Storm Chaser
Chapter 39
And after a lengthy delay, here's the next chapter of our tale. Hope we haven't lost too many in our dithering's from chapter to chapter…
Last time Ron, or Dean, reconnected with his 'former crush', AKA: That coed who stalked the blond until fate, in the form of Yamanouchi's legendary carousing Ninjas, set an unsuspecting boy at her on the ski slopes. A few months gone by, and Ukuma's wisdom regarding boys and the 'one who got away', were on display as she explained to her BF, her realization of how she, and the rest of the females of the planet, would never be able to have the blond's heart. Friendship is good enough for her while she assures her BF that he's no second prize. Though he's in denial, something Ron/Dean is still fighting about with others about a certain red head...he's too stubborn to do anything else, otherwise.
Meanwhile, Kim is slowly being brought into the fold at GJ. Further training and sparring with the Big Boss are on tap as recovery and growth take place for the red head and Team Possible's former Tech Leader.
Ron is still debating with Toshimiru, Sensei and Rufus about Kim (when he's not interfering with Yakuza enforcers), Kim's still getting up to speed while continuing her hunt for her long lost misguided love, Drew, Shego and Sam are enjoying their lives of solitude in the Caribbean, while Sheldon is in a quandary while on the way to a 'Business Meeting' (to recruit or just go back to the side he pledged his 'allegiance') with an employee who may have successfully circumvented his 'employee screening process'…
Before we start up, we'd like to thank the following for staying with us: mythule, Bobtrumpet, jch529, sodan64, seol shadow, Krusher, MilleGirl, dandraftl15, skyjadeprincess and Potip, thanks to you all.
Now on to the tale.
Several months later, over the Gulf of Mexico:
Over the continuous thrum of the four turboprop engines a voice droned over the intercom of the C-130 Hurricane Hunter, "Drop on my count.", as the blond young man, from one mile up, prepared an attempt to hit the dye patch on the waters below him.
"Five"
"Four"
"Three"
"Two"
"One…Drop. Drop.", Dean Kaminsky called out the cadence over the intercom with Andy listening intently and ready to drop the buoy at the correct moment.
Colonel Warmarster listened in while he let his co-pilot get some much needed practice for these events. Three minutes after the drop he announced, "Kaminsky you get any closer and they're going to have to wear helmets to keep from betting beaned on the noggin'. You have it wired now."
Coming back over the intercom, "That's nice to hear sir, but did they recover it?", Dean's question of the moment.
Crackling back, "Yes they did, so you done good. However, the chute didn't deploy like we planned, but the device survived the shock of the water landing and was floating when the pickup team recovered it…just about now.", the officer said matter-of-factly.
After that information was absorbed, "We're done for the day and are heading home.", Warmarster declared with an air of command to his voice. Then airily, "Beers are on the weather geek."
Dean's laughter rang out over the intercom, "Alright, but remember I'm not making a dime off this idea. I'm giving it to whoever is in charge of ordering those things. At least we won't be losing the practice buoys."
X
Keesler AFB, Officer's Club, back patio:
The 'Old Man' raised his cup of beer, "Here's to our intern, he just saved us a bunch of bucks."
Dean raised his beer cup in return, "Thanks for letting me play with the big boys, sir. It's good to try and give something back."
Motioning Dean closer to be heard over the din, "So how did you come up with that sound buoy and produce it over the last school year?", Warmarster asked the Sixty-Four Dollar Question of his intern.
Dean took another sip and sat down at a picnic table, "Well I had some money floating around and a few friends who are like, almost geniuses in the engineering school at the college I attend, so I paid them to design and make some prototypes."
The Colonel nodded, "But how did you know that it would survive the fall?"
"Well sir, my buddies built a few of them after crunching numbers. Then we dropped them out of airplanes to see what the impact would do to the electronics. After we started getting survivors, we worked on making them buoyant even after the landing, and finally we put transponders on them so we could find them."
A raised eyebrow, "So a bunch of hard work, eh?"
"Yeah and…no.", Dean grinned. "A couple of papers are being written by mechanical engineering and electrical engineering students for extra credit.", he smirked. Then smiling, "Anyway, looking for these things could end up becoming an excellent start in the real-world practice of direction finding", Dean explained as he set down his now empty cup.
Now a little surprised, "So then, you paid for the development?", Warmarster asked.
Shrugging, "Yeah. Like I said I had the funds and the interest rate sucks right now so why not?" Rubbing his chin in thought, "I mean I wasn't going to make much money so why not spend some of it and create something I felt we needed." Raising an eyebrow, "So in the future if the government wants to go that route we can manufacture them at a cost of about twice what the disposable ones are, but we can use them multiple times, resulting in a definitive cost savings.", Dean explained, leaving out that he had taken care of this, along with something he had done for a recent event he just couldn't attend because of where he was at the moment.
Fixing him with a look, "Just how many do you have made, Kaminsky?", the older man inquired.
"Only about a hundred, and all of them are ready to go so we can put them in play for us to get a better understanding of what they will do.", he replied. Leaning forward, "I want to use some of them in live situations, if we have the chance, because the transmitter in these have a much better range than the current ones. Plus, they have beacons on them so that it's easier to retrieve them."
Cocking an eyebrow at Dean, "It sounds like you want to have reusable ones for real missions?"
Nodding, "Well if we get them this cheap and we can reuse half of them because we can recover them, we stand to save money which we can use for other things.", Dean pointed out. "And if we extend the battery life, we might be able to get between two thirds to three quarters back and reuse them more than once."
XXX
Middleton, Colorado:
With a devilish smirk, Kim Possible lightly tapped a spoon to her wine glass, signaling that it was time for the Bride and Groom to find each other and meet up at the Wedding Cake. And for the Groom to try to use a piece of Wedding Cake as a post-ceremony 'makeup accessory' on the Bride's face. (It's a tradition in the States for Groom to attempt this, much to the Bride's dismay. The author doesn't know about the rest of the world regarding this tradition…but since the wedding IS taking place Colorado which is IN the U.S., we are going with it…AN)
Mike Little (formerly of the USMC), quickly snapped his head around in an effort to find his new wife. Meanwhile Justine (formerly Flanner, and now Little) did the same for her new husband, and immediately streaked across the reception hall with her arms opened wide.
Giggling beside the red head, "That was evil, GF.", the African-American fashion diva tried not to snort in her glass.
Raising her wineglass in salute to the 'reunited' couple, the red head smiled, "Serves them right for being caught so far apart, 'Nique.", Kim replied innocently. Then smirking, "Just wait till Felix and Zita's wedding."
Monique snorted, "I'm suddenly rethinking inviting you to my wedding GF." Smirking sidelong at her best friend, "You are totally wicked."
Waving a hand nonchalantly before she sipped her wine, "Don't worry Moni, Wade and I will crash yours and we'll get everyone arrested.", Kim airily replied. Then, a sad smile came to the red head's face as she looked to the table where she was seated, "At least we're at one of the adult tables."
Confused, "Huh?", from Monique.
Sighing wistfully, "It was back in high school. Ron and I went to one of his cousin's weddings. Having me there made it so that he didn't have to eat at the kids' table since he had a date and all.", Kim explained the context to the 'adult table' crack. A crooked smile, "That family could be so weird at times.", she reflected. Then arching an eyebrow to her friend, "It was also the first time Ron went evil and scared poor Shawn out of his wits…" Smirking, "The little brat deserved it."
Tilting her head in thought, "That was the kid that used to terrorize Ron, wasn't it?"
"Yeah.", she sighed, looking forlornly at the tabletop, "I wish that's where I was right now…", Kim trailed off. "I mean at Ron's side as his date…or his wife.", she sighed again.
Somewhat exasperated, "GF, you are carrying that torch way too long for that boy.", Monique shook her head. "You might want to move on to greener pastures and get yourself laid big time.", her grin devilish.
Kim's gaze slowly turning back to Monique, her eyes a little distant, "I have it on good authority that I will meet Ron again…" she paused to take a breath, "And once that happens I'll speak with him and do everything in my power to not let him disappear again until we've done exactly that.". The red head's smile a bit wicked. Grinning to her friend, "And by then, I suppose you'll have a hottie of your own…".
Playfully indignant, "So not.", Monique snorted. "Anyway…how are you going to pull that off, Kim? No one's even seen skinny boy in, what, years?", she countered as she took a sip of wine.
Her tone of someone assured, "I know people who have spoken with him and I've told them that I really need to talk to him…", Kim related to her friend before taking a sip of her wine, "to bring us back on the path that most of us think we should be on."
Her voice skeptical, "So you've said.", Monique arched an eyebrow at the red head, "But since you're speaking like this I take it you haven't spoken with him…", her voice rising at the end.
Kim then dropped the bomb, "Last fall he was in a pub just off campus while I was in there." The red head sniffled in recollection, "I missed him when he walked out…I had just left for the restroom.", now looking devastated.
Monique's heart went out to the miserable expression on her friend's face as she continued, "He must have known I was there…he knows I go to school there…", Kim fought to keep the pain from her words, "He…he paid for it, Monique…all of it...everything.", her voice a whisper. Fighting to keep the tears from falling. "I should have stayed in Middleton with him.", her lips trembling as she struggled to keep it together.
Quickly at her friend's side, "GF, don't you go there.", Monique held an arm while slowly rubbing Kim's back to calm her down, "What's done is done and we can't undo it." Gripping her arm lightly, "C'mon now, we've gone over this before…"
Leaning into her friend's shoulder, "Moni it's just so hard! I want to be with him so bad…", Kim let go for a moment, "It feels like there's a hole in my chest.", she cried as the pain went out with her words while Monique held her gently, yet firmly.
Gently coaxing, her voice soothing, "I know it does,", Monique quietly assured Kim, "but you do have to relax, and not keep yourself so wound up, even if you want to be with Ron exclusively, or you're going to burn yourself out.", she advised the red head as she gently turned her to the fashion diva.
Focusing on her eyes, "Now if you think about it…and you did say that you guys have mutual friends who will talk to him, I bet he'll see he needs to meet with you again so you can explain what happened." Kim nodded, her features relaxing at the hope this represented. "Anyway I'll just bet he was at that bar by chance.", Monique told her friend not letting on that she felt that Ron might have been stalking her.
They sat quietly for a few moments more while Kim composed herself, and before either could continue, the music started. Taking the pleasant interruption to the downer mood she found her friend in, "Now let's go get in line for a chance to get a dance with the big lug.", Monique lightly urged Kim. "You have a dollar on you, don't ya?", her eyes bright as she gestured to the dance floor.
Snorting, "I have more than that Monique.", Kim smirked with a look of 'you-should-know-me-by-now' mixed in with genuine gratitude as the women began to check their makeup for retouching. Nodding to each other in satisfaction, Kim smiled, "GJ is giving this intern some real spending money these days.", she related to her friend as she rose from her seat and motioned for the African-American fashion diva to follow her. With steps, and mood, lighter than earlier, both young women made their way to the dance floor as the disc jockey announced the rules for the 'Dollar Dance'.
Normally, this part of the wedding reception was for the guys present to 'pay' to dance with the Bride…But, a few of the female Middleton alumni met prior to the wedding and plotted to add their own twist to this tradition by rounding up some of the old Middleton female alums to have them 'pay' to dance with the Groom while the bride was getting some honeymoon spending money, per the custom.
The guys were lined up thirty-deep to dance with Justine while there were only a handful of girls who made their way over to Mike Little's side of the dance floor. Kim, second in line, tucked the fifty into the former Marine's slack pocket and held her hand to him. "How have you been D-Hall buddy?", Kim smiled at her former 'cellmate', "Do you still like sparkles?"
Big Mike's chest rumbled as he chuckled at the reference. "Yeah Kim, but don't spread it around, would ya? I still have a rep to protect.", as he looked around in faux-concern. As both giggled, "I'm fine and happy now Kim." After looking her over for a moment, "And you look very pretty tonight.", the Marine NCO told her…well the recently released from active duty Marine NCO that is…
Smiling brightly, "Thank you Mikie.", Kim replied. "Justy is lucky to have you, and we're all grateful for what you've been a part of and so happy that you came back to her."
Looking to his Bride, "And I'm lucky to have her too, Kim.", Mike's smile was caught by her as she glided across the floor with several denominations pinned to her dress. "You know she'll be working at the Space Center near, your Dad now."
Nodding, "So I've heard from Dad.", she replied. A curious look to her dance partner, "So now that you are out, what are you going to do with all your free time?"
"Going to make good on my benefits, so I'm going to college now.", the Jarhead smiled
Smiling in return, "I'm glad you are Mike.", the red head replied. Then somberly, "I've heard you've been wounded big guy, I hope it doesn't give you grief as you get older."
Looking at her sagely, "You know Kim, getting shot at gets you to focus.", Mike spoke of a truth he learned like all who came back from such things. "You gain a perspective that I think makes it easier to study, and this is something I want to get done before we start having kids.", the large former Marine related to the former cheer captain.
Recognizing the look in his eyes, the familiarity more from having seen it in the eyes of someone she still loves, "It does, danger makes you appreciate the little things if you'll pardon my pun, you hero, you.", Kim lightened the mood. Though she saw this in her mirror over the years, she was quite aware that what she saw in Mike's eyes and Ron's eyes was deeper than what she saw in her reflection.
As Monique approached, Mike Little snorted out a laugh, "I think it's something that we could discuss after Justine and I get home from our much delayed honeymoon, Kim." With a lopsided grin, "Maybe with enough alcohol in us we'll be able to come up with all sorts of fixes for the world.", he said, bringing up a longstanding tradition of Marines and others who have stood between their country and harm, when 'offline' from duty.
Nodding slightly, she was brought out of her musings by, "Kim…", from behind her.
Lightly shaking her head, "Huh?", Kim looked over her shoulder, nodded and stepped away from the large young man. Looking to Mike Little, "Thank you Mike, it was my pleasure.", her smile beaming.
The former Middleton footballer laughed, "I can't wait till your wedding, Kim.", his grin predatory. "I plan to short sheet your bed." Both laughed, though Kim's was less boisterous, "Now find that slacker and tie him down, then let me know where he is. I'll have him in front of the altar waiting for you." His smile of promise, hers of hope.
Shaking her head, yet smiling a little sadly, "Thanks Mikie, but something tells me that Ron can't be made to do anything anymore." Patting him on the arm, "But it'll be a challenge to get him there. Remember he's the guy who stomped the aliens."
A little skeptical, "Yeah that's what Justine said. I thought she was pulling my leg.", the combat veteran peered at her.
A knowing look, Kim assured him, "So not 'D' hall buddy." Then placing her hand on his arm, "And again thanks for the dance and have a good time on your honeymoon." The pretty red head then stepped closer and gave Mike a kiss on the cheek, then turned to Monique, "I've got him warmed up for you Moni."
Snorting, "It took you long enough GF.", the African-American fashion diva smirked, "You're so out of practice."
Sashaying past her longtime friend, "Find my guy for me, Moni, and I'll be back in practice sooon enough.", and with that, Kim slowly sauntered over to her table.
A stunned expression on his face from watching Kim's 'exit', "I guess Kim really misses Ron, Monique.", Mike chuckled as Monique Jenkins took his hand.
Looking fondly at her friend, then back to Mike, "Don't you know it Mr. Hero, it's been a bad time…When she first came back it was hard for her.", her smiled dimmed. "But I believe Justine told you she had a breakdown over in England and that's why she didn't contact anyone…and I guess, Ron."
Shaking his head sadly, "Ron wouldn't have cared, Monique. He loved Kim…", Mike reasoned lowly as they danced.
"She didn't want him to see her that way.", now pensive. "You know, having a nervous breakdown and all…" Shrugging, "I know that's flawed logic, but I guess when you've lost it, not much stuff makes sense to you.", Moni informed the former Jarhead.
His eyes distant, a touch of familiarity in them as he glanced to Kim, then back to Monique, "Possible spent her whole high school existence trying to be this superhuman heroine, whether she realized it or not…", his voice laced with respect for the burden that came with it. "And through it all, it was Stoppable who backstopped her, all the way from the beginning, so she could gain the confidence to become the heroine she was…", he said somberly, before smirking mischievously, "Except for that time when he bailed on her to be Prince Wally's campaign manager for class president.", and was joined in some ironic snickering at what was recalled of the event. Mike was there, Monique had yet to be introduced to the Club Banana power shopper.
"So true big guy, so true.", Monique replied with a gleam in her eye over the tale she'd heard of back in school. Then in concern, "So…what does it feel like being away from the action?", the lifelong civilian asked the combat veteran.
Letting out a deep breath, "I think I did my part for the great cause lil sister.", Mike replied warmly. "But now that I'm back, I plan on relaxing for a bit and going on with my life with my new Bride." Now smirking, "Justine sings all sorts of praises to you ya know, and not all of them are on the side of our better Angels."
Blushing while remembering some of their adventures in a 'pub environment', "We really bonded together after you and Kim left Middleton, Mike. But not all of those bonding moments were with 'enhancements' in bars.", she replied.
Nodding, "Justine told me the circumstances about you being lonely after Kim and Ron left.", he patted her gently on the back, "She's very happy that you guys get along together as well as you do.", smiling at his Wife's friend.
Her eyes a little watery, "I owe her and her Mom and Dad, Mike.", Monique replied. "They took me in when I got back from freshman year…Justy is as much a sister to me as Kim is and that says a lot.", the fashion diva stated to her friend's Husband.
X
Kim sat back and relaxed as Monique made her way over to the former heroine. When she got there, "Are the other girls having fun with Mike too."
Cocking an eyebrow, "You saw me talking with Hope didn't you?", Monique asked in turn.
Smirking mischievously, "Sure did. I just want to make sure he's so tired he falls asleep before he completes his husbandly duties.", Kim swirled the wine in her glass before taking a sip. "Why did you think I went to the trouble of getting thirty of the girls in our class to dance with him tonight?"
The fashion maven giggled, "You are evil, GF."
Fixing her with a look, "Yeah…now all I have to do is find you a nice hottie and my work here will be done.", Kim laughed lowly.
Huffing, "I don't mind you introducing me to someone Kim, but I like to make my own decisions regarding my love life, please and thank you.", the young and very attractive African-American woman mock warned.
Kim snorted, "Like you've even been trying…"
Quite familiar with this game she and Kim played for years, "As if you've been doing so well yourself, GF.", she mock chided.
In playful outrage, "I HAVE made progress and hope to be closer to rejoining the Mad Dog this summer.", Kim countered.
Hope in her eyes, "I know you have made progress Kim, but it's all so frustrating to not see you in skinny dude's arms.", Monique said. A gentle hand on her friend's arm, "From the succession of pictures you've showed me, and others, for us to see how bad it was for you.", she lightly gripped her arm. "BUT you have to make even more progress this summer.", Monique encouraged her longtime friend.
A little warily, "Moni I plan to make progress…", Kim said. Then frowning, "But I have been warned about coming on too strong…", she enlightened the fashion diva of some of the things she had been warned about regarding Ron as things became between them.
Monique frowned at hearing this, feeling she was missing something about Kim and her 'Ron sitch', as it was known.
Noting her friend's confusion, Kim leaned in to tell her the reason she was having so much trouble finding Ron. "In spite of our amorous behavior during most of our Senior year at MHS," the red head blushed slightly, "Ron interpreted my sudden elusiveness during my freak-out episode as a sign that no longer wanted anything to do with him…", she paused to sigh. "That I had replaced him with a hottie, at Oxford…" Monique's jaw dropped as Kim continued, "Shattered, he returned to Japan and told them he was done with his former life, including those he loved, and was going to remain within their sphere of influence for much of the rest of his life."
Shaking her head to clear it, "Girl…from the torrid details you shared with me back in high school, and trust me, if I was any good at writing porn…", both women blushed profusely, "I could have sold your stories to make some good money for college.", she smirked at the red head.
Taking mock offense, "Monique! I shared that stuff with you because we agreed to share secrets like that…I know you wouldn't embarrass me like that!", her teasing rant finished with a smirk and a narrowed eyebrow.
A glint in her eyes, "GF I would have changed the names to protect the innocent…and as for you guys, I couldn't really use the term innocent.", Monique smirked. "But you have to admit, you two were very clingy during your sessions in the treehouse."
Kim snorted, "Clingy?", she mock outraged. Crossing her arms on her chest, "So not the word I would have used 'Nique.", the tweaked red head retorted. "Maybe, maybe…intimate would be a better one.", she reached for a G-rated term.
Snorting her reply, "Yeah, right…Intimate, yeah, let's go with that.", Monique shook her head playfully. "At least you guys used protection."
Kim's voice went much lower, "Not always, Monique…", as she observed her surroundings. "But I didn't care.", her eyes wistful. "I just wanted him anyway I could have him."
Surprised, "Miss Possible.", Monique gasped. "You know better…"
Sighing, her shoulders slumped, "I know, but I didn't care…", Kim said in resignation. Then pondering, "You know…I might have subconsciously been trying to entrap Ron into staying with me…"
Nipping the beginnings of one of her best friend's pity fests in the bud, "Kim.", Monique admonished, shaking her head and placing a hand on the red head's shoulder, "Think about it, ok?…I think skinny boy wanted to be entrapped by you.", she cocked her head to Kim as she lightly shook her shoulder. "In fact, I think he would have initiated the 'protection sitch' himself if he was worried about it too much.", she assured her. "He is an adult, you know."
Sighing in resignation, "I know, I know 'Nique…", Kim lamented, "it's just I feel I could have done things differently and we'd still be together…"
Heading off another pity fest, "You know what I think Kim?", Monique slightly shook her friend's shoulder.
Eyes out of focus, "I'm not sure I should ask…", loss in her voice.
Monique lightly gripped the shoulder, "You guys were so joined at the hip…", she smirked to a now sheepish red head, "that maybe you needed to be away from each other for a while to truly appreciate what you had."
Kim frowned, "Maybe, but not for four years…", she said in exasperation.
Shrugging as she gently shook Kim's shoulder, "So it got out of hand GF. You freaked and had a nervous breakdown…", she trailed off. Then pointedly looking to Kim, "Which may or may not have been caused by your guy's nightmares…from what you said."
Hunching her shoulders, "Yeah I know…", Kim exhaled slowly in frustration.
"So…this could at least partially be his fault.", Monique offered to the distraught woman.
Shrugging, "True, but if I'd asked for help when this all started…then maybe this wouldn't have gotten out of hand like it did.", Kim countered, and again started down a very familiar, well-worn path of self-doubt she and her closest friends and family knew of.
Changing the subject to keep her friend from going there, Monique brought up another subject as Kim took a sip of wine, "Now what are you planning for Renton and Flores?", pointing towards them currently situated across the room.
Sighing mischievously, "Wellllllll plans are taking shape Moni…I had Wade crack Felix's password on his email account and I now know the resort they are honeymooning at."
Smiling evilly, "So what are you doing to them?", the fashion diva snorted.
Casually taking in her surroundings, and making sure no 'unauthorized ears' were nearby, "OK but you can't tell a soul.", she took another sip of wine, "And it cost me more than a few bucks…", she did her best to stifle a grimace.
Monique's eyes started to tear up in mirth, she was that sure Kim would pull off something that was even more ingenious than all her former techno-villains, combined, were capable of doing, "Girlfriend?...Just what is it that you have planned for them?", she almost fell into her glass of wine.
Rolling her eyes, and still doing a short reconnaissance of the area around her and Monique, "Wellllll…since you asked and promised not to say anything…" Then Kim did a 'little more than subtle recon' before pulling Monique closer to her, "About midnight, after they get to their room I've hired a Mariachi band to serenade them so that they can't get to sleep…"
Shrugging, a little let down at that seemingly innocuous tidbit, "That doesn't sound too bad…"
Cutting her off, "The band I hired has amplifiers.", Kim conspiratorially whispered, then barely snuffed a snort, drawing looks from curious people around them, "And I also paid the staff off to shut down the newlywed's phone for the night."
Trying not to collapse in a giggle fit, "Oh…you have got to be kidding me!", she covered a snort. "Someday…say at our ten-year reunion…", a snort slipped out, "we'll all be able to laugh about it …", and she shook, barely able to keep from laughing out loud.
A sly glance to her friend, "Not done yet, 'Nique.", to the barely-able-to-sit-in-her-chair, and now co-conspirator of Kim's 'wedding-nightus interruptus' plans. "That was for taps.", she said before continuing matter-of-factly, "Now for reveille I've got a German Oompah band waking them up at five thirty…local time.", Kim smirked as Monique suddenly had to grab the table to keep from collapsing to the floor.
Barely able to sit in her chair, her body trembling, "Gawd GF.", Monique snorted, "You are some sort of twisted, you know that?"
Nonchalantly swirling the wine in her glass, her eyes mischievous, "Let's just say that I've learned well from my experiences with twisted people.", Kim smirked before it became a lopsided grin, "And I was a little warped for a while so I have the perfect excuse.", she airily replied as Monique rolled her eyes.
Then offhandedly, "Anyway…I once worked on a paper at school…", a glance towards her intended 'targets', "about the effects of negotiating from a position of power when I came across some studies about the use of loud sounds as a way to break down the resistance of your adversaries…", her voice trailed off, "and I wanted to try it out.", she gushed the ending to Monique.
Cocking an eyebrow, "Still Kim, isn't that overdoing it, just a little?"
Taking a sip of wine, the former heroine nodded, "Yeah, but you ought to see the dinner and breakfast I have set up for them later as a peace offering."
Monique frowned in thought, and her reply was interrupted when she noticed a man in a traditional chauffer's uniform standing at the door with a large giftwrapped box in his hands. Nudging the red head, Monique whispered to her friend, "Don't you think that we should help that poor man out Kim? That package looks heavy."
Turning to the door, "Sure Monique. The others are busy right now and we're not doing anything but swapping stories, so c'mon."
Both rose and made their way to the door. When they got there, "May we help you?", from Monique.
Still holding the large wrapped package, the stranger nodded, "Excuse me Ma'am, but is this the Little and Flanner wedding?"
Curious about the question, "Yes it is.", the fashion diva responded.
Exhaling in relief, "Good.", he replied. Glancing to the box, "I have a special delivery package to the Bride and Groom from a…One moment please…oh yes a Mr. Ronald Stoppable. Could you sign this receipt for me, it's been a long day?"
Frozen, Kim gasped, "Ron? My Ron?"
Stepping in, "Ah Mister…", Monique took the lead and the receipt book along with the attached pen and signed her name.
"Marcus Jennings, Ma'am.", the man in the uniform informed her before he gestured to a table upon which he placed the very large package, "Ma'am you should set that down on a table and we'll see if we can get a cart for it."
Grasping the package to test-lift it, "Mr. Jennings, you are a strong man.", Monique smiled in admiration as she quickly grabbed her purse and pulled out a fifty to hand to the man for his trouble.
A grateful smile and a tip of his hat, he exited the building. Turning to her friend, Monique suggested to the still stunned red head, (the driver's declaration had left her speechless), "Get your head on right GF and help me carry this over to the gift table, I'm sure it won't take long for us to be a center of attention."
Eyes a bit glazed, "Ron?", Kim mumbled before she nodded, "Yeah let's do that.", she started to recover.
The two women picked up the package and headed to the quite overflowing gift table before they were intercepted by two young men from the wedding party (Marines, actually). "Ladies? May we assist you?", from one of them.
Happily eyeing him, Monique smiled, "Yes please. This gift just arrived and something tells me that it's something special."
Nodding with a smile, "You got it Ma'am.", replied the hottie Monique was impressed with, as he and his buddy took the package and lifted it a lot easier than Kim and Monique.
X
Frowning at Kim and Monique's explanation, "Mike and I didn't want to open the gifts here guys because it would be easier to transport them and we could mess up who gave what and…lose track and…", Justine's exasperation wound down.
Mike touched his Bride on the shoulder, "Maybe we could open one, Justy.", he smiled to her.
"Alright,", Justine sighed in resignation, "if no one else is going to have issues with us doing this, we'll pick one as representative to all those who love us.", she nodded.
Monique nodded eagerly as Kim pointed, "I think the silver one on your right would be a good choice."
The blonde bride half smiled, "Of course,", she drawled sarcastically, "the one that just showed up.", she lightly snarked. "I just hope this isn't a gag gift."
Holding her breath and crossing her fingers, 'Me too.', Kim silently prayed.
With a flourish, Justine opened the ornate card attached to the elaborately wrapped box and read to those clustered around the presents' table, "Congratulations to a wonderful couple. May you have a long and happy life together and somehow find a use for this gift, I wish it could have been more but it was all I could come up with on short notice.
Your friend Ron."
Turning to Mike, "Husband, if you would, please open it for me."
Wondering what Kim Possible's former sidekick could have sent to them, Mike smiled, "Yes my love."
Carefully tearing what obviously was expensive wrapping paper, all could now see it covered a wooden box. Spying some clasps, Mike opened them and began gingerly removing the packing, pausing when the contents became visible.
Catching a glimpse of a few items, Monique gasped, "What is it?"
Warily looking inside, she saw several items amidst the peanuts and packing, and reaching in, she pulled one from the box. Carefully scanning it, she turned it around in her hands before, "It's a teacup…a very delicate teacup of obviously Japanese design.", she announced a bit offhandedly, before something made her pause and take a closer look at the cup.
Herself, a student in the world of fine bone china, her eyes opened wide in realization, while her Mother beat her to the punch and gently took the cup from her daughter, "Justine, honey...", Angela Flanner, the Mother of the Bride and Justine's mentor in this genteel realm, peered knowingly at her daughter. "what you were holding in your hand is worth over a thousand dollars…", she calmly recited to Justine's shock, "so please be careful with it when you handle it again. Aunt Ester would freak out right now if she knew what you received as a wedding gift."
Unknown to most present, Justine's Aunt Ester was in possession of several fairly expensive tea sets from around the world, and always had her eye out for sets such as this one. It was well-known in her family that they were to relay information regarding china such as a set like this to their eccentric relative for her to attempt to acquire.
Stunned, Justine nodded and carefully reached into the box, "Oh…my...", her voice faded. "Here's more of them…and saucers…and the pot!" Deep in the recesses of her mind she could faintly 'hear' a building mantra of 'Not this set, Aunt Ester, not this set. It's mine!'
Finally getting through the sudden cluster of admirers of Ron's Wedding Gift to the newlyweds, Kim froze, her eyes popped open and complexion suddenly paled. She knew that pattern…she'd seen it every time she had tea with Sensei at Yamanouchi.
Leaning over to her, "Kim, that looks expensive…", Monique whispered quietly.
Nodding, "I think Justine's Mom might be right.", Kim agreed. "I've seen something real close to that set over in Japan…the same place Ron went after he left Middleton."
Glancing sideways to her, "So it it's not a knock off…"
Shaking her head, "Monique that school has been in existence for over fifteen hundred years.", Kim said to her. "That place was old when that set was brand new and I think they have the cash to buy tons of tea sets if they wanted to."
Skeptical, "Are you sure about that, GF.", Monique challenged.
Her mouth set, "Yeah I am.", she replied. Turning to Monique, "And next month I'll probably see a set just like that one when Wade and I are back at that school Ron went to, to learn what he did.", she sighed.
"Oh,", Monique popped up, "and just what did skinny boy learn over there?"
A bit evasive, "Mostly about Japanese culture Monique, it's more complex then you'd think.", so as to not give away anything about the real existence of the Yamanouchi Ninja Academy.
XXX
Smiling brightly, Ron nodded, "Yes, thank you, sir, for confirming delivery.", he said into his cellphone. Then contemplative, "Now, there is something else I have something I need to send in two weeks to someone as a belated wedding gift.", he said. "Are you able to deliver these items for me without revealing from where they originated?"
"Mr. Stoppable I assure you that your name, address and phone numbers will be treated as though they were the Military's Top Secrets.", Ethan Simco confidently replied. "So yes, we are able to ship them to the addresses and people as you wish. But you understand, the extra handling charges will still apply for the confidentiality."
Laughing, "Letting them know it came from me is not a problem,", Ron replied, "I just don't want anyone to find me since my situation is…well…", he trailed off.
"I understand completely Mr. Stoppable, they will not know how to contact you from these transactions…but you do realize we must scan the packages for contraband for their and my employees', safety, you understand."
"Of course please do Mr. Simco and DO check for contraband to make sure my packages are completely legal. If there are any problems, I will pay whatever tariffs are necessary.", Ron assured him. "And just like last time, I will make payment to your account beforehand so your end is taken care of.", Ron informed the owner of the shipping service. Then remembering, "Oh, and did your driver know who signed the receipt?"
"Yes it was a young African-American woman…quite beautiful by the way, who signed…one moment please…oh yes, Monique Jenkins. She was with a red haired woman…very beautiful too. They carried the package off into the function, according to my employee.", Ethan told him.
His smile fading slightly at this, "That is fine, Miss Jenkins and the other woman are within my trust that they would make sure that the package would get to the correct people.", Ron said in some forced cheerfulness.
XXX
Two weeks later:
The formerly world saving red head smiled over her salad at her fashion diva friend as she stabbed a cherry tomato with her fork, "Well at least Felix and Zita have finally tied the knot.", said before lifting the fork to her lips.
Nodding nonchalantly, "Yeah GF and in about seven months Ron's old crush is going to make the big splash.", Monique said excitedly before cautiously looking around, "It's a good thing she hasn't gained any weight yet.", her voice low.
Confused, "Moni what are you talking about?", Kim stalled.
Conspiratorially, "I talked to Justy on the phone the other night to make sure they had a ride from the airport, when she spilled…", Monique again looked around them, "Shoot, I didn't know the geeky girl heard about it before me!", the stung pride of the still-the-gossip-maven-of-Middleton huffed in frustration. Composing herself, "So anyway Zita has a bun in the oven.", she said to Kim's surprise. "I asked her about it, since I did her dress, and she confirmed it to me."
Kim's eyes widened at this news, "Well nowadays that kind of stuff doesn't cause eyebrows to raise too much.", she said offhandedly. Smiling, "Anyway I'll bet Zita's Mom is happy that they can have kids."
Grinning and nodding, "They do make a cute couple.", Monique agreed. Sighing wistfully, "Ronnie boy did a great thing when he introduced those two to each other.", Monique pointed out to a suddenly taken aback red head.
Whipping her head to Monique, "What?", Kim exclaimed. "I didn't know Ron introduced those two…", astonishment in her voice.
Nodding smugly, "He sure did Kim…or rather, he got Felix to call her.", happy she knew some gossip Kim wasn't aware of. Now haughtily glancing at her nails before buffing them on her dress, "Of course he needed a little of my help,", Monique smirked, "which I freely gave.", now gushing with pride. "Sometimes I think I've been the perfect matchmaker.", smirking in triumph.
Snorting, "Moni if you get me and Ron back together I'll take out an ad in the paper of your choice announcing it to the world.", Kim half smiled. Then glancing to another recently married couple, "But…did you set Justine up with Mike?"
Shaking her head reflectively, "Those two had been glued at the hip almost as long as you and Naco boy were, Kim.", Monique smiled to them. "In fact, their parents went to college together, so they knew each other from further back than you and Ron.", she said to Kim before spying a familiar person carrying a rather large package into the reception hall. Nudging Kim, whose back was to the door, "Hey GF, want to sign for another package?"
Turning in that direction, "Moni do you think it's Ron again?", Kim posed the question.
Shrugging, "Felix was his best friend Kim…next to you that is, so even if he doesn't show up, I figure he'd send something for Zita and 'Wheels' just like he did for Justy and Mike."
Rising to her feet, the red head waved to the familiar deliveryman, then walked to him with Monique in tow.
Smiling to the woman behind Kim, "Miss Jenkins, so very nice to see you again.", he said to the lightly blushing diva. Looking about, "So, is this the Flores-Renton Wedding?"
Laughing, "Marcus! Good to see you again, too.", Monique stepped forward. "And, yes, this is the Flores-Renton Wedding.", she replied. Motioning to the red head, "This is my good friend, Kim…Kim Possible.", she introduced her, his nod in acknowledgement. Giving the box a glance, "So, is this one from Ron Stoppable, too?"
Nodding, "Why yes it is.", the tall man replied. Smirking, "And of course, I'll need a signature for you to take it off my hands."
A light elbow to her ribs, "Kim, you're on. If Ron sees your name on this, he might just get a clue.", Monique suggested to her friend.
Mulling it over, she shrugged forlornly, "It might keep him away too…", her voice low. "I'd rather take the possibility of this not alerting him to my being nearby…", her eyes sad. "You guys want him to be around…"
Having none of that, "We want both of you to be around Kim.", Monique retorted as she took the pen from the deliveryman and handed it to Kim.
A little timid, she accepted the pen and the book.
After signing for the package, she and Monique took it over to the table, now overflowing with brightly wrapped gifts.
The newly minted Zita Renton intercepted her two former classmates, "Don't tell me Ron Stoppable has struck again.", she sighed in bemused exasperation.
With a sidelong glance to Kim, Monique smirked, "OK I won't tell you that GF,", she said as Kim snorted, "so we'll just hand this to you and say nothing more.", as she giggled.
After reading the tag, Zita smiled and followed the women to the gift table. Glancing to her husband, "It is from Ron.", and waved to him. "Felix is going love this, and I'm glad he's still thinking about his old gaming buddy and me like this.", as 'Wheels' slowly made his way to the ladies.
XXX
Aboard Storm Chaser One over the Pacific Ocean, redeploying to Japan:
Handing the Air Force NCO a steaming mug of coffee, "Hey Andy how are ya doin' back here?", Dean asked his friend.
Wiping his face with a hand, "Bored as hell on this long-assed flight, Deano.", Andy huffed and held up a book, "Just finished that book my wife gave me before we left.", and tossed it on a flight table.
Smirking, "What are you Tyne, a speed-reader?", Dean kidded.
"Well it wasn't a hard book…", he replied, then stopped his 'critique', "Hey I was wondering about something…"
Smiling, "Yeah? ... About?", Dean arched an eyebrow.
Waving a hand towards the cockpit, "The old man mentioned something recently about how you kicked butt in the gym over in Japan last summer…uh could you show me some of that?"
Shaking his head, "Andy I'm not that good…", Dean cut him off as he hoped he could dissuade someone from getting involved in something he was trying to keep under wraps…OK, maybe more under wraps than it had been kept.
Eyebrows up in disbelief, "That's not what Warmarster said.", Andy argued.
Sighing, "Alright…I can show you some of the beginning stuff, but promise me you won't use it on people unless you absolutely have to.", Dean's look was firm.
Smiling Andy held out a hand to Dean. Then cautious as Dean grasped it, "And no really rough stuff, either."
Smiling evilly, "Nothing really rough, I promise.", Dean shook the now wary NCO's hand.
XXXX
So, while Ron/Dean is going his merry way with a crew of C-130 Hurricane Chasers, his presence is still felt by those he left behind when he 'exiled' himself those few years ago. Shocker of wedding presents, but Ron takes care of his friends, or at least those who he feels are still his friends.
Kim's time as a teen heroine and college student are on display as she 'splains to Monique just what the red head learned from combining the two worlds…In other words, don't tick off the red head…LOL!
A venture of Ron's seems to have a future, and being a mentor is in the offing as a co-worker wishes to join the painful world of Mixed-Martial Arts, Stoppable-style…