Scooby Doo
The Courtship of Velma Dinkley
By Andy Fuller, Ben Thomas and Jackie McConnell
This Story was inspired by Littlesoprano's 'Journey of Self Discovery' & 'Their First Christmas'
Thanks to Ben G, Joe and Sandy for the Beta
Please note I'm British so take that into account with some of the spellings
Special Thanks to my life long friends and occasional writing partners Ben and Jackie and I wish them many years of happiness when they (finally!!) tie the knot on the 7th April in Fiji.
This is the Final Part of the Courtship of Velma Dinkley but stand by for a one-off special - 'A Date With The Daces'
Chapter 6 - Showdown
For the second time in just over ten days Velma found herself standing in an Airport terminal waiting for the arrival of the private jet that Nick Martz had arranged with the Institute that her parents worked for that was bringing the rest of Mystery Inc. to Hamilton. Of course she wasn't alone as Ethan and Ben Van Der Grossen, the Seacutter's First Mate stood with her. Ethan held Velma's hand for moral support while Ben was there for protection. Although neither Ethan nor Velma knew it the young First Mate had drawn a 9MM from the ship's armory under the instructions of Nick although the Captain had made it quite clear it was to only be used as a last resort and even then if possible only to warn off anyone who tried anything.
"There she is," said Velma pointing towards the taxiway were a Learjet painted in the Institute's livery made its way towards the terminal.
"Well, let's go meet them," said Ethan. Velma nodded in reply and with Ben following behind the pair made their way to the exit and headed over to the plane, which had now taxied to a position near the Terminal's far end, out of sight of the main passenger area. As the trio now approached the plane the door was lowering and a moment later Scooby trotted down the steps and paddled quickly over to Velma nuzzling her hand in greeting
"Ri Relma," woofed the Great Dane with a somber expression.
"Hey Scoob," said Velma with a smile as she rubbed in between Scooby's ears.
"Velma!" called Daphne as she darted from the aircraft door and threw her arms around her best friend. Velma hugged her best friend back before leaning back so she could meet Daphne's gaze. "Thanks for coming."
"Hey, you'd have done the same," said Daphne with a small smile. "That's what friends do."
"Daph's right Vel," said Fred as he and Shaggy walked up carrying the small amount of luggage that they'd brought with them (even Daphne packed light these days). "You know we're only ever a phone call."
"Like yeah," added Shaggy with a nod. "Friends stick together Vel, remember?"
"I remember," said Velma with a smile as Fred now turned to Ethan. "Hey Eth, how are you doing?"
"Pretty good I guess," said Ethan with a smile as the group now started to follow Ben back to where the mini-bus Nick had borrowed from the Harbor Master was parked. "Still can't believe what's going on though. I mean, we're suppose to be on vacation, and besides, who'd go to all that trouble kidnapping Harold and Marilyn when they could have easily come after me and Vel."
"Someone who wanted to send a message I guess," said Fred with a shrug. "Still, we'll figure it out. We always do." There wasn't any arrogance in Fred's statement, it was just the truth.
"Maybe," said Velma with a frown. "But what kinda message?"
"Like, perhaps they thought your folks wouldn't think to call us if you'd disappeared," supplied Shaggy with a shrug. At this the others turned to him before exchanging glances.
"That would make sense," said Velma softly. "My parents would probably let the local authorities do their job. I mean they might call you guys eventually."
"But whoever kidnapped your parents want us here now," finished Daphne looking slight pale.
"Zoinks, you mean this is a trap?" said Shaggy exchanging a worried look with Scooby.
"Yeah, looks like it," agreed Fred.
"But who?" said Ethan. "I mean, me and Velma did a list of all the crooks you've put behind bars and most of them are still there, and the ones who aren't are all accounted for, Nick called his brother whose with the Feds and all of them are still in the States."
"Now that is a mystery," muttered Fred as the gang climbed into the mini- bus while Ben hoped into the front seat and started the van up.
"All set?" asked the First Mate with a glance over his shoulder to where Fred, Daphne, Shaggy and Scooby were taking their seats while Velma and Ethan climbed into the front. "Okay, here we go." The van now slowly pulled out and started on the short journey to the harbor.
***
None of Mystery Inc. saw the blue Vauxhall Astra pull out behind the van and follow it down the road leading to the harbor. The passenger in the Astra now pulled his mobile out and dialed a number.
"Yes?" said a male voice at the other end.
"They're arrived Guv," said the passenger. "Their on their way to the harbor now."
"Alright," replied the voice. "Just be careful not to get spotted. We don't want to spook anyone."
"Right Guv," said the passenger before ending the call before turning to his colleague. "Alright Heno, slow down. We don't want anyone know we're following them."
"Right Sarge," said the driver in a thick accent. "You really think they've got someone watching?"
"Wouldn't you?" asked the Sergeant who also spoke with an accent that wasn't local.
"I suppose I would," conceded the driver as he turned into the harbor. "Looks like their going to their boat."
"Right, let's get to the launches and get ready. We're going have to be ready to move quickly when they get started."
***
An hour later the Seacutter slipped its moorings and slowly left the harbor. At the same time a smaller vessel also left it's berth and took to sea behind the 'Cutter.
On board the 'Cutter, the five members of Mystery Inc. were re-checking the list of all the crooks they'd put away over the years but couldn't find anyone who could have pulled it off.
"This doesn't make sense," said Daphne dropping the file she'd been reading on top of the pile. "Who could have done it?"
"Search me," said Fred. "I was so sure it was going to be one of these guys."
"Sorry fellas," said Ethan sheepishly. "It was kinda my theory that one of them was responsible. Guess I was wrong."
"No need to apologize Eth, it was a good theory," said Fred slumping into a chair next to Daphne. "It was certainly worth looking at. I mean, there are plenty of crooks here."
At this Velma looked up sharply from the folder she was reading. "Jinkies Freddy, you might have something there!"
"What? How?" said Fred looking slightly confused.
"Yeah Vel," added Shaggy exchanging a puzzled expression with Scooby. "What did Fred say?"
"It was when he said we'd put a lot of crooks away," said Velma as she rose from her seat and rounded the desk she'd been sitting at before sitting down next to Ethan on the edge of the desk. "I mean, we must have gained a pretty good reputation. One that obviously got someone worried."
"Worried that we might wreck their plans," said Fred nodding slowly. "So they kidnapped your parents because they guessed you'd call us in."
"And then they can stop you guys wrecking their plans," added Ethan. "So it's defiantly a trap."
"We'd better go carefully then," said Fred as he looked around at the others.
"Zoinks," murmured Shaggy pulling a hand through his hair. "Setting into a trap is one thing but walking into one."
"Rah," added Scooby with a grimace.
"Don't worry guys," said Velma. "Like Fred said, we'll just have to be careful." Just then Nick entered the Office carrying a piece of paper in his hand and a slight frown on his face.
"Nick?" said Ethan. "What's up?"
"I'm not entirely sure," said the Seacutter's Captain. "While you and Velma were collecting the others I was doing a bit of detective work myself. I contacted an old friend of mine who works in marine construction. Anyway, apparently the gas company sold the rig a few months ago but they couldn't find any reference to who they sold it. Apparently someone hacked into their computer and deleted all the information."
"Someone really doesn't want us to know who they are do they?" said Daphne with a frown.
"Looks like it," agreed Velma before looking down at the pad in front of her. "It's just this last set of numbers that's buggin' me. I haven't a clue."
"Don't worry, we'll work it out Velma," said Fred. "That's what teams do."
***
Whilst Mystery Inc., Ethan and Nick went through the list again they were still unaware of the boat following them closely. However the crew on that boat were themselves unaware of the two small motorboats following them. On the lead one Chief Inspector Bill Henderson stood next to a man around the same height but a little leaner who was dressing a blue boiler suit. 'POLICE' was written in yellow lettering above the right breast pocket, left arm and on the back while a Union Jack was worn with pride on the top of his right sleeve whilst below it was saw a second badge, which Henderson recognized, as the insignia of the Cambridgeshire Police Force. Still that wasn't a surprise as the man standing next to him was an old friend from his days in the Met before he'd transferred to Bermuda. He now removed his cap and pulled a hand through his hair before turning to his friend.
"Are you really sure about this Trevor? I mean, these kids are just civilians, we don't know what's waiting for them on that platform."
Chief Inspector Trevor Griffiths turned to him and gave a grim smile. "I know Bill, but this guy's smart. Look, all we know is for the past six months key members of one of NASA's satellite development team have been disappearing. Velma Dinkley's the only one on the list whose whereabouts we could still be certain of. That's probably why he hasn't tried before, too much publicity."
"But when she comes to Bermuda for a holiday.well, that's just a damn cheek," growled Henderson. "Any idea who this guy is?"
"No, but he's well organized. Heavies do the snatches and make clean getaways. Whatsmore we haven't had a single ransom note so we're assuming he wants something other than money. Or at least we hope so."
"Well I guess we'll soon find out," said Henderson before turning to his friend. "Just out of interest, why are ISCID dealing with this? I would have thought the FBI would be dealing with it."
"Because Dr. Dinkley was the only American on the particular team. The rest were from France, Japan, Australia, Canada and Britain."
"So it comes under the auspices of ISCID," said Henderson with a nod. "Well, at least that's clear."
"That's not to say the Feds aren't interested," added Griffiths. "But seeing one of their people is in the team they're not in to much over a hurry to stomp over my investigation."
"But your happy to let these kids do it," pointed out Henderson.
"True, but that's because who they are. I mean, a one hundred percent hit rates pretty good for a bunch of kids."
"Maybe so, but surely they've worked out their walking into a trap?"
"Count on it, but I need our man to play his hand." Griffiths now turned to his friend and smiled. "Don't worry, I have a deep cover agent. Only thing is I've told him not to make a move until he knows exactly what's going on but I did manage to get him a message to assist Mystery Inc. as much as he can."
Just then a large dark-skinned man stepped out of a hatchway and walked up to the two Inspectors.
"Twenty minutes to the rig Boss Sah," he growled in a deep Caribbean accent.
"Thank you Sergeant," replied Griffiths before turning to Henderson. "Your people know what to do?"
"Just keep out the way until you give the signal," said Henderson with a sigh of mock exasperation. "Jez Trev, I'm not senile!"
"Just checking," replied Griffiths with a grin before turning back to the large man. "Get the inflatables out Jimmie, it's time."
***
"Well, there it is," said Nick handing Velma the binoculars.
"Looks kinda spooky," groaned Shaggy.
"Relax Shaggy, its not haunted," said Fred patting his friend on the shoulder.
"I know," replied Shaggy. "It's just.well it just looks creepy."
"Rah, Rah," agreed Scooby nodding quickly in agreement.
"Can't argue with that," said Daphne glancing at Fred. "It does look kinda creepy."
"Not entirely surprising when it's been abandoned for about ten years," said Nick.
"See anything Vel," said Ethan quietly as the others continued to discuss the platform's 'Creepiness' factor.
"Not really," said Velma with a sigh as she lowered the binoculars. "Still, this light doesn't help." Ethan could help but notice the nervousness in Velma's voice and now placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder.
"You Okay Vel?" At this Velma looked up and smiled softly at him. "Yeah, just want to get on with it I guess." She now took a deep breath and turned to Nick. "Is the 'Ranger ready Nick?"
"She's ready," replied Nick with a scowl. "I wish you'd reconsider your idea though."
"I know you don't like it Nick but we need you and the others standing by in case anything goes wrong," said Velma with a small smile.
"I guess you know," said Nick with a sigh. "Just don't expect me to like it."
"Don't worry, I don't like it but it's the best we could come up with in the time we've got," said Velma with a shrug. She now turned and looked at the others who like her were dressed in dark overalls that were usually used by Seacutter's Engineers. Shaggy, Fred and Ethan had all found sets that fitted fine but she and Daphne were both wearing suits that had to be taped up so they weren't swamped by them. "Ready guys?"
"I guess," said Daphne while the others nodded. Scooby gave a small whimper but at the same time lead the group out to where the retrieved Searanger stood ready, her maintenance crew looking grim. The Seacutter's crew were a tight knit bunch having all served with together in the Navy at one time or another and all of them wanted to get a piece on the guys who'd put the Chief out of action and kidnapped the Dinkleys.
"She's ready Miss," said Assistant Chief Engineer Manny Alvez as he looked from the motor he'd been finishing work on.
"Thanks Manny," replied Velma as Mystery Inc. and Ethan climbed aboard. Manny nodded then turned to the winch man and indicated for him to lower the boat and a few moments later the 'Ranger slowly slipped away from it's mother ship and started towards the rig.
On the Seacutter's bridge a still rather sore but otherwise Okay Chief Klatowski shot a worried frown at Nick Martz.
"You sure this is a good idea Nick?"
"No Charlie, I don't. But Velma's right about one thing. Those six are the Dinkley's best shot without things getting messy."
"I guess so," grunted the Chief. "But I don't like it."
"Me neither Charlie," sighed Nick. "Me neither."
***
In the rig's Control Room Osborne put down the phone then turned to his employer. "Their here Sir."
"Excellent," said his employee leaning back in his seat. "You know what to do." At this Osborne nodded and turned to where two of his heavies stood and indicated for them to leave the room. The man meanwhile leaned back in his seat and smiled as he reached into his jacket and pulled out a keycard. "And now the trap is set, baited and waiting."
***
As the 'Ranger slipped up beside on of the platforms docking berths Fred and Ethan both jumped out and tied the boat up before help the girls out while Scooby and Shaggy climbed out.
"Okay, now where?" said Daphne as she looked around.
"Over there," replied Velma aiming her torch at the shadows and illuminating a door. Fred walked over and gave it a tug before glancing over his shoulder.
"You guys want to give me a hand here?" Ethan and Shaggy now moved over and between the three of them they slowly managed to turn the wheel lock on the door until it eventually creaked open with a grinding noise.
"Well, if they didn't know we were here before they do now!" murmured Daphne as both she and Velma winced at the noise. Even Scooby grimaced at horrible shrill scraping noise.
Fred now reached into his jacket and pulled out a flashlight illuminating the stairwell leading up to the main rig before turning to the others. "Okay, here we go," he said then turned and headed for the stairs with the others behind him. Velma and Daphne kept close behind Fred whilst Ethan, Scooby and Shaggy brought up the rear. Each footstep rang in the dark making everyone feel nervous until they came to another door, which Fred tried before turning to the others. "Locked," he said with a frown.
"Let me have a look Freddy," said Velma moving past Fred and kneeling in front of the door reaching into her jacket and pulling out her always- present hairpin. Fred meanwhile shone the torch at the door illuminating the lock for her. It took Velma less than two minutes before the lock clicked and the door creaked open slightly.
"Way to go Vel!" hissed Daphne with a grin. Velma glanced over her shoulder at her best friend and grinned back as she stood up and slipped the pin back into her pocket. She now stepped aside for Fred who now stuck his head round the door and out into a gloomy corridor. Satisfied that there was no visible threat Fred now pushed the door fully open and stepped into the corridor with the others close behind.
"Golly, this really is eerie," murmured Daphne from behind Fred. At the same time everyone with the exception of Scooby reached into their pockets and pulled out their flashlights.
"Everyone ready?" said Fred and got several nods in reply. "Okay, let's go." With that the group started down the corridor, their footsteps echoing around the corridor.
***
Osborne turned from the security monitor and looked across at his employer who was stroking his chin slowly. "No offence or anything boss, but do you really their going to fall for your traps. I mean, you said they were smart!"
"Oh, they are smart Mr. Osborne, on that you are most correct. But they are curious and that will be their downfall," said his employer with a throaty chuckle. Osborne frowned slightly but so far his boss hadn't been wrong so maybe he was right. Just then the phone on his console rang and he quickly picked it up and listened briefly before turning to his boss.
"The 'Cutter's moving in boss," he reported. At this the other man gave a small nod.
"As expected, Captain Martz has no intention of allowing his young charges to be placed in more danger than absolutely necessary," he said thoughtfully. "Unfortunately however, I cannot let him interfere with my plans." He now turned to Osborne with a grim smile. "Have your people take the Seacutter. Try not to harm anyone seriously but if it can't be avoided.well, that will be regrettable."
"Right Boss," said Osborne before picking up the phone and punching a button. "This is Osborne," he growled. "Take them out!"
***
On board the Seacutter most of the crew were standing on the crowded bridge with most eyes focused on Nick Martz and the Chief who were stood at the front of the wheelhouse. "How long do you think we should give them?" muttered the Chief softly as he adjusted his cap.
"Honestly I'm not sure," admitted Nick grimly. "I guess it couldn't help to." at this he happened to turn door just as a canister came flying through the door. "What the hell!"
"Grenade!" hollered the Chief but too late as blinding light filled the air before blackness overtook all of them.
***
"What the hell was that!" snapped Chief Inspector Henderson at the flash that came from near the base of the rig. Beside him Chief Inspector Griffiths frowned slightly.
"I think it was a flash bang but I can't but sure." He now turned to Henderson with a grim expression on his face. "I guess the Seacutter's crew just got taken out of the equation."
***
Osborne put down the intercom phone and turned to his employee. "The Seacutter's crew isn't going anywhere Sir. Their all sleeping like babies."
"Excellent," said the man rising to his feet and crossing over to stand beside Osborne. "And where are our guests?"
"Just entering section 2-9," replied Osborne looking up from his console. "Right into your trap boss."
"Like I said Mr. Osborne, their curiosity will lead them to us, we just have to sit back and wait."
***
"Well, nothing in here," said Ethan stepping out of another room to find Fred, Daphne and Velma waiting for him. "You guys find anything?"
"Nothing much," said Fred with a shrug. "Daph found a baseball cap but that probably got left here by one of the workers."
"I wasn't exactly expecting these guys to leave a ton of clues laying about but I was sure they'd leave us something," sighed Velma pulling off her baseball cap and running a hand through her hair. "I mean, we haven't even found.."
"Like hey, you guys," called Shaggy from the end of the corridor. "Scoobs got something!"
"What you got Scooby?" said Daphne as she and the others quickly joined Shaggy and Scooby by another door.
"Looks like a keypad," said Fred. "Newly installed to by the looks of it." Suddenly he looked up sharply to see the excited expressions on Ethan and Velma's faces. "Didn't you guys say there was a third set of numbers on that piece of paper?"
"Yeah," said Velma. "And I bet it's the code for that door."
"And straight into a trap," reminded Daphne.
"I haven't forgotten that Daph, but we haven't got much else to go on," said Velma.
"I know," sighed Daphne. "It's just, well, we don't usually go walking straight into the traps. Stumble into them sure, but walk in knowingly, that's not our style."
"Fair point," agreed Velma. "Anyone got any suggestions?"
"How 'bout me and Scooby wait out here?" suggested Shaggy with a shrug. "Then, if you guys do get stuck we can go and get some help from Seacutter."
"Good thinking Shag," said Fred with a nod before turning to his younger friend. "Okay Vel. Let's do this."
"Right," said Velma pulling the scrap of paper with the number on out her pocket. She didn't really need it as she had it already memorized but it never hurt to be absolutely sure about it. She now tapped in the code slowly until the red light above the keypad flicked to green. However, instead of the door opening a loud grinding noise came from behind the friends who turned to see a large bulkhead sliding across the corridor and cutting them off from the door and help.
"Scoob, Shag, go!" yelled Fred but he didn't really need to tell the pair who were already running towards the ever-decreasing gap. Unfortunately it was clear to everyone that although they were quick neither Shaggy nor Scooby were going to make it. A fact that was confirmed a few short seconds later as the bulkhead slid into place with an audible click.
"Jeepers," said Daphne nervously looking around. "We're trapped!"
"Indeed you are Ms. Blake," said a gravelly voice that came from all around the friends. Scooby immediately gave a yelp and ducked behind a trembling Shaggy while Daphne and Velma both grabbed hold of their respective boyfriends. Fred and Ethan both tried to put a brave face on but both were actually quite nervous themselves.
"Who are you?" demanded Fred managing to keep his usual confident tone.
"Ah now, that is for me to know and for you to wonder about," said the disembodied voice. "And for now I believe it is time for you all to take a nap." With this a hissing noise filled the air causing the group to look around in confusion.
"What's.what's happening?" stammered Daphne.
"Gas," replied Ethan with a grimace. Beside him Velma began coughing hard closely followed by Scooby with the others soon following suit. Then Daphne began to sink to the ground as the gas took effect. Shaggy and Fred managed to catch her before she fell and did any really damage but both of them then toppled over asleep. Scooby was already snoring softly as Ethan and Velma struggled against the gas but eventually even their succumbed to the gas and fell to the deck in a deep sleep.
***
"Their out sir," said Osborne without looking up.
"Good," said his employer. "Have the rest of Mystery Inc. placed in the cell but bring Dr. Dinkley here, it's time for a little reunion I think."
"Right boss," said Osborne before jumping up from behind his desk and hurrying off. Meanwhile his employee leaned back in his chair.
"And the trap snaps shut."
***
"Oh man," groaned Ethan as he pushed himself on his elbow then gave another groan at the throbbing in his head. "My head hasn't hurt like this since..well for a long time."
"Tell me about it," grumbled Fred's voice and Ethan turned to see his friend laying on his back a few feet away. Daphne was lying still asleep beside him while Shaggy and Scooby were in the far corner snoring softly. Ethan now turned to look on his other side expecting to see Velma but found no sign of his girlfriend. At this he shot bolt upright looking around the gloomy room.
"Vel?" he called. "Vel, you here?" When no answer came Ethan turn to Fred who wore an equally concerned expression.
"I guess they must have taken her somewhere else," grumbled the blonde haired man.
"But where?" asked Ethan with a sigh. He now walked over to the door but quickly found the handle had been removed and where the keyhole had been was now covered with a metal plate. "Great," he sighed just as groans came from the corner and a soft moan came from Daphne.
"Easy Daph," said Fred softly helping her to sit up while Ethan moved over to check on Shaggy and Scooby. Maybe he couldn't help Velma right now but he also knew she'd probably give him an earful if he didn't help the others. As luck would have it though neither suffered anything worse than the headache that seemed to be the side effect of the gas.
With everyone now seemingly recovered Fred joined Ethan for another look at the door but like Ethan, Fred couldn't see a way to open the door. "Looks like this was done properly," sighed Fred. "I could probably unscrew the panel if I still had my pen-knife but they took it."
"Well there must be something," sighed Ethan as he looked around the room. It had obviously been a storage room at some point as the shelves were still in place but then something caught his eye. "Fred, look." Fred turned at Ethan's voice and followed the younger man's pointed finger.
"Great Ethan, that might just do the job."
***
Velma blinked against the bright light as she slowly opened her eyes. At the same time her head throbbed softly causing her to close her eyes again. The last time her head had hurt like this was after she and Daphne had gone for a girls night out and she had once more proved her total inability to hold her drink. "Ethan?" she murmured softly. When there was no response she opened one eye and looked around before slowly pushing herself up on an elbow. She was lying on a stuffed couch in a well-furbished office. The walls were wood paneled while a large desk stood a few feet away. The chair behind the desk had it's back to her while the wall behind the desk was lined with monitors. "Jinkies," whispered Velma as she slowly slipped off the couch and onto her feet. The pain in her head was beginning to subside slowly and she could at least think straight now and it was at this point she realized that not only Ethan was missing but so were the others. "Okay, this is weird," she said pulling a hand through her hair. She didn't panic as she was sure that Ethan and the others were fine but where were they? She now started to cross the room towards the wall of monitors but was barely halfway across the room when a door opened and a man walked in.
"Good Morning Dr. Dinkley," said the man smiling warmly although Velma felt a shiver run down her spine. The man was short (although just a bit taller than Velma) and walked with a slight limp. His hair was Iron-grey and tied back in a ponytail while a pair of spectacles hung around his neck. He was dressed in a well-tailored suit, which Velma guessed wasn't cheap and had about him the aura of a very wealth man.
"Good Morning," replied Velma deciding that, for the moment her best strategy was to try and glean as much information as possible. "I was just admiring your Office."
"Thank you," replied the man with a nod. "I just couldn't stand looking at steel walls all day, I think I would have gone mad!" At this he gave a chuckle while Velma just smiled weakly before the man spoke again. "My apologies, I haven't even introduced myself. My name is Ira Reynolds, I'm not sure if you've heard of me." At this Velma frowned slightly. The name rang a bell but she couldn't remember where from. Now however she decide to try and gather information.
"Where are my parents and friends?" She asked trying to keep her voice calm.
"Straight to the point," said Reynolds with a small nod. "I like that." He now pulled a remote out of his pocket and aimed it the monitors. Immediately two changed, one showed her friends in what looked like storeroom. However the image on the other monitor were Velma's parent's who were both strapped into chairs. "Your friends are in a storeroom I had converted and I doubt they'll be going anywhere for a while. As for your parents, well their in one of the old gas tanks. Oh, and it is rigged to flood unless you are willing to co-operate." The man now turned to Velma who felt her stomach lurch at the sheer coldness in his face. "You will co- operate won't you Dr. Dinkley?"
"Yes," replied Velma weakly. She didn't have any options as far as she could see. The man's smile now returned.
"Excellent, please follow me."
***
Ethan made his way over to the shelves beneath the air vent he'd spent and leaned on one to test it's strength. Satisfied it would hold him he turned to Fred who gave a nod. Ethan turned back and was about to start climbing when suddenly Shaggy grabbed his arm.
"Like, hold it guys," hissed Shag quietly. "We're being watched!" He now nodded his head towards the far corner of the room where Ethan and Fred now saw the camera.
"Damn," said Fred with a sigh. "We'll never get up there and into the shaft before they see us."
"Hey, I didn't say we shouldn't try," said Shaggy. "Just give me a minute to look at it."
"What do you know about surveillance cameras?" said Ethan with a frown.
"Scoob and me did a bit of time in the Customs Service," replied Shaggy with a grin. "I learned about how to maintain them and one of the guys showed me how to rig one to show a repeating loop from the camera itself." He now turned to Fred. "I'm gonna need a boost Fred."
"Right," said Fred. "Ethan, you, Daphne and Scoob keep watch."
"Gotcha," said Ethan moving over to where Daphne and Scooby were while Shaggy and Fred went to work.
***
Velma followed Reynolds from his office down a well-lit corridor until they came to another door, which had a card key slot. At this the man reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out a card and swiped it through the lock. With a click the door opened and Reynolds stepped aside. "Ladies first," he said with an icy smile. Velma took a deep breath and stepped past him. She now found herself standing in a control room similar to those that she worked in during her time at NASA albeit slightly more compact. A huge monitor took up the whole front wall of the control room. She could see about twenty or so technicians, some of them were moving around the room stooping off consoles and checking with other technicians. Then Velma realized that she recognized some of the Techs. She'd worked with them a few years earlier when she'd started out with NASA working on a communications satellite project (She hadn't joined the Satellite Defence Program until she'd been at NASA for just under seven months). She now turned to Reynolds with a shocked look.
"You kidnapped all these people?" At this Reynolds smiled and gave a small shrug. "Initially yes, but when I offered them money.well, let's just say they were more than willing to sign on. You however.well, I was certain you would be incorruptible so it became clear I'd need a different method for you."
"So you kidnapped my parents," murmured Velma.
"Indeed," allowed Reynolds. "But I also knew you would not investigate alone but call in your friends and the truth was I wanted them out here anyway as I saw them as a genuine risk to my project and I've worked to long and hard on this project for you and your friends to ruin it!"
***
"You.you nearly done up there Shag," grunted Fred through gritted teeth as he struggled to keep steady as Shaggy stood on his shoulders.
"Just.another..second," muttered Shaggy before suddenly giving a cry of triumph. "Got it!" he called with a broad grin.
"About time," muttered Fred as Shaggy hopped to the ground.
"So what are they seeing now?" said Ethan. At this Shaggy grinned.
"I rigged it so the camera's on fixed frame. All their seeing is you guys sitting by the door. I mean, I don't think it'll buy us much time but maybe enough for us to open the vent."
"Well let's not waste time then," said Ethan quickly heading over towards the racking under the vent. He wasn't the most agile person in the world but he managed to reach the top of the racking without to much trouble. At the top he tried the grill and to his surprise found it came away easily in his hands. Unfortunately it also revealed a major problem to his plan.
"Damn," he muttered, pulling a hand through his hair.
"What's up?" said Daphne from the ground. Ethan now turned and looked down at her and the others.
"The vent's too narrow, we wouldn't be able to get through."
"Maybe we couldn't," said Fred with a grin. "But I bet Scooby could do it." At this Ethan turned and looked at the vent and then at Scooby.
"It might be a tight squeeze but he should be able to do it." At this Fred nodded then turned to the Great Dane. "Okay Scoob, you up for it?"
"Rheady," said Scooby sitting bolt upright and saluting. He now jumped up and scrambled up the racking (with a little help from Shaggy and Fred) and was soon stood beside Ethan on the top of the racking.
"Okay Scoob," said Ethan putting his flashing light in Scoob's mouth. "Good luck."
"Ranks," mumbled Scooby before slipping into the shaft.
***
Velma tugged at the straps again but they were well tied and it didn't take long for her to realize that she wasn't going anywhere. She just hoped the others were having better luck. Just then Reynolds walked over with one of the Scientists tailing him as he read from a clipboard. Velma recognized the scientist as Jill Francis, an Australian who'd been working with her. Francis took one look at Velma then ducked her eyes, her face flushed with embarrassment and shame. Just then another door opened and a man who was about average height, Velma guessed, with scruffy ginger hair walked in. He wore spectacles that lay half way down his nose while a cigarette hung carelessly out one corner of his mouth.
"Everything's secure boss," he chirped looking up. His gaze fell on Velma and she was sure she saw a flash of concern cross his face before it disappeared. Reynolds however missed the look and turned to the new man with a smile.
"Excellent Mr. Osborne. I believe we are ready," he said before turning to Velma. "And now I believe it's safe to reveal my plan." He now crossed over to a console and pressed a button, which changed the display on the main screen. It now showed several blips surrounding a representation of the Earth. Reynolds now turned back to his audience with a cold smile. "Over the last ten years my corporation has put up a series of satellites that surround the Earth. A few days ago NASA were kind enough to put my final satellite in orbit. Once that was done my technicians started to slowly increase the height of all my satellites until they were in position for the final phase of my plan."
"And what would that be?" muttered Velma who was now feeling more angry than afraid.
"A fair question," said Reynolds with a smile. "Simply put, when they reached the programmed height my satellites are programmed to target all other orbiting communications satellites in orbit and them hit them with a concentrated EM pulse making them useless."
".And leaving you with the only orbiting communications satellites," said Velma in shock.
"Exactly," replied Reynolds. "And in the process it will make me one, if not THE most powerful man in the world!"
"Gee, that's inspired Boss," said Osborne with a grin.
"Why thank you Mr. Osborne," said Reynolds. "And now if you will excuse me Dr. Dinkley, it's time to get this show on the road. He now turned and headed out of the small booth and into the main control room. Then after a couple of seconds Osborne stooped down and loosened the straps hold Velma.
"Sorry about this Doc but we had to keep going along with this nutcase until we actually knew what he was up to," said the man with a sheepish grin.
"You're a cop?" said Velma in a mixture of shock and surprise; even she'd been fooled. At this Osborne grinned.
"Sergeant Jonah Osborne of the RCMP, currently seconded to ISCID."
"Interpol Special Crimes Investigation Division?" breathed Velma softly. "So you've known about this for a while?"
"We've known he's been up to something for a while but like I said we didn't know exactly what until just now," said Osborne as he finished loosening the straps. "Now stay here while I go and get your friends and call in the cavalry."
"What about my parents?" enquired Velma at which Osborne grinned.
"Don't worry, if I know the Chief he's got Taz and his team ready to get your parents out of here when the fireworks start." He now reached into his pocket and pulled out a small radio unit. "Just keep your eyes on Reynolds and tell me how much time we've got Okay?"
"Right," said Velma suddenly feeling her confidence return now she had an ally.
***
"Sah! We're getting a signal from Jonah," said the large Sergeant sticking his head through the door. "Da plan's goin' down!"
"Very good Sergeant," said Chief Inspector Griffiths taking his radio from his belt. "Strike Team, move in for rescue ops, all other units, let's crash this party..go, go, go!"
***
Scooby popped the vent cover with one last push and grimaced as it fell to the floor with a crash. However when no one came running to investigate he gave a sigh of relief. He now hopped down to the floor and quickly made his way around to the door. But then he found he had a problem. Instead of the expected lock he found a number keypad.
"Roh-roh!" murmured Scooby looking at the pad with a frown. If only Velma was here she could probably solve this in a matter of minutes but she wasn't and that meant it was up to him. He was just reaching up to the keypad when he realized there was someone behind him. Scooby turned slowly to find a tall nasty looking thug standing behind him holding a gun straight at him.
"Rikes!" yelped Scooby but before he could do anything the thug started to topple forward and crashed to the floor unconscious revealing a shorter man hold a syringe in one hand and a wry smile on his face.
"Good Morning Scoobert," he said walking past a stunned Scooby to the door where he now punched in a code. A moment later the door slid open and Ethan and Fred both stuck their heads out. On seeing the man they froze thinking they'd been rumbled. The man however now grinned before speaking. "Well what the heck are you waiting for? An invitation?"
"Who are you?" said Fred curiously as he looked at the man then at the unconscious thug lying on the floor.
"Sergeant Jonah Osborne," replied the man with a smile. "Now, you guys better come with me. It won't be long before Reynolds realizes something's wrong. He's no idiot."
"What about Velma?" said Ethan.
"I'll get her, you guys just head to the helipad, a chopper should be getting here in a few minutes."
"No way am I going without Velma, I'm coming with you," said Ethan firmly.
"Us too," added Fred quickly with nods of agreement from Daph, Shaggy and Scoob. At this Osborne grinned and shook his head.
"The Boss was right about you, he said you wouldn't leave anyone behind. Okay, come on, but just keep your heads down!"
***
Sergeant Tomas 'Taz' Klobbas stood on the landing strut of the helicopter as it flew low over the sea towards the rig. In the chopper sat the rest of his Strike Team, basically the Police equivalent to the SAS although probably not quite as good but still good enough for the mission in hand.
"Two minutes Taz!" yelled Sergeant Francois Van Der Valk, Taz's Second In Command and best friend.
"Thanks Frankie!" yelled the Pole over the din of the chopper. "Alright boys, time to party!"
***
"Sir! Radar detects a helicopter coming fast and low from the south!" said a Technician in the control room. At this Reynolds turned quickly and walked over to the Tech and looked over the man's shoulder at the screen.
"I do believe ISCID have arrived," he said coldly. "Fire auto-batteries now!"
***
"Holy crap!" yelled the pilot, as the air around the chopper was suddenly full of flying lead. "They're shooting at us!"
"Pull up!" yelled Klobbas.
"Already doing it!" replied the pilot angrily. "You didn't say anything about there being any anti-aircraft guns on that thing!"
"I guess our man didn't get told everything," grunted Klobbas as he grabbed his radio. "Boss, we've got a problem!"
***
At the sound of gunfire Osborne and Mystery Inc skidded to a halt and exchanged worried looks.
"That's too loud for machine guns!" muttered Osborne. "It was more like.. like anti-aircraft." At this his face paled and he swallowed hard. "Damn, the chopper!"
"What about it?" said Fred. At this Osborne turned to the younger man.
"They were meant to get Velma's folks out," explained the Cop. "Reynolds has got them in the old number four storage tank and rigged it to pump water in if Velma refused to play ball!"
"Jeepers," whispered Daphne. Fred however quickly came up with a plan. "Eth, you and Scooby go with the Sergeant and get Velma. Me, Daphne and Shag will go and get the Dinkleys!"
"Right Fred," said Ethan with a nod. Osborne also gave a nod and grabbed Fred's arm and turned him slightly.
"Right to the end of this corridor then up the stairs to the tank deck. Once there you'll see the tanks."
"And they're in four right?"
"Right," nodded Osborne. Fred nodded and with that he, Daphne and Shaggy took off down the corridor while Osborne now pulled a gun out of the back of his jeans before turning to Ethan and Scooby.
"Alright Mr. Dace, let's go get your girlfriend!"
***
"Chopper's just called in Sah," growled Sergeant James Lloyd as he stepped onto the bridge of the lead Police Launch. "They came under fire from the rig when they tried to get close."
"Damn," growled Griffiths. "Well, I guess it was too much to hope that Ozzie was in on everything."
"So what now?" said Henderson. At this Griffiths smiled. "Don't worry Bill, I wasn't counting on our plan going down without some hitches. Besides, the chopper was more a diversion than anything. Distract him from above while the rest of my team slip in the same way the kids did."
"Well let's just hope that works or we are screwed," muttered Henderson.
***
"Ten minutes to optimum range," announced a voice over a tanoy as Ethan, Scooby and Osborne crept into the control room. Ethan was dressed like a technician while Osborne kept the hand with his gun in low so no one could see it.
"Slowly Eth," said the Cop. "We don't want to attract attention."
"Right," said Ethan with a nod just as he saw Velma in the booth and felt a wave of relief wash over him as he realized she was Okay. Beside him Osborne glanced around the room.
"Okay, there's Reynolds. I'll distract him while you and Scooby grab Velma, then don't hang around, just get the heck out of here."
"Okay," said Ethan. "Come on Scoob, let's do this."
"Rah," agreed Scooby and the pair made their way to the booth while Osborne crossed over to where Reynolds stood.
"Ah, Mr. Osborne," said Reynolds looking over his shoulder. "I was wondering where you'd gotten to."
"Sorry Boss, just had to check something," replied Osborne. "Any problems?"
"Only one," said Reynolds as he turned around holding a gun straight at Osborne. "It would appear we have a traitor amongst us!" Before Osborne could register surprise two of the thugs grabbed him and took away his gun just as Reynolds glanced towards the booth, just in time to see Ethan and Scooby releasing Velma.
"No you don't!" he bellowed raising his weapon and firing twice. The first bullet smashed the window making Scooby duck to the floor while Ethan pushed Velma down. The second went crashing harmlessly into the back wall just as the doors to the control room blew inwards allowing several dozen figures dressed in blue charged into the room. Some of the guards went for their weapons but were quickly incapacitated with tasers while Osborne was able to slip out the grip of the thugs holding and turned on them breaking one's nose and sending the other to the floor with a blow to his left knee allow some of Osborne's colleagues to jump on him. Osborne meanwhile looked around with a scowl before turning to the large dark man standing in the doorway.
"Jimmie, where Reynolds?"
"No idea," barked the Barbadian looking around. Meanwhile two of the ISCID team had found Ethan, Velma and Scooby in the booth. Velma and Scooby where fine but Ethan had a small cut on his forehead from flying which one of the cops was now patching up just as a voice filled the air.
"Five minutes to optimum range."
"Oh crud!" yelled Osborne. "It's still on-line!" He now turned and grabbed one of the Techs. "Turn it off!"
"We.we can't. Dr. Reynolds programmed a security code into it!" stammered the man nervously. At this Osborne swore before turning to the doorway where another Sergeant with fuzzy hair and a pair of owl-eye glasses stood, his gun aimed firmly at one of the thugs while another officer cuffed him.
"Andy! We need you over here!" At this the Sergeant turned and gave a nod. Shoving the gun into his holster he darted across the room to a console and started to work frantically.
"I can't stop it Ozzie, not in five minutes!"
"Maybe I can help," said Velma stepping across to Osborne with Scooby and a patched-up Ethan beside her.
"Please," said Osborne indicating the chair next to Andy, which Velma took immediately. Velma now tapped in a command quickly and then gave a nod.
"Your man's right, we can't disarm it, the power down codes locked up. But I think I can change the targeting sensors."
"What good will that do?" said Osborne with a frown. At this Andy however grinned.
"We can have them target each other," he said with a grin at which Velma nodded.
"Precisely."
"Well don't just sit there chatting, do it!"
***
Shaggy slowly opened the door leading onto the tank deck of the rig and looked around. "Looks Okay," he said turning to Fred and Daphne before cautiously stepping out. When nothing happened he now started towards the number Four storage tank with Daphne and Fred right behind him. They reached the tank without incident and easily located the service hatch which Fred and Shaggy were able to open without too much trouble. The inside of tank was pitch black but Daphne had her flashlight ready and flicked in on to reveal the slightly disheveled but unharmed forms of Velma's parents both of whom where tied and gagged to chairs with a few inches of water lapping around their feet. Both stared silently at the trio for a minute before sharing a look while their shoulders sagged with relief as Fred and Shaggy quickly made their way over to the pair and released their restraints.
"Well, talk about timing," said Harold rubbing his wrists after Shaggy had untied him. "Are we glad to see you kids."
"I think Velma's going to be just as happy," replied Fred deciding not to mention that he currently had no idea where the youngest member of Mystery Inc was. "She was pretty worried about you guys."
"Where is she?" asked Marilyn curiously.
"Oh, she, Ethan and Scooby are just tying up some loose ends," said Daphne. She had a gut feeling that Mystery Inc.'s luck had held once more, albeit with a few more bumps along the way than usual.
"Well, should we go and find her?" enquired Harold. At this Fred nodded.
"Sure," he said. "Come on." He now led the others back across the tank deck until they reached the door leading back downstairs and opened it only to find himself looking down several gun barrels.
***
"Come on, come on!" urged Velma quietly as her hands flew across the keyboard. Beside her Sergeant Andy Fuller was also tapping frantically at his own keypad while everyone else watched in tense silence, Ethan and Scooby stood behind Velma both willing her to succeed.
"Two minutes to optimum range."
"Andy!" muttered Sergeant Jimmie Lloyd wringing his hands nervously.
"Shut up Jimmie!" growled Andy. "We're going as quickly as we can!" A hush fell over the room again as the two computer experts battled against the clock to take control.
"One minute to range."
"Come on Vel," hissed Ethan quietly, his hands balling into fists. Beside him Scooby was nervously chewing his nails and trying not to make too much noise.
"Warning, stabilizing thrusters off-line, establishing manual control!"
"Yes!" howled Sergeant Fuller and grabbed a small control stick. "Adjusting gyroscopic stabilizers now!" On the massive wall display the icons representing the satellites started to turn on their sides just as the clock above the screen turned to zero.
"EM Pulse activated," announced a voice. For a moment the armed satellites turned from green to red then slowly faded leaving only the normal communication satellite icons on the screen. Velma and the Sergeant now both slumped in their seats, sweat trickling down their foreheads.
"Well?" asked Jimmie Lloyd slowly, his voice booming more than usual in the hushed control room. "What happened?" At this Andy turned to him with a wry smile.
"What happened is we did it, we knocked out all of Reynolds's satellites without harming anyone else's!" At this the control erupted in cheers and the closest ISCID personnel slapped Sergeant Fuller on the back while Ethan pulled Velma out of her seat and span her around while Scooby danced about happily.
"I take it the news is good," said a voice from the doorway. At this the ISCID officers quickly settled down and Ethan and Velma turned to the door and saw Chief Inspector Henderson and another man step into the room followed by the rest of Mystery Inc., Velma's parents and about nine more Cops. The man standing next to Henderson now walked through the onlookers until he stood in front of Sergeant Fuller who was wearing a rather lob- sided grin. "Andy, you are one lucky son of a gun!"
"Couldn't have done it without Dr. Dinkley's help Guv," said the Tech rubbing his neck as the other officers started to file out the room along with the arrested Techs and Guards. The man, whose name badge read 'Griffiths', now turned to her and smiled.
"Ah yes, Velma Dinkley," he said turning to Velma who was stood beside Ethan and Scooby. "I guess we owe you a pretty big debt."
"Jinkies," murmured Velma, somewhat embarrassed by all the attention. "It wasn't anything really, you man did all the hard stuff." At this Griffiths chuckled.
"Modest to," chuckled the Chief Inspector before glancing around. "But I don't see Mr. Reynolds anywhere?"
"Sorry Guv," said Sergeant Osborne with a sigh. I guess he gave me the slip during all the confusion."
"Pity," sighed Griffiths. "I wanted to talk to our megalomaniac."
"Good job we got here when we did then," said a black clad figure with an East European accent walking through the far door followed by six other figures, one of whom was an irate looking Reynolds. The leader of the group now grinned broadly as Griffiths and Osborne walked over to them. "Caught him trying to make a sharp exit in a speedboat but we figured you'd want to talk with him."
Griffiths smiled and shook his head slowly. "Nicely done Tomas, very nicely done."
"Remind me to buy you boys some drinks," added Osborne. At this the strike team leader grinned.
"We'll hold you to that Ossie."
***
Half an hour later Velma, Ethan and the others were standing on the aft deck of Seacutter having a well earned drink along with Sergeant Osborne and both Chief Inspectors Henderson and Griffiths as well as a now wide awake but still slightly sore headed Nick Martz and Chief Klatowski as the 'Cutter and the two Police Launches plus a Royal Navy warship, HMS Chester, which was being used to transfer the prisoners, headed back to Bermuda.
"So what's going happen to all my former colleagues?" asked Velma as she looked over at Chief Inspector Griffiths who gave a small shrug.
"I'd guess they'll probably get away with a slap on the wrist but that'll up to the Attorney-General's Office back in London. As for Reynolds, well he's looking at kidnapping, attempted blackmail and a whole host of conspiracy charges. He won't be going anywhere for a long time."
"What about the satellites?" asked Fred. "I mean, their still up there right?"
"Yeah, but without Earth's gravity or thrusters holding them in place their heading out to space according to NASA," said Osborne with a grin as he sipped at his beer.
"So thanks to you kids we put one nasty piece of work out of action," added Griffiths.
"Well, it made a change," said Fred. "But it's not one I'd like to repeat, this was a wild one, maybe a bit too wild"
"Rah." agreed Scooby. "Roo wild!" At this laughter filled the air and the final strains of the day finally eased away.
A short time later Ethan and Velma had finally managed to slip away for a few minutes of privacy and were sitting on the same storage box where a couple of nights ago they had spent the night singing. Velma had her head resting on Ethan's shoulder while his cheek rested on her head while he had one arm hung loosely over her shoulder.
"Some vacation huh?" said Ethan. "Do you get into these kinds of situations whenever you go on holiday?" At this Velma grinned and raised her head turning to look at Ethan's enquiring face.
"Do you really want to know the answer to that?" she asked with a distinct twinkle in her eyes. Ethan frowned slightly then shook his head.
"No, you'd better not tell me actually. I might decide vacations are hazardous to my health." At this he now reached up and tapped the plaster on his forehead.
"Does it hurt?" enquired Velma, the grin fading slightly. At this Ethan waved a hand dismissively.
"Nah, I've done worse shaving." said Ethan at which Velma giggled and shook her head.
"That was awful," she said. "Thank god you're a musician and not a.." At this point she was cut off as Ethan leaned in and gave her a firm kiss before pulling back.
"Now what where you saying?" said Ethan with a broad smile.
"I've totally forgotten," said Velma before pulling Ethan down for another kiss.
Fin
Good Grief, I do believe I've finished! This started out as a ten page story but kinda mutated to something bigger! Still, I hope you enjoyed it and I'll be see you all soon!
By Andy Fuller, Ben Thomas and Jackie McConnell
This Story was inspired by Littlesoprano's 'Journey of Self Discovery' & 'Their First Christmas'
Thanks to Ben G, Joe and Sandy for the Beta
Please note I'm British so take that into account with some of the spellings
Special Thanks to my life long friends and occasional writing partners Ben and Jackie and I wish them many years of happiness when they (finally!!) tie the knot on the 7th April in Fiji.
This is the Final Part of the Courtship of Velma Dinkley but stand by for a one-off special - 'A Date With The Daces'
Chapter 6 - Showdown
For the second time in just over ten days Velma found herself standing in an Airport terminal waiting for the arrival of the private jet that Nick Martz had arranged with the Institute that her parents worked for that was bringing the rest of Mystery Inc. to Hamilton. Of course she wasn't alone as Ethan and Ben Van Der Grossen, the Seacutter's First Mate stood with her. Ethan held Velma's hand for moral support while Ben was there for protection. Although neither Ethan nor Velma knew it the young First Mate had drawn a 9MM from the ship's armory under the instructions of Nick although the Captain had made it quite clear it was to only be used as a last resort and even then if possible only to warn off anyone who tried anything.
"There she is," said Velma pointing towards the taxiway were a Learjet painted in the Institute's livery made its way towards the terminal.
"Well, let's go meet them," said Ethan. Velma nodded in reply and with Ben following behind the pair made their way to the exit and headed over to the plane, which had now taxied to a position near the Terminal's far end, out of sight of the main passenger area. As the trio now approached the plane the door was lowering and a moment later Scooby trotted down the steps and paddled quickly over to Velma nuzzling her hand in greeting
"Ri Relma," woofed the Great Dane with a somber expression.
"Hey Scoob," said Velma with a smile as she rubbed in between Scooby's ears.
"Velma!" called Daphne as she darted from the aircraft door and threw her arms around her best friend. Velma hugged her best friend back before leaning back so she could meet Daphne's gaze. "Thanks for coming."
"Hey, you'd have done the same," said Daphne with a small smile. "That's what friends do."
"Daph's right Vel," said Fred as he and Shaggy walked up carrying the small amount of luggage that they'd brought with them (even Daphne packed light these days). "You know we're only ever a phone call."
"Like yeah," added Shaggy with a nod. "Friends stick together Vel, remember?"
"I remember," said Velma with a smile as Fred now turned to Ethan. "Hey Eth, how are you doing?"
"Pretty good I guess," said Ethan with a smile as the group now started to follow Ben back to where the mini-bus Nick had borrowed from the Harbor Master was parked. "Still can't believe what's going on though. I mean, we're suppose to be on vacation, and besides, who'd go to all that trouble kidnapping Harold and Marilyn when they could have easily come after me and Vel."
"Someone who wanted to send a message I guess," said Fred with a shrug. "Still, we'll figure it out. We always do." There wasn't any arrogance in Fred's statement, it was just the truth.
"Maybe," said Velma with a frown. "But what kinda message?"
"Like, perhaps they thought your folks wouldn't think to call us if you'd disappeared," supplied Shaggy with a shrug. At this the others turned to him before exchanging glances.
"That would make sense," said Velma softly. "My parents would probably let the local authorities do their job. I mean they might call you guys eventually."
"But whoever kidnapped your parents want us here now," finished Daphne looking slight pale.
"Zoinks, you mean this is a trap?" said Shaggy exchanging a worried look with Scooby.
"Yeah, looks like it," agreed Fred.
"But who?" said Ethan. "I mean, me and Velma did a list of all the crooks you've put behind bars and most of them are still there, and the ones who aren't are all accounted for, Nick called his brother whose with the Feds and all of them are still in the States."
"Now that is a mystery," muttered Fred as the gang climbed into the mini- bus while Ben hoped into the front seat and started the van up.
"All set?" asked the First Mate with a glance over his shoulder to where Fred, Daphne, Shaggy and Scooby were taking their seats while Velma and Ethan climbed into the front. "Okay, here we go." The van now slowly pulled out and started on the short journey to the harbor.
***
None of Mystery Inc. saw the blue Vauxhall Astra pull out behind the van and follow it down the road leading to the harbor. The passenger in the Astra now pulled his mobile out and dialed a number.
"Yes?" said a male voice at the other end.
"They're arrived Guv," said the passenger. "Their on their way to the harbor now."
"Alright," replied the voice. "Just be careful not to get spotted. We don't want to spook anyone."
"Right Guv," said the passenger before ending the call before turning to his colleague. "Alright Heno, slow down. We don't want anyone know we're following them."
"Right Sarge," said the driver in a thick accent. "You really think they've got someone watching?"
"Wouldn't you?" asked the Sergeant who also spoke with an accent that wasn't local.
"I suppose I would," conceded the driver as he turned into the harbor. "Looks like their going to their boat."
"Right, let's get to the launches and get ready. We're going have to be ready to move quickly when they get started."
***
An hour later the Seacutter slipped its moorings and slowly left the harbor. At the same time a smaller vessel also left it's berth and took to sea behind the 'Cutter.
On board the 'Cutter, the five members of Mystery Inc. were re-checking the list of all the crooks they'd put away over the years but couldn't find anyone who could have pulled it off.
"This doesn't make sense," said Daphne dropping the file she'd been reading on top of the pile. "Who could have done it?"
"Search me," said Fred. "I was so sure it was going to be one of these guys."
"Sorry fellas," said Ethan sheepishly. "It was kinda my theory that one of them was responsible. Guess I was wrong."
"No need to apologize Eth, it was a good theory," said Fred slumping into a chair next to Daphne. "It was certainly worth looking at. I mean, there are plenty of crooks here."
At this Velma looked up sharply from the folder she was reading. "Jinkies Freddy, you might have something there!"
"What? How?" said Fred looking slightly confused.
"Yeah Vel," added Shaggy exchanging a puzzled expression with Scooby. "What did Fred say?"
"It was when he said we'd put a lot of crooks away," said Velma as she rose from her seat and rounded the desk she'd been sitting at before sitting down next to Ethan on the edge of the desk. "I mean, we must have gained a pretty good reputation. One that obviously got someone worried."
"Worried that we might wreck their plans," said Fred nodding slowly. "So they kidnapped your parents because they guessed you'd call us in."
"And then they can stop you guys wrecking their plans," added Ethan. "So it's defiantly a trap."
"We'd better go carefully then," said Fred as he looked around at the others.
"Zoinks," murmured Shaggy pulling a hand through his hair. "Setting into a trap is one thing but walking into one."
"Rah," added Scooby with a grimace.
"Don't worry guys," said Velma. "Like Fred said, we'll just have to be careful." Just then Nick entered the Office carrying a piece of paper in his hand and a slight frown on his face.
"Nick?" said Ethan. "What's up?"
"I'm not entirely sure," said the Seacutter's Captain. "While you and Velma were collecting the others I was doing a bit of detective work myself. I contacted an old friend of mine who works in marine construction. Anyway, apparently the gas company sold the rig a few months ago but they couldn't find any reference to who they sold it. Apparently someone hacked into their computer and deleted all the information."
"Someone really doesn't want us to know who they are do they?" said Daphne with a frown.
"Looks like it," agreed Velma before looking down at the pad in front of her. "It's just this last set of numbers that's buggin' me. I haven't a clue."
"Don't worry, we'll work it out Velma," said Fred. "That's what teams do."
***
Whilst Mystery Inc., Ethan and Nick went through the list again they were still unaware of the boat following them closely. However the crew on that boat were themselves unaware of the two small motorboats following them. On the lead one Chief Inspector Bill Henderson stood next to a man around the same height but a little leaner who was dressing a blue boiler suit. 'POLICE' was written in yellow lettering above the right breast pocket, left arm and on the back while a Union Jack was worn with pride on the top of his right sleeve whilst below it was saw a second badge, which Henderson recognized, as the insignia of the Cambridgeshire Police Force. Still that wasn't a surprise as the man standing next to him was an old friend from his days in the Met before he'd transferred to Bermuda. He now removed his cap and pulled a hand through his hair before turning to his friend.
"Are you really sure about this Trevor? I mean, these kids are just civilians, we don't know what's waiting for them on that platform."
Chief Inspector Trevor Griffiths turned to him and gave a grim smile. "I know Bill, but this guy's smart. Look, all we know is for the past six months key members of one of NASA's satellite development team have been disappearing. Velma Dinkley's the only one on the list whose whereabouts we could still be certain of. That's probably why he hasn't tried before, too much publicity."
"But when she comes to Bermuda for a holiday.well, that's just a damn cheek," growled Henderson. "Any idea who this guy is?"
"No, but he's well organized. Heavies do the snatches and make clean getaways. Whatsmore we haven't had a single ransom note so we're assuming he wants something other than money. Or at least we hope so."
"Well I guess we'll soon find out," said Henderson before turning to his friend. "Just out of interest, why are ISCID dealing with this? I would have thought the FBI would be dealing with it."
"Because Dr. Dinkley was the only American on the particular team. The rest were from France, Japan, Australia, Canada and Britain."
"So it comes under the auspices of ISCID," said Henderson with a nod. "Well, at least that's clear."
"That's not to say the Feds aren't interested," added Griffiths. "But seeing one of their people is in the team they're not in to much over a hurry to stomp over my investigation."
"But your happy to let these kids do it," pointed out Henderson.
"True, but that's because who they are. I mean, a one hundred percent hit rates pretty good for a bunch of kids."
"Maybe so, but surely they've worked out their walking into a trap?"
"Count on it, but I need our man to play his hand." Griffiths now turned to his friend and smiled. "Don't worry, I have a deep cover agent. Only thing is I've told him not to make a move until he knows exactly what's going on but I did manage to get him a message to assist Mystery Inc. as much as he can."
Just then a large dark-skinned man stepped out of a hatchway and walked up to the two Inspectors.
"Twenty minutes to the rig Boss Sah," he growled in a deep Caribbean accent.
"Thank you Sergeant," replied Griffiths before turning to Henderson. "Your people know what to do?"
"Just keep out the way until you give the signal," said Henderson with a sigh of mock exasperation. "Jez Trev, I'm not senile!"
"Just checking," replied Griffiths with a grin before turning back to the large man. "Get the inflatables out Jimmie, it's time."
***
"Well, there it is," said Nick handing Velma the binoculars.
"Looks kinda spooky," groaned Shaggy.
"Relax Shaggy, its not haunted," said Fred patting his friend on the shoulder.
"I know," replied Shaggy. "It's just.well it just looks creepy."
"Rah, Rah," agreed Scooby nodding quickly in agreement.
"Can't argue with that," said Daphne glancing at Fred. "It does look kinda creepy."
"Not entirely surprising when it's been abandoned for about ten years," said Nick.
"See anything Vel," said Ethan quietly as the others continued to discuss the platform's 'Creepiness' factor.
"Not really," said Velma with a sigh as she lowered the binoculars. "Still, this light doesn't help." Ethan could help but notice the nervousness in Velma's voice and now placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder.
"You Okay Vel?" At this Velma looked up and smiled softly at him. "Yeah, just want to get on with it I guess." She now took a deep breath and turned to Nick. "Is the 'Ranger ready Nick?"
"She's ready," replied Nick with a scowl. "I wish you'd reconsider your idea though."
"I know you don't like it Nick but we need you and the others standing by in case anything goes wrong," said Velma with a small smile.
"I guess you know," said Nick with a sigh. "Just don't expect me to like it."
"Don't worry, I don't like it but it's the best we could come up with in the time we've got," said Velma with a shrug. She now turned and looked at the others who like her were dressed in dark overalls that were usually used by Seacutter's Engineers. Shaggy, Fred and Ethan had all found sets that fitted fine but she and Daphne were both wearing suits that had to be taped up so they weren't swamped by them. "Ready guys?"
"I guess," said Daphne while the others nodded. Scooby gave a small whimper but at the same time lead the group out to where the retrieved Searanger stood ready, her maintenance crew looking grim. The Seacutter's crew were a tight knit bunch having all served with together in the Navy at one time or another and all of them wanted to get a piece on the guys who'd put the Chief out of action and kidnapped the Dinkleys.
"She's ready Miss," said Assistant Chief Engineer Manny Alvez as he looked from the motor he'd been finishing work on.
"Thanks Manny," replied Velma as Mystery Inc. and Ethan climbed aboard. Manny nodded then turned to the winch man and indicated for him to lower the boat and a few moments later the 'Ranger slowly slipped away from it's mother ship and started towards the rig.
On the Seacutter's bridge a still rather sore but otherwise Okay Chief Klatowski shot a worried frown at Nick Martz.
"You sure this is a good idea Nick?"
"No Charlie, I don't. But Velma's right about one thing. Those six are the Dinkley's best shot without things getting messy."
"I guess so," grunted the Chief. "But I don't like it."
"Me neither Charlie," sighed Nick. "Me neither."
***
In the rig's Control Room Osborne put down the phone then turned to his employer. "Their here Sir."
"Excellent," said his employee leaning back in his seat. "You know what to do." At this Osborne nodded and turned to where two of his heavies stood and indicated for them to leave the room. The man meanwhile leaned back in his seat and smiled as he reached into his jacket and pulled out a keycard. "And now the trap is set, baited and waiting."
***
As the 'Ranger slipped up beside on of the platforms docking berths Fred and Ethan both jumped out and tied the boat up before help the girls out while Scooby and Shaggy climbed out.
"Okay, now where?" said Daphne as she looked around.
"Over there," replied Velma aiming her torch at the shadows and illuminating a door. Fred walked over and gave it a tug before glancing over his shoulder.
"You guys want to give me a hand here?" Ethan and Shaggy now moved over and between the three of them they slowly managed to turn the wheel lock on the door until it eventually creaked open with a grinding noise.
"Well, if they didn't know we were here before they do now!" murmured Daphne as both she and Velma winced at the noise. Even Scooby grimaced at horrible shrill scraping noise.
Fred now reached into his jacket and pulled out a flashlight illuminating the stairwell leading up to the main rig before turning to the others. "Okay, here we go," he said then turned and headed for the stairs with the others behind him. Velma and Daphne kept close behind Fred whilst Ethan, Scooby and Shaggy brought up the rear. Each footstep rang in the dark making everyone feel nervous until they came to another door, which Fred tried before turning to the others. "Locked," he said with a frown.
"Let me have a look Freddy," said Velma moving past Fred and kneeling in front of the door reaching into her jacket and pulling out her always- present hairpin. Fred meanwhile shone the torch at the door illuminating the lock for her. It took Velma less than two minutes before the lock clicked and the door creaked open slightly.
"Way to go Vel!" hissed Daphne with a grin. Velma glanced over her shoulder at her best friend and grinned back as she stood up and slipped the pin back into her pocket. She now stepped aside for Fred who now stuck his head round the door and out into a gloomy corridor. Satisfied that there was no visible threat Fred now pushed the door fully open and stepped into the corridor with the others close behind.
"Golly, this really is eerie," murmured Daphne from behind Fred. At the same time everyone with the exception of Scooby reached into their pockets and pulled out their flashlights.
"Everyone ready?" said Fred and got several nods in reply. "Okay, let's go." With that the group started down the corridor, their footsteps echoing around the corridor.
***
Osborne turned from the security monitor and looked across at his employer who was stroking his chin slowly. "No offence or anything boss, but do you really their going to fall for your traps. I mean, you said they were smart!"
"Oh, they are smart Mr. Osborne, on that you are most correct. But they are curious and that will be their downfall," said his employer with a throaty chuckle. Osborne frowned slightly but so far his boss hadn't been wrong so maybe he was right. Just then the phone on his console rang and he quickly picked it up and listened briefly before turning to his boss.
"The 'Cutter's moving in boss," he reported. At this the other man gave a small nod.
"As expected, Captain Martz has no intention of allowing his young charges to be placed in more danger than absolutely necessary," he said thoughtfully. "Unfortunately however, I cannot let him interfere with my plans." He now turned to Osborne with a grim smile. "Have your people take the Seacutter. Try not to harm anyone seriously but if it can't be avoided.well, that will be regrettable."
"Right Boss," said Osborne before picking up the phone and punching a button. "This is Osborne," he growled. "Take them out!"
***
On board the Seacutter most of the crew were standing on the crowded bridge with most eyes focused on Nick Martz and the Chief who were stood at the front of the wheelhouse. "How long do you think we should give them?" muttered the Chief softly as he adjusted his cap.
"Honestly I'm not sure," admitted Nick grimly. "I guess it couldn't help to." at this he happened to turn door just as a canister came flying through the door. "What the hell!"
"Grenade!" hollered the Chief but too late as blinding light filled the air before blackness overtook all of them.
***
"What the hell was that!" snapped Chief Inspector Henderson at the flash that came from near the base of the rig. Beside him Chief Inspector Griffiths frowned slightly.
"I think it was a flash bang but I can't but sure." He now turned to Henderson with a grim expression on his face. "I guess the Seacutter's crew just got taken out of the equation."
***
Osborne put down the intercom phone and turned to his employee. "The Seacutter's crew isn't going anywhere Sir. Their all sleeping like babies."
"Excellent," said the man rising to his feet and crossing over to stand beside Osborne. "And where are our guests?"
"Just entering section 2-9," replied Osborne looking up from his console. "Right into your trap boss."
"Like I said Mr. Osborne, their curiosity will lead them to us, we just have to sit back and wait."
***
"Well, nothing in here," said Ethan stepping out of another room to find Fred, Daphne and Velma waiting for him. "You guys find anything?"
"Nothing much," said Fred with a shrug. "Daph found a baseball cap but that probably got left here by one of the workers."
"I wasn't exactly expecting these guys to leave a ton of clues laying about but I was sure they'd leave us something," sighed Velma pulling off her baseball cap and running a hand through her hair. "I mean, we haven't even found.."
"Like hey, you guys," called Shaggy from the end of the corridor. "Scoobs got something!"
"What you got Scooby?" said Daphne as she and the others quickly joined Shaggy and Scooby by another door.
"Looks like a keypad," said Fred. "Newly installed to by the looks of it." Suddenly he looked up sharply to see the excited expressions on Ethan and Velma's faces. "Didn't you guys say there was a third set of numbers on that piece of paper?"
"Yeah," said Velma. "And I bet it's the code for that door."
"And straight into a trap," reminded Daphne.
"I haven't forgotten that Daph, but we haven't got much else to go on," said Velma.
"I know," sighed Daphne. "It's just, well, we don't usually go walking straight into the traps. Stumble into them sure, but walk in knowingly, that's not our style."
"Fair point," agreed Velma. "Anyone got any suggestions?"
"How 'bout me and Scooby wait out here?" suggested Shaggy with a shrug. "Then, if you guys do get stuck we can go and get some help from Seacutter."
"Good thinking Shag," said Fred with a nod before turning to his younger friend. "Okay Vel. Let's do this."
"Right," said Velma pulling the scrap of paper with the number on out her pocket. She didn't really need it as she had it already memorized but it never hurt to be absolutely sure about it. She now tapped in the code slowly until the red light above the keypad flicked to green. However, instead of the door opening a loud grinding noise came from behind the friends who turned to see a large bulkhead sliding across the corridor and cutting them off from the door and help.
"Scoob, Shag, go!" yelled Fred but he didn't really need to tell the pair who were already running towards the ever-decreasing gap. Unfortunately it was clear to everyone that although they were quick neither Shaggy nor Scooby were going to make it. A fact that was confirmed a few short seconds later as the bulkhead slid into place with an audible click.
"Jeepers," said Daphne nervously looking around. "We're trapped!"
"Indeed you are Ms. Blake," said a gravelly voice that came from all around the friends. Scooby immediately gave a yelp and ducked behind a trembling Shaggy while Daphne and Velma both grabbed hold of their respective boyfriends. Fred and Ethan both tried to put a brave face on but both were actually quite nervous themselves.
"Who are you?" demanded Fred managing to keep his usual confident tone.
"Ah now, that is for me to know and for you to wonder about," said the disembodied voice. "And for now I believe it is time for you all to take a nap." With this a hissing noise filled the air causing the group to look around in confusion.
"What's.what's happening?" stammered Daphne.
"Gas," replied Ethan with a grimace. Beside him Velma began coughing hard closely followed by Scooby with the others soon following suit. Then Daphne began to sink to the ground as the gas took effect. Shaggy and Fred managed to catch her before she fell and did any really damage but both of them then toppled over asleep. Scooby was already snoring softly as Ethan and Velma struggled against the gas but eventually even their succumbed to the gas and fell to the deck in a deep sleep.
***
"Their out sir," said Osborne without looking up.
"Good," said his employer. "Have the rest of Mystery Inc. placed in the cell but bring Dr. Dinkley here, it's time for a little reunion I think."
"Right boss," said Osborne before jumping up from behind his desk and hurrying off. Meanwhile his employee leaned back in his chair.
"And the trap snaps shut."
***
"Oh man," groaned Ethan as he pushed himself on his elbow then gave another groan at the throbbing in his head. "My head hasn't hurt like this since..well for a long time."
"Tell me about it," grumbled Fred's voice and Ethan turned to see his friend laying on his back a few feet away. Daphne was lying still asleep beside him while Shaggy and Scooby were in the far corner snoring softly. Ethan now turned to look on his other side expecting to see Velma but found no sign of his girlfriend. At this he shot bolt upright looking around the gloomy room.
"Vel?" he called. "Vel, you here?" When no answer came Ethan turn to Fred who wore an equally concerned expression.
"I guess they must have taken her somewhere else," grumbled the blonde haired man.
"But where?" asked Ethan with a sigh. He now walked over to the door but quickly found the handle had been removed and where the keyhole had been was now covered with a metal plate. "Great," he sighed just as groans came from the corner and a soft moan came from Daphne.
"Easy Daph," said Fred softly helping her to sit up while Ethan moved over to check on Shaggy and Scooby. Maybe he couldn't help Velma right now but he also knew she'd probably give him an earful if he didn't help the others. As luck would have it though neither suffered anything worse than the headache that seemed to be the side effect of the gas.
With everyone now seemingly recovered Fred joined Ethan for another look at the door but like Ethan, Fred couldn't see a way to open the door. "Looks like this was done properly," sighed Fred. "I could probably unscrew the panel if I still had my pen-knife but they took it."
"Well there must be something," sighed Ethan as he looked around the room. It had obviously been a storage room at some point as the shelves were still in place but then something caught his eye. "Fred, look." Fred turned at Ethan's voice and followed the younger man's pointed finger.
"Great Ethan, that might just do the job."
***
Velma blinked against the bright light as she slowly opened her eyes. At the same time her head throbbed softly causing her to close her eyes again. The last time her head had hurt like this was after she and Daphne had gone for a girls night out and she had once more proved her total inability to hold her drink. "Ethan?" she murmured softly. When there was no response she opened one eye and looked around before slowly pushing herself up on an elbow. She was lying on a stuffed couch in a well-furbished office. The walls were wood paneled while a large desk stood a few feet away. The chair behind the desk had it's back to her while the wall behind the desk was lined with monitors. "Jinkies," whispered Velma as she slowly slipped off the couch and onto her feet. The pain in her head was beginning to subside slowly and she could at least think straight now and it was at this point she realized that not only Ethan was missing but so were the others. "Okay, this is weird," she said pulling a hand through her hair. She didn't panic as she was sure that Ethan and the others were fine but where were they? She now started to cross the room towards the wall of monitors but was barely halfway across the room when a door opened and a man walked in.
"Good Morning Dr. Dinkley," said the man smiling warmly although Velma felt a shiver run down her spine. The man was short (although just a bit taller than Velma) and walked with a slight limp. His hair was Iron-grey and tied back in a ponytail while a pair of spectacles hung around his neck. He was dressed in a well-tailored suit, which Velma guessed wasn't cheap and had about him the aura of a very wealth man.
"Good Morning," replied Velma deciding that, for the moment her best strategy was to try and glean as much information as possible. "I was just admiring your Office."
"Thank you," replied the man with a nod. "I just couldn't stand looking at steel walls all day, I think I would have gone mad!" At this he gave a chuckle while Velma just smiled weakly before the man spoke again. "My apologies, I haven't even introduced myself. My name is Ira Reynolds, I'm not sure if you've heard of me." At this Velma frowned slightly. The name rang a bell but she couldn't remember where from. Now however she decide to try and gather information.
"Where are my parents and friends?" She asked trying to keep her voice calm.
"Straight to the point," said Reynolds with a small nod. "I like that." He now pulled a remote out of his pocket and aimed it the monitors. Immediately two changed, one showed her friends in what looked like storeroom. However the image on the other monitor were Velma's parent's who were both strapped into chairs. "Your friends are in a storeroom I had converted and I doubt they'll be going anywhere for a while. As for your parents, well their in one of the old gas tanks. Oh, and it is rigged to flood unless you are willing to co-operate." The man now turned to Velma who felt her stomach lurch at the sheer coldness in his face. "You will co- operate won't you Dr. Dinkley?"
"Yes," replied Velma weakly. She didn't have any options as far as she could see. The man's smile now returned.
"Excellent, please follow me."
***
Ethan made his way over to the shelves beneath the air vent he'd spent and leaned on one to test it's strength. Satisfied it would hold him he turned to Fred who gave a nod. Ethan turned back and was about to start climbing when suddenly Shaggy grabbed his arm.
"Like, hold it guys," hissed Shag quietly. "We're being watched!" He now nodded his head towards the far corner of the room where Ethan and Fred now saw the camera.
"Damn," said Fred with a sigh. "We'll never get up there and into the shaft before they see us."
"Hey, I didn't say we shouldn't try," said Shaggy. "Just give me a minute to look at it."
"What do you know about surveillance cameras?" said Ethan with a frown.
"Scoob and me did a bit of time in the Customs Service," replied Shaggy with a grin. "I learned about how to maintain them and one of the guys showed me how to rig one to show a repeating loop from the camera itself." He now turned to Fred. "I'm gonna need a boost Fred."
"Right," said Fred. "Ethan, you, Daphne and Scoob keep watch."
"Gotcha," said Ethan moving over to where Daphne and Scooby were while Shaggy and Fred went to work.
***
Velma followed Reynolds from his office down a well-lit corridor until they came to another door, which had a card key slot. At this the man reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out a card and swiped it through the lock. With a click the door opened and Reynolds stepped aside. "Ladies first," he said with an icy smile. Velma took a deep breath and stepped past him. She now found herself standing in a control room similar to those that she worked in during her time at NASA albeit slightly more compact. A huge monitor took up the whole front wall of the control room. She could see about twenty or so technicians, some of them were moving around the room stooping off consoles and checking with other technicians. Then Velma realized that she recognized some of the Techs. She'd worked with them a few years earlier when she'd started out with NASA working on a communications satellite project (She hadn't joined the Satellite Defence Program until she'd been at NASA for just under seven months). She now turned to Reynolds with a shocked look.
"You kidnapped all these people?" At this Reynolds smiled and gave a small shrug. "Initially yes, but when I offered them money.well, let's just say they were more than willing to sign on. You however.well, I was certain you would be incorruptible so it became clear I'd need a different method for you."
"So you kidnapped my parents," murmured Velma.
"Indeed," allowed Reynolds. "But I also knew you would not investigate alone but call in your friends and the truth was I wanted them out here anyway as I saw them as a genuine risk to my project and I've worked to long and hard on this project for you and your friends to ruin it!"
***
"You.you nearly done up there Shag," grunted Fred through gritted teeth as he struggled to keep steady as Shaggy stood on his shoulders.
"Just.another..second," muttered Shaggy before suddenly giving a cry of triumph. "Got it!" he called with a broad grin.
"About time," muttered Fred as Shaggy hopped to the ground.
"So what are they seeing now?" said Ethan. At this Shaggy grinned.
"I rigged it so the camera's on fixed frame. All their seeing is you guys sitting by the door. I mean, I don't think it'll buy us much time but maybe enough for us to open the vent."
"Well let's not waste time then," said Ethan quickly heading over towards the racking under the vent. He wasn't the most agile person in the world but he managed to reach the top of the racking without to much trouble. At the top he tried the grill and to his surprise found it came away easily in his hands. Unfortunately it also revealed a major problem to his plan.
"Damn," he muttered, pulling a hand through his hair.
"What's up?" said Daphne from the ground. Ethan now turned and looked down at her and the others.
"The vent's too narrow, we wouldn't be able to get through."
"Maybe we couldn't," said Fred with a grin. "But I bet Scooby could do it." At this Ethan turned and looked at the vent and then at Scooby.
"It might be a tight squeeze but he should be able to do it." At this Fred nodded then turned to the Great Dane. "Okay Scoob, you up for it?"
"Rheady," said Scooby sitting bolt upright and saluting. He now jumped up and scrambled up the racking (with a little help from Shaggy and Fred) and was soon stood beside Ethan on the top of the racking.
"Okay Scoob," said Ethan putting his flashing light in Scoob's mouth. "Good luck."
"Ranks," mumbled Scooby before slipping into the shaft.
***
Velma tugged at the straps again but they were well tied and it didn't take long for her to realize that she wasn't going anywhere. She just hoped the others were having better luck. Just then Reynolds walked over with one of the Scientists tailing him as he read from a clipboard. Velma recognized the scientist as Jill Francis, an Australian who'd been working with her. Francis took one look at Velma then ducked her eyes, her face flushed with embarrassment and shame. Just then another door opened and a man who was about average height, Velma guessed, with scruffy ginger hair walked in. He wore spectacles that lay half way down his nose while a cigarette hung carelessly out one corner of his mouth.
"Everything's secure boss," he chirped looking up. His gaze fell on Velma and she was sure she saw a flash of concern cross his face before it disappeared. Reynolds however missed the look and turned to the new man with a smile.
"Excellent Mr. Osborne. I believe we are ready," he said before turning to Velma. "And now I believe it's safe to reveal my plan." He now crossed over to a console and pressed a button, which changed the display on the main screen. It now showed several blips surrounding a representation of the Earth. Reynolds now turned back to his audience with a cold smile. "Over the last ten years my corporation has put up a series of satellites that surround the Earth. A few days ago NASA were kind enough to put my final satellite in orbit. Once that was done my technicians started to slowly increase the height of all my satellites until they were in position for the final phase of my plan."
"And what would that be?" muttered Velma who was now feeling more angry than afraid.
"A fair question," said Reynolds with a smile. "Simply put, when they reached the programmed height my satellites are programmed to target all other orbiting communications satellites in orbit and them hit them with a concentrated EM pulse making them useless."
".And leaving you with the only orbiting communications satellites," said Velma in shock.
"Exactly," replied Reynolds. "And in the process it will make me one, if not THE most powerful man in the world!"
"Gee, that's inspired Boss," said Osborne with a grin.
"Why thank you Mr. Osborne," said Reynolds. "And now if you will excuse me Dr. Dinkley, it's time to get this show on the road. He now turned and headed out of the small booth and into the main control room. Then after a couple of seconds Osborne stooped down and loosened the straps hold Velma.
"Sorry about this Doc but we had to keep going along with this nutcase until we actually knew what he was up to," said the man with a sheepish grin.
"You're a cop?" said Velma in a mixture of shock and surprise; even she'd been fooled. At this Osborne grinned.
"Sergeant Jonah Osborne of the RCMP, currently seconded to ISCID."
"Interpol Special Crimes Investigation Division?" breathed Velma softly. "So you've known about this for a while?"
"We've known he's been up to something for a while but like I said we didn't know exactly what until just now," said Osborne as he finished loosening the straps. "Now stay here while I go and get your friends and call in the cavalry."
"What about my parents?" enquired Velma at which Osborne grinned.
"Don't worry, if I know the Chief he's got Taz and his team ready to get your parents out of here when the fireworks start." He now reached into his pocket and pulled out a small radio unit. "Just keep your eyes on Reynolds and tell me how much time we've got Okay?"
"Right," said Velma suddenly feeling her confidence return now she had an ally.
***
"Sah! We're getting a signal from Jonah," said the large Sergeant sticking his head through the door. "Da plan's goin' down!"
"Very good Sergeant," said Chief Inspector Griffiths taking his radio from his belt. "Strike Team, move in for rescue ops, all other units, let's crash this party..go, go, go!"
***
Scooby popped the vent cover with one last push and grimaced as it fell to the floor with a crash. However when no one came running to investigate he gave a sigh of relief. He now hopped down to the floor and quickly made his way around to the door. But then he found he had a problem. Instead of the expected lock he found a number keypad.
"Roh-roh!" murmured Scooby looking at the pad with a frown. If only Velma was here she could probably solve this in a matter of minutes but she wasn't and that meant it was up to him. He was just reaching up to the keypad when he realized there was someone behind him. Scooby turned slowly to find a tall nasty looking thug standing behind him holding a gun straight at him.
"Rikes!" yelped Scooby but before he could do anything the thug started to topple forward and crashed to the floor unconscious revealing a shorter man hold a syringe in one hand and a wry smile on his face.
"Good Morning Scoobert," he said walking past a stunned Scooby to the door where he now punched in a code. A moment later the door slid open and Ethan and Fred both stuck their heads out. On seeing the man they froze thinking they'd been rumbled. The man however now grinned before speaking. "Well what the heck are you waiting for? An invitation?"
"Who are you?" said Fred curiously as he looked at the man then at the unconscious thug lying on the floor.
"Sergeant Jonah Osborne," replied the man with a smile. "Now, you guys better come with me. It won't be long before Reynolds realizes something's wrong. He's no idiot."
"What about Velma?" said Ethan.
"I'll get her, you guys just head to the helipad, a chopper should be getting here in a few minutes."
"No way am I going without Velma, I'm coming with you," said Ethan firmly.
"Us too," added Fred quickly with nods of agreement from Daph, Shaggy and Scoob. At this Osborne grinned and shook his head.
"The Boss was right about you, he said you wouldn't leave anyone behind. Okay, come on, but just keep your heads down!"
***
Sergeant Tomas 'Taz' Klobbas stood on the landing strut of the helicopter as it flew low over the sea towards the rig. In the chopper sat the rest of his Strike Team, basically the Police equivalent to the SAS although probably not quite as good but still good enough for the mission in hand.
"Two minutes Taz!" yelled Sergeant Francois Van Der Valk, Taz's Second In Command and best friend.
"Thanks Frankie!" yelled the Pole over the din of the chopper. "Alright boys, time to party!"
***
"Sir! Radar detects a helicopter coming fast and low from the south!" said a Technician in the control room. At this Reynolds turned quickly and walked over to the Tech and looked over the man's shoulder at the screen.
"I do believe ISCID have arrived," he said coldly. "Fire auto-batteries now!"
***
"Holy crap!" yelled the pilot, as the air around the chopper was suddenly full of flying lead. "They're shooting at us!"
"Pull up!" yelled Klobbas.
"Already doing it!" replied the pilot angrily. "You didn't say anything about there being any anti-aircraft guns on that thing!"
"I guess our man didn't get told everything," grunted Klobbas as he grabbed his radio. "Boss, we've got a problem!"
***
At the sound of gunfire Osborne and Mystery Inc skidded to a halt and exchanged worried looks.
"That's too loud for machine guns!" muttered Osborne. "It was more like.. like anti-aircraft." At this his face paled and he swallowed hard. "Damn, the chopper!"
"What about it?" said Fred. At this Osborne turned to the younger man.
"They were meant to get Velma's folks out," explained the Cop. "Reynolds has got them in the old number four storage tank and rigged it to pump water in if Velma refused to play ball!"
"Jeepers," whispered Daphne. Fred however quickly came up with a plan. "Eth, you and Scooby go with the Sergeant and get Velma. Me, Daphne and Shag will go and get the Dinkleys!"
"Right Fred," said Ethan with a nod. Osborne also gave a nod and grabbed Fred's arm and turned him slightly.
"Right to the end of this corridor then up the stairs to the tank deck. Once there you'll see the tanks."
"And they're in four right?"
"Right," nodded Osborne. Fred nodded and with that he, Daphne and Shaggy took off down the corridor while Osborne now pulled a gun out of the back of his jeans before turning to Ethan and Scooby.
"Alright Mr. Dace, let's go get your girlfriend!"
***
"Chopper's just called in Sah," growled Sergeant James Lloyd as he stepped onto the bridge of the lead Police Launch. "They came under fire from the rig when they tried to get close."
"Damn," growled Griffiths. "Well, I guess it was too much to hope that Ozzie was in on everything."
"So what now?" said Henderson. At this Griffiths smiled. "Don't worry Bill, I wasn't counting on our plan going down without some hitches. Besides, the chopper was more a diversion than anything. Distract him from above while the rest of my team slip in the same way the kids did."
"Well let's just hope that works or we are screwed," muttered Henderson.
***
"Ten minutes to optimum range," announced a voice over a tanoy as Ethan, Scooby and Osborne crept into the control room. Ethan was dressed like a technician while Osborne kept the hand with his gun in low so no one could see it.
"Slowly Eth," said the Cop. "We don't want to attract attention."
"Right," said Ethan with a nod just as he saw Velma in the booth and felt a wave of relief wash over him as he realized she was Okay. Beside him Osborne glanced around the room.
"Okay, there's Reynolds. I'll distract him while you and Scooby grab Velma, then don't hang around, just get the heck out of here."
"Okay," said Ethan. "Come on Scoob, let's do this."
"Rah," agreed Scooby and the pair made their way to the booth while Osborne crossed over to where Reynolds stood.
"Ah, Mr. Osborne," said Reynolds looking over his shoulder. "I was wondering where you'd gotten to."
"Sorry Boss, just had to check something," replied Osborne. "Any problems?"
"Only one," said Reynolds as he turned around holding a gun straight at Osborne. "It would appear we have a traitor amongst us!" Before Osborne could register surprise two of the thugs grabbed him and took away his gun just as Reynolds glanced towards the booth, just in time to see Ethan and Scooby releasing Velma.
"No you don't!" he bellowed raising his weapon and firing twice. The first bullet smashed the window making Scooby duck to the floor while Ethan pushed Velma down. The second went crashing harmlessly into the back wall just as the doors to the control room blew inwards allowing several dozen figures dressed in blue charged into the room. Some of the guards went for their weapons but were quickly incapacitated with tasers while Osborne was able to slip out the grip of the thugs holding and turned on them breaking one's nose and sending the other to the floor with a blow to his left knee allow some of Osborne's colleagues to jump on him. Osborne meanwhile looked around with a scowl before turning to the large dark man standing in the doorway.
"Jimmie, where Reynolds?"
"No idea," barked the Barbadian looking around. Meanwhile two of the ISCID team had found Ethan, Velma and Scooby in the booth. Velma and Scooby where fine but Ethan had a small cut on his forehead from flying which one of the cops was now patching up just as a voice filled the air.
"Five minutes to optimum range."
"Oh crud!" yelled Osborne. "It's still on-line!" He now turned and grabbed one of the Techs. "Turn it off!"
"We.we can't. Dr. Reynolds programmed a security code into it!" stammered the man nervously. At this Osborne swore before turning to the doorway where another Sergeant with fuzzy hair and a pair of owl-eye glasses stood, his gun aimed firmly at one of the thugs while another officer cuffed him.
"Andy! We need you over here!" At this the Sergeant turned and gave a nod. Shoving the gun into his holster he darted across the room to a console and started to work frantically.
"I can't stop it Ozzie, not in five minutes!"
"Maybe I can help," said Velma stepping across to Osborne with Scooby and a patched-up Ethan beside her.
"Please," said Osborne indicating the chair next to Andy, which Velma took immediately. Velma now tapped in a command quickly and then gave a nod.
"Your man's right, we can't disarm it, the power down codes locked up. But I think I can change the targeting sensors."
"What good will that do?" said Osborne with a frown. At this Andy however grinned.
"We can have them target each other," he said with a grin at which Velma nodded.
"Precisely."
"Well don't just sit there chatting, do it!"
***
Shaggy slowly opened the door leading onto the tank deck of the rig and looked around. "Looks Okay," he said turning to Fred and Daphne before cautiously stepping out. When nothing happened he now started towards the number Four storage tank with Daphne and Fred right behind him. They reached the tank without incident and easily located the service hatch which Fred and Shaggy were able to open without too much trouble. The inside of tank was pitch black but Daphne had her flashlight ready and flicked in on to reveal the slightly disheveled but unharmed forms of Velma's parents both of whom where tied and gagged to chairs with a few inches of water lapping around their feet. Both stared silently at the trio for a minute before sharing a look while their shoulders sagged with relief as Fred and Shaggy quickly made their way over to the pair and released their restraints.
"Well, talk about timing," said Harold rubbing his wrists after Shaggy had untied him. "Are we glad to see you kids."
"I think Velma's going to be just as happy," replied Fred deciding not to mention that he currently had no idea where the youngest member of Mystery Inc was. "She was pretty worried about you guys."
"Where is she?" asked Marilyn curiously.
"Oh, she, Ethan and Scooby are just tying up some loose ends," said Daphne. She had a gut feeling that Mystery Inc.'s luck had held once more, albeit with a few more bumps along the way than usual.
"Well, should we go and find her?" enquired Harold. At this Fred nodded.
"Sure," he said. "Come on." He now led the others back across the tank deck until they reached the door leading back downstairs and opened it only to find himself looking down several gun barrels.
***
"Come on, come on!" urged Velma quietly as her hands flew across the keyboard. Beside her Sergeant Andy Fuller was also tapping frantically at his own keypad while everyone else watched in tense silence, Ethan and Scooby stood behind Velma both willing her to succeed.
"Two minutes to optimum range."
"Andy!" muttered Sergeant Jimmie Lloyd wringing his hands nervously.
"Shut up Jimmie!" growled Andy. "We're going as quickly as we can!" A hush fell over the room again as the two computer experts battled against the clock to take control.
"One minute to range."
"Come on Vel," hissed Ethan quietly, his hands balling into fists. Beside him Scooby was nervously chewing his nails and trying not to make too much noise.
"Warning, stabilizing thrusters off-line, establishing manual control!"
"Yes!" howled Sergeant Fuller and grabbed a small control stick. "Adjusting gyroscopic stabilizers now!" On the massive wall display the icons representing the satellites started to turn on their sides just as the clock above the screen turned to zero.
"EM Pulse activated," announced a voice. For a moment the armed satellites turned from green to red then slowly faded leaving only the normal communication satellite icons on the screen. Velma and the Sergeant now both slumped in their seats, sweat trickling down their foreheads.
"Well?" asked Jimmie Lloyd slowly, his voice booming more than usual in the hushed control room. "What happened?" At this Andy turned to him with a wry smile.
"What happened is we did it, we knocked out all of Reynolds's satellites without harming anyone else's!" At this the control erupted in cheers and the closest ISCID personnel slapped Sergeant Fuller on the back while Ethan pulled Velma out of her seat and span her around while Scooby danced about happily.
"I take it the news is good," said a voice from the doorway. At this the ISCID officers quickly settled down and Ethan and Velma turned to the door and saw Chief Inspector Henderson and another man step into the room followed by the rest of Mystery Inc., Velma's parents and about nine more Cops. The man standing next to Henderson now walked through the onlookers until he stood in front of Sergeant Fuller who was wearing a rather lob- sided grin. "Andy, you are one lucky son of a gun!"
"Couldn't have done it without Dr. Dinkley's help Guv," said the Tech rubbing his neck as the other officers started to file out the room along with the arrested Techs and Guards. The man, whose name badge read 'Griffiths', now turned to her and smiled.
"Ah yes, Velma Dinkley," he said turning to Velma who was stood beside Ethan and Scooby. "I guess we owe you a pretty big debt."
"Jinkies," murmured Velma, somewhat embarrassed by all the attention. "It wasn't anything really, you man did all the hard stuff." At this Griffiths chuckled.
"Modest to," chuckled the Chief Inspector before glancing around. "But I don't see Mr. Reynolds anywhere?"
"Sorry Guv," said Sergeant Osborne with a sigh. I guess he gave me the slip during all the confusion."
"Pity," sighed Griffiths. "I wanted to talk to our megalomaniac."
"Good job we got here when we did then," said a black clad figure with an East European accent walking through the far door followed by six other figures, one of whom was an irate looking Reynolds. The leader of the group now grinned broadly as Griffiths and Osborne walked over to them. "Caught him trying to make a sharp exit in a speedboat but we figured you'd want to talk with him."
Griffiths smiled and shook his head slowly. "Nicely done Tomas, very nicely done."
"Remind me to buy you boys some drinks," added Osborne. At this the strike team leader grinned.
"We'll hold you to that Ossie."
***
Half an hour later Velma, Ethan and the others were standing on the aft deck of Seacutter having a well earned drink along with Sergeant Osborne and both Chief Inspectors Henderson and Griffiths as well as a now wide awake but still slightly sore headed Nick Martz and Chief Klatowski as the 'Cutter and the two Police Launches plus a Royal Navy warship, HMS Chester, which was being used to transfer the prisoners, headed back to Bermuda.
"So what's going happen to all my former colleagues?" asked Velma as she looked over at Chief Inspector Griffiths who gave a small shrug.
"I'd guess they'll probably get away with a slap on the wrist but that'll up to the Attorney-General's Office back in London. As for Reynolds, well he's looking at kidnapping, attempted blackmail and a whole host of conspiracy charges. He won't be going anywhere for a long time."
"What about the satellites?" asked Fred. "I mean, their still up there right?"
"Yeah, but without Earth's gravity or thrusters holding them in place their heading out to space according to NASA," said Osborne with a grin as he sipped at his beer.
"So thanks to you kids we put one nasty piece of work out of action," added Griffiths.
"Well, it made a change," said Fred. "But it's not one I'd like to repeat, this was a wild one, maybe a bit too wild"
"Rah." agreed Scooby. "Roo wild!" At this laughter filled the air and the final strains of the day finally eased away.
A short time later Ethan and Velma had finally managed to slip away for a few minutes of privacy and were sitting on the same storage box where a couple of nights ago they had spent the night singing. Velma had her head resting on Ethan's shoulder while his cheek rested on her head while he had one arm hung loosely over her shoulder.
"Some vacation huh?" said Ethan. "Do you get into these kinds of situations whenever you go on holiday?" At this Velma grinned and raised her head turning to look at Ethan's enquiring face.
"Do you really want to know the answer to that?" she asked with a distinct twinkle in her eyes. Ethan frowned slightly then shook his head.
"No, you'd better not tell me actually. I might decide vacations are hazardous to my health." At this he now reached up and tapped the plaster on his forehead.
"Does it hurt?" enquired Velma, the grin fading slightly. At this Ethan waved a hand dismissively.
"Nah, I've done worse shaving." said Ethan at which Velma giggled and shook her head.
"That was awful," she said. "Thank god you're a musician and not a.." At this point she was cut off as Ethan leaned in and gave her a firm kiss before pulling back.
"Now what where you saying?" said Ethan with a broad smile.
"I've totally forgotten," said Velma before pulling Ethan down for another kiss.
Fin
Good Grief, I do believe I've finished! This started out as a ten page story but kinda mutated to something bigger! Still, I hope you enjoyed it and I'll be see you all soon!