Storm Chaser

Chapter 44

Hello and welcome back to the next chapter of our story.

Previously, Kim received her briefing from Yamanouchi…and her fears about Yori taking Ron from her were buried after the shock of learning just who her and Wade's mystery 'JDF Officer Tour Guides' were…Wade reconnected with his girlfriend and also sat in to listen with Kim as Yori and Hirotaka explained what became of Ron since Kim's freak out in England in her Freshman Year at Oxford. Shocked again, at how Ron ended up…who and what he became, and for who, Kim's guilt took a hit, but a silver lining was glimpsed for her as she now knows she's got an entire Ninja Academy and Founder-Sprit on her side…no matter what that blond Baka does to distance himself from her.

Ron, as Dean Kaminsky, introduces his friend and classmate to the naked mole rat best friend-which doesn't ring any bells with Nathan Blance…I guess Ron being in the background so much, the connection between the largely ignored Ron Stoppable and the much more highly visible Rufus wasn't made…That time disconnect worked in Ron's favor, this time(?).

Now, though, Sheldon's "recruitment" of former villains into his new plot to take over the world does have its downsides, as Dementor found out. And from this, dual missions from different 'Agencies' has led to the former members of Team Possible traveling to the results of said "recruitment's failure" …

Before we go, we'd like to thank the following for sticking with our tale: Sentinel103, Mindless Violence Fan, Uberscribbler, nomercy58, Jimmy1201, Blabacon, Bobtrumpet, SWDarkstone, Maztg, , thank you all for your responses.

XXXX

Aboard a GJ transport over France:

While looking over files of her team, "Wade, just how did Dementor die?", Kim asked her friend and Tech Anchor. The team had been on the transport for three hours and they were getting used to what their assignments were going to be.

The African-American genius looked up from the report he had been studying, "I don't have the autopsy report in front of me Kim, but I remember most of what it said. He was beaten, but died of smoke inhalation. Someone broke most of the bones in his body and torched his lab leaving him to die in it. If you ask me, it was a crappy way to go."

"He caused a lot of trouble Wade, but you are right being burned alive is horrific. It'd be a lot better dying in your sleep.", Kim replied as she continued to study.

Changing the subject, to clear his mind of that imagery, "Hey Kim, I want to thank you for backing me up on suggesting Uroki to Dr. Director. I know I didn't say anything earlier, but I DO appreciate it."

"The pleasure was mine Wade.", she smiled to him. Then slyly, "Of course, in a couple of years when she finishes college, she'll end up being a liaison between Yamanouchi and GJ, so you know so this might work out really well for you."

Blushing a little, "Yeah…we sorta talked about that and nuptials and all after she finishes her training…", he stumbled before he, again, changed to a subject he was more comfortable with, "So, how's that condo working out for you and Monique?", Wade inquired.

"Pretty good, Wade.", Kim grinned. "It seems that Monique has a boyfriend, but I don't think she's going to move in with him any time soon.", Kim informed her long-time teammate and friend.

As the red-haired leader of this team set the profile back in her briefcase Wade inquired, "It's tough running a team, isn't it?"

Frowning a smirk, "Administration…sucks.", Kim giggled, "It's worse than facing ten Shegos.", she sighed.

Smirking, "You just like being out in the field. I know, that's really where you belong.", Wade confided. Then leaning in, "But just so you know, I did help to get you this assignment so enjoy it while you can…It's the kind of experience you are going to need to move up to a Vice Director at some point in your career.", he winked.

Pausing to consider this, she lightly shook her head, "Thanks Wade, but right now it is way too early in my career at GJ to look that far ahead."

Looking evenly to his friend, "Kim, I don't know if you realize it, but they eventually want you in a post at that level. That's one of the reasons I think that I was brought in.", Wade explained.

Shaking her head a bit more vigorously, "No Wade, GJ wanted you for you.", Kim smiled. At signs of protest, "All that working with me and Ron did was to bring your name to the forefront earlier than usual with them. It would have happened, eventually, but this way, it happened sooner." Seeing Wade was mollified for the moment, she changed gears in the conversation, "So…has Uroki said anything more about Yamanouchi?"

Shrugging, "Not much except that she is distantly related to Hirotaka…and I guess, now Yori, by marriage…", Wade paused after he put context to her question. "You do know Ron attended their wedding, don't you?", he stated. "She was there."

Frowning while shaking her head, "No, I didn't know that.", Kim replied, "But at least we're now sure that Ron was in Japan for a while.", she said. Then peering to her friend, "Did Uroki say anything about Ron?"

Nodding, "Yeah Kim, she did." Before she started grilling him, "You see Ron is like honored there as a mystical warrior and they even have a special name for him. And they also honor Rufus, too.", he replied to Kim's widening eyes. Continuing with his 'briefing' of her missing…boyfriend, "Anyway, Japan has Ron on a shortlist of people they call when they need something fixed, that no one else can do when things go to hell in a handbasket." Here Wade paused to let Kim take this in. Her look of shock fading as he took in his surroundings in the cabin of the supersonic transport to see if anyone was listening. Assured that no one was, the genius continued.

Leaning in, "I also checked on the stolen Chinese nukes that Yori informed us about, and Ron was on that mission. He got wounded, but he took out a bunch of their guards with some sort of sword against their guns." Kim's jaw dropped. Wade waited until she recovered before continuing, "He was going under a different name at the time, so we have nothing we can use to get a profile on him. I mentioned all of this and a few more things that we've learned about Ron to Dr. Director in a recent debrief." Then quietly, "Uroki told me more, many more things about Ron and his life than Yori officially informed Dr. Director when they spoke."

A bit incredulous, "Why did she tell you all of that and not Dr. Director?", Kim tried not to shout.

Sheepish, then sad, "She knows that you and I are, or were, super-close friends with Ron…", Wade drew a breath, "Kim…he doesn't have anyone…but maybe Rufus at his side.", he frowned at the thought of Ron's isolation after so many years with his friends.

Sadly, Kim shook her head, "Wade, that is horrible…", she groaned. "Even when I was at my lowest I had friends and…counselors to fall back on when I felt lonely…and later, after I returned the first time…I was able to reconnect and communicate with a lot of my friends. And from what you are saying, Ron doesn't have anything like that…Nothing. No one.", her eyes glistened.

Nodding sadly, "Yeah…I mean he has some classmates…", scratching his head absently, "At least he did in Japan. Although not that many…He couldn't really tell them anything about his real life…He was always on the outside of any groups.", related the African-American genius. "Kind of like when he was back in Middleton."

XXX

Outside Bergun, Austria:

Shrugging his backpack to a more comfortable position on his shoulders, the young blond studied the map in his hand. As instructed, he'd been there for a day to scout around and gather background for the mission he'd abruptly been sent to. Having left his car two miles back, he'd walked to where the rough starting point of his trek into the surrounding mountains would be.

Noting he wasn't alone, he pulled his stocking cap down over his ears and displayed a seemingly lost smile as a very pretty blonde girl, maybe twenty-years old, came up to him, (What are you looking for? Maybe I can help you?), she asked in German.

With what he hoped was a goofy smile, "I uh, do not speak German. Only English and some Japanese.", Dean replied, "I am hoping to get a picture of Albulatal vom Latscherberg. I, um, am doing a study for school."

Smiling brightly, the young woman switched to German-accented English, "American?"

Dean blushed as he lied through his teeth, "Yes, but I am in school in England for a few years. I was supposed to get pictures of some of the Alps as part of my assignment for when classes begin again.", explaining his cover story.

Amused, the girl laughed, "There are plenty more picturesque mountains than these to take pictures of, you know.", her laugh was of someone who had inside information about the 'subject' she waved dismissively to. "So, what is your name?"

"Ron.", the young man decided to use his birthname in this instance.

She offered her hand, "Ron, I am Adette. I am also on holiday, from Munich.", she smiled warmly to the young man.

Appraisingly looking her over as he shook her hand, "You strike me as a skier, Adette.", Ron replied, after taking in her attire and firm grip.

Smirking a curtsey, still holding his hand, "As I of you, 'Ron'.", Adette replied.

Shrugging a shy smile, "I admit, I have skied in Colorado and Japan, but not in the Alps here.", he replied, looking upward to the mountains, "Though maybe I can return at a later date with my own equipment and give it a try.", and dropped his hand when she let go.

Giving him a more appraising look, "Have you ever trekked the haute route?", she asked, as at first glance, he appeared to her to be one of the hard guys who liked that kind of adventure.

Shaking his head lightly, "I am not familiar with the term.", he smiled in askance, "What does it mean?"

A knowing smile, "Touring with mountain skis and a pack, usually from inn to inn.", Adette replied, while analyzing him in amusement, "Though it can be very difficult, and it's the highest route to tour.", she tossed out to him to gather an idea of what kind of alpine sportsman this American was.

Rubbing his chin in thought, "It sounds interesting.", Ron responded.

Perking up, "Oh it is, but you need a climbing harness and skins to get through some of the climbs.", Adette related to him. Her smile now had an edge to it, "The downhills make it worth the work, though."

Tilting his head, "I already have some of that at home…not in England though…", Ron quickly amended, "These four years were supposed to be for studying not playing.", he replied as he began to get a familiar vibe he once got from his friend, Ukuma Sekari, in Sapporo, some five years earlier.

Moving on with her interview of the young man, Adette suggested, "There is have a little café in town, I could show you more on your map if you spring for coffee."

Ron laughed, "First date in years.", and he held out his hand and they shook on it. "Okay I'm game." But as he accepted Ron contemplated, 'Sensei, you are gonna get me killed out here.'

X

Leaning comfortably into Ron's shoulder as she traced a finger along a map, "Now here is what you are looking for…", Adette looked to him when she paused at a spot, "Though at this time of year you need skis or a Snow Cat to get up there.", as she advised Ron on the optimum way to accomplish his climb…while both tried their best to not start blushing.

Nodding in agreement while doing his best to ignore her obviously close proximity to him, "Um hum…" Then pointing to a symbol on the map, "Here…Does this mean there used to be a mine, there?", Ron inquired; first, to break her from her quiet, yet not totally unwelcome advances, and second, to 'casually' gather information about his intended target on that mountain.

Puzzled at the question, and the possible rebuff from someone she really found attractive, "Why?", Adette asked.

"Well back in the States there were usually more than one entrance in some of the mines or ventilation shafts.", he said to her raised eyebrow. Shrugging, "I did a little exploring as a teenager.", as the American explained his knowledge of such places, but not how he got it with a red-haired teen heroine.

Accepting his explanation, "I don't know. But to find out you would have to contact the company that owns the mine and look at their prints. If they have them, that is." Pointing to the symbol, "But a mine might be centuries old.", Adette pointed out, "And any maps would be in German, French or Italian. I hope you can read all three languages."

Shaking his head slightly, "I don't and it would take too long to learn.", Ron admitted.

Amused, "So, what are you going to do?", she inquired.

Ron frowned, "Well I'm not sure yet, I'll have to think about it for a while." Looking at the map again, "Maybe I'll go up there and take a look around."

An accusing look, "But you said you don't have skis…"

Taking in her calculating stare, "Well the professor wants this done, and do I have some cash laying around, so I think I can afford something to get around on.", Ron mused. Looking to the mountains near them, "And the snow is too deep already to take this on, on foot."

"There is a shop in the village that carries most brands and styles. And the shop at the lodge…Although it will be very expensive there.", Adette cautioned. "But I am certain that either place can help you out in that regard."

Considering her advice, "I am however, not sure about the skis that you spoke of.", Ron replied, tapping a finger to his chin. "I think telemarking skis and boots should do the trick and as long as I don't try insane downhills I should be safe enough." Looking to her expression of surprise at his statement, "I am competent in that technique…", he said. Then thinking further, "And I could probably use some new gear since my stuff is a little old. And that style is more common in Scandinavia than the Alps, I think.", Ron told her (which was the truth, although he hadn't done it in a couple of years).

"I am sure I never have…"

Ron rose from his seat and got into the 'classic' telemark stance. With both heels loose on the skis, pushing one foot in front of the other while bending at the knees like one was going down on one knee as one would genuflect. "This is the way a lot of people in the states tour in the mountains and it allows the skier to put skins on the bottoms of his skis to go up and then take them off before a big downhill. Sometimes you wax them like cross-country skis."

Eyes bright with excitement, "That sounds like fun,", then a bit crestfallen, "but I don't have time to learn that style right now since I am going home in two days.", Adette sadly informed the bearded young man.

An easy smile, "Well maybe in a couple of years, if you come to the states I can show you on some of the bigger mountains where I'll be.", Ron offered.

Warmly, "I would like that Ron, but I don't know how to reach you.", Adette told the messy haired blond.

Reaching into a pocket, "Ah, how stupid of me, but I can fix that.", Ron replied as he pulled out a business card wallet. Ron then pulled a card out, realized something, then put it back before he pulled out another card. With a beaming smile, he handed it to her, "This has my email account. I usually don't give out my cellphone number, but I usually reply to my email within a few days once contacted…Or longer when I am away from the computer for a while,", he said, waving a hand at their surroundings, "like now."

Smiling as she put the card in her bag, "I understand", Adette replied. "Sometimes I want to get away from people trying to contact me about things too."

'Ron' looked at his watch, "It is getting late. Would you like for me to drop you off somewhere? It's starting to get dark outside."

Nodding, "At the hostel if you don't mind. Usually a group of us go for a bite to eat before bed. Would you like to join us?"

Curious, the blond young man inquired, "Hostel? Isn't that where very ill people go to die?", as he rubbed a nervous hand behind his neck. "I'd love to, but I am more than a few kilometers away from my hotel and the mountain roads are twisty."

Giggling, "No Ron, a hospice is here people convalesce…Hostels are like fancy dormitories where travelers can stay at lower rates than one would pay at a hotel. And this one is one of several youth hostels where many German students stay when they are on holiday.", Adette informed him. "In fact, they have the same thing in England. And if you have nowhere to stay the night, you could stay in ours.", Adette offered to Ron. And if she could convince the cute man to share a bed with her for the evening, bonus for her.

Realizing his gaffe, Ron's eyes opened wide. So, he lied, "I understand, but I really don't have time to travel.", waving a hand about, "This is the first time I've done so in a couple of years, and you are right about being late…And, my auto is outside but I will need directions.", as he awkwardly backpedaled his way out of this predicament.

Understanding this was goodbye, "I suppose you're right, Ron, it is time to leave.", she sadly shook his hand before Ron stood and left their table. Sighing that her hopes of getting a roll in the hay with the blond American just wasn't in the offing, she gathered her things. Then the German woman noticed he left money on the table for the bill. In taking a closer look, she was quite surprised by a healthy tip he included.

XXX

Middleton, Colorado:

A slightly sweating Suzy Chin greeted her friend, "Hi Monique, how are you this morning?", while the fashionista stretched her left hamstring.

Snorting, "Getting ready to go on a two-mile run…I hate Kim for getting me back into this.", the African-American beauty mock ranted, leaving out that the red head worked out three times more than she did.

Smirking, "It is healthy for one to get some kind of exercise, Monique.", Suzy snarked. Looking around, "Now speaking of Kim, where is she this morning? Don't the two of you run together?", Suzy trolled hoping that Kim wasn't feeling ill.

Grunting another stretch, "She had a GJ mission…I think, to Europe. She left really early in the morning.", 'Nique informed the other young woman, unaware that Suzy and Wanda were Yamanouchi operatives.

Suzy nodded as Wanda jogged up to the two. The taller Asian laughed, "That was cheating cousin, untying my shoe when I was getting a drink of water just to win a bet."

Her curiosity piqued at the latest antics of her new friends, "Bet?', Monique asked, "What kind of bet?"

Waving a hand between her and Wanda, "On who will pay for dinner tonight.", Suzy explained.

Mo chuckled at how the cousins 'played' with each other. "We were going to invite you and Kim to dine with us this evening since our parents sent the money for the condo to be paid in full.", Suzy explained. "But, since Kim is not here, we'd like to extend the offer to you unless you have other plans."

Pausing in thought, "I can tentatively say yes for now, but I won't be able to make it until seven tonight. I have a meeting with Coco at five.", Monique smiled at her friends.

X

Once back at their condo, and away from others, Wanda asked her friend in Japanese, (What was that all about?)

(Kim-san is traveling to Europe for GJ, we should contact the school and see what they know.), the shorter shinobi told her friend as she slipped on her coat to go to work.

(I'll call the school. Since I have mostly office hours today I can be a few minutes late.)

(Thanks Wanda, remember you're buying tonight…)

(Me? Why me?)

(You lost the bet, remember.), Suzy giggled as she hurried out of their condo.

(Damn!), the taller shinobi cursed in Japanese as she picked up her 'special' cellphone and pressed her left thumb on the indentation to turn it on.

X

Ten minutes later the tall Asian woman exited her condo, quite worried about what was going down as Yamanouchi was now well aware of both Ron's presence and that GJ operatives were also traveling to the area. She thought to herself, 'I hope Sensei knows what he's doing or this will blow up on him and those two will try to kill each other.'

Of course, the tall Japanese woman wasn't able to access the 'plane' where this scenario had been concocted, so she didn't understand what had been set in motion, even though she had been informed ahead of time of its creation.

XXX

Yamanouchi:

Taking a calming breath in his seated 'Lotus' position, the aging ninja master proceeded to inform the school's 'founder' that his suggestions had been implemented.

Sensei's eyes opened to the wonder of Yamanouchi in its youth when he spied a middle-aged man with a sword strapped to his back waving to him to come over.

Motioning the current head of the Yamanouchi School to sit with him on the grass, (Inushu-san, it is good to see you my friend. How has life been treating you?), Lord Toshimiru asked.

Nodding his head in greeting, (Master, I have taken the chance to move events along between Erabareshi Mono and his Chosen, as responsibilities dictate and arisen opportunities have given me the occasion to do so.), Sensei replied.

(Ah, Ron-sama and Kim-san. Has her dreams diminished as we had hoped?)

(Indeed Founder, however Ron-sama is still being assaulted by them. We have taught Kim-san the mental techniques to keep the demons at bay as per your instructions.), Sensei related to Toshimiru.

(Very good my friend, we should wear him down in time. He will be more accepting if he is fatigued by lack of sleep.), the ancient and deceased Japanese warrior told Sensei with a smile.

(Lord Toshimiru, that is devious to do to this young man; Japan counts on his effectiveness at times. We have him in deep cover right now as he gathers information on a former foe who has disappeared and is presumed assassinated.), Sensei informed the old dead man in this mystical realm.

(My friend, you should return to your time. One of your students will be coming to the garden in a few moments.), Toshimiru told his much younger friend as he bowed to Sensei, breaking the connection.

(Master,), one of the third-year students began, (you have a call.)

XXX

"Kim, you might as well get some shuteye.", Wade told his friend and boss, "We have about four more hours of flight."

"I thought I would take one more look at the briefing packet, to see if I could figure out why anyone would want to kill Dememtor, or if it was just an accident."

"The investigators were pretty sure Kim. Having all your bones broken and dying in a fire would fall under my definition of torture and murder.", Wade informed her.

"What did I miss Wade?"

"Page three of the autopsy, smoke in his lungs. Demez was alive in the fire."

"Damn! How did I miss that?", Kim growled as she leafed through the report again, upset that she overlooked this data when she scanned it earlier.

"Because you're exhausted Kim and are, up to now, not trained in this. I didn't see it till one of the field guys showed me."

"Kim, get some sleep, you being exhausted won't do us any good at all.", Wade just stared at his boss to make sure that she got his meaning. Then he leaned back in his chair and pulled his hat down over his eyes.

Kim Possible frowned, then leaned back as well, knowing her teammate and longtime friend was right.

XXX

The blond American parked his auto at the village ski shop and went inside to make his purchases.

An hour and a half later he walked out with all the gear that he would need for this latest enterprise, 'Damn, this is good stuff, I'm gonna hate leaving it behind.'

He put the skis and poles in the car and got in. He then drove to a parking area only a few miles from the coordinates he had been given by the martial arts school. Twenty minutes later he had parked, put his boots on inside the auto before he went outside. He pulled his skis out and grabbed his goggles and backpack. After looking at his GPS he got his poles out and locked the car up.

He took off on his skis, late afternoon as the sun was setting in the west. Within an hour Ron turned on his red-filtered headlight and continued moving towards his goal of getting into a lair-crime scene to gather any information he could.

Since he had spent many hours of his teen years crawling through places like this, Sensei felt that he should feel at home there and not need any help. But then, he normally worked alone anyway. As for his road transportation, the American didn't really care if the car was towed or stolen. He knew he could find his way back to his room and then to the airport for the flight back home. This mission was simple factfinding to confirm what had happened. It's just that Yamanouchi didn't want anyone to know about their interest in it.

It was after nine o'clock local time that Ron had not only gotten to the cordoned off mine, he skied around it taking pictures. Finally, close to midnight, he broke into the locked gates after stashing his skis and poles.

'Jeeze this is almost as hard as getting into Dementor's lairs when he was active.', Ron paused for a moment as his old boss seemed to say, "Ron. Head in the game."

With a sad smile he muttered, "Right with ya, KP." Shaking his head to snap out of it, he flicked his headlight off and removed the red filter. Five minutes later he was in the burnt-out lab.

The blond American took off his pack, opened the top and pulled out a mask to keep the acrid smell of the ash out of his mouth and lungs. Then after putting his pack back on, he began to search, not realizing that someone had put a surveillance camera in place.

XXX

"Sir, there is activity in that lair where we eliminated your former cohort.", a thirty-something man informed the one-eyed man on the private link to the man's office, "What do you wish we do?"

"Watch and wait. If this person finds something, let me know immediately."

"Yes sir."

XXX

Ludden's Micro Brewery and Steakhouse, Middleton, Colorado:

Suzy stood and waved to Monique as soon as she saw the beautiful woman. She gave Monique a light hug and asked, "How did your meeting go?"

The smiling fashionista replied, "I am sooo stoked! Coco has authorized me to add to my spring, summer and fall collection. The big news however, is that I got a promotion with a hefty raise. I am so happy I could squeal!", she gushed. "And if I stay with Kim another year I will be able to pay for my own place with cash.", the exuberant fashionista firehose-gushed her happiness in one breath.

Wanda stood quiet for a few seconds to translate the quickfire ramble, then gave Moni a quick hug.

Breaking the hug, "So, what are you guys drinking?", now looking around the group, "I'm thinking about a beer since Kim isn't here to nag me about my choices.", Monique declared as she sat down, "And a cheeseburger with lots of grease on it…and fries too.", her eyes glazed over in anticipation.

Suzy laughed, "As long as you do this once in a while I think you are safe to do so, Monique. Enjoy yourself."

XXX

Austria:

"Inspector? I am Agent Possible and this is my team. How are you today?", Kim shook the high-ranking police officer's hand.

"Possible? Possible…I met a young girl with that name, oh years ago. She closed down that tech-villain's setup…I think her name was Kim.", the middle-aged man in an immaculate suit said after rambling on. "Are you related?"

"Better than that.", the African-American standing right next to her chimed in, "The six year later version. I'm Wade Load, Kim's tech guy from back then."

The Inspector smiled, "It is a pleasure to meet you. Oh…and did you finally get rid of that skinny child who always stood behind you and off to the side? … He had a small pet if I recall."

"Uh.", Kim's face fell, "He disappeared right after I left for college. I haven't spoken with him since two thousand and seven. Supposedly he is finishing college somewhere."

The policeman thought for a moment, "He did look slow, but sometimes I suppose it takes a while to find a place where you are comfortable. Now how may I assist you?"

Kim started her inquiries, "First, we'd like to review the reports and then we would like to go to the crime scene."

XXX

Middleton:

After dinner Suzy and Wanda got in their car. Monique's revelations paramount in their minds. "Call Sensei.", Suzy told her friend since she was driving.

"Why?"

"We have to make sure Rufus is taken care of in case someone gets lucky."

Wanda acted puzzled as she opened up her 'cell' and connected as Suzy continued, "See if Ron-san left Rufus with anyone or on his own. We can't connect with him the way Sensei does."

Suzy glanced at her friend as Wanda made the call

(Got it, we'll retrieve him to make sure this doesn't go sideways. That clown owes us. We won't get any sleep tonight…Yes that's an idea, we should be able to have the charter here in two hours. We can be back at our jobs by sunup.), Wanda frowned as she closed the connection then turned to Suzy, (Get our travel stuff. We have a retrieval mission in Florida. Sensei is contacting Rufus so he knows to expect us.)

XX

Two hours later:

"Please try to hurry.", Wanda told the Captain of the executive jet to refuel this beast, "We will be returning within two hours for a return to Middleton."

"We have plenty of crew rest so we will be ready.", he turned to the cockpit where the copilot was spinning up the engines.

X

Miami:

"Come on Rufus…Wake up and let us in.", Wanda rapped on the door. She had to do it three times before the door opened, to reveal a squinty-eyed mole rat.

"I'll get you some cheese Rufus, while Wanda leaves Ron-sama a note.", Suzy told the mole rat, despite the fact that he didn't 'look' underfed.

"Cheese?", the pink rodent requested as Suzy carried him through the condo.

"Rufus-san, we are bringing some with us and we will buy some tonight to tide you over until your best friend can be reunited with you.", Suzy told one of history's smallest heroes.

Wanda glanced up at her fellow shinobi, "I'm done and I left our numbers so that baka can reach us. He knows what the procedure is when he is called on a mission. So, we are done here. I will secure the dwelling."

Forty minutes later the business jet rolled down the taxiway and back out to the runway. Three hours later the two Asian women entered their condo with a sleeping mole rat in their care.

XXX

While peering at his console screen, "Sir, would you please come to the control room? I do not have the authority to perform the next action.", the man at this station told his boss over the private line to the old man's office.

Scratching his eyepatch nervously, "What is he doing and who is he?"

"I don't know sir. He has a mask on and I can see no real identifying features…There…look. He dug something from the wall. That's the third time he's done that…He might have found something."

"Well…his inquisitiveness just got him killed.", the eye-patched man announced as he lifted a cover over a key switch and button. After inserting his key into the slot. "Goodbye loser.", and the former Gemini of the WWEE pushed a button that triggered the ignition of a fuse in an old villain's lair, recently converted into a lab.

Turning to the control operator, "Now call the local authorities to let them know that the place is about to go into orbit." Stabbing a finger at the screen, "Then they can find out who our friend is."

"Yes sir!"

XXX

Frantically entering the room, (Sir, we have a problem.), a policeman interrupted his Superior and the GJ agents who were pouring over documents.

Kim looked up, as did Wade. The inspector turned from the array of material recovered from Demez's lab and casually inquired, (What is the problem, Sergeant?)

(Sir! We've received a tip that the lab you taking those GJ Agents to is about to be blown up! I have already dispatched officers to investigate. If you need, I can have choppers at the pad quickly.)

"Come Miss Possible, gather your team. We've received a tip that something is going to happen to the lab.", the Inspector informed Kim.

Both Kim and Wade rose. Kim told her team, "Half of you keep working here. I think we'll now have an even more damaged crime scene."

She quickly followed the Head Constable out to a car. "We are going to helicopter in…The snow is too deep to walk, but the pad is over a kilometer away."

They got into two squad cars and drove to the pad. One chopper was hovering nearby while another had already landed.

He yelled to the second car, "We'll load up, you ride in the second one.", before the Inspector ran to the first helicopter and quickly entered, followed closely by Kim, Wade and one more GJ agent. They all fastened in as the chopper pilot applied power and swiftly rose to clear any obstacles before rushing toward their destination.

The second helicopter quickly landed, cut his power just enough to stay on the ground so the remaining law enforcement people could climb on board. Inside of a minute, they too, were gone.

XXX

Inside the lab:

The blond heard, Blip, "Countdown. Thirteen, twelve, eleven,", as an automated voice sounded through hidden speakers in the lair.

Wide-eyed in realization, the ninja cursed under his breath as he sprinted towards the opening. He made it only forty yards outside to safety when he dove over a small boulder. He had just curled up as tightly as he could when his world went orange.

XX

On the first chopper:

Kim, sitting by a door, grabbed her chest for what she felt was a sudden heart attack.

Wade turned at Kim's sudden movement as she doubled over. "Kim?", her longtime friend quickly put his arm around her. Through his mic, Wade shouted, "Something's wrong with Kim…Agent Possible!"

XXX

Gemini had a smile so big, his teeth were showing. "Just how much damage was done to the lab, Martin?"

After the smoke and rubble settled, "It will not be usable again.", Martin replied when the site came back into view, "In fact, most of the mountainside has a hole in it. And we might have gotten a Richter reading."

Smugly pleased at the results, those he could see and those he believed had come to pass, "Very good. You have done the organization proud today.", the one-eyed man chuckled as he walked back to his office.

XXX

"Agent Possible, do you want to head back…"

Gasping lightly now, "No…We have to see what happened sir…I'm ok, in fact, I'm almost over it."

His arm still around her, "Kim?", Wade looked her in the eyes, "Level with me."

Kim was sweating, but she took a deep breath and relaxed, "I…I think I'm alright Wade, thanks for worrying."

Wade looked through the windscreen, "Okay, but we're getting you checked out…", his voice trailed off when he saw the mountain, "Shit! Look! It's all on fire! We'd better not get too close."

"We are going to circle at a safe distance Doctor", the Inspector assured him as he motioned to the pilot what he wanted done.

Kim could hear all the crosstalk on the radio, instructing the second helicopter to stay back until they were sure it was safe.

XXX

From behind another huge rock he was blown to in the explosion, the first one disintegrated in the blast, a steaming and ragged form looked over at the chopper in the distance. Struggling somewhat, he concentrated and he willed himself to fade from view as he had been taught. The blond American, sans beard and ponytail-torched in the blast, searched for his skis, but realized that they were long gone. With some degree of awe, he noticed that the snow had also been melted for a considerable area.

Stripping off his shredded parka and casting it to the side, Ron made do with his off-white heavy sweater and windbreaker. Shaking his head, he also left his shredded backpack at the scene. Turning in the direction he came, he began his trek back to his auto. 'Whoever tried to blast me just bought himself a coffin. He just doesn't know it yet.'

XXX

"Agent Possible I highly suggest that we wait until more assets arrive in the next hour.", the Inspector told the GJ Team Leader. Since he was the local authority he technically had the power to make it an order instead of a suggestion. And they both knew it.

Sighing, "I agree with you Inspector, I'm just glad it didn't blow up with us in there."

XXX

Back at the car Ron pulled out his keys and unlocked the automobile. Then he removed his ski boots and put on his shoes. He was going to toss the boots anyway, so he decided to leave them under some snow. Once done, he got in the car, started it and turned the heat on high. He backed out of his parking space, then turned onto the road back to his hotel some kilometers away.

XXX

Middleton:

Sipping her glass of red wine, "You sure like this place.", Monique told the 'Chinese cousins' from her seat in the brew pub slash steak house.

Giggling as she raised a pale ale to her lips, Wanda posed the question, "Why are you drinking wine, Monique?"

"Kim's been nagging me about my heart since Dad had stents put in last week.", the fashionista growled, "She said it's better for my pump. That's one of the reasons I'm jogging every morning."

"A good ale is good for you too, but try to eat more fish and chicken.", Suzy suggested, "Not fried either."

"Yeah, I know, but I am going to eat real meat a couple of times a week and maybe something fried once a week.", the African-American woman stated.

XXXX

Close…but yet, so far. At least they will figure out their link still works. But not the way either would like. Wonder if Wade can conjure up a Mystical Monkey Master Tracker from this…Nah, Yamanouchi wouldn't like that…

Kim's moving up GJ's ladder and Ron's keeping his hand in Yamanouchi's business while attaining the degrees for his day-career.

Now to see how this guides their paths, and how long a clandestine bad guy can continue his wolf-in-sheep's-clothing schtick…