Another series wrapped up, so I guess that means another round of thank yous. Once again thanks to Keith for wanting another one of my stories on the front page. Thanks to Dami-chan for the awesome banners he made. Thanks to Toei and the creator of Super Sentai (if somebody could give me a name I would be much obliged). I would like to give a special shout out to the guys and gals of the “SPD Earth Division” over on the old Japan Hero message board whose influx of Deka stories inspired me to do DekaOps in the first place. And I would like to thank you the readers, hopefully you enjoyed yourself with this particular story I had to tell.

Special Police DekaOps

40

Michelle sat in her room trying to hold it together. It had been three days since Dan had disappeared and they were no closer to finding him. They went over the alley with a fine tooth comb. Rev was able to confirm he was there and that was about it. The beeping said somebody was at her door waiting to come in. She ignored it for several minutes before finally opening it. Ace was standing there looking unsure of herself. “Let me guess, no word.” Michelle said to break the silence. Shaking her head in response Michelle went to close the door until Ace blocked it with her hand.

“Michelle…”, she started to say.

“Don’t,” Michelle cut her off, “don’t tell me you wished you did things differently. Don’t tell me you’re trying to find him.”

“I wasn’t,” she shot back. A little more subdued she went to say, “I was getting worried about you. Everybody is.”

“I’m trying not to lose it,” she told her. “I’m doing everything not to dwell on the fact we can’t find him. From making sure footage of you guys didn’t get leaked out to checking to see if any cases our coming our way.” Sitting back down she added, “’Cause God knows the world isn’t stopping because he’s not here.”

Joining her on the bed Ace tried to comfort her, “That’s why we’re worried. You’re running yourself ragged. A lot of us are worried you’re just going to drop.”

Tears starting to fall she admitted, “It would just be easier if we knew for sure what happened. Last time we knew Waven took him, we had a target to go after. If there was some ash there I’d at least have an idea.”

“I know,” Ace said. “You have no idea how many times I’ve gone over that moment in my head. I’ve gone back time after time trying to see if there was anything I missed or forgot. I even grilled Rev on if he heard anything.”

“So did I. But we both know he would have said something when it happened.” Ace nodded in agreement.

“Come on,” Ace said getting up. “Let’s get you something to eat. I don’t think I’ve seen you in the cafeteria lately. Even you can’t live off coffee forever.”

Smiling sadly Michelle told her, “Dan used to tell me the same thing.”

***

For what seemed like the hundredth time Dan tested the chain connecting him to the wall. He had nothing else to do the days he had been here, where ever here was. Hell he was surprised Chatrox was actually feeding him. It was a brown tasteless slop, still it was unexpected. So how long was that going to last? One more time he looked around for something to pick the lock on the cuff around his wrist with, he still found nothing. The only thing he could do was go over everything that happened so far.

After falling for Chatrox’s trap he found himself here and that damn lizard was able to use that machine of his and his blood to enhance himself again. This time being able to turn in an almost carbon copy of Dan. Then he ripped the shirt off of him and had that Igadroid of his study him for a long time. Then he had that Igadroid switch him over to his current binding and gave him the dirty shirt he was currently wearing. And the entire time Chatrox tried to force information out of him. Dan knew what he was trying to do and wasn’t cooperating.

Speak of the devil he thought to himself as Chatrox and the Igadroid walked in. Again the bot was carrying a folding chair, time for another “interview”. Dan said nothing as he stood there watching them. Like always the Igadroid set up the chair, like always Dan refused to sit. One more time the bot forced him down. He and the Agent just stared dagger at each other not saying anything.

Finally the Agent began, “I know you humans are stubborn but Stevens you must be the most stubborn one of all of them.” He stepped closer, the Igadroid kept Dan in the chair. “One more time, how do you enter your base?” He said nothing but braced himself for the backhand he knew was coming. Bringing his head back around Chatrox continued, “How do you get into your base?” Again he backhanded him when he didn’t say anything. “Fine,” Chatrox spat, “let’s try something else. I know the SPD database needs a pass code to enter it. What is your pass code?” Still he said nothing. This time Chatrox nodded and the Igadroid started squeezing his shoulder. Dan gritted his teeth against the pain and tried to endure. When it felt like his collar bone was about to break the Igadroid released his grip. “What is you pass code?” He had the bot do it again and again before finally shouting, “ANSWER ME!”

Dan just smiled at him and said, “Puss ‘n’ boots.” Chatrox screamed in frustration and backhanded him in anger. Dan spit out some red tinted spit as the Agent walked away in disgust. “You won’t fool them,” Dan told him.

“I know,” Chatrox informed him. “I just have to fool them long enough to complete my task. And I have everything I need to do just that.” Removing his tunic he changed into a copy of Dan one more time. “As you can see I have thought this out.” He turned around so Dan could see the copies of all his scars on his upper body, even the eagle tattoo on the back of his shoulder. Returning to his original form he added, “And I have various ways to avoid immediate attention. The only drawback is I lost the use of my previous human disguise. It’s for the best, the thought I could even turn into two of you humans disgusts me”

The door opened and a Batsuroid came in carrying something. Chatrox picked it up and Dan saw a tattered version of his uniform. “And this should help confirm the story I plan on telling them,” he continued. “Just long enough for them to think I am you. When I steal the database they will be looking for you and not me. It should give me just enough time to leave this backwater planet.”

“You still need what I know,” he told him.

“Perhaps,” Chatrox said looking thoughtful. “After I infiltrated those human scum I learned a little about human pass codes. It’s usually something familiar to them. And I’ve studied you enough to know you are a creature of habit. Every day on Nagus 7 I knew you would do the same thing every morning like clockwork.” Taking the clothes Chatrox said, “I am running out of time, and I should be able to determine your pass code at your base. The next time you see me Stevens I will have accomplished my task and then I will finally kill you, slowly. And be rest assured that I will enjoy every moment of it.” The Igadroid left with him as the Batsuroid stood guard. For the hundredth and first time he pulled on the chain trying to get loose.

***

One particularly sunny day Barry, Paula and Danielle were busy window shopping, at least Paula and Dani were. Paula looked back at her husband seeing how distracted he was.  A couple of days ago he called Dan. Michelle picked up. At first he thought Dan was out on an assignment, then she told him he was missing. She promised to keep them updated. Both of them were worried but tried not to show it in front of Danielle. “That looks pretty Mommy,” the little girl said pointing out one particular piece of jewelry in the store window.

“Yes it is,” she said. “What do you think Barry?”

He got out of his stupor just long enough to wheel himself over. “I think my little girl has expensive tastes, but it is very lovely munchkin.” Picking her up and setting her on his lap Barry wheeled them down the street as Paula walked beside them. “Where do you girls want to eat? I heard good thing about this restaurant down the street.”

“Michelle said they liked it,” Paula said without thinking.

“Is Uncle Danny going to be there?”, Danielle asked getting excited.

“Uncle Danny’s a busy man pumpkin,” Barry told her. “He probably won’t be there.” She looked disappointed but nodded in understanding. Paula and Barry glanced at each other, how were they going to explain things if their worst fear came to pass?

Danielle looked down the street and saw a head of blond hair coming toward them. He face brightened as she recognized who it was. “Uncle Danny!”, she quickly jumped off her father’s lap and ran toward him.

“Danielle!”, Paula quickly chased after her with Barry following as fast as he could.

“Uncle Danny! Uncle Danny!”, she continued to shout. She stopped short when the face she knew her entire life twisted into something she didn’t recognize.

She started backing away as he growled, “Out of my way brat.” Then he walked past her.

“Dan?”, Paula asked concerned but he brushed her aside too. A sob from her daughter grabbed her full attention.

“Danny…,” Barry started as he was totally ignored. He knew that man since basic and knew something was off. Based on how he looked he figured Dan must have been put through the wringer.”It’s ok munchkin, it looks like he’s had a rough time. I’m sure he doesn’t know what’s going on.”

“Yeah,” Paula quickly agreed. “I’m sure as soon as he realizes what happened he’ll feel bad and apologize.”

Barry looked back to see Dan get in a van. Between the sobs Danielle said, “That’s not Uncle Danny.”

***

Sitting at her station Michelle tried hard to stay awake. Having a hard time sleeping due to the worrying she rubber her eyes and tried to pay attention to the feed in front of her. A musical tone caught her ear and her hand immediately went to her pocket. It was a little against regulations but she started carrying her cell phone with her the past couple of days. Just in case Dan tried to contact her that way. Looking at the caller ID she tried not to sound disappointed, “Hi Barry.”

“We just saw Dan!”, he said immediately.

She nearly jumped out of her chair, “What? Where?”

“Downtown by Sixth and Johnson,” he answered. “I would have told you sooner but I left my phone behind like an idiot.”

“How long ago was it?”

“About fifteen minutes ago.”

“Damn it,” she muttered. “Did he look all right?”

“He acted like he didn’t even recognize us,” he said before explaining what happened. “Then he got into this van.” As he described it Michelle processed all of it trying to figure how far a van could get in fifteen minutes during afternoon traffic. Before she could get anywhere with her console beeped. Her heart jumped a beat when she saw who it was.

“Ops1 to base.”

“Dan!”, she exclaimed. “Where are you?”

“I don’t know,” he said, “somewhere in the park.”

“The park?”,” she said confused. “That wasn’t what… never mind. Stay where you are I’ll pin point your location and send a jeep after you.”

“Right, Ops1 out.”

Realizing she forgot she was on the phone she started to say, “Barry…”

“I heard,” he told her. “Go get him and bring him home.”

“Already on it.”

***

The crowd that greeted when they brought him to their base surprised even him. Although he was quickly heralded to the medical center as soon as he arrived. “Dan” tried not to look apprehensive. Depending on what they used his plan to avoid detection could be shot down before he implemented it. “Captain,” the team’s resident alien said smiling, “it is good to see you again.”

“It’s good to be seen,” he said thinking quickly. “I don’t suppose we could do this later? I have to report in.”

“The Major ordered a complete physical the moment you returned,” he informed him. “If you would please lay on the bed.” He looked over and saw his chance. There was some sort of readout on the bed. A finger going to his belt buckle he touched it briefly as he got on placing a small chip that quickly blended itself into the device. The alien’s back was turned so he didn’t see the screen flicker momentarily. Closing his eyes he waited until the test were done. “According to these readings you are none the worse for wear.”

He smiled to himself, “Good to hear.”

About then a group of people he recognized plus a Commander unfamiliar to him hurried in. A female in a white coat ran over and hugged him around the neck. It was extremely difficult to hide his disgust in front of the others. However the female pulled back and looked at him strangely. Chatrox ran through everything that just happened, he couldn’t have slipped up already. “Are you all right Dan?”

“I’m fine according to him.” Then he remembered, this female was with Stevens on the streets that day. Were they mates? “I’m sorry,” he reached out and started rubbing her arm, “the past few days have been weird.”

“That goes without saying,” their commander said. He took immediate notice that he was using a cane and filed that away as a potential weakness to exploit. “Can you tell us what happened, where you disappeared to?”

“I don’t remember much,” he answered. “I got flashes of being on the street, a building I think. The only thing I remember clearly was waking up in the park.”

“Do you remember what happened in the alley?”, one of the other females asked, he thought she was the pink one.

“I remember facing an Igadroid, that’s about it.”

“Well then,” the newer blue female said, “looks like we were right and it was a trap.”

“Yeah but who set it?”, the red headed male said, he had to be the yellow one.

“Major,” the alien spoke up, “in view of this new information I suggest that the Captain should be temporarily removed from active duty for the time being.”

“Major that isn’t necessary,” “Dan” said in protest.

“You know Rev outranks me in here Dan,” he answered. “Besides I agree with him. Whoever was behind this wanted you specifically for some reason. Until we find out that reason it’d be better if you took some time off.”

“You’re right,” he conceded. “Sorry Rev.”

“It is all right Captain, I expected that reaction out of you. But you do need your rest, I must ask all of you to leave the room.”

“Of course,” the Major agreed.

“Don’t worry Cap,” the pink one said, “the teams is safe in my hands until Rev gives you the green light.”

“Not a doubt in my mind,” he told her.

“I’ll bring you some dinner later,” Stevens’ female told him.

“Can’t wait,” he said remembering to smile a bit. She smiled back as they left the room. If any of them looked back they would have seen that smile turn into something a little more sinister.”

***

From the outside light he could see he could tell it was getting pretty dark. Surprisingly his Batsuroid guards continued to feed him that tasteless slop. He also had a lot of freedom apparently. Well as free as you could get being chained to a wall. He used that to see if he could get a reaction out of the Batsuroids. Anything, just the tiniest hint that he was doing something he something he wasn’t or close to something he shouldn’t be. They just stood there like a pair of statues. Either they were programmed really well or there wasn’t anything around that they considered dangerous.

Deep down he knew why he was doing this. One, he was trying to stay sane. Two, he was trying hard not to dwell on the fact that when Chatrox did slip up there was no guarantee that he would tell them where he was. And he could be here a long time, depending on if the Batsuroids were programmed to kill him after so long a period or not.

***

The alien allowed him back to Stevens’ quarters after his meal. His female offered to take him there. She said she understood when he said he wanted to be alone for the moment. Chatrox wanted to drop his disguise but couldn’t risk somebody walking in on him. Taking a moment to look around he tried to find the best place to start. Something in here had to be a clue to his pass code. The first thing that caught his attention was the pictures on the wall. Two in particular stood out immediately. One was an image of Stevens and his unit. Not this unit exactly he realized, this one had the original blue one in it. That’s when he noticed the image of the current lineup. But nothing in particular stood out. Looking at the other one that caught his eye he saw a slightly younger looking Stevens. The one he broke out of jail that failed him was there as well with several he didn’t recognize. A banner behind them said “Eagles”. That could be a possibility.

Another wall held numerous objects. From his time with those Earth First morons he learned they were called books. Could something there be a clue? He studied the spines, he didn’t have time to read them all. Picking one up he skimmed through it trying to see if anything would catch Stevens’ eye. The dresser below the books had a couple of more on it plus a few more personal belongings, including a picture of him and the female. He was going to have to learn her name and those of the others before they got suspicious. That was for later though he still had to search for clues to that pass code.

***

Like she had for the past couple of days Ace ran the team through their daily morning drills. Today everybody seemed to have extra bounce in their step. They had Cap back, he may not be cleared to run anything yet but they had him back. Ace in particular was very happy to have him back, in fact she let a couple of things slide that she normally would have jumped on them for. “Keeping the others on their toes I see,” Cap surprised her. She didn’t hear him come up behind her.

“You wouldn’t have it any other way,” she said smiling. A little more serious she said, “I know I had to take over for you a couple of times but I forget how big your boots actually are sometimes. It’s noting I can’t handle but the paperwork’s a bitch,” she said grinning again.

“It’s not exactly my favorite part of the job either,” he grinned back.

“Hey Cap,” Boomer called out as they ran up to them. “Are you going to join us this morning?”

“Rev hasn’t given me the go ahead yet,” he answered.

“Never stopped you before,” Ace joked.

“I figured I’d listen this time around.”

“It is true what they say,” Rev spoke up, “there is a first time for everything.”

“So Cap do you have a verdict on how we did today?”, Target asked.

It took a moment for him to answer, “You guys did great.” He patted Boomer on the shoulder as he walked pat them, “Like you always do. You guys haven’t disappointed me yet. I can’t imagine you doing any better.”

They were stunned silent as he left the gym. Boomer in particular looked back and forth between them and the door he went through before finally focusing on Rev. “Did Cap get hit in the head?”

“He says he doesn’t remember what happened after he was captured,” Rev answered. “It is a distinct possibility.”

“I don’t want to be this person,” Target spoke up, “but he says he doesn’t remember who caught him or how he got away from them.”

“That particular gap in his memory is why I suggested that he should be removed from active duty,” Rev told her.

“We all thought it Target,” Ace said looking down and crossing her arms. “And I’m pretty sure I’m not the only one who’s doesn’t want to think the worst.”

“So we keep an eye on him,” Boomer continued for her. “What if we’re right and whoever captured Cap did something to him.”

She had a hard time looking at them, “Then we’re going to have to do one of the hardest things we’ve ever done.”

***

At her terminal Michelle sat there tapping her fingers. She was expecting to wake up happy. But in that moment of being awake and not really aware of anything yet she realized something. It wasn’t anything he did but what he said, “Ops1 to base”. That ran through her head several times and it bugged her each time. Dan never said “Ops1” to anything. It was either, “Stevens to OpsBase” or “This is Stevens, go”. Maybe it was a mental slip because of what he went through but it was nagging her so much. There was one person on base would know for sure.

Finding the Major in his office doing the morning paperwork she knocked on his doorway. “What can I do for you Michelle?”

Sitting down she wasn’t sure how do begin. Finally she just came out with it, “Have you noticed anything off about Dan since he’s been back?”

He sat back in his chair looking worried, “Little things mainly. I want to put it down to his time in captivity. But since he can’t tell us what happened on those days it’s hard to say. Have you noticed anything?”

“Little things,” she said as well. “Things that shouldn’t be bothering me as much as they are.”

“Such as?”

“The way he called in for one. Then there was something this morning, a couple of techs came up to him. He looked annoyed at first, but it was paperwork that needed his signature so I really didn’t think anything of it at the time. But I noticed he didn’t use either of their names until somebody passing said it.”

“There’s not anything really big there,” he told her. “Although he did that with Rev yesterday. And he did seem a little lost when I ran into him this morning.” Thinking it over a bit he said, “I think I’ll have Rev run a few more tests just to be on the safe side.”

“That might be a good idea,” Michelle’s DataLicense went off and she excused herself, “This is Michelle.”

Both of them were a little surprised to hear Rev respond, “I could use you assistance. One of my scanner beds is malfunctioning. We have been trying to correct the problem but we are not making any head way. Since the problem seems to be computer based I thought you might be able to help”

“Sure thing Rev, let me grab some things and I’ll be right there.” To the Major she said, “While I’m there I’ll ask Rev about those tests.”

“Tell him the sooner it’s done the faster we know what’s going on. I’ve known Dan way too long to be suspecting him like this.”

Quickly grabbing her gear she met Rev in the med bay. She was a little surprised when he directed her to the bed he had Dan on yesterday. “So what’s the problem?”

“This particular bed has been giving us some abnormal readings. We first noticed it last night when Simmons came in with symptoms of a cold. It registered him as fine even though we could see he was not. We have checked all the scanners and all of them are functional.”

“It’s probably just a glitch,” she assured him. Hooking up her gear she ran several tests. And right now she was getting confused at the results she was getting. Staring at them for several moments she looked at Rev, “Can you get on there for a quick test?” He complied and she let the tech run the scan. Based on his reaction it looked like he wasn’t expecting these results either.

Getting off the bed Rev checked the results for himself, “It is reading me as human?”

“The system’s been corrupted somehow,” Michelle told him. “But I don’t see how unless…” A thought she didn’t want to think entered her head. Holding the back of her head she was afraid to hear the answer. “Was this bed working before you scanned Dan?”

“It was working perfectly as far as I am aware of.” She was right, she didn’t want to hear that.

“I need to go to my room real quick,” she told him “I’ll be… I’ll be right back.”

“Of course Michelle,” he replied.

Rushing to her room she grabbed her cell phone and quickly dialed a number. “Barry? It’s Michelle. Where did you say you saw Dan again?”

***

These humans were more suspicious than he originally thought they would be. So far he has caught members of Stevens’ team and his female following him or staring at him intently. That was his fault, he supplied too little information about his “escape” as they put it. Then again too much might have caused the same effect. He had to act quickly to enact his plan before he made them even more suspicious. Right now two of the techs have been following him. He had to lose them the only way he knew how. Ducking into an empty corridor he turned invisible the moment he was out of sight. Pressing against the wall he heard them quickly try and catch up. “What the hell?”, one of them said.

“He can’t be far,” the other told him. They hurried off and Chatrox went in the other direction. They were going to report his disappearance sooner or later so he didn’t have much time. Staying invisible he headed for one of the computer rooms he had been able to locate so far. Making sure nobody else was around he hurried inside and waited for the door to close. Seeing nobody inside he became visible again, although he still had to be in Stevens’ form to do this.

“Computer, access and open the database and prepare to send it as a data file on this encoded frequency.” Taping in the frequency he waited.

“Authorization and voice code to complete task,” the monotone female voice replied.

“Authorization Stevens, Daniel. Voice code… Eagles.”

“Access denied,” it said as the screen went red. He didn’t expect to hit the pass code on the first try. But he created a list of possible candidates based on the things in Stevens’ quarters. And he knew how many chances he had before this station would lockdown. Before that could happen he would simply leave and try again later at one of the other stations. All he had to be was patient.

***

“I still do not see what this has to do with a corrupted diagnostic bed,” Rev said as they walked down the street.

“It has everything to do with it Rev,” Michelle told him. “From everything we saw it looks like the bed got hacked into. You said it was fine before Dan was scanned. He has a gap in his memory where he has no idea what happened to him. What if whoever captured him did something to his head? Programmed him to make sure we couldn’t detect it.”

“How can that be possible?”, Rev asked.

“I don’t know!”, she snapped. “All I know is Dan’s friend saw him here fifteen minutes before he called in. The answer is here!”

Rev looked at her for a second. “Then let us find it. Did his friend say where in this area that he saw the Captain?”

“Only that it was on this street.”

“Perhaps we should have brought the others to help in the search.”

“I already talked it over with Ace and she shared my concerns. They’re going to be watching Dan while we do this.”

They walked down the street scanning the area before Rev spoke up again, “The Captain is such a strong willed individual. The idea somebody…”

“I know,” Michelle said, not wanting to hear it out loud. “But there are people out there in the galaxy who specialize in just that. The moment I find out who they are dead.”

“Michelle,” Rev said stopping where he was.”

“I know that wasn’t proper police behavior,” she began. Then she noticed he was looking at the scanner in his hand. “What is it?”

“I am not sure. There seems to be a void in the life signs on this block nearby.”

“Let me see.” He positioned the scanner so she could view it too. Like he said there was an empty spot close by. “Can this pick smaller life forms, like animals?”

“I believe it is possible.” Fiddling the controls more life signs readings popped up. Except for that one building. Both of them watched a small animal walked toward the building before the reading suddenly disappeared. “Is there a field around the building that is blocking the signal?”

“It’s a starting point, let’s go.” Finding the abandoned building in no time they didn’t see anything out of place. Getting off the street and into a side alley they drew their SP-Shooters as Rev found a door leading inside. He tried it and discovered it was locked. Motioning for here to move aside he shot the lock. Rev went in first, weapon pointed in front of him. Michelle was right behind him with her eyes peeled. There had to be something thing here. A whir from behind caught their attention. They both spun around. An Anaroid appeared and they both fired. After it was over she said, “This has to be the place.”

“Indeed,” Rev agreed as they went deeper in. They tried several doors, only stopping when a bot crossed their path. She opened one last door and stopped, stunned at who she saw inside.

“Look out!”, Dan shouted at her. Rev pulled her back as a Batsuroid tried to attack her, quickly firing a shot into it’s head another one came toward them. Michelle came to her senses and took care of that one. Rev covered the room while Michelle slowly walked toward Dan.

“Dan?”, he voice was barely above a whisper.

“I know you’ve been wanting to spice up the love life a bit, but can we count out chains,” he pulled on the one connecting him to the wall, “because I’m not really feeling it.” This was him, she knew it and immediately went to him. They held each on to each other for dear life. “I’m fine,” he said when he noticed she was shaking. “There’s no permanent damage.” After a moment he said, “I was starting to wonder if I was going to see you and the others again.”

“Well we saw you already,” Michelle told him, pulling away. “What the hell is going on?”

“Chatrox,” was all he said. “Rev, down that hallway somewhere is a genetic resequencer. He used that to turn into a copy of me. You need to mark the location so we can send it to SPD Command.” Michelle and Rev just stood there looking at each other. “What are you just standing around for? We got to get out of here and stop Chatrox before he can get his plan going.”

“Dan I want to believe with all my heart that this is you,” she told him. “But there are two of you walking around. I need some concrete proof.”

“We don’t have time for this…,” he muttered. “Fine, outside of Rev doing some blood work you have a birthmark in the shape of a butterfly on your left bu…” she cut him off with a kiss.

“Now I believe it’s you,” she told him. “Rev, see if there’s a key around here somewhere.” As he started checking the bots she asked, “Do you know what Chatrox plan is this time?”

“You’re not going to believe this one.”

***

This was maddening, he just exited his third computer room still having to complete his task. This damn pass code of Stevens’ was proving harder to pin down than he originally thought it would be. And to top it off security in this complex had become tighter in the past couple of hours. He had to wait and enter the last one when somebody else did. He was running out of time. Getting close to a fourth one he saw somebody else exit and he ran to get in before it closed. “What,” the person inside exclaimed as he stood there. Chatrox attacked him immediately and after a brief struggle knocked him out. And he left him alive just because he was still in disguised as Stevens. Nothing like a little visual conformation of who attacked him.

Again he got the program loaded and ready to go. One more time it asked for a pass code. Taking a deep breath he ran through his now very short list, “Warrior.” The screen flashed red, denied again. “Slag it!” he pounded the console in frustration.

The door opened revealing three members of Stevens’ team, weapons drawn and pointed right at him. The pink one ordered, “Step away from the computer Cap.” He stayed where he was. “Now,” he could see the hesitation in their eyes. The one he knocked out started to stir. He used that hesitation to grab him and use the human as a shield. Grabbing the tech’s weapon he pointed it at his head. “Let him go Cap!”

“I don’t think so,” he sneered. “Now let me pass or I will kill him.”

“You drop him and I swear to God we’ll drop you.”

“But can you really do it?”, he taunted.

The new blue one muttered, “Come on Cap come to your senses.”

“Dan,” the commander walked in despite the other’s protests. “Give me the weapon and let him go. I know somebody did something to you while you were gone. End this now and you have my word I will do everything in my power to help you.”

Chatrox stared at him, he actually thought somebody broke and brainwashed Stevens. This was better than he ever expected or planned on. Unable to hide the smile that was forming he told him, “If you don’t want him to die I suggest you activate the program I have set up.”

“Dan you know I can’t do that.”

“Come on Major,” he said sneering, “surely you don’t want another death under your command.” He relished the reaction that got, especially from pink and yellow one of the original team. “Clock’s ticking Major, either authorize it or I pull the trigger.” They stared each other in the eyes for several moments. Chatrox saw the mixture of emotions in the human’s eyes. He briefly wondered what he saw in his.

“Computer,” he said looking defeated, “Start prepared program. Voice authorization Pierce, Henry, voice code griffin.”

“Authorization confirmed,” the computer announced. Chatrox looked at the screen, because if the size of database it would take at least ten minutes to compress and send. An expected delay, now he just had to get out of here.

“Now all of you are going to let me out of this room.” When they didn’t reply he pressed the barrel against his hostage’s head, “Do it!” Slowly they backed out of the room. Once they were out he forced his hostage out into the hall. Keeping his back to the wall he made sure the hostage was between him and them. Some tried to catch him off guard by coming around a corner but he heard them coming, “Back off!” The commander waved them off. Chatrox realized that hallway led to the command center and to the exit and made his way down toward the door. It opened but before he could check they all heard his voice, but he didn’t open his mouth.

“Computer,” he sneered as he saw Stevens standing there with the alien and his female, “initiate emergency shutdown. Authorization Stevens, Daniel. Voice code,” he smirked a bit, “puss ‘n’ boots.”

“Authorization confirmed.” Almost at once the screens around the room went dark.

“NO!”, he screamed. An emergency shutdown meant every computer program that wasn’t considered essential was immediately stopped and shut down, included his encode of the database.

“I might be a creature of habit,” Stevens began, “but I knew you wouldn’t believe me when I told you.”

***

“Holy shit… Cap?”, Boomer asked. Looking back and forth between the two all he could say was, “Caps?”

“Who’s the real one?”, Target asked.

“This one,” Michelle quickly said pointing toward Dan.

“Are you sure?”, Ace asked her.

“I’d bet my life on it,” she answered.

“Good enough for me,” Ace said as she and the others kept their weapons pointed at the other Dan. He snarled at all of them as he held on to his hostage.

The real Dan stepped forward, “Give it up Chatrox you lost.” Most of those who those who could hear that gasped at the revelation. Realizing it was worthless to keep up the disguise he reverted to his true self. “Surrender now.”

“I don’t think so human,” he shoved his hostage toward Ace. Before they could react he grabbed the Major and held him at gunpoint. “Now undo the lockdown or I will kill him.”

“You kill him and I couldn’t if I wanted to,” Dan told him “We set it up so it could only be overridden if the three members of the senior staff agreed to it. That’s me, Michelle and the Major. It’s over Chatrox just give it up.”

“You’re right about one thing Stevens,” he sneered. “This is over, but I am not giving up.” Suddenly he turned invisible and shoved the Major down.

“Cover the exits,” Dan and Ace both shouted. Everybody spread out while Rev covered the elevator. Dan motioned for everybody to be quiet and looked at Rev who nodded in understanding and listened.

“Over there,” he said pointing to the door leading to the training area. The tech in front of it went flying and the door opened and closed on it’s own. Rev confirmed what he was thinking, “He has left the room.”

Pierce grabbed his StormLicense , “Attention all personnel, there is an intruder on base, repeat there is an intruder on base. The intruder is a shape shifter and can take the form of Captain Stevens. If anybody sees a Captain Stevens detain him immediately.” Dan headed for the training area but the Major stopped him, “Not you Dan.”

“We have to corner him,” he argued.

“And I just gave the order to detain anybody looking like you. You going out there would just cause some confusion we don’t need right now.” Dan didn’t like it but he conceded. “Of course if he stays invisible we’re going to have a different problem entirely.”

“I think we have some thermal scanners,” Target said. “And I know we have some motion detectors.”

“We’ll help you get them,” Ace told her. “Rev, Boomer let’s go.” They were out of the room leaving a very frustrated Dan behind.

He sat down mumbling, “That bastard still has my License.”

“We’ll get it back,” the Major assured him.

“You gave him your pass code?”, Michelle said as she sat next to him.

“I know it was a huge gamble but I knew he wouldn’t believe that was it.”

“That was one hell of a risk,” she told him.

“These ain’t exactly love taps,” he said pointing at the bruises on his face. “I was trying to get him so frustrated he’d give up.”

Michelle shot a look toward the Major. “Don’t be blaming that one on me. I may have taught him back in basic but he came up with that fool plan on his own.”

***

A guard ran down the hall, he went down by an invisible assailant who quickly went on his way. This was getting him nowhere, he was trapped and he needed to think clearly. He was underground and there were only two apparent ways out of here, the ramp in the hanger that led to the garage above and the elevator in the command room. No… SPD would not be that careless with their personal. Which meant… Changing his voice so he sounded like Stevens again he spoke into the human’s license, “Computer, activate emergency exits. Voice authorization Stevens, Daniel. Voice code puss ‘n’ boots.” The wall near him hissed opened revealing a ladder leading up. He grinned, just like he thought.

In the Command Room Dan and the others jumped up and looked around as alarms went off. Going to the door Chatrox used Dan saw one of the emergency exits open up. “He’s going topside!”, he shouted running out before anybody could stop him. Hitting the ladder at a full run he climbed up as fast as his feet could take him. Popping a hatch the opened just outside the cover building he scrambled out and quickly looked around. If he was still invisible… Some tree branches started rustling and there was no real wind, it was him. “Chatrox!”, and he gave chase.

Running through the trees he tried to listen to the rustling ahead of him. He almost reached the field that covered the hanger when something that felt like a boot crashed into his chest. Invisible hands grabbed him by the shirt and threw him into the field. Chatrox materialized still holding his License. “What’s the matter Chatrox, you need my gear to beat me?”

“How easily you forget human,” he sneered. “As I recall I bested you while you were wearing the Dekasuit. So I don’t think I will be needing it, although I do think I will keep it. Not as a souvenir, the less I’m reminded of you the better. Even though I can’t seem to get a hold of the database I know the bosses have been looking on getting their hands on one of these for a long time. It might be enough to get me assigned off this backwater rock. But first I am finally going to deal with you.”

“I was thinking the same thing.” Dan kicked the License out of his hand before he could move. He tackled the Agent to the ground in the next instant. Chatrox’s hands went to his throat the moment after that. Dan quickly broke his grip but the alien grabbed his arms and threw him off. Both of them scrambled to their feet. Circling each other they looked for an opening. Dan went for a kick that Chatrox easily blocked. He launched into a series of strikes that had Dan backing up to avoid. Catching one he tried to flip the Chameleon-seijin over his shoulder. Chatrox twisted in the air and landed on his feet. Eating a backhand Dan dropped to the ground. As soon as he landed he kicked out a leg. The Agent stumbled back as the sole of the human’s boot impacted his stomach. Dan had to deflect a kick aimed at his head as he got to his feet.

Chatrox reached for his boot and pulled out a knife he had hidden there. Slashing away he had Dan backing up right into a tree. Faking a stab with the knife he caught the human off guard with a knee that knocked the breath out of him. Holding him up by the hair he had every intention in plunging the blade right into his skull. Dan grabbed him by the wrist to keep that from happening. Kicking the Agent away he was just able to get away from the tree when he stopped the blade from coming at him again. Chatrox kicked at his leg making him go to a knee. With this new advantage Chatrox was slowly forcing the knife down. “I despised you the moment I saw you,” he spat.

“The feeling mutual,” Dan said through his teeth. Falling back he was able to flip the alien over him. In the next instant he was on the arm holding the knife and forced the hand to open. Instinct made him kick the knife away. Kicking Chatrox down he attempted to stomp his chest but the alien caught his foot and pushed him away. By the time he regained his balance Chatrox had disappeared. Straining his senses he looked for any sign of that damn lizard. Then an invisible fist decked him. Swinging wildly with a backhand he got nothing but air.

“Now what human?”, his voice taunted. He launched a kick where he thought the voice was coming from, again nothing. “No teammates to back you up.” Something poked him in the back Dan swung around while praying to catch something. He got nothing. His breath left him as something slammed into his gut. “No sprinklers to set off revealing where I am.” His head snapped back as an invisible foot kicked him. “How are you going to survive now?” On his knees Dan thought he saw movement out of the corner of his eyes. Some of the blades of grass were moving differently than the others, almost like it was being stepped on. Watching it for a few seconds he thought it looked like somebody was moving. He was desperate at this point. Sweeping his leg out he silently celebrated as he hit something. There was his target and he went after it immediately. Again he was kicked away. As he tried to get back something that felt like an arm wrapped itself around his neck. It squeezed as it picked him up. As he struggled to breathe he heard Chatrox say into his ear, “I have dreamed of this moment Stevens.”

“Keep dreaming,” he grunted. Getting his legs under him Dan pushed back as hard as he could slamming them into a tree. He heard Chatrox grunt in pain but he still held on. Dan kept slamming them into the tree until he felt the pressure lesson on his neck. In that instant he threw Chatrox over his head. Using what strength he had left he slammed his fist like a piledriver into his chest. Chatrox reappeared in the next instant. Stumbling over to his OpLicense he turned back to Chatrox. “I am going to do what they should have done when they caught you the first time.” An energy bolt flew past his head and exploded part of a tree. Dan looked over to see an Igadroid, the same one Chatrox used on him earlier, walk through the trees with an alien rifle in it’s hands.

“Did you really think,” Chatrox sneered, “that I wouldn’t have a way to escape if I had to.” The gun keeping Dan in place Chatrox walked over until he was behind the spike headed robot. “I think of everything.”

“Did you think of this?”, Ace demanded as she and the others joined them in the field. Michelle and the Major were right behind them.

“In fact I did.” Chatrox pulled something off the Igadroid and threw it on the ground. In seconds ten Batsuroids formed, in turn they threw even more grenades that formed a countless number of Anaroids appeared between them.

“Déjà vu,” Boomer said.

“Quite,” Rev agreed.

“I’m ready for a rematch,” Target announced.

“Say the word,” Ace said to Dan. He glanced back at Pierce.

“Major, I know you’re the one in charge….”

“I’ll follow your lead on this one Dan,” he said knowing where he was going. “Besides this looks like an emergency and a special situation to me.”

“My thoughts exactly,” Michelle said.

Dan nodded and looked through the crowd toward Chatrox and the Igadroid. “Change standby.” The others took out their respective Licenses and held them across their chest, “Emergency!”

Pulling their OpsLicense back they pushed them forward and the five of them shouted, “DekaOps!”

Michelle was right there with “DekaData!”

The Major finished it with, “DekaStorm!”

Dan was surrounded by a red digital field as the Dekametal formed around his body in a flash of white light. It changed into black body suit in a burst. A dark red stripe went down the middle of his body from his shoulders to the top of his boots, on the left side of his chest the red and black formed the outline for a number one. A backpack solidified on his back and the D-Shot appeared in a flash. “Face on!”, Dekametal flashed over his head and formed a dark red helmet. “Ops1!”

Target was surrounded by a blue digital field as the Dekametal formed around her body in a flash of white light. It changed into black body suit in a burst. A dark blue stripe went down the middle of her body from her shoulders to the top of her boots, on the left side of her chest the blue and black formed the outline for a number two. A backpack solidified on her back and the D-Shot appeared in a flash. “Face on!”, Dekametal flashed over her head and formed a dark blue helmet. “Ops2!”

Rev was surrounded by a green digital field as the Dekametal formed around his body in a flash of white light. It changed into black body suit in a burst. A dark green stripe went down the middle of his body from his shoulders to the top of his boots, on the left side of his chest the green and black formed the outline for a number three. A backpack solidified on his back and the D-Shot appeared in a flash. “Face on!”, Dekametal flashed over his head and formed a dark green helmet. “Ops3!”

Boomer was surrounded by a yellow digital field as the Dekametal formed around his body in a flash of white light. It changed into black body suit in a burst. A dark yellow stripe went down the middle of his body from his shoulders to the top of his boots, on the left side of his chest the yellow and black formed the outline for a number four. A backpack solidified on his back and the D-Shot appeared in a flash. “Face on!”, Dekametal flashed over his head and formed a dark yellow helmet. “Ops4!”

Ace was surrounded by a pink digital field as the Dekametal formed around her body in a flash of white light. It changed into black body suit in a burst. A dark pink stripe went down the middle of her body from her shoulders to the top of her boots, on the left side of her chest the blue and black formed the outline for a number five. A backpack solidified on her back and the D-Shot appeared in a flash. “Face on!”, Dekametal flashed over her head and formed a dark pink helmet. “Ops5!”

Michelle was surrounded by a white digital field as the Dekametal formed around her in a flash of light. In a burst it formed a black and white version of the DekaSwan suit. A backpack with two cylinders on both sides appeared on her back as a ten button keypad flashed on her left forearm. “Face on!”, Dekametal flashed around her head forming a white helmet. Michelle held her left arm in front of her chest, “Officer of the information highway,” she swung her left arm back and shot her right fist foreword, “DekaData!”

Pierce was surrounded by a black digital field as he threw off the command coat. Dekametal formed around him transforming into a jet black bodysuit. It flashed again forming red armor around his feet, shins, knees, elbow and hands. Finalizing into blood red chest armor as a black one hundred burned into it. “Face on!”, A red helmet shaped like an army helmet appeared around his head. A fire started burning behind him as he brought his hand to his chest, “Striking down a hundred enemies from the shadows. The bringer of hell on Earth.” He brought the arm down in a slashing movement making the flames grow higher. “Soldier of the Inferno, DekaStorm!”

“Special Police!” One by one the lights on the side of their helmets flashed to life. As one they exclaimed, “DekaOps!”

“Kill them,” Chatrox ordered.

“You know what to do,” Dan said. Both groups ran toward each other.

Ace ran in front of Target firing her D-Shooter. She stopped to let Target jump off her shoulder. She flipped in the air and shot down at the bots as she landed. She quickly turned around and the both of them fired at the ones between them. Quickly turning she kicked a Batsuroid in the head while Ace took out a couple coming at her. Target spun out of the way of one trying to grab her and shot the one behind it. Kicking her attacker down Ace ran toward her and jumped off her outstretched leg. Shooting the bots when she landed Ace turned and did the same for Target who spun in the air and shot in a circle around Ace. The moment she landed they were back to back. “Too flashy?”, she asked

“Do I look like Cap?”, Ace told her.

To their left a group with some rifles came at them. Michelle burst through and got between them, “Barrier shield.” Spreading her arms wide an energy field protected them from the onslaught. After a few seconds she said, “Anytime you two.” Ace and Target stepped to the side of the field and fired away. Dropping the field the three of them kicked a Batsuroid coming at them.

“Where were you the last time we went through this?”, Ace asked Michelle.

“You didn’t take me,” she reminded her.

Boomer got kicked in the back while he was concentrating on group that was in front of him. Rev was right there to keep him from falling. Getting his footing Boomer spun and unleashed a right hook that floored the bot. Shaking the pain out of his fist he watched as Rev took out an Anaroid with his D-Rod. “I am really getting tired of this,” Boomer said to nobody in particular.

Rev responded anyway, “As am I Robert.” A group tried to attack them at once. They fought them off as more bots joined in. They forced their way out. A lone Anaroid came at them. Boomer slapped something on it’s back right before Rev tossed it into the group that attacked them. Standing there Boomer held up his left hand revealing a button detonator. The Batsuroids and Anaroids looked down to see the bomb on their comrade’s back. Waving bye-bye with his right he hit the trigger. The bomb exploded taking the Anaroid it was attached to while taking out or disabling the others around it.

Boomer grinned to himself, “That never get’s old.”

A large group of the bots seemed to target the Major. At that moment he was proving that was a mistake on their part. A Batsuroid went flying then he punched an Anaroid in the face. “D-Sword Blaster!” Grabbing the handle at his side the straps tightened around his forearm, “Gun mode,” two barrels popped out of the handle. He blasted them mainly to keep some space between him and them. A few were able to get through. He backed away trying not to think about how long his leg was going to hold up. A few were getting too close while he took more out. “Sword mode,” the barrels retracted and the blade underneath his forearm swung up and extended a bit. Slashing away he struck down those that were too close for comfort.

“Time to weed things out a bit,” he mumbled. Holding his arm to the side the area went dark slightly as a fire started to grow behind him. Once he felt it at his heels he ran forward, “Fire wave slash!” The blade glowed as he ran through the bots slashing away. Once he came to a stop things brightened and the bots exploded or fell to the ground sparking. He put all his weight on his good leg as he held his bad one. Damn it not now.

Rev appeared out of nowhere to offer some support while Boomer covered them with his D-Shot. “Careful Major,” Rev said, “despite the situation exerting yourself to such an extent…”

“I still have plenty of gas in the tank,” he said.

“Major,” Rev continued.

“Rev,” Boomer cut in between shots, “it’s not a good idea to argue with the man who can demote you in a second.”

“Don’t threaten Rev,” the Major told him. “That’s my job.”

Dan was doing everything to get to that back of the pack. Kicking aside any Anaroid or batsuroid in his way. A bot grabbed him but a point blank shot from the D-Colt took care of that. Finally he broke through and saw the Igadroid standing there pointing the rifle right at him. Target shot it’s wrist making it drop the rifle. “Got your back Cap,” she said before returning her attention to the rest of the bots. Dan rolled the shoulder it targeted during those interrogations and holstered his D-Colt. Reaching into his pack he pulled out his D-Knife and D-Rod as he walked toward it. The Igadroid did the same walking over the rifle.

They went right at each other, the Igadroid trying to connect with it’s cross blade, Dan blocking as best he could while trying to slash at whatever robotic body part he could. The bot knew he wasn’t at a hundred percent from his captivity and kept up the pressure. Logically it was targeting the shoulder it worked on during that time. Realizing this he did his best to keep that shoulder out of harm’s way. During their dance some of the techs entered the field and helped take care of the bots. The Igadroid increased it’s attacks seeing the new development. It slashed a little too hard with the cross blade. Dan was able to duck under and pop right back up. A yell powered from his frustration of being captured and tortured escaped his throat as he plunged the D-Knife between it’s eyes. Dan held on to the handle as he stared into it’s electronic eyes. Letting go of the handle the Igadroid dropped to the ground.

Looking around he saw the others and the techs had the bots under control. Then he saw Chatrox trying to get away. A shot fired over his head stopped him. “Is this how it’s going to end Stevens? A shot to my back?”

“After D.E and Tony died because of you I wouldn’t lose a wink of sleep if I did. But I’m better than that,” and he holstered his weapon.

“Then what?”, he turned around to face him. “Are you going to take some pleasure in pummeling me personally?”

“Tempting,” Dan said crossing his arms, “but I think I’ll let them have a shot at you.” Ace and Target jumped over him and landed a double punch to Chatrox’s chest.

He stumbled back as Ace told him, “That’s for D.E.” Boomer and Rev leaped over them landing a double kick that knocked him back further.

“That’s for Cap’s friend,” Boomer said.

“And for betraying SPD!” He turned around to see the Major come up behind him. A swing from his blade knocked him into the air.

Michelle jumped off Dan’s shoulder and right at the Agent. “Electro kick!”, she practically stomped Chatrox chest in while they were in the air. He jolted with each electrified foot. He crashed on the ground as she landed on her feet. “And that’s for capturing Dan.”

The regrouped at his side as he walked forward as Chatrox tried to get to his feet, OpsLicense in hand. “Selling illegal substances and weapons to known criminals. Twice trying to steal the SPD database. Being an accessory in the deaths of two SPD officers.” While he talked his thumb switched the License to Judge. “If we don’t get the result I know we should get I will turn in my badge. Target orders!”

The area went dark s the License flipped open. Between them the red X and blue circle flashed as Chatrox was scanned. After a minute the red x remained. Chatrox sneered while as neutrally as he could Dan said, “Eliminate target.” They unlatched their D-Shots and locked in their OpsLicense. The Major returned his weapon to gun mode. Michelle typed in a command on the keypad and got to a knee as the cylinders on her back flipped forward. Boomer and Rev joined her as the rest stood behind them.

“Burning shot!”

“Datablast!”

“Strikeout!”, Dan shouted. The combined energy streams hit Chatrox all at once. He writhed in pain as the energy tore him up from the inside out. Dan turned and walked away as he fell back and exploded, deleting him. “Got you,” he said as the rest followed him.

***

A couple of days later Dan and Michelle stood in front of a door waiting for somebody to answer their knock. “Are you sure about this?”, Michelle asked him.

“You told me what happened when they saw Chatrox,” he answered. “There are very few people in this world I don’t want to alienate. Especially when it wasn’t my fault.” The door opened and Barry and Paula stood there. He saw the uncertainty in their eyes. “Hi,” was all he could say.

“Are you sure it’s you?”, Barry asked.

“According to her,” he said gesturing toward Michelle. “And she’s done several personal inspections.”

“Based on the look she just gave him,” Paula said, “I’d say it’s really him.”

“A shape shifter?”, Barry asked as they let them in.

“It’s a long story,” he said. “I’ll fill you in later, but we’re kind of pressed for time. I just had to make sure he didn’t do anything to you guys.”

“We’re fine,” Paula said. “We didn’t know what the hell was going on when we saw you… eh… him. He’s not still around is he?”

“He’s been,” he started to say, “dealt with.”

“Not soon enough,” Michelle mumbled. She looked over and saw Dani standing at the foot of the staircase. She looked frightened and that just tore Dan up inside.

Not sure what else to do he smiled and said, “Hey munchkin.”

Dani broke out into a big grin after a moment and ran toward him, “Uncle Danny!” She wrapped her arms around his leg, “It’s really you this time.”

Picking up his Goddaughter he said, “I heard you saw a guy who looked like me.”

“He called me a brat and looked mean,” she said. Dan was very glad they got the son of a bitch. “You’re not mean.”

“Trust me kiddo, you’re not going to see that mean guy ever again,” he told her. “And you are not talking to anybody in my unit.” Both Barry and Michelle stifled a chuckle. “Quiet,” he warned them.

“Dan,” Michelle said while pointing at her watch.

“Right, I hate to cut this short but we have to go.”

“Already,” Danielle whined as he put her down.

“Can’t be helped,” he said. “I’ll be back as soon as I can.” Paula hugged both of them as Dan shook Barry’s hand.

“And it better real be soon,” Barry told him.

“You know it.”

***

A couple of hours later all of them were on the orbital station in the upper hanger. Dan, Michelle, Ace and the other all stood in line. A very proud looking Major stood by the side. Joining him was Meng Yeow, Gyoc Row and Commander Trytan. They watched as Commander Numa-O and Scorp pinned medals on their uniforms. “For protecting the integrity of SPD,” Numa-O said, “and protecting our ability in being affective force in protecting the innocents of the universe it is our pleasure and honor to present you with these medals. All I ask is that you perform you duties as you have been, above and beyond all our expectations.”

“You have preformed amicably,” Scorp said through his translator. “I am proud of all of you.”

As one they saluted the two of them. They returned it. Dan stepped forward and turned smartly to face his team. “DekaOps, dismissed.”They turned to the left and marched out of the hanger. Once they were out of sight they started celebrating.

“Captain Stevens,” Scorp said as he, Pierce and Michelle saw them off. “I must confess I doubted your selection when Major Pierce recommended you. To be honest my instinct said to reject you. This was one of the few times my instincts weren’t correct.”

“That’s the closest you’re going to get to a compliment from him,” Trytan told him with a smile. “I said it before Captain, it’s a good thing you stayed with this unit. This is right were you belong.”

“I couldn’t have done any of it without my team with me,” Dan told him.

“I don’t think he gets that modesty from you Henry,” Meng Yeow joked as they stood to the side.

“I’m sure I don’t know what you’re talking about,” the Major told him.

“And how many times have you said you trained him personally?”, Row laughed.

“They had to get that good somehow didn’t they?”

Near the back Ace and the others watched. Boomer looked like he was thinking something over. “Hey Ace, when Cap said they needed the senior staff to get the computers going again he said the three of them. Aren’t you senior staff too?”

“Chatrox didn’t know that,” she answered. “Besides he didn’t want to give up his ‘Ace’ in the hole,” she smirked.

“That was bad,” Target said. Rev nodded in agreement. Ace waved them off.

“Oh Captain,” Trytan spoke up, “Commander Mynx sends his best wishes. He wanted to be here personally but he had some new recruits to the program he needs to take care of.”

“I understand,” Dan told him. “Tell him I wish his recruit luck. They’re going to need it.”

“I’ll do that,” Trytan chuckled. “Come on Scorp, SPD isn’t going to run itself.” They boarded the shuttle while Meng Yeow and Row took the one headed for Earth.

“We’ll see you at the next meeting Henry,” Meng Yeow said. They saluted each other and both shuttles left the hanger.

“Well I do believe there’s a party going on somewhere,” the Major said afterwards. “You guys coming or are you going to wait.”

“I’ll wait until she gets here,” Dan told him.

He nodded and walked away. Michelle on the other hand, “Who is she and why are you waiting for her?”

“The who you’ll find out soon enough,” he answered. “As to why… let’s say I’m calling in Hawaii.”

“That’s my favor,” she protested. “You can’t do that.”

“I just did.”

“And what makes you think you can do that?”

“One, I never wanted that favor. Two, I never called you out about lying on why we stayed over so technically you owed me. And three,” he pulled a pair of tickets out of his pocket, “I need somebody to go with me.”

“Hawaii?”, she gasped reading the ticket. “Consider it paid in full. But it still doesn’t explain who you’re waiting for.”

Dan looked out the hanger field as saw a shuttle coming in, “That should be her now.” They watched as it landed and the occupant walked out.

“Captain,” Drilian said, “I appreciate the opportunity you have given me to right my wrong against you.”

Ignoring the look Michelle was giving him he told her, “Yeah no problem. Remember what I told you, even though you’re filling in for me Ace is the one in charge while I’m gone.”

“I will follow Ace’s commands to the letter Captain,” she told him. “But what if we are not called to duty?”

“You’re still watching my team for me. That will be good enough.”

“Of course Captain,” she said. “Please excuse me, I must report my arrival to Major Pierce.”

After she left all Michelle could say was, “You didn’t?”

“You’ve seen how many times she’d messaged me,” he said trying to defend his action, “wanting to make up for spying, her words not mine, on me during that mission. If I can help ease her conscious in some way I’m doing it.”

“You’re hanging around Boomer too much,” she told him.

“That’s hitting below the belt.”

“You deserved it. You told the Major before you told me?”

“I had to get us some time off somehow didn’t I?”

“Cap,” Ace and the others ran back in, “we just got a call from OpsBase. Something is going on in Brazil.”

“I’ll link up with Base from here,” Michelle said. “I’ll fill you in what’s going on planet side on the way there.”

“Right,” Dan said. “Let’s go people. Drilian we might need the extra help so come along.”

“I am at your command Captain,” she said joining them.

“No rest for the wicked,” Boomer commented.

“That may be true for you Robert, but what about the rest of us?”, Rev asked.

“Did Rev just crack on me again?”

“You’re an easy target,” Target told him.

“Told you so,” Ace smirked.

“After the mission,” Dan reminded. Hitting the elevator Dan asked them, “You guys ready?” The four of them made a gun shooting motion with their hand as they passed him. Drilian looked confused by the action. Dan smiled to himself as he got in and the door closed. No matter what they still had a job to do.