes concealed in yellow-tinted glasses, Kim could feel a calm, sensible presence in him.

"I'm guessing you're the one who visited the site."

"I'm afraid that I must ask of your help." Walking towards the stairs, he made his descent downward, noticing the concerned, skeptical face of the young teen. "It seems that there is an unfortunate event that may plague this town in the near future."

"P-plague?"

He let out a sigh, "I've only heard rumors of the possibility, but it was only until I saw the newscast that my suspicions were realized."

"Suspicions!?"

"Benji Kaiser and Christian Caesar… Two dangerous Mu-Types from Newport, if I recall correctly. The ones who were responsible for what happened to your partner, am I right?"

"Former partner, actually…" Kim sighed, not really want to think about that right now. Still, it was at least fortunate that she now knew their names. "However, what do they have to do with anything? Why did they even try to attack me in the first place?"

"Because they know how much of a threat you are. You are renowned internationally as the 'Girl who can do anything?' Apparently they knew that you may prove as a factor to foil their plans, so they decided to get rid of you before you knew about them."

"They?"

"There is a secret government-funded organization within the country. Only a few know about its existence and then some, including similar organizations such as S.H.I.E.L.D. and Global Justice. Their purpose is to protect this country from any and all possible threats to the country, whether within or outside."

"So there's a super secret organization dedicated to protecting and saving the world." Kim scoffed, "Like that's unusual."

"Unlike other organizations however, this one has an ulterior motive: To create the ultimate super solider. One that is indestructible, cannot be beaten, brainwashed, or destroyed. Once they have achieved this goal, there will be nothing to stop them from future endeavors."

"Such as…"

"World Domination."

Kim's eyes widened, "Are you saying that we have a secret group within our own government who are creating Mu-Types for the sake of conquering the world?" From what she's hearing, they're no better than Drakken, or W.E.E.!

"I've prayed that it wasn't the case, but it appears to be so. And now they're moving onto experimenting on civilians, particularly Kids."

Kim couldn't believe what she was hearing, but it was starting to make sense. The jawbreakers Julius brought to Marcella's party. The random transformations! What's happened to the cheer squad! All of this just for some government experiment! "T-those… those monsters! We can't let them get away with it! Why don't you just go public with this?"

"We're never able to obtain enough evidence. As soon as they're done, they clean up all loose ends quickly, eliminating anyone who might know the bare minimum! Also, if we did go public, Helix would have any and all Mu-Type subjects be killed, just to destroy the evidence."

Kim blinked at the name, "Helix? As in Professor Lorenzo Helix?"

"I'm afraid so…" Burgess sighed, "I've never thought a man of his stature and principals would turn out to be that kind of person, as much as I personally admired him."

This wasn't setting well with Kim at all. This was the guy who was working with her mom! "He arrived in Middleton not too long ago, looking to help with the outbreak of Mu-Types, as well as working on developing a cure."

"It seems that he has since worked on his deceptive skills…" Burgess reached into his coat pocket. "From his track record, I doubt he'll be helping anyone or anything. And as for the cure…" Pulling out his hand, it was gripped on a vial of an orange-colored liquid.

Kim felt the potion placed in her hands, "Is this-"

"You are correct Miss Possible. This is all we have left of the one thing that can cure those who have been cursed with this illness."

"B-but I thought Dr. Helix said it was-"

"Lost?" He finished. "Despite what he and his associates would have you believe, we were fortunate to save this very last vial."

Kim wasn't sure if she could believe this. Helix seemed to be a good man, but to have this many skeletons in the closet… Can you trust anyone these days? "But he said that he was working to recover the cure."

"More lies, I imagine. If anything he'd create something that would do little effect, if not further the mutation even further. He'd most likely look to make a profit out of this, to fund even more of his nefarious schemes.

"I've already did a scan on the vial! From the lack of abnormal or harmful substances, I say that he's telling the truth!" Wade spoke through the Kimmunicator.

"WADE!?" Quickly shutting off the Kimmunicator, Kim hastily placed it back into her pocket.

"You fool!" Burgess snapped, "You're putting this entire operation in jeopardy with that stunt! What if there were spies among us?"

"Sorry…" Kim apologized, "My Webmaster tends to be a bit prying at times…"

"Never mind… The fact of the matter is that vial is all that we have left of the cure. And it must be protected at all costs.

"I understand…" Kim nodded, her resolve growing. The more she hears, the more it begins to make since. There have been reports of strange mutations ever since David Brendan's death, and nothing was seriously done until last weekend. Then Helix shows up? And if Wade was able to confirm that the cure was the real deal, then who knew what else could Helix be lying about? "Tell me Doctor, what do you need for me to do?"

"I've heard that he would be working with your mother on the matter of the outbreak, as well as developing the so-called cure. There isn't much that we could do for now in our current position, as Helix holds all the cards. However, it wouldn't hurt to keep watch on him. Therefore, if you're willing to, I would like for you to become my eyes and ears. I cannot leave this facility, or it would give away my position. Helix' men have been after me for months, not to mention the very vial you're holding." He takes the vial from the teen's hands, "I can't let it stay in your custody, as we are still in need of this until we're successfully able to make an exact duplicate. Then we'll truly be able to help those who have been infected by the Xenocide's curse."

"I'll do what I can."

"Thank you Miss Possible!" Burgess blinked, "Oh, and there's one more thing I should warn you about."

Kim blinked, "One more?"

"It's more of a person, actually. Now that you are involved in this, there is a chance you'll run into a very powerful Mu-Type. He calls himself X."

"X?"

"An Elemental Mu-Type. Ice Elemental, to be exact. Most likely he'll be out doing Helix' dirty work.

"An Elemental Mu-Type of ice…" Her eyes widened in realization. "Oh my god… Last weekend I think I saw him!"

"Y-you saw him!?"

"More like fought him. He broke into Middleton Labs, looking for something." Kim stated, her suspicions confirmed. She knew he was up to something…

Worry crept into Burgess' face, "Then it's worse than I realized. If X has been deployed, that means…"

"Don't worry Dr. Burgess. X may've caught me off guard before, but this time I'll be ready for him."

"I hope you are Kim. It would be a shame if anything happened to you."

"No big! I've taken on much bigger threats. You just work on the cure! I'll deal with X." She sighed, "Then we can focus on helping everyone."

"Together, we will bring peace to not just Middleton, but to the entire world."

Hearing those words, Kim turned on a heel as she headed towards the door. A lot was on her mind, but she knew one thing for certain: X, that masked man, she will be meeting him again. And this time, he would not escape her so easily. She knew he was suspicious, but being a part of a secret conspiracy to create super soldiers?

As he watched Kim leave the building, Burgess gave a soft smile. Everything was going well and accordingly. And if there was any hope, X would be taken out of the picture. Once and for all…

Middleton Space Center – Parking Area

With a sigh, James Possible walked into the parking zone. It took everything within him not to lash out in that meeting. He knew that times were rough, but did they really have to postpone other projects in order to put more focus on that one? Vivian did not like this at all. He knew she was right in the middle of a breakthrough, but now all of that would have to be put on the backburner for now…

His thoughts drifted towards Anne, and the new responsibilities she would take at the MMC. Now she'll have to be around those… things… It wasn't as if he wanted them to be locked up, it's just that he was worried for his wife. Dealing with the likes of Lipsky was one thing. But from what he's saw in the news and what Kimmy-Cub has told him about the other day at school, he was worried. Those "Mu-Type" people have proven themselves to be quite a danger, and if it wasn't for the fact that Kim could handle herself, he'd consider having her home-schooled. He scoffed at himself, he could trust her to save the world, but not when it came to boys. …Well, except Ron. But he wasn't really a boy, as far as he was concerned. Hell, he even managed to get to know Josh better, and he still had his suspicions about him.

He sighed as he approached a brown car, he really did have letting go issues… Now all he wanted to do was to head home, enjoy Anne's cooking, and put the day behind him. However, it would be put on hold…

"Dr. James Possible, right?"

His eyes widened as he saw a masked figured covered in black, sitting in the lotus position on top of the car as his blue scarf flew to the side with the wind. "C-can I help you?"

"Actually, it's not about what you can do for me. But rather… Actually, it's pretty much about what you can do for me. Answering a few questions to be exactly…"

His eyes narrowed, not exactly willing to be intimidated, "Are you one of Kimmy-Cub's supervillains she-"

"Ignoring the funny nickname… Who I am isn't exactly the important. What happened here 20 years ago, rather, is more important. Bigger than you, bigger than me, bigger than President's inauguration! Yeah, it's that important."

"So what is it that you want to know 20 years ago?" James reached back for his cell phone. He didn't know who this person was, but he wasn't going to take chances…

"For one, there was an explosion that went off during a demonstration of a new type of rocket fuel. An explosion that cost many people their lives! Seeing that you've been here long enough to see it all, I was hoping that you had some more info…"

James closed his eyes, it was all coming back. That fateful day… "It was during my first week at the Space Center. I was given the assignment of presenting a new type of rocket fuel to the board of directors. If it was a success, we would've been given a large grand for immediate reproduction. When it was tested on a new hover jet we've built, then it happened. The explosion went off instantly, destroying the jet and anyone else around with it. I was the only one who survived. It took a miracle for me to save my career. All the fire marshal found were traces of foreign substances within the thrusters of what was left of the hover jet…"

"Xenocide…"

Turning around, James looked towards the building of his workplace, "It's just… Anne and I, we were planning to start a family. We planned on buying a new house after a few paychecks. But with my career possibly in shambles and her just graduating from Med school, we had to make sure we had a source of income."

'Amazing…' He thought to himself, 'All signs point to Xenocide, but he shows no sign of being a Mu-Type… I'll have to investigate further…' He turned focus back to the veteran rocket scientist. "On the explosion, do you have any enemies who would try something like this? Maybe a rival company, employee, or someone who possibly had feelings for your wife?"

James' eyes widened, "My wife?"

"Just trying to cover all possibilities, Doc. Jealousy is a strong motivation, y'know.

"There are our competitors in Upperton, but an act such as this would be beneath them. As for against me personally, none really comes to mind…" He blinked, remembering more recent events, "Wait, there is one person I used to know. Though it's been years since I've last seen him… But no, not even he would stoop this-" As he turned around, he saw the figure that was seated on the roof of his car was gone. "…low…"

Sighing, he decided it was best to just get in the car and go home before anything else could happen, "And I thought Kim was the one who attracted the strange ones…"

Next Chapter: Hope confides in Tara as news at home ignites Kim's resolve to stop X.

Chapter 12: Resolve and Rebuild! Kim's Vow!