Hello again! Welcome back to another installment of 'Storm Chaser'! Larry and I are as surprised as you are about the not-so-long delay between chapters, and hope to get back into a faster rhythm in the foreseeable future.
Before we start this next chapter, we'd like to thank the following for their chiming in on the tale so far: Ken106348, ajw1970, Firestorm Rising, jim89, cluelessRJ, TatsuDragonKing, ErichCryter, WanderfromtheWest, Randamwriter, Jimmy1201 and NaruAndHarrHaremFan, thank you one and all!
Last time, Kim and Wade were getting a taste of what Ron went through when he returned to Yamanouchi after Kim's freak-out in England. While Kim could have sunken into a funk as she experiences what she feels she 'drove him to', Sensei's guidance helps her stay focused on 'bettering herself' and gaining another ally in their quest to reunite her with Ron…Meanwhile-Wade's on the precipice of romance. More on that soon…As to Ron, let's just say that all the years of appearing less than he really is really surprised so many at that Base Dojo, he should be admonished for sandbagging the locals…while Hiro-in-disguise and the good Colonel helped watch his back and assist in the mop up in the Brawl-at-OK-Corral-Dojo…repercussions to follow.
And again, before we tread where the Billable Hour crowd rents space: if it appeared on the show, Kim Possible', Disney owns, all the rest are BearSent176's creations or their own.
Storm Chaser
Chapter 32
Yamanouchi, Japan:
"Kim-san please return to your body, it needs your mind to function as it should."
Emerald eyes fluttered as Sensei's comforting voice brought her back to the living. Sighing, "Sensei that was way weird…I mean having a conversation with centuries-old dead man in an astral plane…", Kim trailed off. "I'm not sure what to think about that. To me it was too much like a dream instead of something real."
Smiling, "Kim-san.", the white haired master said, "Lord Toshimiru seems to have some part to play in this. How can he not now that both you and Stoppable-san have spoken to him."
Frowning, "Yeah I guess so, but he seems to know more about Ron than most people…maybe, even me.", Kim said as she shivered. The thought of saying the name of someone who's been dead for centuries, though she just 'met' him while she was living, kind of unnerved her.
His mustache twitched in amusement, "As much time as they've spent with each other, that is so, Kim-san.", Sensei replied.
"And he knows so much about me!", she looked up in confusion. "How…"
"The Founder is very much aware of who you are, Kim-san.", Sensei interrupted. "He and Ron-san have spent quite a bit of time conversing about many things while in meditation.", he said knowingly as her jaw dropped.
"When he began to meditate with him, Stoppable-san often spoke about you to Toshimiru. They commiserated on love lost and the parallels of their lives in that respect.", Sensei informed a teary-eyed Kim. "But fear not, Kim-san, we will take care so Stoppable-san does not follow our Founder's footsteps so closely.", he smiled to her look of hope.
Guiding her to a spot at a low table, "Now according to some scrolls we've discovered, the Founder took special pride in trying to understand the concerns of others.", Sensei said as he and Kim took their seats. "From what I've seen with others, and yourself, it is quite evident that his spirit has not lost this compassion, Kim-san.", he said to her as she took all this in.
Then gesturing to the food laid out on the table, "Please Kim-san, eat, your body has expended much energy in your meditations with Toshimiru. We will train again like this tomorrow, but there is something more I must teach you, so you must replenish what you have expended today.", then he grinned, "For tomorrow will be a long day."
After looking over the food laid out on the table, Kim turned to him, "Sorry Sensei, I sort of faded out after you mentioned Ron talking to T..Tosh…Toshimiru, and what they told each other.", she blushed lightly. "I guess it happened because I was so tired from our meditations to meet with the Founder.", Kim apologized.
Smiling sympathetically, "I understand Kim-san.", Sensei replied. Then steering the conversation a little, "Have you noticed how alike Stoppable-san and Toshimiru are in some respects?"
As she considered the question, "Both were not very heroic as young men, except when it came to certain friends…Change came to each; for Stoppable-san it came from you, for Lord Toshimiru, it came from the murder of a young woman by bandits. It drove him to become better, and to make something of his work for others to benefit from."
Frowning, "That's sad…a girl he loved was murdered.", Kim replied.
Nodding, "Yes…but in time her spirit found him.", Sensei smiled. "Sometimes, in the gardens you will see their spirits together, expressing love reunited."
"So there may be hope for me and Ron, too?", as she looked in the direction one of the gardens.
Smiling, "Of course Kim-san, there is always hope.", Sensei said to Kim. Then thoughtfully, "But this is not something we can do quickly. We must plan carefully, and these plans will unfold over time." Looking meaningfully to her, "Knowing Ron-san as we do, it may be a few years before he is ready to meet with you again."
At Kim's frown, "But I assure you, we will make this happen.", he said to bolster someone he learned was more of a woman of action; long term planning, and the necessary patience, of this sort was not her forte.
As she mulled this over, Sensei also had things to consider as this plan to reunite these two began to take shape. Foremost on his mind was the highly covert mission Yamanouchi assets were currently undertaking in the United States and beyond to remove the remaining traces of Ron Stoppable in computers that had been previously overlooked when the troubled young man returned to the school after Graduation. At this moment several of his ninja were in the process of wiping all fingerprint, DNA and retina scan records from the various school, medical, military and law enforcement computers in the US and elsewhere.
The old ninja master realized that Ron could still be identified from those records, and with him currently on an internship that had connections with the United States Military, there was the distinct possibility of a background check run on Dean Kaminsky that would instead, reveal him to be Ronald Dean Stoppable.
Not only would Dean's cover be blown by this, but it could lead to the discovery of his connection to a Japanese State Secret, leaving the members of 'The Mountain' exposed to those who would wish harm to come to them. The brother of a leader of an international police organization, and one of Yamanouchi's most recent antagonists, being at the top of a very long list of such people or criminal organizations.
Then, to a lesser extent, there were his guests and their connections to Yamanouchi's lead asset against a world going awry. Sighing internally, Sensei knew the tightrope he, and others, were walking as they shielded Stoppable-san from them, in the red head's quest to reunite with her former-current boyfriend.
In all this, his first responsibility was to Yamanouchi, their Champion, and the innocent lives they were charged with protecting. To allow any misstep to take place, such as Stoppable-san's connections to this Ninja Academy, for any reason, would put so many lives in jeopardy.
Bringing him out of his reflections, "I understand your caution, Sensei…", Kim replied to his pronouncement. Then fading from the energy expended in their last meditation session, "And you are so right, I do need to regain my strength, that was very tiring.", as she stifled a yawn.
Smiling, "Kim-san, deeply intense meditation will drain the energy of a novice so you should eat your fill to replenish yourself while Antubi-san and I will join you in light conversation to keep you company."
With a hungry smile the red head filled her platter. Thinking on for a moment as she served up some rice and vegetables, Kim inquired, "Sensei, I know now that Ron meditates in this way, Toshimiru informed me of that, but when he began was he this famished and exhausted?"
With a knowing smile, Sensei poured each of them a cup of tea, "When Ron-san first came here…before you rescued me from that gorilla woman…he was always hungry, but maybe that was because Nooni made it difficult for him to get anything to eat."
"Nooni?"
Smirking, "Ron-san may have referred to her as Master Lunch Lady, a woman I have had the honor of being my wife for over sixty years. But the reason Ron-san was hungry was that he was much slower at snaring food from her tray when he first arrived. For the first few days he did not eat."
Not making the connection, "Was it because Ron didn't like the food? He liked most things especially if they had cheese on them.", Kim remembered.
"It wasn't that Kim-san, it was part of the training here. To eat one must use their chopsticks to snatch a rice cake from the tray presented…Ron-san was very slow at the time.", Sensei explained as Antubi laughed lightly.
"Eventually though, he improved."
XX
The African-American genius offered a cup of hot tea to his dinner companion, "Uroki, how is it that you are so graceful when we spar while I'm such a klutz?"
Smiling warmly, "Wade-kun, I have been doing this since I was five so it is easy for me, I grew up with it.", the enchanting Shinobi coyly explained before she sipped her tea.
"So it takes a while to learn all this?"
The young woman nodded, "We practice long and hard, for when we finish our courses for the final battery of tests we must be all there in body and mind. Otherwise we will fail, and to fail at something you have trained your whole life for is something we cannot envision in our waking thoughts…although it is something we do in our nightmares."
"What happens if you pass?"
"For a while we serve as instructors before we go off to a college to complete our scholastic training at the highest level of schools. Then we apply for employment in the private sector. After we are established in our careers, we return to Yamanouchi to continue our training and assist in the training of younger students.", she explained, "We normally would do this during our vacations."
"Well what happens if you decide to get married?", Wade asked what he hoped would be seen only as a hypothetical question since there were a significant number of girls at the school.
"We try to marry within the framework of Yamanouchi, Wade-kun, but rarely to someone who is not acquainted with what we do here."
"And I know you have classrooms here and you teach regular things, but what is Yamanouchi really about?", as Wade tried to learn more about the school than he had been lead to believe.
Peering over her cup at Wade, Uroki felt the time was right to answer many of the questions Sensei knew were to come from him. After giving his blessing for her to further develop the relationship he saw blossoming between them, he also gave her permission to give full disclosure of Yamanouchi to this member of Global Justice; just as he was doing with Kim.
Placing her cup on the low table, "Wade-kun, Yamanouchi…is an asset for the government of Japan.", she began as Wade's eyes widened slightly. "Among the things taught here, we train promising children combat martial arts. The very best of our graduates go on to work in the private sector or the government after graduating from the best universities, at no cost. From there they guide their careers to best serve in the defense of our homeland.", she said to her speechless 'audience'.
"Those graduates who do not attain the upper level of scholastic achievement here, we find good schools for them to attend, also at no cost to themselves. After they graduate they go on to careers in their chosen fields, throughout the world. From there they keep us apprised of information of interest to our government so we are not surprised when events they are borne out of come to pass.", Uroki said to a flabbergasted Wade.
Overwhelmed by what his hostess revealed to him, "Wow Uroki…I knew Ron was a part of some kind of secret ninja academy, but I never realized how deep this ran for your country.", from a very shocked Wade. Chuckling, "But you know, for those who don't place highly here, it doesn't sound like a good way to retain people from Yamanouchi for what you ask them to do after graduating.", he pointed out, "I mean if they want a great education and a good job, all they have to do is not do well here."
With a knowing smile, "This may be the case elsewhere, Wade-kun, but this happens very little in our culture.", Uroki shook her head. "And Yamanouchi has tradition of honor and achieving excellence going back over fifteen centuries.", she said with pride.
Shrugging, "I concede that the cost of schooling would be expensive but for government backing, and from the assistance they receive, the government obtains many employees who are honorable and hard workers.", Uroki observed.
"Then I can assume that many who don't make the cut end up in low-level government jobs?", Wade summed up her observations.
Cocking an amused grin, "I cannot say, but you may be correct in that assumption."
XX
As Kim finished her meal, Sensei prepared for her reaction to the next 'shoe' to drop.
"Kim-san there is more to reveal to you about Yamanouchi.", her head tilted up to look to him. "There are reasons we maintain such strict secrecy about the Sacred Mountain, and in explaining this to you, you will see one of the reasons it may take time for you to contact Ron-san."
Kim frowned, "You aren't Satan worshipers or anything like that, are you Sensei?"
He lightly chuckled, "Most in Japan do not believe in the concept of your Christian Hell Kim-san."
"Then what is it?"
"You have noticed that the students are quite proficient at martial arts, have you not?"
"Yes they are quite good, some of them are better than I am."
"Thank you for your honest observation Kim-san,", Sensei nodded, "but there is a reason for that."
"Oh?"
"Much of it stems from the close relationship the Yamanouchi School has with the Japanese government."
Eyes narrowing, "How close?"
"We are what you would consider an asset of the government.", her eyes sharply widened. "Though we teach many things at the academy, we are first and foremost a combat martial arts school, and from the very young to our graduating students, we serve the nation of Japan."
Still shocked at this proclamation, Kim's thoughts drifted back to something Ron said years before when Yori kissed him on the cheek…'She has to be all ninja about it…'
Feeling a little foolish for asking what she figured was in front of her face all these years, "Sensei is Yamanouchi a ninja school?"
Eyebrows furrowed, "There are no more ninjas Kim-san.", he replied evenly, "Why would you ask such a question Kim-san?"
"After we rescued you from DNAmy, Yori kissed Ron on the cheek and was confused by why she did so. When I tried to explain it to him, he mentioned something about ninjas…so I just wondered."
Grunting, "Kim-san there are answers I cannot give to at this time. Some you are not prepared for, and others we cannot divulge as they are secrets between Yamanouchi and the Japanese Government.", he said in all seriousness. "So what we have said to you and Doctor Load-san of Yamanouchi, is what we wish you, and your Global Justice, to know of us."
To her oncoming question, "In time Kim-san we may share more, but it is the familiarity Yamanouchi has with you and Load-san that we have divulged what we have at this time, which you may share with GJ upon your return to them."
At this the red head's interest in this school piqued even more than it had before, something the Ninja Master had in mind before he had this conversation with the GJ Intern.
Kim, understanding the secrecy and security issues between agencies like the FBI and GJ, nodded, "Sensei, I understand my connections to an international law enforcement agency make you hesitant to disclose information regarding your relationship with the Japanese Government, like I have to accept that Ron might not want to see me in the immediate future.", she saddened. "But it hurts me deeply that he doesn't even want me to hear anything about his current welfare, or life as it is for him right now."
A tear trickled, "All I hope for is that we can work this out between us, so we can get our lives back on track together again, and to go on as we envisioned before that first episode hit me at Oxford.", Kim pleaded.
"Kim-san, do you expect to find the same Ron-san you last saw more than four years previous?", Sensei asked.
While Kim absentmindedly plucked a rice roll from her plate, "Well, I don't know…I hope he hasn't changed too much. I loved his childlike wonder…", she trailed off.
"Though it reappears at times, that quirk of Ron-san's has pretty much faded.", Sensei told the now saddened red head. "He is much more serious now, more focused, so his childlike wonder is a rare occurrence, Kim-san. It is a part of maturing as we age…", he said to the glum young woman.
"If I remember Ron-san's recollections of his youth,", he fixed her with a look, "did you not once tell him he had to grow up?", he said to her flinch of a pre-Prom treehouse memory, "His maturing accelerated since he first returned to Yamanouchi, and for whatever the reason,", peering intently to the shrinking red head, "I think you will agree he did so on his own."
Sighing, Kim set her rice roll down and sadly nodded. "If it hadn't been for me having my freak-out at Oxford and shutting him out, he could have been beside me there and we could have both grown up together…", she said morosely. Wiping her nose, "I should have helped him find a culinary school nearby…we could have at least seen each other on weekends."
"Kim-san, regardless of motivation, Ron-san needed to change…to grow up. The handsome swan he became called for him to cast off trappings of the ugly duckling he could not do before he returned to Yamanouchi.", Sensei said. "It was your actions, or more precisely Ron Stoppable's perceptions of your actions that forced him to make decisions which put him on the path to become a more complete person,", he said to the stunned red head, "which, I might add, he has done on his own, and on his own terms. Yamanouchi and other resources notwithstanding."
"However,", he smiled, "that does not mean that I believe you two aren't a match for each other, so as Sensei of Yamanouchi, and a friend to both of you, it is my duty to see to it that Ron-san also believes in this, in time." Kim smiled at this.
Then frowning, "So what you're saying is what happened with Ron growing up as he did was inevitable, just that my actions kind of fast-tracked the process?", Kim asked.
Taking a sip of tea, "A somewhat simplistic explanation Kim-san, but it conveys the essence nonetheless.", Sensei replied. "Ron-san was destined to grow into the being he was to become, it's just that he took an accelerated path to get there instead of the more gradual one his predecessors took."
Now mulling that she was the catalyst for Ron's hastened emotional, mental, spiritual and physical 'growth spurt' after years of living with him in the childlike state she sometimes cajoled him into growing out of, "Sensei, you've given me hope for finding Ron again, and a lot to think about regarding what I helped cause and that you will help me reunite with him again.", Kim's grateful smile met with Sensei's accepting nod.
"I am also so appreciative of your invitation to come to Yamanouchi to grow, study and become more through your academy's training regimen, Wade too if I may speak for him in this…it more than makes up for not finding Ron here as I had hoped would be the case.", Kim said as she bowed her head to him.
Nodding, "Thank you for the compliment Kim-san.", Sensei replied. Then, "Now as for Ron-san we will find him eventually, and when we do,", a smirk concealed by his beard, "we will begin the process of turning his affections back to you where they belong." One of the secrets he and Yamanouchi held from Kim and Wade were that, while out of pocket right now, Ron could be found if effort was taken to do so; but not at this critical time.
Sheepishly, Kim looked down at her platter, furthest from her thoughts was the possibility that the old Ninja Master might be playing her, and the American Trio, somewhat, "Thank you Sensei, you don't know how much it means to me, helping me out like this."
"Kim-san I remember this young heroine who I and a lot of other people admired. Although she was young she was very good.", Sensei smiled warmly, "She may not have been fully knowledgeable in many ways of the world, but little by little, from her endeavors she acquired what became the wisdom she used to guide her in her duties as a heroine."
Before Kim could reply, "And…she also was best friends with a very good young man. Someone I also admired. Though not as gifted as his best friend, he still tried his best." Her smile faded slightly at her memory of Ron as her Sidekick, and what she missed while with him on those missions.
Continuing after Kim reflected on this for a few moments, "Much to the detriment of those best friends, an unforeseen event resulted in the dissolution of their friendship…and I, for one, would give almost anything to see them together again to regain what they once had.", to Kim's self-conscious, yet grateful smile.
"And it would make my heart soar to learn that Ron Stoppable-san and Kim Possible-san were again on the path to matrimony and wedded bliss.", Antubi added.
Kim's blush deepening, "Thank you both for your kind words. Maybe with everyone working together we can make the attempt to end…this, and make things right between Ron and me."
"We shall be working on this from our end Kim-san.", Sensei assured her. "Now I am extending an offer for you and Dr. Load to return to Yamanouchi next year for a whole month. Is that acceptable for you?"
Her eyes alight with glee, "Yes Sensei, very acceptable.", Kim replied. Then looking off in thought, "However I have promised to attend a wedding between two dear friends next summer so I have to plan around that…When I return to the States, I can get the dates and send them to you. Is that alright?", Kim asked.
Smiling, "We have an email account here so yes this is acceptable Kim-san."
XXX
The three men, two Americans and one Japanese, stood erect in front of the two uniformed officers, one Japanese, the other American. The Japanese Colonel, tapping his index finger rhythmically on his desk while standing beside him, the American Colonel rubbed his temples. "All right you clowns, at ease.", Colonel Jack Whitehorse growled, "Now what were you trying to do, busting up an exercise session in the gym like that?"
"Sir.", Colonel Warmarster began, "While sparing with my intern, Dean Kaminsky, he was basically called out and insulted by a Karate expert stationed at the base. And while sparing with him, the local Karate expert took a cheap shot on my intern. Kaminsky here defended himself and in doing so injured this Master. Others took offense to Kaminsky's actions and it went downhill from there."
Looking to the Japanese Officer, "Lieutenant Kasumi, is this correct? And if so what part did you take in this?", from Colonel Tushida Takamura.
"Yes sir, this is what happened. The Colonel's description basically summarizes the event.", the Japanese Lt. replied. "Kaminsky-san was goaded into a confrontation by the instigator of this confrontation for the sole purpose of injuring Kaminsky-san through dishonorable means while sparing.", Lt. Kasumi replied to his superior's raised eyebrow.
Before Colonel Takamura could reply, "But sir, let me just add that I and my wife are acquaintances, we all went to the same Martial Arts school in Sapporo, and while Kaminsky-san's skills are growing, I felt he needed the assistance in defending himself from the fracas that came about…it would have been dishonorable to just stand by.", Kasumi replied. Then sheepishly, "Also, my wife would have killed me if anything would have happened to Kaminsky-san and I was unable to prevent it."
Smirking, "From the reports I've read, Lieutenant, I highly doubt that.", Colonel Whitehorse said as Colonel Takamura snorted.
Looking just a little fearful, "Uh thank you for your confidence sir, but she is quite an accomplished martial artist."
Colonel Takamura glanced at his co-commander, who nodded, "Alright, there will be no more marital arts riots pretending to be exhibitions on base.", he ordered. "From now on, if you are going to have a seminar you will go through channels. Is that understood, gentlemen? The next time I will have armed security police on hand to make sure that nothing like this ever breaks out again."
Coming to attention, Colonel Warmarster asked, "Yes sir, understood sir. Will that be all?"
Whitehorse replied, "That will be all." Looking to his subordinate and the intern, "You two have an all-night mission coming up, you have a briefing to attend before you launch."
"Yes Sir.", Warmarster half smiled before he about-faced, and motioned to his intern that they had to get going.
X
Spying an office clock, then looking to the Americans as they entered the Colonel's waiting room, "Good to meet you Colonel Warmarster-sama, and it was also good to see you again Kaminsky-san.", Lt. Natora Kasuma said, offering a hand, "I have to go now and meet with my wife for a late dinner.", he sort of fibbed. "Have a good flight."
Shaking his hand, "Thanks Lieutenant. You can be at my side whenever I get in an alley fight.", Col. Warmarster replied.
"A friend of Kaminsky-san's is a friend of mine.", the Lt. replied before each bowed to the other.
Smiling as he held the outer door for his friends, "Kasumi-san, it is my honor to be your friend.", Dean said. Bowing, "Thank you for helping me out today and give Megana-kun my humble regards."
Bowing in return, "That, I will do my friend.", Kasumi said before smirking, "But I must warn you Kaminsky-san, when next she meets with you, be prepared for she is still of the mindset that you should find a suitable spouse and settle down when your career path is set."
Laughing lightly, "Thank you for the head's up my friend.", Dean snorted in reply. "But remind her that it is still too soon for such considerations, and that she doesn't have to keep setting me up like she has. The way she was going, I could have ended up with three of them before she was satisfied."
"Hai Kaminsky-san, more like six if I know my spouse.", the Lieutenant retorted. Then bowing to them both, "Now I must be going, goodnight my friends, stay out of trouble.", before he walked off to the gym.
After the Lieutenant walked off, "We'd better hurry up and shower Kaminsky, we're supposed to be wheels-up in two hours."
"Yes sir.", Dean replied as he turned to follow the Colonel to the guy where they left their gear.
Spying their friend gathering his gear before heading to the exit, "Not going to get a shower Lieutenant?", from Warmarster.
Kasumi shook his head, "My spouse should be waiting for me at home. If I am lucky I will have enough time to grab a quick shower there before I escort her to dinner at a little place we enjoy off base."
"Seems like you have a plan Lieutenant, hope you have fun tonight."
"Thank you sir, so do I."
X
Forty minutes later, the Colonel and the Intern were flight-suited up and entering the briefing room, whereupon the call of "A-ten-hut!" brought the attendees to their feet, and to attention for the Superior Officer's arrival.
Taking his place at the podium on the side of the platform, while Dean stood at an empty seat, Warmarster muttered, "As you were gentlemen. Let's get this started.", before he moved off the dais.
The lights dimmed and a computer projector's output of current weather patterns in the Pacific displayed on the screen behind the podium. An Air Force Meteorologist clicked on a laser pen and narrated as he pointed out items on the screen, "From all observed indications we may have an early storm popping up here.", the pen's light circling the pattern, "So we need to send one of the birds into what may be a potential typhoon and take measurements.", he finished before the lights came on again.
"Any questions?", he asked and received none.
Nodding to Ops Staff in the back, they began handing out mission packets to those present.
After the Colonel checked his packet, "Storm Chaser One is out on the tarmac, fueled, pre-flighted and ready to go.", he said before looking out over the room. "This is what we get paid for people…Everyone assigned to this flight ready to go?"
Met with silence, "Then what are we waiting for?", he walked to an exit as another "A-ten-hut!" sounded to the assembled, who rose to their feet.
XXX
Meanwhile…:
Within a large hollowed out mountain, two hundred miles from Middleton, three darkly attired, stealthy individuals quickly searched through various means of data storage where records of their interest were stored. Very dim lighting in the massive cavern/room, low-light vision glasses were in use as each quietly combed through their assigned areas. Slow going for a while until one decided to forgo this approach and turned on the red lamp headlight strapped on his forehead instead of the passive light they contended with; just like was eventually done in the seven previous break-ins they had accomplished over the last two and a half weeks.
Their quarry? Just that any and all personnel information pertaining to a certain young man which, due to massive governmental record-keeping redundancy, was also kept there would end up in something known to old computer wizards from back in the day as 'The Rockwell Vortex', among other terms to describe the act of data deletion.
Moving swiftly, yet very meticulously, their work was going as it had for the previous seven other 'events' they had taken part in elsewhere in the country: quite well. They had to be quiet, and nearly invisible to all security measures at each site due to the sensitive nature of their quest, as discovery could mean forfeiture of their very lives if caught.
Each carried out their assigned tasks as usual. One rifling through filing cabinets, another scanning computer databases, and the third, while acting as security, was reading through a stack of old records that they had pulled out from a back room, when…
With the jingle of keys sounding at the room's doorway, all stopped what they were doing and faded away into the darkness to observe, yet remain unseen.
After a time the argument between key and lock ended for the two who entered the room. One turned on a flashlight, and after scanning the room with it, "I tell ya Mike there was a silent alarm that came on for an instant from this room."
Huffing in a tired boredom, "Try the main lights, Robert."
Reaching to the switch, "Yeah just a second.", Robert Downs flipped it up and down, to no effect. "It doesn't work…Come on follow me in."
Rolling his eyes, "Yeah you first, in case this place is haunted.", Mike Smithe said to his endlessly nervous friend.
Flashing their beams around, the two watchmen saw only the furniture or devices they expected to find in the room. The dark-stealth suited intruders gave off no indication of their presence, even down to their non-reflective eye coverings worn for such occasions.
Quiet, except for the breathing and footsteps of the two watchmen and occasional radio static, the pair walked together down several rows of cabinets before Mike, the nervous one, stopped.
Shakily, "Is there anyone in here?", came from the anxious watchman who paused for a reply while his partner rolled his eyes again, but said nothing.
After flashing their lights erratically about the room for a minute to catch anyone who may have been timing their scans, they ceased. And after listening for a few seconds more, they retraced their steps and went back out into the hallway.
Closing the door and locking it, Mike whispered to his partner, "I could have sworn we were being watched in there…did you feel it?"
Shrugging, "Yeah, maybe, but we'd better get the 'Goon Squad' down here just to be sure.", Robert advised.
Holding up his radio, "Their frequency is not on the radios we carry with us.", Mike said before he went down the hall, "We'll have to go back to the main desk to call them in. Let's move it."
XXX
Middleton:
Yawning after he bolted upright in bed from a deep sleep, "Wh…what's wrong Tara?", Josh asked his wife, making noises he'd never heard her make…and from the bathroom?
Her voice echoing from…somewhere, "I'll be back in a minute honey, don't get up.", Tara weakly replied.
Instantly sensing something wrong with her, but not what, Josh left their bed, headed to her and knelt beside his suddenly retching wife. Rubbing her back before he gathered her platinum hair in his hands, "That's the third night in a row, I'll get your robe, we're going to the hospital.", Josh firmly decided.
Grabbing his arm, "Josh, wait, let's not go right now...at least wait until its daylight anyway.", Tara stopped him.
Looking her over in concern, "Ok, but I'm worried, this is the third night in a row I've found you like this."
Mustering a mysterious smile Josh wasn't familiar with, "I'm not worried Josh.", Tara shook her head before her smile grew, "In fact, if it's what I think it is then our 'rents are gonna be very happy.", she sing-songed to him.
As usual from a typical male of the species, "What are you talking about Tara?", Josh hadn't quite put the pieces of the puzzle together.
Taking his cluelessness in stride, "My Mom told me stories about her morning sickness when she was carrying me…", Tara's smile, now maternal, and not just in regards of her news to her husband.
Confused, "But we've only been married seven months…well closer to eight actually…", Josh stumbled around as he tried to make sense of something so out of his league.
With a joyous smirk, "It only takes one time, Papa…and we've had soooo much practice.", Tara's giggle rang out until she was reminded that she really shouldn't have done that, as once again she was suddenly forced to make another contribution to the ceramic throne.
XXX
As the door closed with a pronounced 'Click', three dark shapes quietly phased back into view before they returned to their assigned tasks, so suddenly interrupted a few minutes earlier.
Quietly they redoubled their efforts to complete their work, for shortly there would be more visitors committed to a more thorough investigation of Robert's skittish concerns regarding the room.
X
After a short while, a finger-snap brought two out of their search and to the 'summons' of the third seated at a computer console.
A quick perusal of the discovered data later, one patted the 'Operator' on the shoulder and the information was directed to the screen's Trash Bin and emptied immediately thereafter. A miniature CD retrieved from a pouch was inserted into the drive, and a code was typed into a screen opened for the occasion. After a ten-second pause, the Enter key was pressed. One minute, eighteen seconds later the trio watched as the computer's operating system ceased to function as the hard drive had been wiped clean.
The CD-ROM retrieved before the computer was turned off, the three made their way to their exit, which had been their entrance into the room, the ventilation ducts.
Before the hastily scrambled 'Goon Squad', GJ's Heavy Security Team had lifted off from their base outside of Middleton and was on their way to the site, the trio of intruders were quite far along in extricating themselves from the secret mountain facility.
As the last ventilation duct was secured, 'This will keep them busy for a while as they wonder what had taken place.', mused the leader of the team as all stealthily made for the path used to infiltrate the complex.
Sighing lightly, she turned to her team as they quietly made their way off the mountain. Her steps a little lighter as her thoughts settled on how much closer she was to returning home to her spouse before they again took up escort duty, this time to guide their friends off the mountain. Something their Teacher informed them they would do before she received her current mission.
X
Two hours later:
Ducking into a darkened office building just as the sun began its ascent into the sky, the three darkly dressed individuals made their way into the room set aside for them to change from their stealth attire into their civilian clothing.
Seated in a chair away from the door, a small Japanese man rose and bowed as the trio removed their cowls, (It took you long enough; it was only twenty kilometers.)
Staring at him, (Sure, all you super instructors did this every day.), a female snarked back.
One looked to the snarky one, (Sensei may have to adjust your training Wanda-san.), another female chided her.
Not troubled by the rebuffs, (You old guys think you're so much.), Wanda shot back. She fixed him with a look, (You never did say what how your little adventure with Brotherson ended. Is it classified or something Antari-san?), Wanda asked the older ninja occasionally called upon for certain missions by the school.
Nonchalantly, (I can say that Mister Brotherson will not bother anyone again.), Antari replied. (And I can safely say that I think he is finally at peace.)
(Did anyone recognize you?), Suzie cut in.
A hard glare was her reply.
Suzie caught on as Yori had stood quiet during this exchange; she had been filled in of this mission by her Grandfather.
Curious, (Did he beg for mercy?), Suzie asked Antari.
(Not as much as you would think Chan-son.), Antari replied. But he should have known better than to disclose information about the Sacred Mountain. As an information broker…he should have been aware the danger he placed himself and his employees in by giving out sensitive information as he had done.)
For the benefit of her team members, Yori asked, (Any collateral damage Master?), though she knew the answer.
Looking to her, (Five…), he replied. (Brotherson's manservant and four of his personal guards had to be disposed of. A difficult task since there were over fifty people in the place, but we avoided the rest.), he followed up. At her apparent question, (I made their suffering as short as possible.)
(Does Grandfather know?), Yori asked.
(Not the details, it was a combined government and Yamanouchi operation.)
Sighing, (We need to be going. Master, Suzie-san and Wanda-san will accompany you to the rest of the sites where Stoppable-sama's information may be stored.)
Wanda began to remove her Superman…errrrr, that is to say, Supergirl duds and assume her Claire Kent persona before she noted the male ninja was still present, (Master, if you don't mind, we would like to change? If you want pictures I can send them to you later.)
Sighing, in annoyance or frustration, the women couldn't tell, (I apologize.), before he turned around.
X
Five minutes later, bags in hand, the four exited the room.
(Yori, where are you going?), Suzie asked as they walked down the hall.
(In a few days Hiro and I have to be back at Yamanouchi to guide Kim-san and Doctor Load to a few government facilities we wish them to visit. This is to assure that their mission this summer will be a partial success before they return to Middleton.), she replied. Then to the rest, (Expect to see them again next summer.)
Snorting, (So Kim-san still has the hots for your ex?), Wanda teased Yori.
Cooly, (Kim-san was Ron-san's ex before he was mine), Yori reminded Wanda. (Grandfather wants them to become one again.)
Rolling her eyes, (That is going to take some work…), Wanda retorted.
Narrowing her eyes, (We will work on the brickhead and Kim-san, I assure you.), Yori replied. (Sensei is gathering information to aid us in this endeavor.)
XXX
Aboard Storm Chaser One:
Colonel Warmarster firmly held on to the control wheel, getting a feel of how the winds were affecting the C-130 from the port side.
As he adjusted the handling of the plane, "So Colonel, how did the talk with the 'Wheels' go today?", the Co-pilot asked his CO.
Shrugging, "It could have been worse, but I didn't lose any rank."
A questioning look in his eyes, "Did the kid stomp that Japanese guy like I heard?"
Smirking, "Kaminsky took exception to the insults directed his way. In the end we teamed up with a friend of his and took about thirty out.", Warmaster said to his partner's amazement, "After it was all said and done, it was pretty thrilling."
Then sidelong to the Co-pilot, "He's a lot better than he seems to be at first glance, and his Japanese friend…just stay away from him, is all I can say."
Shaking his head in wonder, "I wonder what makes that kid so good."
Shrugging, "I guess it's from the type of school he attends. You see, there's no belt-grading system like what we're familiar with in the States.", Warmarster said.
Then to the look of askance from his Co-pilot, "You have to understand, like in our system, everyone starts as a white belt, but you don't get colored belts as you move up in ranks…the belt they give you, you wear for the rest of your time with them. It's never washed, and over time it gets black from your rolling around in the dirt of the dojo…and I guess from the blood, too."
After a few moments of reflection, "Sounds brutal to me, I think I'll just stick with car racing.", the junior officer replied.
Smirking, "Each to their own. Now check with Radar, I want to know where and when we need to drop the sondes."
Grinning, "Right boss.", before he went aft to that station.
XXX
Yamanouchi:
Noting her weary demeanor, "Kim-san you have had a strenuous time training this evening, I think we should end for the day and you should get some rest.", Sensei said as Kim did her best to stifle a yawn.
Then looking warmly to her, "Also I should tell you that your initial training is nearly at an end. You have done well in the time spent in this endeavor." She brightened at this. "And it is nearly time for you to return to America." She faltered slightly. "Your friends will return shortly to escort you down the mountain to begin your journey to your home."
As she considered this, "After you return to America you can send us an email in regards to when you are able to return next summer.", Sensei said to the former heroine.
Smiling brightly, before putting a hand to block another yawn attempt, "Thank you Sensei, I appreciate all you've done for me and Wade, and I will get the school's email address tomorrow.", Kim replied. "And you are so right, I am very tired, so I will take my leave and see you in the morning."
After rising she bowed, "Good night Sensei, Antubi. See you tomorrow."
Sensei nodded in reply, and Kim made her way out to get some sleep.
XXXX
Things moving along here. In a couple of weeks Kim and Wade learn more about Yamanouchi than GJ ever got to know from several years of surveillance, and that's what Sensei wants, for now. But Kim's outlook on getting back with Ron has improved, it's just that she still can't find him. Wade seems to have a girlfriend, and I wonder how this will play out at his home, and with Betty…As for Ron, its back to the world of hours of flight spent looking for some hornet's nest to poke, after a minor dressing down from Base Command. After years of Barkin…Ron could have done this sleeping on his feet. Meanwhile, an overlooked identity-crisis sitch is being dealt with by Yori and the Sake Sisters (Yay! Sake!), due to the close proximity of Ron to an arm of the US Government that can discover his true identity. That he wasn't found out up to now is probably due to the joys of a huge bureaucracy moving so darn slowly…That's our story and we're sticking to it. Hey, Larry and I are both former members of the Military and we have experienced such things…Oh yeah!
So until next time, hope you're enjoying the tale!