Storm Chaser

Chapter 53

Hello out there and sorry for the time-lapse in chapter posting. Life and reaction to a Pandemic intruded, but all is well for now.

Last time, Kim and others were briefed on Ron's life since their 'breakup' and it's freaking Kim out. There are many things to explain what started her down this rabbit-hole and matching the Man to the Events, when She was the recipient of the reactions clued her in to the magnitude of what came at her in the blowback from Ron's link to her. Several times. Since she went to England.

Meanwhile Betty and Will are piecing together what Ron helped break so badly and determine how badly Sheldon had fooled everyone with his building in secret, what he never gave up: an organization to takeover the world and the means to do so.

Shego and Drakken, mostly Shego, are taking steps for Sam to learn to take part in the world she's been isolated from, while expanding her education.

Ron's day-job is about to embark on a Field Seminar, at high altitude and all that entails.

Before we start, we'd like to thank the following for hanging in there while this tale unfolded: Akash Anand, Jimmy1201, Sentinel103, Nibra Ha Rishon, Guest, Uberscribbler, crystalmadds, Bobtrumpet, King InuYasha, lagasero29, Mahler Avatar, another Guest, Dekei, Neroscurse, Arthur Moon, Castergun, Four95, DeAmonQuEen, still another Guest, and still another Guest (You guys really get around…). Thank you all and hope to see you soon.

Yamanouchi, Japan - Several weeks prior to Storm Chaser One's Caribbean flight:

"I wonder what Sensei wants us for Kim?", the African-American genius mused to the red-haired woman walking beside him.

"I don't know Wade, but since Hiro told us about the summons, I think it's important because we are meeting in Sensei's office."

"I suppose.", he replied glancing to her. Then looking up, "Well, here we are."

The old Japanese male stood and bowed to the Americans, "Please sit my friends, Hiro and Yori will be here momentarily."

The younger Japanese couple stepped into Sensei's office and bowed. "Please be seated. Some interesting news has been delivered to us which we should at least discuss.", Sensei told them.

Wade cocked his head, "What are you…"

Sensei half-smiled, "It is about the Chosen One and his actions earlier this year, also you have been notified of Stoppable-san's intervention during your raid into Sheldon Director's operations, correct?"

Kim nodded, "Yori told us Ron was staked out there to ensure that my team would be safe, and he had to take actions against Betty's brother to make sure we survived."

Sensei smiled, "Stoppable-san was indeed there to provide security for the Global Justice action, just as he has been involved in other international security measures over the years. He was inside that laboratory in Austria when it began to explode, he was in China when those nuclear weapons were stolen and we believe the two incidents were done by the same people."

At the news, Kim sat up in her seat, "I have heard the rumors about stolen weapons, but everyone who really knew weren't able to say anything.", she paused to ponder. Then, "So, they were connected after all and you are sure of it now?"

Sensei nodded sadly, "True, but back to Stoppable-san since this is the reason you have been called here. In short he is Japan's 'Mechanic'…"

"Mechanic?", Wade interrupted, "What does that even mean? I've heard it before, but the definition of the term was always never revealed."

"Kim-san's boyfriend is one such 'Mechanic', who makes problems go away and he has trained very hard to be able to do that…So, in effect, a 'Mechanic' is someone who is deployed to locations to fix problems identified by those who sent him there. It is something not unlike when he fixed the aliens back in 'O Seven'.", the ninja master explained, "We have implied this information before, but eventually your Doctor Director will want to know what we, Japan and Stoppable-san have been up to."

Kim looked at the floor, "I get all that, but Ron isn't my BF right now."

Sensei reached and placed his hand on Kim's arm, "True for now child, but we believe that will change soon enough.", he assured the now distraught red head. "But back to the reason for asking you to this meeting." Sensei paused to comfort Kim. "As Global Justice has informed Yamanouchi that they want you back as soon as possible, you will complete a shorter version of your training and you will return to the USA next week. We decided to come completely clean now that it seems one of the major culprits in enslaving the world will not be a problem in the future."

Head in hands, Wade groaned, "Something tells me that we won't like this condensed training…"

Hirotaka laughed, "You will not Wade-sama, but we will."

Sensei chuckled, "True enough, but before you leave, I will want you to pass some information onto your Doctor Director."

Kim responded, "We have already given her the information that you have already given us."

Sensei nodded, "It was as I wanted Kim-san, but this will be a more in-depth assessment of Yamanouchi's place in the world and what we do to make sure that stability is maintained for the safety of everyone."

XXX

Storm Chaser One - Over the Atlantic: One week ago:

Colonel Warmarster glanced back as a helmeted head appeared from below and behind. "Hey Kaminsky, what did you think of that depression?"

"Sir, it was pretty weak and not surprising considering how early in the season it is. I'd like to take another run at it. This would be a good way of training our interns since we have a baseline to work from now.", the Senior Meteorologist asked, "Do we have the gas for another pass?"

"We're running kind of light on fuel, but there is a tanker orbiting a hundred miles south of us. We'd have to refuel anyway though."

"Thanks sir, that sounds great. I'm gonna get the guys their meals since it looks like we are going to be another ten hours before we get back.", Dean laughed, "You know if we do this right the interns might be able to step right in…well as long as they have an experienced geek with them."

"Like you did?", the old man smirked as he remembered training a blond-haired young man.

"I admit I was slow…"

"No Kaminsky, you weren't slow…well maybe at the beginning, but you learned quickly enough.", Warmarster laughed, "We're going to turn south and refuel so you can get that training in for the new guys…You better realize that you are owe the crew a couple rounds at the O Club when we get back."

"Sir, are they going to be open in the morning because that's when it looks like our ETA now.", Dean chuckled.

The old man snorted, "I've got pull. It'll be open. After all, we haveta break the newbs in, you know."

"You mean I can have them in the gym for a couple hours to teach them relaxation techniques?"

"Yeah, you and relaxation, just don't break any of them. Maybe I'll come in and give you a hand…", Warmarster chuckled as he remembered how the young man and a friend of his decimated a slew of martial arts students in Japan years before.

"Like I said, I'll get the rest of the crew fed now that we're extending the mission.", Dean told the Air Force Officer.

The Colonel kept laughing, "Three MREs in one day Kaminsky? Those clowns back there are gonna revolt on you.", he laughed at the realization. "Maybe we should bring a couple cases of C-rations instead next time to give them a taste of what it used to be like."

"Sir, you are cruel, they haven't made those in twenty years.", Dean chortled.

"How do you know that, Kaminsky?"

"You pulled that gag a few years ago. Man, you must be getting senile.", Dean laughed as he backed off the flight deck so that he could inform the rest of the crew.

Captain Wes Shepard grabbed on to Kaminsky as the double-PhD passed. "Well?", the navigator asked.

"We're gonna hit a tanker and do another pass or two.", Dean replied.

"Thanks for the heads-up Kaminsky. I'll start plotting it out for the old man so he'll be convinced I'm some kind of genius."

The PhD got back to where the consoles were and announced, "We're gonna hit the tanker and then head back into the depression, so everyone hit the can and grab some grub. We might be out here a while. I gotta go notify the rest of the crew."

The female intern, Janice Staffers, rolled her eyes, "You know, for someone in your position, you could use proper words…"

Catching on to her 'tude, "I use proper words in my briefings and my reports, Miss Staffers. Make no doubt about that. It's just that we're a little casual up here.", Dean responded.

Not backing down, "Well…I thought you would be more professional…I guess I was mistaken.", Janice huffed condescendingly.

Frowning, "Miss Staffers, you are too full of yourself…", Dean deadpanned, his face not amused. "Except for one summer I've been flying with the Hunters since my sophomore year in college.", he replied.

Haughtily, "What did you do that year, work as a carhop?", she sniffed like the snobs Dean, as Ron Stoppable, knew from back in his day. Showing all present that she thought less of others basically because she thought so little of others and so much of herself.

Smirking at her, "Nah, I wintered at the South Pole.", Dean shot back, to her disbelief." When she attempted to call him on that, "If you had read my bio…which was in your introduction packet, you would have known that.", he paused as those around her nodded. His eyes boring into hers, "Now…if you are so inclined, I think I have enough pull to get you that internship for next summer.", he continued to her discomfort. Cocking an eyebrow, "Trust me, after three months down there, your attitude about many things will change and you will be cold.", he lingered on her for a second. "Now if you will excuse me, I have to update the rest of the crew." Hearing nothing more from her, Dean turned and walked further aft in the airplane.

Still on her high horse, Janice leaned over to the console next to her, "What do you make of Kaminsky, Jordon? He looks like a clown to me."

Turning to the obviously pampered student intern, Major Jordon Prescott responded, "He's a prodigy in his field and a friend of the old man's.", he said evenly. "He's been on the Hunters for years working his way up to be the lead guy. That and he has two PhDs…"

Dismissively, "Pffffth, well if he does, he needs to act like it.", she insisted.

A pondering look with the question, "Where do you go to school, Janice?"

Smirking superiorly, "Oklahoma. We have the best weather school in the country.", preening as she tried to puff out her chest, pausing at the realization that she didn't have much of one.

Shrugging, "I got my undergrad there…", then thinking, "ten years ago. Then I got my Masters at Colorado State.", he continued. Then when she went to rebut him, "But let me tell you something…", he fixed her with a look.

Neutrally, "Yeah?"

"I read both of his papers."

Nonplussed, "And?"

"Try reading them and see if you can get through them without having to go look up the data involved. That's when you're gonna learn that that clown you just dissed is wayyyy outta your league as far as brains go.", the Air Force Major advised, "If he wanted to, he could go right into research and teaching instead of flying into killer hurricanes."

Scoffing, "I don't believe it…"

Cutting her off, "Janice. Believe it."

XXX

Middleton - One week prior to Storm Chaser One's Caribbean flight:

Josh brought the package inside and called out to his wife, "Tara honey, did you order anything? A package just came."

The platinum blonde entered the living room, "No Josh, why?"

"This just came."

"Does it say where it's from?"

"It doesn't, but there is an envelope taped to it.", Josh informed his wife as he spun the box around.

"Well, go get a knife, get the envelope off and open it."

"Yeah, I knew that…"

"Never mind, Angela watch your brother for a couple of minutes. Daddy's mind is out for a walk again.", the platinum blonde instructed her clone of a daughter.

"Yes Mom, I'll keep an eye on Bob."

Josh gasped, "That's Robert, Angela…"

"See what I mean honey."

Mommy's little helper giggled, "Daddy's funny."

X

Tara returned with a knife and quickly removed said envelope from the package. She opened it and withdrew a paper. Tara gasped, "It's from Ron."

"Stoppable?"

"Yeah.

"What does it say?"

"Okay…Ron asks if we are doing well…and then he says he is and that he just argued his second PhD…and he is working in his field…and then he says he is real busy right now and he'll call after the season is over…Josh?"

The artist visually checked on his daughter who was watching her brother, "Yeah?"

"What season is Ron talking about and how do we get a hold of him?"

"I have no idea on either count. Remember, we don't get word from him except on rare occasions, Kim doesn't know where he is and neither do Felix or Zita. At least that's what they've been telling the rest of us. If he knows what's going on with us, he must have found a way of turning invisible and must be keeping an eye on us without us knowing."

Tara frowned, "Or maybe Kim does know where he is. She takes a month to go to Japan every year, you know. He might be in another country and she and he might…" The blue-eyed blonde paled, her eyes distant. Then she uttered something that should not have been heard by kids the ages Angela and Robert were…because those kids might just repeat anything they heard. (AN…and then have the parents slash grandparents bring up questions that are quite embarrassing.)

Josh Mankey stared at his wife who was tapping her fingers on the end table, "Honey? What's wrong?"

Tara lowered her voice, "What if this whole thing is a setup? And this is all classified?"

Josh's eyes narrowed, "What do you mean?"

"What if Kim and Wade know exactly where Ron is and they can't say anything because of national security or something?", Tara mused out loud, "Our old Mad Dog did take out those aliens during graduation."

"Monique should know, she lives with Kim and she'd have to catch it just by being around."

"Maybe we should ask her…", Tara mused as she picked up her son.

"We should wait and ask Kim…"

"But K wouldn't tell us if it was a secret, Josh. If we ask Monique, she could let something slip…"

"And if what you are saying is true Honey, and people aren't supposed to know, then someone's life could be in danger.", Josh cautioned his spouse.

"Yeah, I guess…", she relented. Then, turning to the package just delivered, "I wonder what is in the box?"

"We might as well open it. Give me the knife, okay?"

Tara held out the sharp implement (well out of her Son's reach). Then sighing like she does when she makes a tough decision, "Okay…We'll wait till Kim gets back, okay Josh?"

The blonde then cut the tape that sealed the box. After removing the padding inside, she pulled out three more boxes. Taking the largest, she opened it and removed more packing before she removed a large and very ornate silver teapot that was enclosed in even more bubble wrap. It took ten minutes, but in the end, everything was removed from that box and laid out on their coffee table: A silver tray, eight silver cups with matching saucers, a sugar jar and a cream pitcher all matching the design on the teapot. She then pulled out a note and showed it to Josh.

"What does it say?"

"It's a special 'Bourdon Ghent antique set', with matching plates and cups which were custom made to match, with tongs and spoons. Ron says it is a special set for a special family and to make sure it is insured for fifty grand." Shaking her head, "It's from Ron…I just can't believe that this is how he communicates with us."

"Holy…", Josh muttered.

Interrupting inappropriate comments from the Dad this time, "Two boxes to go, but they're not as large.", a somewhat overwhelmed platinum blonde huffed out.

Sighing, "Go ahead and finish up, Tara. Stoppable is going to turn me green with envy."

"Well I don't know if anything can top that.", Tara stated as she picked out the next larger box. She quickly opened it up and found a current, high end gaming system and a dozen adult and children's games included.

"Well now we know how to keep the kids busy for the next…ten years.", Tara giggled.

"Maybe we can get some quiet time…"

"Yeah, in about sixteen years. Let me check out the last box…."

The former 'hottie' from the 2007 Middleton High class opened the box. "Shit! There's another box inside."

"Sounds like his sense of humor got a hold of him again.", Tara giggled as she pulled her son into her lap.

Josh rolled his eyes and started on the second box in what looked to be a practical joke. Once he got that opened the artist proclaimed, "You're right…another one inside.

X

Two more boxes later:

"I have an envelope, Tara. Should I?"

In amused frustration, "Go ahead."

After Josh opened it, he stuttered, "It's a certified check…for two fifty."

"Two hundred and fifty dollars?", Tara inquired.

"Two hundred and fifty thousand dollars, babe.", Josh clarified, "There's another note too."

Sighing, "What does it say?"

"Happy Anniversary."

"We should call Felix and Zita and Justine and Mike to see if they've heard from our long-lost friend.", Tara suggested.

Tara went into the kitchen to make lunch (and babysit to keep the ankle biters out of Josh's hair while he made the calls to their friends).

"Hey Felix, how's it hanging?"

Airily the wheelchair bound classmate replied, "Fancy hearing from you today. It just so happens that we got a package from Ron today."

"Yeah, we did too.", the artist informed Felix.

"Okay what came your way?", Josh inquired.

"A rare tea set from what Zita said. I just don't know where Ron finds this stuff…"

"According to Monique…and I guess, Kim, Ron was loaded. Wherever he is he must be enjoying the good life.", Josh observed.

Pausing in thought, "I don't know about that…", Felix pondered. Then a memory came to him, "Oh, and Monique called the other day. Her fiancée is in town and she wants us to meet for drinks…"

Casually considering the time to meet with their former classmate, "I don't know if we can get away Wheels…" Then struck by the last comment, "…And when the hell did she get hooked up?"

A smile in his voice at spreading formerly unknown news, "It'll be for a couple of hours whatever day we decide on, Josh." Then, "As to when they got together…and a month or two ago I guess.", Felix countered. Cutting in over Josh's surprised noises on the other end, "And I have contacted Mike and Justine. They got a sitter…"

Continuing as Josh was still reeling from the news, "Yeah…and Possible does have experience babysitting…that's how all…", the snark in his voice coming through the phone.

Josh cut in, "You've bagged on Kim enough, Felix. You have to let it go. Ron could have stayed in Middleton and for that matter so could have Kim. They have a decent school in Upperton.", he countered his friend.

"Meh, water under the bridge anyway, I suppose.", Felix replied. "Anyhow, go and call up Moni and set it up then let us know."

"Right bud. Later."

"Later."

Josh rolled his eyes and dialed Monique's and Kim's number. Voicemail immediately picked up and a familiar voice sounded the greeting, "You have reached the number of the most beautiful fashionista this side of the Mississippi River…"

Talking over the greeting, "Monique, pick up.", Josh snorted as Tara came back into the room.

Hearing the phone pickup and cutting out the greeting, "What do you want Mister Artist? I was kissin' my squeeze.", her 'tude laced mock outraged voice replied.

Snorting, "Save your carnal fantasies for another time, Mo. I just got off the phone with Felix and we wanna meet the guy who thinks tying himself to you is a great idea.", Josh snarked.

Monique laughed, "He's more than good enough, Art Boy. But I'm robbin' the cradle here." As she saucily looked up and down at her suddenly fidgety fiancée, "He has all that youth and energy."

Josh laughed, "Okay you got your point across 'Nique. Setup what you want to do and let me know, I'll pass it on to everyone else."

"Sure. Oh, and Kimmie is coming back this weekend so we'll schedule it around then. AND make sure you're nice to her or I will chew you out.", Monique warned.

"I get that you are protecting him Monique. Call me when you can…"

"If you want to see what he looks like, he'll be on WMTV at ten fifteen. He's doing the weather."

"Your boytoy is a weather announcer?", Josh chuckled.

"Only for the summer. It's an internship for him until he goes back to Miami to finish off his PhD.", the fashionista informed the artist.

XXX

Storm Chaser One - Present day - Pre-flight meeting - Caribbean Flight:

"Okay, what you are looking at is Tropical Depression Seven.", Dean Kaminsky announced as he flipped to the next radar slide, "As you can see it has a reasonable amount of development for this time of year and looks to strengthen in the next twenty-four to forty-eight hours. I expect it to come up to tropical storm strength and then in a few more days become a Category One."

One of the interns raised her hand. "Go ahead Miss Staffers."

"Could you show us the base data on this storm? I'd like to check how you came up with this.", Janice's superior smirk shining brightly, showing she still didn't have a high degree of confidence in Dean's work.

"Now or in private, this could make the briefing go for another half hour you understand."

"Now.", she swiftly replied. "I'd prefer it to be now if I am going to waste my time.", she snarked.

His eyes narrowing, Warmarster interrupted the exchange, "Waste, Miss Staffers? I highly suggest you moderate your tone with Doctor Kaminsky…He has flown with us for years and we have become used to his accuracy in predicting storms.", the Colonel reminded the intern. "You are here as a student to learn. You are not part of this Squadron."

Barely hiding her faux contriteness, "Sorry Colonel, I meant nothing demeaning by the phrasing of my question, it's just that I didn't quite understand how he came to his conclusions…"

Dean half-smiled as he cut in, "Not to worry sir. Now I'll try to keep this brief so you'd better hang on tight and remember the more questions you ask the deeper I will go to instruct you, Miss Staffers."

The crap-eating grin that the young woman was wearing faltered with her being called out by two experts in the field of study she wanted to make a splash in after receiving her degrees.

Behind her several men in flight suits quietly 'High-fived' to their righteous glee at someone who had given them so much grief over the last month, now being slammed as she had.

XXX

Middleton International Airport - Present day:

"Well that was a short trip, but I'll be glad to see my gal, Uroki, again, Kim.", Wade stated as they walked towards baggage claim.

"When are you going to make an honest woman out of her Wade?", the red head inquired.

Blushing a little, "I plan to ask her next month, Kim. We've sorta been exploring, you know, and she should be done with her basic agent courses. I think we are going to move forward however.", Wade explained.

Eyeing him slyly, "Is Betty going to give you any grief over the relationship?", Kim inquired.

Shrugging, "I already mentioned it and her ties with Yamanouchi, but then she knew that when she brought her aboard. Betty just asked that we keep a professional relationship inside GJ.", Wade responded.

Smirking, "Then you have Doctor Director's blessing."

XXX

Storm Chaser One – One week prior to the Caribbean flight:

"Did you get everyone secured back there, Kaminsky? That was a bumpy eye-wall.", Colonel Warmarster related to the Senior Meteorologist as he entered the flight deck.

"Yeah it was Colonel and when we get back, I want to speak with the airframe repairmen." (AN…Yes there are guys who do this work. My brother-in-law was one in the Air Force for twenty-four years.)

Since the Co-pilot had control of the C-130 he turned in his seat and asked, "Why do we need them?"

"I've figured out where we need more anchor points so that we can attach our harnesses to be more secure.", Dean replied.

"You know, we haven't used those before…"

"Yes sir, I just wanna make this as safe as we can."

"I suppose you want to make more runs into the eye?", the old man asked.

"Yes sir, as long as we have buoys for. I think this one, Donnie (the named hurricane), is going to be a monster. Maybe one of the biggest recorded. We have ta know.", Dean told him.

"Okay, but we're getting gas. I'd hate to run low in the middle of the storm."

"Thanks, you got it sir. I'm gonna get them fed and break the news and tell them to put their helmets on…Oh and you might wanna do that too when we start getting close."

XXX

Global Justice Headquarters - Present day:

Betty Director motioned for the four to sit down. She asked, "What is the reason for this meeting, Agent Possible?"

"While Agent Load and I were in our training mission at Yamanouchi, further details about their involvement in world security was laid out for me.", Kim began.

"Uroki, did you know of this before we brought you into GJ?", Betty asked the young Japanese woman.

"Ma'am, I was a Novice in Yamanouchi's training. There were those of us who, after training, take assignments out in the world whether it be in school, government or business. I am one of those, so I do not know of everything the Mountain is involved in. I was sent here to be a liaison between Yamanouchi and Global Justice as I stated when I applied."

The Director of GJ nodded. Then turning to her Agent, "Go on, Kimberly."

"Yes Ma'am, Yamanouchi, as you know, is a combat martial arts school or ninja school. I have been informed that they are one of the entities behind Asian countries firmly denying GJ access into Asia after the invasion in O-Seven because they didn't trust us.", Kim informed her and Will Du.

"I have had thoughts about this…So this confirms a reason for what little data we have on the subject.", Betty said as she picked up her cup of coffee. She then spat it out, "Who the hell gave me decaf?"

The others grinned as Kim picked it back up, "I have informed you in the past that Ron Stoppable was a student at Yamanouchi."

"Yes, you have. Did they tell you anything more about Mister Stoppable?"

"Yes Ma'am, I have information that Ron was involved in at least three engagements against what looks like your brother, Sheldon Director, including the one that resulted in his demise.", Kim responded.

Doctor Elizabeth Director slowly set her mug down, "I...see."

Wade Load asked, "Ma'am are you going to take legal action against Ron Stoppable? … Your brother was basically a terrorist."

Sighing, "No Wade, I will not try to take Ronald Dean Stoppable into custody for the demise of my sibling. However, we do need to bring him in for a questioning session especially when you consider he was a GJ asset as a teen."

Kim waited for more back and forth, seeing none she continued, "Ron was also working on an operation in China years ago…I suppose you have heard the rumors about nuclear weapons being stolen in China. Correct?"

This time Agent Du replied, "We have some information, but nothing definitive, Kimberly."

"He helped recover the weapons, and for the most part, took out the perpetrators, killing many of them. It was a combined Yamanouchi and China operation. He was wounded during it."

"Do we know who was behind it, Kim?"

"We think it was your brother, Ma'am. Ron was also the person that killed off a bunch during a kidnapping in Tokyo. A Yamanouchi person was kidnapped and Ron went in and killed most of them.", the former heroine informed her boss, "Yamanouchi suspects that those people worked for your brother. The address the ninjas sent a crate full of dismembered bodies to was the same location where we battled them." Sighing heavily, "That's why you don't screw with Yamanouchi."

"Uroki, do you know anything about this retribution?", Betty asked.

"Hai, yes. It was…a couple of the ninjas on that mission told us over drinks one night. The Chosen One, who you know as Ron Stoppable, killed many of the kidnappers. They threatened Yori and Stoppable-san would have nothing with that. He is very protective of his friends.", the young shinobi answered.

Wade looked at his girlfriend, "You know Ron Stoppable?"

"Of course, Wade-kun, he is a Hero in Japan. He and the Founder have spoken on the higher plane many times."

Startled, "Many times?", Kim croaked, "I knew he had done so. But…many times?"

"He is the strongest Master of the Mystical Monkey Power to have lived in the last thousand years and he is a Master Ninja. Since you have some Monkey Power inside you Kim-san, that is the reason you were invited to the Mountain.", Uroki explained, "The Founder demanded it."

Betty rubbed her temples, "And you knew this, Uroki?"

"Of course, Honored Doctor."

"Then why didn't you notify Global Justice?", the Director inquired.

"You did not ask me to.", was her simple answer.

Sighing in frustration, "Do you know where Ronald Dean Stoppable is right now?", the head of the United Nations' law enforcement arm inquired.

"I do not."

"Do you know his phone number or email address?"

"That information has not been entrusted to me.", Uroki replied.

"Very well. And with that, so ends this meeting. Kimberly, Doctor Load, Uroki. You have the weekend off. Go and have some fun."

Kim smiled, "Monique, Nathan and I are going to a get together tonight Ma'am."

XX

Present day

"Hey K!", Tara Mankey waved from a large table.

The red head hurried to meet her cheer mate with a crushing hug.

The fashionista from Middleton High walked up and said, "Miss Bubbly! You are lookin' good."

"Thanks Moni." Looking over her shoulder, "So...who's the guy with you?", the platinum blonde asked.

"This is Nate Blance, he's the new weather guy on WMTV.", Monique introduced the man with her.

Nate stepped up and offered his hand, "Nathan Blance, nice to meet you."

"Same here Nathan, this is Josh.", the blond artist offered his hand.

"A friend of 'Nique's is a friend of ours."

Felix rolled in with Zita and they were closely followed by the mountain of a man, Big Mike, and his elfin like wife, Justine.

XXX

Storm Chaser One: Over the Caribbean – As the Gang gathers in Middleton:

Colonel Warmarster clicked the intercom, "It's getting rough up here Kaminsky, you really sure you wanna do this?"

Dean clicked on the intercom, "Yeah, last run tonight."

"Hang on then."

Dean ordered everyone, "Get a handhold and make sure you're clipped in."

One of the crew noticed something unusual, some water on the deck.

Dean watched the Air Force Staff Sergeant unclip himself and walk to the back of the C-130 and reach down and touch the wet spot. Suddenly, there was a screeching sound of metal tearing as the skin of the aircraft began to open up.

"Sonavabitch!", Dean screamed at the top of his lungs as he unclipped and sprinted to the rear of the plane.

Seemingly teleporting to the man, he reached out, grabbed Sergeant Milstone and threw him towards the front of the plane, yelling, "Clip him in!"

A section of the airplane above him opened up and the suction pulled the PhD out of the Hurricane Hunter Aircraft.

On his way out, Ron Stoppable, aka Dean Kaminsky, hit his helmeted head on the ceiling of the plane. Then, he disappeared.

Another crewmember screamed into the mic, "We have a fuselage breach, sir! Call a Mayday! We are a damaged aircraft!"

"Okay hang in there! We are exiting the storm!", Warmarster yelled back into the mic. Then he ordered, "Everybody stay clipped in till we get into clean air! I'm calling a Mayday!"

"Sir?", Major Prescott asked.

"Go ahead."

"Dean's gone, sir."

"What do you mean by that, Major?", the old man asked.

"Kaminsky got sucked out of the plane…He's...gone."

Shocked, "Shit!", he shouted. Then recovering, "Okay…I have to call this in. I hope you got a prayer inside you Jordon."

XXX

Middleton - A few hours later:

Nathan went to the bar to order a beer for himself, Monique and Kim. Josh Mankey went along with him and said, "I had to get away from the estrogen for a few minutes. Nate, right?"

"Yeah Nathan Blance, working on my PhD, from Miami.", the African-American Meteorologist told the artist as he glanced up at the widescreen TV behind the bar. Stopping in his tracks, he pointed to a newsbreak now appearing on the TV, "What's Dean's picture doing on the TV?"

Josh looked to the screen, narrowed his eyes as he started reading the Chiron accompanying the news story, "Shit! Turn up the volume! I don't know who Dean is, but that is Ron Stoppable."

Still frozen on the screen, "That's not Ron Stumable, that's Dean Kaminsky. He's my best friend down in Miami. He flies with the Hurricane Hunters.", Nathan stated.

"Listen Nate, my wife once had a crush on Ron Stoppable and Kim back there is his girlfriend, I'm gonna go get them.", Josh told his new friend as he turned and almost ran to the restaurant side of the establishment.

An almost breathless Josh ran up to their table and said, "Tara, Kim, you gotta see this…"

"What?", asked Tara.

"Ron's picture…", panting from running, "is on the TV…in the bar…and Nate knows him."

"Nate knows Ron?", Monique blurted out, thinking this was some kind of joke.

All three women rose from their chairs and followed Josh into the bar.

By the time they got to where Nate was standing, the bartender had turned up the volume.

A reporter on the left side of the split-screen, reading from a document in his hand, "…Again, we remind you that details are still coming in, but a Hurricane Hunter on a weather reconnaissance flight through an eye-wall of a storm in the Caribbean, now known as Hurricane Donnie, had a section of the upper fuselage in the rear half of the C-130 break away. A Doctor Dean Kaminsky was sucked out of the breech and into the storm." Pausing as he listened in to his earpiece before continuing, "The C-130, now identified to us as Storm Chaser One, was able to remain intact and exit the storm with no further loss of personnel aboard. How many onboard is now known to us at this time, but Doctor Kaminsky is considered missing, with no further declaration of his condition until further notice.", from the reporter who had been briefed before going live.

"Lance…Are they declaring him dead?", News Anchor Sandra Smith asked the reporter on split-screen.

"No Sandra. At this time, they haven't declared anything yet.", Lance shook his head, "The C-130 is returning to base right now, and we have been informed that there is confirmed structural damage to the plane." Pausing again to listen in to his earpiece, "We understand this took place over the last half hour, but they expect the aircraft to safely land within the next hour or so.", he recited to the camera. Then wrapping up before his segment ended, "Again, Doctor Dean Kaminsky a Meteorologist working with the Hurricane Hunters is missing in a storm in the Caribbean. We will let you know more when the information is available." Then Lance Spears signed off.

Sandra's side of the screen went to full-screen with Dean's picture over her left shoulder.

After a few moments, shocked and staring at the screen, Kim's eyes rolled up in her head, and she collapsed to the floor.

XXXX

And now, convergence begins.