All Things Probable IV
Graduation

Kim Possible is owned/copyrighted by Disney and its affiliates, etc. etc.

Chapter 24
Every Loose Ends

Rhonda held tightly to Grimm's hand as they jogged across the land towards the city of Metropolis. As glad as they were to be reunited, and as flush as they were with their impossible escape from the Lorwardian ship, they didn't allow themselves the indulgence of resting. Warhok and BattleF'yuri may have been defeated, but they were only two of the enemy forces. The walker attacks were still taking place across the Earth, and in orbit beyond their reach was the massive Lorwardian fleet, still unfought.

And without the bike, they had lost their means to continue Rhonda's plan of taking out the alien ships which were leading the assault against Metropolis. 'How far, Jade?' Grimm said. They were all sweating and breathless, especially Maze, who followed behind them, wheezing heavily.

'Still a mile or two.' said Jade through the communicator. 'Do I need to ask why you aren't just magically popping over into the city, like you popped off from the ship?'

Rhonda winced. They had tried that of course. But the miraculous means by which they had used the power of the Great Bear to phase from one location to another was outside her grasp again. 'I guess... old GBS doesn't think it's necessary.' she gasped. She could see the walkers in the distance, like monstrous spiders pushing into the city. But she could also see occasional blue flashes - which she was sure were from members of the Blackfoot tribe, fighting them off.

'Not necessary?' Jade said, and Rhonda could sense Jade's eye roll without needing to see it.

'Yeah, I know.' Rhonda said. 'But the way things have gone so far... We just have to trust him. We've had help when we needed it most, there must be something that has to happen before it kicks in again I guess.'

'Or maybe it's not working because something has happened.' Grimm said. He was thinking about his experience on the bridge with BattleF'yuri, and everything that had happened afterwards. He was used to playing games, and thinking a few steps ahead of his opponents. And he had a strange feeling like he, and Rhonda, Maze, Team Possible, and everyone else - were all pieces on a board in a game that the Great Bear, and even the Mystical Monkey, were playing to try and help save the Earth from this storm. Though in his own case, Grimm felt more like a marble inside a gigantic Goldberg style machine, being rolled around from place to place.

'Otaatoyiwa's words hold insight... for once...' Maze panted, and it sounded like the effort of their trek was making it hard for him to maintain the usual disdain in his voice. 'If his power is not coming to us easily anymore - as seems to be the case... then it may be that he has accomplished... his designs from us... at least... for now.'

'I hope so.' Rhonda puffed. 'Because from where I'm standing? It doesn't look like we're winning all of a sudden.'

'May not look like it.' Grimm said. 'But after everything I've just been through? I've learned there's more going on than meets the eye.'

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In the office room set apart from the bridge on his ship, BattleSkaar watched the communication screen go blank. The black of the screen mirrored what he was feeling, having just finished a conversation with the Supreme Military Council back on Lorwardia. He had just been commissioned with new orders which were sure to be met with shock and disbelief from the troops, but which it was now his duty to carry out.

He slowly made his way out onto the bridge, the automatic doors hissing open in front of him, then snapping shut behind him. A wash of roars and stamping met his ears. The bridge crew were raising an enormous ruckus, and he caught many of the things they were shouting.

'We will avenge General Warhok!' shouted one. 'The Earthers will pay for what they have done!'

'If the human is that strong,' said another, 'Then it will be an honor to test our strength against his!'

'He was only one!' said another voice, 'But we are legions! He will be overpowered and defeated!'

Sor'dClash came and stood dutifully beside his command chair as BattleSkaar sat heavily down and tented his fingers, listening to the troops for a few moments as they carried on. Sor'dClash cleared his throat. 'The walkers which were under BattleF'yuri's command are continuing their encroachments into the human city.' he said. 'Their resistance continues to weaken. It will not be long before the humans are completely overrun.'

BattleSkaar made no answer, not even a sidelong glance.

'And, as you no doubt can hear, our troops await only your order to hunt down and destroy the human who defeated General Warhok.' There was a pointed silence, except for the shouts among the exuberant troops. 'What... are your orders, BattleSkaar?' he said nervously.

At last, BattleSkaar glanced to both sides, as if wondering whether what he said next should be overheard. But it was doubtful that anything they said would carry over the continuous din. 'I have just been given command of the entire Earth invasion force.' he said with a low growl. 'The appointment came at the behest of the full Military Council.'

Sor'dClash smiled and nodded. 'Congratulations, Commander WarSkaar.' he said, but BattleSkaar shook his head.

'I have not been promoted in rank.' he said. 'The Council has made clear that this is a temporary situation while they... evaluate new events which are transpiring on Lorwardia.'

'We await their commands.' said Sor'dClash with a small bow.

'The orders are... to withdraw.' BattleSkaar answered through gritted teeth.

Sor'dClash blinked. 'What was that again, my leader?' he said. 'I believe I must have mis-heard...'

'Your ears do not deceive you.' BattleSkaar said. 'The Council has deemed that we have suffered too many losses, that the expenditure of resources has... exceeded the allotment given for this campaign. And that the campaign itself has taken too long, with too little progress to justify carrying it any further.'

'They are worried about the costs?' Sor'dClash said. 'What about the cost of this being perceived as a victory for Earth? A defeat for Lorwardia?'

BattleSkaar let out one mirthless chuckle. 'The Council has considered it, and said those concerns are of... lesser importance.'

Sor'dClash was dumbstruck. 'What could possibly be of greater importance than the strength and stability of the Lorwardian military?'

'The stability of the Lorwardian Empire itself.' BattleSkaar answered. 'There is unrest at home. So much, that even the Military Council is now... afraid.'

'How can this be?' Sor'dClash breathed.

'It was BattleF'yuri's doing.' BattleSkaar growled. 'He broadcast the invasion to demonstrate our power to the masses back home. Now all of Lorwardia has seen our mightiest general - defeated by the Great Blue!'

'Then... you believe that puny human is the Great Blue?' said Sor'dClash.

BattleSkaar shook his head, covering his good eye. 'Whether he is or not, it no longer matters.' he said. 'All that matters now is the people believe he was. Reports are already coming in from Lorwardia. The peasants have taken Warhok's defeat as a sign, and believe what was said, that the time has come to throw off the perceived bonds of the military class.'

'Throw off...? Do you mean...'

'Yes.' BattleSkaar grumbled. 'Revolution.'

Sor'dClash stood with his mouth open, the skin around his face turning a much paler green. 'Surely... one short broadcast could not have caused such an uproar in so short a time!' he said in a low voice.

'And yet it has.' BattleSkaar snarled. 'I am not so foolish as to think it was merely seeing Warhok's defeat which caused this. This movement has been brewing among the people for some time - we were sent to conquer Earth partly to forestall it, by demonstrating our might. But now Warhok's blunder, and the words of the Great Blue seem to have been the tipping points which spurred the people to action at last.'

Sor'dClash cast his eyes about, sounding suddenly short of breath. 'We can stop it.' he said anxiously. 'We can complete the invasion and show the masses we are still victorious!'

BattleSkaar waved him to silence, and clenched his fist on the console of his command chair. 'In response to the revolt, the Military Council has recalled the fleet. If we stay? We will be cut off from all supplies and support. They have ordered all extra-planetaryforces to return to Lorwardia immediately, to bolster their influence during these domestic disputes. They are outnumbered by the people and protestors, by at least a thousand to one. The people have already organized and appointed leaders, who have sufficient influence that the Military Council has had no choice but to open negotiations.'

'Leaders?' sniffed Sor'dClash. 'From among the working class? Who would dare...'

'General WarWeery has come out of retirement and sided with the revolutionaries.' said BattleSkaar with narrowed eyes. 'The Council is saying they have never seen him so galvanized.'

'We still have the ships and the numbers.' Sor'dClash said. 'Earth cannot prevail - if we continue to attack we will overpower them and...'

'And what?' BattleSkaar hissed. 'Live here? On this forsaken ball of mud? The only purpose for the invasion was so our great departed Warhok and his battle-mate could have another conquest to their names! Conquering this world now will do nothing to quell those on Lorwardia who have seen him fall - to a mere boy.'

Sor'dClash stood silent for some time. 'What shall we do?' he said, and his voice seemed smaller somehow.

BattleSkaar also waited some time before answering. 'We have only two real choices left.' he said, and his voice was deadly cold. 'Return to Lorwardia and follow the orders of the Military Council - or side with the peasants and join the revolt.'

Sor'dClash lowered his eyes. 'Which shall it be?' he said.

BattleSkaar did not answer. Instead he remained silent in his chair on the bridge, his fingers tented. At least, one of the Fights from across the bridge called out. 'Sir!' he shouted. 'The walker drones under Warhok's command have all been destroyed, along with his ship! What are your orders?'

Again, there was heavy silence.

'Sir?' the Fight called out again, sounding anxious.

BattleSkaar rose to his feet. 'Recall all of our ships!' he called out. 'The Military Council has declared that this pointless campaign is over. We are returning to Lorwardia.'

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The streets just inside of Metropolis were in turmoil. Lorwardian walkers had breached the defensive lines and were plowing through the streets, destroying any buildings that were still standing. Some were even knocking down the charred frameworks of buildings that had already burned down. The citizens still inside the city were fleeing away from the combat zones, while the National Guard and their remaining vehicles were firing uselessly at their armored attackers.

Amidst the sound and the fury, the Blackfoot tribe were the only ones who still seemed able to take down any of the attacking machines. Their weapons, blessed by the power of the Great Bear, were still destroying them as best they could. But they were hopelessly outnumbered, and the attack seemed relentless.

Chief Sakituya was puffing where he stood in a shattered street. All the buildings around him had been leveled. Corey Proudheart had slashed the legs out from another walker, and quickly retreated towards Sakituya for protection under his spiritual dome. Laser blasts from other walkers sang away from his shield, allowing refuge for his people to regroup and plan out their next attacks.

But he was tired. He had never felt so tired. He was covered with ash and dust, kicked up by all the destruction, and each of his limbs felt like they were strapped with heavy weights. But he endured, for the only alternative was defeat.

'They're everywhere.' said Corey, and even his youthful bravado seemed to be tested by the overwhelming odds. 'And for each one we strike down, two more take its place!'

'I am sure it merely seems that way.' Sakituya answered with a weary smile. 'We must fight on!'

'I would feel better,' said Endkoodabaoo, who was also standing inside the dome, panting and puffing. 'If I knew the Priestess' plan was working.'

'If she were here, I know she would agree with our Chief.' said Corey, and he straightened up, looking ready to venture outward again into battle. He looked towards Sakituya, but the old Chief was not looking at him. He was looking away towards the edge of the combat zone, and he was smiling.

'Perhaps we could simply ask her.' he said quietly.

Corey and Endkoodabaoo followed his gaze. Past their remaining defensive lines, they could see the areas near the edge of the city. There were flashes of blue light, and several walkers were faltering, falling in pieces to the ground. Running towards them full tilt was Rhonda herself, with Rueful on her shoulder. Following behind her were Grimm and Maze. Rhonda was sending out spirit strikes and cutting through the attacking walkers.

Despite his weariness, Sakituya dashed to meet them. Several Blackfoot tribe members joined them, using their weapons to clear the way. Once they were beneath the protective field, Rhonda took Sakituya's hand, and it became brighter. Several walkers were focusing fire from their laser batteries on them, but with Rhonda's help, Sakituya felt his shield becoming stronger, and it repelled the blasts. Though it looked as if everything around them was exploding.

'Sorry we're late!' Rhonda shouted above the din. 'We uh... lost the bike.'

'Need brooks no delay, yet late is better than never.' said the Indian Chief. 'And Otaatoyiwa - we are glad to see you safe.'

Grimm looked around at the cataclysmic tumult just outside the spirit shield. 'Yeah, but safe is an objective term.'

'What of your plan?' said Endkoodabaoo, 'Are the enemy ships destroyed?'

'Some of them!' Rhonda shouted. 'And we took out the guys leading the attack. Guess they're still carrying on!'

'I confess, if the Great Bear set this as our path, I cannot see how it works to our benefit.' said Maze. He was holding his hands out as if trying to bring up his Spirit Staff.

There was a pause in the firing. They all looked out from the dome. Through a yellowish brown haze of smoke like dusty fog, they saw spiky shadowed forms surrounding them on every side. They were hemmed in by walkers.

'Any ideas?' said Rhonda, looking aside at Grimm.

Grimm shook his head. 'I don't think my head gaming's any good here.' he answered. 'But... I can't think of anyone I'd rather be charging with towards certain doom than you.' She took his hand and smiled.

Her birthmark flared again as she turned to look out at the Lorwardian machines. 'All right, guys!' she said. 'Let's make sure after this, when they're licking their wounds, they think about us!' The Blackfoot tribe all nodded and gathered behind her in formation, including Maze.

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BattleSkaar gave his orders quickly and firmly. And such was his anger that nobody questioned or challenged him. 'Recall the walkers!' he shouted. And on the bridge, every Lorwardian was hunched over their consoles, working controls. There was also a babble of softer voices all around, as communications officers contacted other ships to relay commands. 'Have the nearest capital ships descend and intercept them for redocking! Order the remaining capital ships, shuttles and fighters from BattleF'yuri's strike force pick up any stragglers from their downed vessels!'

'What about the ruined equipment?' said Sor'dClash, tapping controls on his hand communicator. 'We must not allow our technology to fall into the hands of the Earthlings.'

BattleSkaar nodded. 'And none will.' he said. 'Once all of the walkers and our ships are beyond their atmosphere, sound the self-destruct beacon!'

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Rhonda and Rueful, Grimm, and the Blackfoot tribe were tensed and hunched, prepared to charge. 'Everybody get ready with your best barbaric yawp!' Rhonda whispered.

Then there was a sudden clanking. All of the walkers surrounding them folded and retracted their legs until they looked like a forest of spikes with saucer caps. For a moment all was still. And then there was a growing roar. Smoke billowed from the base of each walker, along with a red glow. Each one rumbled, then began to rise into the air. Like a fleet of rocket ships, the walkers launched themselves into the sky. And just like that, they were gone.

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Professor Dementor and his henchmen, along with their military support, watched with open mouths as a similar scene unfolded before them. His battle suit was damaged and drained of almost all power to the point that the self-repair was out of commission. But he heaved a sigh of relief and amazement. Then looking quickly at the astonished expressions on the military troops, he stepped forward and shook a fist at the retreating walkers.

'Ja!' he shouted. 'Und let that be a lesson to all of you - that you are no match for the awesome power of Professor Dementor!'

In Go City, Electronique rose from where she had been cowering on the ground. The walkers had been right on top of them, and she was sure that their doom was only moments away. Then there had been a cacophony of roaring blasts during which she huddled with her eyes closed, expecting this to be the end. Except that the sound of the explosions seemed to be prolonged, and growing fainter. When she at last dared to open her eyes, she saw the walkers rising up and disappearing into the sky.

Moments later, Aviarus landed the weather machine with a heavy thud which snapped the landing gear. The rotors broke off a moment later, steam billowed from the engines, and the whole machine seemed to be falling apart under the strain of its prolonged and repeated use. Aviarus himself stumbled down from the boarding ladder, collapsed onto the pavement and started kissing the ground. 'Oh sweet terra firma!' he said in his high, whiney voice.

Hego stood, battered but still heroic as he looked up at the miraculous retreat of their attackers. The Wego twins stood next to him, along with a very nervous and skeptical looking Mego. 'They're running away!' said Wego1.

'Well duh.' said Mego, his sarcasm starting to edge back in past his nervousness. 'But why? They had us on the ropes.'

'Whatever the reason, we'll take it!' said Hego, smiling and clenching a fist. 'Brothers! Aviarius - Electronique - good work!'

'What did I say about using the "G" word?' Electronique muttered.

In Upperton, Mr. Matter and Frugal Lucre were the first to start smiling and sighing with relief as the attacking walkers rose up into the air, abandoning the assault. H1 and H2, looking dusty and ragged, came and stood beside them, watching their retreat.

H1 clapped a meaty hand on Mr. Matter's shoulder. 'Daaah, way to go boss!' he said. 'We knew they weren't smart enough to beat you!'

Mr. Matter started smoothing off the dust and grit on his outfit, and adjusted the goggles on his forehead. 'Well.' he said, taking in a cautious breath, 'That just shows that you're quite intelligent too, you big lunkheads.'

'Ha ha!' said Frugal Lucre, narrowing his beady eyes as he looked up. 'We pulled off a win and saved a bundle!'

The police and military who had been helping them set their traps were emerging from their trenches and other defensive lines and cheering as they looked up at the sky. 'I suppose they'll want us to help with the cleaning up now.' Mr. Matter huffed. 'They obviously can't manage anything without my brilliance. Will you stay for that?'

'Actually, I think I'll grab a ride and check Middleton.' said Frugal Lucre. 'I'm pretty sure I saw Dr. Drakken in his flying car a few minutes ago. That was when all the walkers on the East side got munched by those weird killer vines! Better make sure he's OK! What a guy!'

'Daaah, but if you leave now, you might not get any credit for helping with...' said H2, but Mr. Matter cut him off.

'No no no!' he shouted, raising his voice. 'Lucre is quite right, he should go check on his friend at once! We will stay here and make sure all the glory... I mean, cleaning is taken! I mean, taken care of.' He shook hands with Frugal Lucre. 'Best of luck to you!' he said. 'Your assistance was no small matter!'

But Frugal Lucre was already turning and haring down the street. 'Hang on, Drakken!' he shouted. 'Your number one fan is on the way!'

Motor Ed had been doing everything he could to take down walkers, with limited success. His machines were simply not as powerful as the walkers. But when he saw them retreat, he went into a mad scramble, and went around the city trying to load up as much alien material as he could from the downed walkers. He paused to do a quick riff with his air guitar. 'Yooooow!' he shouted. 'Black Friday comes early this year! Come to poppa!'

Gemini and Dr. Director watched along with everyone else, as the armies of alien machines suddenly ended the assault and took to the sky. The tumult of battle quickly transitioned from explosions and thundering, into the quiet sound of burning fires, and the wail of distant sirens.

'This is... unexpected.' said Gemini. 'Is it over? Did we win?'

Dr. Director looked around at the destruction and the fires which were still burning. 'If you can call this a victory, then yes. It looks that way.'

'Then I suppose that means dealing with a very messy aftermath.' said Gemini.

Dr. Director nodded. 'I'm going to have to get in touch with all our offices across the globe.' she said. 'And I'm sure the US government will have a few things to say.'

Gemini snorted. 'Governments.' he said disdainfully. 'Useless bureaucracies who waste months listening to a thousand viewpoints and trying to satisfy them all. I have no patience for such matters.'

Dr. Director shook her head. 'You'll want to stick around for these, I think.' she said. 'I imagine some of it is going to be decided very quickly.'

Captain Smith of the National Guard in Metropolis raised a pair of binoculars. Following the trails of smoke, he tracked them, and saw the alien machines clustering in mid-air. Then he saw the enormous capital ships. All of the vessels seemed to be collecting the walkers, which disappeared into the bellies of the Lorwardian ships.

Seeking a higher vantage point, Smith and his squad climbed the fire escape of one of the buildings that was still standing. Towards the edge of the city, he saw a swarm of alien ships, surrounding what seemed to be the crash sites of at least three larger ships on the city outskirts. There was a flurry of activity, with smaller shuttles rising and falling.

'It looks like an evacuation.' he said.

'We did it, sir!' said one soldier, a look of wild hope in his eyes. 'We beat 'em back!'

'Let's not jump to any conclusions.' Smith answered. 'But let's not waste an opportunity either. Gather all our forces you can find and get our defenses back up. They may come back!'

But at that moment, the ships which had been milling around the downed Lorwardian vessels rose higher into the air. For a moment they paused, then they fired beams of red down at the grounded ships. There was a blinding series of flashes, followed by rolling booms like thunder. When the glare subsided, Smith and his troops saw that the downed Lorwardian ships had been reduced to cinders. The airborne ships were now rising fast, and in a few split seconds, they were out of sight.

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The football field outside of Middleton High was a mess of tangled vines, and smashed alien walkers. But the residents of Middleton seemed to have taken it all in stride. They were no strangers to such things, after the Diablo robots, and the golem attacks. This was simply a bit more severe. They knew it would be a lot of work to clean up after this massive upheaval. But they seemed to have collectively decided to put that off and instead continue from where they left off.

Mr. Dr. Possible had returned to the school. Mrs. Dr. Possible looked at him quizzically. 'Weren't you wearing... different pants when you left?'

'It's a long, weird story that I'd just as soon not go into just yet.' he answered, blushing furiously. He had found some spare clothes in the lockers at the Space Center that fit him well enough. Certainly it was better than charging back through downtown in his underwear.

'Well we're glad to have you back safe.' said Mr. Stoppable. 'It's been a long, weird night for all of us.'

'I just can't believe we're going on with the Graduation after all of that.' said Mrs. Stoppable, cradling Hana in her arms.

'I think in the face of almost certain destruction, people would like to do something a little down-to-Earth to try and restore normalcy.' said Mr. Dr. Possible. They all sat in the bleachers, which were crooked and creaking, but still stable. 'At least as normal as Possible.'

The Middleton High graduates were filing in a line towards the stage. The saucer section of a crushed Walker was being used as the platform, and Mr. Barkin had even set the announcer podium on top of it. He had quickly bounced back from the near hysteria he'd been feeling when the invasion had commenced, and slipped back into his normal, authoritarian strictness.

The Tweebs and Wade had repaired the microphones and speakers, and Mr. Barkin's deep voice boomed across the fields. 'Pete Peterson!' And after Pete had collected his diploma, Mr. Barkin sighed. 'Kimberly Anne Possible.' he said, holding out her parchment.

Kim was looking radiant, even though her outfit was tattered and stained, and her hair was unkempt. She ran up and gave him a hug. 'Thanks Mr. Barkin!' she said warmly. After everything she had just been through, she was glad to see everyone safe, even Bonnie.

Mr. Barkin winced uncomfortably. 'Ah, yeah.' he said, gently nudging her back, clearing his throat, and pushing the diploma into her hands. 'Well... things are gonna be boring around here without you, Possible.' he said quickly and bashfully.

'You've still got the tweebs!' she said, gesturing towards the edge of the stage, where her brothers were huddled, tinkering with wires and components. She thought they were just monitoring the sound system, but one of the devices they were working on suddenly extended a bulbed antenna into the air. Mr. Barkin gasped as the globe on the antenna suddenly flared and hummed with energy, and a yellow bolt lanced from the device towards the parking lot. One of the parked cars was incinerated with a loud pop.

'Hikka bikka boo?' said Jim.

'Hoosha!' said Tim.

'...That was your car, wasn't it?' Kim said uncomfortably.

'It was.' said Mr. Barkin, with a resigned sigh.

But it was hugs all around as Kim darted off to the audience to rejoin her parents, uncle, and Nana. As they congratulated her, Mr. Barkin's voice continued to call forth graduates.

'Ronald Rieger.' he said. But even as Ron stepped onto the stage, he also said 'Bonnie Rockwaller.' And not waiting, Bonnie plowed over Rieger, storming onto the stage and holding out her hand.

'Finally!' she said in her disdainful voice.

'Wait a minute - you blew off all your classes the last week of school.' said Mr. Barkin, frowning and withdrawing the diploma.

'Uh - yeah.' Bonnie said, scowling and keeping her hand held out expectantly. 'Nothing important happens in the last week!'

'Except my pop quiz in Home Room.' Mr. Barkin answered. 'Which you missed. Thus, you did not pass and that makes you one credit short.'

The meaning in his voice and the look on his face finally dawned on Bonnie, and her mouth fell open. 'Nooooooo!' she shouted.

'See you in Summer School.' Mr. Barkin said, and waved her aside to give Rieger his diploma.

Bonnie quit the stage in a fury, stomping on her mortarboard cap. Senor Senior Junior stood offstage and received her into his arms. 'This is so unfair!' she moaned.

'Be strong, my love!' Junior said. 'I will be at your side through this... thing. This "summer school".'

'Really?' said Bonnie with a sigh.

'No, my actual person will be lounging by the pool.' he answered. 'But my heart - my heart will be with you in that stuffy classroom.'

'You are the sweetest!' Bonnie crooned as they hugged.

Mr. Barkin glared as he reached the name that annoyed him the most. 'Ronald Stoppable.' he said.

And with a rush of air and a stream of mist, Ron descended from above, still wearing the Kepler's flight suit. He hovered about three feet in the air, smiling and reaching down a hand. 'Mr. B!' he said cheerfully.

Barkin glared. 'Just couldn't follow the graduation dress code.' he winced. 'Non-conformist punk!'

'I gotta be true to my essential Ron-ness!' Then he quickly descended and snatched the diploma from Barkin's hand and shot back up into the air. In moments he had alighted back to the ground next to his family and was swept into a group hug.

Eventually, everyone had collected their diplomas. The ruin and disruption of the invasion had affected the sequence of events, and graduates had been rejoining their families, but with no more diplomas to hand out, Barkin gave the pre-rehearsed signal. The graduates who still had caps switched their tassels to the other side. And then there was a swell of cheering, with caps being tossed into the air.

Friends, family members and graduates alike then started shaking hands, hugging, and extending congratulations. In the swirl of activity, Kim and Ron found themselves face to face. Kim blushed. 'Took a while, but we both made it.' she said. 'Thanks, Ron. You saved the day. Everybody here owes you, whether they know it or not.'

Ron glanced aside at Felix, who had caught Zita Flores' cap from his hover-chair and was handing it back to her. They were both blushing too, and Ron couldn't help smiling as Zita gave Felix a hug, and a kiss. 'I always wanted at least one moment in the spotlight after a big rescue.' he said quietly. 'Maybe just to prove I could do it too. I must have heard you say it a thousand times, but I think it's only now that I understand what you mean by it.' Then he looked into her eyes and said, 'It was... no big.'

'You've only had that diploma for a few minutes.' said Kim smiling. 'And you sound more grown-up already.' She couldn't help herself. She threw her arms around him and drew him into a tender kiss. When they finally drew apart, Ron smiled sheepishly, then looked around at all the wrecked alien walkers.

'You think it's finally over?' he said.

Kim sighed, taking his hand. 'Think back at all our adventures.' she said. 'They're never really over, are they?'

Coming Soon:
Chapter 25
Operation Clean Sweep 2.0

Author: All good things must come to an end, even Kim Possible's graduation! The final chapter is coming soon! The end of a journey that took a LOT longer that I'd anticipated. Between real life issues and employment shifts, this work was disrupted and delayed far too much. A special thanks to one and all who have stuck with it, despite the irregularity.

But I promise not to try your patience much longer. The next chapter is the grand finale, and after that, maybe one or two epilogues. And maybe the answer to a question that many have asked - in the end, who will be able to say they 'won'? Team Possible - or Team Probable...? What do YOU think?