CROSSED PATHS

A SWAT Kats/Bubblegum Crisis crossover

from Whiprush

Megakat City, Rhedora--early morning

"Good morning, you lazy kats! It's 7:30 in the a.m., which means 'GET YOUR FRIGGIN' ASS UP'!!!" spat out the alarm just before Callie knocked it off her nightstand. She almost nodded off again when she realized the importance of this day--her younger brother, Jason, was arriving today to see her for the first time in over a year.

Kats alive, why couldn't his plane arrive just a little later, she thought as she dragged herself out of bed to the bathroom, all the while thinking of a way to get back at her brother. But, other than this minor disturbance, Callie felt that this day would be a very special and eventful one....

MegaTokyo, Japan--early morning

"NENE, WHY ARE YOU STILL ASLEEP!!! GET UP, YOU LAZY GIRL!!!" Alicia Romanova yelled at her daughter through the Vidphone, which promptly shot the young redhead out of her slumber and onto the floor of her apartment. Groggily, Nene looked up at her alarm. Eight o'clock!!

"AHHH!!!" Nene screamed as she rudely switched the Vidphone off and ran into the bathroom, trying to do a dozen things at once. After putting on her ADPolice uniform, she bolted through the door to her scooter, where she promptly floored it and shot out of the parking garage, arriving at ADPolice HQ a record fifteen minutes later. When she arrived at her desk, however, she saw someone in her seat.

"My, my, Nene. Late again?" said Leon McNichol; a sly grin forming on his face. Nene knew that face well; Leon always had it when she was caught in a situation just like this, and it meant only one thing....

"What do you want this time, Leon?" Nene said, already trying to predict what the cocky inspector wanted to keep her blunder silent. But she realized it was her own fault for trusting her alarm clock, as well as Leon's conscience.

"Nene, I'm surprised you would ask such a thing. But if you insist, there's a couple of things you can do. For starters, Vision's in town and I was wondering-"

"-if I can get you some good seats for you and a potential date? Fine."

"Second, Daley's out of town today on assignment, so I need someone else to assist me with the Fujikara lab case -ACKK!!!" Leon screeched as Nene put him a vice-like bear hug.

"You're offering me an opportunity to work on an investigation!!! Oh, thank you, Leon, thank you!!" Nene frantically screamed, suddenly imagining herself with sergeant stripes on her uniform and giving her excess work to another low-ranking officer, like Naoko. But that wouldn't happen if Leon suffocated to death. "Oooops! I'm sorry, Leon. I guess I got a little overwhelmed, but an opportunity to work on the Fujikara case? I thought I'd just be your errand girl again."

"Well, despite your inexperience in this type of work, and your tendency to disappear for days at a time, I thought it was time I put all your skills to the test. If your performance is good enough, you might see a few more cases like this coming your way...."

"Wow," Nene said.

"Oh, and here's some reports to work on while you're thinking about it," Leon yelled as he walked away from Nene's desk to the chief's office. Despite her being late, Nene knew this day would be a special and eventful one....

Fujikara Industries Astrophysics Lab--8:30 a.m.

"Dr. Mallory, try to compensate for any temporal distortion, and make sure the central processor stays online. I can’t afford another disaster like last time," said Dr. Hikaru Yashida as he watched the formation of his creation--the spatial transporter, a device which, if successful, could start a new age in human exploration and eventual colonization. But it wouldn’t happen unless he could impress the guests coming to see the transporter’s presentation.

"All systems stable, Dr. Yashida. Ready to begin the new trial sequence on your mark," Dr. Mallory yelled from his terminal. Although Dr. Yashida was the foremost expert on spatial anomalies and the physics of his device, he needed assistance to maintain and monitor the advanced equipment used to initiate the transport sequence. Out of many potential candidates he had chosen the youngest member of the group--Daniel Mallory, a computer science major who grabbed Dr. Yashida's attention by using optical cables to triple the speed and efficiency of Drake University's computer network. Many of his designs were now applied in the transporter, though the system still became overloaded if not carefully monitored.

"Initiate transportation sequence," ordered Dr. Yashida. Almost immediately, the room-sized machine began humming and glowing a faint green. He watched from his terminal as the transporter’s power levels slowly rose, preparing to open a spatial opening to another point on Earth.

"All systems functional and within specified limits, Doctor. Commencing with spatial opening in ten seconds," Dr. Mallory reported, his face becoming more tense with each passing moment. "Opening portal in five, four, three, two, ONE!!!" A beam shot out from a cannon-shaped device to a platform in the middle of the lab, briefly distorting Dr. Yashida’s view of the back wall, and finally turning into a large glowing disk, slightly bent inward from itself.

"All right, let’s see if it works," said Dr. Yashida as he picked up a metallic cylinder from his terminal and walked in front of the distortion. "Somers, this is Yashida. Is the transporter functioning on your side?"

"Yes, Dr. Yashida, the transporter is operational and functioning within specified parameters," Dr. Somers responded. "Ready to commence testing."

"Excellent, Doctor. Sending in the first module." The doctor threw the cylinder into the portal, where it promptly vanished, seemingly lost in nothingness. He hoped that Somers would be holding it in her hands momentarily.

"Checking sensor readings from the module. It’s functioning and appears to be on the right heading. It should arrive moment- WHAT!??" Somers had a look of surprise and shock on her face.

"What do you mean, ‘what’? Somers, what’s happening?" Dr. Yashida yelled, trying to figure out what the woman was so surprised about. "Dr. Mallory, is the module still sending out any readings?"

"I’m trying to find it again, Doctor, but the module isn’t sending any readings back. I can’t explain it, but I did notice something peculiar-"

"Peculiar!? What do you mean?"

"Well, just before the module went dead, I picked up an increase in spatial distortion around the module. It would seem that the module made a ‘detour’ into another spatial opening."

"To where!?"

"I don’t know, Doctor. It could be anywhere from next door to the other side of our galaxy."

Damn, thought Dr. Yashida. Now what am I going to tell the President when those other execs arrive? At this point, Dr. Yashida probably wouldn’t mind being anywhere but in that lab.

Pumadyne Labs--8:31 a.m.

"The portal is functioning within specified parameters, Dr. Siam. Hopefully, we should have the test module in our lab very soon," reported Dr. Pride from her terminal.

"Excellent, Pride. So, as you can see, Mayor Manx, the Megarift can literally shed hours off a typical trip across Felonis. And this device could have other, more long-reaching applications," said the middle-aged, dark-haired Dr. Siam. After years of intense research and considerable support from the Rhedoran government, he had created the Megarift, a kat-made wormhole designed to bridge the gap from one area to another in seconds. But to confirm his discovery, Rhedoran customs specified the device had to be seen in action in the presence of high-ranking government officials. He had such officials, in the form of Mayor Manx, Commander Feral, several executive officials, and one somewhat familiar military officer.

"Tell me, Dr. Siam," said the light-furred, green-eyed officer, "what might be some of the other ‘applications’ of your device?"

"Well, Admiral, the Megarift could be used not only for intraplanetary travel, but it could be used for interplanetary and interstellar travel as well."

"Which means?" said Feral, still skeptical of the validity of such a device.

"Which means we could travel and explore new places without the need of slow, bulky rockets and long months of preparation. With this technology, katkind could travel through the stars as quickly and as easily as opening a door!"

"Yes, it sounds impressive, Doctor, but your test module hasn't arrived yet. So maybe your celebration is a little premature," said the Admiral. "And besides, I'm not here to listen to your public exhibition; I need to know any or all the military applications of this 'Megarift' so I can report back to the Chief of Staffs. This isn't some little trinket that will affect a few kats, but all of katkind! If some wacko decides to steal your invention, the rest of our world would be in deep shit!"

"I know, and I can assure you, Admiral Briggs, that this device is being protected by the best security force in Megakat City."

"You mean Feral and his boy scouts!? Not to be offensive to you or the Commander, but his Enforcers couldn't stop a litterbug if they wanted to!"

"Now see here, Admiral," Manx added, finally breaking his silence, "the Enforcers are a well-trained force, and their record of keeping Megakat City safe proves their effectiveness."

"HAH! Would this record be with or without the SWAT Kats' assistance, Mayor?" Admiral Briggs batted back at the mayor, silencing the argument.

"I'd like to see you do any better, Briggs," said Feral, breaking the brief silence. "Despite the unwelcome assistance of those vigilantes, my Enforcers can handle anything, and I certainly don't need your help in this matter!!"

"Oh, please, spare me your crap! You couldn't lead your way out of a litter box, much less a security threat. Hell, my daughter could do a better job than you!"

"Now I see where the Deputy Mayor gets her stubbornness," muttered Feral, "but at least she doesn't have your mean streak or your ego!"

"You leave my family out of this, you clueless degenerate!!" yelled the Admiral, his fists clenched and raised at the Commander.

"Gentlekats, please!" Dr. Siam interjected. "This is no place for an argument. If you have any disagreements, please take them-"

"Doctor, the module is nearing the rift!" Dr. Pride reported, preparing the capture mechanism to capture the precious cargo. "Exiting in five, four, three, two, HUH!?" the Doctor said; a look of surprise and shock etched in her youthful face. "I don't understand, Doctor! One moment the module was signaling to my terminal, the next it just... disappeared!"

"'Disappeared'?! How could a module just disappear?!" said Siam, astonished that such a thing could happen. "Do you have any idea where it could've gone, Pride!?"

"Not likely, Doctor, but I did notice something unusual from my sensor display. Just before the module stopped transmitting, I noticed an increase in spatial distortion around it. In other words, it's likely the module was diverted to another spatial opening."

"Where!?"

"I don't know. The module could be anywhere, including off-planet, which means the module is lost for good."

"I knew this project was a fluke, Doctor," Feral said, his expression unchanged, "looks like it's back to the research department for you-"

"Doctor, come quick! I'm picking up another signal!" Pride interrupted, her fingers flying over the keyboard.

"Is it the module, Pride?" Siam said, hoping his reputation could still be saved.

"I don't know, Doctor. The module appears to have taken some damage when it was diverted, but we'll know soon enough. Exit in five, four, three, two, ONE!" Suddenly, a metallic cylinder shot out of the portal and into the capture mechanism. Admiral Briggs walked to the mechanism and picked up the module, studying it carefully.

"I told you the Megarift works! And the module has received very little, if any, damage from its trip." Siam confidently shouted out, confident of a Bodell Prize award and global acclaim.

"Uh, Doctor," interrupted Admiral Briggs, "I don't mean to burst your bubble, but this doesn't look like the module you originally sent into the Megarift," he said, handing the module to Siam.

"What do you mean it isn't the module? It looks exactly the same as before, even down to the writ-" Siam stopped, suspiciously eyeing the cylinder. "Nooooo..."

"What's wrong, Doctor?" said Mayor Manx, who walked up for a closer look "You look like you've seen a monster! After all, it should be our module..." Manx went silent, seeing the writing on the module. It didn't look anything like the native Panthera dialect he was accustomed to seeing. Instead he saw an unusual grouping of "words":

SPATIAL TRANSPORTER TEST MODULE #3

FUJIKARA INDUSTRIES ASTROPHYSICS LAB

Fujikara Labs--8:32 a.m.

"Dr. Yashida, I’ve received another signal!" yelled Dr. Mallory from his terminal.

"What kind of signal? Is it the test module?" anxiously replied Dr. Yashida.

"I think so, but it seems a little distorted..."

"Distorted? Explain, Doctor!"

"Well, the amplitude and wavelength of the test signal have decreased somewhat, but it could be due to the spatial anomaly it encountered earlier. Anyway, we should know soon enough, because the module is heading toward Dr. Somer’s lab."

"Excellent, Dr. Mallory. Contact the L.A. labs and tell them to expect to receive the module momentarily. And tell them to check the module for any damage to the frame or the instruments." Dr. Yashida returned to his terminal and began working out every possible reason why the module vanished and reappeared. But, despite his vast scientific knowledge, he could find no logical explanation for what happened. I shouldn’t worry about this now, he thought, at least not until the test module arrives. Hopefully, the data recorder contained within would unlock the mystery and put him back on track. A moment later, his terminal beeped, indicating an incoming call. Must be Somers. Well, better not keep her waiting. "Yashida here," he answered, "what do you have, Somers?"

"Doctor, the test module just arrived through the portal, and we’ve begun examining it. For the most part, it appears intact, except for..."

"What? Except for what, Doctor?" replied Yashida, wondering what Somers was babbling about.

"Well, this module has the same appearance as ours, but something on it doesn’t fit our descriptions. It’s better that I show you instead of explaining it." Somers placed the module in front of the camera Yashida was watching from, and Yashida’s eyes grew as large as saucers.

"What do those symbols mean, Somers?" Yashida said, completely confounded. "Were the writings on the module scratched over, or were these made by someone else?"

"Unknown, Doctor. However, we have done a metallurgical study on the module, and this alloy is unlike anything I’ve seen made on Earth."

"Meaning?"

"This alloy is unique because some of its components aren’t even found on this planet, which means this can’t be our module. It looks like some...thing else made this module and it ended up here."

"Unbelievable." said Yashida, still staring at the markings on the alien module, trying to make sense the symbols etched into it. He didn’t understand what they meant, but some of the symbols seemed to look like...cats? "Somers, continue your study of the module. I’m going to contact the home office and cancel the presentation."

"Why, Doctor?"

"Because, Somers, I think the brass and our guests will be more interested in what we’ve found than in what we’re doing," said Yashida, already gathering his data to present to the President. "Yashida out."

"But what about your other meeting, Doctor?" asked Mallory.

"What other meeting, Doctor? Can’t you see how important this discovery is?"

"I don’t think Inspector McNichol will care about that, Doctor."

McNichol? Oh, no, I’m supposed to talking to ADPolice today, thought Yashida, his mind moving at light speed. "Dr. Mallory, you’ll be in charge of the lab until I get back, which means you’ll answer the Inspector’s questions. You’re authorized to give him any information except those marked as ‘classified’."

"Understood, Doctor," answered Mallory, already starting to anticipate any potential questions he might be asked.

"And Mallory? Try not to be too smug when you answer the Inspector’s questions. We don’t want to give him an unfavorable opinion of our staff, understood?"

"Of course, Doctor, and good luck with your presentation, sir." Mallory responded as Dr. Yashida walked out of the lab and to the staff elevator. Heheh, He’s finally letting me do something important! I’d better get ready. There’s no sense in sounding like a boomer in front of an ADPolice inspector, after all.

ADPolice HQ--10:00 a.m.

The garage was surprisingly free of activity when Leon walked to his ADP cruiser. Usually, the garage was filled with ADP troops ready to handle (albeit unsuccessfully) one of MegaTokyo's many boomer attacks. It was good to know that even the bad guys took a break every now and then. Now, why can't it always be like this, Leon thought as he fished for his keys, no noise, no activity, and no boomers? But the silence didn't last as a red streak came racing towards him.

"Are we going to interview Dr. Yashida?" panted Nene, her exhaustion not hiding her high spirits and enthusiasm.

"I'm going to interview him, Nene," replied Leon, "besides, don't you have some paperwork to finish?"

"Yeah, but I was so happy about being on this case that I finished it a minute ago. If you want proof, just ask Naoko!"

"Well then, I guess we're going to interview Dr. Yashida," said Leon, "which means you're driving."

"YES!!" Nene yelled, grabbing the keys from Leon and jumping into the driver's seat. "By the way, I hope you're wearing a seat belt."

"A seat belt? Why would I-IEEEE!" Leon yelped as Nene floored the cruiser and roared into the streets above. Damn, he thought, and I thought Priss could be reckless!

Megakat International Airport--10:14 a.m.

After winding through the vast streets of Megakat City, Callie finally arrived, parking WAY back in the rear. She didn't care; as a matter of fact, she was enjoying it. I just love the scenic route, don't you, Jason? Slowly getting out of her car, she strolled leisurely down the lot to the main entrance. Twenty minutes later, she walked through the automatic doors to the gate where her brother was waiting; his annoyed expression spoke volumes.

"Let me guess--your car was stopped by raging mutant beasts?" Jason said as he saw the light smirk on his sister's face. Though they both often played these games, Callie had never quite learned how to keep a straight face in front of him. She finally gave in with a muffled laugh.

"Oh, no, it was worse," she replied, "Manx made me sort out all his paperwork using just my hands and a forklift. Good enough for ya?"

"Okay, Okay! I was a little out of line coming in during the weekend, but it couldn't be helped! I had a big concert last night and this was the last flight they had to the city! I can't help it if they landed early!" From the look in Callie's eyes, he obviously didn't have her sympathy.

"Yeah, you and your concerts. Couldn't you just have booked earlier, instead of waiting at the last minute like always?" His brother's expression didn't change, so she shrugged her shoulders and decided to get on with things. "Oh, by the way, I missed you, Jason."

"Hey, wouldn't miss this for my nine lives, sis." The two finally joined in a brief hug, their way of calling a truce. As they walked out the main entrance to her car, Jason finally asked, "So, do you have any new girlfriends I should meet?" Callie knew the answer already, since it was the same question he asked whenever they met. But this time, she had a better answer.

"Now that you mentioned it, I do have someone you should see. I'll introduce you to her after I meet Feral and the Admiral." Callie said, unusually scowling at the word "Admiral".

Geez, Jason thought, couldn't you two talk to each other just once? He decided not to mention this to her; she was flustered enough already. And it would be a long drive to Enforcer HQ.

Fujikara Labs--10:35 a.m.

"Dr. Mallory, there are two ADPolice officers wanting to see you now," the intercom blared at an already anxious Dr. Mallory. Pressing a button on his terminal, a window popped up, showing the lab’s reception area. Waiting at the desk were two individuals, Inspector McNichol and a young redhead donning an ADP uniform. Mallory went back to work, only to jerk his head back to the screen in the direction of the redhead. Wow, he thought, I didn’t know a police officer could be so cute. But, enough waiting. Time to play twenty questions.

"Let them through, Miss Onaya," Mallory spoke into the intercom while fixing his hair. Even if this interview didn’t turn out so well, he just might have something to do this weekend. Then, he headed to the elevator to greet his "guests".

When the door finally opened, Leon and Nene were greeted by a young-looking, dark-haired man in a labcoat. "Greetings, Inspector McNichol. I’m Daniel Mallory, Dr. Yashida’s assistant in the spatial transporter project. And who is your lovely assistant, if I may ask?"

"This is Nene Romanova. She’ll be helping me with some of the more ‘technical’ aspects of this investigation."

"’Technical’ aspects, Inspector?"

"Yes," Nene added, breaking the brief silence. "I’ll be helping the inspector with the data from the explosion. I don’t suppose you’ll mind having an ‘assistant’ going through your files, will you?" Her final sentence sounded somewhat annoyed.

"No, not at all, Officer. I’m authorized to give you any information related to the project, and an interpretation on the various pieces of data."

"But first, I’d like a few of my own questions answered, Dr. Mallory," Leon said, eyeing the equipment in the lab. "Nene, you look through the test files and find anything relevant."

"Sure thing, Le--Inspector. Uh, is there a terminal anywhere?" Nene asked, looking at the unusual devices and instruments, trying to find something that even remotely looked like a computer station.

"Of course, Officer. There should be a monitor to your left. Now, Inspector, you have some questions?" Nene watched as Leon started sending question after question to the doctor. Well, he is handsome. I wonder if he’s single? But, these thoughts left Nene’s mind as soon as her hands started flying across the keyboard. Whatever had caused the explosion, she would find.

"No, the equipment used was all authorized for use by both Fujikara and the Japanese Ministry of Defense. There is no illegal hardware anywhere in this building," Mallory answered Leon as he examined the equipment, looking for anything out of the ordinary, however difficult that might be. But, stubborn as he was, giving up was no option.

"Well, what about those modules you used in your trials? Could they have done something that didn't go well with your 'portal'?"

"Inspector, those modules were made of nothing more than steel and some state-of-the art sensor relays. They send out signals in subspace, which is exactly where the portal is. Trust me, nothing in these modules could possibly disrupt the spatial transporter in any shape or form."

"Which leads us back to square one," Leon groaned, "frankly, Dr. Mallory, I'm surprised you and Dr. Yashida know how this thing works." Right now, Leon just wished he was handling another boomer crime, or even listening to Daley's come-ons. Fortunately, Mallory wasn't in the mood to talk to him, either.

"If you don't mind, Inspector, I'd like to see how Officer Romanova is doing. In the meantime, feel free to look at, but not touch, the equipment." Mallory walked off, and Leon was left feeling just as clueless about this investigation as before. Hopefully, Nene found something I overlooked. And does Mallory seem awfully eager to check up on her?

By the time Dr. Mallory had returned, Nene had found all the information she could get, save the really classified stuff. But finding data was one thing; trying to interpret it is another.

"So, Officer, do you need any help find--whoa!" Mallory's mouth dropped. "How did you get that far into the system! I hadn't even told you how to get past the safeguards!" Nene just shrugged, amused by the astonished look on the young American's face.

"Oh, please! Any decent hack can crack these barriers without even trying! It seems you've been spending too much time on research and too little time on security."

"Well," Mallory said, "it seems I've met my match. So, any questions on the data you've retrieved?"

"As a matter of fact," Nene pointed to the monitor, "I can't figure out what most of these figures mean. I mean, I don't even know where to start looking for a problem!" A rare expression of cluelessness appeared on her youthful face, which the doctor quickly noticed.

"Well, most of these figures are just data from the various module components. They're listed in order from module #1 to 2. If you'd like me what each section means-"

"Um, excuse me, Doctor," Nene interrupted, "but I found evidence of three trial modules, not two. What happened to the data from the third module?" The doctor was thrown off somewhat by the question, but quickly recovered.

"I'm sorry, Officer, but I can't reveal that information at this time. Dr. Yashida is currently in conference regarding the third module. To be frank, something...unusual...happened. I can't be any more specific than that. Perhaps when Dr. Yashida returns, he'll be able to better answer your questions."

"That's fine. I've got all the information I need regarding the second trial, which should keep me busy for several days. I can always come back for more, which I plan to do."

"If I may ask, Officer, how could someone from the ADPolice be able to get past several levels of security, not to mention the lock on classified information? Frankly, I'm surprised that someone like you could be capable of such a feat." Nene's face turned from curious to angry in an instant.

"What do you mean, 'someone like me', Doctor?" She shot out at Mallory. What was I thinking, she thought, he's just some sexist!

"Well, for starters, my previous experience with the ADP has shown incompetence, inexperience, and a lack of intellect, especially among the lower ranks." Okay, he's right so far, so what else does he hate?

"Secondly, I've met very few officers with your level of skill, fewer that matched your level of optimism...," he smiled at her, "and none that matched your looks. I'm surprised some big high-tech firm, not to mention some lucky guy, hasn't swept you away already." Nene's expression changed from anger to embarrassment.

Wow, she thought, I had him all wrong. He's not just handsome, he's downright romantic!

"You...really think so, Doctor?" Nene asked, starting to feel lightheaded and dizzy.

"Of course I do! And please, call me Daniel. It helps to break the ice afterhours."

"Sure...Daniel. As much as you've surprised me, I think 'Miss Romanova' will work for now." Nene was about to ask if he was busy during the weekend, but stopped short when she saw Leon walking over.

"Well, I've seen everything. How about you, Nene? Have you found anything else?" Leon seemed more eager to leave than ever, and she was hoping to stick around.

"I've found some data on the failed test module, which should explain everything once it's interpreted." Nene stood up, waiting to follow the Inspector outside.

"Dr. Mallory, your assistance is appreciated, and I hope the spatial transporter works out for the best. As for me, I think I'll just stick to boomer crimes." Leon said, shaking the American's hand.

"Of course, Inspector," Mallory lightly bowed to the Inspector, "and for both our sakes, I hope things stay on the up and up." Leon walked out the door, and Mallory turned to Nene, giving her a slip of paper. "Call me later," Mallory said as Nene opened the slip of paper. It was a Vidphone number.

"Thinking of a date so soon, Daniel?" Nene amusedly asked, actually hoping he would ask her. "I didn't picture you as the eager type."

"Well, it isn't so much asking you for a date as it is hearing someone other than Dr. Yashida's voice. Heck, I've already got a list in my head of things to talk about! But, you've got work now and so do I, so this conversation can wait a little while."

"NENE! Any time this decade!" Leon yelled from the elevator, his voice literally filled with impatience. Looks like it's time to go back.

"Well, as you can hear, I gotta get going. And don't worry. I do plan to call you, even if it means just talking about computers." Nene turned and walked toward the elevator. Yes! I'm moving up in the department and I might have a boyfriend! This should shut up Priss and Linna but good! And speaking of the Knight Sabers, Nene checked her inside coat pocket which contained the data disk with info on the test trials. It may not mean another assignment, she thought, but this is something that Sylia should definitely know about! After all the investigating Leon and Nene had done today, neither said a word heading back to ADP HQ. And Nene could already feel the extra weight of the Sergeant's stripe on her uniform!

Megakat University--11:10 a.m.

"This is Anne Gora, reporting for Kats' Eye News. I'm here at Megakat University with Professor Robert Tigra, who has 'reinvented' a remarkable device, the Artificially Intelligent Construction Orb, or AICO."

"That's right, Anne," said the orange-furred kat, "with the AICO, the construction industry will be virtually revolutionized!"

"And exactly how will your invention benefit katkind, Professor?"

"Well, the orb is designed to analyze certain devices, like an assembly line, and keep them functioning according to a predetermined level." The Professor points to a small robotic arm on the lab table, simultaneously grabbing a hammer. "If a machine on the line malfunctions or burns up," WHAM!! The Professor suddenly brings the hammer down onto the robotic arm. Almost immediately, the AICO hums to life, focusing a miniature camera "eye" on the damaged arm, "the AICO makes a detailed analysis, determining the most efficient method to effect repairs." Almost on command, several arms on the AICO pop out, repairing the arm using various devices attached to the tentacles. The Professor then grabs a remote control, moving the repaired arm around. "With any luck, the machine should be functioning properly, maybe even better!"

"That's amazing, Professor! But I also understand the AICO is not an original invention. Megakat University has worked on a similar project before, with more...disappointing results."

"Ah, yes. I assume you're talking about Dr. Greenbach and his device, which later became the entity known as 'Zed'. We had no idea the device could be corrupted that easily, and we have installed several safeguards to assure another disaster never occurs."

"Such as?"

"Well, the AICO has regular memory wipes to get rid of any corrupt programs or viruses, a voice-activated shutdown sequence, and a manual shutoff switch installed directly into the device's power plant. And the AICO is designed to obey the commands of only certain individuals. So as you can see, Anne, the AICO is a perfectly sound device with much promise."

"Thank you for your time, Professor, and for showing us the AICO." Anne motions for the camerakat to stop taping, and switches off her mike. "Well, that was diverting," she said sarcastically. "Thank you for your assistance, Professor Tigra. Now if you'll excuse us, we'll conclude this story by the front door."

"Of course, Anne. It's about time the public learned of this device's potential, and I'm glad the project has went so well. Next time, I hope to have a more formal demonstration of the AICO for you."

"Thanks for the offer, Professor, and see you at eleven!" Anne said as the Professor headed back into the research lab, chuckling. With that, the news crew headed out the front gate, eager to finish the report. The crew set up their equipment again, and Anne switched on her mike.

"Ready when you are, Anne," signaled the camerakat "...in five, four, three..."

"The research staff at Megakat U certainly have created an impressive device in the AICO, but how will it really impact the way machines are maintained? Will it live up to be the miracle machine it was created to be? Or will it simply become another invention that simply didn't 'cut the mustard'? From Megakat University, this is Anne Gora reporting." The camera crew signals the end of taping, and they move back to the news van.

BOOOOOM!!!

"By the Dragon! What in Drakkhen was that!" Yelled the sound manager as the crew turned towards the sound of the explosion. It was from the research lab.

"Johnny, you come with me. And you call the Enforcers, quick!", yelled Anne as she ran back into the building, hoping nobody was injured. Just as she went in, a green streak passed by the corner of her eye. It looked like it came from the lab! "Scratch that! Get the camera ready, we've gotta report this, NOW!!" From the speed of the streak, Anne already knew what had happened to the professor....

Enforcer HQ--11:20 a.m.

"The Metallikats just attacked the MCU research labs," a dispatcher blared out from his station. "Looks like they kidnapped one of the researchers, too, a Professor Tigra."

"The Metallikats are back AGAIN!! Get a squad of helicopters prepped, NOW!!" Lieutenant Felina Feral blared from behind the dispatcher's station. She wasn't about to let those chrome cons steal anybody on her shift.

"And just what do you think you're doing, Lieutenant?" barked a voice in the background.

Oh, great, she groaned, the comedy relief's arrived. Even though she was well-respected in the Enforcers, Lieutenant Commander Steele was her superior. How such a feeble-minded dumbass got into such a powerful position was beyond her.

"I was scrambling the choppers, Lieutenant," she replied, "to intercept the Metallikats before they got away."

"Fine, Lieutenant, 'scramble' your helicopters, but next time talk to me before you go 'gung-ho' again, understood?"

"Yes, sir," she replied, surprised that the "conversation" had ended so soon. Usually, she and Steele got into a heated arguments, ultimately insulting each other's authority and lineage, ending only when the Commander intervened. But the Commander was currently at Pumadyne. It didn't matter--she had a job to do. "You heard the kat, I want those choppers off the ground yesterday!" Of course, when planning this mission, Felina hoped that some "significant others" would jump in to help, as well....

Jake's Garage--11:21 a.m.

"This is Anne Gora, reporting live from Megakat University, on a break-in that occurred just moments ago." Jake Clawson nearly banged his head on the car he was working on.

A break-in at MCU, he thought, sounds like trouble. He grabbed the garage's TV remote and turned up the volume.

"From what I've just seen, it looks like the break-in was caused by the duo of Mack and Molly Mange, the Metallikats." That was all Jake needed to hear. He ran outside to find Chance. But Chance was involved in his own crisis.

"-Whaddya mean you couldn't dump it anywhere else? Did you blindfold yourselves?" yelled Chance Furlong, in a heated debate with Burke and Murray, the dump's garbage crew.

"And what're you gonna do about it, you grease monkey?" the midget-sized Burke batted back, not about to care what some ex-Enforcer thought.

"Well, for starters-huh!?" Jake grabbed Chance's arm.

"Sorry, buddy, but we've gotta roll, now!" Jake whispered to him. Chance glared back at him, angry that he had such bad timing. He turned back to the crap-covered pair.

"Uhh, well, for starters, I'm gonna let you leave before I get rough!" Chance said before he followed Jake back to the garage.

"Oooh, we're scared! And we'll be back, 'tough guy'!" Murray replied before falling on the ground, laughing. Chance and Jake could hear them all the way down into their secret hangar, where they lived their other lives, as SWAT Kats.

"Mind telling me what that was about, Jake?" Chance asked as he got into his flight suit. Jake quickly turned to a monitor next to their lockers and switched it on. On the screen was the image of a familiar and somewhat frazzled reporter.

"...We've tried to get inside for a better view, but the main and side entrances are blocked and covered with smoke." said Miss Gora as both kats watched. "We haven't been able to find Professor Tigra, but we believe he has been kidnapped by the Metallikats."

"METALLIKATS?!" Chance yelled. That was all the reason he needed. A moment later, both kats were ready for action. "You all set back there, Razor?" he asked as he prepped the Turbokat for flight.

"Ready as always, T-Bone!" Razor yelled back. T-Bone then switched on the engines, opened the hangar door, and in seconds the Turbokat was off to derail the Metallikat Express.

A street in Megakat City--11:22 a.m.

"Watch where youze going, you louse!" Molly Mange yelled at her chrome-plated husband as they made their escape. "All the hours we spent planning this heist, and you couldn't take the time to drive right!"

"Ahh, quit yer yammerin', Molly! We got away with it, didn't we?" Mack said as he adjusted his rear-view mirror, looking at the frightened, tied-up kat in the back seat. "So what if I wreck a few things? In a few days, the rest of the city'll match!" He said as he took out a large, polished orb from a cloth sack.

"And this little puppy's the key!" Molly replied as she snatched the orb away from her husband. She turned towards the kat in the back seat, "and ol' Professor Tigra's gonna tell us how to use it!"

Professor Tigra stared defiantly back at the Metallikat, "I'll never show you how the AICO works! You caused enough damage with the last prototype! Besides, you'll never get it to work without me-"

"Yeah, yeah. We watched the report, Prof.," Mack interrupted, smashing the car into another semi, "but I think you've greatly underestimated us. Watch and obser-OOOF!!!" A blast shook the entire Metallikat Express, jolting its passengers. Mack quickly checked the side mirror. Behind him were two Enforcer choppers, one with its missiles locked straight at him! "Aw, shit! Feral's flyboys're tagging us! You know what to do, Molly!" Mack said to Molly as he began swerving to avoid the chopper's missiles. Normally, he wouldn't care about that, but the valuable cargo he was carrying dictated otherwise.

"Gotcha! Scratch two pests!" Molly armed the missile systems and targeted the two choppers. With the switch of a button, the missiles launched towards the two Enforcer choppers, eliminating one.

"What happened to your touch, Molly? Getting rusty?" Mack taunted as he looked in the side mirror. This pilot is good, he thought as he focused on the cockpit, isn't she, Lieutenant Feral?

"This is Lieutenant Feral! I need chopper backup, now!" Felina yelled into the radio. As usual, things were not going good for the Enforcers, as much as she wanted to deny it. Where are you, uncle, she silently yelled, what's keeping you? And as if the Dragon were watching, she heard her answer.

"This is Feral! What's your status, Felina?" Felina let out a breath upon hearing the voice of Commander Ulysses Feral on the radio. Hopefully things would improve, now.

"I'm pursuing the Metallikats after a break-in at MCU. We're staying back because they could have a hostage. If you have any suggestions, I'd greatly welcome them."

"As a matter of fact, Lieutenant, I've got one!" Another voice, older and more decisive, boomed into her radio. "Try using your main guns to disable the repulsorlifts on the car. It should be sufficient to stop the Metallikats cold."

"Uhh, thank you...sir!?" Felina said as she brought her guns to bear on the repulsor pods alongside the Metallikat Express. This better work, whoever you are.

She pressed the trigger.

THOOM! The explosion jolted the car again as the Metallikats looked back again.

"No! She's disabled one of the hover pods! One more hit and we're grounded!" Molly said as Mack immediately began swerving faster to avoid further fire from the Enforcers. "There's no way that we'll get out of this mess, Mack!" She fired the aft laser at the chopper. The chopper ducked below the beam. She tried the missiles. The chopper hid behind an abandoned building as the missiles destroyed the structure. That chopper was stuck to them like a bad rash.

"Nothing works! She just keeps bobbin' and weavin'!" Molly yelled as she smashed the weapons console. Mack then grabbed her arm, a sinister look in his eye, which was pointed towards Professor Tigra.

"Maybe we do have a way out, Molly." He calmly replied, motioning Molly to grab the Professor.

"What are you doing? Let me go this instant!" The professor yelled, struggling against the female Metallikat. "If you get rid of me, the AICO is useless!"

"Oh, really, Prof?" Mack said as he grabbed the orb again. "As I said before, watch and observe." Mack's last word sounded vaguely familiar, like...the Professor's? "AICO 1, begin activation sequence." And by command, the sphere hummed to life, its internal optics staring at its new "master". "You will follow commands of these two kats to the letter." He pointed the optic sensors at both himself and at Molly.

"Understood, Professor. AICO will comply," the machine said in a synthesized tone, floating aimlessly in the air. "What is first command?" The Professor stared in disbelief.

"H-how did you do that? The AICO only follows my orders!" He stammered as he tried to comprehend what he just saw.

"I guess you never adjusted your machine to reject synthesized voices," Mack confidently replied. "And as your first job, AICO, fix our broken hover pod." The machine hummed again and moved toward the damaged pod. After briefly studying it, the AICO immediately went to work.

"Uncle, I'm aiming for the second pod, and...WHAT?!" Felina yelled as she saw a metallic orb float out of the driver's window and to the damaged pod. "Looks like Mack and Molly have their own pit crew!"

"What do you mean, Felina?" Feral responded, his chopper now flying alongside Felina's. "What's happening down there?"

"Look for yourself, uncle!" Felina replied as she aimed at the second repulsor pod. From her chopper, she could see her uncle's lip drop in amazement and disgust. Felina pressed the trigger. THOOM! The bullets hit their mark, disabling the second repulsor pod. She expected the rear of the Metallikat Express to be dead weight by now, but it wasn't. And to make things worse, the metallic orb had finished working on the first damaged pod and had begun to fix the second one! "Crud! There's no way to destroy those pods without that 'thing' fixing them! Looks like we'll have to set up a roadblock, uncle," Felina said, pissed that her efforts were for naught.

"Funny you should mention that, Lieutenant." It was the older, more decisive voice again. She looked out her cockpit window.

Is that...Admiral Loran Briggs? She thought just as he spoke again.

"I just happen to have such a roadblock in place. I've got at least five Armored Personnel Carriers blocking the roadway. There's no way in Drakkhen those delinquents will run this blockade!" He confidently said, an air of anticipation in his voice.

Let's just hope nobody loses their nine lives because of this, Felina thought as she caught sight of the blockade.

"Well, Professor, looks like we won't need you after all," Molly said as she threw him back into his seat, "your invention makes sure of that."

"You felons will never get away with this, the Enforcers will-UMFF!" Molly stuffed the cloth sack into the Professor's mouth.

"Geez! Doesn't anybody pay attention to reality anymore? Nobody can beat a cheat!"

"Oh, yeah, how about five tanks?" Mack replied, pointing to the frontal eye slot. Molly turned around and saw five armored hulks blocking the roadway and their escape. "Looks like we'll have to fight for our freedom."

"That's so typical of you, Mack, thinking with your fists instead with youze head! I've got a plan that just might work, but," she grabbed the Professor from the back seat again, "we need a little assistance from the Prof."

"And what makes you think this'll work?"

"Trust me Mack. We've got the upper hand now! Now slow down the car. We've got some baggage to remove."

"I don't believe it? They're slowing down?" Commander Feral stared in shock in what he saw. "They might actually surrender?"

"Of course, Commander. There's no way they can punch that line-huh?!" Admiral Briggs stared ahead. The Metallikat Express was actually flying over the blockade! "That's impossible! No repulsorlift is that powerful!"

"I should've known it was too good to be true," Feral replied as began arming his missile systems. Hostage or not, he was going to finish this now. "Now watch how an Enforcer does the job!" Feral was just about to launch a missile when something flew out of the car's top hatch. Something large.

"Holy kats, uncle! They just dumped their hostage!" Felina yelled over the radio. "I'm going down to assist." The chopper was about to land when Feral noticed two streaks heading towards them.

"It was a decoy to distract us! EVADE!!" It was too late. The oncoming missiles slammed into both choppers, sending them crashing into the streets below. As both Ferals wormed their way out of the wreckage, they saw their suspects make a run towards freedom. Of course, that idea faded when he saw a familiar black streak in the sky...

"Whoa, Razor, did you see that?" T-Bone replied as he saw the two Enforcer choppers crash. "That's a new low, even for the Metallikats!"

"No kidding, buddy. It's even more surprising they've gotten through without a scratch," replied Razor, carefully scanning the Metallikat Express. "But then that's why we're here, right?"

"Then what are we waiting for? Let's kick some chrome!" T-Bone yelled as he put the Turbokat in full throttle. "Time to open up your bag of tricks, Razor!"

"You got it, T-Bone. Locking on to target...locked on target...matchhead missiles, away!" Razor's cry was complemented by two streaks headed towards the Metallikats. Mack and Molly didn't have a chance in Drakkhen.

"Look out, Mack! They're firing on us!!" Molly screamed in Mack's ear as he tried to dodge the SWAT Kats powerful arsenal.

"I'm tryin', Molly, but those things are like a shadow! I can't shake 'em!! GET DOWN!!!"

WHOOM!!! The Metallikat Express shook with the impact of the missiles. Caution and warning alarms blared like an injured beast as Mack tried to keep the car level.

"AICO," Molly yelled to the orb, "assess damage and commence repairs immediately!!"

"Understood," the orb replied, "AICO will comply."

"No, Molly!" Mack protested. "Repairs won't do us any good now. We have to take care of those SWAT Kats now or we're scrap!"

"Well, what do want me to do! Those missiles knocked out our weapons systems! Maybe I should start throwing rocks or somethin'! Maybe-"

"I have an idea." Mack interrupted. "Maybe our weapon is right behind us." He stared back at the AICO, already repairing the damage to the car. "AICO, prepare to receive new orders..."

"BINGO!!" Razor triumphantly yelled. "One more hit and they're history! Readying a scrambler missile for launch."

"Well, be careful, Razor. Remember that they've almost been 'history' before." T-Bone interjected as he readied the Turbokat for its next strike.

"Oh, please, T-Bone. Look at them. Their weapons are down, their car is barely operational, and there's something...floating...on...top of...it." Razor suddenly stopped, as if completely caught off guard.

"Something on top of the car?" T-Bone replied, surprised by Razor's reaction. "You don't suppose that's what they stole, do you?! Razor?! RAZOR!!"

"Uhhh, yeah," Razor mumbled, out of his trance, "that looks like the AICO, but I don't understand what it's doing."

"Whaddya mean? It's obviously fixing their car!"

"No it's not. It's nowhere near the repulsor systems or the engine. It almost looks like it's...," he suddenly noticed a large number of specks coming up from the car. "BREAK RIGHT, T-Bone! Break right!!" Almost on instinct, T-Bone pushed the Turbokat hard to the right, but some of the "specks" were faster...

THOOM!! Mack heard the sound of success as the grenades made their mark. "I told ya my plan would work, Molly!"

Molly quietly growled. Mack had been right for once! Fixing that radar-guided grenade launcher had made all the difference. "Yeah, so what! You want a prize or somethin'? Our car's still a mess!" She repeated her previous orders. "AICO, analyze and commence repairs, immediately!"

"AICO will comply," the orb's monotone voice replied, already assessing the damage.

"Geez, Molly! Don't you see?! This is just the beginning of what we can do with this baby! And as soon as we get home, we're going to make some changes in our long-term plans!"

Molly stayed silent. She knew better to interrupt Mack while he was brainstorming. And besides, he had gotten them this far. All right, Mack, she thought, you better know what you're talkin' about, or I'll shove your fist down your throat!

"WHOA!! C'mon baby, stay with me!" T-Bone screamed as he tried to bring the Turbokat under control. The explosions had torn off most of the left wing, and the jet was in a clockwise spiral to the street.

"Try shutting down the right engine, T-Bone," Razor yelled from his seat, "while I deploy the auxiliary wing. And watch your angle!"

"All right! Shutting down right engine!" T-Bone flicked a switch on his console and the Turbokat's spiraling descent slowed.

"Deploying left auxiliary wing!" Razor lowered a lever on his seat, and a crude metallic wing unfurled underneath the damaged primary wing. Almost immediately, the spiral stopped and the plane leveled out.

"Switching right engine to 50% throttle," T-Bone sighed as the right engine hummed back to life, relieved that they would survive another disaster. He turned to Razor. "What happened, Razor! I thought you said they were history!"

"The Metallikats must've had the AICO working on their weapons systems! It caught me off guard. Crud, this has never happened with them before!"

T-Bone grinned. "Well, you should know to expect the unexpected just as much as I do, buddy." Razor grinned back. "C'mon, let's get back to the hangar and do some overtime. I have a feeling we'll get another chance soon."

Razor looked back at the downed Enforcer choppers and the littered street. "Maybe there is some logic to 'shooting first and asking questions later'."

Same street--11:35 a.m.

Callie arrived at the scene just before the rescue workers. "Commander Feral! Lieutenant! Are you all right?"

"We're fine, Miss Briggs," the Commander replied, still a little dazed. He glanced at Jason. "I see we've brought the family along for a tour."

"Well, at least I didn't play 'dodge the missile' with a floating arsenal," Jason batted back, eager to say something after the long trip. Callie responded with a quick elbow, her way of saying "shut up."

"Did the Metallikats get away, Commander?", Callie asked, eager for some answers. This time, Lieutenant Feral answered.

"We almost had them, until they used some floating orb to repair their car, and-,"

"they ran a APC blockade, dumped their hostage, and as you can see, caught the Commander with his visor down," interrupted a figure behind the two Ferals. Callie and Jason didn't need any introductions.

"Hello, Admiral," Callie replied.

"Hello, Calico. It's good to see you, too," he sarcastically replied, the two locked in an icy stare.

"Well, pop, she's just exhausted, you know?" Jason immediately said, trying to break the tension. "Another case of my bad timing, right, Cal?" Callie finally looked back at the Commander.

"And what happened after that, Commander?"

"Just as we had gotten out of the wreck, we heard the whine of your precious saviors' jet above," Feral spat out. It looks like the SWAT Kats had jumped into the fray.

"And it doesn't matter," the Admiral said, "I just heard on the Enforcer band in your 'former' chopper. The SWAT Kats' jet was seen flying away from the scene with heavy damage to its left side. Looks like the 'saviors' just got a taste of mortality."

"Well, at least they're alive," Jason said, hoping to end another confrontation. The Commander and Lieutenant walked off, not about to get stuck in a family argument.

"So, how was the visit to Pumadyne?" Callie groaned.

"Oh, same old, same old," he replied, just as eager to change the subject. "The Megarift seems promising, but after what I just saw, I'm not sure it should be revealed yet. I'd delve into the subject," he looked back at his daughter, "but I don't think everybody's interested."

"Kinda like your old war stories, huh?" Callie said. Loran's eyes glowed.

"I really don-," Callie cut Jason off.

"That's all right, son. If your sister wants to sulk in the past, that's fine. But, like all our other meetings, I apologize for nothing because I had little choice in the matter."

Callie scowled. "That's so typical of you, blaming the navy for your not being there for us!"

"I can't help it if a global conflict occurs every month or so," Loran yelled back. "It's not that easy for me to back out of a mission!"

"Well, maybe you should've thought of that before you married mother!!" Loran raised his hand, but self-control kept him from doing the unthinkable.

"C'mon, you two," Jason interjected, "can't we meet for once without resorting to full-scale war? Now c'mon, let's calm down and head down to the hospital." Callie had finally noticed the scratch on the Admiral's forehead, but by now, she didn't care.

"Sorry, Jason," Loran said, "but I think I'll receive better care, not to mention hospitality, from the paramedics. I'll stop by later, when things have calmed down here." Both siblings knew he wasn't talking about the Metallikats. He headed toward the ambulance stationed near the wreck.

"Thanks for breaking the ice, sis," Jason said, angered by her childlike and uncharacteristic demeanor. "Maybe you'd like to finish him off with a few grenades!"

"I'm sorry, Jason," she replied, her face down, "but I can't stand the fact that he can't admit his mistakes! I mean, he's ready to protect millions of Rhedorads, but reluctant to see his own flesh and blood!"

"All right," Jason said, lifting up her sister's saddened face, "I'll accept your apology this time on one condition--you'll talk to dad tonight," he grinned, "preferably before dinner." Callie couldn't help breaking a light smile.

"Okay," she replied, "but stick around. We might need a 'third party' to iron things out. Things might still get bumpy."

"And speaking of third parties," Jason said, "maybe some introductions are in order." He looked in the direction of the two Ferals, looking over the wreckage. Callie was confused until he pointed in the direction of the Lieutenant.

"Awfully eager to get in the local market, eh, Jason?"

"Nah. I just wanted to hear someone besides you," he sarcastically replied, "and besides, I can't get romantic with you!"

"Because I'm your big sister?"

"Nope. Because the minute I start getting serious, you start getting drowsy." He grabbed his sister by the arm. "Now c'mon, let's play the compatibility game!" Callie couldn't help but laugh as they went to "make a match."

Even though Felina hadn't watched the argument, she could practically feel the hostility coming from the Admiral and Deputy Mayor. "Have they always been that way, Uncle?" she asked.

"Let's just say that their stubbornness makes my own dilemmas insignificant," replied the Commander, turning back to see the Admiral walking towards the paramedics. "Though they've got the timing down to a science."

"Yeah, I know how that feels," replied Felina, thinking of her own parents. "I just never could picture someone like her being mad at anybody."

"Personally, I couldn't be less surprised," Feral growled, "since I've met the Admiral. Perhaps you'd like to ask the Deputy Mayor herself." Felina turned to see Miss Briggs and her brother walking in their direction. "And make sure the tomkat doesn't take any 'liberties'."

Honestly, uncle, she thought, I'm surprised you'd think of such a thing. Besides, I've already got one love interest. Why complicate things? She turned to greet the two siblings.

"Can I do something for you, Deputy Mayor," asked Lieutenant Feral, "or should I bring back my uncle?"

"That won't be necessary this time, Lieutenant," said Callie, looking back at Jason. "I don't believe you two have been formally introduced. Jason, this is Lieutenant Felina Feral. Lieutenant, this is my brother, Jason Briggs."

"Good to meet you, Lieutenant, though I must admit," he said, looking at the wreckage, "I don't think this is what my sister meant by meeting someone."

The Lieutenant amusedly grinned. "I'm surprised. I thought your sister would've told you everything about living in this city, like its ups," she looked at the wreckage, "and downs."

Callie finally butted in. "Speaking of downers, I don't suppose your uncle is busy right now? Despite this being my day off, someone's gotta tell the mayor about the Metallikats."

"No, not at all. As a matter of fact, he could probably use some busy work right now. Demolished choppers have a tendency of tensing him up."

Jason laughed, surprised that the Commander wasn't normally tense. "Well, in that case, I better do my duty. It's just another of the..."

"...perks of being Deputy Mayor, right, sis?" Jason said, finishing his sister's sentence. "Maybe you should switch to decaf." The Lieutenant let out a muffled laugh.

"Right. Oh, and Lieutenant? If he tries anything...stupid, feel free to feed him some mace." Callie walked off, eager to get started and finish her report.

Jason rolled his head. "How did she know I was hungry?"

This time, Felina couldn't help but laugh. "Are you always this comical, or is this a special occasion?"

"It depends," he said, "in what my sister meant by meeting you. Oh, and before the topic changes, you can call me Jason. I hate formal titles."

"'Felina' works for me, but," she pointed at her badge, "not until I'm off-duty. Wouldn't want anyone to think I'm not taking my job seriously."

"Which is the exact same reason I don't need one," Jason replied. "Musicians like myself are considered the opposite of 'authority', though there are exceptions."

"And I suppose you've got some big concert that brings the rebels out of the woodworks," Felina asked.

"Yes, and even the Enforcers are invited. Sometimes by 'obligation'," he mused, "and sometimes," he took a slip of paper out of his pocket, " by request."

"Are you asking me on a date, Jason?" Felina asked.

"As I said before, Lieutenant, it depends." He handed her the slip of paper. "In any case, this will get you past the bouncer. I have a few friends over at the Katatonic Club who'll see to it."

"Well, it sounds interesting, but don't call it a date. I've got other...priorities...at the moment. But I would like to come, though it won't be for awhile. My shift doesn't end for another five hours, and I've got this mess to clean up. And there's the matter of another duty...," Felina said, staring back at Jason.

"And what would this 'duty' involve, anyway?" Jason asked.

"Well, despite your 'connections', I've got the impression you don't know this city too well. So, I was wondering if you'd accept a brief tour of the city."

"A tour? Well, I don't know. I thought maybe Cal would show me around," he looked past the Lieutenant to his sister, still meeting with the Commander, "but I wouldn't want to impose on her. When were you planning to have this tour?"

"Just as soon as my uncle feels the situation is under control. After that, I think the tour's a sure bet."

"That's funny," Jason said, "I didn't think you, or any Feral for that matter, were the type to bet."

"Well, I never thought your sister could hate anyone, so I guess we've both been surprised. C'mon. Let's break the idea to my uncle lightly."

Jason just laughed. It's no date, he thought, but having even one new friend could make for an interesting night.

Lady 633 Building--Noon

RRRING!! The Vidphone wailed just as Sylia was about to sit down and enjoy her lunch. Though she usually didn't care about answering the phone, she had skipped breakfast researching on what could be the Knight Sabers' next assignment, and she wanted to end the long siege between her brain and stomach. Walking over to her desk, she read the monitor, and realized this wasn't just any call. Switching on the scrambler attached to the phone, she answered the call. Popping up on the monitor was the image of a familiar perky young redhead.

"Hi, Sylia!" Nene piped out, obviously eager to discuss something and nearly about to burst.

"Hello, Nene," Sylia replied, "I don't suppose you're calling to check up on me?" Nene seemed to notice the tinge of annoyance in her tone.

"Uh, no, not at all. I just wanted to tell you about some information that I've gotten. Some real important information, I might add."

"Go on, I'm listening." Sylia's tone changed from annoyance to fascination; Nene seldom called unless she was worried about her or had some information crucial to the Knight Sabers.

"Well, it started this morning when Leon assigned me to the Fujikara lab case..." Nene continued on about her discovery, mentioning the spatial transporter which Sylia had read about in a scientific journal, and the information which she had "borrowed" from the database of the astrophysics lab, which included data on the accident from the second trial. Sylia knew this information could be vital, but she couldn't understand Nene's anxiety until she heard the story regarding a secret third trial and the unusual circumstances behind it. Sylia's eyes widened in surprise.

"And you say there's no data at all on the third module?"

"None! And when I spoke of it to Dr. Mallory, he didn't tell me anything. He was under orders to keep it silent.

"And what about Dr. Yashida?"

"Strangely enough, he wasn't there! Da-uh-Dr. Mallory said he was in conference, but that's as far as he went." Sylia looked confused for a moment, wondering why Nene's tongue slipped saying the doctor's name. She shook it off, as she was more concerned with a new set of worries.

"Is there anything else?" She asked, wanting to find a connection with Fujikara's string of bad luck.

"Yeah. I looked up some more info on Fujikara, including their schedule for today. It seems as though Dr. Yashida was expecting some company before our interview."

"What kind of company?"
Nene was silent for a moment, then spoke. "Some Genom execs were planning to watch a demonstration of the transporter, but the meeting was canceled after the incident with the third module." This didn't surprise Sylia; she'd known for some time that Genom had interests in the spatial transporter, and obviously already had plans to use it.

"Hmm...this could take a while to look into, but you've done well, Nene. Hopefully, I'll have this sorted out before our meeting tonight." She noticed a smug grin form on Nene's face; she did have something on her mind, and it wasn't about the data she uncovered.

"Sure thing, Sylia! I wouldn't miss this for the world!" Nene hung up, leaving Sylia wondering about two things: what was the connection between Genom and Fujikara's lab accidents, and why the hell was Nene so damn perky? All will be revealed tonight, she thought as she returned to the kitchen to finish her lunch.

The Ice Parlor--12:02 p.m.

"Well, good morning, sleepyhead, or should I say 'good afternoon'?" mused Linna Yamazaki towards the composed, yet weary brown-haired biker just walking in.

"Don't make me strangle you with that headband, 'Miss Sunshine'," the biker responded. Though she could sing and rock an entire night club to its feet, Priscilla Asagiri was definitely no morning person. In fact, this was considered early for her.

"Well, it's not like you didn't know about this. We do this about every week. Speaking of tardiness, did you happen to see Nene?" Linna was slightly puzzled why the hyperactive redhead hadn't shown up already.

In her state Priss could care less about her perky companion. "Just do what the rest of us do, Linna, and follow the rumbling of her bottomless gut. Though if she doesn't get here soon, the ground could start shaking..." Priss shut up as soon as she saw a shadow in front of her, combined with a fear of bodily harm....

"And do what, Miss 'Soon to Be Killed with a Dessert Fork'!!" Yelled an enraged Nene directly into Priss' ear. "Maybe I should throw you into my gaping maw!!" Apparently, Priss failed to consider that Nene might go in through the back entrance.

"Nene! Glad you finally showed up! Priss was beginning to worry about you!" Linna said, making a futile attempt at a straight face. She finally gave up and burst into laughter. Priss just stared at Nene, wondering what her fellow Knight Saber would do to get revenge...and was more surprised when Nene quickly calmed down and sat next to Linna.

"Huh? That's it? You're just gonna sit there after what I said? What's going on, Nene?" Linna looked at Nene with the same surprised expression. It was one thing for Nene to be late, but to turn the other cheek after one of Priss' rude remarks? She definitely had something on her mind.

"Hey, I'm not saying anything until I've had something to eat. Besides," she stared at Priss, "you wouldn't want my 'bottomless gut' to become the third Kanto Quake, would you?" Priss' eyes widened a little. Obviously, Nene wasn't completely over the insult. Linna waved for the waitress.

Two sundaes and one yogurt shake later, all three were in better spirits, especially Priss. Now it was Linna's turn to be nosy.

"Okay, Nene, we're full. Now are you going to fill us in, or do I release the Hurricane?" Priss glared at Linna, then devilishly grinned at Nene.

"Well, Leon took me to assist on a major case; a case which, by the way, could really improve my standing, as well as my pay, in the ADPolice. If things keep up, I could be a sergeant, which means-" Priss quickly cut her off.

"Oh, please!" Priss said, looking at the cup that had held her dessert. "Even a promotion wouldn't get you this psyched, or force you to have a yogurt shake. No, I've seen that look before..."

"What look!? What are you talking about, Priss? I've..." She noticed the singer's eyes move from her face towards...Linna's. Now why would she look at Linna, she thought, if she's talking about... Realization sunk in as she knew what Priss was talking about. Well, well, she thought, I didn't think they'd catch on this quickly. Well, I suppose I shouldn't leave them in suspense.

"Priss, why are you looking at me like that? I mean... Huh?" Linna's gaze shifted from Priss to a piece of paper Nene took out of her uniform's coat pocket and placed in the aerobic instructor's hand.

"Open it up," Nene quietly said. Linna opened up the note, and her eyes opened up like saucers. After a brief silence Priss couldn't stand the suspense.

"Well, what is it? You're not the only one here, you know." Linna silently handed the note over to Priss, whose lip dropped like a comet, staring at the note and then gawking at Nene. She couldn't believe what the note contained:

DANIEL MALLORY

'PHONE: 432-32-534

CALL ME ANYTIME!

Nene had expected a reaction, but this response was beyond even her expectations! She'd managed to completely shock Priss and Linna practically into a coma! Well, despite seeing what they looked like (which was beyond grammatical description), she wanted to hear what they had to say.

"So, what do you think of my 'hopeless' social life now? Or should I wait until birds start landing on your heads?" Nene couldn't help let out a giggle or two; this moment was golden.

Both ladies finally broke out of their trance. "You met a guy!" They yelled in unison. "A real guy!"

"Yup. His name's Dr. Daniel Mallory, and we met during an investigation this morning. He's real smart, real nice, and," propping her head in her hands, "really handsome!" She let out a sigh of contentment. If I died now, I'd probably be the happiest person in MegaTokyo.

"Where does he work?" Linna asked, trying to get as many facts as possible about Nene's "potential other".

"He works at Fujikara labs on a big experimental project. I probably should've asked more about him, but Leon had seen enough, and I had no choice but to leave." She pointed at the note. "Fortunately, he gave me that."

"Wait a minute!" Priss shouted. "Doesn't Fujikara make boomer parts for Genom?"

Nene fumed a little. I just knew she'd find something to spoil this moment! "Yes, but the project Daniel's working on isn't even related to boomers!"

Now Linna was getting in on the act. "What kind of project?"

Nene decided that this conversation could wait. "Well, as much as I'd like to tell you now, I think this can wait until our next meeting." Both ladies knew immediately that Sylia would likely fill in the blanks at her place.

"Okay! Now that you've gotten my two yen, it's time to hear your stories! And since it's obvious one of you is still half-asleep," she glanced at Priss, "what did you do, Linna?"

"Well, it was the same old, same old. I taught classes over at Phoebe's, then went bargain hunting. The high point is when I ventured over to the new skyscraper being built a few blocks from here."

Priss snorted. "So? What's so special about that?"

"If you'd let me finish, I'd tell you!" Linna resumed. "I was looking over the construction site just for kicks, and I saw what they were using for building materials."

"What about them?" Nene asked.

"They were lifting heavy stones up to the top of the building, as if they were building a temple or something up there!"

Priss finally joined in. "Yeah, I've heard about that. I've heard rumors that the builders dismantled the stones from some castle in New York and are reconstructing it here. I can't recall which company, though...."

Linna went on with her story. "And so after watching the workers for about a half-hour, I came here." With the end of the story, Nene fidgeted some money out of her purse, placed it on the table and then put her note back into her coat pocket.

"Great story, Linna! But I've got to get back to ADPolice HQ! Chances are Leon's told Naoko about my 'excursion', who's probably told half the department by now! I've gotta set the facts straight! I'll see you later tonight, okay?" Nene waved back to the two and then bolted for ADP HQ. Both began to reflect on what just happened over lunch, but they were both at a loss for words...almost.

"I can't believe it...," they both moaned.

Enforcer HQ--2:00 p.m.

"Yes!! I'm free!" yelled Felina as she finished her report. It was a good thing, too, as sitting in a desk can do strange (and painful) things to a kat's back. But, she wasn't the only one anxious to move again, looking at the bored heap sitting in front of her.

"Whu...really? And what year is it again?" He was just quick enough to avoid the wad of paper meant for his face. "Hey! Is that any way to treat a dashing traveling musician?" A sly grin crept on Felina's face.

"Just be lucky I didn't take your sister's advice on the mace," she said while getting up and stretching, "besides, I'd like to see you write a report over everything the Metallikats blew up." Jason raised his hands up in surrender.

"Okay, okay! I admit I've never done that! And in my family that's a rare thing!" Jason finally dragged himself up, anxious to see the sights his "sister" city had to offer.

"Ah, forget it," she replied. "So, ready for an official tour of our fair city?"

"Why not? After all, I can't turn down a she-kat, can I?" he amusedly grinned followed her downstairs to the garage. Felina ignored that; Jason was just being chivalrous, which was probably a family thing. Acts a little like Chance, she thought, though he's a lot more relaxed. She grinned. I wonder why....

"And just for reference, when are you and the rest of your family going to meet each other?"

"Well, probably around 4:30, provided dad and Cal don't kill one another first," he rolled his eyes and groaned, "but I'll jump that hurdle when I come to it."

Damn, she thought, mentally slapping herself, I can't believe I said that! I think Uncle's starting to rub off on me. "Uh, yeah." Finally arriving at the garage, the two found a Enforcer cruiser and hopped in. "So, where do want to start first, the park or City Hall?" It didn't take long for him to answer.

"Where do you think? Sis'll probably complain about her day so much I'll know where she puts her pencils by dessert!" Felina tried to stifle another laugh; he doesn't stay upset for long. Jason decided to change the subject a little. "So, do you think we'll see our favorite armored assholes again?"

"If you're referring to Mack and Molly, they could come back at any time," Felina replied as she started the cruiser and headed towards the exit. "Either way, they're gonna be a handful!"

"Well, I hope it's later, 'cause I could use the calm," Jason said, leaning back into the seat. "Running from club to club and city to city can really drain a person. That's the main reason I came back here, so I can get some free time and inspiration. That and the fact I gotta keep sis on her tail; she probably hasn't had a good practical joke for over a year!" Felina burst out laughing. By the dragon, she thought, what could be worse? The Metallikats or his sense of humor? Well, at least the tour won't be boring. And she had plenty of time; she probably wouldn't see Chance again for a while, and she could use some relaxation of her own.

Jake's Garage--2:05 p.m.

"Hey, buddy, hand me that socket wrench, will ya?" Chance yelled as he made the final adjustments to the Turbokat's new left wing. Chance had always criticized Jake for having too many spare parts, recalling that the Turbokat usually came back in one piece. This was definitely not one of those times. With the new part already available, both kats managed to fix their jet in only a couple of hours, though its metallic sheen contrasted greatly with the Turbokat's midnight black color. Jake grabbed the wrench and handed it to Chance, grinning. "What are you smiling at, Jake?"

"I was just wondering when was the last time you were actually inclined to do some repair work."

"Hey, I do my part, too! It's mostly behind the scenes work, that's all!"

"Oh, really? Well, who's been fixing Callie's car 'behind the scenes' for the past three weeks?"

Chance finally raised his hands in defeat. "Alright already!! But I think this debate can wait until we find and stop the Metallikats! After all, they're a threat to this entire city," he looked at the new wing, "not to mention my jet."

Jake nodded with a groan. "If I agree with you, will you promise to focus on cars and not on Scaredy Kat?"

Chance finally grinned back. "A deal's a deal, I suppose, though anything could happen."

"Like what? A group of armored aliens appearing out of thin air? Stick to reality, buddy; it's where the action is."

Chance laughed back in agreement as he adjusted the last bolt on the wing. "C'mon, Jake, the wing's done and I'm in the mood for a late lunch. You in?" Jake was already going up the ladder to the garage.

"Way ahead of you, Chance." The Metallikats were a major threat, but then, so was a starving SWAT Kat. Retribution could wait another half hour.

An abandoned garage in Megakat City--2:10 p.m.

While the SWAT Kats had just finished repairs on the Turbokat, Mack and Molly, with the help of the recently stolen AICO, had fixed the Metallikat Express just after they arrived. Now, both criminals were attempting to find a use, or misuse, for their new prize.

"Are you crazy, Mack? Don't you remember the last time we tried something like that? We were both turned into kitchen appliances!" She pointed at the now-dormant AICO floating next to their car. "I mean, how do we know that won't happen again?"

"Didn't you hear the professor when he was interviewed? This baby's been fit with all kinds of safeguards, like this convenient power switch. Besides, if we give this thing tasks that don't add to its overall smarts, we'll be fine. We just gotta be specific when we give our new 'partner' his orders. As a matter of fact, I think it's time I tested my new plan." Mack turned to the floating orb and spoke. "AICO 1, begin activation sequence and prepare to receive new orders." The orb quickly hummed to life and turned its sensor eye toward its master to get its new orders.

"Yes, master. Awaiting new program directives," the silver orb replied, not knowing the sinister intentions of its new masters.

Mack continued. "Scan and analyze us, and display the schematics for a semi-intelligent and obedient version of your masters."

"Understood, AICO will comply. Estimated time of analysis and design is 1.2 hours with a .01% percent margin of error."

"What are you up to, Mack?" Molly asked, still somewhat unsure what her husband was planning.

Mack responded. "Well, Molly, the way I see it, instead of creating one super-intelligent juggernaut, we can create an army of totally obedient robots! That way, we'll always be in complete control!"

Molly grinned a wicked smile. I gotta admit, this plan has got potential! Though I'll never give you the satisfaction of knowing, she thought. "I love it! Lots of carnage, and all the time we pull the strings! How did you get this idea, Mack? Smack your head on a pipe or somethin'?"

"Yeah, yeah, laugh it up, Molly! We'll just see who's joking when our army smashes the Enforcers, crushes City Hall, and finishes off those SWAT Kats! By tonight, my army will be ready for its first strike, and by dawn, the Metallikats will be the new bosses of Megakat City!" Mack began laughing, already imagining his ultimate triumph over his enemies.

Megakat City Hall--4:00 p.m.

"And finally, the grand finale of our tour, Megakat City's famed City Hall," Felina said as she parked her patrol cruiser in front of the building, "home of lazy mayors and overworked siblings."

"And you wonder why I wanted to end our tour here," Jason remarked as he stepped out of the cruiser. Felina smiled slightly as she pocketed the keys and stepped outside. As the two began walking up the steps to the entrance, Jason noticed a familiar figure waiting by the entrance.

"Enjoy your tour of the city, Jason?" Callie said as she switched glances from her brother to the Lieutenant. "He didn't drive you too crazy, did he, Lieutenant?"

"Oh, I gave him a couple of warnings, but I never touched the mace. For a wisecracking tomkat, he seems to know his limits." Jason's spirits seemed to lift with the comment.

"Didya hear that, sis? I'm a refined kat," Jason bragged. "Now if I could just get you to act the same way towards dad, we'd have it made!" Callie couldn't help but snort at the remark.

"Please, let's not confuse maturity with miracles, little brother. Besides," she said, gritting her teeth, "round one hasn't even started yet!"

"Callie...," Jason said in a low voice. He only called his sister by name when he was deeply serious about something, so she immediately regained her composure.

"And I thought I hated my parents," Felina said, "though I doubt I would've tried to make a truce."

"I feel the same way, though I suppose my 'diplomatic' side has something to do with it, as well some other factors," Callie said, gesturing towards Jason.

"Well, don't thank yourself yet," Jason replied, gesturing towards the sidewalk, where a white limo and an Enforcer cruiser pulled up alongside it. As expected, Mayor Manx got out of the white limo, but the cruiser opened up to reveal Admiral Briggs, his head lightly bandaged from the chase of the Metallikats. Callie couldn't help but roll her eyes as the cruiser drove back to Enforcer HQ. There was no way out of this situation, though Felina decided to cut this conversation short.

"Well, since you've got bigger things to worry about, I better get back to HQ before my uncle gets impatient." She turned to Jason, "I'll meet you later at the Katatonic Club, OK?"

"Sure thing, Felina, uh, Lieutenant," Jason stammered, his mind elsewhere. "If all goes well, maybe we'll have something to celebrate. If not, how does a funeral appeal to you?"

"Hey, at least he's not armed," Felina replied, patting her service gun. Callie shook her head.

"Nevertheless, Lieutenant, don't be surprised if you hear some complaints from my neighbors about our 'reunion'," Jason said as Felina left for her cruiser. "Our family may not punch much, but we breathe fire like the Dragon!" She barely managed to stifle a giggle.

"So, sis, ready to rumble?"

"Wouldn't you like to know!"

Sub-basement, Lady 633 Building--4:15 p.m.

"So, Sylia, what's up?" Priss asked Sylia as she stepped out the elevator leading to the Knight Sabers' secret equipment bay. "Something must be up if we're down here already."

"We might have a new job for tonight, but I'd prefer to have everyone here before I go further. Let's just say it's pretty routine."

"And just where is everybody else?"

"Linna and Mackie are loading the suits on the truck, and Nene should be back with some very useful information."

"And just out of curiosity, Sylia," Priss said, "did Nene seem unusually...perky to you?"

Sylia thought for a second. "Well, I did notice a slight change in her behavior, but...," she stopped as the elevator door opened, and Nene stepped out.

"Hey, guys! Sorry I'm late, but finding all that data was time-consuming, not to mention tiring," she said as she pointed to the datadisks in her hand.

"Are you sure you weren't thinking about your new boyfriend?" Priss said, grinning devilishly. Nene's face turned bright pink, and Sylia made a quizzical expression.

"What! I should think not! My business always comes before pleasure," she said, getting some skeptical stares, "well...usually." At around the same time, Mackie and Linna arrived, having loaded the truck.

"And speaking of business," Sylia said, "I think it's time to discuss our next job." Sylia led the rest of the Knight Sabers to a small briefing area near the hardsuit chamber, quickly getting to business. As usual, Priss asked the first question.

"So, Sylia, what kind of job are we doing this time?"

Sylia started to respond by activating a wall monitor, displaying an image of a sphere with two circles around it. Linna recognized it immediately.

"That's the logo for Fujikara Industries!" Linna exclaimed for all to hear. "Is that where we're headed?" Sylia nodded an affirmative. A light groan came from the room.

"For over 30 years, Fujikara has been advancing everything from automobile parts to superconductors. But most recently, they've been in the business of manufacturing essential boomer parts for Genom. Since Genom controls most of the vital industries here in Japan, Fujikara has, in essence, agreed to become an independent contractor to them in order to stay in business. However," Sylia clicked a remote, switching to an image of the lab Nene had visited earlier, "the company does still pursue some major scientific endeavors, the most recent of which being," she switched the image again to some vital schematics, "the spatial transporter, a matter transporter with virtually unlimited range." For the second time in the day, Priss and Linna's mouths dropped, Mackie's as well. Then the two ladies turned their heads to face Nene.

"What?" Nene said, not caring much for the looks the other two Knight Sabers were giving her. "Why are you looking at me for?"

Linna asked first. "Is this the project you said your 'boyfriend' was working on earlier?" This time, Nene's face turned beet red, outraged at what her friends might be thinking.

"He just works the computer systems for the transporter! I doubt he could be a spy for Genom or anything!"

Priss snorted. "Oh, puh-leeze, you just met him today and you already know him? Boy, he's got you trained."

"Yeah, Nene," Linna added, "you've blown our cover before the mission even started!"

"Geez, Linna, Daniel only gave me his Vidphone number! It's not like I spilled my guts or anything! Besides, look who's talking, Miss 'Date-a-Week'!"

This time, Linna began to turn red. "Watch it, Little Miss Cyberpunk!" Nene responded by sticking her tongue out. Sylia finally decided enough was enough.

"I don't suppose this person's last name is 'Mallory', is it?" she asked, wanting to make sense of the dispute.

"Uh, yeah," Nene said, still a little flustered. "You don't think he really is a Genom spy, do you?" Nene became somewhat nervous at the thought.

"Unless his identity is top secret, I doubt it," Sylia said. "I checked the personnel files for each person working on the transporter project, and I seriously doubt that anyone, including Dr. Mallory, has any covert connections to Genom. But," she said, "I think you should still take your time about this, Nene. Anything could still happen."

"Getting off the subject," Mackie interjected, "what is the significance of this spatial transporter to us, anyway?" Everyone focused their attention back to the mission and Sylia continued.

"As I mentioned before, the transporter has virtually unlimited range, so matter could be transported anywhere from a block to another solar system with relative ease. Unfortunately, the project has been plagued recently by some unusual failures, such as computer crashes, faulty equipment, and substandard funding. As a result, some of the test runs of the transporter have been less than successful. Nene?" Sylia motioned to the redhead, who took out her datadisks and fed them into the disk drive below the monitor. She then gave her the floor.

"Over the past several weeks, Fujikara has been running tests to work the kinks out of the transporter. The first test went perfectly, sending a test module from here to Los Angeles intact." She pressed a button on the remote, showing an image of the test module, then a list of numbers. "This is the data recorded from the modules. I still don't understand a lot of it, just enough that things went perfectly. However, the second trial wasn't as successful as the first. According to the data, something shorted out during the second trial, causing the transporter to become unstable, which caused an explosion in the lab." The monitor switched to an image of the main lab just after the incident. "Fortunately, nobody was nearby when it occurred, but it discouraged several companies interested in the technology. Earlier today, another test was run, but I wasn't able to find any real information on it." Linna suddenly interrupted with a question.

"Just out of curiosity, what companies were interested in the technology?"

"A number of well-known firms had expressed interest," Sylia said, "including Zone Corporation, Gulf & Bradley, XanaCorp, and Genom."

"I should've known! Wherever there's Genom, there's trouble," Priss remarked. "What are those bastards up to this time?" Sylia got up and took the floor from Nene.

"Though the lack of funding and knowledge of the project could lead to accidents, I believe that the explosion during the second trial was no mere coincidence." It didn't take long for the group to know what was up.

Priss spoke first. "So how did Genom sabotage the project?"

"Truthfully, I don't know, and that's why we're heading to the astrophysics lab. Genom doesn't usually sabotage something unless it's a genuine threat or a valuable asset. I believe the latter is more likely. Our job is to infiltrate the labs, find what sabotaged the project, and if need be, destroy the spatial transporter to keep it out of Genom's hands. With that technology at their disposal, Genom would be unstoppable."

"So when do we leave?" Linna said, eager to ruin Genom's plans.

"The lab normally closes around 7:30, so we'll head in around eight. Since the astrophysics lab isn't a major priority for Fujikara, security should be limited to a few guardian boomers and security guards. As such, we'll likely only need our suits, though Mackie will stand by to provide the motoroids if necessary. Until then, I suggest you all double-check your suits and look over the building schematics for the lab." With that, Sylia shut down the monitor and headed to the truck to check on her suit. As Nene headed to check on her own suit, she caught Linna's piercing stare. She decided that trying to talk to her now would just be a waste of air and time, so she walked off to the truck.

"Still think her dating's a security risk, Linna?" Priss asked as soon as Nene was out of earshot.

"Well, you believed the same thing, didn't you?" Linna responded.

"I just said she shouldn't set herself up too high, not that she should obey Rule 10 at all costs! I don't know what you were thinking, but I just didn't want her to get hurt!"

"Guess I did sound kinda overprotective, huh?" Linna said, embarrassed at her previous behavior. "But I'm her friend, too!"

"Listen, just wait until we finish with this job before you do anything. I think you both need to cool down before you speak again."

"I guess so. Thanks, Priss," Linna said.

"Ah, don't sweat it. Let's just suit up and kick some Genom butt. Besides, having Nene in a bad mood might just make her useful this time." Both ladies decided to check the building schematics, though Linna still thought about her little outburst. She just hoped Nene would be in a forgiving mood later.

Callie's Apartment--4:45 p.m.

After a quick 20-minute drive from City Hall, the three Briggs sat down to a dinner composed mainly of soda and sandwiches, nectar and ambrosia for any young she-kat on the go. Of course, that was also the case for Loran and Jason, who had their own demanding careers.

"Wow, thish iz ghreat shuff," Jason commented, his face literally stuffed with food. Callie began to wonder how long her brother had gone without a decent meal.

"Whoa, son," Loran replied, "I know you're always moving about, but there's no need to shovel it in!"

"Sorry, pop," Jason said, swallowing down the last bite, "it's mostly out of habit, since I'm too busy traveling or performing to snack."

"Well, so do I, but you don't see me running like a headless Wyvern, do you? Even if I'm glad to get away from that prepackaged shit I usually have."

"What, you mean an Admiral can't get a decent meal aboard his own carrier?" Callie said, a hint of amusement in her voice.

"I may be an Admiral by rank, but I eat Navy slop just like any other sailor. Why do you think we're all glad to be back after a tour? We're all starving for a decent meal!" The mood lightened up somewhat after his remark, though there was still a lot of tension. Jason just prayed that it stayed that way.

"You know what I miss most?" Jason asked, recalling memories of days gone by. "The smell of mom's cooking every night. I've never had anything that came close to what she made!"

"Yeah," Callie added, "no matter how busy or exhausted she was, she always had it ready at the same time every day."

"And she could do it in less than an hour," Loran said, "that she-kat had time management down to a science."

"She had to," Callie retorted, "since you kept coming and going at a moment's notice."

"Callie...," Jason said in a serious tone, which kept his sister from increasing the hostility in the room. His father decided to ignore her remark for everybody's sake. After a few moments, the tension level dropped off considerably. Nobody spoke for a minute afterwards. Callie finally broke the silence.

"I can't believe it's been four years," she said, trying to remember her mother's kind face.

"We all miss her, Calico. Even now, there are times when I come back home that I half-expect to see her working inside on her legal documents or one of her many hobbies. Of course, reality sets in, which depresses me to no end." He thought for a few seconds. "I actually wanted to visit you two over the possibility of selling the house and moving closer to Sans Carsta." Jason's expression remained unchanged, but Callie was a little shocked at what she had just heard. "I just wanted you to know about it before I did anything, so it wouldn't be such a shock to you."

"So that's it," Callie shot out, "you can't get over her dying, so you're just gonna sweep it under the rug! A real good move, Admiral!"

"I'm not trying to forget her," Loran replied, "I'm trying to move on with my life, just the same as you two!"

"Yeah, I'll say! You're just moving closer to the other love of your life, the big blue sea!"

"I had a responsibility to my country and government! I knew that, your mother knew that, and I made sure that you understood!"

"It's one thing for a kit to understand her father could be sent away, it's another to actually experience it on a regular basis! Why don't you just admit-" Callie was interrupted by a small beeping noise coming from the Admiral's jacket.

"It would seem that I'm needed," he replied, reaching for his beeper. "I told the Enforcers to contact me when they finished their analysis of the MCU labs."

This time, Jason became unglued. "So that's it? You're just gonna leave in the middle of a meal? You can't just hold this off for a few more minutes?" His reaction surprised both kats, since he was usually the cool one.

"Jason, calm down," Callie said, trying to calm the angry kat.

"Shut up!" Silence dotted the room again, and Jason continued. "Do you know how sick and tired I am getting of trying to get you two to let go of the past, only to see you jump right back to square one? Do you know how much your arguments upset mom? She didn't die of cancer, she died the victim of a broken family!" He got up and shook his head. "I don't even know why I bother." Grabbing his jacket, he walked to the door and left, leaving father and daughter totally dumbstruck. Both looked at the door for a second, then turned to one another. Then Loran turned and grabbed his jacket, heading out, leaving Callie to ponder her brother's outburst.

Why did he burst out like that? Is it really that hopeless between us? Was that the real reason he left college to become a musician? As Callie was trying to sort things out, she noticed Jason's guitar sitting next to the couch. He probably forgot about it when he got all steamed up, she thought. Of course, that means he'll have to come back to get it, which means I might have a chance to patch things up. Feeling an impending headache, she rubbed her temples, partly to ease the pain, partly to assure herself that this wasn't a hopeless situation. She wished that she could grab her secret communicator, call her "friends", and fix everything. But the more she hoped, the more she realized how difficult making amends would be. She just hoped it wasn't too late.

Metallikats' Hideout--6:00 p.m.

After the AICO had completed analysis of its two "masters," Mack and Molly had given it orders to create an obedient robotic army. To do this, it created a small-scale assembly plant using materials from the abandoned military warehouse, which was still loaded with all sorts of useful, yet obsolete, equipment. After spending another two hours completing this task, the AICO had begun construction on the Metallikats' mechanical servants. With each new robot completed, both kats became more confident that Megakat City would be theirs for the looting and taking.

"Unit 24 completed," the mechanical orb replied as it analyzed and activated the unit, which took its place with its 23 mechanical brothers. "Now commencing construction on Unit 25."

Mack looked over his new mechanical "platoon" and gloated. "Here it is, Molly! Our big ticket to havin' all the money and power we could want! And this time, there ain't nothin' to stop us!"

"How many times have you said that before we got our butts kicked, Mack?" Molly said, still slightly skeptical about trying to achieve a goal denied several times before. "I'm not worried about those Enforcers, but can these robots go tail to tail with the SWAT Kats?"

"You're right, Molly," Mack said in a rare moment of agreement with his wife, "to get rid of them, we're gonna need more help than this. If we struck one target, say a bank, those meddling kats would screw us royally! But, if we struck several targets..."

"Then they wouldn't be able to stop us! I guess watching those late-night war movies wasn't a total waste of time, huh, Mack?" Molly said, trying to keep her hubby from thinking he'd actually thought of a good plan. "But, exactly where are we gonna strike?" Fortunately, Mack already had the answer.

"Right now, we need two important things, money and materials to make more robots. But while money is tempting, we need more robots if we're gonna handle those SWAT Kats. So, while you're distracting them by robbing a bank, I'll be hitting one of the abandoned factories on the other side of town. Since they'll be so focused on you, they won't know about me until after I'm finished. When I'm finished looting the factory, I'll give you the signal on your comm-unit."

"And why do I get to be the decoy?" Molly responded in a less-than-eager tone. "Why should I risk my butt for nothin'?"

"Because it's my plan!" Mack replied. "Besides, those robots'll be takin' most of the heat, so what're you worried about? Just break in, put on a good show, and split when I give the word, got it?"

"All right, Mack, but if this plan gets fucked up, I'm gonna have that AICO turn you into a blender!"

"Alright already!! I get the point! Anyway, here's the plan: while you make a grand entrance robbing the Megakat National Bank, I'll sneak through the sewer system and come up above the abandoned factories and strip them. Since I want no witnesses, we'll go in around a quarter past eight. And Molly? Since it's gonna be a while before we move out, you might wanna work on your aim, since an Enforcer chopper's not that hard to hit!"

"Ah, blow it out yer ass!" Mack wasn't really listening to Molly, since he was more absorbed in executing his master plan.

The only way this could fail, he thought jokingly, is if the SWAT Kats prayed to the Dragon for help! But, by the time I'm done with them, he thought gleefully, they're gonna be praying to him to die!

Katatonic Club--7:15 p.m.

Kats Alive, how could I be so dumb to think Dad and Sis could ever make up? He had muddled over the issue since he arrived, and Jason still couldn't find a solution. He was so focused on the problem that he didn't notice a familiar young she-kat walk in.

"Can I join you and your thoughts, Jason?" Felina said, breaking Jason from his reverie. He mentally kicked himself for forgetting about her.

"Oh, no, please sit down, Felina," Jason hurriedly replied, "It's hard to remember commitments when you've just been in your personal hell." Felina gave him a quizzical look.

"I take it dinner didn't go so well, did it?" Felina said in a concerned tone.

"Yeah, Callie went ballistic, then Dad," he paused, "then finally me before I left. I'd add more details, but I doubt they're necessary."

"I thought these arguments were between your sister and father," Felina said curiously.

"Well, it was, and had been, until I finally decided I couldn't take it anymore! It seems no matter how hard I try, those two just can't seem to let go of the past!" Jason said, his teeth slightly bared.

"Well, join the club, Jason. My own family's chock full of internal conflicts, like between my parents and uncle, and my parents and me." Jason broke out of his depression and looked at her.

"Well, I knew about your uncle," he said, "but I'm afraid I'm not familiar with your parents."

Felina sighed. "Well, let's just say my wealthy socialite parents wished to make their only daughter into a perfect she-kat with a perfect husband, home, and family. But, she wanted to follow her own dreams of making a difference in a more demanding fashion.'

"Like joining the Enforcers," Jason added.

"Right! Unfortunately, mother and father were not pleased by their daughter's wishes, so they arranged to have her married to someone from another wealthy family. Of course, that pissed her off, so she left home one day and," looking at Jason, "you can probably guess the rest."

"One personal crisis is plenty for me," Jason said, "though I'm glad I'm not the only one with problems, uh...no offense, Felina."

"None taken," Felina replied. "Getting off the subject, when are you going to be on stage?"

"Uh, well, I'm not due for another couple of hours, but I usually arrive early to set up and watch some of the other bands perform. To tell you the truth, they actually help me to perfect my own music, though I'll never admit it to them," he looked at her, "and neither will you, I hope?"

Felina mockingly looked astonished. "Me, reveal your artistic secrets? Why, I would never do such a thing!" she raised her right hand in a mock pledge. "I swear on my honor as an Enforcer!" she said, grinning all the while.

"Yeah, yeah, laugh it up, Lieutenant! As soon as I get on stage with my guitar, I'll show-" he stopped in mid-sentence, distracted.

"You'll show me what, Jason?" Felina asked, curious as to why Jason stopped.

"My guitar! I forgot to get my guitar!" Jason yelled, turning half the heads in the club to his direction. "Uh...sorry, kats! Just thinking out loud, that's all!" With that, the murmur of conversation resumed, and everything was normal again.

"Where exactly did you leave it, Jason?" Felina asked.

"I must've been so mad from the argument that I left Callie's apartment without it," he replied, "which means I have to go back and get it." With that, Jason got up and headed outside, but Felina got up and followed him.

"Well, if you don't mind, I'd like to come along. You know, just in case things get even uglier."

Jason sighed. "Well...okay. But don't say I didn't warn you about them!"

"That's fine by me. And since I'm going along, you won't mind a little lift, will you? I've got my car parked outside, and I somehow think that you took the bus here." Jason laughed for the first time in hours, which Felina took as a good sign. "And while we're driving there, you can tell me some more about your temperamental family."

"I knew there was a catch to this, but I suppose it wouldn't hurt to prepare you for the worst, though," he said worriedly while grabbing Felina's arms, "I suggest you drive slow. This story is neither short nor pretty."

"Well, then what are we waiting for? We've got a guitar to save! Oh, and Jason," Felina said, getting into the car, "I still have that mace, just so you'll know." Jason just rolled his eyes as he jumped in.

Fujikara Labs--7:20 p.m.

After hours of consulting with executives, colleagues, and technical databases, Dr. Yashida finally returned to the Astrophysics Lab, where his assistant was getting ready to leave.

"Long meeting, Doctor?" Dr. Mallory asked, shutting down the lab's computers.

"Sorry about that, Mallory, but I've been running all over to find something on this mysterious probe. I've talked to every expert I know, referred to dozens of scientific databases, and even called a couple of linguistics experts about the writings, but I've managed to come up with very little."

"So does this mean they're stopping the project?" Mallory said, eager to know if he'd be working here tomorrow. Dr. Yashida shook his head.

"Not yet, but if we can't figure out what happened and iron out the kinks, it could happen. Fortunately, I think I've found one possible explanation for the third trial, but it's iffy at best." Mallory waited, eager to hear what he had to say.

"Well, what is it?" Mallory anxiously asked.

"It's possible," the doctor continued, "that the alien components inside and writing on the mystery module are truly not of this Earth."

"So you're saying," Mallory guessed, "that the probe came from another dimension?"

"Another dimension? Highly unlikely, since the transporter travels only through space. But another planet? It's a remote, but likely possibility." Mallory's eyes opened in amazement.

"But if the module came from another planet, it would mean-"

"-that it came from another world with a spatial transporter, which means..."

"Wow. There is intelligent life out there!"

"Exactly! Our tests with the transporter might've made us stumble upon the greatest scientific discovery in human history!" With that, Dr. Yashida began to switch on the lights and equipment inside the lab

"Uh, Dr. Yashida, what are you doing?" Mallory asked, a surprised look on his face.

"Why, setting up the lab, of course! This discovery can't wait until morning! I'm going to recreate the morning's events to see if I can get a fix on where the module came from!" A groan came from Mallory's direction. "What's the matter, Mallory? We've stumbled upon something incredible, and all you can do is moan?"

"Sorry, doctor, but I'd promised someone I'd be at home when they called, and I don't think she'd be happy if I stood her up." Dr. Yashida looked puzzled. "We're both working on this, aren't we?"

"Oh, don't worry about it, Daniel. A couple of techs from the R&D labs agreed to lend a hand, so you don't have to stay if you don't want to." This time, Dr. Yashida thought he heard a sigh of relief from Mallory's direction. "But don't wait too long for her, because you'll have plenty to do in the morning, count on it!"

"Sure thing, doctor! And good luck on your experiment!" Mallory said as he ran out the lab, obviously eager to get home. Yashida couldn't help but laugh a little.

He's been with Fujikara for a short time, and already he's having more luck with women than I! Oh, well. Science must go on!

Gotta get home. Gotta be there when she calls, Daniel repeated in his mind as he walked to the garage, fumbling for his car keys. True, he knew Nene wouldn't call for at least another hour or two, but that was no excuse not to be prepared. After all, he'd held off women for years to focus on his studies (a fact that his fellow techies ribbed him for); he could afford to spend a night to see if she was the one. He was so absorbed in this that he failed to notice a small delivery van park just across the street.

(Author's note: Just to avoid some redundancy in this story, Pumadyne also came to the same conclusion over the Fujikara module, and decided to conduct similar tests to determine its origin.)

Callie's Apartment Building--7:40 p.m.

"-And that's why my sis and dad have never gotten along," Jason told Felina as they headed upstairs to his sister's apartment. Felina had listened to his every word while matching it to her own experiences. As he had told the story, he started to feel better knowing someone was listening, but she felt worse, probably out of pity, though she'd never let him know it.

"Well, after what happened earlier today, I just hope you've both managed to cool down. I'd hate to use that mace," she said, patting her jacket where she kept it.

"Relax," Jason said, "with dad not around, I don't think tempers will flare, and besides, I need to apologize anyway," he looked at her, "since I don't want to create another barrier in our family." Felina nodded her head in agreement as they finally reached the floor of Callie's apartment.

"Well, here we are," Felina said as they reached the door of the apartment. "You ready?"

"No, but that doesn't matter. If I wait until I'm ready, it might be too late." He knocked on the door.

Knock, knock!

"Oh, grrreat," Callie muttered to herself while getting up from the couch. After the less than productive family dinner, she decided to drown her frustrations by watching TV. Not that it helped, since she was just as depressed and frustrated as before. Certainly not as angry as her brother, whose reaction was still a shock. As she walked to the door, she hoped Jason wouldn't stop pursuing his dream of "family unity". And speak of the dragon, through the peephole she saw him standing by the door. Maybe this day can still be salvaged, she thought while opening the door, unless he just wants the guitar....

"Hey, sis," Jason said in a somber tone, "guess you know why I'm here."

"I can imagine," she looked past him, "but I didn't think you'd need a warrant."

"Well, someone had to make sure he got it," Lieutenant Feral replied, "otherwise there'd be a lot of very disappointed music fans," she pointed to herself, "like me."

"Actually, there's something else I came here for," he hesitated, "regarding earlier today." Neither kat seemed terribly surprised by this, though the Lieutenant was getting edgy.

"Uh, well, I see you two have something to discuss, so if you don't mind, I'll just be waiting downstairs." Neither sibling objected as the sable-haired Enforcer headed down.

"You were saying?" Callie said, returning to the discussion.

"Well, I just wanted to apologize for exploding like that, but I just couldn't stand the sight of you and Dad arguing one more time."

Callie sighed. "Jason, you have nothing to be sorry about. Remember, it was me and the Ad-, er, Dad, that went ballistic first." She stopped for a second to gather herself. "I don't know what to say, Jason. I'm capable of enduring boring speeches, terrorist attacks, monster raids, and even Manx's loafing, but I can't handle him. Not after what he's done."

"What has he done, Callie? I mean, he was gone often, but that was his job! Even with that stress, he never hit or yelled at us, save the occasional scolding, but he never abandoned us! What I want to know is, why are you really mad at him for?" The question shocked her, and left her speechless and dumbstruck for a few moments.

"W-what are you talking about? After all that's happened over the years between us, you ask me something like that! While he was on his 'beloved' ship, someone had to take care of the rest of us here, especially while mother was busy with her job." Tears started welling up in her eyes. "You never knew how it felt, because I was always there, watching over you. I was angry at him because I had to do his job most of the time, and I never got any credit or praise for it!" Jason stared at her in shock as she gave in to her sorrow. Finally, he shook it off and held her until she regained her composure.

"So you're mad at him because you had the 'thankless' job of filling in for him?" Jason said.

"Uh-huh," Callie replied, still a little shaken. "I mean, it's not like I enjoyed being with you or anything, but I might've done some more stuff I liked if I hadn't been cooped up in there until dusk!"

"Well, for someone who's lost her youth, you've hid it pretty well," Jason said. "Besides, Dad could never pull a sight gag like you!" Callie responded with a smile, which was definitely a step in the right direction.

"Of course, he could probably keep a straight face longer than me," she said, just before they both began laughing. Jason then reached for his guitar case and quickly looked in, seeing nothing missing.

"Well, now that you're feeling better, I was wondering if you'd like to come to the Katatonic Club with me. After all, it's better than being cooped up in your 'cell'." Callie thought about that for a moment, then nodded her head.

"It definitely beats waiting for the Metallikats to show up," Callie said, going for her jacket, "and I get to see if you've learned any new tunes since last time." Jason let out a groan.

"Guess my audience is gonna be tougher than usual tonight," he moaned. "Well, better not keep Felina waiting, especially since she still has that mace."

"Don't worry, Jason," Callie said, "we won't do anything like that until after your performance." Jason rolled his eyes as they headed out.

Pumadyne Labs--8:00 p.m.