Family Reunion: Pines

Wendy brought the twins to an office. "I gave the agents around here a picture of your parents so when they arrive, they'll be brought right to you."

"You've met our parents?" Mabel asked.

"They come to visit your uncles at least once a year for Thanksgiving." Wendy turned the doorknob. "I have to go home but I'll see you guys tomorrow at breakfast."

"Thanks Wendy." Dipper said as they entered the room. Everyone froze for a moment. Stan now used a walker and his hair was much thinner. Ford's hair was also thinner, and his glasses were much thicker. "Hey Grunkle Stan, Grunkle Ford. We're back." Dipper said awkwardly.

Mabel broke into a big smile. "Come on guys group hug!" As the four members of the Pines family hugged Wendy quietly left.

"Just look at you two. When did you get as tall as us?" Stan asked.

Dipper laughed. "I'm not sure, about twelve years ago, I think. Although I am taller than Mabel by one millimeter."

"Yeah, yeah. You're the Alpha Twin." Mabel said giving Dipper a light punch in the shoulder.

Ford had a sad look on his face. "I'm sorry, you two never should have gone through anything like I did. I knew an abduction was a probable explanation but with the saucer beyond repair and no other working spacecraft we could find there was nothing we could do."

"It's alright Grunkle Ford." Mabel said. "Even if you had a ship how would you know where to look? If you did leave the planet you could have been at the opposite side of the universe right now, not knowing we made it home."

Stan nodded in agreement. "She's right Sixer. But look at what these kids…these two strong and smart adults and their friends did. It took me thirty years to bring you back home. They did it on their own it in half that time."

Ford cheered up. He and Stan could not have been prouder if Dipper and Mabel were their own children. "That is true Stanly. I was worried when we had to retire from mystery hunting nine years ago when our health began to decline."

"We moved to Shady Meadows retirement village here in town. Nice place; our friends come visit often and we take fishing trips to the lake." Stan told his niece and nephew.

Ford continued. "But we don't have to worry. The two of you can handle this coming invasion and any other anomalies that may appear. Fifteen years ago, you two went on a mission to prove that you could look after yourselves and you've done that beyond a shadow of a doubt."

It was then that the door opened and in came a man and a woman, both with brown greying hair. It was Andrew and Sarah Pines. Mabel and Dipper almost thought that they were dreaming. There were some changes, the grey in their hair, a few wrinkles here and there, their mother wore glasses now, and their father gained some weight. But it was indeed their parents. "My babies! Oh, thank you God!" Sarah ran toward her children and embraced them with tears of joy in her eyes.

Andrew walked up to his family and placed his hands on his son's and daughter's shoulders. "Lord, we thank you for bringing our children back to us. For they were lost, but now our found. Were dead, but now live again."

This caught Dipper and Mabel off guard. On a closer look Mabel noticed her mother was wearing a small gold cross. "Mom, Dad you were never religious before."

Andrew took a breath. "After you both disappeared it was hard on the both of us, we were drowning in our grief. Our marriage was falling apart."

Sarah continued. "A year after you both vanished, we filed for divorce."

"What?!" Both younger Pines twins were shocked.

Andrew finished the story. "Before we signed the papers a local preacher, father Williams heard about what we were going through from one of our neighbors. He talked to us about God's love and how he watches over us all. That if you were still out there, he would be watching over you. What he said to us over two weeks gave us hope. We stepped back from the brink and our love was stronger than ever."

Sarah looked right into her children eyes. "And God was watching over you. He sent his angels to protect you on this long journey."

"Well maybe." Mabel said. "We've had more than our fair share of close calls over the years. A lot of the time it seemed like we got by on pure luck."

Dipper went deep into thought. "I will admit I've seen some amazing things in my life, and while I've never seen anything that proves God exists, I also never seen any that proves he doesn't either."

Ford then said. "I know what you mean Dipper. In all my travels in the multiverse I also never found anything that proves one way or the other if there is a single creator of all existence. But I do want to believe in a force of absolute good with all the bad I've seen."

"That's what faith is for, to let you believe in something whether there's proof or not." Stan said.

"Grunkle Stan do you believe in this too?" Dipper asked.

"When your parents first found out you were missing, they blamed us, and I couldn't fault them for it."

"We later realized that you two wouldn't want our family torn apart over you." Sarah said.

Mabel tried to hold back tears. "No, we never would."

Stan kept going talking about the matter like it was a practical decision. "About twelve years ago I had my first real heart attack. Coming so close to dying I realized that as an old man that did a lot of the things the man in charge frowns on, it would be best to make things right by him. You know invest it that prime real estate he's got up there."

"Things you're not proud of huh?" Dipper said with a sullen look on his face. Mabel looked away from her family knowing what Dipper was about to tell them. "We've done things we're not proud of too. To find the others after they were taken, to help anyone fighting the Imperium, or to stay at least one step ahead of everyone who was trying to kill us."

Andrew looked his son in the eye. "Mason, you were children thrown into an impossible situation. Whatever it is you've done I'm sure that…"

"What? That God would forgive us?" Mabel cried. "We've smuggled stolen property multiple times to make ends meet! I cheated a rich collector by making a forgery of a lost family heirloom just because we were desperate for fuel! I made and sold knock off ship parts so I could bribe the official at this one port we were docked at to change her records to say we were someone else so the Imperium couldn't find us!"

Dipper was also crying. "We ran weapons to some of the most brutal soldiers in that galaxy to find out if Gideon was with their unit. Men know for targeting civilians! I nearly beat a man to death because I was so convinced that he had seen Pacifica working at a brothel he frequented, and I was completely wrong! She was never there! We stole a part our ship needed so we could finally after all those long years go home! We left innocent people behind to die because we…we didn't believe that they could win against them anymore!"

They both fell to their knees. Sarah held Dipper while Andrew held Mabel. For Mr. and Mrs. Pines it almost felt like their children were little again "Shhhh. It's okay Mason."

"Daddy's here, Mabel. You can cry all you need to."

"It is going to take a lot of soul searching for you both to come to terms with what you had to do to bring the four of you home." Sarah said. She noticed the burn mark on Dippers hand but said nothing. But she knew her little boy had been through even more dark times.

"None of us will force anything on you. You need to feel God's call on your heart for yourselves. We will always love you and will always keep you in our prayers." Andrew rubbed Mabel's back like he used to do when she upset when she was little but her back felt different. He could tell her clothes were hiding a large scar on her back. This whole ordeal left marks both physical and emotional on his children.

"Thank you." Mabel said as she began to dry her tears.

"Look at me…" Dipper said to himself, but everyone could hear. "…I offered Pacifica support in facing her parents again when it seems like I'm the one who really needed it." Dipper got up and looked at his family. "All four of us were trying so hard to get by the day by day of this whole mess that as we all grew older, we talked about our troubles less and less. We just kept trying to find the good in our daily lives as we pushed on with our goal of getting home. And when we finally made it, we hid all the vile things we had to do to make sure people would listen to our warning."

Mabel picked herself off the floor. "You know, it's funny. For all the crimes we committed out there we only got arrested when we were either tricked or broke a law for something that I still can't believe those people banned."

"So, you two are now fellow members of the ex-con club?" Stan asked.

Dipper sat down in a chair. "Yeah, Grunkle Stan remember when you told us you've been in prison in three different countries? Well we've been in prison in three different solar systems. I remember the first time very well."

Fourteen years ago,

Wall panels blew off in the bridge as Ixcia was attacked. Soostron went to fixing it right away. Mabel had painted his body to look like he was wearing a Mystery Shack employee shirt. Both her and Dipper had grown much as they have been traveling through space for over a year. They were now fifteen years old and as tall as Wendy and her friends were when they first met them. Dipper was at the Helm trying to dodge the fire from the other ship that was shaped like a single large wing. "Who's shooting at us this time?" he asked. Dipper had recently started to wear a long black coat.

Ixcia's avatar expanded into a large green holographic screen. On it appeared a large brown furred man that look like he would normally have four eyes, but his left eyes were replaced with cybernetic implants. His right arm was also completely replaced with a mechanical one with blades sticking out of it. The man spoke. "You have the honor of being brought in by me, Vax. The greatest bounty hunter in the Isoban galaxy."

"Great another bounty hunter." Mabel said sarcastically as she sat down at Tactical and manned the weapons. "There is no way we're are going to let you take us to the Imps!" The twins had come to call Imperium forces Imps for short.

"I doubt that. I have never lost a bounty." Vax said closing communication. They took a few more hits and Mabel returned fire.

Dipper kept up the evasive maneuvers. "Ixcia how long until we can hyper jump?

"Jump engines are offline as well as the cloak." She said.

"Are there any weaknesses in his ship we can exploit?"

"Scanning…the other ship's sub light engines are located on the ventral section. Without them Vax would only have thrusters and jump engines."

Dipper thought for a moment. "Mabel I'm going to lead him to the planet we just left. When he enters its gravitational field hit his ventral section with everything you got."

"You got it Dipping Sauce." Mabel aimed at the underbelly of the enemy ship.

"Shields at 57%." Ixcia said.

Dipper kept his eye on the monitor showing the gravitational field. "Almost there…now!" Mabel fired. They saw they ship fall toward the planet trying to correct its flight path.

Vax opened a channel with his targets. "You are going to pay for this! Nobody escapes from me! Nobody!" His ship rocked and the twins saw his left leg was also mechanical just before the signal cut out.

"He is attempting an emergency landing. He will likely land in the swamp lands." Ixcia said.

Dipper breathed a sigh of relief. "Right, Soostron get to repairing the jump drive. We need to finish our repairs before Vax finishes his." Soostron made a few beeps and went to the engine room.

Ixcia then said. "One of my external drivers was also damaged. I cannot jump until it is repaired."

"Yes! Looks like we get to go on a spacewalk!" Mabel said.

Dipper got up from the helm. "Right I'll get a tool kit. Mabel I'll meet you at the port airlock."

Mabel was already at the door. "I'll get the life patches ready. Ixcia go sub-light and find someplace we can hide if Vax gets his ship working."

A few minutes later they were at the common area. Over the past year Mabel painted pictures of things that she liked, or thought would keep her and her brother happy like the faces of friends and family in the common area, the cargo bay, the galley, and her room. "Oh no! That battle ruined both my blue sky and Grenda! Now I have to make them all over again!" The drawings in question were scorched black.

Dipper walked up with the kit in hand. "Let's get out of this system first. Did you get the life patches?"

"Here you are." Mabel gave Dipper a square device that he put on his left arm and a green energy field surrounded him. Mabel did the same with the same results as the airlock opened. Inside a small compartment opened and each twin took out a pair of anklets and put them on and a small yellow light turned on.

"Check on gravity braces." As Dipper said this the outer airlock door opened. Dipper came outside the field from the life patch provided air and protected him the vacuum of space and from stellar radiation. Dipper slowly placed his foot from the platform that slid out from the airlock and onto the haul of the ship. He then began to walk toward the rear of the ship Mabel quickly catching up.

"Do you have to take it so slow? I thought we were in a hurry." Mabel annoyed.

"I'm just trying not to fly off into space." They walked to the upper right prong at the rear of the ship. When they got there, Dipper placed the magnetized toolbox down and got to work. "All this for another dead end." Dipper sighed.

"So, Gideon isn't in this system either. It's nothing new we just have to get lucky once to find him." Mabel said as she swapped a damaged part for a new one.

"Mabel, I know you're doing your best to keep the both of us positive, but I'm worried about the toll this all taking on you." Dipper connected a few cables to some other components.

"I'm going to be fine Dipper. I'm glad you worry about me but if we're going to get through all this, we need find all the moments of joy we can between crises." Mabel and Dipper secured new hull panels over the driver. "Moments like this one." Mabel grabbed the toolkit and jumped into space.

"Mabel!" Dipper activated his boosters and flew to Mabel and caught her. "Mabel you know these braces don't work unless you have at least one foot on the hull!"

"Of course, I know that Dipper. That's not the point. I know you will always catch me. Look at where we are! We are floating in space without bulky suits! Look how silly my hair is!" Her hair was spread out in all directions. "We can't lose the wonder of us being out here. We are living a life that other people back home only dream of!"

Dipper laughed. "Your right. It's just been so frustrating lately. Until this the only good thing that happened this week was that I finally got a replacement for my acne medication. My face looked like asteroid. But we better get back before Vax finishes his repairs. Wouldn't want him to ruin anymore of our fun right?"

Dipper flew them to the Starboard airlock, and they went inside. "Ixcia can we hyper jump now?" Mabel asked.

Ixcia appeared from a projector orb. "Yes. Also, if you remember before we were attacked, we were in the middle of a surprise educational evaluation."

Dipper sighed. "Set a course for Kodex station. We're running late for our next cargo pick up. We'll go back to our rooms and get back to that pop quiz."

Twenty minutes later Dipper finished his school assignment. "Well done Dipper. You scored a 100% on the evaluation." Ixcia said.

"Thanks, Ixcia. Bring up my personal star chart." Dipper said. His room had various artifacts as he called them. Items from different planets that visited over the past year. The star chart appeared, and Dipper touched the star system they just left, and it turned red. It was just one of about two dozen. Two dozen out of hundreds of star systems Gideon could be in. And thousands more that Pacifica could be kept at. If either of them was still alive. "No! I can't think like that!" he thought. He had to hold on to hope no matter what. "Ixcia how much longer until we reach Kodex station?"

The chart closed and changed to Ixcia's avatar. "Four standard hours."

"Okay." Dipper got up from his desk and went out to the hall. Mabel had painted their names on the doors of each of their rooms his in blue hers in rainbow. He touched a panel on the side of Mabel's door and a small chime sounded inside Mabel's room.

"Come in." Mabel's voice said over the intercom. Dipper entered his sister's room. Along with the drawings she did on the walls Mable made a stuffed animal version of Waddles. Because of the materials available the plush version looked scalier than the real thing, but a barefoot Mabel was still cuddling with it on her bed. "Hey Dipper, thank you for helping me study. I got a 98% on that quiz."

"I told you, you could do it. We'll be at the station in four hours. After we pick up the cargo how about we celebrate with some Drindar sandwiches for dinner?" Dipper asked.

Mabel giggled at a thought. "Who would have thought the best tasting thing we've had so far in space would pretty much be iguana burgers."

"Well that could change if we find someone who knows how to make ice cream."

The hours passed and flown into a large cylindrical space station that was rotating. The inside was like a city. There was even a park with orange grass and purple trees. Ixcia flew over to an area with many ships landing and taking off. As they landed a woman named Udona with white skin and a large frill walked up to the ship. A truck like vehicle was right behind her with several crates. The cargo bay door opened, and Dipper came out in the power loader with Mabel right behind him. Udona looked at Dipper and smiled. "So, you are Dipper Pines and you're going to haul my Botran wheat." The woman said obviously flirting.

"Hang on a minute." Mabel said. She opened one of the crates to see red wheat bundled inside. "Yep that's Botran wheat. This is going to feed a lot of people. Load it up Bro!"

"Got it Mabel." Dipper picked up a crate with the loader.

Udona got a serious look on her face. "You'll get half now and half when you deliver it to Strobus 9. One hundred kiloquan in total."

"No problem." Mabel said as they touched disks.

"Your brother is quite the handsome man. I bet he wouldn't mind staying here for a few days while you make the delivery."

Dipper was coming back for another crate. "We not separating. Beside you are a Yul, right Udona? You look like you're around one hundred, one fifty years old. Compared to you I'd be barely be out diapers. I don't think it would be a good fit. I already had a hard time going after an older woman."

"It's your loss." Udona said as she left.

They finished loading the crates and refueled. The twins got back to the bridge Mabel to the helm while Dipper went to navigation. "So, we'll be on Strobus 9 in two days." Dipper said. "That should give us time to figure out where to look for Gideon next."

Mabel talked while she flew the ship. "Good, maybe we can also figure out a faster way to look too. I had this idea, what if we offer to be a go between for the Brotherhood and their suppliers for things like medicine or replacement parts for their ships?"

"That may sound like good idea but I'm a little worried. That General Neryo seemed like a tough customer." Dipper said as they cleared the station.

"I must also make an observation." Ixcia said. "While General Neryo is the leader of the Brotherhood she separated her army into several units, each operating in only a single star system at any given time and they do not communicate with no more than one or two other units."

"So even if we they are willing to talk to us, they may not know." Mable said sounding depressed.

Dipper quickly thought of something to cheer her up. "It's still a good idea Mabel. Hey, how about we play a game? Imperium News truth or lie?"

Mabel lifted he head and smiled. "Yeah. That sounds fun."

Ixcia shifted into screen mode and the image of a pink polygonal woman with what looked like a halo above her head. "All across the twenty galaxy's it's Eyes on the Imperium! I am you host, Soothsayer version 506.14. First, we begin with the financial news, Imperium Exports stock has risen due to the promising negotiations with the Doxon Corporation of the Trans-Galactic Confederacy." She had a very perky voice.

"Since anyone can check stocks, I say truth." Mable said.

The Soothsayer continued her broadcast. "In the Isoban Galaxy crime continues to drop as more of the galaxy fall under the protection of our noble centurions."

Dipper answered as it was his turn. "Lie! We've been attacked by space pirates twice this this month!"

"In other news in Isoban the Imperium Fleet successfully secured the Dicabo system defeating the Onyx Brotherhood terrorists in that system."

Mable groaned. "Truth. They're not going to pass up a chance to gloat. At least we already looked there six months ago."

"In entertainment news Garix Rowdoe star of the Lobani soap opera All My Eggs was seen with noted Imperium Symphony Orchestra gondle horn player Miva Gof talking together in a charity event. Is love in the air?"

Dipper placed his hand on his forehead. "Oh man, celebrity gossip? Umm, I don't see how lying about it helps them so…truth?"

"Breaking news, despite a public scare yesterday Emperor Grandus seems to be on the road to recovery. Our one hundred and thirty-year-old emperor had this to say."

The feed switched to a video of an old man that was the same species as Mr. Harn. Since they met him the twins found he was a Celestanite the founding race of the Imperium. The bearded old man was sitting on a throne that while cushioned was made of pure diamond. "Yesterday I fainted due to exhaustion brought about by my endless service to all citizens of the Imperium. I assure this momentary sign of weakness has not deterred my life's mission to bring order and justice to all the universe."

"This is the guy who declared us heretics." Dipper said.

Mable was not impressed. "He looks like an evil alien Santa Claus."

The recording continued. "No doubt this episode has made many concerned about my age but worry not. The royal line is secure in my only child Stellara." A little girl about three years old with a blonde braid walked up next to the emperor.

Dipper rubbed his chin. "I never thought a guy that old could have a kid that young."

"She is very young, but she like I is an incarnation of the will of the universe. She will also have the wisdom of my most trusted adviser Duradis." Grandus pointed to another celestanite who was bald. "Worry not my subjects I am still well and will still be your emperor, sitting on the diamond throne for several more years."

"Liar…" Mabel said. "He's not doing well and he's trying to hide it. I know he made us criminals without even knowing us but…"

Dipper finished his sisters thought. "It's hard not to feel for his little girl. She's probably going to lose him soon."

"Running an empire that spans galaxies? I was twelve when I ran the Mystery Shack for three days and almost lost it! She should be in preschool not sitting on some stupid chair that doesn't even look all that comfy."

"Estimated value of the Diamond Throne, one hundred megaquan." Ixcia said.

Dipper took a breath. "Even if we want to help her, I highly doubt they'll let heretics close to her." Dipper input a course and got up. "Come on, I'll make those Drindar sandwiches."

Two days later they were in orbit of Strobus 9. It was a cold icy world with green glaciers. The Pines were sitting in the common area looking out the window. "Why do you think they're green Dipper?" Mable asked.

"It's most likely that the ice is made of something other than water or there is some kinds of algae or fungus growing in it." Dipper got up. "Ixcia, open a channel to the space port where we are to make the delivery."

"Open." Ixcia became the screen and a wolf like man with four ears appear on it.

The man spoke. "I am Worvis the dock master for Fruga city. State your business here."

Mabel stood up. "Hi, I'm Mabel of Odysseus Enterprises and we're here to deliver a shipment of botran wheat. May we have clearance to land please?"

Worvis had a look of suspicion on his face. "Most folks are trying to get off this planet. The Imperium's Fleet have almost defeated our defense forces. They say we may have to surrender to them in little over a week."

"We don't plan on staying long and anyone who can't get off may need this and we can offer passage off planet."

"Fine, you are cleared to land."

Ixcia returned to normal and began to make her descent. Dipper got up. "Well that guy was sure grumpy. You usually make everyone smile. That's why I let you do a lot of the talking with the customers."

Mabel gave a sad sigh. "With the Imps coming I'm not surprised he's grumpy."

Then they heard a thud and felt slight shake as they landed. "Well let's get to work." Dipper said. They both went into the cargo bay and opened the door.

Worvis was waiting outside along two others of his kind with uniforms with painted claw marks. "Right let's inspect the cargo." He said.

"Inspect it?" Dipper asked.

Worvis ignored him and opened a crate and pulled out a scanning device. It beeped and flashed red. "Just as I suspected. Arrest them!"

"What?!" The twins said as the others cuffed them.

"This grain was genetically modified. If ignited the smoke becomes a powerful narcotic! You're drug traffickers!"

Mabel was in stunned silence. "We were only hired to make a delivery! We had no idea that it was changed!" Dipper said.

"It is true. The fault is mine. I didn't consider that they were being deceived." Ixcia said.

"Tell it to the magistrate." Worvis growled. "Now take us to your bridge. We're taking you to stand trial."

"Let's just do as he says." Mabel said shaking herself out of her shock. "We can explain ourselves and show that this is just a big misunderstanding." They did as they were told and Worvis took the helm flying them off the planet.

"Wait shouldn't we be going to a courthouse or something?" Dipper asked.

"We find things go much faster by holding trials in the prison." Hearing this the Pines gulped. They traveled to a nearby asteroid that had a large dome and several buildings on its surface. They landed in a cavern with several other ships. "Listen to me ship. If they are found guilty you will be considered an accomplice and will be impounded until they complete their sentences."

"Understood." Ixcia replied.

"Don't worry Ixcia that won't happen." Mabel said trying to stay positive.

Ten minutes later they found themselves being led through the prison with a lot of tough looking aliens. Dipper was trying to reassure Mabel and keep himself calm. "Okay Mabel we just need to explain what happened. As long as we don't panic, we should get through this."

As soon as he finished saying this a shark like man walked up to them and roared into their faces. Mabel screamed and punched him in the jaw knocking him out.

"What are you doing?" Worvis said shocked. "That was your defender!"

"It looked like he was trying to eat us!" Mabel yelled.

"Roaring is how his people say hello!" Worvis shook his head. "We don't have time for this! You're just going to have to defend yourselves."

They were taken into the courtroom and were brought before a walrus looking man who had to be the magistrate. "What are the charges?" He asked.

"I caught these two trying to smuggle narcotics." Worvis said.

"Where is their defender?" the magistrate asked.

"Uh, there was an accident outside." Mabel said nervously. "Your honor this is just a big mistake! We didn't know someone could change that wheat into drugs! Udona lied to us!"

"Please your honor we can't go to prison! We need to find our friends who were sold into slavery!" Dipper pleaded.

"Well that sounds like a guilty plea. You even named an accomplice. You should have been more vigilant in inspecting your cargo. However, I am willing to show some compassion for your predicament. I hereby find you both guilty of narcotics smuggling and shall give the reduced sentence of five standard years imprisonment." The magistrate banged a wooden cube on his bench. "Next case."

"What that's it?" Dipper yelled. "That trial couldn't have been more than three minutes!"

"We believe in swift justice in this system."

"Don't we get an appeal or something?" Mabel asked.

"Never heard of it." The magistrate waved them off.

After being processed the twins found themselves in the prison yard. A man like Buckgis but with no crystals walked up to them. "Well look at what we have here. We don't get many women in this place."

He tried to grab Mabel, but Dipper got in between them. "Leave my sister alone!"

The next thing Dipper knew he was punched in the stomach. "You're new here so let's get some things straight. My name's Boulder and I'm the toughest guy here so I take whatever I want."

"Not everything Boulder." It was a guard the same species as Worvis.

"Stay out of this Snarl!"

"You know the rules! You can't have your way with female prisoners!"

"For now, … I'll see you later, little lady." Boulder walked off.

"Thank you." Mabel said as she attended to her brother.

"You're just lucky I was here. With the Imperium stepping up their attacks we've had to transfer more and more guards to the frontline. Not that it helps. They say that we're going to have to surrender in a week."

"We've heard." Dipper said, the wind coming back into him. "This is a nightmare. Sure, we've spent a night in a county jail once, but we've never been sent to prison before. Especially an alien prison."

"Dipper you should lay down." Mabel said worried.

"I'll take you to your cell. No one will bother you there." Snarl said. When they got to the cell Mabel heard the other prisoners cat calling her while Snarl opened a solid metal door. "In you both go."

Mabel couldn't believe her ears. "What? Don't male and female prisoners have separate cells?"

"We're too overcrowded as it is. We can't tailor to each species preferences. No one outside the cell can see below the neckline. The two of you are siblings, right? I sure you have the restraint to not peek at each other." Snarl closed the cell door as Mabel placed Dipper on the bottom bunk.

"This really stinks!" Mabel said. "We can't stay here! The longer we're here the more likely something awful could happen to our friends!"

"Don't worry Mabel we are not going to spend the next five years rotting away. We are going to bust out of here."

"Dipper, Mabel. I hope that you can hear me." It was Ixcia speaking to them through their implants. "I know you can not respond. Listen carefully, I am still where I was landed but I can not come to rescue you. If I try to move the automated defenses will open fire on me and my shields have been disabled. I must remain intact if you are going to have any chance of leaving this place before the Imperium arrives. I am sorry but you must escape on your own. However as soon as I detect your approach, I will ready the engines.

They were left alone until the next day. "Mealtime." A guard said opening the door. The twins followed the crowd into the cafeteria that had a large screen that was showing several news feeds including Eyes on the Imperium. When the got to where they were being served the food was worse than they imagined. "Algae Bars!" They both said.

"Of course, they'd go for this cheap junk." Mabel said as they both tried to finish as fast as possible.

"So, we meet again." It was Boulder.

"Listen to me you rocky creep, I'm not interested." Mabel said.

"You wouldn't say that if you knew me better." Boulder took hold of Mabel's wrist.

"I'm done eating and my brother and I need to find a way out here." Mabel tried to pull out of his grip.

"Escape? Don't even think about. My plan is the only way out but with the Imperium coming that was shot to shale! Six more days and all I would have needed to do was steal a ship! Now when they come every prisoner here is who is wanted by the Imperium is going to get more time added to their sentence. But me? I'm wanted for treason! That is a death sentence in the Imperium! So, I may as well do what I can to enjoy what little life I have left."

"Just because you gave up doesn't mean we have!" Dipper pulled open Boulder's hand freeing his sister.

Boulder noticed three guards coming toward them. "We'll settle this later." He then pushed them down unto the hard floor.

As Dipper got up, he said. "We have to find our own way out of here, fast. If the Imps finds us, we're just as dead as Boulder.

Mabel dusted herself off. "We only have six days to figure it out, so we better get started." For four more days they tried to find anything that could help them escape, learning the guards schedule, memorizing the layout of the prison, looking for tools they could use to break the locks of their cell. They did it all while keeping Boulder away from Mabel, but time was running out and nothing they found could help them form a plan in time. "This is looking hopeless." Mabel said in her bunk.

"Maybe we could have found something by now if Boulder left you alone." Dipper said from his bunk.

"Dipper maybe you should stop trying to protect me from him and focus on finding a way out. I can handle myself."

"Mabel that guy is too strong for you to fight alone! Besides, I can't stand the thought of him having his way with you. I know that you can stand up for yourself but like you said, 'I'll always be there to catch you'."

Mabel then realized something. "Boulder said he had an escape plan, right? Maybe if I give him what he wants…"

They heard a knock on their door and Snarl was there. "Don't even think about! He is in here for murder!"

"How much of that did you overhear?" Dipper asked worried.

"I have no plans on reporting you for planning to escape. I read your files. The Magistrate just found you guilty to look good for the Imperium when they come with a pile of convictions. You two shouldn't be in here."

"Can you get us out?" Mabel asked.

"I'm sorry but no. If I tried the other guards would stop all of us. As in shoot to kill." Snarl hung his head. "I just came to say goodbye. I am being transferred to the final defense line."

Dipper jumped out of his bunk. "But that means you could die!"

"Every man fighting them means more people can escape the Strobus system before the Imperium take over, like my wife and three pups. As long as they are okay then that is all that matters. I'm just sorry I couldn't help the two of you more. Do you have any family?"

"Yes." Mabel said sadly. "We haven't seen them in over a year."

"I hope you do find a way out of here and see them again." With that Snarl walked away, the twins never saw him again.

The next day as they came into the cafeteria, they saw everyone was staring at the screen that was only showing Eyes on the Imperium. The Soothsayer spoke with a much more solemn voice than last time. "This just in. Our beloved Emperor Grandus passed away in his sleep at 0024 hours last night Celestio standard time. While we mourn our leader, the Imperium is still secure. Princess Stellara will ascend to the throne once she completes the coronation trials when she turns seventeen. Until then we be guided by the Emperor's advisor Duradis who has been named regent until Stellara comes of age. For now, as is custom all Imperium offices will be closed and all military operations will postponed until the conclusion of the Emperor's funeral tomorrow."

"This could be just what we need." Dipper said. He took Mabel by the hand and began looking for someone in the cafeteria while all the other prisoners were talking about what they heard.

"Dipper where are we going?" Mabel asked.

"To the one person who has an escape plan. Just wish he wasn't the only one who did." Dipper found who he was looking for. "Boulder I have an offer to make for you. We need to know your escape plan."

Boulder got up from his table. "Why should I tell you? Are you offering a night with your sister in return?"

"No!" Mabel said wondering if Dipper lost his mind.

"We got something better." Dipper said. "The Emperor kicking the bucket makes your plan workable doesn't? You said the Imps coming tomorrow ruined it, but that funeral puts everything on hold for one day! Your plan can work! We have a ship in impound, let us in on the plan and we can get you out of here. You're wanted for treason; we are wanted for heresy. Both are death sentences! This is the only chance the three of us can get out alive!"

Boulder thought for a moment. "Meet me in the exercise yard in one hour. We can go over the plan then. To many eyes here watching."

An hour later the twins were walking in the exercise yard. "I don't like this Dipper. This is what Snarl warned us not to do!" Mabel said.

Dipper sighed. "I don't trust him either Mabel, but we are out of time."

They found Boulder by some benches. "Right, here is the plan. Tomorrow the computer system goes through a yearly scheduled diagnostic. It always takes place during mealtime during which the defense systems will be down for forty-five minutes. They usually have the guards take over manually for this but with so many being sent off to defend the planet they are shorthanded." He began to draw a floor plan in the dirt. "So, during mealtime we'll cause a distraction so large that the guards that would be at the guns covering the impound will have to come help. That's when we make a break for it." He drew an arrow out of the cafeteria.

"What about the security doors?" Dipper asked.

"I cobbled together a device that should open them. I'll have it on me tomorrow, the only problem is getting the ship ready in time before the guards know what were up to."

"No problem there." Mabel said as she pulled back her hair pointed behind her left ear. "Our ship Ixcia has been tracking us since we got here through our translator implants. She won't open up if Dipper and I aren't there."

"Smart ship." Boulder said. "We only got one shot at this and the fewer people who know about this the better so tell no one and we don't let anyone get in the way." He wiped away the plan. "We'll meet in the cafeteria tomorrow. Don't screw this up for me." The twins nodded in agreement.

Later that night Mabel couldn't sleep. "Dipper I don't think we can trust Boulder. I know this is our one chance but what if he tries something and double crosses us? He's a killer."

Dipper thought for a moment. "Then we'll be in a real pickle, won't we? You know we do when we're in pickles."

"Yeah, I hear what you are saying." Mabel said and closed her eyes.

The next day in the cafeteria the screen had live coverage of the emperor's funeral. "There is one thing about the plan you never told us Boulder how do we distract the guards?" Mabel asked.

Boulder gave a smug smile. "That's the easy part." He stood up on his table. "Hey everyone! Riot!"

The whole room broke out into fighting. The guards there got on their communicators. "All units we need back up! Riot in progress!" One of them was punched in the head by an inmate.

"Now! Let's go!" Boulder yelled. He and the twins ran out of the room and down the hall to a security door. Boulder pulled out a machine made of slapped together parts.

"That thing better work!" Dipper said.

"It will! Your ship better be not be sitting on its processor." Boulder said.

"She'll be ready!" Dipper replied. The door opened and after running down the next hall they ran into a guard.

"Halt!" he yelled.

"Out of my way!" Boulder punched the guard in the face.

"This is the last door!" Mabel said. As Boulder opened the door, they ran out into the impound seeing the magistrate get into his ship and fly off. "You better run you coward!"

"Ixcia are you ready for takeoff?" Dipper shouted as he ran toward his ship.

"Affirmative." Ixcia said opening her cargo bay door.

"That's all I need to hear!" Boulder slammed his device into the back of Dipper's head breaking it to pieces and knocking him out.

"Dipper!" Mabel yelled.

"We don't need him anymore sweet thing. Now you're coming with me!" Boulder grabbed Mabel.

"No means no!" Mabel kicked Boulder in the crotch. It was softer that the rest of his stony body, but she still felt like she kicked a rock. Boulder keeled over in pain. "Soostron! Code Pickle Jump Rope Penguin!" Soostron came to the door as the ship lifted off with Mabel's gun in its hand. He fired the grappling hook and it wrapped around Mabel. Then she took Dipper in her arms as the line reeled them both in. "Deal's off Rock Head!" Mabel shouted as Ixcia began to fly off.

"No! Nooooo!" Boulder screamed as guards came in and dog piled him.

Dipper woke up on the cargo bay floor find his head resting against his sister's breast. He jumped up. "I'm so sorry Mabel!"

"No Dipper it's okay. You shouldn't be moving around a lot, Boulder hit you hard. I'm just glad you came up with the idea of making up code phrases for Ixcia and Soostron made up of earth words. This is the first time they came in handy." Mabel took Dipper's hand. "We should get you to sickbay to see if he gave you a concussion."

"What happened to Boulder?" Dipper asked.

"He should still be there when the Imps come tomorrow. I don't feel sorry for him."

"Did he hurt you?"

"Not directly. I kicked him in the pebbles, and I think I broke my toe."

"I recommend an overnight stay in sickbay for both of you then." Ixcia said.

"Ixcia set a course for the closest system the Imps aren't going after. We'll get back to looking for Gideon tomorrow." Dipper said.

"Just hope Snarl and his family will be okay." said Mabel.

"Hyper Jump in 5…4…3…2…1.

Fourteen years later,

"That sounded awful." Sarah said.

"We've been through worse since then. But we learned to check our cargo every time after that." Dipper said.

"I believe you." Andrew said looking at Dipper's burn and remembering Mabel's scar. "I just hope that Boulder was the last person who tried take my daughters innocence."

Mabel got a grumpy look on her face. "Well sadly Dad the universe has no shortage of perverts." She then perked right up. "But you'll be glad to know Dipper and I remained virgins until our wedding day."

"Wedding day singular?" Sarah said worriedly.

Dipper panicked. "Mom! No! It's not like that! Gross! We had joint ceremonies. I married Pacifica and Mabel married Gideon."

"You really married Gideon sweetie?" Stan asked.

"He got a lot better over the years. You should see what he looks like now. I feel just so safe in his big strong arms." Mabel almost purred that last part.

"Well I for one am looking forward to meeting this ship of yours. She's sounds like a scientific marvel." Ford said excitedly.

Dipper placed his hand on Ford's shoulder. "She is so much more than that Grunkle Ford. She has become a member of the family. And speaking of family Mom, Dad you really should meet Pacifica and Gideon. You'll love them. Even before he married Mabel I come to think of Gideon as my brother."

"And I thought Pacifica as a sister for years." Mabel cheered.

"Well what are we waiting for?" Andrew asked. "With both their families here, we have a lot of new in-laws to meet!"

The Pines family all got ready to leave the room. "Just one thing about your story. What is this quan stuff you talked about?" Stan asked.

"It's money Grunkle Stan! Space money on the metric system." Mabel said.

"Metric money? But that's…unamerican!" Stan was dumbfounded.

"Grunkle Stan, it was made by an evil alien empire, hardly what I'd call American." Dipper said trying to keep his great uncle from having another heart attack.