It was seven o'clock in the morning when Nosedive's alarm went off. The young duck woke up and quickly shut it off. But instead of going straight to bed like he usually would've done, he got out from under the covers and, as quietly as he could, got dressed. Nosedive heard a snort from his brother. The blonde haired duck whipped his head around to see Wildwing just turn over in bed, mouth agape and drool dribbling down. Nosedive smiled at this, resisting the urge to laugh.
Wildwing had come home late last night from his dinner with Crystal, so Nosedive was glad that his big brother was sound asleep as he opened the door and headed out. Turning off the alarm and hoping no one heard him, Nosedive took one of the duckcycles from the headquarters' garage and drove off.
-\-
Canard, in his new room, was tossing and turning in his sleep. He grunted as if he were in pain as images of people hovering over him with tools and such kept flashing before him. Canard woke up with a start, his eyes snapping open. He sighed and rubbed his face as he sat up in his bed. Canard got out of bed and threw on his jacket. It had been suggested he'd take walks to clear his mind as they can be therapeutic.
The air was cool, which was a relief to his flushed body. Canard sighed with relief as he stepped out into the morning air. As he stretched his arms above his head, he looked to see Nosedive, riding the duckcycle down the street into town.
"What's Dive doing up this early?" He said. "It's a little too early for a comic book run" Canard opened up the homing device on Nosedives com and began to follow.
-\-
Nosedive rode his cycle farther down into the business district of Anaheim before parking on the street. He took off his helmet and looked at the building that he parked in front of. It looked brand new and the glass windows reflected the rising sun's rays.
"Nosedive, I'm glad you could come." The duck looked and smiled when he saw Mansfeild coming out of the front doors of the building.
"You know I wouldn't flake." Nosedive grinned. Nosedive strode up to Mansfeild. "So where do we begin?"
Mansfeild smiled, "Let's go inside and talk." He led Nosedive inside the building of his business. "I'm surprised you called me so late last night. Saying you wanted to see my business."
Nosedive scratched the back of his head as he entered the elevator with Mansfeild. "Yeah, sorry about that."
"No problem, I'm glad you had a sudden interest in the part-time job." Mansfeild assured him. The two of them stopped on the seventh floor of the building and the layout was like any other office building, but it was so quiet and everyone was so focused on their work and on a few phone calls, it was kind of creepy.
"The second floor through the seventh floor is where all the financial and legal stuff in the business is done." Mansfeild explained to Nosedive.
Nosedive made it clear the man had his attention. He then asked. "So what department will I be in? I'm not too fancy with the legal stuff."
"We'll get to that. Don't worry." Mansfeild closed the elevator door as he clicked the 10th floor button and the elevator went up. "The eighth through the tenth are the testing rooms. We test new products, games, and do reviews on books and articles on those floors." The doors opened to reveal a floor much different from the seventh floor. It was more carefree. There were beanbags and soda machines nearby, a couple of TVs for testing out video games in the works, and even an area that looked like a mini buffet.
"Whoa…" Nosedive's beak hung open.
Mansfeild chuckled. "Yeah, I like to keep this area very loose." He then clicked the next button to floor eleven and the two of them arrived on a section of the building that was like a science laboratory. In fact, it was a huge improvement from Tanya's little work space back at the Pond. "This is the science division, where the more…advanced stuff is made and tested."
Nosedive took a step out of the elevator and took a look around with Mansfeild following him "This is awesome!" Nosedive smiled brightly. But then he bumped into the back of someone. Nosedive turned around to apologize. "Oh, sorry!"
The woman he bumped into was wearing a lab coat over a light pink buttoned up blouse and a black pencil skirt with brown heels. Her hair was wavy, medium length, and a darker shade of pink than her shirt. Her eyes were a deep blue color, reminding Nosedive of the ocean itself. The woman, however, glared at Nosedive. "I sure hope you are." She said in an unfriendly manner, but that immediately changed when she saw Mansfeild behind Nosedive. "Oh, Mr. Mansfeild!" The woman said all happy and friendly. "I didn't know you were in the office today."
"I'm showing my friend, Nosedive, around. He's interested in the part-time job while we're in Anaheim." Mansfeild said. "Nosedive, this is Vendella, she's the head scientist of this division."
Nosedive held out his hand to the scientist. Even though she had been unfriendly, he still wanted to show good manners.
"Pleased to make your acquaintance." He smiled warmly.
Vendella's smile fell as she looked back at Nosedive, but shook his hand.
"You should be. I'm a natural born genius, after all." Vendella bragged with a smirk.
"Anyways! I'm going to take Nosedive up to my office so we can discuss things." Mansfeild said. "We'll talk later, Vendella."
"If you say so, Mr. Mansfeild." Vendella's smile returned before she walked off to do her work.
"Little proud, ain't she?" Nosedive murmured to Mansfeild.
"Yeah, but the work she can do is WAY ahead of our time." Mansfeild replied as they walked back to the elevator. "She's really one of a kind."
"Well, hopefully we'll get along." Nosedive said, optimistically. "So what's next on this sweet tour?"
"My office." Mansfeild answered as pressed the last button. Floor thirteen. It took only a minute to reach the top floor of the building and when they got there, Mansfeild's office was beautifully decorated with all sorts of knickknacks and there were two sofas in the middle with a coffee table. Mansfeild's desk and three different computer screens on it with the window behind his seat.
Nosedive was in awe. "Rad set up!" He took a step forward. Nosedive could swear he could feel every fiber on the carpet as his feet swept over. He had to resist the urge to touch the knickknacks, he had to be on his best behavior after all.
"Really? You don't think it's too much?" Mansfeild asked as he followed Nosedive and walked off to a mini fridge to grab some soda for himself and Nosedive.
Nosedive rubbed his chin. Now having processed more of the room… "Maybe a little." He replied. He made a pinching motion. "But, on the other hand, you're the boss, why not flaunt it?" He asked as he eyed one of the knickknacks. "I know I would." Nosedive chuckled.
He had no shame in showing off on the ice, his side of his bedroom he shared with his brother bled his personality, from the posters to his comic books and action figures.
"I mean, I would, definitely. But the Vice President of the company gets upset when I spend too much money on stuff. Especially my comic collection." Mansfeild opened a lower cabinet door to show it was filled up neatly with comics. "Please don't tell him about this." Mansfeild said as he closed the door.
"My lips are sealed." Nosedive winked. Nosedive had a look at some of the titles. Some of them he was familiar with. Others he found had interesting titles on them.
Mansfeild handed Nosedive a canned soda before they sat down across from each other on the different sofas. "Now," Mansfeild opened his soda and asked, "do you have any questions for me before I start explaining?" He then took a sip of his drink.
"What does this company work with?" From everything around here, Nosedive didn't have a clear clue about what the place worked in. Science perhaps but was there more? What would he be getting into?
"This company is meant to provide." Mansfeild answered. "To provide people with medicine, entertainment, knowledge—anything you could ever imagine! I built this company for the single purpose of expanding the world around us and helping people."
Nosedive nodded, some of the floors made more sense to him now. "That answers that. I can't really think of anything else to ask, I'm ready to begin."
Mansfeild smiled. "I'm looking for an extra tester for the testing on the eighth through tenth floors of the company. I understand you have your practice with the hockey team and all the special appearances you have with them, and I'm willing to have you work around your schedule."
Nosedive froze for a second. He didn't even consider the team practice he had before the Stanley Cup, the personal appearances and events Phil had for them, and even his hero work too…
"Nosedive? Are you okay?" Mansfeild asked.
Nosedive snapped out of his thoughts, "It's…fine." He said, his fingers drummed against his knees. "It's just. How manageable would the work around be?" Nosedive asked. He couldn't just throw in the towel like that…he had to prove to his bro and the others he can be responsible and mature!
"I would need you around noon until, I'd say, eleven thirty at night. I'll be paying you at least twenty-five dollars an hour." Mansfeild explained. "But again, I understand that your team comes first."
"I'm not gonna say no, but I need a little time to think about it." Nosedive admitted. Eleven wasn't that bad of a time and he was a bit of a night owl. But then again he had the team practice, saving the world, and putting up with Phil. Plus extra money didn't sound bad either… but he had to figure out how to make this work. Right now, he just needed to think.
"Of course, I understand. It is a big decision to make." Mansfeild said. "Just call me when you have your answer." He said. That's when Mansfeild got a message on his cell phone. His eyes widened. "Oh crap! There's an emergency that needs my attention. I'm sorry to cut things short, Dive, but I need to take care of this!" Mansfeild said as he stood up and walked towards the elevator. "I'll take you back down through the elevator." He offered.
"Sure thing." Nosedive followed Mansfeild in and they went down to the eleventh floor.
Mansfeild clicked one of the buttons so Nosedive could get back to the lobby on the first floor. "Sorry again about this. Let's get some lunch soon." Mansfeild offered.
"I'm down for that, and don't worry about it." Nosedive told him. Mansfeild smiled before he hurried off and the elevator closed behind and took Nosedive down. Nosedive exited the building. He turned around and stuffed his hands into his pockets. "I know I haven't agreed yet, but…I wonder if I'm biting off more than I can chew." He pondered.
"Nosedive." The young duck spun around to see Canard walking up to him.
"C-Canard? What are you doing here?" Nosedive asked.
"I could ask you the same thing." Canard said, crossing his arms. "I tried following you inside, but the receptionist wouldn't let me past the front desk to the elevator."
"I guess I'll go first." Nosedive answered. "I got a job offer, that's it." He shrugged.
Canard looked slightly surprised before asking, "A job offer? At this building?"
"Yeah, I had a run in with the boss of this place." Nosedive said.
"That's really cool, Dive." Canard said with a genuine smile. But then he had a look of concern on his face. "You're not quitting the hockey team, are you?" He asked.
"No! Of course not!" Nosedive said wide eyed. "Hockey is our lifestyle, I know that." He rubbed his shoe into the concrete. "I just need to figure out if it's what I can do, like manage practice and time in general." He eyed the ground then looked back at Canard.
Canard put his hand on Nosedive's shoulder and said, "I know this means a lot to you, Dive. But it could be a bit much to juggle. It is your decision though, but if I were you, I'd think these over with pros and cons. Maybe even talk to Wing about it."
"Maybe you're right." He paused. "After all that is the responsible thing to do."
Canard chuckled. "Let's get back to the Pond. The others are probably awake by now."
"Sounds good." Nosedive said as he walked to the duckcylcles before turning to Canard and asking, "Wait, how did you get here?"
"I followed the tracker in your com and ran here." Canard answered.
"You ran here?!" Nosedive asked, not believing Canard ran all this way.
Canard smiles cheekily at Nosedive. "If I can skate fast on the ice you can bet I ran here."
Nosedive blinked a few times before shaking his head and getting on the duckcycle with Canard riding on the back of it.
-\-
The Raptor's metal frames moved and shifted as Mercury used his ferrokinesis and put the ship back together. When he was done, he breathed heavily, but smiled.
"Finally done…" He said.
"Excellent, You've finally finished fixing the Raptor" Dragaunus' voice boomed as he stepped foot into the room Mercury was in. The other Saurians were behind Dragaunus wanting to inspect the handiwork. Chameleon, however, just wanted an excuse to see his new pal again.
Mercury smiled Chameleon's way before looking at Dragaunus. "I won't lie. Working with this amount of stuff is hard but it was definitely worth it in the end to see the final result."
Dragaunus chuckled before asking. "What's the progress of the Mask?"
Mercury's smile faded and he scratched the back of his head. "That's…a different story. It's only, um…twenty-five percent near completion."
Dragaunus's smile fell. Smoke expelled from his nose. "For a genius as yourself, tell me why is it taking you so long to turn it over to us!?" He bellowed.
Mercury slightly flinched, but stood his ground as he said, "The Mask is specially made and more complicated than I had originally imagined. One wrong adjustment to its circuitry, and it could be completely useless to any of us!" Mercury paused before saying. "Or worse…" The young man shook his head before continuing. "Don't worry, though. I have everything I could possibly need from when Chameleon and I raided that university." Mercury purposefully left out the part about having to go to the Pond to get back the mini circuit board he needed, fearing he and/or Chameleon would get in trouble. "I just need time."
Dragaunus had a thin lipped expression. "Fine. When you put it like that, I'll give you a little more time." He said through gritted teeth. Wraith eyed Mercury suspiciously.
Mercury didn't notice the suspicious look he was given from Wraith as he replied, "Thank you."
"In the meantime, Siege, Wraith!" Dragaunus looked towards his men. "Lure out those ducks, and come back with the results of their demise!"
"Yes, my lord!" Siege grinned, he was eager for a rematch.
Wraith simply nodded, fine with going alone with Siege. There's something off about him. He has to be withholding information on the Mask's progress…Wraith thought as he eyed Mercury. Wraith and Siege teleported away and Dragaunus walked out of the room as Mercury walked over to the work table to continue his work on the Mask. Chameleon walked over to watch him but noticed Mercury's face…he didn't look so good. In fact, he looked pale as a ghost.
Chameleon went over to Mercury and put a hand to his shoulder. "You ok there?" He said gently.
Mercury wiped his forehead with the back of his hand before looking at Chameleon with a smile. "Don't worry. I'm fine. Just a lot of work you know? But I can handle it." Mercury assured the green Saurian before turning back to his work.
"If you say so, pal." Chameleon replied, but really didn't buy what Mercury was saying.
-\-
Nosedive and Canard arrived back at the Pond to see Wildwing walk into the main room. When he heard the door open and saw Nosedive and Canard, Wildwing nearly flipped out as he ran over to them and asked, "Where have you guys been?"
"I went to an interview, Canard followed me." Nosedive said before he pointed at Canard.
"An interview?" Wildwing repeated. "For what?"
"That's what I want to talk to you about, Wing." Nosedive said. "You see…" Nosedive was interrupted by the sound of the alarm going off. The three of them hurried to Drake One and looked to see teleportation energy appearing in the industrial district of Anaheim.
"Hey, what's going on?" Duke asked as he and the other ducks hurried into the main room.
"We've got a teleportation sighting." Wildwing said.
"I guess my big announcement will have to wait." Nosedive folded his arms. Immediately, the ducks got into their gear and made their way to the Migrator.
Drones and Earth Rune Soldiers were attacking and innocent civilians were running for their lives, as police forces escorted them to safety. Aiding the drones and soldiers were none other than the same two Saurians that Dragaunus had instructed to take care of the ducks. The Migrator appeared on the scene and the ducks jumped out, ready for action.
"Ready for another round of kicking the Saurian?" Mallory jeered, taking aim.
Duke dashed up to Wraith with his sword ready, "Darn right I am!" He cried. Wraith watched as Duke slashed the two drones with his sword. The drones crumpled to the concrete. Wraith shielded himself with his staff just as the blade came down.
"You are no match for the mystic arts of our Saurian ancestors!" Wraith said as he pushed Duke back and sent a fireball his way.
"You are no match for the mystic arts of our Saurian ancestors!" Wraith said as he pushed Duke back and sent a fireball his way.
Siege growled. He believed he just stuck with the drones, but Dragaunus insisted they bring some of Mercury's Rune Soldiers.
"Hey Geek-o-saur! Heads up!" Siege turned to see Nosedive fire a puck blaster at him.
Siege raised his right arm over his face and his iron cuff took the hit. He grunted at the brunt of the puck as it scattered into pieces.
Nosedive tried again, going for the Saurian's knees. Siege gasped and staggered. Nosedive took the opportunity to deliver a hard kick to the Saurian's stomach. Siege flew back and grunted as he scrapped the pavement. He groaned holding his abdomen. "Little help!" He yelled.
Wraith, momentarily distracted from his fight with Duke, sent a fireball towards Nosedive. Nosedive was able to dodge it but this also gave Duke an opening as he kicked Wraith. The old Saurian stumbled backwards after he did that.
"You should learn to respect your elders!" Wraith snapped.
"You're not my Pa, first off!" Duke retorted.
Duke parried his sword just as Wraith blocked it with his staff. Mallory took out two more Rune Soldiers. Grin smashed a drone with his fist.
Nosedive charged up to Siege, "This ends now, Saurian freakazoid!"
Siege and Wraith clearly saw that they were losing this fight. They decided it was time for a hasty retreat. The two of them activated their teleporters and got away.
"I hate it when they do that." Mallory said as what was left of the Rune Soldiers and Drones teleported away as well.
"Right when we had 'em where we wanted 'em too." Nosedive said, his brows knitting together.
Duke put his sword away. "Well mission accomplished."
"You can say that again." Wildwing said in agreement with Canard by his side.
"Dive, that was awesome!" The ducks turned around and Nosedive's eyes went wide when he saw Mansfeild, who was walking up to the group. "I mean, I had heard rumors about you being heroes but…that was incredible!"
"Uh, who are you?" Duke asked.
"Oh, I'm Mansfeild. I run a business that's temporarily in Anaheim. I'm also friends with Nosedive." The ducks looked back to Nosedive to see if this guy was telling the truth.
Nosedive shrugged his shoulders and smiled. "Yeah. We met at Captain Comics. Mansfeild is the one who offered me a job." Nosedive said. Nosedive felt his heart heave. He was still uncertain about accepting the job offer.
"A job offer?" Tanya repeated.
"I thought Nosedive would be perfect for the part-time job I'm offering while I'm here in Anaheim." Mansfeild said to Tanya.
"Dive…?" Wildwing and the others, except Canard, looked at Nosedive.
"I'm not quitting the Mighty Ducks or anything!" Nosedive assured them. "I just…thought it would be a good idea." Nosedive rubbed the back of his neck as he looked away.
Wildwing approached his brother and put a hand to his back. "Lemme talk to Dive for a minute." Mansfeild simply nodded. Wildwing went away from the gang with Nosedive, he knew when his brother felt uneasy. "While I'm not against you making your own choices, why do you think this is a good idea?" He asked.
"I felt…really bad about when that creep got into our base and stole the circuit board, and Mal's words kind of rang inside my head, ya know? So I thought…if I maybe got a good job like what Mansfeild is offering, it could help me." Nosedive explained.
"Help you with what?" Wildwing asked.
"Being more mature and responsible." Nosedive admitted.
"Dive, being mature is accepting your mistakes and moving on. So that guy got away, big whoop. The saurians haven't cracked the mask yet, and if they did they would've used it by now." Nosedive blinked at his older brother. Wildwing continued, "And I don't think it's mature to take on more than you can chew. I mean you got hockey practice, fighting crime and Phil." Wildwing chuckled. "I don't know about you, but it's more reckless to accept the workload than mature."
Nosedive had a small smile, "I guess you're right." Wildwing smiled back at his baby bro before they walked back to the group and Mansfeild.
"Everything alright?" Mansfeild asked.
"Yeah, everything's ok." Nosedive cleared his throat. "I've given it some thought. And I think I'm gonna say no to your offer." Nosedive said.
Mansfeild looked slightly surprised for a second or two before smiling. "I understand. I mean, not gonna lie, I was expecting you to say no."
"You were?" Nosedive asked.
"Yeah. I mean, you've got lots of responsibilities for your team. I can respect that." Mansfeild said as he walked up to Nosedive and put his hand on his shoulder. "I'm glad you came to your decision and told me right away. Thanks." Mansfeild took his hand off Nosedive's shoulder and put his hands in his pockets. "But I just want to let you know, if you need anything, just let me know. I'm willing to help you guys out." He smiled.
"Thank you, Mansfeild." Nosedive said with a warm smile.
"So guess we should head back to the Pond?" Duke suggested.
"Yeah, let's get back." Wildwing said with a nod. The ducks walked off back to the Migrator as Mansfeild waved goodbye and walked off in the opposite direction before he got a call.
Mansfeild answered, "Hello?…Not there yet, huh?…It's alright. Everything will be fine…I'm on my way back…Yeah, have the substances ready for the next testing." He then hung up and kept on walking.
Co-Written with PurpleReign9000
Please support both of our work(s)
Thank you!