The Lotus Bloom

by captainkodak1

This is the story that Rich Sirois and I are collabrating on. If you wish to see the illustrated version go to my webpage.

3. Chapter 3

Kim Possible and all the characters of the show are owned by the Disney company. This work of fiction is owned by me and Richard Sirois.

Chapter 3 The Lotus Bloom

Middleton Space Center

Their ride dropped Team Possible off at the front gate of the Space Center. The security guards meet them at the gate and opened the gates before they even got there. A car came to the front gate and the Director of the Center, Randall Averington, got out of the car and came trotting up to them.

"Miss Possible, Mr. Stoppable, I am sorry that you had to be called out here. We had a small incident here and the Global Justice representative was injured at that time. Apparently he suffered a breakdown of some sort and sent an emergency message to your Dr. Director. There was a small explosion in one of the labs and some chemicals were spilled but we were able to handle the situation quite quickly. Luckily we had the extra personnel here to handle the situation."

"That sounds fine Mr. Averington, but I am sure you would understand that Dr. Director would rather that we check everything out." Kim stated.

Mr. Averington nodded, "I was expecting that. I will be glad to show you what I can, however the cleanup is still underway. The GJ agent is now in the security infirmary."

"Security infirmary?" Ron asked "You put him in the jail hospital?"

"Standard procedure, Mr. Stoppable." The director mentioned, smiling. "He was a danger to himself and others around him. He was contaminated by the chemicals that were released. Normally the chemicals would not be a problem, however he was exposed to a mixture of them and that is the problem. You see individually or even with two of the chemicals together, they are harmless. But when all are combined they are very hazardous. A full report has already been transmitted to GJ."

"Director Averington, What are the chemicals used for and why are you and all of the others here wearing those sunglasses." Kim asked after noticing that all of the staff within sight had them on.

"Well exposure to some of substances and materials we now are using can have some bad side effects. We all are on a special drug to protect us. One of the side effects of the drugs are our eyes are sensitive to light. These new sunglasses are just the thing." He mentionned. "You don't have to worry, short term exposure is not problem, so the two of you will not have to take anything or wear any special protection. Why don't we start, the base is open to you except for the area that was contaminated. Shall we start?" He gestured to the waiting car.

The two teens got into the waiting car and were immediately taken through the different sections of the center. They noticed that many of the sections appeared to be closed.

"Director, why are all these sections closed." Kim asked.

"We are under going some renovation and with the hazards of the new project we thought it would be better to get most of the people out except those directly associated with the project out of the center. Also we needed the extra lab space for the main project." The director answered.

"What is the new project, are you testing any new engines" Ron asked.

The Director glanced at Ron with a questioning look "Yes, we have run some new engines that we are testing with a new fuel. How did you know? "

"Well, the water use of the center is way up above even the normal testing. We have seen the effect of the center's water use on the reservoir." Ron mentioned.

Ron turned to Kim. "I had Wade run a check of the water use as the reservoir. Not only are they using a lot of water but it appears that they are releasing a lot of water."

"Oh, we stored some of the water for tests, after the tests we released what we didn't need." The director added.

The car reached the fence of Section 34, and the gate fence opened as the car approached and soon the car pulled up in front of the main lab. The director turned around in the front seat.

"My assistant Mr. Horne is just inside. He will show you around the center and the new areas. He should be able to answer any questions that you might have."

Kim and Ron nodded and got out of the car, it continued on into the evening light after they had exited the vehicle. They entered into the building and meet with Mr. Horne. He guided them through the many different offices and labs that were part of the ongoing project. They soon approached the area where the spill and explosion had occurred.

"Do you know what caused the explosion?" Kim asked.

"We think that when the GJ agent had his breakdown he thought we were doing something to the water in the reservoir. He placed a charge in an area near where we were working on some of the new fuels and in the area of one of the pumps from the reservoir. The explosion caused some damage and caused the chemical spill. One of the unusual side effects of this combination of chemicals is that anyone exposed to this combination is rendered incapable of individual thought. They literally become totally controllable. They can work and live with no trouble, but they are like robots or zombies if you will." Mr. Horne answered.

Kim and Ron were shown as much of the damaged areas as possible, but some areas were still blocked off. The walls in some areas showed the blast damage from the explosion. The two teens looked closely at all the damaged areas and watched as repairs were being made. Kim and Ron noticed a wet smell.

"What is that smell?" they asked.

"When the accident occurred we flooded this area with water. Water breaks down the chemicals we are using for the project. So the easiest thing to do when the spill occurred was to flood the whole area with water from the reservoir." Mr. Horne explained. "Excuse me I need to take a call."

He stood off for a second as the two teens examined the area. Ron saw something in the grill of a floor drain. He ruffled his pocket and Rufus stuck his head out of his pocket. Ron nodded to the floor drain and Rufus ran out of his pocket and grabbed what Ron had seen and got back into Ron's pocket. Kim had seen Ron motion for Rufus to get the item and was about to ask what was going on when she saw Ron's face. She knew then that she didn't need to ask any questions. She silently slid the Kimmunicator out of her pocket and pressed the scan button. The device scanned the area and turned off as Mr. Horne rejoined them.

"Have you seen what you needed to?" he asked.

Kim turned and smiled her brightest smile. "Yes, I think we can call Dr. Director and tell her that all is well with the center. We do need to get more information on the chemicals being used and how they are mixed. Could we have access to that information? "

Mr. Horne paused and placed his hand on the side of the glasses. "Excuse me while I contact the director about that." He pulled his phone out and stepped away mumbling. He soon returned. "The Director said he would have to get permission from his own superiors, but that he would transmit the information to Dr. Director at GJ headquarters."

"How about the GJ representative, what is his status?" Ron asked.

Mr. Horne turned to face Ron. "Well that's what that call was about. He is being transferred to the GJ hospital as we speak. He is comatose at this time for some unknown reason. We think that he was exposed to a different mixture of the chemicals and that is what is causing the problem."

"Thank you Mr. Horne, we will submit our report to Dr. Director as soon as possible." Kim said. "Could you call the car back so we can return home? Oh man, Ron look at the time, there is no way we are going to be able to meet with the family for dad's celebration. Look's like it's going to be Bueno Nacho for us tonight."

"I would be happy to help, Miss Possible. If I am sorry the two of you missed a special dinner to be called out here."

The two teen's smiled at each other. "Thanks Mr. Horne" Ron said. "If you could call the car back we at least get to Bueno Nacho for something to eat."

"It would be my pleasure." Said Mr. Horne.

Security Control Room – Space Center

The room had little light except for the wall of monitors. One monitor showed the car with Team Possible leaving the Space Center via the main gate.

"Do you think they know or suspect anything?" one figure asked the other.

"I don't know, when the idiot Horne left them alone for those few moments I didn't like the way they were looking around. They were right at the site where …HE … took out that GJ agent. We cleaned up the area but still, those two might have found something." the other answered.

"Should we make any plans for them?" the first figure questioned.

"No, not right now. I'll call the boss. But I think if anything bad happened to them right now the first place Global Justice would come looking is here. We'll wait and see what happens." The second figure spoke as he picked up a phone and dialed.

Bueno Nacho

Kim and Ron were sitting in their favorite booth at Bueno Nacho enjoying their favorites; Kim with a grilled chicken salad and Ron with his standard grande Naco meal. While they ate Kim had called her parents and found that they had already returned home.

"I am so sorry Daddy, it just took us longer to check out the Center than we thought. We met with Mr. Averington and Mr. Horne and they were able to show us everything we needed to see, but it took awhile. Maybe we can have a little cook out at the house tomorrow, I sure I can convince Ron to help grill out."

Ron smiled at Kim's statement and nodded.

Kim continued. "We are here at Bueno Nacho right now. We should be finished in a bit, then we will head home. Bye Daddy."

Kim put up her phone at the same time the Kimmunicator played its familiar tune. Kim picked up the Kimmunicator to see the face of Wade.

"Kim, Dr. Director wants to see both of you immediately. There is a taxi outside. You both need to leave now and go get in. Just follow the orders of the driver." Wade said.

"Okay, Wade. We are on our way." Kim put up the Kimmunicator and the two teens got up and headed out the door.

The Cab

Ron held the door for Kim as she got into the cab, he got in after she did and closed the door. They looked around as the car pulled off. "Welcome Team Possible" said a familiar voice.

"Dr. Director, what are you doing here?" Kim asked.

"We have a security leak at Global Justice. I thought that it be best if we meet under different circumstances. My personal mobile headquarters is down this street."

Ron looked up the street. "All I see is a Bueno Nacho transfer truck."

As Ron spoke the back of the trailer came down to form a ramp and Dr. Director drove the car up the ramp and into the trailer. The two teens had to squeeze out just a bit but soon were sitting in a small office area in the mobile headquarters. Dr. Director sat behind a small desk. Wade came walking in the door.

"Wade!" Kim and Ron said as they leaped to their feet to greet their friend with a hug.

"Hey, guys, sorry about the unusual pickup. We had to get you picked up in a low key fashion. We have finished the analysis of the material that you brought in and the scan you made." Wade mentioned, taking a seat with Dr. Director.

Dr. Director spoke up. ""Kim, Ron, thank you for meeting with me on such a short notice. We will have our meeting right here. Something is very wrong at the Space Center, but not just at the Space Center. Several government sites have reported unusual activity and all attempts to investigate have been rebuffed. It appears even some local military, law enforcement, and civil government officials have been affected. Global Justice Headquarters has even been compromised. We believe a mole or several moles have broken into our systems. That is the reason I have Wade with me here. He has been able to keep our systems clean and he is able to work in safety while with me. We really did not know until several things have happened recently. But first I wanted to tell you that the material that you found in the drain was a mutated piece of skin from an individual known as Gill.

"GILL!" the two teens exclaimed at the same time. "Then that footprint that we scanned at the reservoir really WAS Gill. So he's in the area." Ron said. "Wow, I wonder if he is using the water pipe that leads from the reservoir to the space center."

"Did you ever found out anything on how he got out?" Kim asked.

"Yes, we believe the mole was able to obtain the codes to open his cell and get him out of the area." Dr. Director said. "Analysis of the skin you found confirms that it was Gill but that he has mutated again into a possible more powerful form. His spit may have unknown qualities and effects now."

"Great, the first time we met him he said that contact with that stuff for a period of time can cause a person to mutate." Kim mentioned. "So if he and his spit are more powerful we better find out why he was at the Space Center."

Dr. Director turned to Kim. "Correct Kimberly, your scan of the area showed chemical residue of Gill's spit. It is the same chemical that we found in the blood stream of the agent taken from the Space Center. There are also some other unknown chemicals. We need you to go back and see what you can find."

"Then we will need to contact the Director of the center for permission to enter." Mentioned Ron.

"No, Ron, your orders are to break into the center and obtain the evidence required. If there is wrongdoing and it is a danger to the public. Your orders are to commit whatever sabotage you can and escape by the best means possible." Dr. Director ordered.

Kim and Ron sat stunned. "Dr. Director, my dad works there, I know a lot of the people there. We used to play in the tunnels connecting the labs. Our orders are, if necessary, to blow it up?" Kim asked.

"That is correct, both of you have spent time at the Center and know most of it. We have been able to get the plans of the new section of the center with all the changes. Wade has them and will be able to direct you to the proper places." Dr. Director said. "I would suggest that you attempt the break-in tonight. They will not expect you to return so soon."

"Uh, Dr. Director, if we are to break in we will need to be extra careful because if Gill is around there is one person especially that he would love to get his claws into and that is me and right after me I know he would just love to get his hands on Kim."

"We figured that Ron, we have some new equipment that should assist you. After you get your new equipment , we want you to go to Kim's home. Go on in and wait till late." Dr. Director ordered

"What new equipment do you have for us?" Kim asked.

"Well" Wade said grinning. "The first thing we did was to upgrade Ron's scooter."

"BADICAL" grinned Ron. "What does it do now?"

Wade grinned on the screen. "Well the rocket motors Kim's dad put on it were changed out but the scooter still had superspeed. It has an ultra quiet mode so you can move silently. Also, there is a hover conversion so that it can make small flights, enough to jump a fence or float over water. Finally there is a stealth mode to hide it."

"We also have enhanced your equipment. There will be goggles that will protect your eyes from bright flashes of light, allow you to see in low light and they also have an infrared capability. Kim, your grapple gun has a greater range and power. Also, to help you get in the center. There are small dart guns, they fire a compact dart that will put any adult asleep in seconds. And finally these items."

Dr. Director placed two packs of gum and two packages of juice boxes on the table, and then placed two small guns similar to the one that they had destroyed Drakken's tower with.

"Chewing gum and juice boxes? What are they for?" Kim asked.

"Kimberly, Ronald, this is the first time we have given you something like this. The juice boxes are small explosives much more powerful than anything of its size. You take the straw put it in. That arms it. The straw acts as an antenna, you will have a control box to fire them. If you want just a delay, you flip it over, and there is a strip that you can tear off that will activate a 10 second delay. It would be best to get rid of it quickly at that point. You will notice there are two types of gum in each pack. These are small explosives for opening door and blowing locks. You chew the blue color stick then take the red piece and put it together. Separate, they are inert and harmless. However when chewed the saliva activates the first stick and when combined with the second piece it becomes a very powerful incendiary. It will burn a hole in anything. If you want to seal a steel door behind you just put one on the hinge." Dr. Director stopped talking for a moment and stared at the two teens. There was a heavy silence for a few moments.

"Kim, Ron, I am asking a great deal of you I know. I am putting a great deal of responsibility on you. You have had the training. I told you then that I hoped I would never have order you to do what I am ordering you to do tonight."

Dr. Director stopped and pressed a button. Her assistant came into the room.

"I asked Terri to come in with the recorder so there can be no doubt about what I am going to say. Team Possible, please stand, Team Possible, your orders are to infiltrate the Space Center located in Middleton, Colorado. Once inside you will investigate the area known as area 34. You will seek any information on the individual known as Gill, you will also investigate any actions ongoing. If it is your determination that the activities ongoing are a hazard to the security of the nation and world, then your orders are to collect evidence of those actions and the commit whatever acts of sabotage to what ever equipment, technology and supplies that you can, escape in the best way possible and report back to us."

Kim and Ron stood in mute silence until Dr. Director's voice brought them back to reality. "Team Possible, do you understand your orders?"

Kim and Ron stood. "Yes ma'am, we understand."

"Good, the formal part is over, now on a personal note. I believe congratulations are in order. I am very happy for the two of you. Just keep taking care of each other as you always have. Now the cab will take you home. Your equipment is in the car. I suggest that you not discuss this with your parents. We will call to give you a fake mission. That will be your signal to break into the center. Good luck." Dr. Director stood and for the first time saluted the two teens.

Kim and Ron returned the salute and left the office and returned to the cab. The cab pulled out and headed up the street.

Terri turned to her boss. "Dr. Director, do you think they have a chance."

"Terri" Dr. Director spoke. "I feel like I just sentenced those two wonderful young people to their deaths."

Possible Residence

Kim and Ron came in the front door to find Kim's parents in the kitchen. Mr. Possible's tie was undone and pulled down. Mrs. Possible was wearing her robe. They both were sitting at the breakfast table talking waiting for Kim and Ron to return home.

"Well" Mrs. Possible asked "How was your dinner?"

"Oh, it was okay, we just ate at Bueno Nacho." Kim said.

"Well, we got an earful about the two of you." Mr. Possible said. "We heard of certain antics of a certain pair of teens caused quite a stir at the IHOP the other morning."

The two teens turned with surprised faces at Mr. Possible's announcement.

Mrs. Possible laughed at their reactions. "We were lectured by a certain Mabel Strawbridge earlier tonight at dinner. Ron if you don't know her, Mrs. Strawbridge is at the top of the Middleton/Upperton grapevine of information. In other words she is queen of the gossips. Apparently she and some of her friends were at the IHOP the other morning and saw the two of you. And well let's just say that all of Middleton and Upperton will know what happened by tomorrow morning."

"Ah man" Ron groaned. "Can't the two of us go anywhere and have any fun without it being advertised or announced to the world."

Kim took Ron's arm and asked. "Are you afraid of being seen in public with me?" she asked with a smile.

"You know I am not Kim, I love you and want to spend all my time with you. It's just that I would like once to have a little private time with you without the world seeing." Ron said. Then he stopped with his face turning a beet red. "Wait a minute. Did I just tell you that I love you out loud right in front of your parents?"

Kim nodded and turning giggled a little. "Yes, you did, and I will tell you that I love you too." The two teens turned to the two Possible adults to see Mrs. Possible literally beaming and Mr. Possible blushing from his neck to the top of his head.

"Well, Ron and I need to check with Dr. Director and Wade about the scans and stuff that we brought out of the Space Center. The two teens turned and started up the stairs to Kim's Room. Ron's hand had started to explore Kim's waist as she opened the door to her room. She giggled and turned to slap his hand. "Behave yourself Ron"

"Why" he said in a whiny little voice "I don't wanna"

Kim started giggling again as she put her arms around his neck. "Because if you don't I won't do this anymore." She pulled his face to her's to give him a long slow kiss. All of a sudden the little alcove them were standing in was bathed in a brilliant flash of light along with a slight click.

"Tweebs!" Kim screamed.

"Hicka-bicka-boo?"

"Hoosha" said the twins as they made themselves scarce.

Ron grabbed Kim as she started to chase them. "and just who was talking about being seen with someone just earlier." Kim stopped then nodded. "Let's get up in the room and get ready."

Kim's Room

The two teens opened the door to the room and entered Kim's Room. Kim activated the Kimmunicator and called up Wade. "We are back at the house now and will wait for the signal." Ron leaned in the camera's angle so that Wade could see him. "Is Rufus doing ok?" Wade smiled slightly and let the little guy into the shot with him as he squeeked his greeting. "I know lil buddy. But this one is too dangerous for you. Help Wade as best you can." Rufus gestured a military salute as Kim finalized the conversation with her friend. "Thanks for everything, Wade. We'll be here, getting ready"

"Okay, Kim, good luck." And the device's screen went blank, giving Kim a reflection of her own worried expression.

Ron opened his backpack and pulled the new equipment from his pack. He started to put the box charges in the holding sleeves on this utility belt. He checked the detonator signal box and put it in a pocket in his cargo pants. He then took out the special chewing gum and placed it in his front pants pocket. Kim noticed that he was being very careful and methodical. She had never seen this part of him before. She continued to watch as he removed the dart gun from it's holster checked the action then attached the holster to his utility belt. She reached over and took her pack and started loading her belt as well. The two teens worked in silence.

Soon the Kimmunicator beeped. Wade's face came onto the screen. "Kim, Ron, it's time."

Middleton Space Center.

Kim and Ron were both wearing new mission clothes. Ron's scooter was in stealth mode as they approached the center through the nearby woods. They had used the quiet mode to approach the fence of the center. A cloaking mode made it disappear while they made ready to get over the fence. Reaching into their packs both teens pulled out a stick approximately two feet long. These sticks became long poles at the push of a button as they prepared to vault over the fence. Kim vaulted over the fence first and rolled on landing. The stick had shrunk back to normal size as she cleared the fence. Ron made his attempt to jump the fence and went sailing through the air. Just before landing she noticed that he was coming close to the top of the fence …rrrriiip.

"Aw, man. Not again."

Kim sighed and reached into the bottom compartment of her backpack. She looked away as she handed Ron a new pair of pants.

"Kim, how…"Ron sighed "I am not going to ask why you are carrying an extra pair of pants for me."

Soon the two teens were working their way to side of the main building. There were a number of guards, but they seemed more concerned about the perimeter. Now that the two of them were inside they had not seen many guards. The security cameras did not appear to be working. Kim and Ron approached a side entrance as Kim took out the pack of chewing gum and started chewing the first piece. After a few moments she took the piece out of her mouth combined it with the second piece and stuck to the door lock. Soon the lock and metal around the lock changed to a red color. Kim pulled on the door and it pulled open. She waved Ron in and she gingerly closed the door behind them.

They were in the main building where they had been earlier. They both had their goggles on and Wade transmitted a map to them. "Okay, you need to go to the end of the hall you are in. At the end of the hall is a door to your left. It goes into a small auxiliary control room. There are a number of monitors there with connections to all the security cameras. Ron, get in the room and place the device I gave you into the port to the computer that controls all the cameras. That way I will be able to control them and let you know what is going on."

Ron simply tapped twice on the mike to his radio headset he was wearing. They went to the end of the hall and slowly opened the door to the control room. Kim waited inside the door as Ron entered the room and found the computer. He reached into his pocket and pulled the device Wade had given him out of his pocket and emplaced it in the computer. "Alright Wade, ready to rock."

Wade scanned several cameras and plotted a track through the halls to the central labs. As Kim and Ron left the room someone yelled "Hey you" Ron turned and in one fluid movement drew and fired the dart gun he was carrying. The two guards dropped immediately. As they did the sunglasses they were wearing fell off. The two teens got a good look at their eyes and what they saw unnerved them. Their eyes, when they looked into their eyes, they were green, all green, the entire eyeball was glowing green.

"Wade, did you get that view?" Asked Kim.

"Yes, Kim I did, scanning now. Okay go, we will find out later what is going on." Wade said. "While you are in the lab, why don't the two of you grab some lab coats and two pair those sunglasses. Maybe then you can move down the hall to that main lab without anyone stopping you."

Kim and Ron grabbed lab coats and put on the sunglasses of the two guards.

Kim and Ron moved out into the main hall, moving with the staff of the center. They had placed their backpack in an enclosed cart to hide them as the walked down the hall to the lab they were searching for. Soon they reached their objetive: Lab S-1. It was also one of the labs that had direct access to the water line from the lake. They entered the room and locked the door behind them. Kim and Ron scanned the documents and equipment there were in the room. Then they heard a voice they hoped they would not have to hear.

"Well, well, well, looks like the squeeb has gotten an upgrade in his equipment and a cute little girlfriend too. Well, squeeb, I've had an upgrade too." Gill said as he stepped from the shadows.

"Like now your spit makes a person obey you or anyone else who gives them orders.?" Ron said turning to face Gill.

"OHHH, Ronnie must have gotten an upgrade between the ears too." Gill said grinning. "Oh, yeah Ronnie, now my spit does have some interesting qualities. A nice man got me out to have some fun with my DNA. He doesn't want just a part of the world. He wants all of it. And I'm gonna help him do it."

Gill belched out and splatted Kim against a wall. She screamed as she tried to get free. "Oh, don't worry Miss Possible, that brand of goo only sticks you in place. It won't even mutate you. I just needed you to stay in place while me and my friends here have a little discussion with your boyfriend."

Several members of the staff of the center came out of the shadows in the room. All of them had their sunglasses off. Their eyes glowed in the dim light of the room.

"Take'em" Gill ordered and the people advanced slowly toward Ron. He drew his dart gun and fired several times and all of the people in the room fell to the floor.

"Well, Ronnie's packing. I don't think you will have the same luck with these dudes. A number of synthodrones appeared and started toward Ron. Ron thought to himself, great synthodrones. He holstered the pistol and stood still. Kim saw him relax and a blue haze envelop him. The necklace around his neck changed into the Lotus Blade and in a few strokes he attacked the drones and Gill.

Gill was very much surprised and was soon in a fight that he had not expected. His drones were oozing all over the floor in pieces. As first he stood surprised as Ron seemed to call a sword out of the air. He was very good with it as many of the synthodrones soon lay in pieces all over the place. His claws barely deflected the blows of the Lotus Blade. He tried to overpower Ron and was given a slice across his arm for trying. He moved slowly to one side glancing at the struggling Kim. He quickly turned and spat at Kim. Ron knew that he was up to something and was ready for the spit. He morphed the blade into a shield and threw it in between Kim and the spit. The shield protected Kim then flew back to Ron. Kim in the mean time had reached her pocket and gotten her laser lipstick out. She cut herself free and grabbed her bag.

"Kim, the mainframe, I/O it for wade." Ron yelled as he continued to fight Gill. Kim nodded and ran for the next room.

"You'll never win Ronnie, the big man has control of the right people. All connected by the wonderful little sunglasses. Soon my spit will be put into the water supplies of all the cities of the world. Slowly everybody will be under his power. See all that wonderful equipment there Ronnie? Rocket motors, the rest are over in the warehouse. Soon we will have enough rockets to deliver little presents to all the cities. Those who cooperate will be treated well. Those who don't, well those who resist will be assimilated." Gill giggled as he continued to fight Ron.

"Thanks for the info Gill, Kim and I will be leaving now." Ron said with a smile.

"And just why do you think I would let you out of here alive?" Gill sneered.

"Oh because you are going goodnight." Ron said.

"Huh?" Gill asked. He heard a low thump behind him and felt a stinging pain in his leg. A large dart was sticking out. He turned around to see Kim standing legs apart like some wild west gunfighter. In her hands was a large bored air gun. She was smiling.

Ron reached into his pocket and pulled a similar pistol out and fired. Gill grunted and looked back at Ron. He turned to take a step toward Kim then another. Kim started to step back as Gill felt flat on the floor.

Kim edged around the sleeping Gill and ran to Ron who was already kneeling by some equipment. He was pulling charges out of his belt and placing them on some of the motors. Kim nodded back to the room she had come from. "Ron I am going back in there and set a couple of charges around the computers. Wade has already downloaded all the data he can."

"Okay, Kim, Wade, how do you read?" Ron said as he replaced his goggles.

"five by five, Ron, what's up?" Wade voice said.

"Showtime, Wade, we need to move fast and furious. They may know we are here. Kim and I need a direct route to the warehouse."

"Ron, really bad news, somehow they found the bike. They figured you were around. They have sent some of their soldiers to take your families. Their orders are to hold them not hurt them. Apparently they need Mr. Possible." Wade explained. "I found all this out while downloading some of the data. I am uploading a map to you now." Ron glanced around and noticed scuba gear and the hatch that apparently lead to the pipe for the water to the reservoir about two miles away.

Kim returned to Ron and stopping a moment glancing at the map.

"Ron, the storage for more engines, it's close, we can go down that hallway" Kim mentioned pointing to a door across the room.

"Okay… did you hear?" Kim nodded tears coming to her face. Ron nodded toward the scuba gear and the hatch. Kim understood.

"I'll stay and get things ready."

She took off her belt and handed it to Ron.

"You go set the charges, I'll be ready when you get back."

Ron nodded grabbing her belt, running in the direction of the door.

Kim watched as Ron ran through the door as she started to gather the scuba gear. He ran into the warehouse area and saw engine after engine. He worked fast pulling a charge out of his belt activating it and placing it. One after another till he ran out of charges. He then turned and ran for the room where Kim was waiting. She had moved the staff persons to a nearby safety room.

"I am not a killer, they can't help themselves. So I put them in the safety room. They won't get killed by the blast. I also used some of the heat gum on the door there. They will not be able to get in here without cutting a hole in the door."

Suddenly a light started flashing and an alarm sounded.

"Lucy, I'm home." Ron said laughing. "Kim I think it is time to leave."

Kim had already changed into a scuba suit. Ron donned his quickly and grabbed the detonator control. He set the timer and put it on at table nearby. He then tossed Kim some of the gum.

"We will need to seal the hatch behind us. If we can put a number of these around the edge then close the hatch they should melt the hatch shut."

Kim nodded and started chewing the selected pieces and soon had a number on the hatch seal.

Ron pointed to the hatch. "Go Kim, I am right behind you."

Kim nodded and disappeared down the hatch carrying a dive motor that the inspectors used when they had to swim through the pipe. Ron moved to the detonator and activated it. He glanced over and saw Gill beginning to move. He donned his mask and slipped down the tube pulling the hatch closed.

Gill shook his head to clear it and noticed the hatch closing. He saw Ron's grinning face behind the mask. He stood with a roar and with unsteady gait moved to the hatch. He tried to get the hatch opened and grabbed the handle. He screamed as his flesh sizzled at the heat of the hatch. The hatch was melted shut. A voice came over the speaker. "Gill, what is happening?"

"I don't know, the squeeb and his girlie were here. I think they are using the water tube to escape. Can you turn the water on and suck them back?" Gill yelled at the speaker.

"No, someone has hacked our system. We can't do anything. The manual override is there in the room with you." The speaker mentioned.

"Wait a minute" Gill said something is beeping in here.

Gill looked around and saw a box on the desk with a flashing red light. He moved over and looked down on it. He realized what he was when he saw the numbers counting down. "4..3..2..1"

"Oh no" was all he could think.

A car nearing the Space Center

The Possibles and the Stoppables were huddled in the rear of the small bus. The people had broken in their homes and had taken them to the small bus. The people had been armed with stun guns. The tweebs had gotten small shocks when they tried to escape. As they neared the Center the sky lit up with a number of explosions, which was followed by several more. The parents grasped hands. They had heard enough of the talk among their captors to know the Kim and Ron had broken into the center earlier. They could only hope for the best. Their children had come through a lot of missions, now they could only hope that they would again.

The water tube under the Space Center

Kim and Ron were swimming at a steady but fast pace. They had a long way to go and needed to conserve their air. The tube was big enough so they could swim one behind the other. Kim had grabbed an underwater motor so they could move faster. Ron held the motor and Kim held onto him. Minute after minute passed as the tube seemed never to end. Soon a metal grille loomed in the dark and Ron shut down the motor. He searched for a way out and but the grille was heavy and sealed shut. Kim looked at her meter on her tank. It read "00". She tapped Ron and he gave her his mouth piece as they started buddy breathing. Ron took off his tanks and gave it to Kim. She watched him through her mask wondering what he was doing. He bent down and took something from his belt. He held up two charges that he apparently saved. He motioned her for them to back up a little. He took a few breaths of air then swam back to the grille and placed both charges. He activated them and swam frantically back toward Kim. Kim reeled from the detonation and saw Ron coming floating toward her not moving. She grabbed him and pulled him toward the hole now made in the grill, she went through first then turned and pulled the unconscious Ron through. She headed for the surface pushing the mouthpiece into his mouth. Soon both were on the surface, she towed him to the near shore. She pulled him up on the shore, and checked his pulse, weak but there, she turned him on his side and tried to clear his lungs. She pulled him over, pinched his nose and blew a breath into his mouth. She tried again and again trying to get him breathing. Soon his arms rose up and took her in an embrace. She yelped in surprise as he pulled her down and kissed her. "Ron! Are you okay?" she asked.

"Wow, what a kiss." He said grinning his goofy grin.

She punched him in the arm "That was no kiss, I was trying to give you mouth to mouth."

"Call it what you will, it was great!" Ron sighed.

"We need to get to my house." Kim said. "All of our extra equipment is there and most likely that is the last place they will be looking for us."

"Okay, KP, How are we going to get there? They have the scooter." Ron asked.

"We walk, Ron, we walk." Kim mused.

Somewhere in Middleton

The two teens were tired when they finally reached Kim's house. They had contacted Wade on the way back to the house hoping he could get a ride for them.

"Sorry, Kim, Ron. There are so many agents from the Space Center around I can't get anyone to you. They have taken your parents to the Space Center. As far as I know they are being held at the security center in one of the cells. They are okay so far. But they are putting the word out that the agent that brings either one or both of you captured to the center will be highly honored. So be careful." Wade stated.

They had taken a break for a moment on the way back to Kim's house. They walked up under a bridge to hide and rest. Kim was in near tears.

"Kim, what's wrong?" Ron asked.

"They have our families Ron. In all the years we have been fighting the villains this is the first time our families have been put in danger because of what we do." Kim said quietly. "What are we going to do?"

"I don't know Kim, I just don't know." Ron said as he reached out to hold her.

She brushed his arm off gently. "Ron, would you mind, please don't be hurt, but I need a little private time." Kim said slowly as she turned to gaze at her boyfriend. "You haven't done anything wrong. I just need some time to myself."

"Okay, KP. Can you hand me the Kimmunicator? I think I'll call Wade and see if he might have an update on what's going on." Ron said.

Kim handed over the device, and as their hands touched she covered his hands with hers. Her eyes told the story of her pain and her love. Ron squeezed her hands then turned to give her some private space.

Kim gathered herself up after a few minutes and went to find Ron. She found him talking to Wade on the Kimmunicator. He had just placed something in his pocket that Wade had apparently sent him via a small drone. "Okay, Wade, thanks for the update. We'll be in contact. I hope this works."

"You hope what works?" Kim asked as she approached Ron.

Ron jumped like he had been caught doing something he shouldn't be doing.

"Oh, nothing Kim, just discussing with Wade some ways of sneaking back to your house and avoiding all those weirdoes with the sunglasses." Ron said with a tired grin.

"Yeah" Kim sighed. "You two come up with anything?"

"I think so" Ron said. "Come on, let's get going, it going to be light soon and it will be harder to get to your house. Come on, I have an idea of a way to get to your house."

Ron stuck out his hand in the darkness, Kim took his hand and covered it with her other.

"Ron, we are so in trouble. Do you think this is just the start? How are we going to get our families free?" Kim spoke as a few tears fell down her face.

"I don't know Kim, we will just have to make it up as we go, just like we always do. I know it is different now that our folks are involved. But, we will figure something out. Right now we both need some rest. We need to find a place to hide. Since all our other equipment is hidden at your house we can only hope that they will look everywhere else but there. But we have to take the chance to get to your house to get that equipment."

With that statement Ron started to lead Kim into the darkness toward her home. The two teens held on to each other as if their very lives depended on it. Each facing their own fears and sorrows as the darkness of the night enveloped them.

The Possible Residence

Kim and Ron had arrived at her house just before dawn. There were no guards around the house that they could see, but they had no choice either way, everything they would need to survive in the next couple of days was in Kim's house. They had entered the home and checked it carefully, finding no one there and with a scan by Wade showing no surveillance they went to Kim's room to get some rest and obtain the needed equipment. As they slept Wade keep watch with the security system installed in the Possible's home.

Ron awoke to the small slats of light coming through the window blinds. They had not disturbed the blinds as anyone outside would have noticed the difference. He glanced blearily around the room. Their bags of equipment lay at the foot of the bed, ready to be grabbed if they had to run. Ron glanced down at the young lady who lay cuddled up to his front. They both were dirty and scratched up after having to run or crawl through briars and bushes to avoid the patrols they knew had to be from the Space Center. They didn't think they could trust anyone. Ron reached over and pulled some of Kim's hair out of the way so he could see her face clearly. She stirred slightly and turned to smile at him. Her smile turned to a grimace as she took a deep sniff.

"One or both of us needs a bath." She said.

Kim reached down and took her shirt and sniffed it.

"Oh my bad, I think it is me." She said with a smile.

She turned to give him a hug and stopped and sniffed again then looked at Ron.

"Augh, I take that back, you sir aren't touching me until you take a bath and shave." She said smiling at him.

"Can you go use the downstairs bath? That is the only one with no windows other than mine." Kim asked.

"Okay, KP, I have some stuff down there anyway. I'll get cleaned up and see if I can sneak into the kitchen and get something to eat. I won't use any appliance, but maybe get some milk, juice and stuff that doesn't need to be cooked." Ron mentioned.

"Okay, just be careful. Let the Wade keep watch. Don't do anything that could tell anyone that someone is here." Kim said quietly.

"Okay, KP" Ron left the room and quietly went downstairs.

Luckily, their families had been taken late at night so most if not all of the blinds or curtains had been pulled over the windows. Ron was able to move through the house without exposing himself to view from outside the home. He entered the bath and quickly stripped out of his clothes and got in the shower. The hot water felt good, some places stung where he was bruised or scraped during his fight with Gill and his minions. He finished his shower and as he shaved he grinned at the thought of Kim telling him he was not touching her until he shaved. He sort of liked a little beard and hoped he could talk Kim into letting him keep a little one. If not now maybe in the future. His countenance darkened; future, what future? From what Wade had said when he was talking to him when he had left Kim alone, most of the law enforcement and military had been infiltrated somehow. Kim and Ron were on their own. They could hope to contact Dr. Director and Wade and somehow work out who was responsible. Drakken had to be in it somehow. His synthodrones were all over the place. He couldn't stop thinking of what they were facing and hoped that the two of them would make it.

Kim turned on the water to her shower and entered the stream of hot soothing water. She hissed when the water hit some of the scratches and cuts she had received through the evening. She checked a number of bruises as she reached for the shampoo and washed her hair, and then she washed off herself. Her thoughts came "I wish Ron was here to wash my back." Kim shook her head. "Where did that thought come from? Ron share the shower with me?" Kim thought of what she had told Ron earlier about washing and shaving. She wished she hadn't been so adamant about the shaving. She always thought he was really cute with just a little beard. She would have to think of telling him that in the future. Future she thought what future did they have? They were on their own. This time they would have to take care of everything themselves. She felt like half the world was after them. Would the two of them ever have any peace? She now realized what Ron had meant earlier. She longed for a time that the two of them could be normal 17 year olds. Somewhere, sometime, there had to be a place for them. She turned the water off as she finished her bath. She dried off and dressed, smiling as she touched the necklace that she never took off now. She turned and left her bath.

Ron finished getting cleaned up and snuck into the kitchen, he was able to get a good selection of fruit, cereal and juices. He was also able to get some food that they would be able to take with them. The cereal, fruit and juice he carried upstairs to Kim's Room. She came out of her bath as he entered her room. She was as beautiful as ever. The necklace around her neck seemed to shine as he entered the room and she looked at him.

"Got some milk, cereal, juice and fruit. I packed up some other food that we should be able to carry with us. I left that downstairs." He told her smiling.

She turned to him and crossing her arms in front of her then raising her right hand so her finger was along side of his face. She smiled at him and said. "Much, much better, smell better too."

"Back at cha, KP." Ron said with a smile. "I wasn't the only one in need of a little hot water."

"WELL" Kim said in mock indignation. "Just for that, no hug or kiss." She crossed her arms and turned her back to him only to see her reflection in the mirror on the other wall with Ron grinning at her. She giggled and turned back around to take him into her arms, she sighed and cuddled up to him. Then she pulled back and settled down to eat.

They ate their meal in silence. Both had been famished as they had not eaten since the trip to Bueno Nacho and it was now early afternoon by the clock on Kim's desk. They finished all the fruit, cereal and juice that Ron had found. Ron had slipped back down and found some leftover bacon and some bread. They finished the meal and settled down.

The Kimmunicator beeped it's familiar tune. Kim picked up the device and said "Go Wade"

"Kim, Ron, good to see that you are feeling better. Have you seen anything since last night?" Wade asked.

"No, Wade, we haven't been close to any of the windows. We don't have any idea what has been going on." Kim said with a sigh. "We got some sleep, got cleaned up and gathered some of our other equipment together. We are trying to think of a way to get to our families. I doubt we can chance going back to the Space Center."

"Kim, from what we can tell from the sensors you left behind, you set their plans back a long time. The equipment you damaged and the engines you destroyed were an important part of their plans. They will have to work hard to get their program back on time. You still have a lot to do as well. We will get you a ride to a safe base then figure out what to do. Sounds good?" Kim smiled knowing her friend was doing the best he could "You Rock Wade, as always" "No prob Kim. I'll contact you soon, Wade out"

Ron stood. "Kim, I am going downstairs a minute. We shouldn't stay here too long. Sooner or later they will look here and we don't need to be here."

Kim nodded as Ron left the room, she turned back to the equipement on the floor. Ron had not been gone long when she heard windows break and what sounded like the front door being knocked down.

She heard Ron scream "Kim, lookout!"

There were more crashes and screaming from Ron as it sounded like every piece of furniture downstairs was being broken into splinters. Kim headed to the door of her room and looked at the base of the stairs. There were a number of synthodrones coming up the stairs as well as a number of teens in the lead wearing sunglasses. In front of the group was Bonnie Rockwaller, smiling the evil smile only as Bonnie could. She stopped and pointed up the stairs.

"Get her!" She ordered.

One of the synthodrones raised it's arm and fired a stream of liquid. Kim dodged the stream and recognized it as some of Gill's spit. She realized that if the stream hit her in the face that it would all be over. KP headed down the stairs hitting Bonnie with a flying kick that sent her back down the stairs with a bunch of other teens, taking many drones with them. Kim turned to see Bonnie's face free of the sunglasses laying smashed on the floor, her green eyes glowing with a hate that chilled KP's blood. She fired a dart into Bonnie's leg, putting her down in an unconscious heap almost instantly. Kim back pedaled up the stairs as she fought with the two remaining teens in sunglasses; one was Josh, the other Tara. She bit her lower lip, knowing she'd have to go easy on her friends. She let them approach a little closer then fired a dart into each of them letting them drop to the stairs uninjured. Kim barely had the chance to put the dartgun away before the synthodrones were upon her. She reached into her pocket and pulled out the laser lipstick and quickly sliced the two remaining synthodrones into pieces. She paused to catch her breath.

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When Ron had reached the den he had glanced to see a shadow at a window. He opened his mouth to scream a warning when the window shattered in and the front door was smashed off it's hinges. He formed the Lotus Blade and prepared to fight. The great majority of people and synthodrones came in the front door. He attacked them without further thought.

"Kim, Lookout" he had screamed.

He used the power blast that was part of the Lotus Blade to knock out the citizen's as they approached him. Their fancy sunglasses flying off as they fell to the floor. He glanced up to see one of the synthodrones raise it's arm and point at him. His monkey power warned him to duck just in time as a green stream of liquid went flying over his shoulder. "Gill's spit" he thought. He dodged several of the blasts as he approached the drones while they tried to encircle him. He could hear Kim fight the other citizens and drones on the stairs to her room. He heard a familiar voice scream.

"Get her!" It was Bonnie's voice.

Ron leapt at the closest two drones and sliced them into parts before they could react. He turned to face the last drone to see an easy chair flying at him. He barely had time to change the Blade into a shield when the chair shattered on the shield and sent him sprawling. As he stood again he was struck on his chest by a stream of the liquid. "Can't let it get in my eyes" he thought. He changed the Blade into a chain with a scythe on the end. He spun the chain and scythe and sliced open the drone before it could fire another blast. As he turned to help Kim he tripped and fell backwards into the shambles of the chair.
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Kim caught her breath and listen to what seemed to be a war still going on downstairs.

"RON!" screamed Kim as she raced down the stairs. She saw the shambles that had been the living room and den of her home. Residents lay all over the place as well as the remains of many synthodrones. Pools of Gill's spit were on the floor and wet spots of it were on the ceilings and the walls. The house had been quiet for sometime as she continued to look for Ron. Then in the corner of the den some debris moved and Ron stood with his back to her. The Lotus Blade glowed in his hand. As she watched the blade morphed back into the necklace around his neck.

"Ron, are you okay?" she asked as she approached him hesitantly. "Ron?"

Ron turned as he put his goggles on.

Kim ran to him and enveloped him in a hug. "Ron, are you okay?"

"I am no longer Ron, I am citizen servant AG1023 and you are my prisoner." Ron said flatly

"Real funny, Ron" Kim said as she reached up and removed his goggles. "Real fun…"

Kim stopped speaking as she saw Ron's eye's glowing green eyes looking down at her. His hand raised and gripped her arm painfully.

"No, please, no, not again, you are all I have, Please no." She cried.

Kim's eyes dilated as the shock of the stun gun Ron placed against her side hit her. All she could think of was Ron and Erik, Erik and Ron, the shock of the betrayal with the electrical shock. As darkness overcame her she realized that Ron's face had the same smile as Erik that night Erik betrayed her. Now she had been betrayed again as she passed into unconsciousness.