The Council was is session. Count Confusion had been located in the Slums.
"Why the Slums?" Hotshotesquire was saying. "A neutral system of little strategic significance, and virtually no defense force-"
"Perhaps that itself is the reason," MatthewKaine offered. "Easily taken, and their distance from here can hide anybody from long range scans."
FlameSama frowned. "Our agents there have made no report of this."
"They might be detained, or dead," Iamthey said.
Hotshot leaned forward. "It's settled, then. You will go to deal with him. Dogbert and FlameSama will stay with you in the beginning to make sure that you are in good shape so far. Good luck."

Iamthey's ship was beginning to land in the Slums' main hangar. Its engines were still roaring as it completed its 180 degree turn and rolled toward the front of the hangar.
An entire barricade of police cars were outside. So much for virtually no defense force, thought Iamthey as he hid under a table. Still, it was useless. The table was transparent, and there was nowhere else to hide effectively. If anyone entered the ship, he would surely be caught. Let's just hope that Dogbert can play this right, he thought.
Dogbert appeared in the doorway as the ship's electronic stairs smoothly dropped down. As he gazed out at the sea of weapons aimed at him, he scratched his head, looking puzzled. "Did I win the policemen's lottery while I was away?"
"Sir," the chief said, stepping forward. "I need you to remain on board for another half hour or so."
Dogbert looked unamused as he strolled down the steps. "I'm afraid that is impossible. I have an important appointment." He reached the bottom. "I cannot afford to miss it."
The chief repositioned himself to block Dogbert's progress away from the ship. "I am here at the orders of my master. He claims that you are transporting an assassin on this ship."
Dogbert stared at the chief for a long moment, and then burst out laughing. "Is this one of those hidden camera programs? Good!"
The chief never flinched. "This is serious, sir. He also claims that you have a hostage onboard."
Dogbert knew that this was a lie invented by Confusion. "You must be mistaken."
FlameSama appeared in the doorway at the top of the plane. "I feel like a hostage working for Dogbert, but he assures me that I am free to go." He checked his watch. "Dogbert, we are really running late. I'll bring the car." He started down the steps.
"I'm afraid we cannot let you leave," the chief said. "Please return to your aircraft. Both of you. Detectives will be arriving shortly. I will inspect the plane."
The devil he will! That was where Iamthey was hiding. "No you won't, officer. This is private property and until you have a search warrant, you will stay off the ship."
"No."
Dogbert's demeanor turned frosty. "Officer, I'm afraid that I don't have time to indulge in your games. I'm late, and I'm leaving. If it is that important for you to stop me, then you'll just have to shoot me." With that, he and FlameSama walked around the chief and headed for the parked car across the hangar.

The chief only felt distaste for Dogbert as the man walked around him in defiance. Men of authority always felt like they were above the law.
They are not. The chief turned and aimed at Dogbert's back. "Stop! I will fire!"
"Go ahead, " Dogbert said without stopping or glancing back. "My troops will fry your balls for breakfast. And if you dare board my ship without a warrant, your spleen will follow."
No stranger to power plays, the chief was unimpressed. Technically, Dogbert was correct and he needed a warrant to board his ship, but his master's will needed to be done regardless.
"Stop them," the chief ordered. "I'm searching the ship."
His men raced over, guns leveled, and physically blocked Dogbert and FlameSama from reaching the car. Now Dogbert turned, slightly coughing from some dust in the air.
"Officer, this is your last warning. Do not even think of boarding that plane. You will regret it."
Ignoring the threat, the chief gripped his sidearm and marched up the ship's steps. After a moment, he stepped in. What the devil?
The ship was empty. Entirely devoid of human life. Quickly, checking the bathroom, the chairs, and the luggage areas, the chief found no traces of anyone hiding, much less multiple individuals.
What the hell was the Count thinking? It seemed that Dogbert had been telling the truth.
The chief stood alone in the deserted cabin. -blam!-. His face flushed as he walked back down the steps, gazing across the hangar at Dogbert and FlameSama, who were now under gunpoint near the car. "Let them go," the chief ordered. "I've received a bad tip."
Dogbert's eyes were menacing even from across the hangar. "You can expect a visit from my troops. And for future reference, Count Confusion cannot be trusted."
Before the chief could comprehend what he had just said, Dogbert and FlameSama jumped into the car. FlameSama climbed in behind the wheel and gunned the engine. Policemen scattered as the car peeled out of the hangar.