Hello everyone and welcome back to another chapter of 'Storm Chaser'. We hope you've enjoyed this tale up to now as we continue as sporadically as this has been brought to you. Life is like that…
And before we start this up, we'd like to thank the following for their contributions to our tale: jcurt2009, etyberz, Sandson41, stone20, SesshyXKags Guardian Angel, Mahler Avatar, readerjunkie, CgC (as Guest! Thank you and your kind words are appreciated!), dapmitidp, ajw1970, Jimmy1201, Randamwriter, honoradele, siege98, Lewiland and starfiction123. Thank you all for your support!
Last time, while Kim and Wade finally 'found' Yamanouchi, Ron was schooling his CO at a Japanese dojo before winging his way out over the Pacific. While Kim got a short-version of Ron's time at Yamanouchi after she broke things off, Ron was drawing the attention of the local martial arts crowd at the dojo for some promised 'playtime' later.
But before we go on, there's the usual disclaimer to keep Disney from claiming infringements from this tale: Kim and the gang from the Kim Possible program are the property of Disney; we're just letting them play in a pro bono environment for your entertainment, with Larry's characters and such.
Storm Chaser
Chapter 30
Yamanouchi, Japan:
Sitting quietly for several long moments after the red head ended the story of her life after she and Ron graduated from high school, and then her request of the school to aid her in regaining what can be recovered from her previous relationship with the young man, the white-haired ninja master had much to contemplate.
During this pause he considered several things which became apparent as she poured out details of her life as it had been for the last several years.
His face gave no sign of emotion, yet within him the harshness he initially felt towards the young woman's 'treatment' of Yamanouchi's favorite son gave way to sympathy and some regret as pieces to a very complex, though now-easily understood puzzle began to fall into place.
Sitting quietly, exhausted from retelling, and in some cases, reliving the events that shook her to her core, Kim fidgeted as his reflective silence drew on and seemed to weigh heavily and judgmentally in her mind.
His slow, easy rhythmic breathing gave no sign of his impending reply, so the nervous young woman flinched when, "Alas, Kim Possible, your tale does shed light on several things we had no knowledge of when Stoppable-samaaaa…san came to us.", his habitual honorific for Ron almost slipping out, slightly confusing the red head, and Wade, while the pair's 'escorts' barely succeeded in stifling giggles that almost burst out.
The moment passed as Sensei quickly continued, "When Ron-san returned to the sacred mountain, he was broken." Kim's eyes teared. "In his state of mind,", the ninja master fixed her with a look, "he felt you had found another, discarded him, and let your sudden…and prolonged silence declare your decision to him." Her recoil spoke volumes to Sensei.
A sob and a hiccup, "I didn't mean it to come out that way, Sensei…", Kim took a breath and exhaled slowly, "I was…broken,", she whispered, "and I felt the world's greatest guy deserved a girlfriend who didn't freak out like I was doing at the time.", and wiped tears away.
Looking to him, "All those nightmares…he was hurting and calling out to me?", she squeaked.
Deflating, "And I shut him out.", in anguish.
Nodding, "So it seems Miss Possible, and from that action Ron Stoppable realized for his soul to gain peace he needed to purge you from it." She nearly crumbled. "And to do this he traveled to Tibet; it was his hope that this would give him a measure of peace."
Mystified, "Tibet?", her eyes wide while wiping some tears.
Nodding curtly, "Yes; it was there he sought solitude and mediation…He stayed for six months during the winter of his first year with us.", Sensei said to her.
Kim's heart started to sink. "Solitude? You mean he wanted to be…alone?", a whisper.
"Yes, at that time he felt that was the only way he could find his place in the world.", Sensei reflected.
Trembling, "To…distance himself…away from me.", she looked down. "Not that I blame him.", now seemingly frail and alone in a room full of people.
After several moments of quiet observation, Sensei sighed, "Kim-san, I sense much turmoil and disquiet within you. Perhaps you could spend some time at Yamanouchi...to learn of and to seek your inner self."
After thinking a few moments, "Yes,", she nodded, "what you offer is something I have not explored of myself, and I understand this is the perfect place to do it."
"That it is, Kim-san, and you are welcome to, as it is sometimes said, find yourself while here.", Sensei said.
With a small grin, "I suppose you are right about finding myself too.", Kim replied.
The corners of his mouth ticking up, "Of course I am right, I am Sensei.", he laughed. "And for the time being,", nodding to Kim's and Wade's 'escorts', "I think we will be able to let your guides return to their duties with the Japanese Defense Forces until you are sure enough of yourself to return to the United States.", he said.
Shyly, "I'm supposed to keep my partner, Wade, near me while here.", Kim said. "Could he study with us?"
Nodding, "But of course; Stoppable-san spoke highly of 'Wade' as a good friend, so he is also invited to study with you.", Sensei smiled. "Hopefully both of you will find the answers you seek on the sacred mountain."
At the entry of the two people he beckoned, "Please take these guides back to the path where it meets the road. They will be returning to their former duties. I will call for them when we need their assistance again."
Both bowed and motioned for the 'Lieutenants' to follow them.
X
Puzzled at the apparent dismissal of their guides, "But how are we going to get back to the highway and the airport?", Wade asked once they were alone.
Smiling warmly, "Do not be concerned with either Doctor Load, we will either bring your guides back or we will make sure that you get to your airplane for the trip home."
Nodding, "Ok, thanks.", he said. Then Kim cut in, "So Ron isn't here?", with a hopeful look.
"No not at the present.", Sensei said to Kim's fading expression. "He is attending college Kim-san and trying to make a career for himself."
"Oh…but do you know where Ron went?"
Balancing Japanese security concerns against her wishes, "He did not feel the need to share that information with me Kim-san, so no, I do not.", Sensei lied about that particular detail.
Frowning, "Sensei…"
His eyebrows arched, "Yes Kim-san?"
Building her nerve, "How do I make up for everything…"
"That you caused?", the ninja master interrupted, noting her flinch.
At her nod, "In some ways I think you are a pawn in this, Kim-san, as we all are. To find out the severity of what we are facing I am going to ask you to meditate with me. You will learn to open your mind and spirit."
Determination on her face, "Tell me what to do."
A slight motion to the door, "First Kim-san I think some tea and rice cakes are in order to prepare for what we are to do.", he said. "And when we finish I think Doctor Load-sama would learn to achieve his inner balance with some of my other students.", looking to the young genius as two girls entered carrying trays they set down before them.
Sensei rose and bowed to the students, who in turn bowed to him.
As he straightened, "Inner balance? What do you mean?", Kim asked, as she and Wade looked to each other in confusion.
Smiling behind his long mustache, "Doctor Load-sama, I think that you will best be served by one-on-one tutoring while I work with Possible-san.", Sensei said as he sat down and gestured to the trays. "But first we should partake of these refreshments to prepare for the exertion your bodies will experience from this. It should carry us to dinner.", he said as he poured steaming tea into cups he offered to his guests. After this he offered rice cakes, and then settled down with them.
Distracted from her question, Kim and Wade realized how hungry they were and immediately helped themselves. While they ate, Sensei asked Kim about her experiences in college, taking her further from her questions.
Though a Ninja Master, Sensei knew how to manipulate conversations. A Master's Degree in Psychology earned some years earlier, after becoming a ninja, helped him gain the insight and skills he needed to teach or reach students in his care after his return to Yamanouchi some twenty years after graduating from the school.
Over the next hour the old man gleaned much needed information from the two Americans before he decided their next steps.
Smiling warmly, "Are you ready to begin?", he asked his two 'new pupils'.
"Yes…uh Sir.", Kim replied, "Getting on the right path to find Ron is really important to me and Wade."
"That it is, Kim-san.", he replied. Turning to him, "Now Doctor Load-sama, are you ready?"
Hesitantly, the African-American genius asked, "I guess so, what will I have to do?"
"You are going to learn some exercises similar to what Stoppable-san learned when he returned to us.", Sensei said to him. Then in Japanese, (Antubi please come inside.)
A young Japanese man entered and bowed, (What do you wish Sensei?)
Gesturing to him, "Please take our honored guest, Doctor Load-sama, to a meditation garden and introduce him into the beginning steps of enlightenment. He and Miss Possible-san will be staying with us to gain some enlightenment while we learn the source of her nightmares."
"As you wish Sensei, please Doctor Load would you follow me?"
"Yeah ah sure Antubi, uh where should I leave my pack?"
Sensei replied, "I will have your and Miss Possible's belongings moved to rooms we have for visitors Doctor Load-sama." Then to Antubi, "Please just the introduction today my friend, and in two hours bring our guest to my private quarters. I wish Miss Possible-san and he to join me in my repast after classes are done for the day."
"Yes Sensei, Doctor Load please follow me.", Antubi motioned.
Once alone, the ninja master began his instructions to Kim, "Please close your eyes, take a deep breath and then let it out slowly. This you will do several times."
Doing as instructed, the former teen heroine exhaled in this way seven times before she began to relax.
While she did so, the mild sedative served to them in the tea went to work in relaxing her, making her more susceptible to achieving the goals Sensei set forth in this exercise. He felt it was necessary to take this shortcut as it would help them more easily attain the basics of a higher plane in these exercises, than the weeks or short months they didn't have, that his students usually took.
Though in Kim's case, Sensei wanted to avoid any impediments she may have within, that would forestall his desires to get to the bottom of her 'issues'.
Slowly getting the hang of this exercise, 'Why do I feel so ambivalent about things?', Kim asked herself as she felt lighter than she had ever felt before.
"How do you feel Kim-san?", his voice coming through her 'haze'.
Sighing, "Very light, like a feather.", she replied quietly.
"That is good keep your eyes closed and count backward from one hundred then begin to let your mind wander."
Kim asked softly, "What am I looking for?"
"You are looking for me, together we will find the truth behind your visions."
She frowned, "But they hurt…"
"They will not hurt you Kim-san, I will not allow it.", his voice determined. Then reassuring, "Kim-san you seek the truth, this is the only way I know to dispel those thoughts that torment your chi. Now please do as I ask and count backward."
'One hundred…ninety-nine…ninety-eight…ninety-seven…'
.
.
.
'Four…three…two…one. Sensei?', Kim finished, when from within her mind.
"I am here child. Speak to me from within your mind."
"I don't know if I can..."
A snicker, "You are doing so Kim-san, just continue as you have…Now we are going to find those dreams of yours and look at them to see what they are and what they mean.", the older man 'said' to her, "Are you afraid of them?"
"If I know where they came from maybe I wouldn't be afraid so much."
He grunted. Then, "Now I am going to probe your mind Kim-san, do not fight it. If you do not it will be much easier."
"Is it going to hurt?"
"Deceit and lies cause pain, Kim-san, truth never really hurts."
XX
"Now Wade-sama I want you to sit like I do and clear your mind of all within it, for to follow Ron-san's path to find him in the flesh you must first follow his path to enlightenment.", Antubi explained.
"I've not been very good at this kind of thing…"
"Without practice you would never be good at this kind of thing Wade-sama. Together we will discover your abilities. But remember in this short time we can only cover the basics, you must take some time every day to work on these exercises."
"Is this going to help Kim?"
"Can it hurt her by making yourself better? At this moment Possible-san is learning what Master Sensei can find within her to ease her affliction.", Antubi said. "But no matter what, we do not wish to see her in pain."
Sighing, "She's getting better, but she still had doubts herself.", Wade replied.
"That she is recovering is a positive sign, but we must do what we can to make sure she has no relapse."
"Yeah I agree…"
Fixing him with a look, "Good Wade-sama, now quit prognosticating and do as I ask."
XXX
On board the WC-130J Hercules, Call-sign: 'Storm Chaser One':
Handing a paper to his CO, "Colonel Warmarster, we have an updated satellite image.", the Navigator said, "It looks like we've found some interesting weather."
The 'Old Man' studied it for a moment then handed it back. "Make a heading of One-Nine-Seven degrees.", he said to his Co-Pilot.
Then to the Navigator, "Take this down to our Meteorologist and get his take on it."
"Yes Sir.", Captain Hainey replied from his seat.
The Co-Pilot looked over at the Boss, "We should fuel up if we're going hunting, Sir."
"That's why we are heading to Guam to refuel. I don't want to fly over this ocean with less than half a load of fuel. Who knows what the hell can happen."
"Yes Sir.", before looking to the gauges, "According to this, we do have a half load…and I totally agree with you. Who wants to go swimming in the Pacific at this time of year?"
Warmarster snorted, "Or any other time of year. It's a damned big pond."
Ninety minutes later Storm Chaser One landed at Andersen Air Force base on Guam. Forgoing aerial refueling this trip, a refueling truck was on standby near their assigned station; all part of the service received by those who landed there.
XX
Buckled into his seat, SOP for takeoffs and landings, Dean Kaminsky stared at the bulkhead forward of him.
From a nearby seat, "I heard that we have a real mission coming up. It could get interesting.", Tech Sergeant Andy Reed chipped in his two-bits.
Chuckling, "Good I never thought that flying around could be boring. Boy was I wrong.", the blond American replied.
A tired sigh, "Everywhere in the military it's the same.", Andy lamented.
Glancing to him, "What do you mean?"
Waving his hands in frustration, "Hurry up and wait…Then boredom sets in…before it starts up again. Tons of boredom broken up by moments of terror. I don't know which is worse."
Dean grinned, "Oh the boredom, hands down."
"Spoken like a true weather geek.", the Tech Sergeant laughed, before his smile faded, "But one of these days one of our birds ain't coming back. Mark my words on that."
"But the WC-130J is supposed to be a durable airplane…"
"Oh it is Kaminsky; just like the HMS Hood was supposed to be unsinkable …the Bismarck changed all that kind of thinking."
Puzzled, "I don't understand."
Taking a deep breath, "The Hood was the pride of the British Navy. At the time she launched in 1920 she was the largest warship in the world and spent much of her time sailing to other country's ports in a show of strength and goodwill.", Andy said to Dean, who nodded.
His brow furrowed, "But all that came to an end in 1939 when she was sunk by one shell from the Bismarck. She now rests in about 9000 feet of water in the Denmark Straits in the North Atlantic."
Wide-eyed, "Guys died?"
"Yeah over fourteen hundred, there were only three survivors. When the Hood was sunk it was a very dark day for the British Empire."
"Damn."
"Yeah the stuff you can learn on TV…Anyway with that in mind, when I get done with this hitch I'm going back to college and get my degree." Andy laughed, "You know if we get unlucky they might be talking about us the same way as the Hood someday."
"Yeah.", the intern meteorologist mused as his thoughts drifted on what it might have been like on that ship, back then.
Warmarster's voice coming through the intercom broke him out of his musings, "We're going to be here for two hours, there will be trucks to take you guys to the chow hall while we refuel. So get out and stretch your legs."
"Woo Hoo!", Reed unbuckled and got up, "I wonder what the chow's like here."
Dean frowned, "So we get a break…"
"Anything's better than boxed lunches or MREs.", he shot back.
Stumped for a rebuttal, the intern followed along, finding himself in line with nearly the entire crew deplaning for the ride to a hot meal.
X
As they entered the chow hall, a crew-member that was released earlier so he could return to watch over refueling, waved them over, "Get the meatloaf. It's better than most.", he suggested.
Dean smiled, "Sounds great, hope they have it some mashed potatoes too."
Nodding, "They have it, best I've ever had at a military base."
Tech Sergeant Reed clapped Dean on the back, "I guess that is some sort of compliment."
"Yeah I suppose, let's get our trays.", the intern said as he pulled some cash out and made his way to the sign in table and pay the fee for 'separate rations'.
Through the line, Andy and Dean made their way to the rest of the crew.
When the Tech Sergeant dug into his meal he had to sit back for a moment. "Where did they come up with this?", he inquired.
"Why?", Kaminsky asked before he took a fork full.
"It's just too good Kaminsky."
Dean shrugged and tentatively took his first bite. 'There's something familiar with this…'
.
.
His eyes opened wide, 'Mom's meatloaf recipe? How the hell did they get it?'
Andy watched his trainee, "Well?"
Dean chewed and swallowed, "Not bad, it almost tastes like mom's meatloaf…that is when she made it back in the States."
"I take it that's a good thing?"
"Yeah, Mom is the best cook I know of.", Dean admitted, "Damn now I'm getting homesick for her cooking."
"Well you'll see her again in a couple of months…"
Dean thought for a moment and then slowly nodded, "Yeah, maybe a little less since I do have to get back to school. Gotta get good grades you know."
One of the Officers sitting with the rest of the crew turned to him, "Kaminsky, the old man said you are going for your PhD back in the States. Is that true?"
He replied, "Yes sir Captain, not sure where I'm gonna end up yet though."
"Who are you looking at?"
"Colorado State, and Oklahoma why?"
"Well you could see if you're a fit for Miami."
Thoughtfully, "I haven't really checked them out.", the lightly bearded American admitted.
"It's the Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, that's where I got my Masters. If you're smart enough it might be a good fit and maybe while there you could work on your tan.", he snickered.
Smirking at the shot, "The weather sounds a lot better than Colorado, and I'll have to investigate the school.", Dean smiled at this bit of luck as he took his second bite of the meatloaf. One thing he had feared was that his past might just catch up with him too swiftly if he ended up in school less than a few hundred miles from where he grew up.
Looking curiously to him, "What are you thinking about Kaminsky?", Reed asked.
"Oh nothing, just daydreaming while I've got the chance; I can't do it if we get in the middle of a tropical storm now can I?"
"That can get you tossed on your ass, so yeah, it's better to do it on the ground.", Andy laughed.
XXX
Senior Island:
As the teal-eyed brunette pulled back the covers on their luxurious bed, "Well Junior, when are you going to break the news to Papi?"
Nervously the Spaniard looked off for a moment, almost frightened at the prospect of telling his Father, "Bonita maybe it is better if we both informed him."
"Well since we have several things to reveal, don't you think we should do that in the morning when we get up?"
Sighing, "I suppose it is for the best, but I find this a little disconcerting…"
"What, finally giving up your pop sensation career or telling him that by this time next year he is going to be able to see his heir?"
"I suppose we should tell him about both unless you think that the double news would cause undue stress on his heart."
"He'll probably end up doing backflips over the news, husband.", she smirked. "Now how should we tell him?", Bonnie asked Junior.
"Did you buy those little baby shoes Bonita?"
"Yes we bought both colors since we don't know the sex yet."
"Good then I know what to do; I shall sing a baby's lullaby while you show the booties."
Bonnie snorted, "As long as it's your farewell performance I'll go along with it. Now snuggle up to my back."
"But I was sleepy…"
"It's partly your fault that I'm in this condition…now do what I ask."
XXX
Middleton, Colorado:
Groggy and alone, a sleepy red head left her bed in search of her husband. After a few minutes she found him sitting in a chair on the deck at the back of the house.
Curious, she watched as he looked out over the backyard, sighing every so often. After a few minutes she walked up to him.
"James…"
"They used to play on that swing set right there Annie.", he said wistfully.
"Who did?"
His voice far off, "Kimmie and Ronald…" Then sadly, "We should have told him…"
Sitting beside him, "About Kimmie's problems?" James nodded in the moonlight.
Silent for a moment, "In hindsight, I agree, we should have but I wasn't able to examine our daughter at the time.", Anne sighed. Rubbing her eyes, "If we had a time machine we could make it better. But we don't, Kimmie is going to have to work this out herself."
"I have to agree, but this is bad. She is getting better and she seems to have learned from her mistakes, but I feel we need to help her through this."
Anne slipped her arm around her husband's, "All we can do is hope Ronald finds it in his heart to forgive her…and us, if she finds him."
Sigh "Not if…when.", his words carried more hope than certainty. Then, "I wonder how Kimmie is doing over in Japan…", James redirected his thoughts. "I mean it is near to impossible to find one person there unless she is very lucky…though she might well do it."
"Jimmy?"
Raising an eyebrow to her, "Yes Annie."
"Maybe it's not supposed to be easy.", Anne said.
"Maybe and maybe it's supposed to test our baby to make sure she knows exactly what she wants and has when she gets it. If that happens she will never take it for granted, ever.", James expanded her thought.
"So maybe this was a good thing?", Anne questioned.
Rubbing his eyes, "I don't know and right now I'm just too tired to think about it.", James said as he rose from his chair. Extending his hand, "Let's go back to bed, we both have to work and we have jobs that count on us having all of our faculties available."
Taking his hand, "I agree.", Anne sighed as she, too rose. "And we need to call Kimmie today sometime and see how she's doing…"
"We'll call when we know she's awake Annie.", James said as he turned toward the door, Anne holding on to him.
X
"Good night Dear."
"I'll pray for my babies.", Anne replied sleepily.
"The twins and Kimmie?"
"And Ronald too."
"Yes Annie I understand, and Ronald too.", James smiled as he wrapped an arm around his wife's shoulder as he wondered if the blond misfit of a boy would ever reenter his daughter's life.
The rocket scientist had begun to use a lot of his free time since Kim became 'well' to search for her wayward best friend and whatever else he was to her. Seeing how fragile his baby was Doctor James Possible, distinguished rocket scientist, was more than ready to do anything to find the boy for his daughter, doing his level best as a father to ignore her more than randy desires to take Ron to bed while searching for the boy. Cringing internally at his daughter doing something like that with a boy, James was more than willing to chuck his Junior Rocketeer's lifetime membership just to make her truly happy again.
And damned few people knew that James could get so focused on a project that he would even forget to eat…and it's a wonder Anne Possible hadn't realized that her hubby had lost over twenty pounds for that reason. He didn't eat lunch or pastries that some of his coworkers would bring in. With Anne preoccupied with her cases, and also doing her own worrying about Kim, as a result she didn't notice the change in her husband.
XXX
Guam:
"Release brakes.", Colonel Warmarster told his copilot as he gripped the controls of 'Storm Chaser One'.
"Roger, brakes released.", Captain Hainey replied.
"Full throttle.", Warmarster intoned.
"Roger, full throttle, let's go find us some fun weather.", as Hainey pushed the controls for the engines forward.
Lurching forward, the Lockheed 'cargo' plane rapidly picked up speed, and took to the air.
XX
Looking to the Tech Sergeant, "Well what did you think of the meatloaf?", Dean asked.
Andy smiled, "I wish my Wife or my Mom could make a meatloaf like that, they both like to bake and there is nothing wrong with that, but sometimes a man wants a simple down to Earth meatloaf and mashed potato dinner."
"Yeah I have to admit there is nothing quite like comfort food to make you feel better. Back in the States my Mom made one real similar.", Dean said drawing on the memories. "Hey after we get to cruising altitude I'm gonna check in with the Navigator and see where we're headed."
"Before you do that Kaminsky we should really check the drop sondes and make sure they're good to go."
"Work before pleasure huh? You're right of course Sarge.", Dean smiled, anxious to release his belt so he could get back to work.
Looking to the seat restraints, "Uh…."
"Yeah?"
Pointing to them, "When we get into the storm, make sure you have your harness on and hooked up like I showed you."
"Sure, I remember the safety talk, Andy."
"Thanks, Colonel Warmarster hasn't lost anyone yet and he'd get upset if he did…especially a know-nothing kid."
Smirking, "I love you too.", Dean said before both broke out laughing.
X
It took over an hour, but finally Andy and Dean were happy with their little disposable toys.
Holding one up, "All the geeks have their toys, but these are mine.", Andy said. "If these work, then the information that gets collected is good and is something that can be used…maybe it will save a life or something someday."
Eyebrows rose, "A big responsibility huh?"
Nodding solemnly, "Yeah the guy who trained me impressed the importance of it. We ride around in this really tough advanced airplane…", he said, waving a hand to the Herc, "Sure it's not the prettiest or the fastest, but it gets us in and out of storms in one piece. It gives us the chance to save lives."
Pointing forward, "The navs, the pilots the crew chief they all need to know that back here we're doing the best we can to do our part in trying to save lives." Frowning, "Some of these storms are bad…real bad. People die in them. If we can figure out where the storm is headed then we can get the people out of the way who need it most.", Andy's face set. "I mean we've all heard the false reports…some guy crying wolf all the time…", his eyes went cold, "well after a while people begin tuning him out. Then if he gets it right who's gonna listen to him?"
Taking this in, "I see what you mean, do it and do it right.", Dean replied.
"Yeah and to do it right everyone has to be doing their jobs to the best of their ability.", Andy said.
Looking around the aircraft and back, "I knew that this was important, but seeing it firsthand is awesome. Does everyone on the crew feel that way?"
"Pretty much Kaminsky, if we do our jobs and find out where these monster storms are headed and pass that information along to government agencies and the media we can make a difference to a lot of people. We may not be able to save property, but we can save lives and that is the important thing."
Saving lives was something well known to this intern from the adventures he'd had in his 'other life', but to be a part of a crew whose profession did so in other ways, he found himself caught up in their dedication to that line of work. It was here that he decided that he would do his best in his chosen profession, instead of doing just enough to get by.
After a few moments mulling this over in his mind, "Good.", Dean said, "Doing something that you believe in makes taking some chances easier to accept…"
Cutting in, the Air Force NCO glanced at the intern, "What do you know about sacrifice?", curiosity more than malice in his voice in his question of this from someone so young.
Frowning, "I know a little, I had a couple of friends who were pretty heroic. I mean one of them was a firefighter.", Dean trailed off, "..he, ah died in a fire….t….the funeral was well attended."
"Sorry, know him well?"
Dean knew he that he either had to dazzle the Air Force Sergeant with brilliance or baffle him with BS so he took the BS approach, "I knew his brother, it ah was a closed casket funeral. The guy's wife was pregnant."
Andy whistled, "Man that is rough…"
"No rougher than if we go down and the bodies aren't recoverable.", Dean said, "But Mom and Dad have plenty of life insurance on me…they might get lucky and cash in."
"It can happen, but like I said we have a pretty good aircraft."
X
The Navigator popped up into the cockpit, "Sir we need to turn twenty-seven degrees east. From my plot we're about an hour out from the leading edges of the storm."
"That's more like it Kenny, we'll earn our money today.", the 'old man' laughed; he really loved this part of his job.
Standing behind one of the consoles a meteorologist was sitting, Dean asked, "This is my first real storm, how big does it look?"
"It's still a relatively small storm Kaminsky, we'll know in a while when we drop some sondes and take some readings. I don't think it's going to be anything bigger than a Cat One though if that."
Remembering the charts on such storms, "Yeah Cat One is over seventy-five miles per hour wind speed right?"
"Seventy-four.", he was corrected, "It might just be a tropical depression, but we'll know soon enough. You don't want your first one to be a Cat Five.", the weather geek cautioned Dean. Then he pointed out something, "And since we're in Asia we should use their scales, but they are about the same."
"I suppose."
Looking to Dean for a moment, "You know…the old man mentioned something about seeing some scars on your chest…You was really mugged in Chicago? I mean knifed?"
Shrugging, "Sad but true, but I'd kinda like to let it drop…"
"Why?"
"Who wants to admit being stupid?", Dean asked.
"It not your fault that somebody did that to you…"
"It was my fault for being there and it eventually cost me my best friend who had become my girlfriend.", Dean said sadly.
"Why was that?"
"Mom decided that we were going to get outta Dodge and I couldn't kidnap her from her family now could I?"
"I guess, you know you could have emailed her…"
"No, not really we had a falling out and we haven't communicated since.", he said sighing, "I'm sure she's found at least one guy to fill my old shoes."
"Too bad…", he sympathized.
But Dean had already had enough of this part of the conversation and didn't want to pursue it further, "She made her feelings known well enough. It was over."
"Maybe she changed her mind….."
"K…she never changed her mind, she was too damned confident for my own good."
"Don't you mean hers?"
"Nope.", Dean said, then steered the conversation to something less painful, "Listen can you show me again how you can change modes here?", Dean diverted the older meteorologist from asking into Ron's past.
"Sure…"
X
"Hey you'd better get back to your station Kaminsky. There's the storm on the radar, we'll be feeling it in a few minutes.", the weather geek/Air Force Officer told the intern. The thirty minutes he spent showing off the features that his 'toy' of a station was to the intern seemed to fly by.
Eyeing back to the station approvingly, "Thanks sir, next week I get to move up here; looking forward to it."
"I heard, they plan to put you on this station with me.", he said to Dean. Then remembering his first 'ride' in one of these buckets, "Oh and good luck back there…this is the one where you'll be able to judge all the others.", he said knowingly.
"Yeah, I guess. Later Sir."
X
The WC-130 shook. "There, feel that?", Andy asked Dean as they resettled in their seats.
Nodding as he got his bearings back, "Yeah."
"OK, now get a dropsonde ready, Channel 'B', 'cause the 'Old Man' is probably gonna want one.", Andy said as he checked Channel 'B'.
"Right.", Dean replied as he pulled one from the rack and set it to 'B', spinning it around so the AF Sergeant could examine it before he took it to the 'drop pipe'.
Clicking the intercom, "Check Channel 'B' on the dropsonde,", Andy intoned so that they would be ready to receive the data from that channel.
One of the meteorologist's voices came back through the intercom, "Copy, Channel 'B'." Then after a few moments pause, "Three minutes and eighteen seconds to release."
Usually a man of action, in his other 'life', waiting on those three minutes to count down unnerved him to the point Dean was sweating from the tension he found himself in. Sure he had been in high pressure 'sitches' before, including saving the world a couple of times, but this was different.
It wasn't that people were counting on him that was old hat for the former hero, now covert ninja, but in some way this wasn't the same.
Finally Andy said, "Three, two, one…drop, drop, drop."
At the first 'D', Dean let the device slip into the tube mounted in the floor as the cargo plane shuddered and rocked. He then quickly closed the cover.
After a few seconds, over the intercom, "We have data.", the Meteorologist reported.
Another minute in a half later, "And it's a Cat One."
Andy rose and high-fived his intern, "You got your first, congratulations!" Then sitting back down, "He's going to ask for another one in about ten minutes so grab a seat and relax."
XXX
Sagely, "Ah Miss Possible, let me observe what you see in your mind.", the ninja master urged his charge as he delved deeper into her memories.
Using meditation techniques to 'relax' her thoughts, he began his search to see if Yamanouchi had a hand in what his protégé and his protégé's girlfriend had experienced.
His search within her mind turned up details from her visions, details that were easily missed by the now-twenty-two year old red head when they slammed unannounced into her psyche over the years.
After nearly an hour Sensei was finished.
"Please open your eyes Kim-san.", Sensei requested.
Looking to him pensively, "What do you think sir?"
"Some, if not all of your visions have indeed come from Stoppable-san's mental projections.", he said to her surprise. "So you are not going crazy as you first feared.", Sensei grinned in amusement.
An eyebrow rose, "I remember when he revealed to me the time you and he shared a dream.", she nodded.
"Since you almost grew up together you and Ron Stoppable may have developed a psychic link, which during times of deep emotional stress you felt what he felt."
Kim half smiled, "Is that what you learned, Sensei?"
"I have. What I saw in your memories of that day are the same as those I found of Stoppable-san when he and I 'merged' as we have just done, Kim-san.", Sensei said. Sighing, "If we had known of this we could have saved you most of the mental anguish you suffered from his nightmares." Her eyes widened.
"If you wish, we at Yamanouchi could help you with this. We do have some experience with blocking memories and in the short term, this may help you."
Thoughtfully, "I would like that…", she trailed off looking away before turning to him, "But Sensei, do you think it was deliberate that I got these visions…because even if Ron hated me I don't think he would hurt me like that."
Smiling softly, "Fear not Kim-san, though Ronald Stoppable does not speak of it I am sure that he does still love you." Frowning, "Our problem is that he has hidden that love deep and refuses to enter into a relationship so that he wouldn't feel pain or abandonment again."
Grimacing, "Thanks for that reminder of the source of his grief.", she said sourly. "But if blocking my memories would end me remembering Ron as the guy I love and should be married to…", she sighed. "I think I'll pass 'cause if that is all I have left of him I'll take the nightmares just to have something."
Grunting at that impasse, "Kim-san, with that attitude, in time I think we will be able to set things right between the two of you." His voice going flat, "However, even with that going for you, Ron Stoppable's mind is another matter to consider."
An eyebrow rose, "Why is that?"
Glancing to her, "Kim-san, it has taken you four years to enlighten me, if I was aware of this even three years ago all of this could have been mended rather quickly…"
Pensive, "I hear a 'but' coming."
"There is as you say, a 'but'.", he said to her grimace, "You are ready to meet Ron Stoppable…but are you sure that Ron Stoppable is ready to meet you?"
"Is this what you meant by considering Ron's mind in all of this?", Kim queried, "His mindset?"
"Yes his mindset, as you call it.", Sensei nodded. "All of this we will discuss tonight over dinner, but for now we have to work on our afternoon classes and you and Mister Load are welcome to join us.", he offered. "You might learn some things which could benefit you in your adventures later.", he suggested as he rose from the lotus position he had been in for hours.
As she rose, "Yes that would be interesting,", Kim agreed, "I have been taking and teaching some classes back at school and I think it's focused me more than before."
Smiling, "Very good please follow me then."
X
Four hours later (including the bath):
As a young woman poured tea and set each cup in front of them, "Was our class up to your expectations Doctor Load?", Sensei queried from his place at the table.
Nodding excitedly, Wade said, "It was beyond what I am capable of doing."
Raising an eyebrow, "Would you care to learn more?"
"Ah yes Sir, but we have less than a week before we have to return…"
Stroking his beard, "Hmmm, I could persuade the Japanese government to extend your exchange a month, would that help you?"
His eyes lit up, "A month of this kind of training?", Wade asked and glanced to his partner who nodded.
In determination, "I'll do it,", he said before groaning, "but please no 3 AM wake up calls like Ron said that you guys did to him."
Sensei chuckled, "Stoppable-san was on the accelerated program Dr. Load; your training will allows for more than enough sleep."
Then to Kim, "I make you the same offer Miss Possible, your training will be more intense both in combat and mediation. I wish you to be able to withstand visions if they bother you again."
"Thanks, as long as I can retain what I remember about Ronnie from this training is all that I ask.", she replied.
"Very well, my government will also make sure you are invited back to Japan next summer to reinforce our lessons.", Sensei said. Then shrugging, "Who knows, there may be a chance by that time that Ron-san will have returned and I would have been able to convey your feelings to him."
Kim smiled more than she had in years, "I'll take you up on that Sensei, as long as I can make it to a wedding sometime early next summer."
An eyebrow rose, "Yours?"
Shaking her head, "No two close friends of mine.", Kim said to Sensei's internal relief, "I don't want to be kept from my friends' lives any more than I have to."
"Then make plans to return Yamanouchi after the ceremony is concluded.", Sensei advised.
"That I will do.", Kim smiled.
"And I will make sure that the invitation is sent to your Agency and your government."
"Thank you Sensei, with all the help I'm sure that I'll get better."
XXX
Andy looked over at his intern, "Ready…drop."
After two minutes a voice came back over the intercom, "Still a Cat One, but the wind is rising and the pressure is lowering."
XXXX
Things are moving along for Kim and Wade at Yamanouchi as Ron learns the ropes in his chosen professional career.
While Kim branches out to recognize and withstand what terrified her, Ron is learning more in a job that calls for him to charge into one of Nature's most devastating forces.
Sensei's got a plan, Kim's up for it, and again Ron knows nothing about it.
Sounds familiar, don't it?