Rebalance

In this Our World story, Jasper Mudbaum gets his bearings after awaking from his coma.

This is a transcript from Discord.

## Story

[I've split the story into three sections for reference convenience; it was not divided in Discord]

### Jack, Ritz

```
After a restless night, J4SP-R [alternate name for Mudbaum now] seeks out his old friends. To catch up on what they've been up to, see what's changed, and how he can help make sense of it all...

Jax:
"Alright. First priority: Jack. Public Enemy #1. Unsurprising." *Smirks.* "Bit early, I guess. Hoping you'd get Eggman in the meantime... All well. Let's try his old contact info."

J4SP-R uses his new cybernetics to recall Jack's information, and tries a cell phone number.

Jack:
*Answers.* "Hello?"

Jax:
*Chuckles.* "Do you always answer random calls on your phone?"

Jack:
"Yes. A lot of those tele-scammers owe me favors."

Jax:
"Tele-what?" *A momentary dictionary search later, J4SP-R understands.* "Oh. Makes sense."

Jack:
"So. I take it you're up to speed on things no--Hang on a second. ROXIE PUT THAT WARHEAD DOWN YOUNG LADY! You were saying?"

Jax:
"I know what GLACIA's got in its reports. So, no."

Jack:
"Oh so you know absolutely nothing but lies."

Jax:
*Smiles.* "Exactly. Aaaand, I mean, it's not like I trust you either, but I still want to hear what *you* have to say too, you criminal scum." *Chuckles.*

Jack:
"Hey, that scum did more than you think."

Jax:
*Sobers up a bit.* "Boz--I mean, Brenda told me some."

Jack:
"She tell you about the hospital with Ritz then?"

Jax:
"..."
*Deep breath.* "Brenda's not been able to confirm Ritz is dead. If you find him..."

Jack:
"I mean, he may not be for much longer if" *Looks away.* "HE DOESN'T GET THE WARHEAD FROM THE CHILD!"

Ritz:
"CHASING HER IS MORE DANGEROUS THAN LETTING HER HAVE IT!"

Jax:
"...So, is he a robot as well? Wh--hu--How?"

Jack:
"Nope. He'd probably follow orders better then."

Jax:
"<This does not compute>"

Jack:
"This would probably be easier to explain in person."

Jax:
"Y-yes! That's what I called about in the first place. I recall you saying something about drinking motor oil. Or something."

Jack:
"Well, that was a joke but we can totally meet up. Any place in mind?"

Jax:
"I suppose you know a better spot than I would. You're the one who needs to not get shot. You... *are* doing better than when I saw you last, right?"

Jack:
"Hmm? Oh. Yeah. Robotnik was a bit peeved but he fixed things up."

Jax:
"The... 'cousin' guy. Might like to meet him some time, if he's such a wizard. But not today. Still liable to pound him into a paste, frankly. Name a place, Jack."

Jack:
*Smirks.* "Marble Zone."

Jax:
"...Beat you there."
*Tries to hang up and head out the door of his abode at the same time; ends up crashing the call and the door down.*

Jack:
*Hangs up the call and leans against a pillar.*

Just under an hour later, J4SP-R arrives in Marble Zone on South Island, where Jack has been all along... Alongside a very familiar rat...

Jack:
"Hello there."

Ritz:
*Stares blankly at the approaching hulk.*

Jack:
*Smirks at the rat's discomfort.*

Jax:
"Sorry I'm late; still getting used to..." *Notices Ritz.*
"...things..."

Jack:
"Understandable. I've been having a time with it myself."

Jax:
*Gestures at Ritz and Jack in confusion.* "<Explain>"

Jack:
"Ritz got off scot-free. I didn't let that get very far. He stabbed me to death. Robot Jack."

Ritz:
"Yeah, I killed him. Now I work for him."

Jack:
"Work implies payment Ritz."

Ritz:
"Room and board is payment, when you're from the Resistance."

Jack:
"Don't remind me. That was a rough time..." *Glances at a message from Beauregard who managed to get the nuke away from Roxie on the ship.*

Ritz:
"It was nice working with you, Captain."

Jax:
*Advances towards Ritz.*

Jack:
*Nods to Ritz.*

Jax:
*Picks up Ritz, and... crushes him.*
*In a hug.*
"I'm glad you're *both* alive."

Jack:
"Again, kinda dead here."

Ritz:
*Squeaks as he feels his ribs nearing being crushed.* "ISH!"

Jack:
*Chuckles.* "And he won't be if you give him another hug like that."

Jax:
*Unceremoniously drops the rat, who lands on his feet.*
"I don't know how it's possible, all of us being alive. Or dead."

Ritz:
*Wheezes.* "Mostly dead."

Jax:
"I'm working past all that. Right now, I'm on 'why'."

Jack:
"Well. In my case it's because Angela didn't want to let me go."

Jax:
*Kneels down to get more in eye-height with the other two.* "Okay. And the turning traitor?"

Ritz:
"The boss is a conspiracy theorist. You two will get along great."

Jack:
"Is it really turning traitor when you know that the one you're betraying is going against the founder of the organization?"

Jax:
*Thinking, file-diving...* "General Vulcan? Er, sorry, <Director> Vulcan?"

Jack:
"Traitor Vulcan. He staged the whole thing at the gala."

Jax:
(<Eviden>--) *Shakes his head.* "Gala?" (<searching // Peace Gala>)
(<...>) "Grrr. 'Classified' stuff."

Jack:
"If you'll look at that file perms only Vulcan can read it. Why make it classified if he wasn't hiding something? Even Topaz couldn't get into it and she's got code breaker training."

Jax:
"Convenient. Both for you *and* him." *Crosses his arms, scowling into middle space as he blunderingly navigates his internal computer.*

Jack:
"Well, unlike him I talk to people..."

Jax:
"So, you probably know where the old Director is, then? Not that you'll tell me, but..."

Jack:
"...Unfortunately..."

Jax:
"So, you turned traitor because the old director got called a traitor, and...? This helps, how? Or did you not think about how it helps others? Because I'm getting conflicting reports of you, Jack." *Motions at images of glowing reports, forgetting that it's an overlay screen that only he can see.* "You have a period of time here where you're a freaking hero. You adopted a kid, you got married--Uh not in that order--You--"

Jack:
"Fifticinco is dead, Mudbaum."

Jax:
*Stunned for a moment, but presses forward.* "By who?"

Jack:
"Who do you think?"

Jax:
"...Well, if it's *that* obvious, why aren't the rest of the Rangers here?"

Jack:
"...I don't know Jasper... I tried. Flame would have come but Hannah refused to leave."

Jax:
*Rubs his chin thoughtfully.* "None of the pieces add up. No one has a full motive, beyond desiring more chaos, or more power... And I don't have the whole story either."

Jack:
"I don't either but I knew Fifticinco. He was best friends with one of the people he supposedly killed! Who ironically had it out for me."

Jax:
"Right... But if Vulcan was staging some sort of coup, it would be stupid of him to kill the previous director himself. Surely, there's better ways to handle this. No, there's something bigger happening here."

Jack:
"And that's why I wanted to get our team as far away from there as possible."

Jax:
"Similarly, if G was a traitor, him killing people in front of others like you're saying also doesn't make sense. Wait, 'our' team?"

Jack:
"The Rangers? I had plans to form a new group... Leave the remnants of GUN and the Resistance behind. But those plans fell through... It's just me and a handful of folks..."

Jax:
*Glances at Ritz.*

Ritz:
"I'm wanted. Missing, presumed armed and extremely dangerous. Safest place is no place, which is with Jack's crew. Mostly other people hiding, not willing to follow the craziness that's going on with... everything. Not naming any names, Boss!"

Jack:
"No secret. Mudbaum probably already figured out who's here."

Jax:
"Well, Agents Topaz and Johnny come to mind..."

Jack:
"Yup. Samus and Blunder were the first to sign up."

Jax:
"Also Angela and your adopted daughter Roxanne, presumably. Oh, *con-gradulations* by the way." *Grabs Jack's hand and shakes it vigorously.* "Seriously happy for you."

Jack:
"Oh right. You weren't at the wedding. Man you'd've been handy to have facing Metal."

Jax:
*Shakes his head.* "I missed it for the world, I guess. But I'm here now, and I'm looking to bust some... cases, I guess."

Jack:
"Well, you know Angela's a robot right?"

Jax:
"Yeeeesss... Brenda tried to explain that to me. You and Ange are 'full body conversions' using something she called 'roboticization'. I'm a partial conversion, which she said was 'technically a cyborg'. But also we don't all use the same power sources, or types?"
*Pinches his beak in irritation.* "Honestly, still need to sort all that out in my head."

Jack:
"Yeah, well you probably run off the same system as a phase one badnik... And as for me? Snively just had me fitted with a hyper-go-on module."

Jax:
*Glances down at his hands, the cybernetics peeking out from beneath his gloves.* "...Badnik, you say."
*Clenches his fists, takes a deep breath and lowers them back to his sides.* "Anyway, like I said. I... still need to process that."

Ritz:
*Slow realization.* "We're all facing our inner demons, Jax."

Jax:
*Raises a dull eyebrow at Ritz, followed by the second one.* "Guess so. How about you, Jack? You never answered my question about why you're doing this traitor business. I mean, not unexpected, at least in my opinion, but... ah. Well, it's more of what GLACIA's reports seeming to not line up with everything else." *Attempts a chuckle, but things are a bit too somber now.*

Jack:
"..." *Pauses for a moment to gather his thoughts, the sound of gears literally heard.*

Jax:
*Glances back at Ritz.* (Really?)

Ritz:
*Shrugs.* (Really.)

Jack:
"I'm tired Mudbaum... Tired of all this chaos... the vicious cycle of villain of the week after villain of the week. Working with GLACIA felt like being in a Saturday morning cartoon. But it went from feeling like being a part of G.I.JOE's team to being a member of COBRA... And it's time that ended... Eggman, GLACIA, GUN, and even Sonic... I've got a family now, Jax, and I don't want my daughter growing up in this... madness! Her real parents? They died because of GLACIA's incompetence. My incompetence..."
*Waits for a response, staring at the purple marble ruin floors as he does.*

Jax:
"So, your answer was to form your *own* crew?"

Ritz:
"Er... more like getting the old G.I.JOE crew out from underneath the evolving leadership, but that failed so..."

Jack:
"So yes. I'm forming my own order... One to keep peace and safety no matter the foe... Even if it involves making myself seem like a bad guy to the public."

Jax:
*Rubs his chin thoughtfully, staring at Jack.*

Jack:
*Keeps a serious yet concerned gaze.*

Jax:
"I wish I could join you..."
*Goes from rubbing his chin to rubbing what remains of his scalp.* "...But I've got a different approach set for the same goal. Destination. Ideal."

Jack:
*Sighs.* "Of course... But I warn you Mudbaum. Do not trust GLACIA. They are no better than GUN."

Jax:
*Barks a single, harsh laugh.* "Of course, Jack. That's why I'm keeping close to them."

Jack:
"Well be sure not to get too close. I'd hate to have to nuke my favorite ninja turtle if it came down to blows."

Jax:
*Looks back up at Jack.* "That's why I'm going to join GLACIA. Uh, again." *Looks slightly sheepish for a moment.* "General Flame has already asked me to join the Rangers. Wasn't sure at first, but after reading all these reports last night when I couldn't sleep... GLACIA might not deserve my loyalty, but our friends do."

Ritz:
"*All* your friends?"

Jax:
"...Loyalty, Twitch. Not forgiveness."

Ritz:
*Features harden.* "Good. Thought you were going soft on me for a second there."

Jax:
"Course not."
*Taps his cyborg head.* "Getting harder all the time, heh."

Ritz:
*Unamused, stands up straighter next to his boss.*

Jack:
"...Careful Mudbaum... Unforgiveness is a dangerous thing to carry... It can lead you straight to your grave..."
*Glares at Ritz.*

Ritz:
*Stares straight ahead, stoic as a 5-star butler.*

Jax:
"Anyway!" *Claps his hands abruptly.* "If you need a man on the inside of GLACIA, you can count on me, Jack. Seems to me like we've got the same goals... Just different ways of going about it."

Ritz:
"Boss said his goals. We've not heard yours... Jasper."

Jax:
*Pauses and thinks back...* "Huh. Guess so. Well, *Ritz*, my goals are to integrate myself into GLACIA, and if it turns sour, which it seems like it already is, then I can destroy it from the inside out. Just like Grizz did. Without the heroic sacrifice bit, o'course, Jack. Obviously, we've all tried that bit already."

Ritz:
*Facepalms to hide his cringing smile.*

Jack:
"...Hmm. Well, that could be... Helpful... Perhaps we reach a mutual partnership in our ventures?"

Jax:
"Nothing would make me happier, Jack. Well, except for--Never mind. Point is, I'd rather count you as a friend."

Ritz:
"Having the Juggernaut on your side is best, Boss. Why am I telling you this, you know firsthand."

Jack:
*Is busy with his scheming.* "You continue your plan. And once GLACIA is at its weakest. You make sure that the few good people in it are safe then we blast the place off the map..."

Jax:
*Has slight misgivings about "blowing the place off the map", but keeps it to himself...* "It's the systems, rules, and laws that fail us, Jack. Those that enforce it often don't believe it themselves. If they don't have anything to enforce, they'll give up, and then all you have to worry about are those that *truly* believe in what they're doing, without the support of their systems and rules. People like you and me."

Jack:
"...Right. Well... Regardless, I'm glad we could reach an agreement."

Jax:
"Definitely! I'd hate to have to pound you gain."

Ritz:
*Warning look.*

Jax:
*Is chuckling to himself, then stops suddenly.* "No, seriously, I'd hate to do that again. I kinda went numb for a minute back there because I didn't know you were a robot, and nothing was making sense, but I don't want to kill you. Either of you."

Jack:
*Smirks.* "Actually, if you met on my turf now, you'd be facing more than just me. The Knights have gotten themselves some serious munitions in place now..."

Jax:
"Knights?"

Jack:
"The Knights of the Wind. My new order."

Jax:
*Smirks. Snorts. Sniggers.*

Ritz:
*Straightfaced.* "You. Are a child."

Jax:
*Bursts out laughing.* "Oh, come on, Ritz, you were thinking it!"

Ritz:
"...Maybe."

Jack:
"Thinking what?"

Ritz:
*The straight face begins to crack.*

Jax:
"Wind? Really? Passing wind?"

Ritz:
"I mean, I thought of this, but--"

Jack:
"I picked wind because of us being based in an airship. I fail to see how it's humorous."

Jax:
"So it has nothing to do with gas."

Ritz:
"No, Jax. Obviously, only juvenile, immature individuals would think that the Knights of the Wind is a euphemism for passing gas." *Facepalms yet again to hide his smile.*

Jack:
"...Ahem I feel like we've gotten off-track here..."

Jax:
*Chuckling to himself.* "Right. Right. Let's see... Am I forgetting anything?"

A stern feminine voice interrupts. "No but the Captain is."

Angela:
*Walks out of a shadowy corridor followed by a guard in heavy power armor.*

Jack:
"And what exactly is it dear?"

Angela:
*Glares at Jack and Ritz.* "I need to speak to Mudbaum... alone."

Jax:
*Grins at Ange, but sweat begins to bead as he's singled out.*

Jack:
"Oh come on, Topaz is here!"

Topaz:
"Yeah, to make sure you two idiots follow orders!"
*Points her blaster at Jack.* "Now march."

Jack:
"Alright, alright! Geez... No need for violence Sammy."
*Walks out towards the ship, giving Mudbaum a nod as he does so.*

Topaz:
*Points her blaster at Ritz.*
"Come on Twitchy, let's move."

Ritz:
*Ignores Topaz and follows Jack, nodding to Angela as he passes.*

Angela:
*Sigh.* "René could you please give us a moment."

Topaz:
"Sure Ange." *Pats Angela on the shoulder.* "I'll go see if Beauregard got Johnny's head out of the cannon..."
*Marches off, leaving the two.*

Jax:
*Surprised by the mention of Beau's name, but says nothing as Topaz marches off.*

```

### Angela

```
Angela:
"Well. Jasper..."
*Ahem.* "I take it you are staying with GLACIA like the rest of the Rangers?"

Jax:
"Currently the plan, I think. I'm going to talk with General Flame later today, if I can. Be there for them when GLACIA comes falling down around their ears, by the looks of things. It's my j--<directive>--b."

Angela:
*Is visibly disturbed by that robotic interjection.*
"...Are you even Mudbaum or just a machine pretending to be him?"

Jax:
"...I'm asking myself the same thing. I still have emotions. Still have all my senses. Same likes. Dislikes."
*Snaps fingers.* "Memories. Still remember that awesome pizza you made."

Angela:
"...I know what you mean." *Sigh.* "It's an adjustment. You feel like them, have their memories, their mannerisms... But just... you're not them. Hopefully you're right. And you really are him. But if just memories is your only proof I am skeptical."

Jax:
"I mean, it's not all bad, Miss, uh, Beakton." *Smirks.* "All I can tell you is that my only option is to keep moving forward. But surely you didn't just want to ask me <existential> questions?"

Angela:
"One more actually. Have you checked to make sure GLACIA doesn't have any... overrides in place on your systems?"

Jax:
"...I don't know how to do that. And..." *Looks down at the cracked tiles.* "I can't trust Sync or Brenda for that. That's something I was going to ask Beau about first. Granted, he might just refer back to Brenda then, but... Well, then she'd have to fool me as well as someone else. Still, I'd rather have someone outside of GLACIA counter-check GLACIA. Uh, are you offering?"

Angela:
*Smiles slightly.* "Yes. I'd be happy to help ensure that they don't pull an Order 66 and you start slaughtering younglings."
*Motions for Jax to follow her to the ship.*

Jax:
(<Order 66 // searching>) "Yeah, decimating your husband and throwing everyone else around was traumatizing enough."

Angela leads J4SP-R around a bend in the ruins, to reveal their still relatively shiny, new ship. The Eye of Ishtar.

Jax:
"Oooh. Nice. Much better than that old--Uhhh..."

Angela:
"Oh boy... You don't know anything about the Illumina incident do you?"

Jax:
*Mentally pulls up what he can on the topic from the GLACIA database on his low-level security clearance that he has through Brenda.* "A whole city went 'vwoop', and then an ancient city landed in its place, to put it in the most basic terms possible..."
*Points at the ship.* "This is literally from outer space."

Angela:
"And belonged to the madman who built me."
*Smirks.* "I'll share some memory files with you so you can get the full story on the Illumina and the Eggman incident..."

Jax:
*Snaps his fingers.* "Good to know; that's the sort of stuff I'm missing, because those b--<bureaucratic>--good for nothing, lazy--<aspiring> lounge-generals are lying to the public."
*Pauses.* "General Flame excluded. I hope."

Angela:
"Yeah. Seeing some inhibitors in place already... We better get you to the lab..."

Jax:
"???" "Whaddya mean?"

Angela:
*Sigh.* "Just follow me alright? Before they turn on something stupid..."
*Enters the ship.*

Jax:
(...I think you mean, "smart".)
*Follows.*

Angela takes Mudbaum to the laboratory of the ship. The other members of the crew save for Topaz are heard in the lounge playing... Mario Kart or something judging by the sound.

Ritz:
"Miss Roxie, you do know you have a blue shell, don't you?"

Roxie:
"Yup. Saving it for someone else..." *Glances at Colby who just sped into first place in front of Jack.*

Colby:
"Who's number one now?!"

Roxie:
*Launches the blue shell.*

Colby:
"Hey... Hey! HeyheyheyheyHEY!" *Throws his controller down and mutters to himself.* "Cheaters... Next time, I cheat..."

Roxie:
"HEY! THAT WAS CLEARLY AN EXPLOIT! TOTALLY DIFFERENT!"

Ritz:
"Sorry, nephew. Word of advice: some of my best victories were silent ones."

*Ahem* As fun as the Mario Kart scene is... We really need to get to the lab...
The laboratory is full of computers and machines and in the center lies a table akin to the one in Revenge of the Sith. And in the corner of the room sits the resident quack scribbling away at his notes.

Angela:
"Hey Snively? Gonna use the Mind Flayer for a second alright?"

Snively:
"Must you call my roboticized memory analyzer such a nightmarish title?"

Jax:
*Sizes up the new Robotnik.* "Aren't you a little short to be a Robotnik?"

Snively:
"Hmm. Mr. Mudbaum I presume. Good to have you aboard..."

Angela:
"Okay, just hop onto the table here Jax and I'll look around to see what's going on in there... And hopefully get some things straightened out."

Jax:
*Stares at the table, taking just slightly too long...*

Angela:
"I mean you can stand if you prefer. I just need to plug you in..."

Jax:
"Riiiight. Yeah, I'd like to stand." *Peels back his gloves a bit, to show ports on the back of his left hand.*

Angela:
*Sits down at the console and pulls out a USB cable and plugs into Mudbaum.*
"You may wanna go into sleep mode. This could take a moment."

Jax:
"Ha, fat chance."
*Regrets immediately.* "I mean, uh. What I mean to say is, no thanks. I'll wait patiently."
*Takes a deep breath, and pointedly ignores the cable on his left... (Can I even call it a hand anymore?)*

Angela:
"Alright then..."
*Begins looking through the code.* "Yeesh. This is a mess..."
*Begins rewriting some things in what appears to be the Malebolge programming language.*
*After what probably took an hour... she's done.*

Jax:
*Having tried and failed to understand, Jasper has nonetheless watched the entire thing with as intense a concentration and nervousness as he's ever had.*
"So... Should I feel any different?"

Angela:
"I uh, encrypted my coding to make sure no one messed with your memories... And honestly had to rework all of the old operations coding. You should be able to access the memory files easier, and more efficiently."

Jax:
"Wait, like... my old memories? Even *before* I..."

Angela:
"Yes..." *Pauses, having looked through them.* "All of them."

Jax:
"Ho--how-- ...Huh."
*Shakes his head.* "Amazing."

Angela:
"Also there is the past few months of my and Jack's memory data in there as well to get you up to speed with why we started this order."

Jax:
"Wait, what. I saw you doing something there, but you were going a bit too fast for me to understand. Um."
*Quickly sifts through a few moments of memory in a single second.* "...Are you sure, Angela? This seems..."

Angela:
"Like an excellent way for you to get caught up with what GLACIA doesn't want you to know."

Jax:
*Refocuses on Angela. Then at the USB port, one of a few different types on the back of his hand. Then the computer.*
(These are tools. I can use them. Angela's a friend. I can trust her. And Jack."
"...If you're sure, Ange."

Angela:
*Smiles.* "Certain."

Jax:
*Carefully unplugs the cord, unable to hide a grimace as he does so.* "Um... Well, thank you? Yeah, thanks."

Angela:
"You're welcome. Now, I'm sure you have other things that you need to handle..."

Jax:
"Can I give you a hug? I can't remember if you're a hugger."

Angela:
*Chuckles.* "Jack and I both are." *Hugs Mudbaum.*

Jax:
*Returns the hug.* "Genuinely. Thank you. I... I don't know who to trust. But oddly enough, I think I trust you and your husband's team the most right now."

Angela:
"Well. The offer to join us still stands. But you do what you feel is best."

Jax:
"It's weird. Ever since that day when Grizz dropped in with Cal on all of us, I knew something big was going to happen. Got the same sense like when Sonic dropped into my life before. But... drastically different circumstances. ...Lots more people to care for. Lots more people to trust. And... lots more chances for betrayal."

Angela:
"...Yes. That's why we left GLACIA. They're setting up for something... And a lot of people are lined up to get hurt."

Jax:
"...Is there a self-destruct code?"

Angela:
"A what?"

Jax:
"You heard me."

Angela:
"Why the heck would I put a self-destruct code in?"

Jax:
"Not that *you'd* put one in! That GLACIA would! I mean, if I had a juggernaut robot, I'd put in a way to deactivate it... Duh."

Angela:
"No. Not anymore. The only way to deactivate you is by your own choice."

Jax:
"...'Kay. Seemed like a good failsafe plan, in case someone *were* to hack me or something. But... I was able to fritz myself out by remembering the beach during the fight... That could still work again, if I needed to emergency shutdown."

Angela:
"Trust me, if someone manages to hack you I will be greatly surprised."

Jax:
*Gingerly rerolls the glove back over the unsightly ports.* "I'll have to take your word for it, Miss Beakton." *Calling her that reminds him of good things again, and he regains his casual grin.* "Thanks again, Ange! Wish me luck; I'm going to check with Flame next!"

Angela:
*Smiles.* "Of course. Tell Sonny I said hi."

Jax:
*Blinks, relevant memories flashing.*
*Cackles.* "I will!" *Heads out at a jog.*

Snively:
*Approaches Angela as the cyborg leaves.*
"You altered his memories didn't you..."

Angela:
"Snively, that would be a horrible and villainous act!"

Snively:
"..."

Angela:
"Okay maybe put a few suggestions in... And put it in place so he was unable to follow an order from Vulcan..."

Snively:
"Hmm. Well, then you won't mind me checking the backups on the console as to what you--Great gearboxes! What kind of horrendous mess of a code is THIS?!"

Angela:
*Sighs.* "A safe one..." *Walks out.*

Snively:
"Why can't you maniacs just use Python?!"

```

### Beauregard, Flame

```
Meanwhile, as Jasper heads out of the ship, he remembers the mention of Beauregard being here somewhere...

Jax:
*Listens.*

During the time that Jasper, Snively, and Angela were sequestered in the lab, the video gaming has died down, and the ship is... relatively quiet.
As Jasper goes through the ship to the exit hatch, he doesn't run across anyone, and he steps out into the bright midday sun.

Jax:
(I'll talk with Beau later. He and I are best buds. It's Flame who I'm more worried about. And also... the one with my badge.)

With one last look of admiration at the Eye of Ishtar, Jasper smirks.

Jax:
"Figures you'd sneak out from behind your desk eventually, Beau!"
*Laughs, then calms down.*
"I'm sure I'll see you around."
*Turning away, J4SP-R crouches, calculates, and--*

Beau:
"Hey, Jax. Wait up!"

Jax:
*Cancels his mega-leap just in time to land on his face.*
"Ow."

Beau:
*Walks over to lend him a hand, before realizing he wouldn't be much help.*
"Oh, uh, sorry about that. Angela said you were leaving and I wanted to catch ya."

Jax:
*Picks himself up.* "Beau!" *Snatches him up in a hug.*
"I missed ya. Sorta. Sometimes felt like you were there anyway." *Lets go of the hug.* "My memories are kinda fuzzy, but I had dreams that folks came to visit and such."

Beau:
"I missed you too, buddy. I did visit, though, not as much as Brenda would've liked. Things have been rather chaotic lately."

Jax:
"Yeah... yeah." *Sizes up Beau's new outfit, and looks back at the ship.* "Turning pirate? That's a heckuva lotta chaos!"

Beau:
"Heheh. Yeah. I wouldn't say 'pirate' though. I really just needed to get out of the city, follow my own rules." *Looks up at his friend and grins.* "You should know what I'm talking about."

Jax:
"Heh! Yeah, I do." *Turns somber.* "Well, I did. You and Jack doing good then?"

Beau:
"Good enough. I think Jack's finally got the right mindset, he just needs... direction. I'm hoping I can help with that."

Jax:
*Nods.* "I can see it. Whatever's cooking in the wild world's got no chance with you Knights of the Wind." *Snickers.*

Beau:
"Just so you know, they came up with the name *before* I joined. But we'll do our part. As long as you keep Central City safe, okay?"

Jax:
*Chuckles.* "All of Central City? What, like I'm some sort of superhero? No, I'm going to protect GLACIA. The real GLACIA."
*Starts counting on his fingers.* "Cal, Hannah, Pipsqueak, Flame, Lepor, Nezumi even. Apparently, Cal's got a girlfriend too? Selphius? Oh, and Dr. Dash. Hmm. Running out of fingers."

Beau:
"That's fair, as long as you don't forget Nihil. He may think he can handle things himself, but he needs help same as the rest of us."

Jax:
"Nihil?" (<Searching // 'NIHIL'>)
"Oh."
*Pales significantly.*

Beau:
"Oh? Have you not?"
"..."
"No you wouldn't have met him would you."

Jax:
"He... He survived???"
(And Grizz didn't?!)

Beau:
"Well... kind of, yeah. Also kind of not, though."

Jax:
"I... guess I'll have to reread that report a bit closer. Last night I was more focused on the removal and replacement of an entire city-slash-nation. Didn't realize King Nihil and... that thing, were the same guy."

Beau:
"They're really not. I'm not sure how, but Nihil *definitely* wasn't who you met."

Jax:
"..."
"I guess... I guess we've *all* changed..."

Beau:
"I suppose so... But as long as it's for the better, I'm confident things'll turn out alright."

Jax:
"I hope so."

Beau:
"Anyway, I think I'll let you go now. [Tell] Pipsqueak I said hello, will ya?"

Jax:
*Smiles at the mention of Pipsqueak.* "I will. See you around, Beau. Stay safe."

Beau:
*Looks back at the ship.*
"No promises, but I'll try. Goodbye Jax."

With that, the two friends part ways. One with a superhuman leap in the general direction of the shoreline, and the other with a confident stride towards the Eye of Ishtar.
Back at GLACIA Headquarters, General Flame is having a mundane day. Let's see how it gets all shook up.

Flame:
*In his office, on his laptop.*

General Flame's E-pod vibrates. It's a text message from Jasper Mudbaum.

Flame:
*Checks it.*

Jax:
<Hey, General. Was hoping to catch you sometime today. Did a bit of reading of reports and jazz last night. Want to hear what you think. Also... Might take up your offer on a spot in the Burning Rangers.>
<Lemme know when you got time, maybe we can get a bite to eat.>

Flame:
<1600.>

Jax:
<10-4? Yeah, that works. Send. No, send, not-->

Flame:
*Confused, waiting for the sentence to finish.*
"..."
<Send what?>

Jax:
<What?>
<Sorry, I'm not sure how to text like this. I'll see you at sixteen hundred hours. Take care!>

Flame:
*Returns to work.*

The time passes. General Flame goes about his day, till 1600 hours. 4:00 PM.

Jax:
*Knocks on the door of General Flame's office.*

Flame:
"Come in."

Jax:
"Hey General." *Looks around the office.* "Hasn't changed much."

The most Jax might notice is the big dent in the wall.

Jax:
*Takes note, briefly distracted by the question of if he could make a bigger one, but says nothing of it.* "Thanks for taking the time to see me."

Flame:
*Slight nod.*

Jax:
"Oh. Before I forget. Angela says hi." *Smirks.*

Flame:
*Says nothing.*

Jax:
"Anyway. Down to business." *Pulls out a folder with some paper files that are still warm from being printed.* "I wanted to ask you a few things about these reports. I've gotten some rudimentary security access from Brenda and her tech division, but... there's still a few narrative holes..."

Flame:
"I'll tell you what I can."

Jax:
*The wording gives Jasper pause.* "Does what you can tell me change if I tell you I'm leaving GLACIA, or staying?"

Flame:
"It depends on whether you join the team. The Rangers have slightly more clearance."

Jax:
*Sighs, as he sets down the folder of reports.* "Then let's start there."

Flame:
"You're joining?"

Jax:
"Yes. If you'll have me."

Flame:
"Of course."

Jax:
*Smirks.* "You seem to be down a man, so I figured. 'Might as well.' Heh."

Flame:
*Nods.*
"Good to have you, Jax."

Jax:
"Good to be back. Oh. One thing, General."

Flame:
"What?"

Jax:
*Leans forward on the desk.* "I want to make sure both of us are on the same page. GLACIA? As an organization? Hate it. With everything that's left of me, I hate it. But the people in it? The people who are doing their best to help, save, and protect others? That's what I care about. That's what I'll die to defend. I'm here to protect the *heart* of the law. I'm probably going to need a lot of help following the *letter* of it. So, I want to be up front about that. I hope you'll be willing to help me."
*Drops his gaze.* "I... had a lot of time to think about the last time I was in here. I was only thinking of myself when I tossed my badge at you."
*Looks back up.* "That's not going to happen again. You have my word, Commander."

Flame:
*Nods.*
"I can help with the law, yes."

Jax:
*Slight smile.* "I'd appreciate it. So! What paperwork do we have to do for this? Is there an interview, questionnaire, signatures? What hoops are involved with this..."

Hmm. Paperwork. How riveting. We'll leave them to it. Maybe come back later to see if Mudbaum gets entrusted with another badge, or what title he might have. Will it be Captain again? Will it be something else? Probably just Agent. Anyway, pretty normal day all around.
We shall see what the future holds for these friends.

```

## Characters

*In order of appearance:*

* Jasper Mudbaum
* Jack Beakton
* Ritz Rakghoul Ricotta
* Angela Beakton
* René Topaz
* Roxanne "Roxie" Whitmore
* Colby Ricotta
* Snively Robotnik
* Beauregard Cheddarosier
* Sonny Flame

## Participants

* Mortimer
* GasglowJones
* Pip9766
* BeauX
* HannahDash