Hello again and it's time for our irregularly scheduled return with another chapter of our tale, 'Storm Chaser'. Real life, transferring from a dying computer to a newer one graciously sent to me via Sentinel103 and Mrs. Sentilenl103 (thanks again guys!), took longer than I thought, but here we are with our next installment.
But before we get started we'd like to thank the following for their Reviews, Faves, Alerts and Follows: Sword of The Azure Rain, Uberscribbler, Jimmy1201, Sentinel103, JaingSkirata, Beckman, pbow, levi2000a1, Paradoxreader (again in Guest Mode!: What you suggest of Ron for Kim isn't going to work. Ron's not pursuing anything related to Kim's life and Kim has no clue where he is. Hardheaded and Clueless only meet when other events intrude in those two life-patterns…) and Batmanbane77, thank you one and all. And the same to the silent reader, too.
Last time, Ron was making up with Rufus for slighting him over vittles and their ever present 'discussion' about a certain red head. But for now the mole rat was placated by waffles, which only ended one argument…before the blond went to find his dojo has been setup for a demonstration that he had been postponing way beyond Sensei's tolerance for the Chosen One's dithering on the subject. So while Ron/Dean was gearing up, one of the Sake Sisters (Yay! They rule!) was giving the Karate Dojo's Sensei a lesson in humility and respect. Meanwhile Kim was in the process of unwinding from her trip to Japan with that team to retrieve a certain object and was enjoying a few moments of R-and-R at BN when one of her 'episodes' struck for the first time while in the presence of witnesses. A clue of sorts for our perplexed red head? We'll see…But Ron/Dean did take a knife through his chest for his troubles right..about..then…back in Japan.
Also, a vital piece of a Ron-and-Kim-shaped-puzzle was figured out and explained to Sensei by Yori from her clandestine excursion with Hiro at the airfield where they met up with Kim. A woman made this mess and a woman figured it out after only one slight clue, (got to get me one of them translators), but Sensei decided on withholding this from Ron and that he and Kim should follow the paths they are on until Providence or a nudge from Yamanouchi ends this odyssey of mistaken proportions.
Before we continue, Larry and I have to again starve the sharks in shiny suits: Kim Possible and all mentioned within from the Program are the property of Disney and are not involved in any money making adventure in our little excursion. Other characters are our own creations, or someone else's, ditto on the lack of cash scenario.
Storm Chaser
Chapter 21
On a farm outside Oslo, Norway:
"Now Hanna remember don't feed Rufus too much cheese at one time, and make sure he gets his vegetables.", the freckled blond instructed his Sister while waiting on the bus ride to the airport. Shooting the mole rat on her shoulder a mock scowl, "He needs to lose a little weight too so make sure that he runs for at least twenty-three minutes a day,", to the mole rat's real glare, "And don't let him talk you out of it.", he followed up, much to Rufus' wide-eyed, crossed-armed and nose-in-the-air dismay.
"Hmph.", the indignant reply from his perch on the amused child's shoulder.
Giggling at the back and forth between her brother and his mole rat pal, "Don't worry Ron, he'll be in a lot better shape when you come back before school starts again.", the raven haired child assured her brother.
Open-mouthed at the betrayal by the one source of entertainment he thought he could count on, "Traitor!", Rufus stage whispered to Hanna's giggles.
Lightly poking her, and then Rufus in their tummies, "Good he's been playing me for years and if he gets the chance he'll do it with you too.", Ron said to their resulting giggles.
Watching from just off to the side, Barb Stoppable, aka, Barb Kaminsky joined in the mirth, "You and your little friend always played off of each other so well, Ron.", she said while shaking her head fondly. "I only wish you could have stayed here all summer with us,", she sighed, "it's so very nice out here and we see so little of you as it is.", she lamented only as mothers do when their child goes off in the world.
Smiling warmly, "Well I do have that internship for the rest of the summer where I'll get to see and do some things you just don't get a chance to deal with in college, so I have to go back, Mom.", Ron replied to Barbara's dismay. "But I'll be back at the end of the summer and visit with you again before the next term starts."
"Well if that's the case Ronald,", Dean interjected, "then maybe I should take out more insurance on you. Especially, unless I miss my guess, if you are going to involve yourself in things that push the envelope of what passes for 'Sane' in your life.", the ever cautious Actuary just couldn't pass up putting his two-cents in; as he was wont to do.
Shrugging, "Oh I don't know about that Dad. Even though this is something cool and is right up my area of study, I don't expect to do much more than fetch coffee or reports or other boring stuff a new intern usually does in these things.", Ron downplayed his Actuary Dad's usual attempt at overcompensation.
"I mean I might get to see some state of the art stuff, but as things are, I'm just the low man on the totem pole. You can think of me as the low-abilitied sidekick, again.", Ron deadpanned.
Not mollified by Ron's attitude, "Still Son, this might be dangerous ….."
Cutting him off, "Dad it's a lot less dangerous then getting into a fistfight with a couple of nine foot aliens or being the sidekick to a teenaged heroine with nothing going for me but my mad running away skills."
"You have a point there Ronald, but you were better than you gave yourself credit for.", his Dad pointing out what was taken for granted about him in his previous gig.
Smiling wistfully, "Thanks Dad…and some of those classes in college are doing me some good in giving me the tools to defend my way of thinking, or living.", he smirked, "I just wish I had learned how to go about doing that years ago, I wouldn't have been such a pushover back in Middleton."
Trying to get more time with her even now more rarely seen son, "Ronald are you sure that you don't want us to drive you to the airport?", Barb asked.
Chuckling, "Yeah I'm sure Mom, don't worry about it. The bus will be by in a while and the private jet should be landing in a few hours.", the blond assured her as he gave her a hug.
Then turning to him, "Now Rufus you behave and don't cause any trouble for Mom, Dad or Hanna while you're here.", he lightly admonished the scamp of a mole rat. "And don't you go and incite the lemmings to run off any cliffs either. You could upset the natural order of things and that would just put you on GJ's most wanted villain's list and neither of us wants that to happen.", the unspoken reasons behind this veiled warning evident to at least two of the five present.
Contriteness fighting with temptation, "Ho…K.", the pink rodent replied, giving away that he had not thought about the lemming angle while he was in Norway.
Catching on to what his friend was contemplating, "And I will call every week to make sure you are doing alright, too."
Deflated, Rufus nodded.
Business done, "Guys I should be back the third week of August.", Ron announced as he looked to his family.
Barb Stoppable looked quizzically to her grown up son, "And what is this internship about Ronald? You weren't forthcoming with the details, if I remember correctly."
Scratching his chin, "Well right now it's just like a gofer job…" Her eyebrows rose dramatically, "You know, gofer this report or gofer someone's coffee or tea, the usual rookie stuff like in any job.", he elaborated.
"Heck, maybe by the end of the summer I'll get some hand's on and make some training flights….", her eyes widened more. "But I really don't know very much right now and this is a way into the field I've chosen,", he informed her, "which means I'm going to be away from my living quarters a lot and I won't be able to keep up with Rufus and his needs...", looking towards his mole rat buddy who nonetheless still looked miffed at this turn of events.
Dean took the pause, "Ronald everyone has to start somewhere, no matter what the field or job.", and said. Shrugging, "I was an office boy for a summer in one of my early jobs so that I could begin to learn the ropes."
"Well you did it at what nineteen years of age, and I'm twenty-one now so I'm a couple of years behind you…."
"And you spent those three years in Japan learning the language and the culture Ron…that will count big time.", Dean pointed out. "Knowing how to deal with another culture is a definite advantage in the world of business today.", Dean told him.
Watching the back-and-forth between Father and son, 'And maybe purge Kimberly from your soul Ronald.', his Mother said in a prayer of sorts in concern for her Son's pain. 'At least there is no pain to see in your eyes now.', Barb silently added in some relief.
She smiled and added, "And science too Dean, remember Ronald is going into science.", Barb tossed in for good effect.
Looking to her, "Yes Dear, I know.", Dean sighed at her ganging up on him. "Ronald does have to follow his own path.", conceded.
Barbara Stoppable, née Kaminsky, laughed, "See Ronald?", she gloated. "This is the result of working on him for all those months you've been away. We can make a point with your Father on nearly any topic now."
Grinning, "Thanks Mom.", Ron snickered when he saw the bus in the distance and waved to make sure the driver knew to pick him up.
Turning back to his family, "Listen, thanks everybody, I'll try to call every week….but don't be too concerned if you don't hear from me for a few weeks. I won't get the hang of the schedule with this internship until the summer's practically over.", Ron said as he started a round of hugs, first with Hanna.
Shaking his hand instead, "Don't worry Son, we trust you…..maybe in all that, you'll find a girl where you are going.", Dean suggested to his lone-wolf son.
A nonplussed smile, "Thank Dad, but I think I've sworn off women…errrr except for Mom and Hanna for the foreseeable future.", when Ron looked fearfully to his glaring Mom, who broke down and giggled before taking him into a hug of her own.
Dean laughed at the attempt at a joke, "Good save Son…Now how are you classes coming? Everything going alright?"
"I have most of the basics in now except for Differential Equations and my Calculus-based Physics Two class. The extra classwork Yamanouchi gave me really helped last year, and though I'm no expert at it, I can tell you that I can speak math now….ole Felix would be proud of me.", he joked as the bus pulled up to them.
Dean Stoppable stopped and looked up at the tall lean blond young man, "You are sure that this is what you want to do with your life Son?"
A serene smile, "Yes Sir, it is.", Ron replied. "From what I've learned about those who take part in this aspect of the field I'm entering, it'll almost be like retirement for me, especially after the life I've lived in high school.", he snorted.
"How so?", his Mom wondered.
"Well who even thinks about the guys who do the work that ends up highlighted by someone else?", Ron countered. Tapping his chin in mock thought, "Hmm, something seems so familiar there for some reason...", before he smirked to his family, "Yes sir, no more adventures for Ron Stoppa…err, I mean Dean Kaminsky.", he stumbled with a sheepish smile before entering his ride to the airport.
XXX
The Law Firm of Ender, Enders and Klopstein, Chicago, Illinois:
As her contact entered the Lobby, the apprehensive red head rose from her seat and offered her hand, "Mister Enders it is a pleasure to meet you."
The short balding lawyer extended his hand also, "Miss Possible, the pleasure is all mine.", he beamed as they shook hands. "And if you would follow me to my office, we can discuss why you are here.", he said and lead her through some very large and ornate doors and down the hall to his office.
After they took their seats, "Now Miss Possible, how may we assist you today?", as Kim placed a binder on his desk.
Kim pointed to a binder, "I'm here to solve a mystery Mr. Enders, a mystery that I was only made aware of last spring.", she began, his eyebrows knitted in response. "You see I've been in school at Oxford, England for the last four years and last year I learned that my parents were not paying for any costs related to my being there during that time.", she said as he took this in.
At his gesture to continue, "Well when I returned in the following fall I was informed by the Staff there that all expenses related to my being there, such as books, tuition, room and board..and well everything actually, was paid out of a Trust that this Firm was handling.", she said as he fixed her with a look of interest at her declaration.
"And this is a concern to you because?", Mr. Enders carefully asked the investigative red head.
"Well, there are two reasons, actually. First off, I am currently an Intern with an International Police Agency and they, as am I, are concerned with the identity of my 'benefactor' as it relates to influences and obligations which may be made of me while a member of this Agency. Especially if they are someone who would be investigated by that Agency.", Kim explained to her host's raised eyebrow.
"And the second reason,", she said quietly, "is that I'd like to thank them for all they've done for me by setting up this Trust, whether they knew how the money was going to be spent or not."
Pausing for a moment, she puffed out a weary breath, "It also helped me out in a time of great need while I was isolated from friends and family.", Kim related without giving specifics, as she tears welled up in her eyes.
Taking a moment to compose herself, "What I'd really like to do is thank them, but I don't know who they are.", Kim said, looking at the binder holding the bills and expenses of the last four years of her life. "I want to do this to show my gratitude to them for what they did for me at a time when I couldn't look after myself…and then I can continue on my way to where I'm supposed to be in life."
After several seconds passed, "I understand your concerns exactly and will do all that I am allowed to do to help you out in your twofold quest.", the Attorney quietly smiled. "Now may I please see two forms of legal ID, as per the terms and conditions of the Trust?"
Kim opened her purse and pulled out her Passport and her still active Colorado driver's license, "Will these do?"
Taking them, he looked them over, "They might at that, but I do need to make a call.", he said before he glanced to her, "Oh and what is the Police Unit that you are working with?"
"Global Justice, Mister Enders.", she replied as she produced her GJ Badge and ID, "In fact, here are my credentials."
Glancing to them, "Interesting; now please wait here, I'll be right back….." Pointing to the binder, "Oh do you mind if I photocopy your documents?"
Smiling, Kim handed it to him, "As long as I can photocopy what I need to give to GJ for their files, help yourself. Other than the influence issues, I'm just trying to thank the people who were so gracious as to fund my education."
Nodding with a smile, "Yes I understand, I'll be back in a few moments."
Several minutes later Miles Enders returned, struggling as he carried a rather large folder which he placed on his desk and near Kim. Sitting down in a chair beside her, he caught his breath from toting the heavy stack of papers from Client Document Storage to his office.
With no further preamble, "I do have the information you were after Miss Possible.", he said, patting the folder, "It seems that your Trust was funded by RDS Investments, LLC."
To her look of confusion mixed with the faintest bit of familiarity, he removed a small stack of papers and held them to his chest, "After we received the initial funds for the Trust we've received only one set of papers from them, all bearing signatures creating the Trust and naming our Firm as the Overseers and Guardians of it.", Mr. Enders said to the red head seated nervously in her chair.
Extending the papers to Kim, "This was done, here in this office in a face-to-face meeting, a little more than five years ago.", he declared as shock registered on her face.
"F..fi..five years ago?", she stammered as she accepted the papers, "I've only been in school for four."
Miles Enders smiled as he patted her hand holding the papers and then returned to his seat behind his desk.
After getting comfortable, "It appears someone planned this in advance Miss Possible and while this is your Trust and they did this for 'light of day' reasons, you need to remember that some of this information is confidential and should not see the light of day.", he cautioned the nervous red head before he took to reading the pages of receipts and such in her binder.
Looking to him and then the papers she was holding, "I know…", she began before she realized his focus was elsewhere.
But before she could examine the pages he gave her, Miles had quickly scanned several pages when he said, "You know there are interesting charges to the account in here…."
"Sir I had a nervous breakdown early in my first year in England and the Trust paid for the treatment not covered by the Health Care plan of the school or the Government…", Kim replied sheepishly, "I am better now, but I really need to thank the people who funded the Trust on my behalf. It's the least I could do."
Looking carefully to Kim, "Miss that is none of our Firm's business, so no explanations are necessary.", he assured her as he closed her binder. "The Trust originally was created to be generous in its care of your activities while in school, no matter what they were.", Miles said as he knowingly looked to the red head. "It seems that whoever set it up knew a great deal of your past…errr, activities,", he fumbled slightly, "but after hearing of your past problems, it seems the Trust did what it was created to do, and much more, I might add.", he smiled to her warmly. "But on a personal note, I am quite happy that things turned out for the better for you with this situation you found yourself in."
"In fact,", he said while he handed over the next stack of documents, "it is my sincere hope that you are better and have a bright future ahead of you.", as he smiled to his guest's light blush.
Then pointing to the new stack in her hands, "Our only stipulation with these documents is that the IRS and the Colorado Revenue Service only receive the account information contained within; it's a formality really, the taxes have already taken care of."
The red head peered closely at the documents in question before she asked, "May I use a magnifying glass for a moment Sir? Some of this is very tiny and so hard to read."
"Ah yes, we shrunk down the body of many of our older documents on our copiers to save space in paper storage before we shredded the originals.", the lawyer smiled and pulled a magnifying glass from a desk drawer and handed it to the grateful red head. Kim slowly read down the document until she came to the signatures, and in shocked recognition she started, looked up in astonishment and went back to reading the shrunken text of the document, especially what was on the Signature lines.
Speechless for a few more moments, Kim began muttering, "Dean….Stoppa…Oh my gawd! Ron's Dad?", before she looked down at another signature directly under it. Recognizing that name, "Barbara Stoppable…that's Ronnie's Mom!", she gasped.
Concerned, "Miss Possible is there a problem?", Miles Enders asked of her.
Smiling with tears in her eyes, "No Sir, but you have made me the happiest person in the world right now.", she sniffled.
Handing her a handkerchief, "What do you mean?", as she wiped her eyes and blew her nose.
Still fighting back tears, "The man and woman,", she sniffed, "who signed this paper are the Father and Mother of my long…lost boyfriend.", Kim's voice hitched, "It means..", she struggled to maintain her composure, "that they really cared about me.", she said as she looked tearfully back at the Trust documents.
Nearly breaking down, "It…it..means that Ronnie really loved me, no matter what would happen between us after high school.", she sniffled. "I just have to find him now.", Kim said as she gently pressed the documents to her chest.
A thought came to her, "By any chance do you happen to know where any of them are right now?", hope lighting her eyes. "I need to speak to them. Please tell me you know where to find them, they disappeared nearly four years ago when I went to England.", tears falling down her cheeks.
Sadly shaking his head, "I'm very sorry Miss Possible, but that information is not available to us."
Hope crashing on the rocks, "Are you sure Sir…."
"Of that I am sure Miss Possible, besides what the documents show of where your Trust came from, there's no other information forthcoming in any of these forms for your Trust.", Miles Enders informed the now quite dejected red head.
"And if you investigate further you will find the firms and accounts used to form this Trust are no longer functional or exist.", Miles said to her further misery. "Our Firm has tried to contact them, to no avail…you see we wished to contact them to see if they wanted to have any of the funds placed into an interest bearing account to help sustain the Trust longer than they envisioned.", he explained.
Sighing, "I see, but I'm sure with what they placed into the Trust, they must have been assured what was present would have more than been enough, no matter the circumstances.", Kim smiled through her tears.
'Always looking out for me, weren't you Ronnie?', she looked fondly to the forms in her hands.
Looking to him once more, "I'm sure by now, Mister Enders, you've realized that I was hoping for some snippet of information regarding the whereabouts of my boyfriend. I haven't seen him in more than four years…"
Cutting her off, "I hate to say this Miss Possible, but after all this time, are you sure that he's still your boyfriend?"
Paling, then rallying, "I..know that seems…a little hard to believe, especially with what happened that far back.", she said hesitantly. "But I have to stay positive that he could, still be.", as she paused to gather the memories of that time. "You see, when I had my…breakdown,", she gulped as he nodded in understanding, "like everything in my life..up to that point I thought I could handle it.", tears started to form, "If necessary...alone…", her voice hitched, and she used the handkerchief again.
After regaining her composure, "When the realization set in that..I couldn't handle..this, I panicked and cut off all contact with friends and family back here.", sorrow present in her voice as she shook her head sadly, "I made the biggest mistake of my life, and while I have spent the last couple of years mending fences with those I cut off…I will do practically anything to undo the damage I've done to Ron,", her eyes shining, then taking on a fierce determination, "when I left him with nothing when I ceased all forms of contact with him…so I wouldn't..burden him with a girlfriend who wasn't worthy of his love, until I could fix this…myself."
Pausing for a few moments to gather herself, she realized she had said some things in ways she hadn't put together in the time spent previously working through these events and emotions.
Reaching across the desk, Enders gently took her hand, "Miss Possible, I sincerely hope that you tame your demons and find him again and clear the air between the two of you.", he said squeezing them. "And I too, hope he may still be your boyfriend again when you find him.", his eyes smiling to hers.
A grateful smile, "Thank you Sir, those are my hopes as well.", Kim sniffled.
With another squeeze of her hands, the lawyer rose and took her binder, "Miss Possible I will photocopy everything pertinent, but please remember there are things that only the IRS and the Colorado Revenue Service should see. Not even Global Justice has the right to see them without a search warrant of our office.", he said to her accepting nod, "Now if you don't mind, I will use a yellow highlighter on the ones that I am talking about."
He returned empty handed a few minutes later, "Miss Possible, while one of the girls is making those copies, would you care for a cup of coffee while waiting?"
"Thank you Mister Enders but I prefer tea.", a tiny smirk, "I guess I've lived in England too long.", Kim said.
A knowing smile, "Yes, and I've heard their coffee is quite strong."
"Yes it is, you have to use milk and sugar in it….sometimes their tea is that strong too."
"Oh? Is it too strong for Americans?"
Shrugging, "I don't know, I've never really been able to compare coffee from here and there, but you drink Starbucks®", she shuddered, "over here", and grimaced, "and it tastes bitter to me…I think that it's too strong."
Chuckling in agreement, "There are a lot of people who feel the same way about that overpriced and badly brewed brand.", he smirked. "Luckily one of the girls in the office loves tea and we keep hot water available just for her."
X
Relaxing at his desk, tea for Kim, coffee for Miles, "Miss Possible my kids have been fans of yours, since they were in grade school.", he said to her. "And if you don't mind my asking, just how did you ever get into the business of going after bad guys?", Enders asked as they waited for the copy work to be finished.
Sighing as she placed her cup on a coaster, "My best friend Ron, the guy whose parents' setup my Trust….well he got me to advertise my babysitting business on the internet." Kim smiled wistfully and thought back for a few moments. Remembering where she was, "Anyway one day while I was trying out for a cheerleader squad Ron entered the gym with the news that someone needed my help…..A Mister Paisley had a security system installed in his home to protect his collection of his and somehow it got engaged…", she paused again at the memory of that 'mission', "And he and his Security Consultant got trapped in it."
A fond smile on her face, "Anyway I was able to get to the control and shut the security system down. Later we, and I say we because Ron and I were a team, began to do odd jobs requested of us, such as getting cats out of trees, cleaning up parks, things like that…"
"But how did you get into all the crime fighting and the like from doing things like that?", Miles asked her.
"Well we were helping someone out when we ran afoul of Dr. Drakken and his sidekick Shego…", Kim leaned back as she thought of that time. "I think it was during our freshman year in high school, and after that, from the public exposure that came from dealing with them and their plot we received more requests from that point forward.", she filled in some details that never came up in conversation, usually.
Nodding in amusement, "I see, so you mean that you didn't have any real plans to get into the hero business?", Miles asked as he prepared another cup of tea for Kim.
Taking the cup, "Not really, we were just kids.", she said, blowing to cool her tea, "Ron and I just wanted to help people out and it went from there.", before she took a sip.
"And from there you've gone on to meet Kings and Queens and Presidents and Prime Ministers?"
"Yeah, yeah we did…..", she lightly blushed. Taking a breath, "Now I just want him back in my life and maybe,", motioning to the paperwork, "this is the first step to being able to find Ron."
"I hope it is Miss Possible, I sincerely hope that it is.", Miles warmly smiled. Then rising from his chair, "Now to see how the copying is doing."
A half hour later Miles Enders led Kim out to the curb to the cab he had called for her, "Of course, Miss Possible, ", he said, "the Firm will take care of your ride to O'Hare.", before he opened the door for her.
After placing her binder in the backseat, she extended her hand, "Thank you Mister Enders, it was a pleasure doing business with you.", Kim replied as he shook her hand. Happy to solve a mystery in her life about the Trust, she knew she also had made an important breakthrough which may help her in her search for her long lost boyfriend.
Squeezing her hand, "Remember Miss Possible, the Trust is still covering you as you make your way through school, so this is one less thing for you to worry about.", he assured her.
After helping her into her seat and closing the door, "Thank you for coming to our office, Miss Possible.."
"Kim.", she interrupted with a bright smile.
"Ok, Kim, thank you for coming to our office, it was a pleasure to meet and speak with you.", I hope your trip home is a pleasant one. Good bye.", he said before the taxi pulled away.
Waving one last time, Kim turned forward, holding the binder to her chest as she realized she would have to get new tickets since her visit to the Law Office ran longer than she planned on. Shrugging with a small smile, she decided it to be a small issue to overcome on her way home to see family and friends.
As her taxi made its way to the airport, Kim started to create a mental list of items to take care of once she got to Middleton, prioritizing them by importance regarding her next steps in her search for her old boyfriend. First off, after reuniting with her family and friends she was going to meet with Elizabeth Director and Wade Load. Her agenda: to get Dr. Director to allow her and Wade to go on a two week trip to Japan so she and her current partner could begin her search there for Ronald Stoppable.
XXX
An island in the Caribbean:
"Drew! You come here and clean up after yourself, right now!", the mint-hued former villainess/heroine shouted in frustration, "I'm getting sick of doing it for you and Samantha Jean is hard enough to chase after without you showing her how to make different messes.", she growled. Now in her second hour of cleaning up after both of them, she had hit her limit.
Timidly entering the room, "Shego…..", he pulled up short when her free hand lit up, "Err, that is to say, Sheila…", her hand went out, "Sam seems like she might be a natural!", his hand sweeping the room, and his eyes lighting up. Her hand lit again, "…I mean she's not even a year old yet and look at all the mayhem she is able to accomplish….." her hand went out again, and she sighed.
Looking pointedly at her husband, "Drew Lipsky, we have gone straight, and if we turn our backs on everything we've accomplished our daughter might end up hounded to the ends of the Earth like we were.", Sheila reminded him as he squirmed under her glare.
Looking him in the eyes, "And to what you are suggesting…NO we are not going through that again! We are going to be insanely rich from your inventions and we are going to behave ourselves and keep out of sight like Betty wants so that everyone just forgets about us as supervillains.", she stated. "That was part of the 'deal'."
And then a reply she was so well aware of, "Sheila…"
Pinching the bridge of her nose, "And I don't want us to be overly good either…", she closed her eyes. Opening and then narrowing them, "That makes enemies and we do not want enemies…we have a baby to think about and protect.", her eyes softened, yet had steel in them. "We want people to forget about us and where we live!", she plead her case for the umpteenth time.
Nodding in resigned acceptance, "Oh all right, but having good survival skills is a very important job to pass off to my children…"
Growling and lighting her hands, "Don't worry about our baby Drew.", she shot back, "And need I remind you that she is still a baby?", 'Mama-bear' retorted as her glow nearly went nova in brightness. "I will teach her what she needs to know to protect herself, blue boy…", Shego bit back as Drakken shrunk in fear of the not-so-sleeping-giant he married.
Glow off and her face reflective, "Gawd she isn't even a year old yet…..her powers may not manifest for years..if ever.", she contemplated. Looking to him, "Now get her bath ready it's an hour past her bedtime.", her hands lit again to reinforce the directive just as their rambunctious daughter entered the room from her travels elsewhere in their home/lair (yes Samantha was quite the advanced child) to see what the racket was about.
The teal-skinned child's squeals of glee as Mommy's hands glowed green again startled her 'rents, leading them to fling what flotsam in the room they had picked up all over the room. She liked it when Mommy lit up and bugged her to no end to do so, even in less stressful situations, much to her parents' dismay.
Mind you the little tyke, so far, hadn't generated any her parents' light, plasma, or floral abilities, and may never do so, but that didn't mean Sheila, Drew or her brothers didn't keep a vigilant watch to see if any of their powers somehow manifested themselves in the little girl. And besides the waiting for the appearance, or lack thereof, of those powers, the fear of when or how, should they appear, plagued them all to no end.
But Shego, most of all knew how proud she would be of her little Samantha should she exhibit any powers, and would do her best to make the difficulty of her daughter coming into those powers as small as possible. Having gone through this herself growing up, she was best suited to guide their daughter and avoid the pitfalls she went through when her Comet Powers became apparent.
But on the lighter side of her plasma powers, the child loved the sight of her Mommy's hands when Shego lit up and the reaction of her Daddy when Mommy did so. But this time, the added visual display of both parents jumping in the air and flinging whatever was in their hands at the time she shrieked made the moment more enjoyable to the little girl.
Sighing, Drew and Sheila smiled at their daughter, hugged and kissed her before the got back to work cleaning the room; Samantha, to her displeasure, pitched in, too.
XXX
Interstate 70 in Indiana:
From the passenger seat Zita glanced over at her fiancée, "Do you want me to take over for a while Wheels?"
Stretching his back and shoulders, "Yeah Zita if ya don't mind, I'm a little stiff right now.", the wheelchair bound young man replied. Pointing to an approaching road sign, "There is a rest area just ahead."
Stretching in her seat too, "Good, but I want to stretch my legs for a minute before we get back on the road again. I can't wait to get back in for the festivities.", Zita yawned.
Concerned at the pace of driving she was suggesting, "We have plenty of time honey; the party isn't for three days yet."
Snorting, "Yeah, I know and it's about time too.", Zita smirked at Felix. Amused accusation in her face and voice, "You waited until the last minute didn't you. What were you doing waiting for a better offer?", the Latino woman asked as Felix took the ramp to the rest area.
Brought out of a distracted moment, "Huh, no…no,", Felix said. Looking sadly to her, "I just hoped that Ron would make an appearance then, is all. I wanted him to know when I asked you."
"Why?"
Sighing, "Well uh he and I wanted to be each other's Best Men, that's why.", he said, his face weary. "According to our agreement he should have given the toast to us at the party…Of course I was supposed to do his and Kim's when they were married."
Surprised, "I didn't know you had some kind of agreement going with that goofball. Is that why you waited all this time?"
Sadly, "Yeah…but Ron's not coming back…" Then in anger, "I'm going to give Kim a piece of my mind about this.", Felix said with an edge in his voice. "You see we made this pact back during our senior year at Middleton.", he explained, "I guess he had the idea that Kim would say yes, and he was planning on asking her at Christmas during her first year in school.", he trailed off. Again the edge, "But then you know what happened.", he snorted. Shaking his head, "I guess he didn't read the signals right…."
A calming hand on his arm, "You should talk with her Felix, but don't go too far.", Zita cautioned. Shrugging, "Sure she should have asked for help, but she didn't. It's in the past and we have to get over it now." Then the young Latino woman sighed, "But I had no idea you thought that far in advance."
Sighing as he turned into a parking lot to change drivers, "Yeah I know.", he said. Then with a sidelong look to her, "I try to look like a goof sometimes, and barely succeed, but with Ron he makes it look so darn easy…He was my best buddy…..I hope he's still alive somewhere.", as he looked lost for a moment.
Squeezing his arm, "I hope so too, Wheels…Now watch where you're parking. Remember, you have a handicap sticker."
X
After a thirty minute break to move about outside their van and get refreshed, Zita piloted their ride out of the parking lot and back out on the highway.
Musing aloud, "I wonder if Tara and Josh are going to be home this summer." She looked over to Felix, "I did get a belated wedding present for them and I wanted to make sure they got it."
Totally surprised, "Oh? What did you get them?", Felix looked to her in fear.
Smirking, "What we got them, love of my life.", Zita teased him. "Don't forget lover boy, we're a couple too and for something like this it's from couples to couples."
Caught still thinking of how he missed his involvement in this, "Huh?", the occasionally oblivious genius replied, "From what Kim said they'll be home for a few weeks before they have to head out again."
Cocking an eyebrow at him, "So, what's Miss Hero doing these days? I know she is coming home this summer like most of the rest of us, but that's it."
"Well.", Felix thought on it before he replied, "Kim is going to some wedding somewhere in the Mediterranean Sea, and Josh and Tara are going with her.", to her slight surprise at the news. "Bonnie is getting married to that real rich guy she dated the last year in high school and I guess most of the cheerleaders are going."
Nodding in satisfaction, "That's nice, Bonnie changed…..and for the better too, I'd say."
A small smile, "Yeah well, it was about time she came down to Earth after all those years of dealing with us lesser mortals back in high school.", Felix snorted. "Then she mentioned something about that Police Agency she was interested in joining…she used an internship last year to see if she wanted to do that and I guess she's happy there."
Casting an amused look to him, "That was then, this is now. We all change Felix. For her she had her sisters who made her that way to get over; they had a real bad attitude." Then Zita's brow furrowed as her grip tightened on the wheel. "They thought Latinos were only good for cleaning houses and working in yards…..", her voice hardened. "We had a run-in with them once when they accidently called the house looking for Maids. They had trouble retaining them and thought Mom would know where to find some good ones cheap.", Zita sneered.
Shocked, "I did not know that.", Felix said looking at her. Then looking forward, "Though from what Ron said about them that doesn't surprise me at all."
Her face tinged, "It wasn't funny getting a call like that from that bunch.", she fumed. "Mom didn't speak in English for a whole week because of them."
"Oh I could imagine….", Felix retorted. Then nervously, "Uh babe?"
"Yeah."
"Are you going to show your parents the 'rock' when we get in? The last time they called they were hinting pretty strongly about it…..and we didn't tell them.", now fidgeting.
In amusement, "We will when we take them out to dinner Felix. They should have a nice long look since your 'rents are going to be there as well."
Gulping, "I hope they don't make me get down on my knees, it's too hard to get up."
Smiling warmly to him, "Under the circumstances I think we can overlook that.", Zita said as she glanced over to her fiancée, "But don't expect them to not apply some pressure on you for this. My parents have been waiting on you to pop the question for a long time, Wheels…..they wanted to be sure to watch the time it really counted."
"So have my Mom and Dad Zita, but since we told them already I think they're going to have to react as if this is the first time they hear about it and all that…"
Looking out the windshield thoughtfully, "Yeah…Oh, are you sure that next summer will work?", Zita asked as the thought came to her.
"Now that I have my mind made up I don't want to wait any longer Zita. I'll have about two years left on my Doctoral studies and you'll have your Masters by then….", he pointed out the timeline both knew by heart now.
"And I'll be teaching some labs to make some cash…..", Zita sighed.
"I got an offer something like that too, but we don't need the money that bad.", Felix said to take some of the pressure from her. "And even better, I qualified for a grant..", he stopped when she cut over to him in surprise. "It..was a last minute thing I got in the mail before we left…In the rush to get going I kinda forgot to tell you about it.", he said sheepishly. "Look, I didn't even know that I was in the running for this…"
Sighing, "A young couple needs to make some money, we're going to have expenses.", Zita countered as she glanced at Felix, "At least for the wedding, that is. Unless we go to the Justice of the Peace, even a cheap wedding is expensive, Felix.", she said with some trepidation. Shrugging, "You never know, maybe that grant will help us to get by"
"Yeah I guess.", Felix agreed. Then after a few seconds looking 'forward' in their lives, "Mannn we have a lot to do, don't we?"
Nodding, "Yes we do, but we are both smart. We will do this and then we'll be married.", she said as she glanced at her left ring finger, still not quite believing the wheelchair bound man finally did the right thing.
Again suddenly remembering, "Oh, and before I forget, Kim's Dad invited me out to the Space Center when we're in town."
"What does Doctor Possible want?"
"I don't know, but he wanted to look at my transcripts for some reason."
XXX
Justine (for not much longer) Flanner exited her plane to be met by her extended family in the airport waiting area. Waving excitedly, "Hey guys did 'Nique get in yet?"
An annoyed voice sounded from behind the blonde genius, "It wasn't a race, 'J'."
Surprised, Justine turned around, "How did you get behind me?"
Smirking, "Coco's private jet and we just got in. Besides I knew your flight number, we had Kim's old tech guy check out if you were on the plane or not."
"Sneaky Monique, sneaky,", Justine slyly replied. Then looking around, "And speaking of Kim, where is she?"
"That perky little red head had to fly to Chicago this morning to check out some personal business.", she replied. Looking to the clock in the waiting area, "A few minutes ago she booked a flight to Middleton and should be getting on her plane in about an hour.", the raven haired fashion diva told her good friend, "Anyway I have to fly back out next week and get my car, wanna come along?"
"Oh sure Monique just what I wanted to do,", Justine retorted sarcastically, "fly out to the east coast and then drive back", she snorted. Then smiling, "If it wasn't for you I'd say no way."
Looking around, "Where's your fiancée girl friend?"
"He's sailing to Camp Lejeune and should be in Friday,", she perked up, then saddened, "and then they are going to deploy for another six months."
Confused, Monique asked, "Where's that Camp at?"
"North Carolina."
With a smug grin, "Guess where my car is?"
"North Carolina?", Justine perked up again.
"Yup it sure is. Remember I'm a Tar Heel, Brainy-girl.", Monique crowed. Then conspiratorially, "Listen how about we fly out on Wednesday, pick up my car and drive out to where your boyfriend is gonna be and I can say hi and you can do whatever you do with him for a couple of days before we drive back.", Monique suggested.
Suspiciously, "That sure is convenient.", Justine cocked an eyebrow at her friend.
Shrugging and grinning, "Yeah, well I sent some emails to Mike and we worked it out.", Monique replied. "And I was also talking to Coco on line and he got me a ride on his jet….", she said before opening her arms with a 'Ta-Da', "So here I am."
Sighing gratefully, "You are a good friend Monique…Thanks."
"See I can do something good for people, Kim isn't the only guy around who can."
"No she isn't. But anyway she's at least three hours away right now, so let's get home and unpack and then maybe come back and meet her or have her 'rents kidnap her and go to Bueno Nacho for some cheesy goodness."
Her eyes popping open in shock, "Gawd Justine, I never thought you'd ever say something like that."
Smirking, "I never did till I met you. Now where are your bags?"
Waving back to the plane, "Coco's going to have a car drop them off in the morning. The overnight bag I have with me will do till they get to your 'rents."
XXX
O'Hare Airport, Chicago, Illinois:
With a smile larger than is the norm for those in her job description, "Miss Possible! I just can't believe it; here you are at my counter! Now how may I help you?", the Ticket Agent, obviously still a fan, greeted her.
Blushing at the failed attempt to keep a 'low pro', "I hope you can.", Kim said as she composed herself after all the staring that came from the Ticket Agent's 'announcement', "You see I had to divert my flight from London at the last minute to visit with a law firm here for some private business and since the business went long I missed my connecting flight out to Middleton and would like to book another flight there.", she said without giving much of her personal business away.
Still star struck, "London…England?", the Agent stuttered out.
Nodding, "Yes that is where I am going to school; I wanted to learn some things from them that only they seemed to be aware of.", Kim sighed.
After hanging on her every word, "Oh, I guess that's why you're not in the news so much.", the Agent-fangirl perked up.
Warily looking to the Agent, "Yes, that's why, and quite frankly I don't know if I want to go back and do that again…well the way Ron and I did.", she sighed with a wistful smile.
Mystified replacing fawning, "Ron?", the Agent blurted.
Her smile tightening, "My partner.", Kim said simply as her eyes narrowed. Continuing, "I'm in school to learn to help people in other ways." She shrugged. "Some other teen can take my place in the missions.", Kim said wearily, "Heaven knows there are enough of them out there.", the petite red head said in small explanation of the path she was currently taking.
Nodding in understanding as he reached for some forms that printed out, "Yes Ma'am, I think I can understand that. Now here is your boarding pass to Middleton." Smiling brightly, but sincerely this time, "It was a pleasure to meet and serve you.", the middle-aged woman said as she handed over the documents.
Accepting them with a warm smile, "No big Ma'am, and thank you for taking care of my travel issues; I hope you have a good day.", the red head replied.
Back to fangirl again, "Well, my kids won't believe that I actually met you.", the Agent gushed.
Hoping to disabuse the hero-worship she saw building, "Ma'am I'm no one special, I was part of a team that did these things, yet everyone's focus on me because I was pretty. Other guys took the same risks as I did….."
"But you inspired people."
Shrugging nonchalantly, "Maybe, but there were others who inspired me when I was a teenager and I am forever in their debt.", Kim quietly replied. Waving the ticket, "Thanks again for your help.", and she turned to her Gate.
After a ten minute walk to her Gate, Kim stepped into line and filled a tray with the loose articles she had on her and waited her turn to have them inspected. As she waited a uniformed lady approached her, "Miss Possible?", Kim was asked.
Turning to the TSA Agent, "Yes Ma'am.", Kim replied.
Motioning for her to follow, "Would you come with me, please?"
Taken aback, "Uh sure.", she replied before placing her things back into her purse.
Kim followed the TSA Agent into an office when another uniformed woman asked, "May I see your GJ ID, please?"
"Sure.", Kim replied as she opened her purse and pulled out her ID, passport and boarding pass.
The woman glanced at the documents and handed them back, "May I see your bags for a moment?"
Kim opened everything up and showed the contents to the Agent who again glanced and nodded.
"Thank you, a Doctor Director sent a note to us that you should be passing through this afternoon and one of the girls called back here and let us know you were on the premises.", the woman explained.
Kim stammered for a moment, "Uh..thanks, but I was in Chicago for personal business after a flight from London. I'm just headed home to Middleton, Colorado now to see my friends and parents."
With a warm smile, "No explanation is necessary Miss Possible,", the Agent explained, "But if it were up to us you'd never have to wait in line again.", she said to Kim's amazement. Grimly, "You see, four years ago there were five of those alien walkers here at the airport. We lost twenty-four members of security before they suddenly stopped. We found out later that you and your team saved the world that day."
"Uh thanks, but it was Ron…Ron Stoppable….I had gotten hurt and he was able to stop them, not me."
"Someone else did it?", she said in disbelief. "But he was on your team right?"
"Y…yes he was.", Kim stared at the woman.
Narrowing her eyes while smirking, "Well when you see him again, you give him a kiss for me and tell him I owe him a dinner. My brother was one of the security guys who lived."
Recovering, "Thanks I will if I see him again.", Kim lightly blushed.
"No, thank you Miss Possible.", she said as she extended a hand to Kim. "You are free to go, and have a nice flight."
After shaking their hands, the red haired young woman gathered up her things and exited the room. On her way out several of the Agents looked her way and nodded with smiles. Though they were in a large city and had celebrities of all stripes pass through security all the time, it was not every day that someone as gracious as Kim Possible came through. To most people the woman they understood to have beaten those Aliens hadn't changed much in the four years since. Though they didn't know this for a fact, it was still true about the young red head.
X
After two hours to board her flight and get airborne had passed, a weary Kim eased her seat back and closed her eyes for the trip to Middleton. The magazine she started to read in her lap, she finally unwound enough from recent events to relax and dwell on thoughts of a towheaded blond who had been her friend for so many years.
A tear came to her eye, 'Ronnie, I don't know if you knew that your parents paid for my trust...', Sniff, 'But…I promise I'll thank you when I see you again. Please be safe for me.', were her last thoughts before she fell asleep.
As she drifted into an uneasy sleep, one of the Attendants placed a blanket over the slight red head that snuggled deeper into her seat; a small, familiar smile she always had for someone who looked after her came to her face.
XXX
Fisherman's Wharf, San Francisco:
Betty Director smiled as her pudgy one-eyed brother sat down at her table, "Good to see you again Sheldon.", she smiled as she motioned to a glass of white wine at his place setting.
Raising his glass, "To Mother.", the former villain smiled as Doctor Director followed suit.
After the pleasantries ended, "I'm glad you were able to meet with me, Sheldon. Since I was here on the west coast and this is one of your favorite restaurants, I thought we could at least meet for lunch to discuss what we should do for Mom's birthday."
X
An hour and a half and two more glasses, each, later the former Gemini looked to his watch, "I going to have to cut this short Betty, I have a flight in two hours so I apologize for leaving you like this so soon after arriving."
Surprised, "Oh, and what exotic place are you off to now?", as Betty's personal Intel on her brother didn't bring up anything pressing in his current itinerary.
Waving towards the ocean, "Back to Asia,", he frumped without glowering too deeply, "It's harder than you can imagine having to coordinate suppliers and manufacturers, and don't get me started on the effort spent to keep my staff on top of everything….", Sheldon lamented.
Sighing in frustration, "Oh why did I ever go straight?", he held his non-metal hand to his forehead, "It was far easier trying to take over the world than running a multinational business.", he laughed.
A small smile in sympathy, "Trust me its better you doing this than being a criminal, but you are right about running an organization,", Betty snorted. "From here I have to head down to LA to check out a training facility before returning to Middleton.", she said before rising to see him off.
"I'll call next week, thanks for meeting me for lunch.", Betty said as Sheldon nodded before heading off.
Sighing after he cleared the door, their Waiter showed up with their charges, "Darn, he left me with the bill again.", Betty smirked in amusement as she reached for her credit card.
XXXX
And another chapter's done, for your entertainment. Ron's setting up his near future for his distant future, sans-Kim it seems, while Kim got the down-low on a missing chapter of her life. A chapter written by those who reveled in the 'This is our way of telling you' style of living… Other friends are catching up while our two heroes take the next steps of their lives.
Until next time!