Last chapter, nice and quick, and a little corny, but I lacked ideas for making it better at the time. Scene is set for next Cybercahse fan-fic I have in line.

18.

Safe and Sound

As the cybercraft landed safely back in the hanger bay at Control Central, the seven companions climbed out of it, each congratulating each other on a job well done.

“Ha, we did it!” Inez exclaimed happily.

“Cut it kinda close, though.” Peter remarked idly

“But we still made it.” Digit pointed out. “Alive and well, with no injuries.”

“Well, I don’t know about that, I broke a nail at some point during all of that.” Jackie remarked, studying the broken nail.

The others laughed.

“You’ll live Jax.” Matt remarked, patting her on the back.

“Wow, what an adventure.” Alex remarked. “Is it always like this around here?”

“Usually.” Inez replied. “Sometimes it’s even more exciting.”

“And deadly?” Peter asked.

“Well, yes.” Matt admitted.

“Peter, is that all you can think about? How close we came to failing?” Lara asked, annoyed.

“No, I’m also thinking about how glad I am to be here safe and sound, and that I’ll be heading home soon.” Peter replied. “Somehow that project we were working on will seem quite relaxing after all of this.”

“Which reminds me.” Alex said. “How much time has passed since then? I’ve no doubt missed all of my remaining classes for the day.”

“Actually, you haven’t.” Inez said. “Time hardly passes in the Real World while you’re in Cyberspace. You could be here for days on end while only a minute or so has passed in the Real World.”

“Cool.” Lara remarked.

“That explains how you guys can keep this a secret.” Alex remarked thoughtfully. “You’re never gone long enough for anybody to notice you’re missing.”

“In a sense, yes.” Matt replied. “It’s not always that easy, though.”

“I’ll bet.” Peter said. “No doubt the temptation to tell somebody about this is huge.”

“You have no idea.” Jackie remarked.

The door leading out of the hanger bay suddenly opened, and Dr. Marbles walked in.

“You did it!” he cried. “You saved, Pompedoria, Cyberspace, and the Cybersquad!”

“All in one day?” Peter asked, surprised.

“Hey, we did do all of that, didn’t we?” Alex said, feeling proud.

“You most certainly did.” said Motherboard, as her face suddenly appeared on a nearby computer screen. “Cyberspace thanks you, all of you, and will forever be in your debt.”

“Wow, that’s...er...quite a thing to say.” Alex said. “An honor, even.”

“You get used to it.” Matt said to him.

“So, now what?” Lara asked. “Do we just go home now, and call it a day.”

“Yes.” Motherboard replied.

“The situation is over for the moment.” Marbles added. “But no doubt Hacker will be back to his old tricks in due time.”

“And, as always, we’ll be there to stop them.” Matt said.

“All of us?” Peter asked.

“What do you mean?” Jackie asked.

“Well, uh, I was kinda, you know, hoping to...er...come back.” Peter said, blushing.

Lara gasped. “Peter, you were the one who wanted no part of this!” she exclaimed. “Why the change of heart?”

“Well, you know me, once I warm up to something...” he said, still blushing in embarrassment. “Besides, it was kinda fun. But only a little.”

“Of course.” Matt remarked, smiling.

“Well, maybe the next time me, Matt, and Jackie all come here for some fun, you three can come along.” Inez suggested.

“And, if we ever need help, you guys will be the first we ask.” Jackie added. “You could be our backup squad, or something.”

“I like that idea.” Digit said, then turned to Motherboard and Marbles. “What do ya think, you two?”

“Fine with me.” Marbles said. “They’ve proven that they are more than capable.”

“They are welcome to come as often as they want.” Motherboard added, agreeing. “But I think we’ve kept you all from home for long enough now. Until next time, then.”

A portal then opened before them. The kids then said good bye to their cyborg friends, and left...

Elsewhere in Cyberspace, the Grim Wreaker journeyed onward, traveling on no particular path. Buzz and Delete had it on auto-pilot and were playing a game of cards while they waited for Hacker to give them further instructions. They did not need to wait long.

“Buzz, Delete!” Hacker yelled as he stepped onto the bridge of the ship. “Head the Wreaker for these coordinates.”

He handed his two robotic henchmen a slip of paper. They both studied it for a moment.

“But boss,” Buzz objected, “this is...”

“I know.” Hacker interrupted.

“We thought...”

“I know.”

“But the last time...”

“I know!” Hacker yelled. “Just head the ship in that direction!”

Buzz and Delete hurried to obey the order.

“But why there, boss?” Delete asked, puzzled.

“Because, I have a new plan, and a darn good one.” Hacker replied. “And there is one object on that cybersite that I must have in order for it to work. It is so important, that it’ll change this constant game of chase I’ve been playing with those Earth brats completely.”

Hacker laughed evilly as the Grim Wreaker changed course to head for it’s new destination...

And there you have it. More of Hacker's plan is revealed in the next fan-fic I'm going to write (entitled "Devil's Advocate") though not a whole much (the story really covers a more minor plan, the reasons why will be revealed in due time.) So, if you liked this fan-fic, you'll probably like the next one. Anyway, till next time! :)