Disclaimer: Disney owns all their characters and I am playing with them for fun, feedback and LOVE nothing else. Please leave me LOVE and reviews and thank you, enjoy Irual

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Launchpad looked in the mirror and grinned at his reflection. He wasn't usually too concerned with how he looked, but given the weird behavior of the mayor this afternoon and how energetically people had embraced them as the celebrities of the moment at the charity event this afternoon; he figured that taking a minute to make sure that his scarf was clean couldn't hurt. At least this time it WAS his reflection he saw which didn't happen nearly as often as it used to.

It hadn't escaped his attention that Mintaka and Lucidia were in town either, and undoubtedly that meant there was definitely a lot more going on than even DW had thought. Hopefully, Morgana and DW would be able to handle any more surprises that were thrown at them tonight without causing themselves anymore trouble. That announcement in front of the Mayor and the press certainly hadn't been cleared ahead of time. Griz had nearly choked on his tongue keeping quiet when that bombshell had hit the press. Benji and her press team had managed to clear a background for Morgana; how they had gotten a hold of Council-head Bellarmine so quickly AND gotten the revised information to Griz, Launchpad didn't know even though he was grateful things had been worked out. At least this way the only problems would be from Drake's civilian side.

Launchpad's grin got a little wider as he heard Drake behind him, the days event's had already been a lot more exhausting than they had anticipated but DW wasn't letting his fatigue slow him down much. Gosalyn was determined to keep up and she was chivying Honker into his clean costume even though the slightly built duckling clearly wanted to sit down. It was almost six thirty and their handler 'Mr. Jenkins' was already waiting at the hotel; but DW refused to be hurried. He had carefully checked Quiverwing and Bolt's costume's and made sure they had all their equipment just in case; and LP had checked Darkwing's so now there were only a few last minute details to see to.

Drake smiled at Honker and handed him a tall glass of one of Morgana's fruit and vegetable juice concoctions. Eagerly Honker sipped the cold juice and smiled gratefully at Mr. Darkwing as he corralled Gosalyn and forcibly made her take the other glass.

Reassuringly Drake said, "Gos, we won't leave until we are ready no matter what the Mayor wants. I want you to be alert so I need you to drink this, Morgana put a lot of thought into these drinks, all you can taste is the fruit I promise."

Gosalyn demanded as she drank some of the juice, "Oh yeah? Where's yours then Dad?"

Morgana smiled and swept gracefully up to her mallard, "its right here Gosalyn dear. I have already made Launchpad one too. It's over on the counter Launchpad."

Sipping her own glass meaningfully, Morg handed Drake his juice and watched with a happy, satisfied expression as he drank the energy and nutrients down. Apparently this was one of the recipes Dark's body found easy to tolerate since he gave no sign of hesitation even though this was his second glass. Archie noticed this too and sent a message to the Quackmoronicon to keep this recipe handy so Morgana could duplicate it and try variations as they were needed.

Dark was actually trying much harder to be open minded about the Monster ingredients Morgana was introducing into their diets. But Archie and Eek had decided that being subtle couldn't hurt, especially since Drake's mind still held a little apprehension and his body still held the reflexive reaction to be ill. That being the case, the more…esoteric ingredients were kept in the background most of the time as were the enhancements that were likely as a result of them.

Eventually, the Mallards would acclimate to the extras and then letting Drake 'discover' that he liked and had been eating them for some time would finish healing the damage in his mind from Monoculo's nasty hex they had discovered and nullified back in February. That in turn should cure his body of most of it's problems with Monster food and all three familiars were looking forward to that. This was why Drake thought the drink was just juices. The powdered proteins, minerals, vitamins and bee pollen as well as the grated bits of marinated seeds were at present on a need to know basis and he didn't need to know…yet.

Morgana smiled at them, sent her empty glass to the kitchen area; and offered, "I think I'll change first Dark darling that way the boys and I will be ready once you have all finished your energy drinks."

Stepping behind Dark's changing screen, Morgana began summoning different outfits before settling on a deep red, floor length flared sheath skirt and bodice that contrasted beautifully with the golden Spell Chain at her throat and her family broach at the neckline of the bodice. The sleeves of her bodice ended just above her elbows and she had a matching shawl of finely woven, lacy, red silk thrown over her hair that fell enticingly across her back. It was fastened at the neckline and shoulders so it could drape gracefully even if she left it down her back and the subtle hint of veil wasn't lost on her either. Stepping from behind the screen she smiled at Dark who dropped his now empty glass and stared helplessly at his fiancée swallowing and staring. Archie thought fast and caught the glass with a web line before it broke and Eek took it to the counter giving Drake the chance to get himself together.

Very soon afterwards, Quiverwing Quack and Bolt were both boarding the Thunderquack with Launchpad while Morgana and Darkwing had a quick word here in the safety and privacy of the tower. Drake was looking a bit bashful but determined as he admitted, "I…I never expected anything like what happened this afternoon Morg. But I HAD to tell everyone that I'm yours. I couldn't let anyone think that…."

Both of them staggered as little as his Spell Chain and hers tingled. Morgana smiled as she adjusted his grey slouch hat and kissed him on the bill as she said, "I'm not a sorceress for nothing Dark, we'll find a way to keep everyone safe. I'll ask Mintaka for an illusionary compulsion to keep people from realizing that Drake and Morgana Mallard are the same as the Justice Ducks Morgana and Darkwing once we are married. That won't be a foolproof solution, but no one who means us harm will make the connection, not for a while anyway."

Helping her into the plane Drake blushed again as Gosalyn grinned and muttered, "Smooth Dad real smooth."

Ignoring the embarrassment on his best friend's face, Launchpad activated the underwater elevator that would enable the plane to rise out of the bay and grinned, "Next stop the Astoria Hotel, and if it's anything like this afternoon I'd better be ready with one of my BEST crashes."

Drake sighed and asked, "How about a landing instead of a crash LP?"

Laughing embarrassedly Launchpad stuttered, "Heh, he, heh…oh yeah…that's what I meant."

Nodding, Darkwing agreed and grabbed for the crash holds, "OF course it is Launchpad. Whoa!"

Gosalyn and Bolt were securely strapped in so they just giggled as Morgana held onto extra straps on her harness Launchpad had added to the back seat of the jet as the plane went into a barrel roll and corkscrew spin before straightening out to arch over the city.

---

Scrooge McDuck smiled grimly to himself as Duckworth pulled up to the Astoria Hotel in St. Canard. Glomgold Flintheart had been a HUGE pain in the tail feathers at last months meeting of the Adventurer's Society. His rival's not so veiled glee and the disturbing rumors that were floating around had Scrooge worried and NOT for his reputation as the richest duck in the world. He was actually worried for his reputation as a square dealer and honest business duck.

If what Scrooge suspected was true, he was going to have to be bold, swift, careful and subtle to come out of this with his reputation and fortune intact. Fortunately, he thrived on adversity and this charity event gave Scrooge a good excuse to come to St. Canard and do a little personal investigating without letting anything slip in case his rivals' spies were more effective than usual.

As an added bonus, openly supporting Darkwing meant he'd have the chance to invite Launchpad, the little Lass and her father to the estate for the weekend. Webbigail had been ecstatic over her newfound personal friendship with Gosalyn Mallard and STILL spoke with delight over their camping trip as Jr. Woodchucks. She had begged for the chance to have Gosalyn visit Duckburg and in honesty, Scrooge rather hoped the Mallard's would take him up on his offer for reasons of his own.

NOT that he'd admit it of course, but after that whole sorted affair back in May Scrooge had taken rather a shine to the duck behind the purple mask and flamboyant cape. Anyone who could unite so many different people to his cause had a lot more going for him than just bravado and conceit…. Given Darkwing's performance at the bin as a crime fighter, his intelligence, leadership and data analysis skills; Scrooge had pretty much decided that Darkwing's dubious media reputation MUST have been some kind of attempt to get people to underestimate him.

Evidently, someone somewhere had decided that it was time to end the ruse. Looking outside the limo Scrooge noticed the billboards showcasing Darkwing and his exploits and this turned his thoughts to his memories of the warehouse in Duckburg and the capture of that strange rooster.

Even before seeing career criminals and creatures from legends acting in concert to help save Darkwing, Morgana and the others; Scrooge's instincts had been more than a bit confused over the caped crime fighter. After meeting Darkwing in person, Scrooge had known something was off about his reputation in the media but…evidently the reality of his life was even more outlandish than his fighting style.

Scrooge shifted uncomfortably in his seat as he contemplated the enigma of Darkwing and Negaduck. Being present when the Mage-born had done their work had been an eye-opening experience, make no mistake. Even though Scrooge was more open minded than many, it had been Negaduck's forthright acceptance of the Mage-born's power and his unflinching acceptance of what had been done to the Hero's and what he had to do to save them that had impressed the old billionaire the most. With the selfishness of most criminals, and the fact all five of the Fearsome Five had been facing serious charges and high security incarceration; the fact that Negaduck had willingly helped Darkwing had been something no one outside the Mage-born had expected.

That combined with the reality of Darkwing's unstinting support of his family, including Negaduck had made more than just the billionaire duck pause…. The fact that Negaduck and Darkwing were identical twins and working on opposite sides of the law HAD come as a shock especially since Scrooge had gotten a glimpse into the complex dynamics of their relationship and seen their faces briefly before their masks had been replaced to safeguard Drake's daughter and their civilian identities.

When Darkwing had acknowledged Negaduck and the twosome had fainted, even the mage-born had been taken by surprise at the consequences; although Scrooge still hadn't figured out why having some fancy piece of jewelry involved had caused such a hullabaloo. At least he now understood why the forces of law and order were so careful to keep Negaduck's face hidden. If anyone saw him and made the connection between him and his brother they'd know what Darkwing looked like as well.

Scrooge doubted that Darkwing or Negaduck had realized he was even there at the time and he certainly wasn't going to let anything slip but he'd bet old number one that Director Hooter had taken note of his presence AND the highly dangerous information he'd become privy to. Scrooge had actually expected Director Hooter's 'request' much sooner than this. Even so, this media circus had come as more than a bit of a shock to the fairly private McDuck.

Shaking his head Scrooge put aside his doubts and fears; he didn't get where he was by starting out a project with a negative attitude OR by staying on the defensive. Even if things went bad, the ducklings, Donald, Daisy, Mrs. Beakley and Duckworth wouldn't come to harm. With the kind of backing Darkwing had, along with his deductive abilities; Darkwing would be a HUGE help. If Drake could be convinced to subcontract his special skills; Scrooge would be a step closer to an equitable solution to his problems.

All it would take was the right deal, and deals were Scrooge McDuck's specialty…well that and making maximum profit from minimum investment. Admittedly, Scrooge would NEVER let his insider knowledge slip he had his own secrets after all. However, he had already known about Drake's little girl, and a clandestine search of the school data base for St. Canard's elementary school age population had narrowed the possibilities considerably as had digital comparison to the security files from the bin.

Scrooge shook his head at the memory of what had happened after that. Scrooge realized now of course that he had been a little naïve as far as the reaction he'd gotten to his prying. Once he'd found out her last name and Drake's he'd received a very genteel and restrained visit from a HUGE and fairly intimidating grizzly bear of a sentient who had carted him bodily to the Aviary and, a meeting with Director Hooter. In honesty, they had crossed paths before, but that meeting had put the mild seeming owl in another category entirely.

In place of the bureaucratic, politically astute administrator had been a truly efficient and ruthless security agent and the old duck had to admit he'd been impressed. That was when they had reached their understanding and Scrooge had agreed to ignore his dislike of Mayor Minya and come out of the closet so to speak in support of yet another multi-layered masked Hero.

Of course Gizmoduck was actually his employee first and a government operative second while Darkwing was a government operative first and a private contractor second, but that didn't have to be an issue. Drake was a good and decent duck just like Fenton and Scrooge knew how rare it was to find people like that and he wasn't going to chance wasting this opportunity.

As long as Scrooge was careful to make certain there weren't any conflicts of interests for Drake or Darkwing there shouldn't be any problems from S.H.U.S.H.. This whole coming out thing was being orchestrated by them after all. Turning his attention outward Scrooge tapped his cane on the glass partition and Duckworth hit the switch to lower the glass.

Speaking gruffly to hide his discomfort over the situation he was in Scrooge said, "What's the holdup Duckworth? Wasted time is wasted money you know."

Duckworth was his usual unflappable self and calmly replied, "Very good Mr. McDuck. The television crews are being cleared from the traffic pattern now."

Easing his way forward, Duckworth pulled up to the VIP entrance of the Astoria hotel and let Scrooge out as the beleaguered doorman opened the entrance to usher the billionaire inside.

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Fenton Crackshell was a very happy duck. He felt as though he could fly even though his webbed feet were still firmly on the ground. His beloved Gandra had accepted his marriage proposal! Now a modest, sparkling, diamond solitaire shown in the light from the lampposts that were just coming on in the park from her ring finger. They walked hand in hand as he escorted her home before shyly pausing on her doorstep.

Before he could pull away Gandra kissed him soundly and whispered, "Oh Fenton, I am the happiest duck in the world. I know we have a lot to talk over, but I can't be late for work and your M'ma will be worried so I'll see you tomorrow alright?"

Fenton tightened his hold on Gandra and returned her kiss ardently before agreeing, "Gandra, you are the world's most generous, loving female. M'ma won't mind waiting for a few more minutes…can I please come in?"

Thoroughly taken aback at his forwardness Gandra started to object until she saw the solemn look in his eyes.

As they ducked inside she saw her beau drop a tiny cube on the floor and shut the door. Gently he whispered, "It's alright Gandra, that is a white noise generator. I'll take it with me when I leave but I couldn't wait to give you this."

Smiling warmly he handed her a dainty, femininely styled, black and purple cel phone and quietly explained it's functions and the emergency settings before kissing her passionately, blushing and hurrying home. Gandra smiled dreamily and shut the door securely after him before seeing the tiny cube still beside the door jam.

Smiling to herself she turned off the cube before tucking it into her purse. She could slip it to Fenton tomorrow at the money bin. Tonight, she wanted to call her dad and tell him the news.

Humming to herself she programmed her daddy's private line into the secure memory chip and hit speed dial, "Hello…Daddy, He FINNALLY asked me! I am SOOO happy…. I understand, I'll bring him to meet you this week. I'm kind of scared and excited. He's the most wonderful duck in the world I KNOW you'll love him once you meet him."

Faintly a familiar voice could be heard answering her, "As long as he treats you right Gandra baby. My job cost me your mother and your childhood but I won't let it come between us anymore. I'm sure your young man is just as wonderful as you say. Benji, inform our team of operatives that I am on the way to the Astoria hotel as soon as I finish this call."

Gandra smiled knowingly and added, "I know you Daddy. Just because I've never had him to meet you doesn't mean you haven't already had him investigated. The only thing this will do is let my fiancé meet my dad face to face."

Her dad chuckled and admitted, "Even so that's important too and I have been looking forward to meeting him for quite some time. You wouldn't want to ruin one of the few perks a dad has for putting up with a daughter's boyfriends would you?"

Laughing lightly Gandra replied, "I won't ruin your fun daddy. I know you're busy with things there so I'll let you go. I love you."

"I love you too my darling girl, I am very happy for you and I promise not to scare him off, unless he hurts you."

Those who knew James G. Hooter would have been surprised at the uncharacteristic emotion in his tone as he added that last bit but Gandra had always known how much her father loved both her and her mother and his only half joking threat was something she actually understood very well. Gandra shook her head and hung up the phone, Fenton wasn't the only one with secrets but at least now things could come out in the open…as much as having a dad who ran a semi secret government intelligence agency could come out anyway.

---

Isis Vanderchill watched the doorway eagerly, she had spent the last year in S.H.U.S.H. custody and thanks to Sarah Bellum's experimental, thermal generator that was now built into the bracelet fastened permanently on her right wrist, she had become a law abiding citizen and regular fixture in the social spotlight once again. Isis hadn't forgotten the handsome and mysterious crime fighter who had stopped her plan to coat St. Canard in gold, but since she was warm now; she didn't hold a grudge. On the contrary, she was actually grateful and from the footage she had seen of his appearance at the park he was still as intriguing as ever…even if he WAS spoken for now.

Amelia Vanderpelt had had more than a few doubt's about the wisdom of allowing her niece to interact with Darkwing Duck again but so far the only problem was that the star attraction was running later than the mayor. The main ballroom of the Astoria was now filled with a large selection of the biggest movers and shakers in St. Canard. Most of them were looking more than a bit bored as Mayor Minya tried to engage Scrooge McDuck yet another of his 'discussions' about how cost effective his administration was and what a good climate for entrepreneurs he had created in St. Canard and it's surrounding areas.

Scrooge on the other hand looked irritated as he barely acknowledged the mayor. It was nearly six thirty and in spite of his agreement with Director Hooter; he was loosing patience with, this trivial conversation AND this fundraiser. Looking past Mayor Minya Scrooge saw Director Hooter standing quietly near the stage and moved toward the podium.

James Hooter was connected with his command by the ear bug he wore. Thanks to Benji and Griz he knew the team he had assigned to this event were covering everything from media control to security and so far there was no sign of trouble but that wasn't really as comforting as it could have been. He also knew that Darkwing was on his way, but the crowd was showing signs of restlessness and Scrooge had a distinctly irritated look in his eye.

Just as he started to go to Mayor Minya and Scrooge to orchestrate serving hors d'oeuvre's and seating for cocktails, there was a plume of blue smoke beside Mrs. Vanderpelt. Security buzzed his ear piece and began checking for anything unexpected but all they reported was the Thunderquack securely settled on the helipad of the hotel parking garage but none of the teams of agents had seen the group of HERO's operatives move from the garage to the hotel.

The crowd gasped in anticipation and surged a little towards the plump matron as an unmistakable voice stated, "I am the terror that flaps in the night, I am the charitable donation that enables you to qualify for a lower tax bracket. I am Darkwing Duck!"

The smoke cleared to show the caped and masked crime fighter posing beside Mrs. Vanderpelt along with his faithful sidekick. Mayor Minya looked relived and annoyed as he moved toward the stage. He was behind Isis Vanderchill and several other large ladies and he had to be careful how he moved past them since the crowd was now snuggly packed much closer to the hero who was shaking hands and smiling and looking photogenic as people took pictures.

Hooter silenced the chatter in his ear piece and glanced around. Being toward the back of the crowd was an advantage in some ways, in spite of his short stature he could easily see the stage from back here. As Darkwing and Launchpad continued to speak to members of the crowd, Hooter looked around alertly and saw a tall, charismatic figure step away from a slightly shadowed corner by some decorative drapes.

As he watched two much smaller figures followed her and he smiled a little realizing that Darkwing had split them up in case his entrance was sabotaged. James felt a certain warmth in his chest as he realized that the cautious chat he'd had with Drake over the cell connection earlier on HAD gotten through to the younger operative. Drake was definitely progressing well in spite of his love for the kinds of ego stroking this sort of thing was.

The only shadow over this whole thing was that G.E.E.K. still couldn't trace the sabotage of the secure lines and no one was any closer to discovering who had set them up to tout Darkwing as the newest media darling of the tri state area. There was even rumbling at the national level although the fact that Gizmoduck was on the same team had helped there. None of the federal level objectors could deny how useful Gizmoduck's international appeal had been before now and since they were on the same team only one set OF HERO's operatives was compromised. Sighing Hooter moved to greet Morgana and smile reassuringly to the two Jr. HERO's.

Morgana Macabre moved deeper into the room to greet Director Hooter, as she offered him a hand he looked relieved to see her and the children. Formally she admitted, "We weren't about to risk Dark and Launchpad alone in case someone interfered with this event, but Dark insisted that we spilt up so I took the children with me. We will do our best not to cause any more trouble Director, but…."

She glanced up at the stage as her Spell Chain tingled and she felt a jolt of startled shock from Dark. Uncertain as to what had caused his reaction Morgana tried to get her thoughts back in order as she saw Scrooge McDuck firmly shaking Dark's hand and talking animatedly with Launchpad.

Resolutely turning her attention to the back of the crowd, some of whom had noticed them; Morgana sent Eek to hide on Dark while she spoke pleasantly to these people. Their goodwill would go a long way toward thwarting Mayor Minya's plots, these were people who influenced lawmakers here and if they liked her and Dark….

Quiverwing and Bolt stood proudly at attention as James greeted them and asked seriously, but with a faint twinkle in his eye, "I take it you two are acting as part of Darkwing's backup team with Miss Macabre then?"

---

A transcontinental flight from Cape Suzette was winging it's way toward Los Angles as a plump, taller than average duck in an expensive suit jacket and t shirt made a call from the plane's built in phone system. He was flying first class but something about him said he wasn't interested in the other passengers and considered the amenities to be his just due.

Granted, he had paid for his ticket and was entitled to his seat and all that it entailed, but the pretty pup of a girl acting as stewardess for first class had been particularly disturbed by the duck's nasty attitude and comments about her looks and uniform. After serving him his cocktail she had been all to glad to retreat to her seat and wait for the other stewardess' to come up from coach, but she could still hear his conversation as he spoke into the phone.

His brown eyes were cold and calculating as he spoke to whoever had answered the phone, "This is Frank Muddlefoot, I am on the way and I'll be landing in LA tonight and I'll expect a meeting tomorrow. Fine I'll hold…."

His expression turned from demanding to just unpleasant as his voice went down a few decibels and he continued, "Yessir…I know my business and I have the things you need but I expect more compensation and I won't stand being shorted, this is more than you…."

Hanging up the phone he fumed a while longer before taking a small object from his pocket and fondling it before tucking the little thing back into an inner pocket of his jacket.

Frank Muddlefoot's irritation faded as his hand brushed his wallet and he pulled out a photo of his brother Herb. Beside him was the lovely Binkie, even after all this time she was still beautiful…how she could have chosen his jock of a brother over him was still a mystery. His eyes took on an even more hungry look as he gazed on their sons, his namesake Franklin was getting to be a teenager now but fortunately Honker was undersized and still appealing.

The photos and files on the thumb drive he had taken would pay his bills for the next few months even with out the bonus he was going to demand from that skinflint Glomgold. That would give him time to indulge in his favorite hobby and spend some quality time with his family.

He glanced up and saw the frightened look on the stewardess' face and realized he was giving too much away with his expression. Quickly pasting on a neutral look and tilting his seat back, Frank settled in for the rest of the flight. He would catch a connecting flight to St. Canard and his meeting with Glomgold.

Once he landed in LA he'd call his brother's house and make arrangements for a little personal visit. Maybe he'd get lucky and Herb would be out again and he'd get to chat with Binkie. He knew he needed to intimidate Franklin and have the boy keep Honker quiet, but soon he wouldn't have to worry about dealing with Herb; Binkie and the boys would be HIS and everything would be perfect.

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Okay first of all let me say I blatantly borrowed the idea for Gandra being James Hooter's daughter from a really great fic called Guardian by Borgqn and this story is AWESOME. She hasn't updated in a while but her story is on my faves and I think anyone who want's a truly slam bang example of how to write the triplets should read this. Actually all the characters in her story are spot on as far as I can tell and I SO hope she updates soon but she is studying to be a nurse and that is of course more important but… IF you happen to read this my friend then keep in mind that I am still a fan girl of yours!

That being said I hope those of you who are reading this are enjoying what I am posting and that this fic is a good read all in itself and that it is serving it's purpose in setting up the fics I am going to post that happen next. Please feel free to e mail me at irual comcast . net without the spaces. Or private message me. My e mail link on my profile seems to malfunction unfortunately and I am not sure why but the private messages work fine and as you all can tell I live for feedback

Also cookies and my dog but that's another story entirely, thank you for reading and I'll try and post again soon. Your friend Irual