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AFTERMATH 13: REJUVINATORING
The Juvinator Strikes Again
Global Justice walked through the abandoned facility cautiously, separated into groups or pairs. Among those pairs were Dr. Director and Will Du. Mother-son bonding time, Dr. Director had joked. "Be careful, Agent Du," Dr. Director warned, cautiously moving through the dark halls. Her son was only a few steps behind her.
"Dr. Director, permission to speak freely," Will said, clearly annoyed. Then again, when wasn't he annoyed, she dryly thought.
"Granted," she said.
"Why are we going so slowly? It's just one of Drakken's abandoned lairs. What could possibly be lying in wait for us?" Will asked, gesturing around.
"You've answered your own question. We don't know. Hence the reason we need to be extra careful," Betty said.
"What do you expect? A killer robot? A man-eating plant?" Will doubtfully asked.
"We'll have to find out, won't we?" Betty replied, smiling a bit. Her son was a good agent, but he was proud, haughty, and self-assured. All traits of his father. Unlike Jack, though, Will didn't understand his own limits. Hench knew precisely how much was too much for him. He knew what he could take on and what he couldn't. He knew when and how to deal with any spanners thrown into the works, and when to let them go. Will, on the other hand, was still pushing through the stage where he thought himself invincible.
KP
Betty pushed open a door carefully and shone a light inside. There was no sign of a trip wire. She rolled a little round object into the middle of the room. It let out a silent mist, meant to reveal any potential security beams. Nothing showed up. "See? Nothing," Will said, walking inside and looking around in annoyance.
Dr. Director reached in, pulling him back protectively. "Fall back, Agent Du. This is too easy," she said firmly. Cautiously, she entered the room first, watching the floor for any sign of a trap and listening for any hint of something going wrong. They approached a door and opened it. Looking inside, they gasped. It was a closet full of Drakken's old inventions!
"Whoa," Will said, going inside and beginning to pick through them gingerly. Dr. Director joined him, searching as well. "I wonder if he even knew he had half of this stuff," Will mused.
"An eccentric genius like Drakken probably had no clue. Protégé's can be quite absent-minded," Betty answered. She pulled out a device, frowning at it. It looked like one of her husband's. Probably a stolen one. Hmm, she would need to call Jack and ask for an inventory of stolen goods. After all, it was her duty to return stolen property. Unless, of course, it was particularly dangerous.
"What's this?" Will asked, pulling out something that looked like one of those ring toys toddlers played with. "It looks like a Ring Tower. Drakken or Shego's when they were younger?"
"What reason would they have to keep something like that? Analyze it. It could be dangerous. I have to call your father," Dr. Director replied.
"What for?" Will dryly asked, frowning at the mention of the man.
"Some of these devices look like stolen HenchCo property," Betty replied.
"Then let them stay stolen," Will said.
"Will, you know our procedures," Betty chastised.
Will harrumphed. "Fine," he relented.
"Good. Now don't fool around with anything. Analyze and catalogue, that's it. We don't know what most of this does yet," Director said.
"Yes mom," Will answered, rolling his eyes. He wasn't a baby. He didn't need her directions. He knew what he was doing.
KP
Betty walked about halfway across the room and pulled out her cell phone. She dialed Jack's private line and waited. "HenchCo, Jack Hench speaking," his all too familiar voice said after a couple of rings.
"I need a list of items Drew Lipsky has stolen from you in the past. We're in one of his abandoned lairs and I believe there's quite a bit here that belongs to you," Director replied, getting right down to business.
"It's good to hear from you too, honey," he answered.
She could almost hear the smile in his voice and smirked, biting her lower lip affectionately. "Back to business, Mr. Hench," she fondly said.
"But of course, Dr. Director," Jack replied. He rattled off a list for her, which she took down.
He finished and she said, "All right. After we've wrapped up here I'll head over to HenchCo and give you your things."
"I'd much prefer if you came directly to my house," Jack replied.
She could just envision him with his feet up on his desk, smirking that sly smile of his. "We'll see," she replied, smiling.
"Keep an eye on Agent Du, love," Jack said.
"He hasn't left my sight," she assured.
All at once, there was a zapping noise. She gasped, turning quickly. "Betty, what's wrong?" Jack asked, concern in his tone.
"I don't know. Hold on," she replied. She covered the phone and called, "Will?!" There was no answer. Worry came to her eyes. Suddenly she heard crying. It sounded like a baby. But what would a baby be doing here, she wondered? She uncovered the mouthpiece and whispered, "I hear something. Look, I'll call you back once this is dealt with."
"Watch your back, Dr. Director," Jack replied in some concern. She smiled and hung up.
Cautiously she approached the closet. "Will, answer me!" she ordered. The crying was getting nearer but then stopped. She began to run. She looked into the closet and around. Will wasn't there. Where was he? She heard soft sobbing begin afresh and gasped, looking quickly down at a pile of fabric she couldn't make out. Her eyes widened as it began to move. She knelt down and shone her light on it. Her breath caught in her throat, cold dread seizing her. Her son's clothing! What had happened to him?! All at once a little figure poked its head out from the clothes and began wailing again. She turned white, a chill shooting through her entire body. She knew this baby all too well. "Will?!" she exclaimed in shock, quickly scrambling to scoop him up and shooting to her feet in shock and disbelief, holding him out in front of her. "Baby, what happened to you?!" she exclaimed.
The naked baby was shivering, eyes wide in fear. Quickly she dropped, scooping up the clothing and swaddling the infant in them. She looked quickly around. What on earth was going on here?! Her eyes fell on the Ring Tower and she froze. Squinting, she knelt as she soothed her son, shushing him. She examined the tower and suddenly felt ill at ease. This was no toy, it was an invention! Could it be that it had... She looked at her baby, eyes wide, then back at the tower. Her eyes narrowed. Oh, Drakken had a lot of explaining to do.
Will began whimpering again. Director looked down at him worriedly. How old was he, she wondered? Hmm, probably only a few months. That wasn't good. It meant he should still be breastfeeding. Her body had stopped producing milk long ago. She needed a bottle and formula. Oh this was bad, this was very, very bad. A horrifying thought came to her just then. How was she supposed to explain this to Jack?!
"Dr. Director?!" she heard her agents call as they all poured into the room.
Director turned quickly as they flicked on the lights. They gasped on seeing her cradling an infant. "A baby?!" one of the female agents exclaimed in horror.
"Not just any baby," Director answered. She looked at him. "He's my baby."
"Agent Du?!" the GJ agents all exclaimed together in shock, eyes widening.
Betty grimly nodded. "Bag all the inventions and devices in this room. Most are stolen products. Put the one that looks like a Ring Tower in a separate bag and don't, I repeat don't, activate it," she ordered. Looking at her son angrily, she firmly said, "Will, I specifically told you not to fool around with those inventions!" Will whimpered and reached up for his mother's face, sobbing once. Betty's eyes softened. "Oh your father's going to kill me," she said, moving her face closer to him so he could grasp at it. He whined a bit and made an angry sound. She smirked a little and wondered just how much of his eighteen-year-old mind had been retained. The smirk soon became a grimace though. Ugh, how were they getting out of this?
KP
Jack inspected the dinner spread he'd lain out. He knew Dr. Director would come as he'd suggested. It had been a while since they'd had any alone time. "Everything to your liking, sir?" Hank asked, smiling.
"It's perfect, Hank. What restaurant?" Jack asked, looking over at his aide.
"Chez Couteaux, sir," Hank replied proudly.
"Good man. Care to stay?" Jack asked.d
"Oh no sir, I don't want to intrude on your date night. I'll pick something up on the way home," Hank said. Just then they heard a knock on the door and looked in its direction. "Leave it to me, sir," Hank said, scampering off to answer. Jack smirked fondly, shaking his head after the young man. Kid had energy coming out the Yin Yang. He envied him that. Taking one last look to make sure everything was in order, he sat to wait. When five minutes passed with no sign of anyone returning, Jack frowned curiously. "Hank?!" he called out warily.
In a few moments, Hank nervously came back. "Um, M-Mr. Hench? D-Dr. Director to see you. Personally. At the door." Jack raised a curious eyebrow. Why did the young man sound so nervous, he warily wondered. Cautious by nature, Jack knew better than to brush off a bad feeling or any suspicious activity. The door to the dining room opened and Hank gasped, turning quickly. "Or, uh, here," he tightly said. Betty peered inside. Smiling at them, she approached, but her smile was nervous. It was never good when she looked nervous.
Jack frowned warily. "Is someone going to let me in on the big secret?" he asked.
Betty went to the table and sat across from him. "Um, Hank, there's a list by the door. Could you...?" she began.
"Yes ma'am," Hank said. Turning, he walked quickly out. Betty turned to look at the spread and smiled a bit. "It's beautiful, Jack. This is amazing," she said. "It's been a while since we had a romantic dinner."
He smirked, relaxing a little, but his walls were still up. "You're avoiding the question," he said.
She winced a bit and looked at him. "I uh… We have to talk," she said.
He frowned. "About…" he fished.
"About… um, babies?" she answered.
He stiffened. "Betty, are you pregnant again?" he guardedly asked.
"P-pregnant? Oh, no, no, nothing like that," she quickly said. She could see his entire body sag in relief and frowned a bit, but got back to business. "It uh, does have to do with a child, though. Y-you know how you've said that you wish you could go back in time and do things differently with Will? Like raising him together? Not causing him to turn his back on you?"
Jack suddenly looked immensely uncomfortable. "Oh, uh, sweetheart, I know that you, that we've, been missing the old days when Will was a baby…" he began.
"Oh, I'm reliving them even now," she replied, nervously brushing her hair behind her ear and glancing away. Not that there was much hair to brush back given her haircut was so short.
"Uh-huh, right, but um, I don't think having another child is going to be a good idea right now," Jack said. "I already have one who hates me. I don't need another."
"Jack, I'm not talking about having another baby," she answered, frowning at him. "It's just, um… we have one?"
Jack raised a dubious eyebrow and Betty shifted awkwardly in the silence that followed. "Hon, you're not making sense," he finally said. "Are you feeling okay?"
She sighed in frustration. "Oh this is harder than I thought it would be. Baby, come with me." Jack stood and approached her curiously. She took his hand. "Now I-I don't know how to say this, Jack. It's… well, frankly unbelievable, but, um, well you remember that just before I hung up I told you I'd heard something?"
"Yes…" he cautiously replied.
"It was, well, it was a crying baby?" she said.
He froze, paling and stopping dead in his tracks. "We are not adopting some lost child," he immediately said.
"Well I wouldn't call it adopting," she said.
"Forget it! Nothing is changing my mind," he firmly said, frowning at her.
"Oh, once you see him I think you'll be changing your tune. For better or worse," she said awkwardly, forcibly dragging him along.
"No! The answer is no! I'm not taking in some random kid!" Jack said.
"Jack, he isn't a random kid," Betty said, opening the door to Will's old nursery and pulling him inside.
"For the love of Pete, Betty, I'm not going along with…" Jack began, looking down into the cradle. He lost his voice, his jaw dropping in shock and horror as he gawked at the sleeping infant.
"Yeah, the baby is... kind of our son?" Betty said.
KP
There was a full five seconds of silence before Jack suddenly snapped out of the shock and shook his head. "Oh my gods! Will?!" he blurted in horror, gripping the side of the cradle.
The baby woke up, startled, and began screaming and wailing. "Jack, Hank I just got him down!" Director protested in dismay. Swiftly she swept the child up, saying, "There, there, baby. Oh sweetie pie, it's okay. Daddy didn't mean to scare you, no he didn't."
"What happened to our son?!" Jack shouted, stress levels shooting through the roof as he put a hand to his forehead.
"He fooled around with this," Betty said, reaching down for a bag and pulling out the Ring Tower. "Careful. Don't mess with it. It's how Will became, well, an infant," she said, handing it over. "It's um, kind of an invention of Drakken's? Judging by the effects on Will, I'd say it's pretty obvious what it does."
"That's it! Drakken's going down!" Jack yelled. Will began screaming and sobbing again.
"Jack, lower your voice!" Director snapped.
"Oh gods, this isn't happening, this isn't happening," he said, unable to believe his eyes.
"Well it is," Dr. Director replied.
"Where's Hank?!" Jack demanded.
"I sent him out to get some baby formula and diapers, among other baby necessities," Dr. Director said.
"Oh, Jack, take him will you? I need to warm up a bottle for him. I borrowed some formula from a friend in GJ to tide us over until Hank gets back," Betty said.
She put the baby into his father's hands before Jack could protest and quickly left, wanting to give him time to process what was happening. Jack gaped in shock at his infant son. Will, staring up at him, giggled and cooed, reaching for his father's face. "Kiddo, what did you do to yourself?" he numbly asked. Will made a popping noise with his lips and laughed at the new sound he'd discovered. "Oh gods, this is a nightmare," Jack said. Wow was Drakken ever going to pay. The baby began to whimper and Jack looked quickly down at him again, eyes wide. He shifted uncomfortably, then lifted the infant, leaning him against his shoulder. The baby settled there and put his lips against his father's neck and made another popping sound in what Jack remembered had been his child's way of kissing them when he'd been very small. It was wet and messy, but it was a kiss nonetheless. "Sport, I didn't think I'd have to deal with diapers and messes ever again after you grew up," Jack said, sighing. Still, his son had been adorable at this age. He'd probably never let the poor kid live this down after they'd fixed it, but for now, he might as well let himself enjoy having a baby boy again. "All right, you win," he relented. Gently he kissed his son's head.
Meanwhile
"Shego!" Drakken called.
"Yo," Shego replied, not looking up from her magazine.
"Nrrgh, Shego, we're supposed to be planning to dominate the world!" Drakken said.
"Riiiight. You plan, I read," Shego replied.
Drakken frowned, unimpressed. "Nrrgh, lippy sidekicks," he complained, turning back to his worktable. The phone began to ring. "Shego, can you get that?" Drakken asked. She said nothing. The phone rang again. "Nrrgh, I told you to answer it!" Drakken snapped sharply, put out by his sidekick, and currently wife's, attitude. Angrily he marched to the screen and turned it on. "Hello?"
"Is this the lair of Dr. Drakken?" Hench said as he appeared on the screen.
"You know perfectly well it is!" Drakken yelled. "What now, Hench?"
"A while ago you created a little invention, one that looked like a Ring Tower tot toy," Jack replied.
"The Juvinator? Hmm, I'd forgotten about that. I never did use it. What about it?" Drakken asked.
"Well, it seems it's fallen into the wrong hands," Jack said.
"Wrong hands? What wrong hands?" Drakken asked, confused.
Jack reached to the side and picked something up. Drakken and Shego's mouths dropped as Hench plopped an infant down in his lap. "My son's!" Jack testily said.
"Will?" Shego asked in shock, putting the magazine down and standing, jaw-dropped in horror and disbelief.
"Ooh, this very bad now," Drakken nervously said, quickly realizing where this was going.
Betty walked on screen, frowning as she leaned on her husband's shoulder. "We're on our way to your lair, Dr. Drakken, and you'd better have an excuse and a solution," she said sharply.
"But-but he... I... It wasn't my fault!" Drakken insisted.
"It doesn't matter. It's your invention and we have no clue how to use it," Jack replied.
"But he's so cute now," Shego teased, recovered from the shock. Her eyes danced with mirth. Oh this was too good. Will burped, causing Jack and Betty to blink blankly down at him. They frowned and looked back at the camera.
"Oh yes, a real bed of roses. Until he starts spitting up," Jack replied. "I've had to change twice in the last two hours."
"And that cute-as-a-button look of his suddenly doesn't seem so sweeet when he dirties his diaper," Betty added. "Incidentally, formula doesn't work well with his digestive system. He was originally fed with breast milk, so it's shocking his system. Diarrhea isn't a pretty picture to deal with."
"Eww," Shego said.
"We're coming to you with Gemini right now," Dr. Director said.
"Don't make us wait," Jack warned icily. With that, he hung up. Drakken and Shego winced, exchanging looks. This could get ugly.
KP
"All right, we need a plan," Drakken said.
"For…?" Shego fished.
"For in case Jack Hench decides to get dangerous," Drakken answered.
"Uh, Dr. D, it takes a lot to rile the guy up to the point he'll actually do something about it," Shego said. "He's probably just coming here to chew you out."
"Jack Hench is not to be underestimated!" Drakken insisted.
"Doy, I mean the guy is terrifying," Shego said, chortling.
"So you admit you're afraid of him!" Drakken accused.
"Who, me? Are you kidding? The guy's a businessman. He can't fight. He's a killer shot with a pistol, sure, but he's not a fighter," Shego said. "Like I need to be scared of him."
"Shego's afraid," Drakken sang tauntingly.
"I'm not afraid!" Shego yelled, lighting up her hands. Just then there was the sound of a doorbell. "He's here!" she exclaimed in alarm, surprised at the speed at which he'd arrived and lighting up her hands defensively. Just in case of course. She wasn't afraid, it was just a precaution.
Drakken, swallowed and approached the door uncertainly. Cautiously he opened it up while Shego stood at the ready. Not that her reflexes or plasma would save him if he ended up face-to-face with Hench and a gun, but it was still comforting in a way. Drakken opened the door slightly, saying, "H-hello?"
"Drewbie!" a voice exclaimed.
Drakken panicked. "Mother!" he cried in horror, slamming the door and leaning against it. Oh gods, he would have preferred Hench!
"Drewbie, open this door this instant, young man!" Mama Lipsky ordered.
"Uh, no one's here at the moment, leave a message," Drakken said. Shego was looking dubiously at him. He grinned innocently, shrugging. She rolled her eyes. Drakken cried out in alarm as the door was kicked open and Mama Lipsky entered.
KP
Drakken sat tensely next to Shego on the couch as his mother hummed, baking brownies and making tea in the kitchen. "This is a nightmare," Drakken groaned.
"Whoa, deep breaths. Keep it cool, Drew. Just act the part," Shego said, absolutely loving Drakken's discomfort.
"We're married," Drakken growled.
"So tell her what she wants to hear," Shego answered, unconcerned.
Mama Lipsky came out of the kitchen and sat on an easy chair at the head of the coffee table. "So, how goes the marriage, you kids?" she asked pleasantly.
"Oh, it goes quite well, mother," Drakken replied, forcing a grin. Shego rolled her eyes.
"So, where did Drewbie take you on your honeymoon, Shego sweetie?" Mama Lipsky asked, leaning forward.
"H-honeymoon?" Drakken asked.
"To a convention," Shego answered bitterly, shooting a look at Drakken.
"In Bermuda! That's it, Bermuda," Drakken quickly covered, grinning innocently. "It was, um, a lover's convention. For honeymooning couples. The beaches were lovely!"
"Oh yeah, real gorgeous," Shego replied, rolling her eyes.
"How nice. So, is my son satisfying you?" Mama Lipsky asked Shego.
"Satisfying me? What do you…" Shego began. Her eyes widened, though, as she suddenly realized what the woman was saying. "Oh…" she said, blushing deeply. Drakken looked mortified.
"Mother!" he blurted in disbelief.
"What? I'm just asking," she defended.
"Not here you aren't!" Drakken insisted.
"Alright already," Mama Lipsky relented. Shego almost fainted from relief. Thank the gods she wouldn't have to answer that.
For a moment there was a long, awkward silence. At least, it was awkward for Drakken and Shego. Mama Lipsky was perfectly oblivious, just smiling at the two casually and blinking. "So, um, mother, how was your trip?" Drakken asked.
"Oh it was wonderful, Drewbie," Mama Lipsky replied.
"Well, uh, we weren't expecting you. How long were you staying?" Shego asked.
"Oh, just for the day. Maybe two. Or three! Who knows?" Mama Lipsky replied.
"Oh, heh heh, great…" Shego said, starting to feel as awkward as Drakken. Now she understood why he'd been so horrified at the surprise visit.
There was another pause until the door was suddenly knocked on. "I'll get it!" Drakken and Shego said together. Immediately they both leapt up and ran for it.
Without thinking they pulled it open revealing none other than Jack Hench, Betty Director, Sheldon Director, and a baby Will Du. "Jack!" Drakken exclaimed in relief. He laughed, suddenly hugging the shocked businessman.
"What on Earth…?" Jack began. This wasn't exactly the impression he'd been trying to make.
"Dr. Drakken, what's gotten into you, man?" Gemini demanded. Ticked off at what had happened to his nephew. In fact, after having been filled in by Jack, he'd had every intention of giving Drakken a piece of his mind. Now the 'good' doctor was acting like they were old friends?
"Oh Sheldon, Betty, guys, come on in," Shego said, entirely too amiably. Before the three guests could protest, they were dragged inside, completely lost as to the goings on.
KP
They weren't lost for long when they found themselves sitting awkwardly in silence with Drakken, Shego, and Mama Lipsky, who was shamelessly flirting with Gemini, much to Dr. Director's amusement and Drakken's chagrin. "Ooh, you're so cute with that eye patch," Mama Lipsky said to the man.
"Um, thank you?" Gemini awkwardly said, feeling highly uncomfortable.
"I love a man with a beard," Mama Lipsky said, batting her eyelashes. Gemini grinned awkwardly and tried to shuffle away. She held his arm fast, though.
Jack cleared his throat and took a bite of a brownie as Betty sipped tea quietly. Will began to cry and Betty started, paling. Uh oh, Mama Lipsky didn't know they'd brought along the baby. They'd put Will to sleep in a spare bedroom that looked like it belonged to a teenage boy before being shown to the living room, so the woman wasn't expecting any sort of infant to be around! "Ooh, I hear a baby!" Mama Lipsky sang out excitedly, forgetting Gemini. She gasped and said, "Drewbie, you never told me?!"
"Told you what now?" Drakken asked.
"That you and Shego had a baby!" Mama Lipsky exclaimed in glee. "Oh I should be furious with you for not telling Mama! Quick, quick, where's my grandchild?"
"Wait, what? Oh no. No, no, no, no, no! You've got it all wrong!" Shego exclaimed in alarm.
"The baby is ours," Jack said, smiling cordially at Mama Lipsky and covering Dr. Director's hand with his own.
"Oh shoot," Mama Lipsky said, disappointed.
"I'll get him!" Sheldon exclaimed, eager to get away from the woman. Quickly he darted off.
KP
In a few seconds, he returned with his nephew in his arms, the infant cooing and reaching up for his beard. Gemini gladly let the boy play with it, smiling down at him. "Here's the bundle of joy," he said, bringing the child to his sister and handing him over. Will giggled and cooed, reaching for his mother. Betty grinned, nuzzling her son softly. Jack tickled his stomach.
"How sweet," Mama Lipsky said. "Drewbie, where are my grandbabies?"
"G-grandbabies?" Drakken tightly asked. "Oh but-but mother, you see…"
"We, err, weren't planning on having any children!" Shego replied. Seeing Drakken's panicked motions, she realized her slip and quickly added, "Yet! I mean we weren't planning on having any children yet. Uh, m-maybe later?"
"Well later had better come soon. I'm not getting any younger, you know," Mama Lipsky said. "Most women my age have at least one by now!"
"Mother, please," Drakken pled.
Turning to Jack, Betty, and Sheldon, Mama Lipsky smiled again. "Oh it's such a pleasure to see Drewbie's friends again," she said.
"Right, friends," Jack replied, smiling innocently. This friend, of course, would love to deal with Drakken in many painful ways for stealing from him, but he was nothing if not a patient man. It was just Drakken's way. There'd been no harm done. Yet. The evil doctor hadn't stolen anything too valuable thus far.
"Well, uh, we really just came to drop by and discuss something with Dr. Dra… Lipsky," Betty said, smiling innocently. "It's work-related and private, so if you don't mind…"
"Oh, of course not. I'll come back in ten minutes and see how you kids are doing," Mama Lipsky said, rising and leaving. As soon as the door shut, they all sighed in relief. With the exception of Jack and Betty who hadn't really been affected either way.
The two plus Gemini turned to Drakken frowning, eyes narrowed. Drakken swallowed nervously. Shego filed her nails, ignoring the whole interaction. "Um, perhaps we can discuss this over more tea?" Drakken lamely asked.
Gemini scowled. "Come with us, Dr. Drakken, Shego. We're bringing you to the Juvinator and you will either change Will back or be changed, capiche?"
"Capiche," Drakken squeaked.
HenchCo
Two figures snuck through HenchCo silently. "Oh, this is a bad idea, bestie," the one in the lead said.
"Do no' worry, lassie. Hench es nowhere t' be seen," the other replied.
"Duffy, you realize you're playing dangerously, right?" the woman nervously asked.
"O' course Ah know tha', Amy," Killigan answered.
"Okay, but honey, this is Jack Hench we're talking about. Don't you know how mean he can be?" DNAmy worriedly asked.
"Wha' can he do?" Killigan asked. "The man's no' even here." He dropped a golf ball and shot it at a door. It exploded and the duo swiftly entered the room. "How much longer until the cameras ye' put down fire back up?"
"I'm not even sure I got them down at all, remember?" Amy answered. Killigan grimaced. Here was hoping for the best, then. All at once alarms began to sound and traps started activating. "Oh no! We can't push this anymore, sugar booger. Grab something and let's go!"
"Aye," Killigan agreed, realizing very quickly the gravity of the situation they were in. In about five seconds Hench's henchmen would be bursting in here. He grabbed a device that looked strangely like a Ring Tower tot toy but probably wasn't, then blew a hole through the wall with a golf ball. Amy raced ahead, throwing down one of her Buddy Balls and summoning an Otterfly. The two leapt onto it as Jack's henchmen burst in and raced after them. The Otterfly took off, flying the two villains far away.
KP
Jack gaped in outrage as the report of the theft was made to him by a nervous Hank Perkins. Now he wouldn't normally be so infuriated by something like this, except the device tha that happened to have been stolen was the one they needed! "Who was it?!" Jack demanded.
"Duff Killigan and DNAmy," Perkins promptly answered.
"Oh really," Hench icily said, shooting Drakken a dangerous look.
"It wasn't my idea!" Drakken insisted.
"Killigan was probably looking for an easy way to make a buck," Shego added, shrugging.
"Well your little golfing friend is going to be in for a whole lot more than he bargained for," Jack bit. "Onto the plane! We're paying a visit to Killigan's Island." Dr. Director gave him a look that just screamed, 'really?' "What?" he asked, a teasing twinkle in his eye. She smirked and rolled her own, shaking her head.
Killigan's Island
Killigan gaped at Jack in terror, cowering against a wall. Amy fearfully held the golfer's shoulders, standing behind him. Of course Hench hadn't done anything yet, all he was doing was sitting on a chair calmly and coolly gently chastising them, but therein lay the warning. Calm, cool, and gentle was never good when coming from Jack Hench. Not unless it was directed to his family. At any moment Killigan fully expected him to say something like, 'Now I hate to do this, Killigan, after all, you've been one of my greatest customers, but I'm afraid I can't let you live.' At which point—and Killigan was merely speculating of course—Jack would pull out a gun and calmly, properly, and humanely shoot him down like a dog.
"Now I hate to do this, Killigan…" Jack began, and Duff nearly had a heart attack, gasping and paling. Where was Dr. Director when you needed her? Or Drakken, Shego, and Gemini, for that matter?
"Jacky, please, he didn't mean any harm!" Amy blurted in alarm, desperate to save her friend. Apparently, her thought process had been similar to Duff's.
Jack blinked blankly at them, then seemed to catch on and grinned in amusement. "What do you think I'm going to do to you two?" he asked, entertained.
"Ah do no' have the Juvinator anymore, laddie!" Killigan insisted. "Ah sold et t' Big Daddy Brotherson!"
Jack's cordial smile fell to a dangerous frown. "Oh really? Well, that changes things," he remarked. He leaned forward, tenting his fingers, and that definitely wasn't a good sign. "You know how I hate wild goose chases," Killigan.
"We can help you get it back!" Amy insisted.
"Y'know, you two should really relax. I mean no harm," Jack said, smiling and putting up his hands. "Especially not with Dr. Director lingering about. Besides, my priority is getting my son back to normal," Jack said. The two tentatively began to relax. That was a good sign, maybe? Jack pulled out his phone - the action nearly gave Duff a heart attack when at first he'd thought it was something else - and dialed a number. He put the phone to his ear and waited. After a moment, he smirked. "Patch me through to Big Daddy Brotherson," he said. "Who's calling? Just tell him it's an old, trusted, and valued friend," Jack replied. He waited a moment, then chuckled out loud in amusement, obviously immensely satisfied with himself. Apparently whoever was on the other end of the phone had gone running to obey.
KP
"Who is it?" Big Daddy questioned his employee.
"He wouldn't give his name. He simply said it was an old, trusted, and valued friend," the man answered. Big Daddy's eyes lit up in amusement. Jack Hench. It had been some time. Their last interaction had been during the kidnapping incident with the two ninja boys. They had been working very closely to monitor the Duke and his plot regarding Hirotaka, as well as the Red-Roomer and his activities.
"Patch him through," Big Daddy ordered, not volunteering the name of the caller to his people. Jack appreciated confidentiality and privacy. In fact, he demanded it. The man was insidious like that. Quite a potent and deadly cocktail. The employee bowed and left. In a moment the phone rang. Big Daddy picked it up and said, "Jack, it's been a long time."
"It has," Jack agreed, smirking fondly. Of all his business associates, Big Daddy was one of his personal favorites as well as his most trusted. At least the two could trust each other. The clients they dealt with, not so much. At least on Big Daddy's end. He himself strove for honesty in his dealings. It brought in more recommendations. "I've recently learned that our friend Mr. Killigan sold you a certain item. A Ring Tower-shaped object known as the Juvinator, I believe."
"Ah, our friend Dr. Drakken's invention. I'm aware of it. Interested, are you?" Big Daddy asked.
"Very, but not for the reason you assume," Hench answered.
"What, then, has caught your eye about it?" Big Daddy asked.
"My son fooled around with it, and let's just say I'm not prepared to raise him all over again from scratch," Hench answered.
Big Daddy started, blinking blankly. "Well then you are in a pickle," he said. "I've just sold the Juvinator myself."
"Oh no. To who?" Jack asked.
"My dear Jack. Dear, dear Jack, you know the one rule I have in this establishment. Client Confidentiality," Big Daddy replied.
"Where was that integrity when you gave up Killigan to Kim Possible?" Jack retaliated, smirking. Big Daddy was challenging him. He honestly didn't mind the man's mind games though. They kept him sharp, after all.
Big Daddy chuckled. "You are always a welcome change from the fools who usually try and play my games," he said. "They blindly tell me what they think I want to hear. Fortunately for them, I let such incidents go. It does get boring, though. You are refreshing, Hench. You don't just give me what you believe I want. You challenge me right back. A worthy opponent indeed."
"I try, old friend," Jack replied. "Client name, please."
"Very well. For you and no one else. Francis Lucreman, alias Frugal Lucre. But then you already knew his alter-ego," Big Daddy answered.
"Well then that shouldn't be too difficult," Jack said.
"You haven't heard the whole story. He was told to obtain a device of his choosing, as long as he believed it to be useful, by a backer of sorts," Big Daddy said. "In fact, said backer is a very close business associate and friend of ours. I believe you know where this is going."
Jack frowned. "Falsetto Jones," he replied. That just made this about one thousand times more difficult. Falsetto was no fool. He was competent, he had money, he had resources, he had skill, and he lacked the typical villain weaknesses. In fact, Falsetto was right up there with Big Daddy on his personal list of favorite people to do business with. The man was a lot like him. "So, he's taken Lucre under his employ, has he? Not a surprise. Mr. Lurman can be quite useful. Hackers and programmers are essential in our lines of work. I enjoy keeping a few on hand myself, and Mr. Lurman can hack with the best of them. The man knows his computers."
"How true. He has the potential to be quite the dangerous opponent," Big Daddy said. "Falsetto saw an opportunity and took it. His mistake was giving the man any sort of decision-making power. I doubt Frugal even knows what he has," Big Daddy said. "Good luck, Hench. You'll need it," Big Daddy said.
"I have an in with Falsetto, but maybe it's time to give Team Possible a little leg-stretch," Jack said.
"You may end up regretting it. You haven't exactly been batting one hundred lately, my friend, what with the PDVI and the Cupid Ray," Big Daddy said.
"Are you implying I'm losing my touch?" Jack icily asked.
"That depends. Is it carelessness or boredom?" Big Daddy questioned.
Jack smirked a bit. "Maybe I am getting too bored for my own good. With all the action I've been getting into lately, I believe I'm starting to be a bit spoiled," Jack said.
"Watch out for that. We're businessmen, my friend, not heroes or villains," Big Daddy warned.
"You're right. After this, I'll have to try and lie low to remedy the issue. Goodbye, Big Daddy. Let's do lunch sometime," Jack said.
"Agreed," Big Daddy said. With that, he hung up.
Jack hung up. DNAmy and Killigan were staring questioningly at him. "All right you two, let's get back to the others. You're coming along for the ride," Jack said to them. They nodded, not daring to push their luck any father with the man, and followed him back to the plane.
KP
"What's the plan?" Dr. Director asked as her husband returned with Killigan and DNAmy.
"Frugal Lucre has possession of it. Let's let Team Possible deal with this one," Jack said.
Drakken, frowning, beckoned Duff and Amy over to him and Shego. They approached. "I say we inform the rest of Evil Incorporated about this. I want my invention back and out of Lucre's hands."
"Go against Jack Hench?" Amy doubtfully asked.
"What can he do?" Drakken replied. "His son is counting on it."
"Fine, fine, but if this backfires, Dr. D, you're in big trouble. And not from me," Shego warned. She wasn't sold on this plan either.
"It won't backfire!" Drakken defended.
"Sure it won't," Shego said, exchanging incredulous looks with DNAmy.