Hello and welcome to a belated addition to our tale, 'Storm Chaser'. It's been a rough end of the old year and start to the new one, with work and family issues, but we persevered to bring this to you.
Before starting we'd like to thank those of you who chimed in for the last few chapters: Uberscribbler, Mahler Avatar (Again! Multiple entries), levi200a1, Randamwriter (a twofer), Sentinel103, Jimmy1201, Robot Wolf 26Z, ajw1970, pbow, Beckman and GabrielBlade, thank you all for chiming in as you have.
Last time, Ron, or rather Dean, was being introduced to a career path not normally taken by someone in his field, and seems to have already been noticed by the Team brought in to help Japan get their own system in play. Kim was in the process of explaining something to her GJ Boss that had eluded her and her shrinks all these years: a witnessed account of one of her episodes; and a supposition of the source of them. Also she and Wade received their orders to travel to Japan for her quest to find Ron and take care of a little GJ Business while there, too. But before leaving Kim met with friends to tie one on and congratulate one of them on their upcoming nuptials while elsewhere in the world former villains and their precocious child enjoyed a picnic and each other's company. And lastly that 'package' from Japan made its way to final delivery, along with the message inferred…
And finally the ever necessary disclaimer to keep the sharks from Disney away: if you saw it or them on Kim Possible, Disney owns, all else is Larry's creations or their own selves…
Storm Chaser
Chapter 27
Narita International Airport, Tokyo, Japan:
Slowly making their way amidst the multitudes of randomly crisscrossing and varying degrees of hustle and bustle of the various passengers, crew and staff hurrying off to their destinations, we find a petite red haired young woman and a larger African-American teen male, bags in tow, drawing ever closer to their destination at Customs.
Suddenly, from within the rush and cacophony of sounds and noises they found themselves in, the red head perked up and turned toward a smiling Japanese couple who stood some fifty or so feet away behind a barricade. She smiled and waved to the two who waved back, a sign held overhead that read "Possible/Load", they could easily see from where they were.
Weary from their travels, Kim nudged Wade before she returned the wave and called out to the couple, "Natora! Megana! We'll see you in a few minutes after we get through that line.", she pointed to Customs.
Nodding with a smile, "Kim-san, we shall wait for you over in the reception area after your business with Customs has been concluded.", Yori/Lieutenant Megana Tustoma replied over the din.
Ten minutes later both Kim and Wade were through Customs and made their way to Reception as they rolled their recently repacked luggage behind them.
After reintroducing themselves, "Well, what should we do first?", Wade asked, looking from his friend to their hosts.
Cutting in, "Find my boyfriend and fix this whole mess.", the read head hurriedly replied, "Then get us rooms somewhere."
"Miss Possible-san finding him may be harder than it looks.", Hiro/Lieutenant Natora Kasumi replied. "If your friend is here in Japan he could be among millions of people.", he admonished her.
Kim frowned, "But…"
Smiling sympathetically, "Please let me continue Miss Possible-san, we will help you as we are able but as you Americans say; it might be like trying to find a needle in a haystack…", he tried to placate her.
Sighing in pent-up frustration, "I know but I have waited sooooo long to begin looking for Ron…"
Yori cut in, "Though we cannot guarantee success in this endeavor Kim-san, I can promise that we will look for him.", she said. Also smiling sympathetically, "Although I wish that you will be able to find him and to put this behind you it is entirely possible that our attempts may prove to be futile. On this first attempt."
Wilting in sadness, "I know Megana, but I can wish and hope.", Kim said as she blew a stray hair from her eyes, "I mean I made a terrible mistake, and Ron isn't at fault in any of this mess. I just know that it is only my mistakes that were the cause of all of this, and I want him to know that I still love him and want more than anything to put this behind us…"
Nodding her head, "It is our wish as well.", Megana smiled.
Suddenly cocking her head, a sign or recognition, "You know Megana…you remind me of someone…", Kim said in realization, "Are you, by any chance, related to a girl named Yori?", she said as she studied her friend's face. "You kind of remind me of her…but her hair was different and she always wore a red headband the few times I saw her.", she said as she scanned over her host's features.
Using all of her training to not visibly stiffen, "Not that I know of Kim-san, why do you ask?", the undercover Shinobi asked. Mentally sighing, Yori was so glad her hair was much longer than it was the last time she saw Kim; and her growing up also meant she lost some that baby fat in her cheeks too. Feeling Hiro's glance she also gathered that he, too, felt she was right to ditch the headband she had worn since childhood also.
Still looking for a sign of familiarity, "Well when I was here years ago, there was this girl named Yori…", Kim frowned slightly, "And it seemed like she was very sweet on Ron…and for a moment you reminded me of her.", Kim's voice trailed off. "And I was just wondering…"
Shaking her head to clear it, "Anyway what did you mean by first attempt?", Kim asked, changing the subject back to something that Megana said earlier.
Quite happy with the change of topics, "My government has decided that if we do not find the young man at the end of your vacation, then if you are willing we will attempt this again next summer.", Megana announced, to Kim's surprise.
Nodding, "They are certain that we will find him eventually.", she said before drawing closer, "Now before your arrival we have checked and according to our records there is no one named Ronald Stoppable in Japan. But that could mean he may have entered the country illegally.", her eyebrows furrowed slightly.
Kim beamed at the possibility that Ron could be here, legal or otherwise, "You mean I might have more than one chance to search if this doesn't work out?", her eyes lit up. "I know, I could take some time off from school…"
Cutting the red head off, "Kim-san, it would be our honor to help you find him and to give you the chance to clear the air…and maybe become romantically involved again at some point if he is willing.", Megana/Yori said. "But at this point I do not feel there is a need to neglect your studies. You are attending one of the best schools in the world and from what you said in your email this young man has somehow enabled you to do so without cost to yourself."
Chastened, "Yeah he did…..and you're right.", Kim bit her lip and reluctantly nodded, once again the error of her Kimness in full bloom pointed out to her.
"Then if you truly love him you must finish those studies with your best effort. To do less would be dishonorable to his assistance.", Megana pointed out. Then smiling, "And something tells me he would be very proud of you for doing so.", the undercover Shinobi explained before she and Natora led the way to the exit.
XX
With the girls paired off and walking ahead of the guys who straggled behind, Wade leaned in so only his walking partner could hear, "Kim is really sorry about how it went down between her and Ron Stoppable after high school.", he said sincerely. Looking to her and back, "She does want to make amends."
Nodding, "We will assist in your finding the young man if it is at all possible Doctor Load."
Sighing, "That would be the greatest thing that could ever happen to Kim.", Wade replied. "I know she wants to get him alone and speak with him."
Looking to the girls, "That would be most advisable Doctor Load.", Natora agreed.
Smirking, "And get him in the sack.", Wade inserted sarcastically to Natora's raised eyebrow. Shrugging, "She hasn't even looked at another guy…this has been very traumatic for Kim.", he rubbed his eyes. "But even if Ron tells her to get lost I think it would be better than for her to never find him and get closure of any kind.", Wade nodded to her.
After processing what he had been told, "NO?", Natora blurted out, nearly giving up his and Megana's 'secret'. "After all this time she has been faithful to him?...I mean after so long?"
Waving him down, then with a cheesy grin to the girls who turned to the outburst, "Nothing to see here, you can go back to your girl talk.", Wade said Jedi-like to them with a slow wave of his hand. After getting annoyed looks and mutterings of 'Men' from Kim and something Wade supposed was the Japanese form of the same word, from non-fan girls, they shook their heads and went back to their chat.
Breathing a sigh of relief, "No…I mean, yes.", he stumbled in a low voice after dodging a sensitive bullet with his partner. "Kim hasn't seen anyone in all those years…and yes, she's been completely faithful to him.", he said quietly. Gesturing to her, "Kim needs him real bad right now…"
"Why is that Doctor Load?", Natora cut in.
Suddenly slightly nervous, "She wants to show him…how much she's missed him.", Wade said as delicately as the inexperienced in these matters younger man could.
"I'm not sure I understand.", Hiro said.
"Kim just wasn't just dating him,", Wade looked to the still-chatting women, "they were in love with a capitol L and before she went off to school in England, they were almost cohabitating in their tree house.", he said knowingly, "I think at one point they were talking about marriage."
Realization set in, "Ahhhh, I think I see.", Natora nodded. "Then if you pardon the pun, again, we must find this young man as soon as possible.", he smirked.
Smirking too, "Touché.", Wade replied before he looked to the complicated timepiece on his wrist, "Now by my calculations it is nine at night here. Now are we going to get rooms and then something to eat? Airline food isn't all that great.", he said to what he could tell, from Natora's expression, was a fellow traveler in that regard.
"And after eating from the menus at GJ where Ron developed his recipes…well there's just no comparison.", Wade's eyes glazed over at the memories.
"We already have three rooms reserved, courtesy of the Japanese government.", Natora informed him. "After checking in we can go a very decent place nearby."
Stretching as he walked, "Good because I'm quite stiff from that long flight and can't wait to get something to eat that didn't come from a plastic bag.", Wade said in relief. After shaking off a yawn, "So how far away are the rooms, and that restaurant?", he asked his host.
"Not far Load-san, the restaurant is quite close to the hotel we're staying in.", Natora said. "It will be our honor to escort you there after we get our rooms. Then after we dine we can begin to discuss your plans to locate this school you and Possible-san are searching for."
Feigning ignorance, he asked, "Now could you fully explain to me, who is this Ron person is? I am not completely aware of all that he is to her in all of this.", he steered Wade to revealing the other side of this issue. He, Yori and Sensei only had Ron's perspective, now he had a chance to learn more of Kim's viewpoint.
And to possibly use this to get his hardheaded friend to give up his quest to out-celibate the first Master of Tai Shing Pek Kwar.
Sighing and then taking a breath, "Well first of all, Ron was Kim's boyfriend…and what happened after she went to school in England is really her story to tell. But what I can tell you is that what happened over there led her to cut all ties to Middleton except for her immediate family.", Wade said as he sadly remembered that he too was also cut off at that time. "After several months of…well nothing, from Kim or her family, Ron finally left the States, and how he managed to do so without a trail of any kind still puzzles me, and went to who knows where.", he said in frustration.
"I see.", Natora replied after taking this in. Shrugging, he considered that he'd hear no more until Kim filled in the details.
Drifting forward, "And right now, for various reasons, there's a whole bunch of people besides Kim who are trying to find him.", Wade said as he continued behind the women.
His eyes darting to Wade then forward, "I see. I suppose we'll discuss this further after we eat.", Natora said as he walked alongside. "And we can also discuss the potential locations you have picked out to search for the school you believe this 'Ron' could be found.", he added. "So how many places have you come up with?"
Pausing to recall, "I think I have it down to about twenty places.", Wade replied. "And all were located in very mountainous terrain."
Stunned, "Really?", Natora shot back, "How were you able to narrow it down to so few choices in a country as vastly mountainous as Japan?", he asked in hidden worry. That someone as clever as Wade Load could find the covert ninja school after nearly all traces had been erased from 'prying eyes', concerned him.
Shrugging, "Well it wasn't easy, but after records of previous visits by Ron, and/or Kim, got corrupted somehow, I had to go back to recollections Kim had of her one visit.", Wade replied, not telling just how frustrating it was to lose that data, or how hard he had to work to narrow it down to those twenty locations.
Sighing, "The real challenge came from what I could glean from Kim's own handwritten mission reports, sparse as they were in her case, but I was able to cross-reference that with what I could match up from my own terrain searches.", he said unknowingly to one of the two people present who intimately knew of the terrain Yamanouchi resided upon.
Nodding in relief that the school's methods to secure its location remained intact, "Very well, then I suggest we make haste to our rooms so we can eat and then discuss our search options for Miss Possible's long lost friend.", Natora said.
Smiling brightly, "That sounds like a plan, dinner and discussion works for me.", Wade said to his suddenly growling stomach. "If I don't get something to eat I won't have the energy to spar Kim."
Looking casually to him, "I have heard much of her martial arts prowess, is she that good?", Natora asked to get an idea of where Kim might be at this time in that regard.
Concerned, "She's not as good as she was before high school graduation, but in the year she's been working out and training since returning home, she's improved.", Wade said as he stared at her back. "She was real sick and weak, but after informing us about her sitch, she's made great strides in coming back."
XXX
Meanwhile…at a nearby JDAF base:
While one of the American Techs patiently explained and demonstrated the workings of the menus on one of the consoles to the trainees, a frustrated Dean Kaminsky looked on, looking as lost as he felt.
"Here you can put the radar into Doppler mode by pushing these two buttons.", Lieutenant Crisp said as he pressed them. Glancing over his shoulder he could tell on his trainee's face how he was doing with the equipment familiarization part of the training.
Moaning lightly, "I wonder if I'll ever get the hang of this.", Ron/Dean quietly lamented, feeling overwhelmed.
Grinning, "You will eventually Dean, but don't forget it's only been one day.", he reminded the novice. Rising from his seat, "Now I think we've done enough and should call it a night."
Looking to his watch, "We should get something to eat and get some sleep,", he stretched, "because we have to be in the conference room in less than eight hours in our flight suits.", the LT said as he shut the unit down and motioned to his 'partner' to come with him.
Ron looking at his getup, "Getting used to walking around in mechanic's coveralls is going to take some getting used to.", he said as he shook his body around, "I feel like I have droopy drawers."
Shrugging, "It's just a uniform, but this way we can tell in a crowd who are, and are not, our teammates. Besides these things are pretty fire resistant, unlike your regular clothes, so I'd rather wear this than run the risk of ruining my own clothes in the Herc."
"Yeah I get the uniform bit, but to me, if you're like on an American base all the uniforms look the same, so I guess it takes some getting used to…But what's a herc?", Dean replied to his trainer.
Waving his hand around, "This.", he replied. "This is a Herc…", he said to Dean's deepening confusion. "A C-130 Hercules multi-role turboprop aircraft.", he tried to get it to sink in.
At Dean's sign of recognition, "Yes.", he nodded back. "And on the shoulders of our flight suits we have our unit patches.", he pointed to his. "I'm with the 53rd Reconnaissance Wing out of Mississippi.", he said to Dean's further confusion. "You don't know anything about the United States Military, do you?", he deadpanned slightly.
Shaking his head, "Not really, I was a kid when my parents moved here, so I never picked up on that part of US life…I guess it's just like Cowboys and Indians to me…I wouldn't know what to do there either.", as Ron/Dean told the American officer some of his cover story to explain his ignorance of so many things taken for granted by youths in the US.
Shrugging, "I was never much into things like this, I mean we came over here about six years ago, I only spent the first two years in high school in the states and wasn't involved in much there at the time either."
"I was listening to the briefing...so how far along in school are you?"
"Gonna be a junior in the fall, so in a couple of years I'll be graduated from my university."
Nodding knowingly, "Sounds like you took some time off, from what I figured. Now I heard you're planning on coming back to the States for post grad studies?"
"Yeah that's the plan, but it's too early in the journey to be a weather nerd,", the LT smiled at his use of a very familiar term, "to know which school for my post grad would be better…but since we have the cash to do this I can go wherever I get accepted.", Ron/Dean said.
Tapping a finger to his chin, "I think this was Mom and Dad's way of getting me out of the house and doing something positive with my life.", he smirked. "Anyway I was too immature to go to school before, now I feel that I am ready for the challenge."
"Spoiled huh?", the American Officer chuckled.
Lightly laughing, "Yeah I suppose…I guess it was time I grew up and got out on my own.", he said. Shrugging, "The 'rents wanted me out so that they could remodel my room.", he frowned. Then a bright smile, "But now that I'm pretty much on my own I don't know what kept me from doing it before.
XXX
GJ, Dr. Director's Office:
Seated before her computer, the one-eyed head of Global Justice sat back as her security and anti-monitoring protocols secured the device. Once done, she turned on her webcam and entered a web address that only a handful of people in the world had knowledge of.
After all the connections had been made, the screen cleared and two faces appeared in the chat window, one green, the other blue.
Smiling brightly, "Good morning Shego and Dr. Drakken how are you doing today?", her demeanor still businesslike.
Also smiling, "Dr. Director, this is a pleasant surprise…"
In mock exasperation, "Drew you knew Betty was going to call right now, just like she does every week.", the former villainess rolled her eyes as she chided her husband, a touch of snark in her voice.
Chuckling at the two, "Just checking in, I wouldn't want you to forget what I look like now.", Betty Director smirked.
Pouting slightly, "And here we thought this was a friendly call to us.", Drew replied as he played his role in a game all three took part in each month.
Laughing lightly, "There's that, but I still have to maintain the conditions of your Pardon.", Betty replied. "At least officially.", she said as Drew's and Shego's smiles dimmed slightly.
Huffing a breath and theatrically pushing some paperwork to the side, "Ok, that's done with. Now onto the less official portion of the call.", Betty said as she leaned back, relaxed and smiling. "So what's the latest?"
Perking up, "Oh plenty, but first off I've got some things that your R & D group might want to look at.", Drew said eagerly, his eyes bright.
Smirking lightly, "Well do you want to give me a hint or are you ready to talk to them?", Betty replied, well aware of Drew's penchant for making known his projects before they were ready for 'Prime Time'.
Shaking his head, "I'm not ready to show them off yet, but basically I've developed a new body armor which needs more testing under controlled conditions.", Drew replied. "And I also have been working on a newer communications device with better encryption and a much better chip for your agents.", he followed up enthusiastically while Shego rolled her eyes lightly at what she termed 'geek speak'.
Then more businesslike, yet still friendly, "But if you remember, under the terms of our agreement we get the royalties while you have to issue the items in a way where no one knows that I invented them.", he said as Shego nodded slightly.
Waving back in agreement, "Yes, yes, I know the agreement Drew. It's all part of the arrangement we made with you that allows Dr. Drakken and Shego to fade from public memory.", Betty assured them. "You have nothing to worry about in that regard. We make the announcements of the breakthroughs and the media learns nothing of their origins, other than their creation from within GJ."
Expelling a relieved breath, "Thanks Betty, you don't know how appreciative we are of that arrangement.", Drew replied. "What with our daughter to raise we prefer to do it in an atmosphere where she wouldn't be hounded like we were going to be."
"So she's doing well, I take it?", Betty asked.
Cutting in, "Growing up too smart for someone her age.", Shego said with a Mother's Pride. Looking to him and back to the screen, "Drewbie here, thinks she's going to be a genius…", she smirked back to him, "and we've decided to home-school her."
Leaning forward, "Is she going to inherit any of your comet powers Shego?", Betty quietly asked.
Frowning, "We don't know yet, it's too early to tell.", Shego said looking to Drew in concern. Looking back, "They may never show up and if they don't I, for one, won't be crying about it.", her eyes lost focus for a moment.
Then with a fire in her eyes, "But if they do I can teach her how to use them without the hassle of kids taunting her until she gets a handle on them.", she replied, the memories of her childhood foremost in her mind.
Nodding sadly, "I agree children can be cruel Shego, but I wonder if it is completely wise to keep her away from the company of other children.", Betty said as both nodded in reply.
Then shifting gears, "Now later on this summer I will show up on your island unannounced…it's more to keep my people off balance than you. However since we have to adhere to the letter of the agreement, I have to do it that way to make sure you are completely legal.", she said with a tiny smile. "Then in time I will turn those duties over to another agent and only to that one agent."
"Who is that going to be Betty?", Drew said in puzzlement. "Don't get me wrong, I'm just curious." Cringing, "We don't want Du around here all the time…he gives me heartburn dealing with his stupid observations.", he lamented to the head of Global Justice.
"I'm not sure yet,", she said a little too quickly, "but I will give it a great deal of thought…We never meant for me to run this by myself so there's the need for a younger person to oversee it.", Betty added to their satisfaction.
"Good enough for me Betty, you've been more than fair to us with the arrangements you got for us since our Pardons.", Drew said as Shego nodded in agreement.
Shuffling papers together and putting them aside, "I'm glad to hear that, and I'm quite happy that things have turned out like they have for you and your family.", Betty said as she signaled the end of the business end of the call.
"Now onto less ordered business…", Betty said with a sincere smile, "Tell me more about Sam."
Drew Lipsky beamed, "She is growing like a weed and she is as smart as a whip. It won't be another year before I'll have to set up a computer for her."
Betty's brow furrowed, "Is that a wise idea?"
Quite excited, yet with a wry smile on his wife's face, "We'll make sure she can't get into sensitive stuff, so she'll be just fine.", Drew replied.
Releasing tension in her just off camera fist, "Good we don't want to deal with the explosive whims or any take over the world plans of a five-year-old.", Betty said in mock-relief. "I'd have a lot of explaining to do if this came from something I personally vouched for.", she reminded them of her help in gaining their pardons.
With a smile that Betty recognized from other happy, yet child-weary women in the ranks of GJ, "We'll be very careful with her Betty, she is my daughter after all.", Shego replied, "And since I am trained and certified as a teacher, I'll take care of her education."
Nodding to her, "I'm sure you will Shego, but understand, if you need help, for anything, all you have to do is ask. I'll do everything in my power to help you with Samantha.", Betty said. "But you do realize you may have to bring her where she will have to learn how to socialize with children her own age?"
"Ugh, that means we'd have to move in with all those goody two-shoes…", Shego snarked a sigh, "I know we're not in the take over the world game anymore Betty, but Drewbie and me aren't all that good.", she smirked as Drew looked hurt.
Reaching a hand, she cupped a cheek and kissed him lightly. His eyes glazing over, she turned to the computer screen with a cat-ate-the-canary smirk.
Trying not to laugh at the display, "Understood.", Betty said. Then looking seriously to the couple, "So, how is the security for your island now that you have gotten out of the villain game?"
Her eyes serious, "Good enough.", Shego replied, "I don't think people will come around here after you put the word out that this area is contaminated from some company dumping chemicals on the island.", she smirked.
"That and all the Biohazard Warning signs scattered around should keep everyone away from here.", she said evenly. "And if that doesn't work, I do have remote cameras everywhere just in case someone gets too nosy.", Shego said with the air of someone secure in her craft. "And the technicians GJ hired know enough to keep out of sight and to keep their lips zipped, too."
Looking to her quizzically, "So Shego, how do you give breaks to our employees assigned to you?"
Sitting back in her chair, "Under cover of night, every three weeks we have relief crews change places just like they do on the drilling rigs.", she said. "And from what I gather they don't have a clue as to where we are located…although most of them do have an idea of who we are."
XXX
Tokyo:
"So here I was on the airplane flying back from Bonnie's and Junior's wedding on Senor Senior, Senior's island in the Mediterranean a couple of weeks ago when I had this vision…", the red head explained from her seat in a booth where the foursome had just ordered their dinner, "I had just begun to relax when, out of the blue, it hit me like the other times."
Sitting beside her and listening attentively, Wade did so to see if Kim remembered more of the reported incident since it happened to her.
Surprised at this revelation, "Other times?", the young Japanese man inquired from his seat across from them, "Does this happen often?"
Shaking her head sadly, "Too often…and usually they've happened at night when I'm asleep, but this time it hit me when I was awake…I freaked out and traded seats with my friend's husband so she could comfort me and keep me from causing an incident on an international flight to the US.", the red head said blushing lightly.
Looking on, quite interested in this information, "Then what Kim-san?", the undercover Shinobi sitting across from her asked. Like Hirotaka and Sensei she only had one perspective to the mystery surrounding the breakup of Ron Stoppable and Kim Possible, here they had the chance to learn from the other's perspective.
"Then Tara…uh she's that friend of mine, thought about what she observed, what she knew about me and Ron…and came to the conclusion that maybe Ron was doing it.", Kim said while again considering the possibility.
Then after all were silent for a few moments, "But I don't think he'd do anything like that on purpose…", she said before sighing, "Even if he hates me Ron wouldn't do something like that."
Cocking her head to the side, "Why would he not, if he knew how?", Yori/Megana inquired.
The red head wistfully smiled, "Because he's the nicest guy anyone could ask for, that's why.", she said with a far off look in her eyes. "He heals people, just with laughter and cheer, so I don't know if he could be brought to hate someone.", she said before looking to her hosts, "I mean he never even hated Shego or Bonnie…and they gave him more than enough reason for him to do so.", Kim said with conviction.
Quite familiar with both women, one because of her friendship with Ron she knew of Team Possible's adventures, the other because of Hiro's previous 'assignment' in Middleton, she feigned ignorance, "Who are they Kim-san?", Yori said as she kept Kim talking, making mental notes for the next discussion she and Hiro would have with Sensei. Kim's point of view would be vital to the direction they would take in regards to the red headed former hero and the blond ninja.
Shrugging lightly, "Well Shego is this former hero who went villain before I got into high school. I used to fight all the time, but maybe not any more. I heard a rumor that she dropped out of the evil racket and settled down.", Kim replied.
Tensing up a little, "And Bonnie was mostly my high school nemesis in class or at cheerleading, stuff like that…before she met and eventually married a former supervillain.", Kim said before relaxing.
After a few moments reflection, "You know I never thought I would say this, but I'm glad she settled down and is happy with Señor Junior, Senior.", she smiled brightly. "Maybe he's just what she needed all along.", she mused with a contented smile.
Still playing along, "Well I do not know who these women are, but I will take your word on what you have to say about them.", Yori replied with a sincerity she learned at Yamanouchi. "But what of your recollections of your visions.", she reminded her guest.
Breaking out of her reflections, "Right…Well, back to Tara.", she came back, "She knew that Ron and I shared a dream while on a high school field trip in a museum in Middleton, so she figured that maybe I had been receiving nightmares from Ron all this time…", Kim paled in horror at that thought.
Gulping, "And if those were Ron's nightmares…I gotta help him,", she paused, "they were terrifying.", her voice trailed off to a whisper.
Quite familiar with what the red head was talking about, having been on Ron's end of his nightmares, she played devil's advocate, "That is, how would…how you say…farfetched Kim-san.", gently diverting her from reaching this conclusion just yet.
Thoughtfully shrugging, "Yeah, maybe so, but on the other hand, a theory's been floated that I could be a receiver of these 'visions' from more than one person.", she finger quoted, "But it must be a selective transmission kind of a thing, or else I'd have been overwhelmed to the point of eventually inhabiting a padded room."
Smiling, Yori knew she was quite soon going to have a 'talk' with her husband, and in time with a white haired ninja master, "I do not think you are going insane, Kim-san,", she gently shook her head, "but if what you say is so, then there is much urgency in finding your long-lost boyfriend and, as you would say, compare notes regarding how your lives have been up to then."
XXX
Airbase living quarters, after hours:
Now out of his flight suit, which he really didn't care for, the American Ninja sat meditating in his room when a knock on his door interrupted him. Not expecting any visitors at this hour, Ron/Dean rose from his Lotus position and crossed to his door.
"Yes? Who is it?", he called out in English.
A muffled, "Colonel Warmarster, son.", came through the door.
Unlocking the door, "Yes sir one moment.", Ron/Dean replied as he opened it, "Colonel? What can I do for you?"
The older man cleared his throat, "I seem to have gotten off on the wrong foot with you earlier son and I would like to apologize if I upset you in anyway."
"Sir…uh thank you,", he said in some confusion, "but I wasn't upset. Besides I'm still pretty young and sometimes I say things that I shouldn't. If anyone should apologize, it should be me."
A shake of the head and a smile, "Nothing to apologize for…", he said. "Now, would you care to go to the O Club for a beer? I'm buying."
Ron looked at his sweats and t-shirt, "Let me get something more appropriate on.", he said to the Colonel's nod, "I can go out for one, but I have to get back and get some sleep."
X
Over the din and music of the club, "So where do you come from Kaminsky?", Warmarster broke the ice.
After taking a sip of his beer, "A little town outside of Chicago sir…well it's on the other side of the state near the Iowa border."
Surprised, "Oh, and what's the name of it?", an eyebrow rose.
"Galena High School Sir.", Dean recited from his cover story.
A growing sign of recognition, "The Pirates?", from Warmarster.
Ron almost spilled his beer and nearly broke out in a sweat, "Yeah blue and white.", he tried not to rasp. "Wasn't a big school or town for that matter…heck, for any action you had to go to Iowa…I mean how many people can say that?" The blond ninja took another swig.
Snorting, "I know what you mean.", the American officer laughed, "I went to Milledgeville."
Shocked at his luck; actually talking to someone from near his cover story town, Ron knew he had to be very careful here, "You guys had a pretty small school…even smaller than mine. How did you end up an officer in the Air Force from there?"
Nonplussed, "I got lucky and got out…It was after high school that I went to Junior College and I had gotten pretty good grades so I enlisted.", he explained. Shrugging, "They offered me OCS out of boot camp. I passed and then I got posted, so I took enough to get my BS to maintain my Commission."
"Oh wow you have a better story than I do, I tell everyone that I'm from Chicago because who in Japan knows where Galena is?", Ron/Dean said with a light chuckle. Then rolling his eyes, "Big claim to fame there; Grant's House up on the hill."
The officer chuckled, "Well at least yours had one…", he said. Then, "Miss home son?"
Looking a little distant (something that he didn't have to fake), "Yeah…well at first.", he shrugged. "I couldn't speak Japanese and I was all of fifteen and so introverted. My folks tried sending me to an American school over here, but it didn't work out. So they just put me in a Japanese language school…you know total immersion. I had to swim or drown…I had to come out of my shell so I did. It was rough for about six months, but I survived.", he said looking to the Colonel.
Nodding, "That's good, at least you've got a handle on your environment.", he replied. Shifting gears somewhat, "Now back to the present, are you getting familiar with the equipment?"
Nodding while taking another sip, "Yes sir, but not fast enough.', Ron/Dean said before putting his glass on the bar, "I mean there is a lot of integration with satellites and…and, those things that you guys drop into storms.", he said in a rush, a little intimidated.
The older man laughed, "It took them a while to get it right too,", his voice rich in familiarity with his issues, "so just relax and we'll get you started." His demeanor now going serious, "But one thing I want you to realize is that this job carries some danger inherent to it.", his eyes sharp.
Eyebrows up in surprise, "Such as, sir?", at the sudden shift in tone to the conversation
Calmly, "You're going to be flying into storms maybe major ones, and even though we try to do this as safely as possible there is still a chance that you could get killed…", he said in a voice that spoke of experience.
Eyes wide open, "Killed?", he gulped.
"Yeah killed.", Warmarster said. "What we do is not the most sane thing in the world,", he followed up. Then with a smirk, "But the geeks dig it."
"Well, you can get killed by rancid sushi too…", Ron/Dean rebutted, "That is if you have a cold that is and can't smell it before eating it."
Shrugging, "Yeah I suppose, if it's your time to go there's no telling what will get you.", Warmarster said before lifting his glass. "Now let's finish our beers and go hit the rack, I'm planning on taking one of the birds up in the morning, and if we go we'll be out all day.", he advised.
Then with an evil grin, "It'll give you a chance to see what Air Force box lunches are like.", before draining his glass.
Warily looking back, "Sounds better than being cooped up here.", Ron/Dean replied taking in the crack about 'lunches'." Shrugging, "Maybe we'll get to do something neat."
Placing his glass on the bar and turning away from it, "There are no major storms from what the geeks are saying and there shouldn't be for another month,", Warmarster said, "so we'll do some drops and record the information for practice."
Surprised, "So you are letting me come along?", he asked.
Nodding, "Yes, you're coming along with us. Now I've had your college classes checked out and you've got the smarts to be there even though you are going into your junior year.", he grinned. Then with a thoughtful look, "Now what I want to see is if you have weather running through your veins like all those other clowns do."
Still impressed at the invitation, "So then, a test huh?", he asked.
Shrugging, "Of sorts.", he said. Then with a calculating look, "Maybe I can get you a Commission after you graduate…that is if you can pass the physical requirements."
Coming up short, "Sir with all due respect I'm not sure I want to be in the military.", Ron replied, foremost in the back of his mind this would crimp his style as a ninja and put him with allegiances between two major competing entities.
Not quite surprised at the hesitation, "So you might want to stay a civvie then?"
Nodding uneasily, "Uh yes Sir, I might…besides I've been out of the states for years, and I think my passport is still valid."
"You still a citizen?"
"Well yeah, unless they revoked it…"
A curt nod, "Then you can always join up."
Exhaling a large breath, "It'll give me something to think about Sir."
"Well consider that the Air Force will pay for your advanced degrees too, but you have to stay in longer.", the older American said before he got up. "Time for me to hit the rack, got a long day ahead of us tomorrow."
Standing also, "Yeah I have to be up at four to get my jog in or I'll lose my girlish figure.", he said before offering his hand, "Thanks for the beer sir, see you later.", and walked to the exit.
Watching Dean head out, the Colonel shook his head, "Kids,", he snorted, 'I'll never understand them."
XXX
An undisclosed location:
Sighing before taking a sip from his glass of red wine, the former-Gemini pondered while he watched hackers under his employ as they searched the furthest and darkest corners of the internet to find any whispers of this mysterious thorn in his backside from the Far East that had stymied his clandestine plans for world conquest since he had 'gone straight' some three years ago.
Frowning while dwelling on his sister, then sighing again while reminiscing about the loss of two potential Agent Alphas in days gone by, he shook his head to clear the melancholy fog of 'might-have-beens' when he caught sight of one of his men hovering on the periphery of his hackers.
Calling out, "John, come over here.", Sheldon ordered the man who flitted from one computer tech to another, assisting each with any requests they had of him.
Quickly making his way over to his boss, "Yes sir, what can I do for…"
Cutting him off, "How long have you been in my employ?", Sheldon's face gave nothing away in the question.
Scratching his neck, "Errr...Sir? Going back to the other group?...I guess about five years now.", John replied after considering the question, now wondering if his time in Sheldon's employ was about to expire.
His demeanor unchanging, "And in all that time why haven't you sought out a higher position within the organization?"
With a slight tremor in his voice, "Sir I ah, just help out where I can and do what I am capable of.", John replied. "I'm not extremely clever, but I work the long and hard hours that you require to make things happen for the betterment of our group.", his voice steadying.
"And someday when we succeed in our endeavors, and you've become the leading force in the world without resorting to WWEE's old tactics, maybe you will find it in your heart to remember those who helped in even a small way…", trailed off the former henchman who believed in the illusion Sheldon created for the world in general, and GJ specifically.
Sheldon smiled, which to John meant one of two things, one good (something that rarely happened with the former Gemini), the other bad (which happened all too often with the WWEE Despot). But in John's case, Sheldon seemed to be contemplating the notion that his employee had really bought into everything that the Under Bosses covered in the employee indoctrination.
Putting John's fears to rest, "Good enough.", he said as his skittish employee deflated slightly in relief. Then while he had him on edge, "Call my Sister up please,", Sheldon smirked at his employee's attempt to hide his startled hitch, "I want to have dinner with her. Maybe I can beat her to the punch this time."
Quietly exhaling, as best as he could, the breath he had been holding, "Yes sir, I'll take care of that right away.", John said, then paused before going off, "But may I remind you that GJ tracks all their calls…"
Waving his concerns off, "Of course I remember.", the former Gemini said. "And set it up for Friday night…somewhere.", he said offhandedly.
Nodding, "Yes sir. And do you have any choice of the location?"
Dryly, "Let my Sister decide for a change.", before lifting his wine glass once more.
Nodding again, "Yes sir, I'll make the appointment with Dr. Director.", John turned away, then looked back, "...Uh sir, if you don't mind me saying…", he said hesitantly, "Is something the matter? You seem somewhat distracted these days."
Frowning, "It's probably nothing, but…still…", Sheldon looked down. "It's just that recently…I was sent a message."
Surprise in his voice, "A message? What kind of message, sir? I'm not sure I understand."
Snorting in frustration, "Some people in an area of the world we are trying to influence for our aims want us to stop, and they recently sent us a warning of sorts for us to cease our operations there.", Sheldon huffed.
Concerned, "I don't see why they don't want to allow us into their area, sir…it seems so shortsighted to keep us out when they could reap so many benefits from working under you when it's all over.", John replied.
"I totally agree John, but for now I think the proper course is to just wait and watch.", Sheldon said before taking a sip of wine. "Now I am confident that in a short amount of time we will find allies to assist us in receiving an invitation to enter their playground.", he dabbed his lip with a napkin. "In the end we shall have all of them eating out of our hands when they realize what we can offer them.", he said with a flourish.
Beaming, "Yes sir that's the spirit. Since we went straight we should show the world our can-do attitude."
"Very good John.", he said as he made to keep from preening. "Now that I recall, earlier today you said you picked up a report on something I tasked you with some months ago. Could you enlighten me please?", the one-eyed semi-retired villain requested.
Suddenly remembering, "Oh yes sir…the one you had for me to keep an eye on the various people you've had dealings with over the last ten years…"
Impatiently, "Yes, yes go on."
Uncomfortably, "Well sir…one of your friends has passed away.", John began. "And I need to know if you want me to send a card or flowers and to pass on your condolences."
Startled, "Someone died? Who?"
Wracking his brain, "Someone by the name of…Botherson?", he remembered. "I believe he went by the name of Big Daddy, but I'd have to check on that to be sure."
Anxiously, "Are you sure of that name, John?"
Thinking for a few seconds, then confidently, "Yes sir, but I can check again to make sure…"
A hand up to stop him, "No, no that's fine, but thank you for bringing this to my attention.", Sheldon's demeanor paled. "I'll take care of arrangements myself, so think nothing more of it.", he diverted his employee. "In fact, why don't you take the rest of the day off, you look like you need it."
In concern, "Sir are you well?", the middle-aged man asked his employer when he noted Sheldon's face pale.
Fixing him with a stare, "Yes John.", Sheldon tensed up as John suddenly felt uncomfortably fearful.
When his Boss relaxed, "Yes sir, thank you sir.", John said in relief as he slowly backed away. "So if there's nothing else you have for me, I'll try to get that dinner-date with your Sister setup.", still further away.
Once he made it to the door, "And I'll send you an email with the details to be followed up with the hard copy. I'll do my best to have it on your computer before I leave.", John followed up before he scooted out the door, down the hall, and away from any residual habits the former WWEE Crime Boss may still have since retiring from his days of world conquest.
XXX
Tokyo:
Still seated at the restaurant, dinner long gone, the foursome chatted while they sipped hot tea. Listening intently as Kim regaled the other three (though Wade knew many of the details, but not all of the human events of it) with the story of one very pivotal mission in hers and Ron's lives.
Smiling fondly at the memory, "And there I was…", a hand waved in the air, "unconscious and tied to a giant fake cactus in a Bueno Nacho Headquarters storeroom. As I came to, I saw Ron…", her smile dimming, "and he had been clobbered…", darkening, "I found out later, by Shego.", she said, an edge to her voice before she saddened, "And I was feeling pretty miserable…and for once in my life I was ready to just give up the hero business…", Kim trailed off.
From beside her, "But you didn't Kim…", Wade gently reminded her.
Briefly glancing to him and taking in a breath, "If I was there alone?…Yeah I probably would have, but Ron told me that there were better guys out there for me than Eric and they…that they could be close by.", she said softly.
"That's when I saw him in a different light…", she wiped the tear, "Here I was the girl who saved everybody with this slacker for a sidekick…", as she paused.
Then with a fire in her eyes, "But he wasn't a slacker.", Kim looked to her friends, "He is the most courageous guy I know…and up to that point he owned a part of my heart…But when he said 'Out there, in here'…", her face softened, "I couldn't believe what I was hearing…"
Her cheeks rosy, a wistful smile, "I…I felt so warm inside. In just four words he gave me the strength to fight back…and to love my best friend and make him my boyfriend.", her eyes now looking down.
Then as the red head stared down into her tea cup, Yori picked it up and looked into it.
A little confused, "What are you doing Megana?"
While peering into the cup, "Reading the tea leaves at the bottom of your cup Kim-san. It is said that they tell the future of the person who drank from it.", the Japanese woman replied as she studied the leaves.
Her eyebrows arching, "You can do that?", Kim asked. When Megana nodded, "Oh, and can you tell anything from mine?"
Hiro also glanced into the cup, when one eyebrow arched. "Interesting…", he trailed off.
Now worried, "What does it say?", looking to them, and the cup, in concern.
Clearing her throat, "The leaves speak to me of a quest that you must endure Kim-san.", Yori looked to her.
Her eyes wide, "Can you tell me more?", Kim shot back.
Smiling, "Yes, but although you may not succeed at this moment, if you are determined you will find your hope and your happiness.", Yori replied to Kim's growing anticipation. "Though it may take some time to complete all the tests that you are to attempt in trying to find your lost man…", to a face that suddenly frowned.
Peering once again into the cup, "I also gather…", Yori paused to Kim's impatience, "What? What else do you see?"
Looking to her in slight bewilderment, "That you should look to the sky.", Yori said as Kim sat back, puzzled and deflated.
Jumping in, "The sky?", Wade asked, "What does that mean?", he asked since Kim seemed a little out of it at the moment.
Shaking her head, "I do not know Wade-san.", Yori replied. "There could be several meanings.", the undercover Shinobi said as she also sat back while she, too, grabbed at the possibilities of what she gleaned from the leaves.
After considering for a few moments more, "Kim-san's beau could be living in the mountains or he could be someone who travels above them…", she contemplated. "Or it may be something as simple as him living in a tree house.", Yori replied to her suddenly quiet audience.
Then smiling to break the solemn moment, "But we are no closer to the answers you seek until we find the place you believe which holds what you are looking for.", Yori said, signaling they should start on their way.
XXXX
And there it is, the latest installment. Hope it was worth the wait and stay tuned, there's more to come…
Like near-misses (maybe), and reasons why tea leaves and C-130's are all the rage…somewhere down the road. Not to mention another 'meeting' still to come from deceptive businessmen.