All Things Probable IV
Graduation

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

Chapter 25
Operation Clean Sweep 2.0

BattleSkaar sat in the command chair on his ship. He was glaring and furious, and was in no mood for any delays. Now that the Military Council had ordered the recall of the fleet, he carried it out with firm efficiency. He resolved that whatever may happen back on Lorwardia because of the uprisings, he wanted to ensure that his own position remained unchallenged. And for the time being, it meant carrying out his orders. And frankly, after so much ill happenstance, he wanted to get as far away from this cursed planet Earth as quickly as possible. If he never saw this sector of space again, it would still be too soon for him.

'Report!' he barked. S'ordClash and several Skirmishes approached and bowed, still maintaining the salutes and hierarchy of command. 'All is proceeding as ordered and on schedule.' said S'ordClash. 'All of the remaining operational walker drones have been collected, docked and are accounted for.'

'The same with the survivors from all of the downed ships.' said NightSkirmish. 'Though there have been many serious injuries, our crash protocols have proven effective. All have been accounted for, except for Warhok, Warmonga, and BattleF'yuri.'

BattleSkaar gave a curt nod. 'And what of our equipment losses?' he growled.

'The self-destruct beacons have been activated.' said PolarSkirmish. 'None of our technology will be left in the hands of the Earthlings. Once our troops had been evacuated, we set immolation charges to incinerate what was left of the capital ships.'

BattleSkaar nodded again, then stepped down and looked through the main viewscreen. It showed nothing but black, with thin strands of dark blue, all peppered with a myriad of stars. 'Then we are finished here.' he said bitterly. And he turned to the navigation deck. 'Set course for Lorwardia!' he shouted. 'We return home with all speed!'

And with that, the Lorwardian fleet moved away from Earth and vanished into the deeps of space.

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Grimm Probable was back in Uncle Jim's study back at the Probable Ranch. His father and Jim were both there, with Jim seated behind his desk, and his dad standing behind in the shadows. 'And - that's my final report.' Grimm said. His throat felt tired and dry, for he had spent a lot of time talking and going over the details about what happened. His capture by the enemy, Rhonda's defense of Metropolis, as well as her gambit against the Lorwardian ships, topped off by their showdown on BattleF'yuri's flagship, and the final battles against the walkers.

Jim was tapping the desk with his finger. 'There's... a lot to process.' he said at last.

Grimm shrugged. 'I know it didn't play out the way a normal assignment might, but you have to admit - we did a bang up job finding your grass vandals. Oh, and helping save the world? Consider that a toss-in.'

'And how did you know that Kim Possible and her crew would beat the alien warlords?' said Mr. Probable.

Grimm shrugged and brushed the spikes in his auburn hair. 'I... didn't.' he said. 'Just a guess. But an educated guess - based on past experience. Somehow, she always wins.'

'Very well.' said Uncle Jim, looking serious and professional. 'My superiors will be very interested in your accounts. We expect you and your team to remain available for additional questioning, if needed. In the meantime, you may go.'

Grimm nodded and turned to leave. Just as he was closing the door behind him, Uncle Jim called out. 'Good work.' he said simply. And Grimm's smirk crept back onto his face as he closed the door.

Both Jim and Quinn heaved sighs once he had left. 'All this is incredible.' said Jim. 'They've handled more just in one night than most of our career agents.'

Quinn nodded. 'That's my boy.' he said. 'Of course, if he's right, and the invasion is over, that means the clean-up has just begun. Will they be initiating the Clean Sweep protocols?'

Jim nodded. 'But cleaning this up is going to be a massive undertaking.' he said. 'In fact - I've got to get going. A chopper is due here any second to take me to the airport. They want me at ground zero, right now.'

Quinn nodded. 'I'll coordinate from here if it's all right with you.' he said. 'My wife got called into the UN for a special conference. There's work for her there too.'

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Grimm jogged away from the main ranch to the guest house where they had been set up at the start of the caper. 'Thanks for the pick-up.' he said as he entered. 'Though I didn't know you brought that Poxorza flight platform with you. Smart work dismantling it and hiding the parts among your computer gear.'

'It's slower than our departed bike.' said Jade. 'But still faster than driving in these parts.' She paused and wiped her forehead. 'Glad you're all safe.' she said. 'Yeesh Grimm - up and letting yourself get captured like that? Dumbest bone-headed thing you ever did.'

Grimm looked uncomfortable for a moment, but shrugged. 'Had to be done.' he said.

'Rhonda was really freaked out over it.' Jade said tonelessly.

Grimm turned away. 'I know.' he said quietly. 'But... I'll make it up to her.'

'Why didn't she come with? Where is she?'

'She went back to Kwitcherbeliakin with the tribe.' Grimm answered. 'She said she had stuff she needed to do. But I had to come and give the report to Dad and Uncle Jim.' He looked at the scanning station, which was now littered with metal plates and grey powder. 'What happened here?'

Jade winced. 'I'll tell you later.' she said. 'In the meantime, I think you'd better get back to Rhonda.'

Grimm nodded and turned to the door. 'You coming with?'

Jade shook her head. 'I'll look in on camera later. In the meantime, I'll be drawing up plans for your replacement bike. I've got some ideas to make it even better...'

'Put that on pause for a while if you don't mind.' said Grimm. 'Now that we're all grown up and graduated, I was thinking about buying a car.'

Jade blinked, and then nodded. 'Then I'll be off... stabling Cinnamon.' she said.

Grimm nodded. 'Yeah.' he said. 'Say hi to Josh for us.' and he winked before disappearing outside, leaving Jade spluttering and blushing.

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The main speech chamber at the UN building in New York City was packed. All the ambassadors and dignitaries who had been in hiding since the invasion started had crawled out from their sanctuaries. Mrs. Probable was there as well, having flown out from Riddleton. There was a buzz of chatter in the air, mostly people swapping stories about their various ordeals, others expressing relief that it was all over.

But in one section, it was strangely subdued. Everyone there seemed to be speaking in more hushed tones and whispering behind cupped fingers. Many were glancing nervously at several rows of seats at the front right of the auditorium. Because seated in those chairs were a collection of men and women, who until that night, had been internationally wanted criminals.

Every villain and mad scientist Kim Possible had ever fought was in attendance, seated quietly. Most were looking ill at ease, some were scowling. Every time a UN security guard came into sight, some of them would flinch and tense up, as if preparing to dash from the room. But the guards made no moves to arrest any of them - because they were there by invitation. A special ceremony was being held, to give a key player in fighting off the invasion an award - the highest honor the UN had to bestow.

Mrs. Probable strolled past the seated villains with as much nonchalance as she could project. None of them paid any attention to her. They were looking at the main podium with frowning faces. 'Motor Ed, Killigan, Dementor, Gemini, that DNAmy woman even dragged Monkey Fist along with her.' She muttered quietly into a microphone hidden in her necklace.

Quinn Probable was maintaining contact with her from the communication hub at the Probable ranch in Montana. After it was ascertained that the invasion had ended, Quinn was contacted by the DOD. He and Jim Probable were assigned to gather intel to determine exactly what had happened, and to start securing things as fast as possible. They had no delusions that there would not be those who would try to take advantage of the chaos.

'So, that's where Monkey Fist wound up.' Quinn said. 'Keep an eye on him, he's still wanted after that business with the statue attacks.'

Mrs. Probable raised an eyebrow at the petrified form of Monkey Fist. 'No worries.' she said, heading across the auditorium to her own chair. 'It doesn't look like he's going anywhere.'

'Are they all there, then?' said Mr. Probable, keeping his voice low.

'So far as I can tell.' Mrs. Probable answered, taking her seat. 'Bear in mind, at least one of them can shape-shift.'

Then there was a ripple through the auditorium, as the head of the UN himself and his top aides took to the main platform. The UN leader stepped to the podium, tapped the microphone, and then spoke. 'My very dear friends!' he said with a slight accent. 'It is with great relief and gratitude that we gather here now, to give honor and thanks - to all those who stepped forward with courage during this terrible ordeal! Because of the valor and bravery of those who fought off the attackers, our world and our civilizations remain standing!'

There was a wave of applause through the assembly which echoed through the auditorium. The UN leader smiled and nodded before going on. 'To Global Justice, and to the brave men and women of the world's armed forces, we owe you our deepest thanks, as well as our very lives.' he said, then gestured to where the assembled villains were seated. 'And in the midst of this crisis, even those who once plotted against us came forward and joined us in the defense and liberation of our countries, and for that, we honor you as well!' he raised his hands and applauded, and was joined by the assembly.

The seated villains all nodded curtly. 'But there is one of whom we must make special mention.' said the UN speaker. 'A man who was instrumental in ultimately stopping the leaders of the attack, and saving us all.' He turned and gestured behind him. 'Doctor Drew Lipski - please come forward!'

Shego rose from among the dignitaries seated at the head of the chamber, not wearing her usual green and black jumpsuit. Instead she was wearing a simple green sleeveless gown. She stood beside the podium as Dr. Drakken, looking extremely nervous, came forth and stood behind the podium itself. As the entire assembly stood and applauded, the UN President and his aide clasped a gold medal shaped like the Earth around his neck with an elaborate band.

The cheering became even louder as Drakken presented himself to the assembly. The only people who didn't seem enthused were the villains, who appeared to be resentful, or jealous. The only exception was Frugal Lucre, who jumped up from between Killigan and Monkey Fist, waving a ridiculous foam finger with "Drakken #1" painted on it.

Drakken didn't seem to know what to do in the face of the adulation, and looked instinctively towards Shego. Even she seemed to have an uncharacteristic look of appreciation on her face. Without her features being twisted by anger or sarcasm, she actually seemed glamorous.

Without warning, the flower behind his neck snaked outwards with a long, green tentacle. And before either of them could react, it twined around Shego's waist and his, and pulled them together. The flower at the end of the vine budded in front of their faces.

Even more than the medal, the applause and the honors, Dr. Drakken was dumbfounded when Shego, after an initial flinch of surprise, actually smiled.

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Far removed from the pomp and circumstance at the UN, the after-Graduation party took place on the beach near the outskirts of Middleton. Before going, Kim and Ron had changed into casual beach clothes. It hadn't been easy, even to find a change of clothes. They'd been obliged to comb through the wreckage of Kim's house to salvage as much as they could.

And there was no denying it was a blot on the otherwise good spirits after their victory. Mr. and Mrs. Dr. Possible were still picking through the rubble, heaving joists and drywall out of the way, stooping every so often to fish out family pictures, clothing, and any furniture that was still intact.

'It'll take a while to rebuild.' said Mr. Dr. Possible, shaking his head. But then he looked up with a determined smile. 'But rebuild it - we shall! And it'll be even better, because everything we salvage now will remind us of what we lost, and what we've regained!'

'That's the can-do Possible spirit!' said Slim, tipping his hat.

Kim couldn't help smiling too, because they were right. No matter what it took, they would rebuild. 'I want to stay and help.' she said. 'It just doesn't feel right somehow, going to a beach party while you're all working here...'

Mr. Dr. Possible shook his head with a stern look. 'This is still your Graduation, young lady!' he said. 'Besides, you and Ron have worked plenty hard already! If it weren't for both of you, we wouldn't have any of the house, or the world, left to rebuild! You go to that party and celebrate - that's an order!'

Kim started to object, but her Dad had folded his arms and closed his eyes obstinately. Beside him, Mrs. Dr. Possible was nodding. 'Do what your father says, dear.' she said.

And so she, Ron and Rufus had gone to the beach, and arrived in the midst of a wild volleyball party, with several barbecues, a sound stage, and other games. The whole of the Middleton High graduating class was there, even Bonnie, though she was hunkered on the sand, poring over several books. Mr. Barkin had been merciless in setting her Summer School schedule. But Junior was also there, bringing her drinks, and otherwise fawning over her - so all in all, she didn't seem entirely displeased.

Ron Rigger had taken up with the tweebs to work on the device that had incinerated Mr. Barkin's car, and much to Barkin's dismay, they had managed to reactivate it and destroy the replacement car he had been polishing in the parking lot. Mr. Barkin had chased all three of them the rest of the night, shaking his fist and shouting.

But most of all, Kim was glad to just have everyone she cared about, nearby and safe. Seeing so many familiar faces all around as she hobnobbed and played volleyball - it gave her a feeling of comforting warmth and appreciation. A great many of the party-goers had done the usual thing, thanking Kim for saving the world. But she noticed that Ron seemed to be getting just as much attention, and she couldn't help smiling. Ron seemed unused to the appreciation, and a deep blush remained on his face the whole time.

This is our year, this is our game,
It's our time to make a change,
Come on, come on and shout it out!
This is our year!

The song had started booming through the huge speakers on the sound stage which the hired dee-jays had brought. Everyone cheered and whooped as they danced.

'Did you pick this one?' Ron asked, raising his voice over the din. 'Kinda on the nose, isn't it?'

'Don't look at me.' Kim answered, twirling in place. 'Who knows who sets up these playlists?'

Today is the very first day, of all of our tomorrows!
Don't look back, cause we're gonna have a good time!
Let's start right now - and shout it out loud!

'Well I wasn't sure about throwing a party after all that mess!' said Ron, with Rufus dancing on his shoulder. 'But this turned out fun after all!'

'For once, everything seemed to wrap up nicely!' Kim called back to him. Then suddenly, she felt like having Ron to herself for a while. 'Come on, let's get out of here!' And she took his hand and pulled him along with her, dashing towards the Pink Sloth.

Ron looked baffled at first, but then smiled and took her lead. The thronging students parted and made a path for them, fist pumping and cheering as they got into the Sloth. Not wanting to bother weaving through the other cars parked in the lot, Kim engaged the jet engines and they took off into the sky. They turned and waved back at the crowd.

She found herself looking at Ron as they turned back. 'Told you Graduation wasn't the end of the world!' she said with a sly look. But Ron was leaning his face closer to hers. Soon their lips met in a tender kiss, and Kim was glad she had engaged the auto pilot as they rose up and scudded across a bright and full moon.

Jim Probable stood on the beach amidst the crowd, looking up as the Sloth shrank to a speck against the moon, and was eventually lost to sight. No one else on the beach seemed to notice him. But that was considered the mark of a good CIA man - that people never noticed you were there. A soft, tinny voice sounded in his earpiece.

'Did you catch all that?' Quinn Probable spoke to him through the radio transmitter. Jim had been called out by the CIA for emergency damage control after the invasion had ended. Based on Grimm's report, Jim had been dispatched via fast jet to Middleton. Quinn had volunteered to stay at the ranch in Montana to hold things down while his brother worked, and to coordinate the investigating teams across the globe.

'Yeah.' said Jim with a shrug. 'Though I'd hardly call this a nice little wrap-up. That Possible girl always leaves such a mess behind her, she has no idea. The fallout and clean up for their actions just tonight could drag on for years. I had half a mind to hold them for questioning...'

'Forget it.' said Quinn. 'Let them have their night. When you consider the alternative was letting the aliens win? They've paid their dues already.'

Jim sighed as he made his way through the still partying beach goers, careful to avoid the sound stage so it wouldn't interfere with his earpiece. 'Grimm's report sounded farfetched, but so far it all checks out.' he said. 'Possible and Stoppable really did defeat the masterminds of this invasion. To say they saved the world is no exaggeration. But now I've got to start composing my own report. Monkey powers, mutant plants... what do you do when the truth really is stranger than fiction?'

'Believe it or not, you have it easy.' said Quinn, 'However weird it might be in Middleton, it's nothing compared to what happened at the UN. The DoD just had a talk with Dr. Director of Global Justice. She's going to be asked to make a special deal with one of the attendees. Not only that, I'm getting some interesting reports from our other investigators. It looks like Operation Clean Sweep is getting some unexpected help...'

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Motor Ed quickly left the UN auditorium once the ceremony had ended. He couldn't stand all of that stuck-up nonsense, where everyone was dressed in suits and ties. He much preferred his cut-off denim jacket. Plus, he had work to do. Sure, the eggheads at the UN had invited him to watch his cousin Drew get a fancy medal as 'thanks' for all their help.

But Motor Ed's idea of a proper thank-you was all the alien tech he had waiting back at his hideout. Once Grimm Probable had told him that anything he could wreck he could keep - he had torn into the job with reckless gusto. Between his souped-up cars and robot bikers, he had taken down at least two walkers. And his first order of business had been to drag as much of them back to his lair as he could. He had returned to the battlefield soon after, but had only been able to watch while the army took down a walker here and there. After that, Motor Ed had scavenged freely, and soon it would pay off big time.

He burst into his hideout, and the burly robot he had built to guard the place while he was away turned to him with a grating of servos. 'Welcome. Back. Motor Ed.' the robot grated with a heavily flanged voice. 'Seriously.' it said.

'Thanks, robo-dude!' Motor Ed said with his raspy voice. 'Can't believe that Shego babe actually goes for dweebs like Cousin Drew!'

'Her. Loss.' grated the robot.

'Whatever.' said Motor Ed, and he was putting on welding goggles and a pair of gloves. 'Now it's time to turn this place into alien chop shop! Let's crack these things open and start some serious R.E.!'

He cinched on a tool belt, then hefted both a cutting torch and a metal saw. He started towards the closest remains of a fallen walker, a pie slice shaped section from the saucer. When he had brought it in, he had been almost drooling from his brief peek at the internal mechanisms. 'Ha ha haaaaa!' he bellowed. 'Alien gizmos - come to poppa!'

As soon as the metal saw laid one tooth against the outer hull, the entire section fell apart. With a loud clanging that rang through his workshop, the entire walker seemed to collapse in on itself, with the outer plating rattling to the floor like a domino run. The vibrations seemed to trigger similar implosions in all the other equipment he had stolen. There was a strange billowing of grey dust that rose up, and when it settled, all of his stolen booty was gone.

His mouth fell open while the saw continued to whine pointlessly in his hand. Once the surprise wore off, he switched off the saw, threw everything down and ran around his workshop, inspecting each pile. There seemed to be nothing left except empty metal plating, filled with dry, dusty piles of what seemed to be rust. 'Aw... dude!' he rasped to the empty workshop. 'Are you prankin' me?'

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It was with a fair degree of unease that Gemini followed two Global Justice troopers down a corridor. After the ceremony at the UN, most of the other villains and mad scientists had gone to the commissary, saying they needed something to 'wash away the taste' of seeing Drakken being honored. He had been just about to join them when his sister Betty stepped in front of him with an escort.

'We need to talk.' she said simply.

It was not until he had gone down the corridor with them half way that he realized he had come into the building without an escort of WEE troopers. He twitched the fingers of his metal hand, clinking the small missiles at the ends of the fingertips, and looking around for a quick exit that he might blast open to escape.

But Dr. Director did not escort him to a holding cell or even into a patrol of guards. It remained just the two guards, both unarmed. Dr. Director entered one of the vacated offices, done up with deep blue carpeting and wood paneling. She nodded to the guards, who left and closed the door behind them.

The rival brother and sister looked at each other in silence for a moment. 'Thank you again for your help.' said Dr. Director at last.

'And again, you're welcome.' said Gemini guardedly. 'But somehow, I doubt you pulled me aside for just another back-pat.'

Dr. Director looked aside and out through a curtained window. 'No.' she said. 'It's time for us to discuss what happens next on Earth.'

Gemini chuckled. 'What happens next?' he said. 'What will happen is that everyone on Earth will be cowering in panic, knowing that there are aliens out there with world-conquering force. And they will live in daily terror, wondering when they are coming back.'

'No.' said Dr. Director. 'They won't. The... cover story has already been decided on, and is already being circulated.'

Gemini let out a barking laugh. 'Cover story?' he said. 'For this? You must be joking! You won't be able to get the public to laugh this off with your usual fairy tales about weather balloons and swamp gas! Every nation on Earth saw these machines! The damage they inflicted is monumental! Their wrecks are still lying strewn across all of Middleton and beyond!'

'The story will be that these machines were created as yet another world-domination bid, from a super-villain who is already well known.' said Dr. Director. This made Gemini pause, and Dr. Director went on. 'After the Diablo robot attacks the previous year, and the statue attacks a few months ago, the public is quite prepared to believe that this was just another overly ambitious plot from one of Kim Possible's many arch foes.'

Gemini blinked, but could think of no counter. What had happened with the walker machines was not that far removed from what Drakken had done with the Diablos, not that long ago. The walkers had been bigger and more intimidating, but the elements of rampage and destruction had been very similar. But still...

'Except that the alien beings themselves were seen.' Gemini said. 'Kim Possible and her odd boyfriend fought them. There are multiple eyewitnesses...'

'Those will be identified by our agencies, and by the media, as experimental mutated Synthodrones.' said Dr. Director. 'The technology and use of Synthodrones by persons such as Dr. Drakken is also well publicized. And since they were defeated and destroyed by Kim Possible and Ron Stoppable, their remains will not be recovered.'

'And so your story will go uncontested for lack of evidence.' said Gemini with a quiet nod. 'Except for the evidence of the downed machines. That technology will be quickly be identified as extra-terrestrial...'

'It's all been wiped out.' said Dr. Director.

Gemini fell into silent surprise. 'Impossible.' he said, shaking his head.

'Not at all.' said Dr. Director. 'Did you think we hadn't dispatched engineers to recover wreckage by now? Whatever technology the invaders were using, they left no trace of it when they left. All of the walkers, all of the vehicles and ships - they activated some kind of self-destruct which has destroyed the machines internally at a molecular level. Everything has desiccated and crumbled to simple silicon dust. All that's left is some of the outer hull plating, made of various but unremarkable alloys. There is enough plausible denial that anyone who challenges the cover story will be doubted, and easily dismissed.'

Gemini remained silent for some time, then nodded quietly. 'Well,' he said. 'It looks as if your cover story may actually work then. But what does any of this have to do with me?'

Dr. Director seemed uncomfortable. 'There is the question of which of Kim Possible's villains could have pulled off such a scheme. It would have to be someone with considerable genius, equally considerable ambition, and they would have to have a large organization with access to considerable resources.'

Gemini glared. 'An organization like WEE, you mean.' he said, clenching his metal hand. 'I see. So, you brought me in here to inform me that I am to be the patsy for your little scheme.'

Dr. Director sighed. 'No, it won't be like that...' she started, but Gemini broke over her.

'I should have known this is how you would repay me!' he growled. 'I approached you in good faith, and acted without subterfuge! Now you want to make me the scapegoat on whom the world will focus their anger - and desire for punishment!'

'This isn't a double-cross, it's an offer!' Dr. Director said, raising her own voice.

'What do you mean?' Gemini said, his eyes narrowed to slits.

'Tell me, how have WEE's fortunes been of late?'

A blur of organizational paperwork and statistics buzzed through Gemini's mind in a split second. 'We are... stable.' he answered, but Betty was shaking her head and looking down.

'I know for a fact that WEE has been teetering on the edge of collapse for some time.' she said. 'It's to your credit that you've held them together for this long. But what campaigns have you been launching recently? Anything at all?'

'We are...' Gemini said, but faltered. The truth was, ever since the disaster with the "Ron Factor" operation, WEE had become steadily less and less a player on the world stage. Their resources had been dwindling. They had been demoted on the HenchCo list of top villains. And in helping his sister out in fighting the invaders, he had used up nearly all of the resources WEE had left. What he would do now that the invasion was over had been weighing on his mind.

'It sounds as if WEE is in need of a serious boost to their reputation.' Dr. Director said quietly. 'Once word gets out that WEE staged these attacks, the organization - and its leader - would enjoy considerable street cred.' Now Gemini's mind was buzzing with ideas. To be known as the villains who pulled off this amazing attack? The smile crept onto his lips before he could stop it. 'I see the idea appeals to you.' she said.

'It might.' Gemini answered. 'But WEE is now an army without provisions. How would...'

'Would it be enough if all of WEE's outstanding debts were mysteriously called off?'

Gemini raised a brow over his unpatched eye. 'That... would be an excellent boon.' he said.

'In the confusion and damage done by this invasion, I'm sure that certain records could be deemed unrecoverable.' Dr. Director answered.

And Gemini nodded. 'Very well.' he said. 'You have a deal.'

'I've been authorized to give you a thirty minute head start after you leave this building. I suggest you use it to full advantage.' she answered. 'Good luck, Sheldon.'

Gemini turned, but paused at the door and looked back. 'You'll need it - Betty.' And with a swish of purple, he was gone.

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Dr. Drakken lurched as someone bumped into him in the hallway. He was nearly knocked over by a man with an eye patch and a weird purple jumpsuit. 'Out of my way, I'm in a hurry!' he barked, before turning around a corner and passing out of sight.

Drakken straightened and dusted his coat. 'What's his rush?' he huffed. 'Is that any way to treat a UN medal recipient?' And he lovingly caressed the medal lying against his chest.

'Gee Drew, maybe wearing a fancy medal isn't enough for some people.' Shego answered. 'You think everyone's just going to bow if they see you prancing around with that thing tasseled to your neck?'

'I don't see anyone else here packing one of these!' Drakken answered, now waving the medal around. 'Do you? Huh? Huh?'

Shego rolled her eyes, wondering how long he was going to be like this. It was sure to goose his already oversized ego. And at that moment, a clutch of about ten suited dignitaries and guests passed by. All of them took the opportunity to shake hands with Drakken and thank him again. One of them slipped him a business card.

'I've studied your work, beyond your help with those attacking machines.' said a man with a grey suit and a briefcase. The case had a strange symbol on it that looked like a mesa. He had an odd, quivering voice and he drew out the speaking of some words, as if he were having trouble remembering them. 'I must say, I am impressed. You have quite an aptitude for replicating unknown technologies, and effectively utilizing them for purposes... other than for which they were intended. Please contact my... employers. You should really consider a career in the field of... reverse engineering.' And then he turned and made his way down the hall.

Drakken glanced at the card. 'Hmph.' he said. 'So now I'm getting job offers?'

'Hang onto it.' Shego said. 'Unless you've got plans now that you're not a villain anymore.'

Drakken flinched. 'Who says I'm not still a villain?' he spluttered.

Shego curled her lips into a lopsided smirk. 'How about everyone who was in that auditorium?' she said. 'Think they're gonna let you keep that dog collar if you go right back to world domination?'

Dr. Drakken froze, wincing. The fact was, he had been wondering what exactly he would do, once the ceremony was over. And even now, he found himself struggling to come up with a retort. What exactly were his options now? The world's villains would never take him seriously again. And he could only sponge off the fame and glory of saving the world for so long before people started getting tired of it. 'I... I'll need to think this over.' he said at last.

Shego was looking him dead in the eyes. 'Hm.' she said, brushing aside the hair covering her forehead. 'Well then you better go to the commissary with the others and think.' She turned and started off.

'Where are you going, the commissary is the other way!' Drakken rasped.

'Not my scene.' said Shego, without turning or looking. 'When you're done thinking, I'll be back at the new lair. I'll be beefing up... the air conditioner.' Then she also disappeared around the end of the hall.

Drakken stared after her for a moment. 'The air conditioner?' he muttered. 'What's she...' Then a flash of jumbled memories lanced through his mind, and ended with an image of Shego wearing a parka and smiling slyly at him. 'Perfect for cuddling...' she was crooning. His face fell into wide-eyed deadpan. 'Oh my...' he said quietly.

But if Dr. Drakken had thought he would have refuge in the commissary for thinking, he turned out to be mistaken. Many of the other villains were there, chatting idly, or planning new schemes. Adrena Lynn and DNAmy were having what looked like a tea party, seated around a table with a petrified Monkey Fist. Killigan was sitting alone, nursing a cup of coffee and scowling. The Seniors were seated with a girl, but started in surprise as the girl changed shape into Camille Leon.

Drakken got himself a drink and picked another empty table, but had not been seated long when he was approached by a short, helmeted man with orange skin. 'Well well...' said Professor Dementor, with an annoying smirk. 'If it isn't my old friend, Dr. Drakken!' And without invitation, he sat down opposite to him and quietly sipped his own coffee while staring at him.

'What?' Drakken rasped. 'If all you want is to bask in my presence, then...'

'Where is your groupie, zat Frugal Lucre fellow?'

Drakken shrugged. 'He said he'd be back after looking in on someone named Matter.' he said. 'Are you looking to take his place as my new "groupie"?'

'Oh I just wanted to bend the ear of the... hero of the hour.' Dementor answered, and his brows looked like they were about to slide past the eye holes and onto the front of his helmet.

'You're a fine one to talk.' Drakken retorted. And he gestured at Dementor, who was wearing his old uniform. 'I heard you did quite a job hero-ing it up against the walkers! Why aren't you wearing your fancy battle-suit? I thought you'd have grafted it to your skin by now.'

Dementor's arrogant smile faded. 'The stress and prolonged use during the battle have damaged ze suit.' he muttered. 'Beyond even the ability of the self-healing mechanisms to repair.' He straightened his collar indignantly. 'But I am sure once I have had time to examine ze damage, I will quickly...'

'...find a new supply of tridiplatinum tungsten poly-alloy?' Drakken finished. 'Because that's the only way to fix it, as you well know.'

Dementor winced. 'I was more interested in your recent transformation.' he said. 'And I mean away from villainy, not merely your plant mutation. Will you and your partner Shego be returning to ze world of villains?'

Drakken took refuge behind his cup for a moment before answering. 'That information is, as of yet, still classified.' he said.

'Oh, of course. Though you do seem to have made a much bigger impression, and had much more success as a... good guy.' said Dementor, and the smile was back. 'You must admit, that it is exquisitely amusing!'

'Okay Dementor, I'd really rather not talk about it!' Drakken snapped with a weary voice.

'But the irony!' Dementor said, leaning forward. 'As a mad scientist, you have been a total failure your entire career!'

Drakken had turned away and was taking another drink from his cup. 'New... topic... please..!' he said through gritted teeth.

'Okay, okay.' Dementor said, satisfied with Drakken's discomfort. 'Why the blue skin...?'

Drakken's countenance changed completely and he broke into a wide smile. 'Glad you asked!' he said with enthusiasm. 'Funny story! Not funny "ha-ha", but... it was a Tuesday...'

o - o - o - o - o - o - o - o - o - o - o - o - o - o - o - o - o - o - o

It was an odd time for Rhonda at Kamp Kwitcherbeliakin. The Blackfoot tribe had returned and started a loud and joyous party in celebration of their victory. But Rhonda didn't join right away. She chose a forested area, that was near to her old cabin. The place where Gentle Paw had spent so long guarding her bed. And there she chose a lush hillside to be the site of Gentle Paw's grave.

And while the party revved up and went on, Rhonda used digging tools from the shed, and her strength, to bury the creature she had feared for so many years. The cubs turned up and watched her work, all the way up until she covered the hole with a mound of earth and chose a large stone to mark the site.

It nearly broke her heart as she looked at the cubs. Somehow, she imagined their faces must be showing confusion over what she was doing. Tears streamed down her face as she knelt and held out her hands to them. The cubs tumbled over into her arms, and she sobbed as she held them. 'I'm sorry.' she said. 'Your dad was so brave... And a better friend than I deserved.'

The cubs only snuffled their warm, wet noses at her neck. There was a deeper growl from further away, and Rhonda looked up. A short distance away, a large grizzly bear was sitting with a humped back. The bear's fur was incredibly shaggy. It looked into Rhonda's eyes, and at the cubs. And Rhonda understood.

She petted each of the cubs and turned them to face the newcomer. 'Go to your mom.' she said. 'She'll look after you now.'

The cubs shuffled off towards their mother, then they all moved off towards the forest edge at the base of the hill. Just as they reached the tree line, Rhonda called after them. 'Come back and visit any time!' And Rhonda fancied she caught a nod from the mother before they all disappeared into the trees.

On her way back down, she saw Corey Proudheart. He seemed to be practicing with the hatchets she had given him, throwing them into the side of a nearby tree and pulling them out again. 'Expecting more trouble?' she said quietly.

Corey looked towards her, then looked at the hatchets in his hands. 'Their... fire is gone.' he said. 'They no longer work the way they did against the invaders.'

Rhonda stepped up and took one. The mark of the bear paw was still on the handle, but they were no longer glowing blue. 'Comes and goes.' she said, nodding and handing it back. Then looking into Corey's eyes, she sighed and said, 'Welcome to my world, Corey.'

Corey looked at the weapons a bit sadly. Then he turned and started back towards the main hall.

'But if I were you,' said Rhonda, calling after him. 'I'd hang onto those. You never know when the Great Bear might... need them again.'

Corey gave her a faint smile, and nodded.

o - o - o - o - o - o - o - o - o - o - o - o - o - o - o - o - o - o - o

Even after that, Rhonda didn't join the party. In the cabin, she washed and changed into her old mission clothes, but then found herself wandering back to Gentle Paw's grave, as if to make sure it was all right. And she sat down glumly while Rueful curled his warm, fuzzy body around her neck and trilled softly.

There was a rustling sound in the grass behind her, but she didn't look to see who it was. Somehow, she just knew.

Grimm paused a short distance away and took in the scene. Eventually when the silence stretched on too long, he spoke. 'Party's not the same without you.' he said. 'Everyone would jump at the chance to honor the Priestess.'

'In a minute.' Rhonda answered.

But Grimm came and sat down beside her, putting an arm around her waist. She drew close to him, taking comfort in the closeness. 'You seem pretty down for someone who just helped save the world.' he said quietly.

'That's just it.' Rhonda said, shaking her head. 'We saved the whole freaking planet!' She looked around and slapped her legs with her hands. 'Are we really just gonna go back to helping loser villains with their stupid schemes? It just seems... smaller somehow.'

Grimm joined her in looking off into the distance, into the starry evening sky, with the forest trees stretched endlessly before them. 'School always seems smaller after you graduate.' he said.

She turned and gave him a weak smile. 'Who dropped that line?' she asked. 'Chomsky? Thurmon?'

Grimm shook his head. 'Teen Titans.' he said. 'I always kind of liked that show.'

They both fell silent again, looking off into the distance. So much had happened in so short a time, so much had changed, and Rhonda no longer knew what to say in the face of it. 'Grimm, what's gonna happen to us?' she whispered.

Grimm didn't answer right away. 'I... don't know.' he said at last. 'But whatever happens... I'd still like for both of us to face it side by side. Friends together?'

Then they were looking into each other's eyes. 'Friends forever.' Rhonda whispered back.

And Rueful slithered out of their way as they kissed.

o - o - o - o - o - o - o - o - o - o - o - o - o - o - o - o - o - o - o

From another hillside further up, Chief Sakituya was standing. From the vantage point, he could see the flames of the bonfire dancing, and cheering crowds at the main hall. He could also see Rhonda and Grimm. He knew he must also soon go down to join the celebrations. The people wanted to have steady leadership figures around. It was comforting to them, even in such times. And he heard the footsteps of one such person, drawing up behind him, nearly silent.

Sakituya half turned. 'You came late to the celebrations and to the truth, Maze.' he said, then faced and approached him. 'But you came. And that is enough.' Then he embraced him kindly. 'Welcome home - brother.'

A tear ran down Maze's face. 'I thought I was saving the world from the white man,' he said, and his voice was choked. 'Instead I nearly gave it to those who were truly monsters. Please - forgive me!'

Chief Sakituya stepped back and regarded him. 'You have stood against me for many years, Maze. Stand beside me now, and tell me - what do you see?' He gestured to the landscape where the celebrations still sounded loud and joyous through the forest.

Maze only shrugged, looking puzzled.

'There is nothing more to forgive.' said the Indian Chief. 'Through the power of the Great Bear and the Priestess, this land - this world - have been saved. And in the end you were a part of that. The buffalo have come back. And the wolf, and the fox. The forest grows and flourishes - and more.' He looked down. Rhonda and Grimm had returned to the camp and were now laughing and celebrating along with the tribe, and with some members of the National Guard who had accompanied them.

'The white and the red man stand side by side, and do not fight. The Bear Priestess has returned.' Sakituya said, and turned to Maze, his own eyes shining as they teared up. 'The old ways are not as lost as you feared, my friend. If you look for evil and ugliness, then that is all you will see. But if you look for beauty and light - you will see it everywhere.'

The old Indian Chief turned again to look on at the celebrations going on below, and a shooting star scudded across the sky. Beside him, Maze looked on as well, a slow smile spreading across his face.

Coming Soon:
Epilogues
Which Team "Won"...?

Author: Many reviews have asked which team will ultimately 'beat' the other at the end of the All Things Probable series. You've come this far and waited this long, so don't miss the epilogues where the answer to these questions will finally be revealed!