Chapter 4
A/N: First off. I'd like to thank all of my reviewers and those who have favorited and/or followed this story. As I have said before. It provides a lot of inspiration and I really mean that. And as many of you can tell, I usually don't reply until I'm ready to post again. Further, please forgive me if certain locations, locales, countries, and cultures around the world fascinate me. I put them into my stories sometimes a little too much.
Contrary to what may be below, I didn't spend as much time as I would have liked on the chapter. That goes for both of my updates. As always, my goal is to improve and better my writing.
Anyway. I hope you like this chapter and there will be a smaller note at the end. Enjoy!
I.
Drew Lipsky, once the infamous Doctor Drakken, walked along the newly paved sidewalks, the first winter cold licking his light blue skin as he traversed his way toward the new embassy on Russky Island. Helping his former archnemesis, Kim Possible had greatly helped increase his prestige in the world. No longer did people look at him as the slimy, vile, moronic villain who couldn't take over the world.
His tune changed along with his style. No longer did he sport a small ponytail or mullet but the slicked-back hair he had in his college days. His mad scientist attire replaced by a navy blue suit and slicks. For the first time in ages, glasses aided his eyes. A wind of change sweeping him off his feet and toward new beginnings. For the first time in a long time, Drakken, rather Drew Lipsky, found himself moving in a positive direction as he carried a suitcase full of new wonders for the world's future.
Drakken pulled on his collar, the petals of his mutation trying to spring out wanting to bathe in the sun's warmth. It was a pain to tuck them under his suit, but he still didn't like the attention it brought on himself. He liked to maintain a more private profile. He stopped and stepped toward the edge of the sidewalk rail that overlooked Amur Bay to the west as the sun's rays sparkled in the seas like diamonds of hope. Drew smiled as he reached in his suit and pulled out a picture of his love, Shego.
It was an unusual one, but the most recent he had of her. She proudly wore her new, dark dress blues while sporting her favorite color in her headgear, the green beret. When Global Justice apprehended the both of them at a local coffee shop with Dementor, Shego took the fall for all of his misgivings and wrongs. He wanted to protest her but when he tried, she threatened him as the Global Justice agents restrained her and took her in. He knew it was all an act but it still hurt that the only contact he maintained with her was through photos and handwritten letters. He drew in a deep breath, slipping the photo back in his suit.
He turned back to the building where he had been scheduled to meet other scientists and dignitaries from around the world. He had resumed much of his work with his old colleagues, including James Possible. The name of the building, Friendship Tower, was ironic as was his resumed friendship. The tall tower, standing over 700 feet in the sky overlooking the Eastern Bosphorus Strait and Vladivostok, was the third Terran Union building to be erected in the world representing the beginning of a new era for humanity. The first two being built in Middleton of the United States and Kyoto of Japan.
The construction of the building coincided with the Russky Bridge that the Russian Federation rushed to complete ahead of schedule for the opening of the new embassy in Asia. Across the Sea of Japan and to the east, the Tranquility Tower climbed into the sky and space. It was his child project that would help his friend James forge into space in a new era of exploration. Nations from all around the world devoted their resources to its construction from the seafloor and into the great beyond.
From college dropout to villain, to hero, and then to deliverer. Drakken's new project along with Kim's dream of a peaceful world would thrust united humanity into the future. With the rays warming his cheeks against the chilly fall air, he stepped toward the doors of the new embassy. Today was the start of a new era in history. One that he would help build and create. One where he and Shego could one day talk again once their debts to a new society were repaid.
His ears perked up as he reached the doors. He swiveled his head in the direction of screeching tires where a red van swerved around an armored police car up the road toward the embassy.
II.
Mrs. Stoppable glanced over the newspaper the paperboy threw on the porch earlier in the day. Reading the paper after work became her daily routine once Ron joined the army, always concerned how global affairs would affect her son. Thankfully, her son's best friend managed to stymie her fears. Kim's progress towards world peace put her more at ease as world tensions cooled down.
She frowned. Thinking of Kim made her think of her son who was out on deployment. When Ron saved the world with Kim, she remembered how he would recount all the adventures he went on and the places they had been. Mrs. Stoppable remembered how it used to frighten her but was assured by his best friend, Kim Possible. Now, her Ronnie couldn't tell them one thing about where he was or what he was doing. So was the life of a son in the U.S. Army, especially one in the Special Forces.
Sighing, her eyes wandered to her most recent photo of him. His sturdier, clean-shaven stoic face so different from his past jovial and carefree adolescence. She couldn't say she wasn't proud of him. He had passed perhaps one of the toughest courses on the planet and he sported the green beret proudly. The thought of him being out in the world without his best friend worried her. She didn't know who had his back out there and if they cared for him in the same way that Kim did.
She knew the girl still loved him dearly. Kim would visit more often than even Ron would, especially since Ron's deployment. She would fly home and take Rufus to Bueno Nacho, ensuring that Rufus never felt neglected and to see Hana too. When Mr. and Mrs. Stoppable had confronted Ron on why he broke up with Kim, his reasons confounded them. Mrs. Stoppable would try to reason with her son as he packed his bags to leave, but she couldn't change his mind on the matter. Her son was set on the direction he wanted to go in.
"Ungh! Ungh!" Mrs. Stoppable, shaken away from her memories, looked down at her arm to find Rufus tugging at her sleeve. His eyes were puppy-dogged and full of fraught. She couldn't understand Ron's pet as he pointed behind her whimpering as if something was wrong. Ron had always been able to communicate with Rufus but Mrs. Stoppable, even after taking care of him for the better part of two years, still had a hard time.
It was Hana who stepped into the kitchen that caught her attention and added to Rufus's nervousness. "Mommy! What is wa?"
The question baffled her. Hana's learning curve had hit some time ago and she knew the words water and wood. So what word was baffling her young girl was puzzling. She squatted down picking up Hana on her left side, grabbing her cup of tea in her other hand. "What was that sweetheart?"
Her little girl smiled. "What is wa? It's on tv," then the young girl pointed behind her mother. Mrs. Stoppable followed her daughter's finger toward her son's picture on the counter. "Big brudda is on tv with wa!" she claimed excitedly.
The gears in her head started to turn together. It made sense as fear filled her mind. Rufus with his worried, anxiety-filled expression. Her daughter asking what was 'wa' when she had a hard time with her 'r's'. Pointing at her brother's picture on the bar in his uniform. Mrs. Stoppable hurried into the living room where the television and cable box sat upon its stand. When her eyes locked onto the screen, they watered, a small gasp barely escaping as panic and shock took hold of her body. The teacup slipped from her hand and crashed to the floor, shattering.
Hana pointed at the t.v. excitedly as she confused the men on the screen with her brother and her mispronunciation of the bold headline on the news. "See mommy! Wa!"
War.
III.
Ron watched Shego as she knelt on the dirt road in the village, handing out candy to children. Shego always complained to Ron that she hated the very thought of going on a humanitarian mission. She joined the Special Forces for excitement, to take on her own kind. The first days of their deployment brought out her bitter resentment as she grumbled that she should have joined the Rangers or Marines. Eventually, the deployment proved to have its upsides as she gradually grew accustomed to more relaxing missions.
Watching her though, as he stood on guard with his M-4 in his relaxed arms, he smiled. For the first time, he saw Shego's M-4 slung over her shoulder as she talked and played with a young girl about the same age as his little sister. Her laugh wasn't the usual scornful one she retained from her time as a villain. No, this laugh was innocent and genial as she played with one of the girl's tattered dolls.
The girl's mother called out to her from her small house in the trees down the puddled road. The girl gave Shego a large frown, seemingly not wanting to leave her newfound friend. Shego frowned too, feeling the same as the girl. Ron watched as she reached into one of her pouches and pulled out some wrapped sweets and cupped them in her hands, curling her fingers around them so she knew to hold onto them tight. The young girl's eyes brightened and she jumped on the former green villainess, wrapping her tiny arms around her neck giving her a tight hug. Shego seemed stunned at first but returned the embrace in full before letting the girl run back to her mom.
"I thought you didn't like the 'hearts and minds' part of our job," Ron smiled slyly elbowing Shego in the side.
Shego shot daggers from the corners of her eyes, "Don't even start, Stoppable." A warm smile crept across her face as the little girl waved back before disappearing into her home. "She reminds me of… me, somehow," she replied seemingly lost in her own past.
Ron's lips curved up, "Somehow? You know, I always kinda knew you were a good guy."
"Really?" Shego frowned, "Like that time I became good and you miraculously broke the attitudinator."
Ron shrugged his shoulders dismissively, "I don't remember any of that. I specifically remember it being bumped from my hands."
"You sure about that, Mr. Zorpox," Shego wriggled her brow at him.
"I don't know what you're talking about," Ron said with a chortle as they both turned around walking back down the muddied road. "For real though Shego. I never knew you back when you were good but… it's awesome to be working with you like this."
Shego averted her eyes from Ron, looking around her surroundings making sure no unwanted surprises were hiding in the tree line, "You really think so?"
To Ron, she seemed so uncertain about the matter. She acted similar to Kim when she was shy or nervous. "Honestly, I wouldn't have it any other way. With you, Collins, and the rest of the guys having my back. I've got nothing to worry about."
Collins's name took Shego off guard, "You tell Collins anything about what you saw back there, I'll beat you with your own rifle. Monkey powers or not," Shego stated bumping Ron in the shoulder.
Ron laughed when he saw their other friend running up toward them, "I might not have to."
Shego's eyes followed Ron's. She began to growl and then laughed with Ron until they both saw the expression plastered on his face. He seemed to be distraught and worried.
"You guys need to get back to the hut now! Somethings happening!" He said with a hushed but urgent tone, trying not to draw the villagers' attention.
Shego and Ron looked at each other before following a sprinting Collins back to where they had bunked at for the last month. Shego and Ron briefly looked back at the small girl's own shack as it faded into the background of trees before fully committing to the sprint. When they arrived, they all took seats where they could around an old, small box television.
"Breaking News! War has been declared on the new Terran Union. In a public announcement today"— Gemini's face flashed onto the screen— "Gemini, the leader of W.E.E. or Worldwide Evil Empire has declared his intention to challenge the new global peace treaty and the unification under the new order, the Terran Union. He has gathered rogue states, terrorist networks, and rebel movements across the globe under one banner as a direct alternative to the unity pushed by Kim Possible. Preceding his announcement today, the new alliance under W.E.E's banner made their first attack on the Terran Union Embassy in Vladivostok in an attempt on Kim Possible's life."
Ron grimaced at the news anchor's words. Gemini had upped the ante by taking a swipe at Kim's life. It was unacceptable. He clenched his fists as his arms began to tremble in anger. He just needed the order. Like a crouched lion hiding in the tall grass, he was ready to attack. Ron just needed orders to do so and he wouldn't hesitate. For the first time in a long time, Ron regretted his choice because it put him so far away from her. He couldn't protect Kim now.
"Calm down Stoppable. They said attempt. Gemini didn't succeed," Shego put a hand on Ron's shoulder and smirked, "Besides, Princess doesn't get to go out like that. We still have a score to settle."
Ron ignored Shego's last comment as the news anchor continued. "The explosion caused by a VIED, also known as a vehicle improvised explosive device, rammed into the first-floor entrance causing over a hundred casualties and at least sixty dead. Kim Possible is alive as she was not supposed to arrive at this location until September 9th. Instead Kim Possible later gave a speech in Middleton, Colorado where the first Terran Union Embassy had been built. Kim Possible condemned the attacks as a rancid attack on liberty and progress and called the acts of Gemini and those in league with him, cowardly and fearful of forward thought. Kim is expec—"
The TV shut off and the door behind the group of soldiers slammed open. "Attention! Gather your gear and equipment. We've received new orders! We're to report to an airstrip two clicks southeast of here in an hour!" It was the captain of the 710th Operational Detachment. Captain Webber. Master Sergeant Bryer stood by his side.
The corner of Shego's mouth curved upward, grabbing her rifle, "Do we get to take a little revenge on Gemini."
"Pipe down Shego. As you all might have heard, Vladivostok's embassy was attacked. What you didn't hear, was that fifteen minutes ago, three missile boats from North Korea were used by W.E.E. to sail into a Union naval formation protecting the Tranquility Tower and annihilated the formation with thermonuclear weapons," Captain Webber reported dismally.
One of the soldiers, weapons expert Sergeant First Class Ryder spoke up. "Are you saying that—"
Master Sergeant Bryer interrupted. "We just lost a whole armada, but miraculously, the tower still stands. Essentially, half of the Union's naval airpower has been eliminated in the Pacific… we also lost a battalion of the First."
The rest in the room, including Shego, bowed their heads in respect and solitude as the last part of Bryer's statement hit home. Bryer meant that a battalion of the First Special Forces Group had met their fate. Everyone in the room took on a somber attitude, their eyes shadowed by their patrol caps.
"We can grieve another time. Our detachment specifically has received orders to rendezvous at Cam Ranh Air Base in Vietnam. From there we'll receive new orders. Everyone move!"
Ron and Shego didn't hesitate as they sprang to action, grabbing all their gear. Shego was itching for a fight and Ron eager to ensure that Kim's dream wasn't ruined… and that she survived this tribulation in her quest for peace. With all their gear slung over their shoulders and the shack cleared, the 710th left for their departing flight. As they marched, the only thought on Ron's mind, was Kim.
IV.
Kim's face was buried in her hands. This can't be happening! He's out there all alone and I'm here in an underground bunker being hidden from view so Gemini can't target me! Argh, just let me handle this and the world will go back to normal! Kim sat in the waiting room flustered. Her mother and Monique sat beside her, trying to soothe the frustration and anxiety that quickly built up after the attacks unleashed by Gemini. The anxiety of Ron being out in the midst of conflict without her by his side terrified her. Somehow, Kim knew Ron would be drawn into the conflict one way or another, and the fear it caused overwhelmed her.
"Miss Possible…" a Union commander, General Thorten, who represented the United States, tried to get her to calm down.
"Can't you see my girl needs time to G-H-T!" Monique shot the well-dressed general a glare.
"Um… I don't know what tha—"
"Gather her thoughts! Geez, are all you boy scouts this dense!" Monique returned her attention to a dispirited Kim.
"Could you… give us a moment," Mrs. Possible asked quietly trying to show the general and his situation sympathy.
General Thorten lowered his head, defeated. It looked as if he wasn't going to gain Kim Possible's cooperation just yet. "Very well. Please be quick. We don't have much time to spare," the general exited the room, the door clicking shut behind him.
Kim slammed her fists into her thighs. "This can't be happening mom. I didn't want a war! I didn't want conflict! I wanted everyone to come together. How… how can I get him back if the world is torn apart."
"Kimmie. You can't think like this. None of this is your fault," Mrs. Possible didn't know how to comfort Kim. The world put all its weight on her daughter's shoulders and now the weight of conflict added itself to that burden. It didn't help that her daughter still hadn't come to terms with Ron breaking their relationship off. Mrs. Possible stroked her daughter's hair trying to comfort her. She hadn't seen her daughter in this state since the night that Ron broke things off with her.
Monique tried her way. "Baby girl. Right now is not the time to worry about winning Ron back. Right now is the time to worry about how you're going to help. You need to pull yourself together," Monique tried to encourage her best girlfriend. After graduation and school, Kim and Monique rarely saw each other, seeing that their differing school choices and areas of study took them different places. When she saw the news that Gemini targeted Kim at the Vladivostok embassy, she rushed Wade to locate Kim to see if she was alive. When she found out that Kim was alive and well, she rushed over even if she broke a couple of federal trespassing laws to get to her.
"How? I fight villains face to face! Not from a bunker!" Kim exclaimed still looking down at her thighs. Self-doubt started to creep in over her thoughts. This wasn't supposed to happen like this. I was supposed to unify the world so I could get Ron back. Ron would never accept us if I failed. He would be entrenched in his stupid belief that he held me back somehow! Drowning in her own uncertainty, Kim couldn't get her thoughts straight. "I should be out there, not in here. Not in a bunker. I'm Kim Possible!" Anger welled up inside her heart. No one would let her go out and do what she knew best, save the world. Did they seriously doubt her? If she couldn't get out there, how would she save Ron?
"Kimmie, right now you've taken a different role. The world needs you to be here. If you're lost, then everything falls apart," Mrs. Possible reminded Kim. "That's why they're keeping you here."
"You need to get it through your thick skull, girl!" Monique gripped Kim's hand tightly. "The world needs you right now. The world needs Kim Possible. They need you in there," Monique pointed at the door the general had walked through. Kim didn't respond still looking at her knees downcast and continuing to sink in her own swirling ocean of doubt. Monique thought for a moment of what she could say to get Kim's attention before her friend sank further into despair.
An idea struck her, even though she wasn't fond of it. Ever since the break-up, Monique tried her hardest to keep Ron out of any conversations with Kim. To invoke Ron's name after what he put Kim through was sacrilege. She couldn't understand her other friend's reasoning. Yet, another solution failed to cross her mind. "Kim, Ron needs you right now," Monique almost whispered into her ear.
Kim's ears perked up at Ron's name, "What..?"
Mrs. Possible also looked at Monique confused unsure of what the young dark-skinned beauty was trying to accomplish.
"You heard me. Ron needs you to S-U-T-T-P."
Kim stared at Monique wide-eyed confused at her acronym. "What is—"
"Step up to the plate girl! He needs you out there. Right now, Ron is probably in the middle of this mess! Are you going to leave your sidekick… partner," Monique corrected herself, "hanging like that!? He needs direction. And the people that are giving him direction are seeking yours!"
Kim looked back at her hands and then Monique. "Ron needs my help?"
"You're damn straight baby girl. Now get in there and tell those boy scouts how to do their damn jobs. This is your idea! So go get 'em girlfriend!" Monique gave Kim a hearty slap on the back.
It convinced Kim to move. She stood up with her balled fists by her side. "You're right Monique. If I don't get out there right now, then Ron's not going to have the hope he deserves right now!"
"There you go, girl! Go get 'em!" Monique cheered Kim as her friend steeled herself in the face of the new challenge. "You're Kim Possible girl! You can do anything!"
Kim heard more quiet cheers and words of comfort as she stepped through the door into the hall. On the other side General Thorten and Betty, the Director of Global Justice waited for her. Both smiled relieved as she stepped through the door, her mission face glaring down the hall.
V.
The hot humid air of Vietnam caked Ron's skin as he and his team stepped off the helicopter and onto the tarmac of Cam Ranh Air Base. Built by America during the Vietnam War. Used by the Soviets once America left, and then left to the Vietnamese once the Soviet Union fell. The base, which was usually used exclusively by the Vietnamese since then bristled with activity. Overnight it had changed from an exclusive, national airbase into an international bastion. Gemini's attacks had left many bases crippled at best. Others were in a state of civil war while the remaining were the target of suicide drones. Gemini had set the world ablaze.
The scream of two fighter jets roaring up into the air caught Ron's attention. They weren't American, by their appearance and shape, and looked to be Russian Su-27's. They were followed by two, far more familiar jets that Ron recognized as F/A-18 Super Hornets. In the wake of all the chaos, many units who lost their own bases of operations had fled to Cam Ranh Air Base as it was one of the few left unscathed by the ever confounding conflict.
"What in the world is going on here?" Collins asked referring two the mix of American and Russian jets taking off.
"Rumor is that W.E.E. managed to sink one of our carriers that was en route to help with subduing enemy elements north of here. One of the surviving squadrons landed here and is working with the Vietnamese and Russians to eliminate a rogue naval element in the Southern Pacific," Sergeant Ramos answered.
"A rogue naval element?" Ryder questioned. "What do you mean by that?"
"I heard over the comms that Gemini used some type of brain-washing chemical or signal and took control of random military units all over the world. Some have it worse than others. It seems we're pretty well off," Sergeant Ramos, the senior communications sergeant shouted as the fighter jets roared overhead.
"Never thought I would rue the day," Shego elicited a low whistle, ignoring the rest of her team's chatter. Just a few years earlier, most of these nations were adversaries. Now her eyes followed the jets of former adversaries lift off into the skies above of Cam Ranh. "So this is what princess has been working toward. Pretty cool and scary at the same time," she stated quietly to where no one could hear her.
Ron marched forward with a determination the rest of his team seemed to lack. Although most of the others didn't know it, Ron took Gemini's first act personally. The opposing persona of Betty Director had taken a swipe at something that Ron vowed to protect. If Gemini's attack would have succeeded in killing Kim… Ron didn't want to think of it. Sacrificing his relationship with Kim for her happiness would have all been in vain. And Ron's anger only grew as his ears gathered information and rumors from his team. Brainwashing soldiers, drones hidden in cargo holds, Lorwardian tech, and nukes. Ron always thought of Gemini as the saner of the villains. Obviously, Ron was wrong.
He followed the rest of his detachment into one of the hangars of the base, where older fighter jets like Mig-21's and F-4 phantoms were stored. It seemed that the air technicians were rushing to get them air-worthy and fast. Are they running that low on air power that they need to bring out vintage? Ron thought to himself. A Vietnamese officer greeted them at the rear of the building and they were directed into a small briefing room that was usually reserved for Vietnamese fighter pilots.
Ron squeezed between Collins and Shego as everyone awaited to be briefed on the situation. Looking around, Ron could see that his team was itching for a fight, all of them seemingly restless. Night fell over the base before Captain Webber returned with an older stout man with thinning gray hair and another younger man with a sharp military cut. They stood front and center, the younger man speaking first.
"I'm Colonel Foyer of the U.S. Army, 1st Special Forces Group Command, Third Union Army Group Command. Men, women… we don't have time for pleasantries, the battlefield is changing faster than most of our forces can adapt. As of 1800 hours, we received intel that we lost the majority of the Fifth Fleet that was steaming toward us from the Persian Gulf to help with air support. They were lost to WMDs of unknown design. We believe Gemini is using rogue states and sleeper units armed with these WMDs to decimate our strongest elements."
"Sleeper units?" Ron asked curious about the term.
Colonel Foyer nodded, "Based on intelligence, the assumption is that somehow, Gemini managed to infiltrate and brainwash multiple military units abroad. Delta Force has even been compromised. How he did this, we don't know. All we do know is that Gemini is not anywhere close to the action, and our own forces are not the only tool that he's implementing."
"So where is the worm?" Shego cracked her fingers. The itch she felt becoming irresistible, watching Ron's brows twitch in anger and frustration didn't help her excitement.
"We believe that Gemini is using the rogue states he recruited as false targets while he himself uses a stateless strategy to combat us. It's one of the reasons why this war isn't sliding in our favor," Colonel Foyer answered. "That being said, we recently have surmised Gemini's location to be on a remote island in the southern Indian Ocean. Heard Island, is remote and has no inhabitants, yet just over seventy-two hours ago, the island lit up with activity with radio signals and seismic activity emanating from the volcano."
"And how do we know that's where Gemini is broadcasting from?" Ron asked.
"We suspect this because before each attack a signal was picked up from the island, along with a more subtle constant signal. It was hard to determine since the signal has been spoofed, but we've narrowed it down. It's quite likely that Gemini targeted the Fifth Fleet to prevent any counter operations against him in the near future. With that, we believe his next targets to be the Atlantic Fleets since they haven't been compromised by any brainwashing and they constitute the closest threat now," Webber answered.
"Why not just bomb him?" Sergeant First Class Ryder asked.
"The Union has tried three cruise missile barrages using stand-off weapons, fly-over bombers, ballistic missiles, and even a tactical strike. All failed… shot down by an unknown defensive system," Foyer answered.
"So that's where we come in?" Shego asked.
"Correct. The main forces are too busy dealing with rogue elements or states, many of which have been augmented by technology that Gemini either created or used from Lorwardian wreckage. Since the Union has lost almost forty percent of the world's fleets and roughly thirty percent of its airpower, they don't have much to spare. Most of our brethren are helping other allied forces engage a plethora of enemies. It looks like Gemini was preparing for this for a long time," Colonel Foyer seemed deflated.
"So what's the game plan?" Captain Webber asked with folded arms.
The older man that walked in beside Colonel Foyer spoke up. "I am General Frokker. Listen up! I'm only going to say this once. You are the 710th ODA of the United States Army Special Forces. What you probably don't know is that your unit's name is Task Force X-ray, a special unit within the special forces that have… gifted members. I don't need to say their names. You know them, you work with them, you fight with them. What you don't know is that you aren't the only unit out there that has members with special 'gifts'"— the general used air quotes— "You are the only unit in the United States military, but there are five other units worldwide, four of which are here. Two are former adversaries. You will be working with them. You will get along with them. You will fight with them. This is a multinational operation. If you screw up, it could cost us all that's been gained in the last few years."
Ron looked around the room and found the other men of his unit were doing the same. They didn't seem uncomfortable with the idea as much as they just wanted to land on Heard Island sooner than later. Ron could care less who he worked with or how they got to Heard Island. Ron only cared about getting to the island so he could find Gemini and stop him. The very fact that he targeted Kim was more than enough of a reason to put an end to the threat.
General Frokker's despondent sigh caught Ron's ear as if this was the last time he would give a briefing like this. "I'm going to be honest men. Heard Island is far. The birds you'll take will run out of fuel and your fighter escorts are on a suicide mission. They already know they won't be returning home…" Ron, Shego, and Collins listened intently as the general explained. For the first time since Ron joined the Special Forces, a feeling of dread crawled over his skin. Shego felt fear well up in her throat as the general continued to explain the grim outlook for their mission.
Colonel Foyer finished the general's thoughts, "We believe that taking out Gemini will end this crisis. Your objective is to eliminate the threat which we've been told you can do in three ways. Capture, elimination, and…"— the colonel paused, an uneasy silence befalling the room— "… If you can't accomplish either of the first two objectives within twelve hours from landing, you'll eliminate the air defenses and prep the target for nuclear saturation. We have high confidence, that you will not be coming back."
Ron winced at his words. No returning home? Then again, what home. He had given that up long ago. This is was what he signed up for. This was it. One suicidal mission to one of the most remote places in the world. Colonel Foyer went on to explain the topography of the island and its arctic climate. It was believed that Gemini had bunkered himself deep within the glaciers, inside the volcano, Mawson Peak. Gemini was believed to have reinforced the island with mind-controlled U.S. Marines and also stolen the magma machine that Drakken had tried to use to create Drakkenville. Intelligence didn't know what Gemini's end goal was, but they feared the worse.
Their transport wasn't going to be the normal C-17 Globemaster that they would typically jump from. That wasn't their choice either. In the name of unity and more so the lack of air protection for their usual suites to cross the Pacific. Their transport aircraft were three Ilyushin 76 Candid airlifts. The pilots knew they wouldn't be returning. To help disguise their mission, the Indian Navy would use their only aircraft carrier as bait, while American and Russian bombers would launch attacks from the north and east to confuse the enemy, all to keep Gemini's attention off their task force that would comprise of only about fifty men.
Captain Webber was put in charge of the whole task force, including the other units. When the meeting was concluded, they all rushed out to grab supplies. As they packed their gear and went to go gather ammo, Ron thought about what Kim must be going through while the world was set ablaze by a former enemy. Putting magazines into his pouches for his M-4 carbine, Ron watched the others, including Collins somberly prepare for their mission. The only one who seemed excited was none other than Shego.
"You're in a good mood," Ron commented as he continued to pack.
"Of course. I finally get to do what I signed up for. Gemini has it coming to him. I can tell you that," Shego smiled coyly as she packed her own ammo.
"Do you really think we need all this?" Ron asked quietly, referring to their powers.
Shego shrugged her shoulders, "Don't know. You got my back, right? Sidekick to sidekick," Shego elbowed Ron giving him a confident smirk.
Ron glanced over at Collins who was packing his medical supplies. Ron shot Shego an evil smirk, "I'm sure Collins has your back. He'll take care of you for sure."
"Don't you dare Stoppable. You better have my back if you don't want Collins shot in the crotch," Shego shuttered at the thought of Collins having her 'back'.
Ron stifled his laughter as he packed the last magazine, stuffing it into an already packed pouch. Ron never imagined years ago that he would be here in Vietnam, ready to be airlifted to a remote island in the middle of the ocean and instead of fighting Shego, going in alongside her. Usually, this would be a mission Kim would go on with him. But right now, Kim was holding the world together in the midst of chaos. This wasn't a preemptive strike before the villain could deploy his mad schemes. Gemini had already sought to that.
"Hey, you two!" Ron and Shego both looked up at Collins, who held out two envelopes pinched between his knuckles. "If I don't make it. I want you two to open them… but not until after I'm buried."
Ron and Shego glanced down at the white envelopes confused at just what Collins had put inside. They were addressed to each of them. Ron snatched the envelope away and stuffed it into his cargo pocket before wrapping his arm around Collins's neck in a playful manner. "C'mon man! That's quitter talk!"
"Yea! Don't you know better. I'll be burning this up in my hands when we get back. You'll see… Unless it's something embarrassing…" Shego gave Collins a wicked smile. "Is it a secret love letter for someone back in the states? I'll post it all over Pic-book!" Shego and Ron laughed as Collins blushed.
"I'm serious guys! If I don't make it ba—"
Ron squeezed his arm tighter. "I don't want to hear it, buddy. We're all coming back," Ron stated as if it were a truth and not a wish.
Collins gave his friends a half-smile, "Believe me, I hope we all do. But just in ca—"
"We will," Ron said in a firmer tone.
Shego crossed her arms, smirking smugly, "I don't think he's gonna let you go unless you repeat it."
"We will. We'll all come home," Collins caved.
VI.
"Are you all serious! How did this happen!? How did we not know that Gemini was plotting!? Why are you all fighting and blaming each other!?" Kim shouted at the military delegates and Union General Secretary who all sat at a round table. They all shut up at the sound of Kim's voice. Before she arrived, they were finger-pointing and blaming each other for the chaos that was unfolding. "What was the point of all this? What was the point of me helping you with treaties and giving speeches and spending time away from home!?" Home? I haven't been home in a long time. Do I… Do I even have a home anymore?
"Miss Possible… We never thought it would be this chaotic to work with former adversaries. Our forces are just not compatible with—"
A Russian General interrupted, "Compatible! Your forces failed to warn us of strikes against our homeland and China's! And you want us to sign a treaty that would put our militaries under one flag! Preposterous!"
"Ha!" a NATO officer scoffed, "If we had just maintained our own structure, free of eastern influence, we would be in a better position to respond."
"Respond! Half of Europe is embroiled in rebellion. Several of your own military units have attacked your own territories. Even the American's Delta Force and Seal Six have been compromised and are currently holding the Pentagon hostage!" a member of the Japanese military sounded off.
"Enough!" Kim shouted. "I don't know all the details. But we won't get anywhere if you all just keep bickering!"
"She is right!" The General Secretary of the newly formed Terran Union spoke out. "Gemini is only succeeding because we did not finish formalizing the union of our armed forces. He knew the time was now or never."
"Right! So stop blaming each other for the losses and get your act together. Gemini spoofed all your systems. Not one country detected those missile boats and what they carried," Kim stood up slamming her fists onto the table, glaring at an ashamed Global Justice director. "This is as much my fault. If I left the world as it was, Gemini might have never have acted out," Kim deflated.
"You don't know that Kim. For all we know, if you hadn't stepped up, we might be in even more disarray or worse… fighting each other," Betty tried to assure Kim that her idea of unification wasn't to blame. "It was only by starting this path towards unity, that you saved us from ourselves."
"Miss Possible. The director is right. None of this is your fault. Much of this is our fault for acting like children and failing to resolve our differences in the world, and respect each other as equal human beings," the General Secretary added. He gazed out to the military leaders of the world powers. "I know this is new. A year ago, the presidents of your nations would give your orders. Now, they are only civilian leaders of their regions. I know it is hard, but we must all come together."
All the military leaders leaned back in their chairs, their pride and attitudes fading away. "We know where Gemini is, so what's our plan since you won't let me go in and take him out," Kim grumbled sliding back into her chair. "I mean, I am just an adviser here. Why can't I go?"
"We told you Miss Possible. If you go, then how does that progress us forward. We cannot rely on you forever. We must learn to work together on our own. On the other end, if we lose you…"
"I know, the public will lose faith in the initiative and purpose of the Union," Kim rested her chin on her hand, mentally fatigued.
"We believe it is Gemini's goal to draw you out and then kill you so he can destroy the unification effort," the General Secretary added.
Kim rubbed her temples. Everything so far failed to take out Gemini as he continued to unleash the terrors of chaos on the world. "Do we know why we couldn't penetrate the airspace around Heard Island?"
"We believe that in addition to short, mid, and long-range SAM sites, Gemini also has a laser defense grid that is augmented by Lorwardian tech. Everything we've thrown at him has failed," General Thorten explained. "There is also evidence that he has technology that can spoof most guidance systems we have for accurate strikes."
"So do we have a new plan?" Kim groaned at Gemini becoming a larger thorn in her side than he'd been before.
"We do. I'll put it up on the main monitor," Kim glanced up to find a world map appearing on a massive screen behind the group. Red arrows from America, China, India, and Russia designated some kind of attack, while a green arrow from Vietnam went straight for Heard Island. The general went on to explain that the red arrows were diversionary naval and aerial elements to take Gemini's attention away from the main force, a mismatched group of special forces from around the world. The general explained them as a suicide squad, their mission to eliminate Gemini in three possible ways. Capture, elimination, or elimination of the air defenses on and around the island so they could saturate it with a nuclear strike, which was represented by two orange arrows emanating from deep within America and Russia.
"If all our forces can do is eliminate the air defenses, then two backup bomber forces will launch back-up bunker-buster nuclear weapons in conjunction with submarine-launched SLBM's. This is our last option, but might be the only way to take out Gemini fast enough," General Thorten finished.
"Fast enough?"
General Thorten sighed, "We believe Gemini is trying to use the laser drill and magma machine to breath life back into the Kerguelen hotspot, so he can kick-start another mega eruption."
"Mega-eruption?" Kim asked, her curiosity piqued. "You mean like the super-volcano below Yellowstone?"
"Like the Siberian Traps Kim," Kim looked back up to find Wade on the screen. "If Gemini is successful, he could kick-start a catastrophic eruption that would last thousands of years. It would make Yellowstone a preferable alternative, Kim," Wade said grimly.
Kim shook her head. What is Gemini thinking? "How long do we… does the team have to take out Gemini and his operation?"
"They get twelve hours."
"And what if they get Gemini but can't shut down the process?" Kim questioned.
The general's eyes looked morose, as he likely had thought of the question himself a thousand times over only to arrive at an inevitable, depressing conclusion. "Then we proceed with saturating the island with nuclear weapons until we believe the process has been stopped."
Kim grimaced at the thought. Even if the special forces managed to capture Gemini, there was no guarantee they could stop his plot in time. That wasn't counting the fact that if they did, it would be days before they could be recovered from the inhospitable island. That was assuming most of them could get past Gemini's seemingly impenetrable air defense. If they couldn't get Gemini, they were to implement plan Zulu. Eliminate all air defenses and prep the target for nuclear saturation, at which no one would survive.
"Who are the lucky units," Kim asked sarcastically.
"I'm glad you asked. They are all special units that the leading powers have either put together through recruitment or… volunteer experiments. All of these teams have been unknowingly serving their missions in the same region as a secret test of multinational cooperation," General Thorten explained.
Kim arched an eyebrow, "And, what makes them special?"
"They for one are special forces teams. The American team is a U.S. Army Special Forces unit. The Japanese unit was made from recruits of a secret organization that was put under its own special forces group." Yamanuchi instantly came to Kim's mind at Thorten's mention. "China and Russia recruited individuals with special 'talents' from their population and embedded them into new SF units. The same with other powers around the world."
She wasn't thrilled that this was the answer. The major nations had built special teams under the guise of their special forces units or included gifted individuals embedded inside those units to boost their potential. Not all of the nations that were contributing to the suicide mission had gifted individuals, many were normal units. There were soldiers from seven nations. America, China, Korea, India, Japan, Russia, and Vietnam. They went through the list of units in reverse order though. America's contribution came up last, and when the unit's name appeared on the screen, Kim's eyes grew wide in horror. The 710th Operational Detachment. Ron's unit. Ron. He was a part of the suicide mission to take out Gemini.
Kim kept her head still in horror as she watched the progress of the green marker on the screen representing the suicide mission. They were already on the move. She couldn't scream, she couldn't stop the plan. Ron part of the world's only chance to save it from destruction. She couldn't show her fear. She sank in her chair emotionless, the darkness once again beginning to take over the light.
No.
VII.
Mr. and Mrs. Possible hunkered down in the Union Embassy with their twin boys who were now freshmen in college. They watched the images coming in on the monitor above them. They were scenes of horror. World War III raged on throughout the world as the newly formed Terran Union struggled to maintain control. Video of ships burning in the water, missiles being launched from others. Tanks blitzed across battlefields, intense street fighting, cities on fire, and fighter jets falling out of the sky in fireballs.
Mrs. Possible looked over to her husband who was holding her tight. She nuzzled her head into his chest as he stroked her hair. "Everything is going to be okay sweetheart. It'll all be over soon," he tried to soothe her worries.
"I just hope Kimmie is going to be okay," Mrs. Possible began to quietly sob.
"Frankly, I'm more worried about the Stoppable's and their son," Mr. Possible sighed thinking of what Ron's family must be going through.
VIII.
"V-I-C-T-O-R-Y… Victory, victory, that's our battle cry," Collins sang to himself as the Ilyushin-76 shook flying over the Indian Ocean. Ron and Shego sat across from him. The junior communications sergeant, Ramos, sat next to Collins, his head laid back against the wall of the plane.
"S-O-L-D-I-E-R… Soldier, soldier, that's who we are," Collins continued to quietly sing the cadence he learned in basic training years ago. Ron remembered that whenever he would get nervous, this was how Collins would calm his nerves.
Ron ran his hand over his M-4 carbine. Another tool in his arsenal of weapons. He checked over the black rifle and its attachments, double-checking if the ACOG was secure or the grip fitted just right, not that it really mattered. Ron had become proficient to the point where he could hit a target at over a hundred yards without really trying to aim. The movement of his body with the rifle became uncannily natural. He trained hard through basic and then through the qualification course to be where he was now. Airborne training was easy since he always jumped when Kim did. Ranger school was hell on earth, air assault, survival training, and many more schools he couldn't count as the plane flew on, closer and closer to their destination.
The plane shuddered. He looked down at the watch that he had set earlier when they departed from Vietnam. Two hours were left on the clock, as the Ilyushin's skimmed above the Indian Ocean at only a hundred meters. Somewhere to the planes starboard and port sides were two other Ilyushin's carrying the rest of the task force being sent to apprehend or eliminate Gemini. When Ron concentrated his senses and mystical powers hard enough, he could hear the light roar over the waves of fighter jets escorting them all the way to Heard Island. Remembering what the commander had said, Ron understood that this mission was do or die.
Ron closed his eyes trying to ease his nerves. Remembering all the times before the training, before the army. Ron reminisced on the past with Kim. He remembered that spring after Warhawk's unsuccessful invasion.
"Ron! Ron!" Kim laughed and giggled like he remembered when she was a little girl. Ron grinned as she pulled him along through the tall waving grass. He was lost in her eyes as they glittered like gems in the sunlight. Her red bane shimmered radiantly in the sun. She wore a beautiful blue sundress that danced with her as she skipped toward the top of the slope. Most intoxicating was her giddy laugh. Kim was stress-free and acting childish for the first time in a long time. Stress-free from life as the world rebuilt from the destruction.
"Kiiim—" Ron almost fell forward as his girlfriend didn't let up as she pulled him up the slope.
"Come on Ron! We need to hurry or we're not going to make it!" Kim said turning and using her other hand to grab onto his.
Ron could only grin as her happy smile put an enchantment on his heart. He was the luckiest man alive in his mind as he followed his girlfriend up the slope. When they finally reached the top, Ron could only look out on the horizon in awe. Kim giggled at her speechless boyfriend.
"So… how do you like it, Ron?"
Ron couldn't speak as he gazed upon the beauty in front of him. The sight took his breath away and there wasn't another person he could imagine sharing the moment with other than his girlfriend.
"Ron? Ron? Ron?"
"Stoppable!" Ron opened his eyes to find Shego elbowing him in his side. Ron glanced over to her. "Everything good with you?" she whispered.
Ron looked at his weapon and then his hands. Did I fall asleep? He turned to Shego, "Yea, I'm fine."
"You were thinking about her again, weren't you?" Shego whispered, a sly smile playing on her lips.
Ron shook his head. "Just remembering some good times is all." Keep your head in the game, Ron! That was then, this is now. You have to protect her future. Not the past.
Shego looked as if she was about to say something smart but was interrupted by Captain Webber emerging from the front of the plane. "Get ready men, the pilots are taking us to ten thousand feet. Our escorts have engaged drones flying around the perimeter of the island, so we no longer have any protection." Weber was talking about the fighter squadrons from Cam Ranh Air Base. They had all had refueled mid-flight somewhere west of Australia. Still, the last leg of the trip was one way as the Island was over five thousand miles from Vietnam. They were about to perform a jump onto an island that was in the middle of nowhere. Literally.
A red light came on in the cabin, illuminating the dim interior. "We've run out of fuel, so the pilots will be making the jump with us. We'll be coasting in as we jump. Stoppable takes the pilot and Shego takes the co-pilot." Shego groaned at Captain Webber's words.
"Take care of our comrades. Da!" A Russian operator from the tail of the plane spoke up, where the Spetznaz group sat. Ron could tell Shego wanted to say something smart, but she bit her tongue and only nodded more out of respect to Sergeant Bryer, who stared fiercely at both of them.
The plane shook. "We're coming under attack! Everyone up and prepare to jump! One minute!" Master Sergeant Bryer shouted. The pilot and co-pilot stepped out of the cockpit and walked where directed. Webber walked with them and helped Ron and Shego quickly strap them to their front side. The plane shook violently again. The engines were sputtering and the plane began to creak and yawn. Ron walked to the tail of the plane, the rear doors already open. The Russian unit had already jumped and so were the first of his team. Collins jumped just ahead of Ron. He remembered now, they had a golden window to jump, lest he wanted to make it harder to avoid a glacier or worse, the frigid waters.
The quick sound of metal being hit and popping caught Ron's ears, causing him to pause. He looked back to find that the plane had been pierced by anti-aircraft fire. The warrant officer for their detachment had been hit, his blood spilling out onto the floor, his face pale as white linens, drained of all blood. Never had any of Kim's missions gone like this. This wasn't just any mission. This wasn't just combat. This was a battle. This was war.
"Go! Go! Go!" Captain Webber yelled pointing toward the rear of the plane, grabbing the stunned, bleeding warrant officer.
"Let's go, sidekick! No time to freeze up now! You're supposed to have my back!" Shego grunted reaching out and pushing Ron off the plane. As he fell Ron could see the snowy, ice-covered island. Below, fiery orange tracer rounds spat out from gun emplacements far below. An American fighter jet and several drones in pursuit of it zipped past underneath him. Ron angled himself back to watch the Il-76 cruise away, Captain Webber and Sergeant Bryer jumping out with their wounded warrant officer. A red laser coming from below ripped through the plane and it exploded seconds later. He couldn't see where the other two transport's had gone. If Ron had to guess, they were the only ones left.
Ron turned back to the island. They were approaching the drop zone below. The sun rose to the east behind him, its warm rays hitting his cheeks and battling the bone-chilling air. He needed to take out Gemini. Plan Zulu wasn't an option in Ron's book. They all needed to get back alive. He pulled the string to his chute, the wind catching it as he floated down to the icy hell below. We're coming for you Gemini. I'm going home. And you're not taking Kim's home away. You better surrender peacefully, for your own sake. Tracers shot up from below, as firey hell raced towards him.
A/N: This chapter was never meant to be this long. I hope you liked it! Let me know what you think and if you think the plot and emotions are flowing well.