Storm Chaser

Chapter 40

Back again, after another real-life delaying action…with the next chapter of our tale. Hope you are still with us…

Ron/Dean seems to have made some friends at a Mississippi Air Force Base in his chosen field with his reusable gadgets for storm measurements. A little money and some well-connected friends do make things happen.

And while this is taking place in the Deep South, Kim's summer wedding participation is still going strong…this time for Justine and Big Mike. Ron's contributions are worthwhile, and Kim seems to be fending off Monique's admonishments to play the field while informing her best girl friend the joys of being Kim Possible and all that can be brought to bear to prank her dear friends on their honeymoon…But not before the specter of Ron Stoppable enters the festivities in the form of a very expensive wedding present. And does it again at Felix and Zita's nuptials.

More to come, for sure but before we startup, we'd like to thank the following for chiming in as they have: DCMysteryGirl, jonny123, FunestiNoctu121, Sentinel103, , mechwarrior108, Mahler Avatar (Times 2!), Bobtrumpet, Robot Wolf 26Z and AbidingWolf101. Thank you all!

Now on to the tale!

Japan:

Stopping to wipe his face at edge of what appeared to be a 'rickety wooden footbridge' spanning a deep gorge, "Well here we are Kim, once again up on this mountain.", Agent Wade Load turned to his partner. Taking a breath, then huffing in gratitude, "That was quite a walk.", as they took in the view.

Looking to their guides, they weren't the two who brought them to the school last year, then across the gorge, "Yeah Wade, it was.", Kim sighed. "But now it will be good to get back into training and to somehow be closer to Ron.", her voice laced with hope. Then pondering, "But I wonder what Sensei is going to say about my close encounter with Ron last fall?"

Shrugging, "I don't know, but I'll tell you one thing…"

Cutting back, "Oh and what's that Wade?", she posed to him.

Cocking an eyebrow, "Ron's lucky I wasn't there in England when you almost…"

Shaking her head, "Wade…let's not go there right now. We've gone over this before and it's a waste of valuable time.", Kim stopped a coming tirade. Then to distract the young man, "Now I know I haven't asked, but how is your online relationship going with that girl you met here last year?", Kim teased.

Perking up, "Oh you mean Uroki? The girl I spent most of the time training with last summer?", Wade eagerly replied.

After glancing to their escorts, Kim smiled, "Yeah I guess that's her name."

Brightening, "She's gonna be here again this summer Kim.", Wade perked up. "We've been corresponding since last year, and that's been great, but it will be nice to see her in person again.", he all but gushed to her.

Smirking, "Do you still have a crush on her Wade?", Kim asked, so she would know to give them some time together and not intrude at a bad moment.

Blushing, "I think mutual crush is more like the term I'd use Kim…We like each other's company, so maybe we'll get some extra time to be in each other's company to see where this goes without her stomping the beejeezus out of me.", Wade said timidly. "I'd like a long term kind of thing…I've had crushes before, but this is the first girl who seems to be interested in me and what I do and how I feel about things."

"I care Wade…", Kim faux-pouted.

Smiling gratefully, "I know you do Kim, but I would like to have someone interested in me romantically, and we both know we're only going to be friends…besides, you've taken yourself off the field anyway.", Wade pointed out.

Sighing, "Yeah I have…", Kim's eyes lost focus.

Heading off a potential downer-moment for his friend, "Kim, I'm sure that you are going to find Ron again,", he patted her on her shoulder, "and I hope it works out for you…"

Reaching up and squeezing his hand in return, "And I hope it works out for you, too.", Kim told her longtime friend.

A beaming smile, "Thanks Kim, that means a lot to me.", Wade said. Then shaking his head, "But I don't know what Mom and Dad are gonna say if I bring home a girl at the end of the summer.", the genius chuckled.

Looking to him as she stepped onto the bridge, "You never know, Wade, but you're really starting to get in shape…", then cocking an eyebrow at him, "And even if it's not this girl, I'm sure soon enough you'll find someone."

X

Once they crossed the deep gorge Kim turned and bowed to their guides, "Thank you for your assistance, but I think we can find the village from here."

The older woman bowed in return, "Miss Possible it was our honor to guide you to this place, and we hope you enjoy your stay here.", she said warmly. Then with a gleam in her eye, "But remember this area of the mountains are haunted." When Kim's only reaction was a raised eyebrow, "So, if you are certain of the trail, we will return to the main road." Kim shook her head, and with that their escorts bowed.

Kim and Wade bowed, "It was our honor to be expertly guided to this place on Mount Yamanouchi.", she replied. "In fact, we have friends here who are expecting our arrival and it would be dishonorable to keep them waiting longer than necessary."

Relaxing her previously impassive demeanor with the pair, the older woman lightly laughed and offered an observation, "Your lessons have proven beneficial, young ones. Your manners honor us all…" At their surprised looks, "And yes we are of Yamanouchi as well.", she nodded. Waving a hand about, "And this place is haunted for a reason which benefits us all.", she smirked. "Ask Sensei of this, he should have released this information to you since he invited your honored selves back." Bowing one last time, "Good day to you both…Sensei awaits to begin your training."

Laughing as she shook her head, "You know you had us.", Kim bowed again.

Cocking her head, "And we judged you both to be honorable.", the older woman replied as she, and her companion turned and began their trek down the mountain.

Motioning a gentlemanly hand as he bowed, "After you Kim.", Wade laughed as they both started across the bridge.

This was the third time across the gorge for Wade, the fourth for Kim. And, while the African-American genius was still a little hesitant, the former heroine was much more confident than she had been in years and it took less time to cover the distance on the footbridge than it did the previous year.

Stopping before the gates of Yamanouchi, they were about to 'ring' the doorbell when the massive gate quietly swung open.

Waiting patiently until the gate opened far enough, the Americans greeted the red and gold-robed master of the school after he stepped out to great them.

XXX

Laughing as he casually tossed his duffle back from his shoulder into the back of the truck headed to the BOQ, "Well here we are again I hope they give us the same rooms as we had the last year.", Dean Kaminsky worked the kinks out of his shoulder and back.

Warmarster chuckled at how easily the young American tossed the one hundred and twenty-pound bag; like it were a five-pound bag of sugar. "Been working out Kaminsky?", the old man inquired.

Shaking out an arm, "Well a little sir, I've been spending more time in the dojo…they have special weight training there.", the blond undergrad and intern replied, "I mean all I do is study in college and workout…."

Eyebrows to his hairline, "No girls?", from the Colonel.

Huffing, "Well there are girls.", Dean smirked. "Sometimes we and their boyfriends go out to dinner, or go skiing…"

Cutting in, "But you don't have a girl?", Warmarster quizzed him. "Of your own, I mean."

Shaking his head slowly, "No sir, confirmed bachelor like I said before." A resigned smile on his face, "This dorky blond is gonna die old, lonely and after having saved most of my hard earned money…rich." The smile turning to a frown, "The parents don't like it but they should have had more kids if they wanted better odds to get grandkids."

Cocking his head to his Intern, "I thought you had a sister, Kaminsky?"

Smiling fondly, "I do." He shrugged, "But she's like six or seven. So she's ten years, at best, away from delivering for my parents." Then an evil smirk, "Now me? I'm gonna be a greeaatt uncle, spoiling my nephews and nieces rotten like super cool bachelor uncles are supposed to do.", Dean laughed, giving away a truth about himself. A rarity for someone whose adult life, and very name, was created after leaving Middleton.

A look of someone well-versed in dodging something, "Well I have to admit the bachelor life is all there is for me...Though one gal almost got me to think about the ring through my nose bit though.", the 'old man' admitted. "But I unlike you have more than one sibling and a big enough paycheck where I can spoil those tykes. Although they're not that young anymore.", he chuckled.

Dean laughed, "See? Great minds think alike, 'cause I totally plan to do the same thing." Then in faux pondering, "Maybe Mom and Dad can adopt some more kids so they'll be able to enjoy the patter of little feet in their old age."

The Air Force Officer smiled at that, then smirking, "It looks like you're going to be the senior guy this year Kaminsky.", changing the subject. "You're the only returning intern from last summer, it's like you have time in grade."

Confused, "Huh? Time in grade? What's that?"

From nearby, Tyne coughed, "It's like seniority in the outside world Dean."

Shaking his head, "Oh, I don't think I fit the leader role if you know what I mean.", Dean tried to disagree. "Heck, in my case I'm just the class nerd.", the American college student responded. "Something that worked well for me here in Japan.", as he attempted to downplay the potential his crewmates already saw in him.

Picking up the notion of cultural differences, the old man asked, "So, what's it like living over here?", the Colonel asked. Waving a hand about, "I mean in the culture as compared to what visitors see."

Rubbing his neck as he thought on this, "Well, they have a more detailed structure on how society interacts and you have to get to know the nuances and what causes them.", he began. "After you understand the differences you are pretty sure of where you fit in…"

The Colonel cutting in, "And how do you fit in, Kaminsky?"

Sheepishly, "Welllll sir, if you must know, I'm more of an outcast.", Dean chuckled. "You know, one of those guys who slip through the cracks in the concrete. Not much difference for me being here or in the States.", he said with a lopsided grin.

A raised eyebrow, "I thought you liked it here…"

"Oh, I do sir.", Dean chuckled again. "I mean I'm enough of a loner where I can be ostracized just about anywhere.", he smirked.

From off to the side, Andy laughed, "It looks like you might be one of those guys who eventually gets to winter at the south pole."

Puzzled, "Huh? Do they need weather guys there?", Dean inquired.

The Colonel laughed, "You'll miss hurricane season if you go."

"Hey I'd like to try it once.", Dean countered, "I mean it might be a nice and peaceful."

A knowing smirk, "Why don't you worry about getting your BS degree before you go shopping for expedition parkas, son.", Warmaster advised.

Cocking an eyebrow, "It may be a way for me to expand my experience, sir, and it might even look good on a resume', if you know what I mean."

A bigger smirk, "Like flying into hurricanes to get data, and studying that data to help save lives, Kaminsky?", the old man countered.

Nodding, "Yeah, that too, sir. I just want to be good at what I do and I think the more rounded I am, the better I can be at my chosen profession."

XXX

Yamanouchi:

Greeting his returning 'Students', "Please follow me, Possible-san and Doctor Load-san.", the white haired master of the ninja school smiled. "You have had a long walk and from what my intelligence teams have revealed to me, you were nearly four hours faster up the sacred mountain than last year.", he said with a twinkle in his eyes, "That is a very good achievement.", he winked to them.

Then pausing briefly, his voice solemn, "Also my agents have informed me that you have disclosed information about Yamanouchi only to those individuals we have authorized to receive this information regarding us. In doing so you have earned learning deeper secrets about our 'path' and why we have chosen to undertake this duty.", Sensei nodded to them.

Kim frowned, "Sensei, I understand the guides who led us here this time were alumni of Yamanouchi, but this sounds like you have had me under observation for some time."

Nodding to her, "Yes we have Kim-san.", Sensei replied. To her rising glare, "This mission was undertaken to assure the school that our first thoughts regarding your status and priorities with Global Justice do not conflict with those of Yamanouchi and Stoppable-san.', he said neutrally. After Kim simmered down, she nodded, "Now that all concerns have been addressed, we will be able to further assist you in your physical and mental training.", the ninja master conceded.

Still a little tweaked, "You could have told me…"

"Yes we could have,", Sensei cut in, "but when you understand what Yamanouchi truly does, I think you will see the need for the caution used by us as we gathered this information.", he pointed out to them. After contemplating this, they nodded. "As I stated last year we are an asset for the government of Japan and as your Dr. Director supposes there is an organization…actually more than one, that opposes interference in Asia.", he stated to their surprise. Continuing after they caught up to what he said, "It may be this year or the next that we plan to release a portion of that information to Global Justice to bring it up to speed as to what we have been trying to do for the last four years."

Confused, Wade asked, "Sensei why don't you release it all now?"

Smiling, "All parties must be convinced that Global Justice has Asia's best interest at heart before they concede to doing so Dr. Load.", Sensei replied. "Some of those parties need more convincing and you will eventually see that your actions here have brought us further along the path of becoming more transparent in dealing with issues that concern Asians.", he assured them. Now frowning, "There is a long history of Europeans interfering in Asian matters, so they are cautious of any Occidental entity such as Global Justice involving themselves in Asian affairs."

After taking this in, Kim thought a moment, then, "I could bring this up to Dr. Director and Agent Du, Sensei. And if need be, I could become a liaison for the two sides."

Sagely, "But you are a member of Global Justice Kim-san, how do we Japanese know that you will be impartial?", Sensei posed to the red head.

Sincerely, "Sensei, all I can offer is my good name and my word.", the former heroine replied.

Bowing slightly at this, "It is honorable that you notice your limitations Kim-san.", Sensei said as he returned upright. Then with a twinkle in his eye, "But we must wait and see just how honorable they are by the end of your training session this year.", Sensei argued.

Visibly cringing, Wade moaned, "I take it Sensei, that you are going to put us through the wringer this summer."

His face giving up nothing, "That depends on what your definition of 'wringer', is my friend.", Sensei said evenly. Then with a smile curling on one side of his mouth, "I will only say that your limits will be pushed, but this is for your own betterment, and it will make you more capable in areas other than martial arts.", he replied to Wade's tiny groan.

XXX

Middleton:

Marveling at the now-empty bottle he put on a counter, "Gawd Tara, she eats as much as a horse.", Josh Mankey exclaimed as he put a towel on his shoulder and began to burp his baby girl."

An amused frown, "She's growing Josh…"

Incredulous, "But a bottle, a jar of peas and a jar of apple sauce as well as a small bottle of water!", Josh's head nodding to each item, "She's gonna end up as big a Mike Little if she keeps this up."

Tara giggled, "You goof, Angela will never be that big.", she playfully slapped his open shoulder, "Besides, by the time she hits one, her appetite will moderate a little bit.

In mock relief, "That's good to know honey, because I hope she doesn't move on to prime rib or something else by then…that's expensive."

His last words jogging a memory, "That reminds me Josh. It was a good idea to use that check that Ron sent us to pay off our college loans.", Tara broached the subject. "Because of that, we'll be able to buy a house in another year at this rate."

Nodding gently while patting his daughter's back, "Yeah those two paintings I sold at that show really helped out too.", he replied happily, before they heard a 'burp'. Then in contemplation, "But I wonder who this Mr. Chosen Yan is though, I'd really like to thank him."

Arms crossed in thought, "Hubby, right now we're way ahead of where I thought that we would be financially.", Tara reminded Josh. "The way things are going I just hope that our luck holds out for another year or two."

Josh chuckled as he lightly bounced his daughter, "Maybe another five or ten if we're lucky.", and spun lightly with her in his arms.

Tara giggled, "You goof, not everyone can be rich."

"We aren't…yet Tara, but if I sell two or three more paintings like the first two…we'll have enough put away to at least buy a modest home and have most of it paid off.", Josh said meaningfully. "That will make things a lot easier for us in the long run.", he countered, having read up on how much it cost to live in certain areas of the tri-city area.

Then stopping for a moment, "I know it takes time, but the sooner we buy, the less rent we're going to have to pay.", he replied. "And as long as we don't go overboard on what we can afford, we'll do alright."

Looking a little timid, "My parents have offered…"

Gently cutting her off, "And we want to be independent Tara.", he smiled to her. "It takes more than the magic age of twenty-one or being able to make a child to be really considered an adult.", Josh advised her. When she nodded, "Anyway I don't think your Dad trusts me yet and I feel I still have to prove myself to him."

Her eyes loving, "Josh that's sweet…and he knows you are working your tail off.", Tara put a hand on his arm holding their daughter, "Both of my 'rents are proud of you.", she told her husband.

Frumping lightly, "I wish he'd tell me…"

Lightly gripping his arm, "Mom and Dad told me that I made the perfect choice in a husband.", Tara replied before kissing him on the cheek. "I think that's a pretty high compliment for both of us."

Josh frowned a little, "Both of us?"

Mock anger, "Yes, both of us.", Tara chided Josh. "You, for doing what you're doing and me, for picking you out.", she said before she closed in to hug them both, "Some girls don't get it right the first time…if at all."

XXX

As the Japanese liaison to the American group finished his introduction speech, "So, I would like to introduce Colonel Warmaster. Sir, would you like a word?"

The Colonel stood in front of the combined group like he did the year previous, "Thank you sir. Ladies and gentlemen, I am Colonel Warmarster and I command this group of storm hunters. As my men and Mr. Kaminsky know, we hunt hurricanes, or as they are called in the Pacific, 'cyclones'.", he said to those nodding at the comparison. "Some of you are professionals in your fields and some are students. We are here to immerse you into what we do since the nation of Japan has begun to order aircraft outfitted with the sensitive equipment used to detect these major storms. Our group has two C-130 aircraft here and you will learn how to navigate the equipment that we are using since that is what your government has procured for your use.", he paused for this to sink in. "Now, are there any questions?"

When none were forthcoming, Sargent Tyne piped up, "So, if you will please follow me, I'll take you where you can receive your flight suits and helmets."

Chiming in, "Hey Kaminsky, you wanna tag along to make sure they understand what I am saying?", Andy asked the near-native.

Shrugging, Dean replied, "Sure, just tell me what to say." As the American fell in line, bringing up the rear of the group.

XXX

Master Sensei bowed low to Kim and Wade, "Please understand that we welcome you back to the sacred mountain Kim-and and Dr. Load-sama. We have missed your laughter and tenacity in our training and dining halls."

Kim's bow, lower still, "It is our deep honor to be welcomed back to the place that Lord Toshimiru built all those years ago."

Wade, also bowing lower, "We hope to be able to enhance our training to show honor to Yamanouchi and all its students."

The head instructor smiled as he recovered from his bow, "Your journey was tiring, please join me for refreshments in my humble domicile."

Kim lowered her bow further, "It would be our utmost honor to dine with you Sensei. I hope our manners will not insult you or the honor of Yamanouchi."

Sensei chuckled lightly and turned, signaling Kim and Wade to follow him.

X

Reaching for the pot while he gently shook his head at Kim, "How was your school year Kim-san?", Sensei asked as he declined her polite intention to pour them their tea.

Taking the light denial in stride, "The classes that I took over the last two semesters have really helped me in my efforts to understand diplomacy Sensei.", the red head responded. A hand extended to her companion, "I've had Wade put everything into an archive so that I can go back and look it over when I run into something that I think I may not quite understand after I graduate.", she beamed at Wade gratefully.

A nod of concurrence to Wade, "Ahhh, it is good that Dr. Load is able to continue to give you support in your quest to help others Kim-san.", Sensei replied with a warm smile.

Warmly smiling to her friend, "Sir, I am lucky to have him as a support person and even luckier to have him as my friend.", Kim replied. Then solemnly, "Uh, I'm sorry to ask this question again, but have you heard from Ron, lately?"

With a look, schooled from years as a ninja, Sensei nodded. His face giving away nothing to the yearning red head, "And I mentioned to him that you thought you had seen him in England."

Kim lowered her eyes at hearing that Sensei had told Ron that she had seen him, yet nothing more of it. "So…What did he say?"

Again, giving away nothing to her, "He said he was just checking to make sure that you were fine. He hadn't meant to be seen.", Sensei replied with the facts of Ron's visit. After a few moment's pause, "Once he was assured that you were happy he left because he didn't want to interfere with you and your dinner companions." Also, relating the barest of facts from conversations he had with Ron in the mystical plane. The Ninja Master kept other aspects of the conversation from her, so as to allow their plans to reunite these two to continue unabated by needless emotional angst.

Sadly, Kim lowered her head, "Ron would have been welcome…"

Gently patting her on the shoulder, "I understand Kim-san, but it is just that he is not emotionally ready to meet with you…And at this point in his life, he is very focused on the direction his life will be taking, both personally and professionally.", Sensei assured her.

Cocking an eyebrow, "How did he speak with you?", Kim asked.

Lightly smirking, "Though astral projection, my friend. He just 'popped' in to see how Yamanouchi was doing and I mentioned that you thought you had seen him.", he related to her as she perked up. "The mental conversation may have only lasted five minutes and I wanted to find out as much as I could about his welfare.", Sensei casually replied. Mystically crossing his 'fingers' as he was now stretching the truth about this, as he and Ron communicated in this way, quite frequently. One thing he did not want Kim to know was the 'reach' her onetime Sidekick had progressed to over the four years since she had last seen him.

Sighing in frustration, "After my training in this, I now realize that Ron can block me.", Kim lamented. "It came to me when I grasped that I couldn't even feel his 'presence'…when he was so close.", her voice fading to a whisper. "If he had similar training to what you've given me, I now can see how he could hide sooo easily."

In a tone of calm certainty, "Stoppable-san was here for three years, Kim-san.", Sensei looked knowingly to her. "Though you and Load-sama have been here for only a fraction of the time, only a month last year, both have progressed to a third of the mastery he has attained.", he smiled to his part-time students. "Regardless, don't you think that Stoppable-san would be better at this?", he gently chided her impatience and still-inborn sense of competition to exceed others in her personal mission to find Ron and apologize to him.

With a sigh of hesitant acceptance, "I suppose you are right Sensei.", Kim relented, "But it is really getting old waiting for him to speak to me.", she frowned.

A small sympathetic smile barely showing through his beard, "I understand, Kim-san,", Sensei nodded, "but we must take this path. Stoppable-san's mindset is, how would you say…unbending.", he stated the obvious to them all.

Kim nodded, "He could be, but that was one of the things I think that caused me to laugh and slow down…"

Now curious for something he only had Ron's point-of-view on, "May I ask why you say that?", he asked to gain the perspective from the recipient's side of this 'condition'.

Regrouping to gather her answer, "Uh sure…when Ron was younger, you understand, he was more of an… 'outsider' than most people, right?"

Well aware of how that played out during Ron's first visit to Yamanouchi, and of what he was told by the blond over the years of his life in Middleton, he nodded, "He told me so, Kim-san…and admitting one's quirks is not always easy."

Nodding in reply, "Yes sir, it's something that Ron knew very well of himself…But even though he was on the outside, free of where the 'rules' applied, he still tried to follow them to some extent.", Kim paused further. "And even when he didn't, he at least recognized them.", Kim summed up for the ninja master.

Chuckling, "Yes I have talked with Ron-san about this in the past.", Sensei smiled. "And in context, it could be humorous at times."

A wry smile, then lowered eyes, "I continue to love him you know…", Kim began.

Cutting in, "I am well aware of this, Kim-san, but now I think our plan is working.", Sensei said to her perking up. "I've noted as of late, he seems to be a bit more physically taxed than he normally is…I've asked about this, and he admitted to, at times, having bad dreams."

A little guilty, "When I was younger I might have said 'good', but I don't wish that on anyone, Sensei.", Kim bit her lip, as Sensei smiled a little indulgently to her.

Then after a few moments, "Um, not to change the subject, but I have a question about something our guides alluded to when we got to the bridge.", Kim said, looking towards Wade.

Quite familiar with their guides and what could have piqued her interest, "Oh, and what is the question Kim-san?", his beard hid a twitch of a smile.

A little pensive, "Our guides said that 'the mountain is haunted for a reason that benefits us all'. Just what does that mean?", Kim asked.

Now Sensei laughed, "We make the mountain seem haunted. To those we wish to keep away, it can be strange at night. We send groups of our advanced students out to make sure that we at Yamanouchi are left alone, and that we are not spied upon."

Not catching on, Wade asked, "Why do you do that?"

"Remember last year when I informed you that we are an asset of the Japanese Government?", Sensei raised an eyebrow to the young man; his eyes flicked to the redhead also.

When Kim nodded, Sensei continued, "The Japanese government, along with the other governments in Asia, have decided it would be best if they each looked after their own self-interests until they have fully recovered since the invasion.", he let sink in. "That is the main reason Global Justice, other international law enforcement agencies and countries not of this region have been excluded from freely exercising their influence in this part of the world…Now that we are totally on our feet, we feel that we won't be run over by the rest of the world.", he glanced between the pair of Occidentals. "So we feel it is time to open back up in a limited way as long as we take the lead and not a European or American bloc entity."

Nodding in understanding, "So you wanted to get on your feet first.", Wade said to his host.

The old ninja master smiled, "Yes that is very true.", he agreed. Then, "It took a little time, but now that we are able, we have a plan to begin working with some of those entities as we bring ourselves into the light from where we were operating before.", he finished a little vaguely.

Wade Load's eyes glazed over at him, "It all just sounds like spy stuff to me, Sensei.", he filled in. "So, is that why you need to speak with Global Justice?"

Smirking lightly, "Indeed Dr. Load.", his head nodded to the young genius. "You are quite astute." Looking to his guests, "The Yamanouchi school has assets everywhere and we are deeply used by the Japanese government…Especially within their security details, but some of our graduates hold higher posts in the government as well.", Sensei informed him.

Now looking carefully at the ninja master, "Is Ron the member of a security detail Master?", Kim asked, looking for perspective in his answer.

His face, she could tell, was non-schooled before he answered, "No Kim-san, Stoppable-san is not employed as such.", he replied. Her face still questioning, he continued, "And for him to do so may violate some of Japan's laws.", Sensei assured her. Looking to both, "Stoppable-san is still a United States citizen and because of this, the nation of Japan would not allow him into such sensitive positions…As I have stated before he is a college student and he comes and goes on his own schedule. No one knows when he will appear, or how long he stays…but he usually stays for only a few hours before he goes away again.", Sensei informed the pair.

Breathing a sigh of relief, Kim giggled, "Then he is no super-duper spy, right?"

The old ninja master grinned from behind his mustache, "I assure you Kim-san that Stoppable-san is no super-duper spy.", and joined in with the amusement of his guests.

While Kim and Wade settled from the mirth of the sitch he distracted them to, 'He is, however, the Chosen One of the scrolls and heir to the Mystical Monkey Power. He will undertake no task as mundane as that of a simple cloak and dagger spy. What he has become is much more than he was before he came to us, Kim-san. I just hope that someday you will see him uncloaked in the glory of all his power.', Sensei mused to himself. Tucking a small inscrutable smile within his beard, 'To get the correct answer, you must ask the correct question, don't you think, Kim-san?'

XXX

In the lab set up on the base for their usage, Captain Wetters checked out the American on the software upgrades to the equipment.

Waving his arms about the room, "Well is it better to work with this than the old version you used last year, Kaminsky?"

Dean half smiled, "It takes some time getting used to, but I had a chance to work with it for the last few weeks while trying out the new sondes we built for practice."

Smirking, "It sounds like you are gonna make some cash out of that…"

Shrugging, "If I get paid the cost for building them I'll be happy.", Dean replied to the Meteorologist.

Pointing back to Dean, "If they save lives it will even be better." To that, both agreed before going back to the equipment.

XXX

Norway:

Reaching to restrain her from further roughhousing with the naked mole rat, "Now Hanna let him sleep.", Barbara Stoppable (now known as Barbara Kaminsky) admonished her daughter.

Unhappy at this, "Rufus sleeps too much Mom.", the Japanese girl told her mother.

Dean laughed, "I think Rufus just has a major case of jetlag."

Hanna frowned, "Four weeks of jet lag? I think might be sick, and we need to take him to the vet."

Dean chuckled, "I agree. A vitamin B12 shot should have him up and around pretty fast…as a matter of fact maybe he needs to go in for a checkup and to see if all his shots are up to date."

"Hnk, shot?!…No way.", Rufus's whiskers twitched as he opened his beady eyes. The pink rodent quickly stood on his rear legs and chittered. 'Arms' expanded overhead, a buck toothed smile on his face in self-congratulation, "Ta da."

Catching on to what he supposed was a little deception by the mole rat, "Well, maybe not…Rufus got better real fast.", Dean played along. "Maybe we should send Ronald a message to see what he suggests."

Relieved by the parental duplicity, "Hnk, it's hokay. Rufus is fine.", the pink rodent chittered as he hopped up and down to show he had all sorts of energy. Turning to the youngster, "Han, let's go see rats!"

The raven haired child laughed with glee, "And we can take them some cheese, too!"

The rodent's beady eyes opened wide, "Cheese? Cheddar!"

Hanna giggled, "Cheddar it is."

Barb laughed now that they had the rodent's attention, "Indeed, cheddar it is Rufus. In fact, we just received a shipment in from the States and it's your favorite kind…sharp."

XXX

Japan:

A knock at Kaminsky's door. "Wake up Dean, we have a briefing in thirty minutes…it looks like we have something to play with early in the season.", Andy Tine's voice came through the door.

Snorting as he regained his bearings, "Already?", Ron slash Dean called out. "I'll be out in ten ready to go, see ya in the briefing room. Later Andy."

X

Taking notes from his seat in the conference room, Dean watched the satellite video playing onscreen. Jotting down the latitude, longitude, estimated wind speed and possible direction the storm was tracking, he mused over the data.

"Is it gonna be good?", SGT Tine nudged him from his seat.

"Not yet.", Dean whispered. "Winds are only about fifty miles per hour, but it's something to practice on."

X

Two hours later and way before sun up:

"And rotate.", the co-pilot intoned as he pulled back on the yoke.

"Rotate.", Warmarster confirmed as he waited to retract the landing gear.

Sitting in his 'cubicle', Tine spent the time giving the basics to another meteorology student, much the same as he did with Kaminsky previously.

Dean scanned through the different modes, making sure that everything was up and running normally as he showed another second-year student how to switch back and forth. The blond American then placed different modes on different screens, suggesting where to leave them so that data could be moved around quickly and efficiently, once the chaos they were flying into began.

XXX

Yamanouchi the fourth day of training:

Groaning when she heard the rapping on doorframe, Kim started rousing to what she came to know as the dreaded Three-thirty wake up call. "I'm up! I'll be down in the exercise yard in ten minutes.", the red head called out, when she heard Wade's voice in the distance.

Rolling out of her covers, she made her way to change into her gi. After tying her belt, the red head brushed her teeth and hair, and then hurried outside to meet the pre-dawn gloom for morning exercises. Followed by a light breakfast, and then six hours of martial arts classes.

The lead instructor led the students for twenty minutes. After calling a halt, he gestured to a path to the side of the yard, "Follow the torches up the mountain. Now move, if you take over three hours you will not eat."

XXXX

Another summer of training for Kim and Wade, another cycle for Ron and the newbies in Japan.

Catching up at both locations, and getting up to speed, but for Kim, patience for her knucklehead is becoming more than a virtue for the red head. Headway is being made with Ron, but it's so incremental it almost makes glacial movement a dragster in comparison…

More to come in the next offering, but a bit of a time skip coming about, time for the homestretch to be set.

Thanks for following along, and we hope we haven't lost anyone in the pauses between chapters. Real life does intrude…