"Er... excuse me?"

The countdown halted, with one second to go.

The technician's hand stopped over the button, as the young intern spoke. She had been so quiet that everyone had forgotten she was there. They all stared at her.

She put her hand up timidly, like the shy kid in class.

"Sorry to interrupt, and everything... but... you do all know there's nothing up there? No base..."

There was a queue for the word:

"WHAT?!"

"The moonbase." The intern pointed to the image on the wall-screen. "The Space Force... we... made it up."

"Made it UP?" Lena's eyes bulged.

"The President's been going on about this Space Force for two years. He seems to want something like... between Starfleet and Thunderbirds. So in the end, we just told him it was all happening. The space army... the space base... it gave him something to think about, between golf and attacking his opponents. But it's science fiction. There's... nothing." She blushed a little. "I assumed you all knew."

They all stared. Then there was a noise like air escaping from a balloon. It was Talon snickering. The snickering turned to laughter, until tears were running down his cheeks. Penny gave him a glare.

"It's not that funny, Talon."

"It's priceless! All his dreams... all moonshine! Moonshine! Ha! Get it?"

The technician wasn't laughing. "You mean, we set up this mission for nothing? I guess we oughta tell them."

"Oh. Yeah." Talon stepped over to the control panel. "Hmm... mind if I do?"

The technician shrugged. Talon grabbed the mike. He was grinning.

"Mr President? On behalf of persons of colour everywhere, I've got something to tell you. And you too, Uncle Claw."

He had more of a way with words than the intern. It took him ten seconds. Then there were two bellows.

"WHAT?!"

"There's nothing up there," repeated Talon. "Just rocks, and craters, and very low gravity. Still, no worries, Mr President. At least you can still play golf."

His voice hardened.

"By the way, Uncle Claw. This is for my Dad."

He lowered a suntanned finger towards the red button.

"WHOOPS!"

The technician made a grab for his hand, too late.

The room shook, with the distant effects of an almighty blast. Everyone who could move ran to monitors, as the rocket shot off into space. There were various voices, over the speakers.

"NO!"

"Hey, let me out of here! Do you know who I am?"

"I'll get you for this, Gadget! And you, Talon!"

"I never went to the bathroom!"

"Next time, Gadget! Next time!"

"MIAOW!"

Everyone watched, as the rocket disappeared into the clouds.

The doors to the corridor flew open, and suddenly the room was filled with armed HQ agents. Brain stood at their head, his Codex still open from the emergency call.

"OK. Nobody move!"

Calmly, Inspector Gadget stepped over to Lena and the Network operatives.

"Lena Madrigal, I'm arresting you, and the entire Network."

Gary stepped out of the crowd. "We smashed two more MAD cells today. Everyone arrested there."

"And with Dr Claw gone," said Penny. "They'll be leaderless. It won't take long to mop up what's left of MAD..."

Right on cue, Chief Quimby appeared on the Codex screen.

"Gadget, this is your greatest triumph."

Gadget hesitated. Then he extended both bionic arms. He stepped over and put them around Penny and Talon. He smiled as Brain scampered over to them.

"No, Chief. Here are the people you want to thank. We would never have found this place without Penny. Talon got rid of Dr Claw. And it seems it was Brain who called you in."

The Chief looked impressed.

"Talon, your status as a junior agent is confirmed. Penny, you are hereby promoted to full agent. Brain, you can have a biscuit."

All three saluted.

"Sure thing."

"Thank you, Chief!"

"Woof!"

"Report on return." The Chief disappeared.

Gadget led his family towards the door.

Then Dr Claw's voice came over the speakers one last time.

"I'll be back for you, Talon! Enjoy your wedding. And remember. There's always one last surprise! BWA-HA-HA-HA!"

There was a buzz of static, and the communication cut out.

More to follow...