The Raider stood looking up at the three-dimensional map of the Earth as it spun slowly before him in the middle of the GJ tactical situation room. This was getting harder and harder to pull off as time went on. His allies and enemies both had their own timetables that did not correspond to his own. He had to slow one down and string another along. He listened to every word his allies said while trying to feign indifference.
"The incidents detected have increased in frequency and these are taking into account only the ones we have been able to detect", said Special Agent Will Du.
"What are the latest locations of incident", asked Doctor Director.
"A pair of bridges were destroyed in Thailand, a pair of roller-coasters in the United States, a pair of whaling ships in Japan, the pyramids of the Sun and Moon outside Mexico City, and two orbital communication satellites", said Agent Du.
"Raider, your thoughts?" asked the Director.
"They're still learning and their aim is improving".
"The fact that they are becoming more active should be helping us find them. So why are we still coming up with nothing?" The Director came to stand next to the Raider as he continued looking at the image of the Earth. "You said your help would be a benefit in finding Drakken so allow me to put forth this thought. Be helpful".
"The fact that they are increasing their use of the time portals and the energy required to maintain them and the weapons they are employing may leave us a detectable energy signature. The problem is I made sure the good Doctor realized this before he decided to take the project solo. I would look for incidents of brown outs or power failures that are not related to environmental phenomena".
"Anything else?"
"The opening of time portals across the globe is only a mirror of the larger portal they must be opening on the site of the project. The portal is a natural disruption of sub-space that could affect weather patterns or the normal electromagnetic field of the Earth. I would use your vast array of satellites to scan for localized disruptions of either. The problem is the disruption may be very small and difficult to detect".
The Director turned to her technical staff. "Do we have the scanning capability to cover the planet as he suggests".
"We don't have the satellite coverage for the planet with the detail necessary to detect an anomaly such as the Raider has described", said Agent Du.
"How much could be covered?"
"About sixteen percent", said Agent Du.
"Then we need to narrow our search. Well Raider you were with them for a long time. Where should we be looking?"
"Our enemies are not original, they will stick to the percentages. I would concentrate on remote areas in South America, Africa, Asia, maybe Australia", said the Raider as he turned to leave the situation room. "With your leave Director, I have a previous engagement".
Doctor Director watched the Raider leave and then turned to her staff. "Do as the Raider suggests but concentrate your scans on North America and Europe".
"That is opposite of where the Raider suggested to look Director", said Agent Du.
The Director walked up to Agent Du and spoke so only he could hear. "I know when I'm being played. That mask of his doesn't hide everything."
"Excuse me Director I will be back momentarily", said Agent Du as he left after the Raider.
Agent Du soon caught up the Raider and the four agent tactical team that shadowed his every move. "If I may have a moment of your time Mr. Raider".
The Raider sighed then stopped and turned until Agent Du caught up to him. "I am at your pleasure Special Agent".
"I doubt that very much. However, I have prepared my team's makeup and lineup for you. It is customary for the opposing teams to exchange lineups prior to playing", Agent Du handed the Raider a printout.
"I have already studied your team".
"There has been a late change. Agent Daugherty my catcher was called away on a special mission so I arranged for a substitute. I assure you it is within the rules".
The Raider took the list and read down it until he reached the new name. He read the name twice before its significance sank in. Cold dread filled him as realized that Agent Du had indeed outdone himself this time. "You can't do this".
"As I said this is within the rules for a legal substitution".
"Damn the rules. You shouldn't do this". The Raider lowered the list and drew himself up and then lowered his head. "Please".
"I am surprised by this reaction. It shows more feeling than I thought you capable of. If you don't like it you could always quit but no you're not a quitter. Please extend my warmest regards to your team". Agent Du turned without further comment and returned to the GJ situation room.
"Damn". The Raider folded the list and placed it within his armor. What is the old saying, in for a penny?
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
The team was finally getting together for the first real team practice. Abigail Normal couldn't believe she had actually been able to pull this off. Getting Ron and Yori on board had cost her a date with the Raider and a night of dancing she couldn't completely remember. But the parts she did remember she wished she could forget.
Getting Gracie had been easier. Gracie had insisted on naming the team and bringing her friends. Abby had relented and thus the "Mole Rats" were born. Gracie's friends' from her band had followed next and Billy, Jimmy, and Mary had enthusiastically supported Gracie. Kim had also supported Gracie in this as Gracie had done little more than school and sit at home since the incident at Middleton High.
Little Ronald Junior had been Abby's ace in the hole to complete the team. Once she had the enthusiastic ten-year old on board she had the support of Zoe and especially Emily Possible. With their support it was only a matter of time before Abby was able to land her other heavy hitter Shego herself. It had taken days of arguing and the support of Kim, who couldn't play for obvious reasons, and the girls wearing their momma down before Shego finally relented.
Now she had the ten person team of five mean and five women that the co-ed softball rules required. She and the rest of the team waited outside the Middleton fairgrounds as their last team member arrived with his GJ entourage.
"About time you arrived", said Abby.
The Raider looked around at everyone and then walked over to lean in close to Abby. "May I speak to you alone for a moment?"
"Ron take everyone over to the field and get them warmed up. We will be along in a moment", said Abby. Once everyone had left Abby turned back to the Raider. "What is it?"
"I thank you for all the work that you have done but I think it would be best if you did not play".
"What do you mean? You came to me specifically for my help in this".
"I know I did, but circumstances have changed and I want you to opt out. I will find someone else".
"Why? What has happened?"
The Raider could see that Abby was getting angry which was a state he was trying to avoid. "Will has given me his player list and there has been a late substitution".
"Who? Show me the list?"
"Abby", said the Raider.
"Show me, now!"
The Raider had removed his armor and wore his civilian clothes and mask. He withdrew the list and handed it to Abby. She quickly read the list.
"That little sneak". Abby seemed lost in thought for a few seconds before her expression hardened into resolve.
Oh, no thought the Raider.
"Maybe we can use this to our advantage".
The Raider could tell they had just started down a dark road. "That is exactly the reaction I was hoping to avoid. Abby this is just a game and it's not worth making it personal".
"Will was the one that made it personal". Abby turned and headed back toward the others. "Be careful Raider or I might get the idea that you actual care".
"Heaven forbid".
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Over the next few weeks the team practiced together and Abby was for the most part pleased. The kids were not the most skilled players but they were enthusiastic. Ron and Yori were absolutely hilarious at times and the things they could do, especially Yori, on the field were phenomenal. She felt her old pitching style wasn't all that bad. The problem was the two physically strongest players. Shego's snide comments and the way the Raider watched her got on her nerves. The problem was they were her best hitters. Little Ronnie junior was her flex player and a real joy as no matter what he did brought a smile and laugh to everyone.
After evaluating everyone she finally had come up with her player position assignments. She was going to be pitcher, of course. The infield consisted of Billy Murphy at first base, Yori at second, Ron as shortstop, and Shego as third base.
Billy was fairly fast and he was rock solid in his stance and took pressure very well so first base suited him. Ron and Yori could cover an amazing amount of territory so they were the lynch pin of her infield. Shego was ideal for third base as she was both fast and amazingly strong in her throws.
The outfield consisted of Jimmy Fiddler in left field, Mary Stewart in right field and Gracie in center field. Gracie was fast and could cover a large amount of the field and her friends seemed very determined to be there for her.
That left the Raider catching. At first Abby had questioned her reasoning but after reflection she decided it was appropriate. She didn't have the time to arrange a large group of pitching signals to the Raider so she concentrated on just the basics.
Her batting line up was Ron, Yori, Billy, Mary, Jimmy, Shego, Gracie, Raider, and then herself. All things considered it wasn't that bad. Now she had to deal with a real problem.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
The restaurant was the best Italian place in Upperton. It was difficult to get a reservation and it was even harder to get a private area for dinner. The task must have been a minor miracle on such a short notice. Abby wondered how many favors this had cost him.
Seamus looked over at his dinner guest with a bit of trepidation. He had known Abigail Normal for over a decade and thought he knew her every mood but tonight was different. Abby and he had found their differences over the years but they had always found a way through or around them but tonight something felt different. Not necessarily bad but different.
"Ye angry with me?"
"No, not really".
"Then what has ye in such a tizzy?"
Abby stared at her meal and seemed reluctant at first to answer. "Why are you playing for Will's team?"
"He asked me too. No one else asked me tae be on their team."
"I would have but I was afraid of … complications".
"With the Raider?"
"Yes with the Raider. He is definitely a complication for GJ".
"For GJ or for you?"
Abby put her fork down with more force than she intended. "Don't beat around the bush Seamus. Just say what's on your mind".
"There has been talk about and ye and the Raider".
"It's just talk Seamus".
"A lot of talk".
"It doesn't mean anything".
"A very lot of talk".
"There is nothing going between him and me. We have been on few missions together and hung out a few times". Abby shook her head and sat back. "Just like that Japanese operative I saw you with in the Pacific last month".
"She was na a villain".
"I don't believe he is one either. At least not completely".
"Do tell", said Seamus.
"This is one of the finest restaurant in Upperton and we haven't seen each other in weeks and you really want to spend the night talking about him".
Seamus saw the pleading look in Abby's eyes and like so many times before his heart couldn't bear to bring her pain. "No, lass I don't wa talk about him".
"In that case, if we are done with this conversation I think this restaurant just happens to be connected to the best luxury hotel in Upperton. I hear the view from the penthouse is just breathtaking in the morning. Care to catch the view?"
"Aye, we can do tha", replied Seamus with a smile that washed away Abby's bad mood.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Special Agent Will Du's team, the Justice Society, also consisted of ten players. Other than him there were four other men. Agents John Stroud (1st base) and Seamus O'Sullivan (catcher), specialist Harry Young (3rd Base), and technician Matt Nelson (left field).
The five women on the team were agent Melissa Howard (2nd base), specialists Terry Patterson (shortstop) and Isabella Cook (center field), and technicians Emily Rutherford (right field) and Kelly Cumberland (flex).
The Raider studied the team's breakdown in his head as he stood before the mirror of his washroom. He was taking a risk being a part of this but the activity served several functions. First it was a distraction for GJ. Second it was part of his plan for Abby. Third well that was the really stupid selfish part. He was running out of time.
By the time of this contest Kim Possible would be thirty weeks pregnant into her third trimester. The timetable was fast approaching and his position was not as secure as he would have liked.
One day in the sun it wasn't too much to ask? Was it?
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
There were several missions for team Possible while the time passed before the GJ spring picnic. These consisted of three terrorist groups, one volcano in Japan, a power plant explosion in central Africa, and a stranded Amazon River research expedition. However, none of them provided any clue about the location of Drakken or the Proconsul.
The spring picnic was held at the Middleton fair grounds and it was full of hundreds of families and friends. The day was filled with good food and fun for Kim's family. The thirty week pregnant expectant mother now sat in the bleachers of the softball field with her mother, Dr. Anne Possible and Minnie Load the wife of her longtime friend and technical genius Wade load. Anne held little Nicholas on her lap and Kim's twin daughters Emily and Zoe sat next to their grandmother wearing official "Team Mole Rat" T-shirts. The team colors were of course green and black and the team mascot, the naked mole rat, "George" ran and danced around the twins causing them to laugh. Also sitting in the bleachers were Greg and Lori Murphy the parents of Billy Murphy.
"So have you settled on a name for the baby yet?" asked Minnie.
"No. Shego and I are still going round and round about it. I like Penny or Shelly and Shego likes Darlene or Zenobia. I believe the latter to be a joke however or at least it better be".
"Well whatever her name, she is going to be born into one heck of a fine family", said Minnie.
The stands around the field were crowded with people as word of the annual softball had spread through the ranks of the GJ personnel with Will's team being heavily favored. Kim didn't mind because she just enjoyed seeing her family have the chance to have some fun. She was a little concerned for Abby though. As Kim watched Doctor Director met with Abby, Will, and the Raider out at home plate.
Doctor Betty Director pulled on her softball hat and addressed the players before her. "I will be your umpire today and I expect all of you to represent GJ with good and fair play today. I will toss the coin to decide batting order, Agent Du would you please call it in the air". The Director flipped the coin and Will called tails but it was heads. Abby decided that her team would bat second.
The Mole Rats took to the field and Kim waved to Shego as she was closest to the Mole Rat's dugout and to where Kim sat. Shego waved back and did a big muscle flex that set Emily and Zoe to ecstatic giggles. Ronnie Junior stood in the dugout and waved to the crowd. Abby threw a few warm up pitches and the Raider sat behind home plate and turned to the Director/Umpire to indicate they were ready.
The Justice Society's batting order was Seamus, Melissa, John, Terry, Harry, Isabella, Matt, Emily, and then Will.
"Play ball", said the Director as Seamus stepped up to the plate.
Seamus stepped into the batter's box looking out at Abby on the pitching mound and then down at the Raider.
"I 'ear you and Abby been hangin out", said Seamus as he readied his bat.
"On occasion", answered the Raider.
Abby's first pitch came on and Seamus swung and connected sending the ball foul over third base.
"She is a very special woman".
"Indeed", said the Raider as Abby's second pitch barely caught the corner of the plate for strike two.
"Know what I like most about her?" asked the Raider.
"Wha is that?"
The Raider lowered his voice so only Seamus could hear. "Her taste in lingerie".
Seamus tuned to look at the Raider as Abby's third pitch went over the plate. The Director called strike three and Seamus out. Instead of leaving Seamus stepped up nose to nose with the Raider.
"Do na push me little man".
"What you disagree? I found her choices quite tasteful".
Seamus shoved the Raider back from the plate and the Director immediately stepped in between them as Seamus's fellow players rushed out of the dugout and the Raider's swept in from the field. Pandemonium reigned until the Director managed to separate everyone.
"Oh my god", sighed Kim from the bleachers. This is the first batter. If this is how the game is going to go, we are in big trouble. The crowd roared and cheered at the chaotic display.
When order was finally restored the players returned to either the dugout or the field. Abby returned to the pitcher's mound with Shego following behind.
"You do realize what they are fighting over don't you?" said Shego. Abby looked at Seamus and then the Raider and turned back to Shego and smiled malevolently.
"Yes I do", said Abby.
"Men", said Shego as she returned to third base.
The next batter, Melissa, flew out to left field. John the next managed to get a hit and make it to first base. Terry the fourth grounded to Shego who threw her out at first and the Justice Society was retired in the first inning.
The Mole Rats came up to bat with Ron leading off. He got a hit but it was a fly out to right field. Yori was next and managed to get to first base. However, Billy's hit went straight to the shortstop and Yori and Billy were thrown out in a double play. First inning score of zero to zero.
In second inning batting first Harry got on first, Isabella struck out, Matt hit a home run, Emily got on first, and then Will hit into a double play.
When the Mole Rats got to bat Mary struck out, Jimmy flew out, Shego knocked a solo home run, and Gracie was thrown out at first. Second inning ended in a score of two to one in favor of the Justice Society.
The third inning found Seamus coming up to bat again. Seamus saw the look on the Director's face and said nothing this time. Seamus hit foul and was caught out by Jimmy. Melissa walked to first base and John drove her to second with himself safely on first. Terry sacrificed and drove them to second and third bases. However, it was for naught as Abby struck Harry out next at home plate.
When the Mole Rate turn to bat came up, the Raider was the next batter. He stepped up to the plate without even looking at Seamus.
"She's too good for ye".
"That is something I think both of us know something about". The first pitch from Will went wide for a ball.
"I've known her for ten years and you for what ten weeks and you think you know her".
"A little more time than that but I've gotten nearly as far as you. Does that mean I'm fast or you're slow?" The Raider wasn't paying the best attention to the ball and when he swung the hit connected low and the ball went almost straight up. Seamus moved under it with ease and caught the Raider out.
Abby batted next and she frowned at the Raider when she passed him and at Seamus when she got to the plate. Will walked Abby and Ron managed to drive her to second with himself making it to first. Yori drove one long into center field but it was caught and the runners couldn't advance. Billy was next but Will struck him out and no runs were scored.
In the fourth inning Isabella batted first for the Justice Society and struck out. Abby walked Matt and Emily flew out to center filed. Will drove Matt to second base while he reached first.
Seamus once again stepped up to the plate. He didn't look at the Raider this time.
"What is your master plan? After ten years what don't you know?" asked the Raider.
"It's na of your business". Seamus swung at Abby's pitch and drove the ball deep into right field. Before Mary could reach it and throw it back Matt and Will had scored and Seamus reached second base.
Abby struck Melissa out next but the damage was done and the Mole Rats now trailed four to one.
Mary led off the Mole Rats and got a hit to first base. Jimmy flew out to left field. Shego hit a stinger past second base and made it to first and Mary to second. Gracie flew out to right field and the Raider was up to bat next.
"You're right. She is not my business. My advice to you is to make her your business before I change my mind", the Raider connected with Will's next throw and drove the ball down the third base line past the third baseman. The runners advanced but Mary couldn't make it home so the bases were loaded with Shego on second and the Raider on first.
Abby batted next and when she got there she noticed Seamus's expression was one she had never seen before. It was a conflicting mix of anger and fear. When he looked up at her, his expression quickly became neutral and businesslike. Abby looked toward the Raider at first base and sighed, "Men". Abby hit a line drive that was caught by Melissa the second baseperson so with the bases loaded no runs were scored.
The fifth inning started with John, Terry, and Harry all being retired by Abby in three straight strike outs.
Ron batted first in the fifth for the Mole Rats and managed to get to first base. Yori was next and managed to get to first as well with Ron going to second. Billy flew out to center field and Mary struck out. Will walked Jimmy and that brought up Shego next. On Will's first pitch Shego drove a line drive at his head that Will caught and once again no runs were scored.
The sixth inning started off with Isabella being walked by Abby followed by Matt hitting a home run. The next three batters Emily, Will, and Seamus all grounded out.
Gracie led off for the Mole Rats and drove the ball deep into center field and got to second base. The Raider was next and this time Seamus and he said nothing to each other. The Raider waited until the third pitch and then knocked one off over the left field wall for a home run. The next three batters Abby, Ron, and Yori were all retired ending the sixth inning.
The final inning started with the Mole Rats trailing six to three. Melissa led off for the Justice Society and she was struck out by Abby. John was next and he managed to drive a deep ball into right field and managed to get to second base. Terry managed to get to first base and drove John to third. Harry sacrificed and was thrown out at first but John scored. Then Isabella was struck out by Abby next.
Going into the bottom of the seventh inning the Mole Rats trailed by four. Mary batted first and ground out to the shortstop. Jimmy managed to make it to first. Shego drove the ball just over second base and she made it too first and Jimmy to second. Gracie bunted and was thrown out at first but Jimmy and Shego advanced. Will walked the Raider to fill the bases with two outs and Abby stepped up to the plate.
"I'm sorry", said Seamus as Abby stood over the plate.
"About what?"
"I neva meant ta take ya for granted". Abby never took her eyes off Will and the ball but her eyes narrowed and hardened. The pitch was fast and high and Abby swung connecting and driving the ball hard over first base and down the right field line.
Abby ran like a gazelle around the bases. Jimmy scored and then Shego. Emily the right fielder missed the ball as it bounced off the back wall. She finally reached it and hurled the ball towards second base. The Raider scored and Abby rounded third and would not stop as she ran for home. The throw from second to home was close and Seamus turned at the last moment as Abby crashed into him. They rolled on the ground and Seamus raised up his hand showing the ball. The Director declared Abby out and the game was over with the Justice Society winning seven to six.
It took a few seconds for the crowd to understand the significance of the out but then the cheering started.
Both teams scrambled for home plate as Abby and Seamus were still lying on each other over home plate.
"I'm sorry as well", whispered Abby to Seamus as they lay on the ground.
"Whateva for lass?" asked Seamus.
"I didn't mean to take you for granted either. But I always expected you to make the move".
"A gentleman never takes such liberties with a lady without her permission".
"I'm not a lady".
"I'm not a gentleman".
"Permission granted", said Abby as she leaned down and kissed him long and hard. Both teams now surrounded the dirty kissing pair on the ground.
"Is that really appropriate?" said Will as he stood over them frowning.
"It is very appropriate", said the Raider as he turned towards Will. "As a matter of fact pucker up big boy", and Will back pedaled as the Raider advanced on him. Both teams began howling with laughter as the Raider chased Will around the gathered teams until he fled toward his team's dugout. Shego placed out her hand and the Raider slapped it as he passed by. Abby and Seamus were raised up on the shoulders of their teammates and carried around the infield as the crowd cheered enthusiastically.
Both teams celebrated together for about half an hour before the affair finally started to break up. Ron, Yori, and little Ronnie junior had to leave first and then Gracie's friends from school thanked everyone for the chance to play and left. Shego went off to find Kim and the other children.
The Raider was in the team's dugout cleaning up their supplies when Abby came over.
"I'm sorry", said Abby looking down at her feet.
"Why would you feel the need to apologize to me?"
"We lost and I thought this might not have been the outcome you hoped for".
"You mean the game or something else?"
"Both".
"On the contrary this whole thing ended far better than I could ever have imagined".
Abby did a double take and appeared confused. "You mean you don't mind losing the game and me…"
"I mean that I am all about efficiency. Especially where it concerns time and beautiful women. I dislike seeing either wasted".
"What are you talking about?"
"Look at it this way. Everyone really won in the end. Will's team is still undefeated. Both teams played well and everyone seemed to have fun and the crowd loved it. Also a certain couple I know may have found a bit of fire".
Abby stepped into the dugout and stood right before the Raider. "What did you get?"
The Raider seemed to look off into the distance as if seeing something far away. "I got a day in the sun".
"I don't understand?"
The Raider reached up and took Abby's hand in his own. "When you are a person who is as cold and as empty as I am, you learn to appreciate small bits of warmth".
Abby gripped his hands tightly and was very sad that she couldn't see his face. Damn the mask. "You know if you could turn that charm of yours toward a positive purpose you would have the women around here swooning over you".
"Then perhaps I have discovered my secret supervillain power at last". The Raider noticed that Seamus was approaching the dugout and he released Abby's hands. "Don't keep him waiting much longer", said the Raider as he indicated Seamus. Abby turned and waved Seamus over to them.
Seamus stepped up and offered the Raider his hand. "Good game, lad".
"Indeed", said the Raider taking the offered hand.
"You're a strange one. I have na figured you out yet".
"I assure you Mr. O'Sullivan that if you took the time to know me you would find that I am as shallow as a lazily dug grave".
"Ewww, on that note let's get out of here", said Abby as she pulled Seamus out of the dugout.
"Do you need any help cleaning this all up?" asked Seamus.
"Not at all. You two get out of here I will handle things here". Abby stepped over and kissed the Raider on the side of his mask before she and Seamus left.
The Raider set about cleaning and putting everything up.
"You know I figured out that underneath that mask and the armor you are just a great big softy", said Gracie as she came out from the other side of the dugout. She stepped and began helping him clean up. "Was that your plan from the beginning to merely try to light a fire under those two?"
"I consider myself a master strategist in many areas but in concerns of the heart I must confess that I am just winging it. I did not know Mr. O'Sullivan was playing until very late in this so this whole thing could very easily have blown up in my face".
"But it didn't and I'm proud of you".
"You did well today and I am pleased to see you recovering so well from before".
"I had a lot of help. My friends told me that you asked them to help me so I guess I should thank you as well".
"I accept your thanks but in truth I told your friends to help for my own selfish benefit and not necessarily your own".
Gracie looked stunned at the Raider and stopped her work. "Why would you say that?"
"I told you I wouldn't lie to you. Sooner rather than later I am going to need your help and I will need you free and motivated and not fearful and withdrawn".
"Whatever. Listen Mom and Momma invited Aunt Betty over for dinner and I thought that maybe you would like to come as well".
"Aunt Betty? I will have to remember that one. Although I doubt that the Director would be as forgiving to me if I used it".
"I've known her all my life and although I may not see her as often as Uncle Ron or Aunt Monique she is still considered Aunt Betty. So would you like to see what life inside the Possible house is like?"
"Yes. I would like that very much".
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Shego led the entourage into the Possible Palace and immediately headed for the kitchen. The Director helped Kim in the house and they both followed Shego into the kitchen. The twins led the Raider into the house with Emily holding one hand and Zoe the other. Gracie came in last carrying Nicholas. George the mole rat jumped down and ran ahead of the girls.
The Director's guards and the Raider's GJ agents set up guard positions outside the house.
"Would you come to our school for a class presentation", said Zoe as she led the Raider into the living room.
"Yeah, no one else has brought a supervillain to class", said Emily.
The Raider detached himself from the girls and moved to sit down. But before he did he placed a small disk about the size of dime along the wall and it quickly flattened and changed color to blend in. "I doubt your parents or Aunt Betty would approve of that I'm afraid".
"Awwww", the twins complained in unison.
"How would you guys like to play a game?' said Gracie as she stepped into the room putting Nicholas down for a nap on the couch.
"Yes, yes, yes", said the twins in unison again.
"What sort of game?" said the Raider in an unsure tone.
"Oh, you will love this one. It's perfect for supervillains because it's all about world conquest".
Shego was busy preparing dinner. Spicy chicken burritos, Spanish rice, refried beans, and for the non-pregnant adults a special margarita mix of Shego's own creation.
"I love every opportunity I have to eat your cooking Shego", said the Director as she sat at the table with Kim.
"You're a busy women Betty and considering the company you keep lately I can see why".
The Director turned to look into the living room where the Raider, Gracie, and the twins were playing. "Are we sure it's alright to leave them in there with him?"
"Without his weapons and armor, considering our children it may be the Raider that's in more danger", said Kim.
"How goes the hunt for Drew and his mysterious helper?" asked Shego.
"Not well I'm afraid. It is so unlike Drakken to remain this quiet and calculating for so long. Normally he is so grandiose that he can't stay hidden for long. It must be this new player that is keeping him under control. It's actually a little scary when you think about it".
"I know what you mean. It was always his stupid need for attention and not his intellect that kept Drew from being successful", said Shego.
"Hasn't the Raider been helpful in trying to find them?" asked Kim.
"He has been helpful in a great many things but surprisingly not in that one thing".
"Do you think it's on purpose?" asked Kim.
"I don't know but I do agree with the Raider on one thing though. We are running out of time."
George rolled the dice and danced with glee at the result. He pushed his armies into Europe from Asia. He now controlled all of Australia, all of Asia, and was pushing into Europe. Gracie controlled North America, the twins were bottled up in what remained of Europe and the Raider had control of South America and Africa.
"It doesn't bother me that we are losing but we are losing to the rat", said the Raider. Gracie and the twins all laughed at the Raider and George moonwalked across the RISK board as his armies continued to march to victory.
"That is naked mole rat to you", said Gracie.
"Yeah", said George.
It was then that Nicholas crawled down from the coach and shakily walked across the living room and stumbled through the game board. The twins screamed in mirth and Gracie tried to steady Nicholas to keep him from falling. George ran around the baby's feet trying to keep his game pieces from going everywhere.
"Game called as giant space baby crushes armies of Earth, film at eleven", said the Raider. Once again everyone laughed at the Raider as Nicholas lost his balance and spun collapsing into the Raider's lap. The Raider leaned back and raised his arms as if Nicholas was radioactive.
"He is just a baby", said Gracie.
"He looks so fragile. I'm one of the strongest men on the planet. Won't he break if I touch him?"
Gracie just laughed and reached over to pick up Nicholas. "I've seen you fight giant killer robots without blinking an eye and yet you cringe in fright at the touch of a baby".
"Breaking giant killer robots does not bring down the wrath of your parents but I suspect breaking him would".
"You're quite correct about that", said Shego as she entered the room. "Dinner is almost ready so everyone get cleaned up and that means you as well", Shego pointed at the Raider.
The Raider entered the bathroom and placed a disk just above the door before he cleaned himself up. He now had his monitoring devices up in all key locations. Now he was ready.
After dinner, the Director and Raider traveled back to GJ headquarters. They traveled back in silence until they had almost reached their destination.
"Thank you for this day Director".
"I thought you might enjoy it. It is much harder to see them as pawns once you get to know them as people isn't it. "
"Are you talking to me or yourself?"
The Director looked hard at the Raider and her eye narrowed and her look became the one that normal agents of GJ wet their pants when faced with it. "We both have done much that one day we must answer for but right now we have other work to do".
"Yes we do Director. Yes we do".
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
The Raider didn't have to wait for work to find him. The missions came at GJ and Team Possible very quickly now.
Shego, Ron, and the Raider battled Gill and his army of mutant reptiles in the Florida Everglades. Gill managed to escape but GJ captured enough of the animals to make donations to zoos around the world. After it was over Shego and Ron brought Kim, Yori, and the children to Disney for a few days. Everyone had a wonderful time especially when Yori, Gracie, Emily, Zoe, and the Raider danced with the Junkanoo through EPCOT.
Later the team battled Duff Killigan in a remote African desert region. Duff actually managed to bring in irrigation and modern landscaping to the poor region to make his ultimate golf course. When the battle was over the local tribesman didn't know anything about golf. The Raider suggested that GJ bring in pros to teach them and then allow them to host international golf tournaments to bring in money to the region. The Director called the PGA that same day.
Kim hadn't slept well the previous night. She had been feeling the baby roll and pitch in her belly. She had also had spasms and muscle pinches all during the night. She was only thirty five weeks pregnant so she wasn't too worried but damn she was a bit tired.
Shego and Gracie had left for school and Abby had taken the twins to school. Her mother Dr. Anne Possible had come over for breakfast and she sat across the table from Kim playing with Nicholas as he ate his breakfast.
"Are you alright my little bubble-butt?" asked Anne.
"Mom don't call me that now. I feel like a blue whale enough as it is".
"You're not fat Kim, you're pregnant".
"Well I'm telling you I won't be disappointed when this little girl finally decides to show up". Just at that moment Kim felt a rather powerful twinge and one she recognized from long ago.
"I wouldn't worry about it Kim, she will come around in her own due time".
"I think we may be there", said Kim her face turning white and her breathing becoming strained.
"May be where?" asked Anne not yet understanding.
"Due time", said Kim.
Anne eyes became as large as dinner plates as she finally clued in to her daughter's dilemma.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Drakken walked past the dozen synthodrones that manned the lair's control room. The Proconsul sat at a computer terminal typing with amazing speed as plans and diagrams were moved an updated with uncanny speed.
"What are the results Doctor?" asked the Proconsul without even turning around.
"The latest test trial met with complete success. With this last test we will be fully operational within the next twenty-four hours".
The Proconsul stopped his work and now stood up and walked across the room viewing the various screens and monitors showing all their current activity.
"That is excellent Doctor. I am impressed with your work as of late".
"We do aim to please", said Drakken as he studied the ceiling rather than look directly at the Proconsul.
"Put all our defenses on full alert. I expect this lair to come under attack prior to our going fully operational".
"Why? They haven't been able to find us yet".
"They don't need to find us. I suspect the Raider has known were we are for months".
"I don't understand if he knows why haven't they attacked?"
"Timing is everything Doctor. He can't let his allies destroy the project before he can use it and he can't let us use it to conquer the world. His window of opportunity is narrow".
"Opportunity for what?"
"To close the circle. Unfortunately I need the circle of events closed as badly as he does. Our paths only differ on the final outcome."
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
The Raider had just finished his morning workout and had just showered and was drying off when the call came through. The sound of the call rang through the room and he moved over to punch the answer control.
"Audio only. Raider here".
The sound of a male GJ operative came over the speaker and it was one the Raider didn't recognize. "Sorry to disturb you sir but the Director ordered me to update you on the latest incident. Early this morning local time Washington D.C. the Washington Monument was struck by a series of unknown energy blasts that drilled four holes through it simultaneously. No casualties were reported and no enemy weapon system or personnel were present at the site of the attack. The Director placed this among the incidents you are investigating."
At mention of the Washington Monument the Raider crossed the room to his journal and opened it to almost the last page. He skimmed the notations and his face fell and his heart grew weary. He had hoped for more time.
"Please inform Theta team to meet me at the hovercraft that I have worked on".
"Yes sir", came the reply and the signal was cut.
The Raider quickly went over and checked the GJ bag and made sure it was packed. Journal, records, and picture were all there. He pulled forth a tablet computer display and entered his security code and quickly checked the update from his monitoring devices. He found the information he wanted and it confirmed his suspicions. The time had come. It was happening.
The Raider placed a small wrist control device on his left arm and pressed its activation button. "Security code", came the automated female voice from the device.
"The owl awakes and death partakes, blood fills the lakes", spoke the Raider into the device.
"Security code approved. Level?" questioned the device.
The Raider looked around at the room that he had actually began to see as comfortable and he knew it was for the last time. "Armageddon. Begin the countdown".
"Countdown initiated". At various sites dozens of small disk like objects came to life and began their planned functions.
The Raider gathered his equipment and the bag and then looked at the calendar next to his door. "So it begins, the last day".
Author's Notes:
Well it's going to take more than one chapter but the Raider spoke true in that this is the beginning of the end.
The Roller coaster has reached its apex and it's going to be a bumping ride from here on. Yes, here it is; Raider exposed, Shego unleashed, Gracie's choice for the future, Drakken's betrayal, George's sacrifice, and GJ's showdown versus the forces of the Proconsul.
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.