The GJ special records and archive facility, code-named Clearinghouse, was housed in the Middle Rocky mountain range in north-eastern Utah. The facility was a minimal security installation that housed minimal staffing and was basically a large hanger and receiving station surrounded by a plethora of both computer and hard copy record storage. Almost all records here were redundantly stored elsewhere as well but this installation housed the most complete record system that GJ possessed.
The installation also contained a small interrogation and containment unit for the debriefing of any necessary people. The unit now held only one prisoner. This prisoner had arrived unannounced at the facility and surrendered himself to GJ only 12 hours earlier on December 27th. Since then the interrogation had been going on nonstop.
The day before the prisoner and GJ, specifically the Director of GJ, had agreed to the terms of his surrender. That he would turn himself in at a location of his choosing was the prisoner's first condition. That he be free from immediate prosecution, medical examination, or have his true identity exposed until such time as GJ could verify the validity of his information was his second condition. The third condition was that if GJ judged it necessary he would like to assist in the hunt and apprehension of those who had betrayed him. The last condition was that team Possible would be present for his interrogation.
The viewing room next to the interrogation room was cold and damp. The lighting was inadequate and the room probably had not seen use in some time as most of these things took place at far more secure facilities. The four people who stood within were all looking through the two-way mirror as Special Agent Will Du conducted the interrogation. The prisoner sat handcuffed before agent Du wearing a black and red jumpsuit with mask that hid all facial features. The suits armor plates and all weapon and technology had been removed.
The first individual watching the interrogation was Supervisor Crystal Sterling the administrator of the Clearinghouse. The second was Doctor Betty Director head of GJ. The last two were members of team Possible independent contractors to GJ, Ronald Stoppable and Shego Possible. Dr. Director had invited both of them to come to the Clearinghouse and they had accepted. They all watched as Agent Du stood up from the table in the other room and left the prisoner alone.
A few moments later Agent Du entered the viewing room carrying a cup of coffee that he immediately handed to the Director. "Can you give us a few minutes Crystal?" asked Betty before Agent Du made his report. The supervisor of the Clearinghouse nodded to the Director and left the viewing room. The Director began sipping her coffee as she looked back toward the prisoner.
"Report."
"This is what we have learned from the subject. As far as his name he is still only giving us the moniker of the Red Raider. He claims to be a soldier from the future date unknown, which gained access to time displacement equipment. He further claims to have used this equipment to come back in time to prevent a future world calamity".
"How noble of him", stated Shego?
"Further he claims that to prevent the misuse of the equipment he destroyed it in the future. However, he is now concerned that before it was destroyed someone from his time has followed him into our timeframe".
"Did he say who followed him?" asked the Director.
"He only mentioned that this person seems to be the one helping Doctor Drakken but he refuses to elaborate further".
"Why? Asked Ron.
"For the same reason he refuses medical scans or to reveal his identity. He says it would cause irreparable damage to this timeline".
"How convenient", said Shego?
"What about our passive scans told us about him?" asked the Director?
"They have confirmed that he is male and that he appears to be in his middle to late twenties in age. He also appears to have already recovered from the majority of the wounds he suffered in battle with Dementor on Christmas Day. This suggests that he has a healing factor that rivals that of Ms. Shego Possible. He has also displayed incredible damage resistance, accelerated physical attributes, and feats of strength far in excess of normal human development".
"Are you saying he is a meta-human?" asked Shego.
"That is my theory", said Agent Du.
"What of his equipment, have we been able to determine anything from it?" asked the Director.
"So far our analysis has determined it is very advanced and some of it uses technology beyond anything we have presently made or even theorized", said Agent Du.
"What of the robberies and the technology they stole. What is Drakken and this so-called associate trying to build?" asked the Director.
"He claims the project is another time displacement device. He says to ensure the future calamity is avoided and the time line is repaired he requires another such device. Something about the circle must be completed".
"So what does Drakken plan to do with it?" asked Ron.
"He is not sure but he believes that Drakken is also constructing a new and more powerful particle beam energy weapon for world conquest".
"Drakken has made dozens of Death Rays over the years and he has never come close to conquering the world with them. The fallacy is that he can only destroy one thing at a time so there is always a way to stop him before he goes too far", said Shego.
"That has been the case in the past but the prisoner says that if Drakken gains access to the time displacement equipment and the particle weapon he will be able to fire the beam through the time portal. He says with only a few minor time calibrations he can could send the particle beam through time to strike at dozens or possibly hundreds of targets simultaneously".
"So he could strike against anyone or anything at the same time. Devastating the world's ability to fight back. What has the science division said of the prisoner's theories?" asked the Director.
"I have given the science division the list of equipment the prisoner stole and a synopsis of his plan and while they don't understand it all, they claim it could be possible. They are requesting access to the prisoner as quickly as allowable".
"No one gains access to this prisoner without my personal consent is that understood".
"Yes, Director".
"I want to speak with him", said Shego.
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(A few hours earlier at a hidden lair)
Doctor Drakken viewed the latest intelligence reports. He was disturbed by what they had revealed. However, he was also curious to find out what his partner would think of them. He strode to the control center trying to anticipate the Proconsul's response. He needed to begin to understand the man because things weren't proceeding as he originally thought they would.
He found the Proconsul once again sitting in his favorite chair. The Proconsul wore an ankle length purple robe and carried a small remote like device that Drakken had never been able to get away from his person for examination. The elderly version of himself was watching several different global news feeds at the same time.
"You have something new to report?" said the Proconsul as Drakken entered the room.
"An intelligence report from our source in GJ. It seems the Raider has surrendered to GJ. He is in custody at a minimal security records facility and is presently under interrogation by the head of GJ and Team Possible".
"Interesting. Is Kim Possible herself reported to be at the facility?"
"No. She is not".
"So many of our enemies in one spot. I think this may be a golden opportunity to test some of our prototypes and eliminate some of our enemies at the same time. How many of the Beta Betas do we have on-line?"
"Twelve".
"Send them in. The Raider has played his part. Now it is time for him to exit the stage".
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"Agent Du this coffee is cold could you bring me another cup?" asked Doctor Director.
"Yes, Director", Agent Du eyed the Director critically but left the viewing room as he recognized a dismissal when heard one.
"What are you after Shego?" asked the Director.
"He asked for us to be here, didn't he? The director turned and raised an incredulous eyebrow at both Shego and Ron. "This guy has been gunning for us. I want to know why."
"I do as well", said Ron.
"Alright. But just talk. I'm not saying I believe his story yet but I don't want to lose this opportunity to stop Drakken and end this whole thing".
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Shego had been quiet all morning. No snarky comments. No quick puns. No attempts to irritate Doctor Director or put down GJ. Ron was almost afraid to be in same room with her. He had fought against and alongside Shego for so many years that he knew she was most dangerous when she's like this. As he followed her toward the door of the interrogation room he really started to feel a bit sorry for the Raider. However, this guy brought it on himself.
Shego opened the door and Ron saw the plasma burn ignite so fast he actuality flinched from it. The Raider was still sitting at the interrogation table his hands handcuffed before him. Shego exploded through the door and her plasma charged right cross lifted the Raider out of his chair and slammed him, hard, into the far wall of the room.
"Stay away from my daughter, asshole!" said Shego as she strode to the far side of the table and demurely sat down. The Raider rolled onto his back and shook his head the left side of his mask charred from the plasma burn. Ron walked over to the Raider and offered him a hand up.
"I have seen this in movies. Does this mean you are the good one?" asked the Raider of Ron. Ron pulled the Raider up and placed a beautiful left jab into the Raider's solar plexus. The Raider doubled over and once again collapsed to the floor.
"No. I'm afraid that is not the situation", said Ron as he left the Raider laying on the floor and walked over behind Shego and leaned against a wall.
After a few seconds the Raider began laughing. His laughter was interrupted by occasional coughing as he tried to pull in air. Shego sat drumming her fingers on the table. The Raider managed to sit up and crawled back to the table. He looked up and only the top of head and his masked eyes were visible over the top of the table.
"Time travel, a cornucopia of misplaced introductions. You may not believe this, but I had so many scenarios in mind for our first chance at a real conversation. Surprisingly enough, this was one of them". The Raider finally managed to sit back up in his chair.
"Funny. This is exactly where I thought our first talk would be", said Shego as she pulled out a nail file and began to sharpen her gloves.
"Ms. Shego Possible. Do you know I once saw a picture of you in the future? You looked much as you do now. I also read your extensive GJ personnel files. After seeing that picture and reading those files I have always wanted the opportunity to talk to you".
"Fine. I'm here, let's talk. I assume you are familiar with the term quid pro quo?" The Raider nodded. "Good, I'll begin. What is your interest in my family?"
The Raider leaned forward propping his chin up on his handcuffed hands. "While traveling back in time I was unable to get exact instructions on everything I was supposed to do. However, I do know that your family is part of what I must do to prevent a certain future from manifesting".
"What part does my family play?"
"It involves the death of a family member".
"Are you threatening someone in my family?" Shego rose out of her chair her hands lit with green plasma fire. The Raider did not flinch and Ron was impressed because he knew the Raider stared into the face of death itself if Shego thought he threatened her family.
"No. Actually the opposite. I am trying to avoid the death of any member of your family. One of my most important mission parameters is to ensure the survival of your entire family. Quid pro quo?"
"What do you want to know?" asked Shego as she once again sat down in her chair.
"Why did you leave Mr. Lipski all those years ago, just before you married Kim Possible?"
"He crossed the line and did something I couldn't condone".
"So if you could go back in time and tell your younger self that Mr. Lipski's plan was wrong and it crossed the line would you do it? Would you stop the conception of your daughter and your marriage?"
"No, I would not."
"Why?" asked the Raider.
"Because Drew crossed the line with his manipulation of Kim and me, but we worked with the consequences to produce a good outcome. Quid pro quo. What are you really trying to accomplish?"
"I'm crossing the line and working to produce a good outcome. More than that I can't say".
Shego was about to respond when she heard a knock on the mirrored glass. She rose from her chair and followed Ron toward the door.
"I hope Gracie didn't get in too much trouble. She really is a gentle and good person", said the Raider.
"I blame you not my daughter. I will always stand by my children."
"Even when they have done something bad?"
"Even then".
"Someday I will have to hold you to that".
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Ron saw Doctor Director standing in the hallway outside the interrogation room. She did not look happy and neither did the six heavily armed GJ agents behind her. These agents were her personal guard the best GJ had. The Director waited until the door closed behind Shego before saying anything.
"I said just talk. I agreed to certain conditions in good faith to arrange the surrender of this prisoner. You just made a liar out of me", the Director's tone was as cold as an arctic winter.
"He has fast healing factor. What we did won't hurt him", replied Shego nonchalantly.
"I invited you here as a courtesy. I have respected and tolerated your actions over the years because you and your team are some of if not the best assets we have. But if you ever strike a prisoner in my care again I will sacrifice as many of my people, including myself, as necessary to take you down. That goes for you too Mr. Stoppable".
"Careful Betty. We don't take well to threats". Shego advanced nose to nose with the Director. Ron tensed and the agents behind the Director raised their weapons.
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There was no coffee left in the officer's lounge so Special Agent Will Du headed for the command center. He figured someone there would have some. He knew the Director was removing him from the scene so she could work with Team Possible alone. Even after all this time he still had reservations about using civilian contractors, such as Team Possible, for high security issues like this. He entered the Clearinghouse's control room to find staff in the middle of situation.
"I can't believe these idiots at archives are doing it again?" said one of the GJ control techs.
"You'd think they could at least signal us or file a simple flight plan before they drop their stuff right down on top of us", another tech complained.
"What is going on?" said Agent Du as he strode up to stand next to the agents.
"We have an unscheduled flight going over. Probably just a routine records drop, sir", said the first tech.
"They haven't contacted us but we get them all the time, they probably think they're just too busy to bother with the proper paperwork", said the second tech.
"We have an Omega level prisoner on site and the Director of GJ in attendance and you tell me we are being overflown by an unregistered flight with no contact that is dropping things on us?" Agent Du all but screamed.
"Yeah, we're just a records storage facility", said the first tech.
"Morons", yelled Agent Du and he searched the command console and pressed the alarm button.
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The alarm Klaxons began ringing and Shego and the Director stood eyeing each other. Ron and the agents waited as the seconds ticked by wondering which of the women would blink first. The Director raised her communicator to her lips without breaking eye contact with Shego.
"Report status".
"Agent Du here Director. We have been overflown by an unidentified transport that has dropped multiple bogies that are decelerating and will be on top of us within thirty seconds. I have requested back up and support but nothing will get here within the next fifteen minutes".
"Open the arms locker and place all personnel on combat status. My transport will have more weapons than this whole facility so we need to secure that first". The Director turned too her guards. "Too the hanger that is the most likely access point for them". She turned back to Shego and Ron. "You coming?"
"Wouldn't miss it for the world", said Shego.
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The Raider heard the alarm. He sighed in frustration, if this isn't a trick by GJ then I must assume that Drakken has a source inside. The Proconsul doesn't want me gaining support. Very prudent of him.
I had planned to negotiate before I tried to escape but maybe the reverse could work as well. In the end it will take more than just a common enemy to convince them.
He looked to the mirror in the interrogation room. Can't tell if anyone is still watching so I'll just have to risk it. He slid one of his gloves off and from the fingers produced several slim metallic rods. He stood up and with but a small exertion of strength snapped the handcuffed freeing his hands. He then went to the door and probed its length with the rods from his glove. It took only a few seconds to decode the doors security and with deft fingers bypass the locks. The door to the interrogation room slid open and the hallway outside was clear.
He moved quickly and quietly down the corridor until he found what he wanted. A single records tech was typing away on a computer while staring annoyingly at the alarm buzzer. The tech never saw him coming until the Raider lifted him up and slammed him against a wall.
"Where did they take my equipment?"
"What?" said the tech in obvious fear and confusion?
The Raider slammed him once again into the wall. "Last chance. My equipment where did they take it?"
"They took all your things to research down the hall. That way".
"Thank you", the Raider slammed the tech once again and dropped his unconscious body to the floor.
If my guess is right they will need some help, but first things first. The Raider had not chosen this records facility by chance. There was something he had to do first.
Author's Notes:
Well the month of May is nearly over. I would like to thank everyone who has viewed this story which has reached over 1,200 for this month alone, almost 50 per day, and we are not finished yet. I would also like to thank my reviewers who have inspired me and helped keep me on track.
There is some fun and some fights coming up very quickly. But don't worry the story is really about the ties of family.
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.