The project was proceeding as expected. Doctor Drakken was pleased with the work. Granted it was taking longer than he hoped or had patience for. Everything had been assembled and the calibrations, which were many, were underway.
The lair was the most secret lair he had ever built and the security was the best he had ever seen. It was a true testimony to the genius and the greatness of the person responsible. He just wished that person was him.
"Is everything proceeding as planned?" asked Drakken's strange guest.
"Yes, all the testing is on schedule," said Drakken.
"What of the security issues?"
"There was a breach caused by that German ingrate but what he obtained was only some old correspondence. Nothing of importance. Since then we have instituted new security protocols and no further breaches have occurred".
"Progress update on the molecular spatial disruptor?"
"You mean our new Death Ray?" exclaimed Drakken excitedly.
"Yes, if you prefer, the Death Ray", a hint of exasperation in the speaker's voice.
"It is nearly complete and this will be the greatest weapon I have ever created".
"Excellent. What of the Raider?"
"There has been no sign. Perhaps he has given up without his technological toys".
"He has many more toys at his disposal. Besides there have been signs, you just need to know where to look". Suddenly a large monitor on the wall activated and displayed a surveillance video of a shopping establishment. It was obviously Halloween as many shoppers were all dressed in outrageous costumes. In the crowd Drakken spotted the Red Raider following the Possible family.
"This surveillance video shows us the Raider is staying close to the Possibles".
"Why would he do that? Aren't they a danger to his plans and our own?"
"He has his reasons. Ironically, his reasons are closely aligned with ours. You see Kim Possible is pregnant again".
"How did she manage that?" asked Drakken.
"The Raider and DNAmy I suspect. We must make sure that this pregnancy goes well".
"Why?"
"Because, when this project is complete we're going to need a very specific test subject".
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The armor was amazing. He was learning so much from it. This would be one of his most stupendous creations. It was good before he got ahold of it but he would make it better. The heat from the furnaces and the forges was intense with multiple henchmen aiding him transforming the Raider's armor.
When it was complete he would hunt down that blue idiot and take the project from him. If the Raider got in his way then he would deal with him as well. Dementor longed to see the Raider's reaction when he bore witness to the new Dementor armor.
Now if he could just finish the software interface issues. Dementor scanned his intelligence reports to find a suitable way to link the Raider's armor systems to his existing technology. There was some promising research going on in San Francisco, USA. He would monitor their progress and when necessary pay them a social visit.
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It was the last day of school before Thanksgiving break. Gracie was in Ms. Sullivan's mathematics class just before the end of the day. She was looking forward to the break and a chance to catch up with some of her family, especially all of her uncles. The Thanksgiving dinner would take place at her grandparents' house with her grandmother, momma, and Emily doing the cooking.
"All right class before we close today I just wanted to ask if there was anyone who didn't have plans for a nice Thanksgiving celebration", asked Ms. Sullivan? No one in the class spoke up and the teacher nodded her head. "I thought so. I just wanted to remind everyone that as you celebrate your holiday to remember that there are people not as fortunate as you. Some who don't have the benefits you may have. So I challenge each of you to find some way to help someone over the holidays that may not have what we take for granted".
"How could we do that, ma'am?" asked Gracie.
"Well you could donate clothing or money to a charity. You could volunteer to work at a food kitchen for the homeless or be part of a program that delivers Thanksgiving meals to those who otherwise wouldn't receive one". Just then the bell sounded and the class excitedly started to file from the classroom.
"Take a Thanksgiving dinner to someone who wouldn't normally receive one. Yeah, I can do that", and a wicked grin crossed Gracie's face.
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Doctor Mortenson was performing the ultra sound and Kim was ecstatic to see images of her new baby. She was now about ten weeks along and she was ready to get out of the first trimester. The bloating, constipation, fatigue, and headaches were getting old but she would not let that dampen her mood.
"Kim, I know I said this last time but I must admit that I didn't expect to see you here in this capacity. I'm glad for you, just surprised".
"I know what you mean. When we got this opportunity I thought either Shego or I would faint dead away from shock".
"Well I must admit you have a strong one here. It's only ten weeks but I can hear a fetal heartbeat. Normally you don't hear one until twelve weeks but it looks like this little girl wants to sing".
"Oh, please let me hear", said Kim excitedly. The doctor gave Kim a listen and Kim's face shone with a beautiful smile at the sound of the baby's heartbeat. "Shego is going to be so jealous. She wanted to be here to hear the baby's heartbeat but she had to work today".
"Have you decided on a name yet?"
"No. Just like before we are going round and round about what name to use. But don't worry I have a feeling the naming of this baby is going to be something special".
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Thanksgiving at the Possible house was a sight to behold. Gracie had counted eighteen people in attendance. Of course her grandparents, Dr. James Possible and Dr. Anne Possible, the hosts, were here. Anne was busy in the kitchen with Shego and Emily preparing the Thanksgiving dinner. Kim, Zoe, and little Nicholas were at the kitchen table playing with Nicholas and talking to the kitchen crew. Her grandfather and her Uncle's Michael (MIGO) and Henry (HEGO) were watching the football game on television.
Her other Uncle's however were far more interesting. The Possible twins, her Uncle's Jim and Tim, had brought their dates a pair of brunette twin sisters themselves. The GO twins (WEGOs), her uncles Wesley and Wilfred, had also brought their dates a pair of blonde twin sisters. The dynamics of this grouping was spectacular to behold. The eight of them seemed to converse in a language all their own that only they could understand.
She had asked her Uncles, Jim and Tim, if they were planning to marry the twin girls and they only rolled their eyes and said something about "BOO" and "Hussah". She asked her Uncle Henry why he didn't bring a date and she got a story about a hero's life being a lonely life. Her Uncle Michael said that he had so many it was too difficult to choose which one to bring. That's was when her mother, Shego Michael's sister, made the comment that no woman would put up with someone so self-absorbed.
Gracie was sad that she couldn't have brought Billy but she knew that he was supposed to have dinner with his family. However, the band did have plans to practice together on Sunday.
The subject of Kim's pregnancy was a key part of almost every conversation with everyone excited by the new family addition.
When dinner finally came around, because of the dates her Uncle's had brought, Gracie was regulated to taking care of her sisters, her brother, and her Uncle Michael. The latter she figured she inherited because only her sisters could tolerate his endless supply of stories about himself.
After dinner and the family had talked and caught up on each other than everyone began to get ready to leave. Gracie said goodbye to all her Uncle's and their dates, for those who had them. She even saw her momma and her brother Hego hug each other. She knew that among her momma's brothers those two had proved the hardest to reconcile. Then she helped her parents and grandparents clean up the day's festivities. Finally she kissed her grandparents goodbye and her family left to go home. Her grandmother and Shego had of course prepared way more food than was consumed so a large part was sent home with them. It had been a good day and she was happy that she had such a loving family. Not everyone was so lucky. She knew she couldn't help everyone in the world at once but maybe she could help them one at a time. I've got to start somewhere, thought Gracie.
Tomorrow was black Friday and she knew her parents were going out to shop for things that Kim and eventually the new baby would need. Gracie told her parents of what she had heard at school and her wish to volunteer at a shelter that delivered meals to the needy. The food was donated on black Friday and was donated from food that had not been used the day before. Kim thought that was a wonderful and generous use of her time.
So the next morning Gracie put her plan into action. Friday morning was chilly outside which worked in her favor. She first put on the Red Raider suit and stuffed her Kimmunicator inside of it. Then she put on shoes and sweat pants with a large sweat shirt and hood. To complete her ensemble she put on gloves and the suit underneath was hidden from view. Finally she had to convince George to stay home which required her to give him a large hunk of cheese.
Gracie then put together a large meal from the leftovers of what they had brought back home. Her parents dropped her off at the shelter Gracie had looked up on-line and after talking with the shelter staff her parents left to do their shopping. Gracie promised she would be done that afternoon and she would catch a ride back home. She helped the staff prepare several meals but she kept her own supplies separate. After helping out for a few hours she enacted stage two of her plan. During a lull she collected her supplies and called for a cab.
When the cab arrived she pulled up her hood so that the driver couldn't get a good look at her face. She told him she wanted to go to Upperton quickly. The driver was initially unsure until Gracie showed him the cash for the drive and just like that they were off. They made very good time and when they reached the neighborhood Gracie wanted to go to she had the driver stop half a mile from her destination. The driver was confused but took Gracie's money and quickly left.
During the walk to the house, Gracie kept telling herself this wasn't necessarily a bad idea but it also might not be a good idea. How did she even know if he would be there?
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The Raider splashed water onto his face. Damn he was tired. Every search algorithm he had employed had yet to show any concrete results. His transportation, defenses, and weapons were prepared to the best of his ability, however, he needed a target. Drakken had dropped off the face of the planet. It wasn't like his normally flamboyant attempts to hide. Where was he hiding something like the project? The energy signature necessary for the project should be traceable to those who know what to look for.
Dementor was just as bad. He had been able to track some shipments of electronics and parts he thought Dementor would need to work on the armor to the west coast of the US. However, there the trail went cold and he hadn't had found a clue in days.
It was almost to the point where he considered exposing his position just to draw them out.
Suddenly the proximity alarm sounded. If that's who I've been seeking, than I may need to reevaluate my belief in a deity. He quickly put on his light armor and weapons. At the monitoring station he viewed the section where the alarm indicated an intrusion. What he saw was a single figure approaching the home's front entrance. The figure was hooded and alone while carrying a large bag. He focused the camera in to get a better look and when he did the world stopped making any sense.
"What in the name of H…", and the front door chime sounded.
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Gracie stood in front of the mansion and wondered again for the hundredth time if this was such a brilliant idea. It had seemed so selfless and good in the beginning but now that she was standing here she felt more than a little foolish. She pushed the door chime again and waited. Maybe he wasn't here. He might have moved on to another site or is out doing whatever villains do on the holidays. She didn't want to just leave all this here, but if no one showed up what else could she do?
"What are you doing here?"
Gracie startled a moment and almost dropped her bag of supplies. The voice had come from an intercom below a control panel next to the front door. She took a moment to compose herself and lower her heartbeat after that first shock. "I brought Thanksgiving dinner. I'm guessing you didn't have one yesterday".
"Gracie you can be traced here".
"Thought of that which is why I wore your suit. I figured out they can't trace me in it. What else you got?"
"Your communication device is traceable".
"Already thought of that which is why I have it inside my suit. So anything else..?" Gracie pointed to where she had the Kimmunicator stored.
"You are a known persona in the public eye and you could have been recognized".
"Why do think I wore this", she indicated the hood. "I also came in a cab and paid cash to leave no credit trail. I was let out half a mile away and walked here. Next?" For a few moments there was silence and Gracie wondered if she would be left outside when the door buzzed and opened.
Gracie walked through the door and the interior was dark even for midday. She closed the door behind her and walked to where she remembered the kitchen to be. Once at the kitchen she turned on the lights and saw the kitchen was furnished with tables, chairs, and she found a fairly well stocked supply of utensils. She also saw a layer of dust covering everything. So this hasn't seen any recent use. She took a rag and wetted it and began cleaning off the countertops and the table.
"If I had wanted a maid I could have hired a service". The Raider sighed as he entered the kitchen. Gracie saw that the Raider was wearing his light armor and mask. She saw him begin taking off his weapons and laying them against the wall.
"I'm not here to clean. I came because today I am delivering Thanksgiving dinner to those unfortunate enough to not otherwise have it".
"How do you know I didn't?" Gracie turned around her hands on her hips and began tapping her foot. Damn it! When she does that she looks just like her mother, thought the Raider. "You are correct I didn't".
"That is why I'm here. When was the last time you ate?"
"The day before yesterday".
"I thought so. Now sit down and we can have something to eat. I don't have all day before I'm missed". The Raider stepped over to a cabinet and pulled fourth a bottle of twenty-one year old scotch. He opened the bottle and obtained a glass and poured a liberal amount scotch into the glass.
"You're going to drink that straight and on an empty stomach?"
The Raider turned with deliberate slowness to the freezer. He opened it and took one cube of ice out and dropped one into the glass. He then walked back to the table setting the glass and bottle before him.
Gracie began pulling things out and sitting them on the table. There was turkey, ham, potatoes, beans, stuffing, and various other sides. She also removed bread for sandwiches. Then she got plates down and set the table with her at one end and the Raider at the other.
Gracie began fixing something for herself first and the Raider downed his first glass of scotch and poured another. He then reached for the food and began making himself a sandwich and obtaining several side dishes.
"Speaking of being missed how long do you have before that happens?"
"Oh, I still have awhile yet, don't worry".
"Do you mind if I worry. You realize you're off the grid at this moment. If your parents or Mr. Load begin to look for you, all hell could break loose? You and I both know your parents and they would move heaven and Earth to find you".
"I know that. But this is something I wanted to do".
You have guts and strength Gracie, thought the Raider. According to Kim's records and what I have witnessed so far you also have her fiery spirit. You also have Shego's 'I don't care what other people say attitude'. "Why?"
"You told me you wouldn't lie to me. Is that correct?" The Raider nodded in the affirmative. "Then tell me who have you got now. Do you have anyone coming to you right now; family, friends, henchmen, fellow cohorts; I'll take anybody at this point".
"No one".
"So you are a one man wrecking crew out to save the world. That's about it".
The Raider downed his next glass of scotch. He then slowly began to laugh and soon his bellows began to shake the kitchen. It was several minutes before he calmed down enough to breathe normally. When done he refilled his glass but did not immediately drink.
Gracie was confused. She didn't think what she said was that funny. She smiled anyway because maybe she had finally wormed her way inside his defenses a little and she didn't want to lose this chance.
"It appears that I have been an ungrateful host. I thank you for this food and your insight."
"You're welcome. What are friends for?"
The Raider slammed his glass down on the table. Gracie was startled and slid her chair back. She couldn't see the Raider's eyes through his mask but from his body language she could imagine them boring into her. What did I say wrong, thought Gracie?
"Don't do that. We are not friends Gracie. We can't be. Not now".
"Why not?"
"Because if we are friends it will make it that much worse when I betray you."
"Are you going to betray me?"
"Yes, I am. Don't ask me why. I can't tell you now exactly when or where it will be, but I will. Believe me when I say that there is little in this world that would please me more than to call you my friend. But I can't claim that honor and you should not give it".
Gracie was surprisingly both hurt and comforted by the Raider's remarks. There was just something familiar about him that she could not place. He was sometimes an insensitive prick and other times an almost caring companion. He didn't make any sense.
"Very well". Perhaps I can twist this to my advantage. "You once told me that if I was willing, you could use my help".
"Yes". What are up to Gracie thought the Raider?
"Well if not friends then maybe partners because villains seem to betray each other all the time. Maybe I can help you and lessen the effect of the betrayal or find a way to do it to you first".
The Raider actually began choking on his scotch in response to Gracie's remark. Asking for help appeared inevitable to his plans. Perhaps it was time to start.
"Very well, but let's finish eating first". They finished their meal in companionable silence and then the Raider motioned for Gracie to follow her.
Gracie followed the Raider back to the concealed armory she had seen before. She saw that his computers where running and that several different screens where displaying various data on several different sites around the world.
"I have tried to track both Dementor and Drakken for several months now without any great success. I have concentrated on finance, research, and power issues hoping to find a trail that leads back to either of them".
"That may not be the best search plan. They are accustomed to people trying to track then that way. You mentioned that they are probably laying low trying to use the technology they stole from you. So I would try to anticipate what they would need to carry out their next move".
"That is not a bad idea. The hardware portion of my armor will not prove that difficult to manipulate but without my command codes Dementor will need to find more advanced software to interface with my armor. I can change my search algorithms to scan for recent tech advances or software thefts. Thank you Gracie".
"What about Drakken?"
"First things first. I will deal with Dementor then Drakken". The Raider moved over to one of his computer consoles and began opening some new functions.
"Give me your communication device, please". Gracie handed the Raider her Kimmunicator and the Raider punched some codes into it while adjusting his computer. When he was finished he handed it back to Gracie.
"If you wish to contact me, first enter this code. It will scramble the line and alert my communications. Do not tell anyone of this as I do not believe Mr. Load will find the change unless you give him reason to look for it. You should probably only use this in extreme emergencies".
"Well I should probably be going now". Gracie looked at the time and realized she needed to get back to Middleton quickly.
"I will give you a ride home".
"Please and thank you".
As they lifted off in the hovercraft and the Raider cloaked it for hidden flight they sped off toward Middleton.
"I have one more favor to ask of you Gracie".
"What's that?"
"Never come to this house again. I mean it".
"I promise".
Author's Notes:
For those action junkies out there fear not. Next chapter we have the Christmas battle between Dementor and the Raider plus a shocking revelation (well to some it will be shocking).
Kim possible and all characters associated with it are the Copyrighted property of the Disney Corporation and the creation of Bob Schooley and Mark Mckorkle. Any characters of Disney's Kim Possible are used without their permission but for non-profit purposes.