Hi and welcome back to the next installment of Storm Chaser. Moving along as RL allows, I caught a break and had this one ready in near-record time…that's my story and I'm sticking to it. Oy.
But before we continue into today's chapter, we'd like to thank those who've hit one of those buttons at the bottom of previous chapters and what that did for the tale: Jimmy1201, etyberz, Sentinel103 and Matt29man, thanks to you all, we really appreciate it.
In the last chapter, Kim and Wade were getting to the meat of their summer adventures at Yamanouchi, strengthening themselves in the ways of the Ninja and Mystical encounters, while Ron/Dean was facing the aftermath of the wild dojo brawl he, the Colonel and the Lieutenant took part in on the base. Meanwhile, a Yamanouchi mission in the US cleaned out any biological or legal traces of Ron Stoppable and the means of identifying him should background checks are done on the 'recent' Citizen abroad…Better hope there aren't any tape backups anywhere…
Kim and Wade headed home, so did Yori and her team, while Ron was about to 'bore through' the biggest storm he's yet to encounter during his internship. From here we see what comes after they get to the next station in their lives.
Before we start this puppy up, we've got to deny the aggrieved and their lawyers for our transgressions with their characters: If it came from the Kim Possible show, Disney owns it and we're not making a cent from their trip down our bunny trail. All others Larry probably created them unless he knew otherwise.
Storm Chaser
Chapter 33
Middleton, Colorado:
Releasing her BFGF from a massive hug "Well girlfriend,", Monique Jenkins said, "you haven't really said much about your trip to Japan since you've been back, and with you leaving for England again next week I won't get much time to catch up.", she admonished Kim with a mock glare, as the girls at their restaurant table looked on.
When it looked like Kim wasn't going to be forthcoming, "Girl…you have to dish something about that trip, you've been too quiet and in such a good mood since you've been back, I'm going through withdrawals from the lack of 411 from you.", Monique whined. Then pulling out her big guns, "So you just remember who's doing the fitting for your Bride's Maid dress."
Sheepish, "Sorry 'Nique, but it's been real hectic the last few weeks since Wade and I returned.", Kim apologized. Looking to her friends, "And thanks for meeting me for dinner so we can catch up." Sighing, "Where did the time go, I can't believe after all this, it's already time to go back to England.", Kim said before settling in to reveal some of her summer adventures.
Pausing to look to another friend, "But I am really stoked about next summer, what with Justy getting hitched to the big guy, and then afterward I go back to Japan.", her eyes lit up. "And I promise to take some time before I return to England to get me in line for a dress for the wedding."
Fixing Kim with a look, "Girlfriend, we'll get to that soon, but you haven't spilled about your old sidekick yet." Monique stared her down, "So…did you happen to find your squeeze…or not?"
A small smile on her face, "I found the place he went to when he left Middleton and talked to the same people he did.", Kim said, looking to her friends. Then, forlornly, "But I didn't realize just how badly what I did had hurt him.", she sighed. Hollowly, "All I do know is that he's in college somewhere right now.", Kim said.
Jumping in, "So what college is he going to?", Monique asked. "'Cause we really need to get him back here so that I can give him a lecture about the care and feeding of Kim Possible.", as the rest eagerly looked on.
Biting her lower lip, "I…I don't know, Moni.", Kim replied. "The people he talked to over there didn't have that information. But they do see him occasionally and they assured me that they will talk to him the next time he gets in touch with them…and explain what happened.", she finished softly.
Looking to Monique, "And before you tear into him I gotta see him first and explain things to him, and…beg his forgiveness...", Kim trailed off softly. Then sadly, "According to his instructor, Ron was devastated by my actions even though they weren't intentional."
"Well GF that's a good thing…And a bad one.", Monique replied as she slid the beer she had been asked to preorder, to Kim.
Shrugging, "Yeah, sorta…"
As she contemplated this, Justine leaned over and gave the red head a kiss on the cheek, in welcome, "What do you mean, sorta, Possible? It sounds like you didn't accomplish anything except play tourist while in Japan.", she chided her.
Looking to her friends, "Guys I'm a lot further along than when I started looking for him. And as a bonus, Wade and I spent over three weeks where Ron went when he left here.", Kim said before she poured her beer into the glass provided by their waitress. Putting the bottle down, "Before that though, Wade and I met with some of Japan's military and security personnel, and we talked about issues we could relate to between our countries, and that took another week."
Perking up at something Kim said, she pointed to a news report on one of the TV's, "Well, be glad you're not over there right now.", Justine said. "Looks like a typhoon is gearing up to make a run at Japan in the near term."
After taking in the report, "I haven't been paying attention Justy.", Kim turned back to them. Shrugging, "Like I said I've been real busy after we got back." Then in concern, "I hope everyone is going to be alright."
After the report ended, they all took up their menus and scanned them for a few moments before Kim continued, "Anyway, though I didn't find Ron this time, Yamanouchi has offered me the opportunity to be in Japan next summer and work with a Japanese government agency as a liaison to GJ while I'm their intern.", she said in excitement.
To Justine's sudden look of concern, "It'll be after Justy's wedding, that I made sure of.", Kim said to the blonde's relief.
"And what else will you be doing while there as a GJ Intern to the Japanese government?", Monique huffed with a gleam in her eye.
"Well, on the side, I'll be working with the people from Yamanouchi over some of the things we brought up this summer…", Kim replied.
When she was cut off, "So you're letting me get grey hair over the 'Ron sitch', aren't you Kim?", by a lightly tweaked diva. Then pointing to the TV, "Anyway that place in Japan may not be there if that storm hits them."
Before Kim could say anything, "See me at the bridal shop that we used for Tara, I know what to do for you and have a selection of dresses to choose from.", she reminded Kim.
Taken aback, "Will tomorrow be good enough Moni?", Kim asked, and received a nod from her stewing best friend, the tension releasing as she slowly let out a long breath.
The mood defused for now, Kim settled in with her beer and pointed something out to Monique about Yamanouchi, "And don't worry about that school, its way up in the mountains and it's been there a real long time. I'm sure they've weathered many storms up there.", she said from having seen the makeup of the buildings at the site. Some doing very well for having been around for so long.
"Alright, if you say so.", Monique replied. "Now meet me after six tomorrow evening and we can make it work. Afterward you can treat me to a Naco at Bueno Nacho to celebrate."
"Deal Moni.", Kim offered her hand but Monique wouldn't have any of that and wrapped her best friend in a warm hug.
"Girlfriend I want the best for you, I really do…but remember ole Mo when you tie Ron down and jump his bones.", she laughed.
Giggling, "You got it.", from the red head.
XXX
An island, seventy-six miles from Cuba:
Stalking through their lair-home, "Doctor D!", the minted hued, raven haired woman yelled, "What did you do to Sam? She's all red and splotchy!"
Slowly coming out of the dark corner he'd been hiding in, "N…n…now Shego, calm down, please?.", hands up, eyes wide in fright. "All I did was scan her with my new invention.", Drew nervously replied, "I assure you, it's completely safe."
Fixing him with a glare, "And just what was in that scan? And what is it supposed to be used for?"
Confused, "What do you mean?"
"What kind of rays…", Shego bit out. Then calmer but still irritated, "Remember she's a very small girl. You know better to experiment on children."
Scratching his head, "I don't remember the details Shego…you know me better than that.", Drakken offered. "But I'm sure our daughter is just fine, it just looks like a sunburn." Pointing in the general direction of his invention, "The machine is supposed to be used by sentries to scan off into dense terrain…", then stopped when he caught his spouse's stare. Weakly, "I see your point, and it would be best to have the medical staff check her out just to make sure."
Striding to him, and poking him in the chest until he backed up into a wall, "We're contacting Betty and having her checked out by the best!", Shego said nose-to-nose to her cringing spouse. "My child is not going to be turned into some walking blowtorch just because her Father is a blue ding-dong who doesn't pay attention…to his wife and common sense!", stressing the last words with a painful jab to Drakken's chest.
While he rubbed his chest, Shego snatched Sam up and held her tightly before glaring at the cowering father of their child, "If you've hurt her in any way I am going to make you wish you'd never thought up the idea." Then with an evil gleeful smirk, "And when I'm done, I'm going to call your Mother to finish you off!"
Cringing, "Sheeeeggooo, not Mother!", Drakken cried. Hands up when she turned sharply to him, "But you're right, it would be best to have Samantha checked out by experts, to see if she's ok.", when her glare hardened.
Shego's smile didn't reach her eyes, "Good! Now you're showing some sense for a change.", she said before turning to Sam, "I'll call GJ up and give them notice that we'll be on base sometime tomorrow."
Still nervous, "Do you want to take Sam alone Shego?", Drakken tried to beg off. "You know how much I hate dealing with those people up there…", he trailed off, when she fixed him with a look he knew sooo well.
In a no-nonsense tone, "You are coming with us blue boy, don't even try to wiggle out of it.", Shego told him.
Sighing in resignation, "Of course Shego, I'll go pack some bags in case we have to stay there for a few days.", Drakken turned to start the process.
After he left them, she cooed to her daughter, "Your Daddy sometimes can be a moron, Sammy.", and tickled the youngster. "Now let me set you in some cool water and check your temperature.", as she and the giggling child headed to the bathroom.
Truth be told, Samantha Lipsky didn't appear to be in distress from her part in her father's experiment, and it was for this reason alone that the former Dr. Drakken did not have to run to whatever hills were present on their island home. If this wasn't the case, then there was probably no place on Earth he could hide from the vengeful wrath of Sam's mother, who had a protective sense about her that could put most mother bears to shame should she have to protect her 'cub'. That and the fact that no mother, besides Shego, or any mother bear ever known came equipped with a plasma cannon of their own.
Though he always knew the risks of bringing Shego's wrath to bear on him, Drew Lipsky felt this was the closest he had ever come to being on the receiving end of such pain since the Middleton Days-Moodulator fiasco, which was still fresh in his mind and memory, even after all these years.
X
An hour later:
GJ's Director appeared on the control room video screen, "Ah, my reclusive friends,", Betty said with a friendly smile, "To what do I owe the pleasure of this call?"
Getting right to the point, "Betty, I want to bring Sam in for a checkup.", Shego said before jabbing a thumb in the general direction of their room, "Doctor Dope…", as she glared at the memory, "scanned her with some device and now she has a rash…I just want to make sure that she is all right."
Her face now serious, "I can have a full medical team scrambled and on the way there in fifteen minutes.", Betty started to begin the callout, "If it's an emergency."
Waving her hands, "No that won't be necessary, Betty. I just want to have Samantha get a checkup by professionals.", Shego halted the urgency at GJ. "And we'd like to be up there sometime tomorrow…uh that won't be a problem will it? You won't have any reporters or anything coming through at the time, will you?"
Relieved the child was in no known immediate danger, "No we try to stay under the media radar Shego, We are supposed to be a secret outfit." Releasing a breath she had been holding, "And I'll alert the staff of your visit tomorrow. Now is there anything you want the staff to test Samantha for?"
Shaking her head, "Not really, I just want to make sure."
A stare, all women seem to possess, "Where's the idiot now?", Betty sighed in frustration.
Smirking, "He's cowering right now…and packing.", Shego said in amusement. Then a conciliatory look and tone, "Listen I don't think he meant harm…right now he's sucking on his thumb like he did when Stoppable made him say his name during the diablo thing, and Sammy is sitting in his lap for comfort."
A questioning look, "When did Stoppable make Drakken suck his thumb?"
"Right after…well it was just the reaction to getting our butts stomped by Kimmie and the buffoon.", Shego replied with a frown. Then a raised eyebrow, "So how are they doing…any kids yet?"
In disbelief, "They've been apart for the last four years!", Betty cried. "Don't you guys hear anything from outside your island?"
Shrugging, "Since we had Sammy, we've stayed away from the old crowd…", Shego said, "Welll because we just want Sam to be safe."
Nodding in agreement, "I would too.", Betty said before looking off-screen. Turning back, "Listen, my staff will be ready for your visit.", she said before smiling broadly, "And it might be a good time to catch up on things after you two brief us on anything your blue guy has been working on so I can insert it into a report and make this visit work out as company business."
Grinning, "Good idea Betty, that could keep him busy all night." Rubbing her temples, "At least that could help keep him from getting into any more trouble.", Shego said. Looking to the screen, "We'll call when we get close. The beacon frequency's still the same one we were issued from way back?"
Shaking her head, "We haven't changed it, but call us before you take off so we can alert those military installations along your route. We'd like to prevent anything involving your hover craft and nervous airmen with itchy trigger fingers." Betty replied.
"You do that, and thanks.", she nodded. "Now I'm going to see about that packing, I'll, see ya tomorrow Betts.", and Shego broke off the call.
XXX
Storm Chaser One, high above the Pacific:
Clicking his mic, "We are inserting again so hold on and make sure that you are secured to your seats.", Colonel Warmarster announced to the crew. To each crewmember this wasn't a suggestion, it was practically an order, alerting all aboard that the normally sturdy Lockheed aircraft was about to get tossed around from a rough insertion.
Gripping his controls tightly, "So how many times are we going to do this today, sir?", the Captain/Copilot asked.
Looking at the gauges, "For as long as we have fuel. I just hope the geeks get this one figured out before we have to go swimming.", Warmarster replied.
Snorting, "Yeah swimming in that stuff is not going to be good. But my wife would take about five minutes to cash the life insurance policy that Uncle Sam has so graciously provided to soothe her in her time of need.", the Captain scoffed. Then in mock thought, "I wonder how long it will take her to replace me."
Peering sidelong at him, "You're just a bundle of joy Captain…problems at home?", Warmarster asked in concern for one of his friends and crewmates.
Shaking his head, "No, but I think she wants me to get out, or retire or something.", the Captain said vacantly.
Trying to make light of the situation, "Ahhh the life and headaches of being with someone who completes you.", Warmarster laughed as he scanned the Herc's gauges to make sure the aircraft was working within parameters, "Now you know why I'm the uncle and not the dad."
A corner of his mouth ticked up, "So you've said before sir." Then glancing aft, "I saw you talking to the new kid earlier, how's he doing?"
"Not bad, pretty good, in fact.", Warmarster replied. "Kaminsky's come a long way since we first tried him out in a flight suit.", he said. "At the rate he's going, they might make him the number one geek before this tour's complete."
"Yeah the geeks and everyone seems to like him, but ya think he might wanna make a career of it? The military I mean."
"Don't know, but he sure likes the science part of the mission and he seems to have a nose for these storms.", the Colonel replied after some thought. Shrugging, "But who knows, after he gets his degree we might take him on as a civvie contractor. Anyway I'm going to put his name in again as an intern for next summer."
"I thought he was staying over here till he graduates and then might return to the States…"
"He plans to do that, but we got the OK from the powers-that-be to bring a couple of the birds back next season and do this again…but next time we might start out where there's more potential storm activity.", Warmarster looked to his copilot. "So if it's more promising in our backyard he might have to travel back home at first and when things start popping over here, then we deploy back to Japan."
"So do the Japanese seem to like the program?"
Grinning, "Yeah they do, and Lockheed might need to be prepared to sell them a few birds of their own.", the Colonel replied. After a few seconds of consideration, "Then there's the science pallets…Our contractor might be getting a work order from their government to outfit those C-130s.", Warmarster responded before the plane shuddered when it hit an updraft.
XX
Sweating, Dean plotted a course correction to keep up with a storm that seemed to have a tendency to veer off after the Herc had settled into the course just set. Finally, with another meteorologist watching and nodding in approval, the intern pushed the button for the intercom. "Sir this is St…Kaminsky. At my count turn seventeen degrees to port. This storm is turning again and I think that's where we're going to get the best data."
"Are you sure Kaminsky?"
"Yes sir, it's my best guess."
"OK, when you are ready give me the count."
"Yes sir. Begin your turn in ten…nine…eight…seven…six…five…four…three…two…execute turn."
The cargo plane dripped the left, or port, wing slightly to begin its turn to the left for a few seconds then levelled off.
The speaker over Dean's desk sounded, "There, you have the turn. How does it look Kaminsky?"
Checking the results, "Just a sec sir…Yeah my Doppler looks a lot better now.", Dean replied. "At current speed and course, we need to drop a buoy in about eleven minutes.", the intern quickly mentally calculated.
XX
"Well.", the copilot chuckled, "Kaminsky seems to be pretty sure about this." Looking to his CO, "And he seems to have a lot more confidence than he used to."
The 'old man' smiled, "I told you he's doing a lot better." Then looking back, "In fact, when we land, I think I'll ask Kaminsky if we can get him fingerprinted and get a sample of his DNA over to Base Security…Two years from now he might think about working the hurricane season with us."
Curious, "Why would he want to do that Sir?"
"It looks like he might have storm chasing in his blood now and you know how those guys get. We just have to make sure that he's not someone that would flunk the intense background check that goes with the gig."
"You could just ask him…"
"And we will.", the Colonel assured the Captain. "But next year I might have him fill out the request for a security clearance…Everyone who flies with us has to have at least a 'Secret Clearance'", he waved a hand around him, "because of some of the tech involved."
Some pieces of the discussion falling into place, "Yeah I know, but doesn't he have one already?"
Shaking his head slightly, "No, he doesn't.", Warmarster replied. Glancing quickly to his copilot, "This sort of came up at the last minute…", he said to a look of surprise. "And he was 'submitted' to us and vouched for by the Japanese government. After next season he'd have to have one to work for us, anyway.", he explained.
"So when are you going to break the news to him? Kaminsky doesn't seem like the type to just conform to all sorts of rules that infringe on his civil rights."
"Yes, he does seem to be that way…a little, but after talking to and sparring with him he doesn't come off as the ultra-conservative that he makes himself out to be."
"Then why does he come off like that?"
"Maybe it's a defense mechanism so that he doesn't get hurt again…"
"Oh? So our little recluse has a history?"
Smirking, "He's not that much of a recluse.", Conrad Warmarster chuckled, "But I've had a few brews with him at the O Club…and remember, he did that barbecue for us when both birds were down because of a glitch.", he pointed out. Then thoughtfully, "I'm still trying to figure out where he got that smoker and five hundred pounds of ribs.", he said wistfully. "But all he'll put on display otherwise is that he likes to study and meditates when we're not doing anything mission related."
"And stomp guys.", the copilot chuckled, "So…are you off the hot seat yet over that impromptu smack down at the gym?"
A corner of his mouth ticked up, "Yeah. It seems the Lieutenant who helped us out is a security dude for the Japanese government. And though Kaminsky doesn't admit it, I think he gets an unofficial pass on a lot of stuff he does, too."
Shaking his head, "I wonder why that is?...Don't know about you, but I seriously doubt he could get away with a lot in the states."
Shrugging, "I don't know either, but I really do think he's coming back to the USA…"
Now fighting the 'yoke' as the Lockheed modified cargo plane shuddered, "Why's that?", the copilot strained to ask.
While helping his copilot maintain control of the aircraft, "Kaminsky's been asking some of our other geeks where the best schools are to get your advanced degree in his field, and he looked very interested in some of the schools mentioned to him over his first choices.", Warmarster replied.
XX
"Hey Dean, how's it hangin'?", Sergeant Andy Reed asked when he made it to Kaminsky's meteorologist's station where the intern was changing modes on the Doppler radar.
Still looking at his screen, "Not bad Andy." Then, "And, I like this a lot better than dropping drop sondes, I can actually see what's going on.", Dean replied with some excitement in his voice, "And when I cross-reference it with the data the sondes give us we get a lot better picture of what's going on.", he said before the cargo plane shuddered and dropped in altitude, forcing him to grab onto his table and riding out the aerial turmoil quite well. Andy grabbed for a handhold to keep from flying around inside the compartment on his own.
Having done this for years, the Air Force NCO smirked, "I told you it was important Dean. And from the way you sway in the turbulence, I can tell you just love getting tossed around like a rag doll."
Dean smiled as he mused for a few seconds. Shrugging, "Maybe not a doll, more like a Cuddlebuddy®…say like a Pandaroo®…maybe.", the blond American said of the plush toy as he reflected on its long gone owner.
With a slight, sad grin, he sighed internally as he silently wished her well, with that special guy she was sure to be involved with. Resolving to hold to his promise not to bother the relationship he was sure she had built once he got her message those years ago…that he was, indeed, her ex.
Bringing him out of his musings, "A plush toy?", Andy snorted, "What kind of guy would want one of those?"
Smiling in amusement, "Well, maybe not a guy, but I think my sister might like one to remember me by.", Dean replied.
Looking skeptically at Dean, "Yeah, but all those things are weird…"
"So?", Dean shrugged, "Some of them are highly sought out by collectors. In fact, I heard a few of them had limited runs of less than fifty.", Dean related to the Air Force NCO as he remembered Kim Possible's first mission and learning of her obsession with the Flamingoat owned by Mister Paisley.
Thinking on this for a moment, "Well if that's the case then those limited edition ones have to be worth some cash.", Andy replied.
Nodding, "Yeah, and it might be a nice investment…"
"Well, if you don't waste it on kids.", Andy countered, "They'd just destroy them in nothing flat."
Offhandedly, "Not all kids are like that.", Dean replied, "If parents teach them the value of stuff I'd bet that most would take care of their things.", he suggested. Shrugging, "Anyway those toys are meant to be used."
"Maybe so, but a lot of parents today let their kids get away with anything.", Andy replied. "But still, I don't think that they'll hold up all that well."
Smirking, "To some extent Mom and Dad let my sister get away with stuff, but she's pretty well behaved and takes care of her dolls and other toys.", Dean told him, "If I had the cash it would be a good investment for her."
"Then she's pretty lucky and so are your parents.", Andy said before he started to his station, "Now, I'll see you later. I have the other intern back there with me and I have to keep an eye on her and hope she doesn't drop herself through the chute instead of a sonde.", he chuckled. "You have fun up here."
Mock thoughtfully, "Yeah you'd better,", Dean smirked, "She did look a little green around the gills when I last saw her…later.", he waved before he turned to his screen.
Andy laughed, "If she hurls she can clean it up, I am not her maid."
Snorting, "You can at least give her a bucket.", Dean suggested.
XXX
Yamanouchi:
Seated around a low table, a red-robed, white haired old man addressed one of the five dressed in black gi's, (Yori-kun, have you and your team been successful in eliminating all traces of the Chosen One from the files of police agencies assigned to you?), as he placed his tea cup on the table before him.
Setting her tea cup on the table, (Of course Grandfather, all data pertaining to Ron-sama has been destroyed a little over a week ago. Suzy-san and Wanda-san were my witnesses.), Yori replied as both women nodded in agreement.
A small smile, (Thank you Granddaughter.), Sensei nodded back. (I just wished to be assured of the success of your mission.) Then frowning, (Was there any need for lethal measures to secure mission security?)
A slight shake of the head, (There was no need, Grandfather. In fact the boredom of the government asset we encountered did nothing but give us the motivation we needed to complete the task more quickly than envisioned.), Yori grinned to Suzy's and Wanda's light groans.
(It was lucky that we realized this Sensei, and that our oversight didn't come back to haunt us.), Hirotaka interjected. (If Stoppable-sama returns to his homeland and was in the employ of any entity requiring the veracity of his identity, they may desire fingerprints or a blood sample to prove who he is.)
Wanda frowned, (Baka…that is why we borrowed your spouse…to make sure that we cleaned as many places as we could think of.), then smirked, (All you had to do was keep Stoppable-sama out of trouble…And you couldn't even do that.) Then looking sternly to Hiro, (If this continues we might have to bring the Mechanic back.)
(Those are hurtful words my friend…), Hiro scolded her, but before the banter between them could escalate they were interrupted by the white haired ninja master.
With a look that brooked no further banter, (No more, either of you, what is done is done.), Sensei said. (There are a few people on at that facility who should be talked to in the upcoming weeks to make sure this does not happen again.), he stated, looking to Hirotaka, (We should have no more need of our friend's abilities. Once this decade was enough, he removed a thorn which may have hobbled us in time.)
The undercover ninja frowned, (I had no idea that our friend was going to engage in a beat down of the martial arts students on that base Wanda-san.), looking to her in bewilderment. Then fixing her with a look all at the table were familiar with, (However, some of them were abrasive in their mannerisms and language to someone they felt beneath them.), he let hang for a few moments. Then a knowing smirk, (Although, you,), he nodded to Wanda, (would have been right at home in the roughhousing atmosphere present.)
Ignoring the shot, she was still riled at Ron nearly breaking character at that airbase, (Fool!), Wanda exclaimed, (The Chosen One is supposed to stay behind the scenes where he can assist Yamanouchi in its efforts to keep Japan safe from those who wish to do us harm! Displaying his abilities in such a manner may lead some to begin asking embarrassing questions…)
Sensei interrupted, (And government agents will encourage those who ask these question to not do so in the future.)
(People are dumb Sensei.), Hiro responded.
(My friend they can also be influenced to mind their own business as well,), Sensei replied matter-of-factly. (But after this event I am certain that the authorities have taken precautions that the hazing will not happen in the future.), he smiled ever so innocently.
XXX
Aboard Storm Chaser One:
Hand on the intercom 'Transmit' button, Dean began a countdown Sergeant Andy Reed listened for at his end of the C-130.
"Drop in five…four…three…two…one…drop, drop, drop.", before the American intern removed his finger from the button.
He didn't have to wait long for the response, "It's deployed Kaminsky."
After spending a few moments reading the screens receiving data transmitted to him, Dean pressed the button again, "I have data…and it looks good."
One of the staff weather geeks with him stared at the screen, "It looks like you nailed it Kaminsky!", he said with a mix of excitement and respect as the plane rocked in the turbulence, "You picked it up a lot faster than I did."
Happy from the near-peer review, "Thanks Ben…", holding on to his table before looking to his screens again, "Hold on I gotta tell the old man what we're gonna do next…" Taking in the data, and making a few calculations, "Uh I think we need to stay on this course and head out and then turn to, oh say, about a heading of 220 degrees and then turn back into the storm." Thoughtfully, after taking in the upcoming flight path, "I wonder just how much fuel we have left."
After scanning over Dean's shown work, "Call Warmarster up and see what he thinks, he's the one who's responsible for this crate and he's the one who gets to explain it to the brass if we have to go swimming."
Shaking his head, "I get all that. It's just that I have to wonder if we have to head back in and gas up.", Dean retorted as the plane bucked in the storm wall.
"Again his call,", he replied, "but we've been out here for seven hours and we have to be getting close to our max range."
Reluctantly Dean agreed as he held on to his equipment table, "Yeah, I hear you, but this is my first big one and this is so cool trying to figure out what it's going to do.", as he looked down to his equipment and charts.
In mock seriousness, "Do yourself a favor Kaminsky…"
When Dean looked to him, "Run as far as you can when we get back."
Taken aback, "Why would I want to do that?"
Smirking, "It's getting into your blood, that's why. And weather…or rather hurricane hunting is going to spoil any kind of relationship that you are going to try to have.", the weather geek said with some authority. "It's always going to be in the back of your mind no matter what else you try to maintain in your life."
Shrugging, "But I like it, I mean I really like it…"
Shaking his head, a corner of his mouth curled up, "Then you're a lost cause, Kaminsky."
A lopsided grin, "Don't see a problem for me anyhow…I don't have a relationship anyway, and I don't plan on having one anytime in the future either.", Dean responded.
"Well, if you get so involved in this it's going to take over your life, you never will…but if that's what you want…", his voice trailed off.
After a few moments contemplation, Dean began to chuckle, "It might have been a problem a few years ago, but I'm pretty sure that chapter of my life is over. Other than this,", waggling a hand at his station, "all I intend to do with my life is kick back with a good book, sipping on the occasional brew…", Dean said, settling in his seat, "I feel like I'm making a difference here and I like the feeling of that."
XXX
Middleton, Colorado:
The girls were in their third beer, each, when Monique Jenkins' cell phone began to ring. Finally after three rings Justine Flanner looked at the number displayed, "Guess who's calling you 'Nique?"
Oblivious to the question, lost in her gazing at the 'hunks' than paying attention to the banter at the table, Kim answered instead, "Who?"
A raised eyebrow, "Zita.", was Justine's reply.
Puzzled, Kim asked, "How do you know it's Zita, Justy?"
A buzzed gleam in her eye, "'Cause I'm a genius with a photographic memory that's why.", Justine snarked. "Once something goes in it doesn't go out."
Diverting her focus before her inborn superior streak came out again, "Give me the phone Justy, I have to talk to Felix and Zita.", Kim reached for the device.
Holding the phone back, the blonde frowned, "I don't know Kim, she's got a temper and you and they really haven't worked this out about Ron between the three of you.", Justine warned the red head. Then relenting when she saw Kim wasn't going to back down, "Are you sure you want to talk to them?"
Sheepishly, "I sorta have to Justy, maybe Felix knows something I missed in all this."
Handing it over to her, "Alright, but it's your funeral."
Taking the phone, "I'm a big girl,", Kim huffed, "I've finally got all my shit in one sock."
Smirking, "I guess that's one way of putting it Possible.", Justine leaned in to see if she could catch the audio of the call.
Kim pushed the call button. "Monique Jenkins' phone, how may I help you?"
A woman's voice with a slight Spanish accent replied, "Is Monique there? This is Zita Flores."
"Hi Zita, how are you?"
"Who is this?"
"Kim…Kim Possible.", the red head replied and then held the phone in front of her, more to keep the 'eruption of outrage' from her ear she felt was coming from the other end, than to allow all at the table to listen in.
So it was that Kim, Justine and Monique, after she quit ogling the waiter, listened in to a quite spirited conversation between a young man and Zita until his voice came on. "Kim this is Felix…", came a lengthy pause, before all could hear a deep breath being taken on the other end, "Just what the hell did you do to Ron?!", the young man's voice blasted from the phone.
Monique, worried that this confrontation would trigger a relapse with Kim, cut in, "Felix this is Monique, you have to calm down and we need to talk about this face to face. This isn't something that we can discuss over the phone.", she cautioned him. "Now, where are you?"
Brusquely, "We're an hour out 'Nique.", Felix replied. Then after he calmed down, "Zita wants to talk to you about our wedding plans this weekend."
Closer to the phone now, "Ok, we can do that Felix as long as you remain calm with Kim. There are things going on that no one had a clue about, and tearing into her is not going to make things better.", Monique reasoned. "It won't help get Stoppable back either and getting miss fiery and headstrong upset might make it worse in the long run."
Anger coming through again, "Monique…I just want to give her a piece of my mind. I haven't heard from the first friend I ever made when I got to Middleton in ages…", Felix stopped before he went off over the phone again.
Cutting him off, "He befriended me right away too, Wheels. And don't forget your girl was the first to ever go out with him back in the day.", Monique reminded him that others missed Ron too, in all of this.
After a short pause, "OK we'll talk…", sounding a bit more subdued now.
Satisfied, "Good we'll talk, not yell, but talk, understand?", Monique replied. "And since I have to take Possible into a bridal shop tomorrow afternoon anyway, I talk to Zita too, if she wants me to help her with her dress."
Coming back on the line, "We'll be in town in less than an hour, where do you want to meet?", Zita asked.
"Meet us at Campy's; we're here and dinner's almost done for us. We can talk while you eat.", Monique suggested.
"That's the place a couple of blocks from the mall?", Zita asked.
"Yeah, and we've been drinking beer, but if we're going to get into that kind of talk, Kim, Justy and I are going to switch to soda or ice tea or something."
"Alright Monique…Felix and Kim can have their meeting while you and I talk about the wedding…But who's Justy?"
Smirking, "Justine Flanner.", Monique deadpanned. "And the rest is fine with me, but Kim does need to talk to your guy and Flanner can be the referee so the bloodshed is kept to minimal.", she said to Justine's snort and Kim's widening eyes.
They heard a snort over the phone, "I guess that's acceptable. We'll be there in about forty-five minutes. Later.", then the phone disconnected.
Justine leaned in with a smile on her face, "This is going to be fun to watch…"
Giving the blonde genius a look, "Don't even go there girlfriend." Then looking to her best friend, "Kim, are you going to be alright?", with worry in her voice.
A look of resignation on Kim's face, "Yeah,", she sighed, "I might even let Felix pop me once real good for some payback…"
Eyes narrowing at the red head, "This is a restaurant and bar Kim, not a dojo, so we ain't going there.", Monique glared at Kim's small surrender to her self-pity. "Anyway let's see if we can defuse this long festering bomb before it goes off."
XXXX
All set, get ready for some fireworks to come. Hope that restaurant's insurance can cover any mayhem that could come from that talk. But Ron's really getting bitten by the bug, and may go the distance in his new field, if nature and mechanical issues don't intrude.
But Drew's going to need that hospital at GJ if he keeps testing stuff on Sam. Mama Bear with green plasma going off on him seems to be the best kind of 'positive reinforcement'…, if nothing else.
Thanks for following along. Until next time!