When he met Uly in his office the next morning, they received word that Viper had been found. Excited, Ulysses gathered his special forces team and they loaded up in five choppers an hour later.
After a flight of some thirty minutes, the pilots hovered over a small piece of dry land no more than a hundred feet from Viper's front door.
New inventions were going to be used in taking this omega. With advice from Kam, the R & D section designed special wet suits that were insulated against electricity while producing an electrical charge on the outside of the suit. When the enforcers wearing these got into the waters near Viper's home, they would flick on the suit and anything from the swamp, whether natural or Viper-made, would receive a lethal shock. The enforcers would also be armed with shock wands to keep things from getting too close.
The ground forces wore something similar, an electrical net worn over their body armor. Kam was doing everything he could to ensure Feral's enforcers got of this alive. He had noted the high numbers of fatalities among the enforcers and felt this needed to stop.
Feral with Kam repelled from their chopper, they were with the ground troops. The dive team had already been dropped first so they could come in on the water side of Viper's home. Given the go on their radios, the teams charged from three sides.
They burst into Viper's front door and charged forward with beefed up lasers, shock wands, and small electro grenades (idea taken from the SWAT Kats arsenal, a spent one was studied to aid them in copying it).
Viper shouted in shocked fury, sending all his plant monsters to head off the invaders into his home. He grabbed some things that were apparently important to him and headed for a back escape hatch.
Kam's eyes narrowed as he spotted the lizard Kat slipping away. Ulysses was being pressed by all the creatures Viper had here but was holding his own very well, so he slipped past the melee killing several more creatures himself as he raced after Viper.
Hissing to himself, Viper cursed as he reached his escape hatch and was forced to halt when he opened the portal. Wet suit enforcers had found the escape route and were coming up through it. Viper slammed the door violently then frantically looked around for another way out. While he dithered, Kam managed to reach him. He slammed the lizard into a far wall hard.
Viper dropped his precious samples and bottles. He screamed in fury and lashed out with his tail. Kam ducked it then snatched it as it came back to try again. Grasping it, he used it to swing Viper headlong into a few walls repeatedly. Trying desperately to free himself, Viper extended his claws and raked the walls and Kam's chest, ripping open his armor but not reaching skin. The wolf never gave him a chance to make another attempt as he shot Viper with a lethal dose of electricity.
The creature screamed, shook then went still. Kam leaned down and checked for a pulse. Hissing to himself as he couldn't tell whether there was one or not, he looked around quickly.
Uly was just finishing off another creature and was busy still. Taking a chance, Kam quickly used his scanner to check Viper's vitals. He grinned in cold triumph as his device gave a negative reading of life. 'One down!' He thought.
Feral finally reached his side, glanced at Kam to see if he was okay then leaned down to check Viper. Oddly, his lover reached under one of Viper's arms and pressed in. After a moment, he stood up and shook his head. He looked at his lover narrowly.
"He's dead!" He said flatly.
"Oops! Sorry, didn't know how much was enough." Kam said innocently.
Feral didn't look like he was completely sure Kam was telling the truth but let it go as he turned away and began to bark orders to clear out. Others were ordered to carry Viper's body out then the place was to be torched.
This had been the hard part. Feral's sense of duty told him he needed to preserve some of the experiments and notes as evidence for a trial. It had taken Kam a long time to make Uly see that this kind of stuff would only increase the risk of someone else trying to continue Viper's work. He'd impressed upon him that he'd seen this scenario far too many times to be willing to watch Uly fall to the same mistake. But Feral was adamant, however, he bent enough to say 'If Viper dies then it goes because its not required to close the case.'
Kam was relieved to have gotten that much from the stubborn Kat and now his plans had succeeded. Viper was out of the picture and so was all of his deadly creatures and experiments.
A vital victory for Megakat City and especially a redeeming one for the enforcers because they had finally defeated a major criminal without the interference or assistance of the SWAT Kats. Feral was ecstatic. Equally great was he hadn't lost a single enforcer during the raid, another major victory.
That night they celebrated with an orgy of sex that left them both completely exhausted and sated.
While Kam was enjoying his victory and planning the next offensive action, Donar was making his move to see Professor Hackle. It was two days after the team briefing and just after dinner time when he arrived at the professor's compound.
It was impressive place he noted as he drove up to the gates. The compound seemed built into the side of a hill with many windows and several floors. Security was tight, surprisingly, with a gate, security camera and intercom to let Hackle know who was at his gate.
He had taken a moment to explore the perimeter first and found cameras all the way around, a hidden drive went up to a huge hangar door on the far side away from the main road, screened by a forest. All in all a really nice place and very secure. He returned to the front gate and pressed the intercom button.
It took some minutes before an old voice spoke. "Yes?"
"Professor Hackle? Sir, I've come to see you on an important matter. May I come in and speak with you?" Donar asked politely.
"Let me see you! Step out of your vehicle." The voice said bluntly.
Donar stepped out of his rental vehicle and stood before the camera.
"Goodness! What are you?" Came the surprised response.
"My name is Donar and as for what I am...well that's something I'll have to tell you in private sir." Donar raised his arms and showed he was unarmed. The Professor's security system would not recognize his uplink nor his stunner.
"Hmm, very well youngling, come through." The voice finally said after some minutes.
The gates opened silently. Donar climbed back into his vehicle and drove up to the front door which opened to show a white haired elderly Kat wearing spectacles and using a cane. His eyes were sharp as they looked him over. A robot was standing watchfully behind him.
Donar was impressed by the caution of the elder. Old he might be, but he wasn't stupid or careless despite the problems he had with the Metallikats.
Professor Hackle stepped back from the door and gestured for Donar to enter. The wolf walked into a comfortable and tastefully decorated living space with a couch, armchairs, coffee table and flat screen TV which looked like it saw very little use. As a matter of fact, the whole room looked unused and probably would be thick with dust except for his robots which he was certain did his household chores while the Professor buried himself in his labs.
"I'm waiting for an explanation." Professor Hackle said quietly, taking a seat on one of the chairs with a soft groan.
Donar sat across from him. "What I'm about to tell you sir, is to be kept under strictest security. I've been given permission to allow you to know this but no one on your planet is aware we are here."
Hackle straightened and glanced at his robot nervously.
Donar spread his palms in a universal gesture of peace. "Easy sir, we mean you no harm, I am 2nd Lt. Donar of the Hunter/Exploration Starship Wotan. Our species is wolf and we hale from the planet Arcanus." He proceeded to explain their mission and why they were on their planet. When he finished, he waited patiently for the Professor to absorb what he'd been told.
"If you will excuse me a moment? Please don't leave this room." Hackle suddenly said, levered himself carefully to his feet and hobbled quickly off.
Donar was a little worried but he stayed where he was an waited. He was becoming more worried when the Professor hadn't returned after some thirty minutes. He badly wanted to pace but dared not with the robot guard watching him.
It was nearly an hour before Hackle came hobbling back into the room. "My apologizes Lieutenant for keeping you waiting so long. I needed to verify some things before taking what you said at face value." He said as he took his seat again.
"I can certainly understand that, sir. May I ask what the results of your research was?" Donar asked politely.
Hackle frowned but answered readily. "I first checked the heavens with my telescope. I could find nothing but suspected you would not be visible for your protection so used a special filter that allowed me to discern the shadow of an object that moved too purposefully to be random space debris. Further, my scanners have determined you are not from this world so your story must be a true one." He finished.
Donar blinked in shocked amazement. The reports of this Kat's brilliance had not come close to just how very talented the Professor was. His idea to contact this person had been a really good one.
"May I say sir, your reputation did not indicate just how very smart you are. A pleasure indeed to make your acquaintance." Donar said sincerely.
Hackle blushed at the compliment which he could tell was sincere. "How may I help you, Lieutenant?"
"Well sir, we would really like to bring your world into the galactic alliance. You're a very resourceful and brave species and would be a fine addition to the alliance of worlds. You would benefit as well with access to new technology, medical advances, ecological and environmental advances as well. But to allow this to happen, your omegas must be dealt with so that you can concentrate on setting up a way station and begin stepping out into space." Donar told him.
Hackle's eyes lit up. "What an incredible offer. However, I don't have the authority to initiate diplomatic relations for our world." He said humbly.
Donar smiled warmly. "Oh I know that Professor. What we're trying to do is help you solve your problems with minimal help from us. It's very important that it be Kat kind that defeats their enemies, for reasons of morale and taking back control of the city yourselves. My team leader, First Lieutenant Kam is working with Commander Feral while two other of my team mates are keeping an eye on your city and finding ways to help you defeat your omegas. Your part is important. I'd like to suggest using your robots to capture Hard Drive, Dark Kat and Turmoil. Dr. Viper has already been dealt with." He explained earnestly.
Hackle leaned back and stared thoughtfully at his guest. This was too much like Pumadyne asking for more weapons to wage war.
Donar divined the Professor's reluctance and sudden wariness correctly. "Sir, we are trying to ensure no more Katizens and enforcers lose their lives. In Commander Feral's raid of Viper's lab, only Dr. Viper was the fatality and that was because Kam was unaware of how much voltage was lethal. Feral was unable to tell him before the mission because I'm not sure he knew either. But the good news was not a single enforcer died and all of Viper's experiments were destroyed."
'Well, that's good news. These people are not bloodthirsty warriors even though I'm sure they could be if they needed to be. They cerrtainly look formidable but they are so much more advanced than us, so I'm guessing they have no need for brutality when their technology levels the playing field.' Hackle thought.
"A noble purpose, Lieutenant and one I'd be honored to help with. So shall we go to my lab?" Hackle asked as he struggled to get up again.
Donar hurried forward and offered a helpful arm to raise the elderly Kat to his feet. Hackle gave him a grateful smile and led the way to his extensive labs.
Elsewhere in the city, Genus was getting ready for his second date with Jake. He hummed to himself as he took extra care with his appearance. They had decided on a light supper together then going to the club where they had met, for dancing and after that...well they would see. He grinned at his image in anticipation.
Meanwhile, Tara stood in her bathroom and primped. She planned on going to a club she'd heard about from one of the other associates of Dr. Sinian. The club Genus had gone to mainly catered to males though some females were there as well but she was more interested in a mixed club. The Phoenix Club sounded right up her alley.
Grabbing her keys, pulling on her light jacket, and slipping her purse strap over her shoulder, she stepped out of her apartment and locked it behind her.
Catching a taxi outside her building, she settled back in the seat and tried to control her excitement. The cab pulled up to a fairly nice looking club, a flaming bird glowed in the night sky above the front awning. Paying the cabbie, she got out and walked up the carpeted walk and reached for the handle of the thick built door.
A wall of loud dance music slapped her the minute she opened it. Squinting against the flashing lights, she carefully make her way through the wall of bodies. The club was packed.
Managing to get a drink from the raised bar on one side of the room, she climbed a winding staircase to a balcony that looked down on the floor of dancers. She drank something that made her eyes water and went down fiery. 'Wow! Donar would love this!' She thought enjoying the kick the drink gave her. She watched the swirling crowd of fems and males. 'Oooh! Lots of prospects here!' She thought giddily.
She didn't miss all the looks she received either. She was slim and tall, with a well toned body, quite unlike any of the fems here and much more exotic looking with her Kantin appearance, copper hair and tan fur. As she swished her thick tail in casual invitation, many males with a sprinkling of females were giving her an appraising look.
Chance Furlong had come in to blow off some steam. It had been a long day in the garage and on top of that was the word that Feral and his enforcers had managed to take out Dr. Viper by themselves. It had been a blow to his ego though he knew he shouldn't feel that way since it didn't matter which of them took out the omegas as long as the criminals got taken down. Still it had felt weird so he thought, since Jake had gone out earlier, he'd go looking for some tail himself.
The club scene was jumping and he'd already danced with some hot prospects. As he was trying to decide between a beautiful willowy blond or a black haired buxom fem, his eyes caught sight of the exotic looking Kantin.
'Wow! I've never seen a Kantin like that before.' He thought. His body got hot just looking at her. As he made up his mind to check her out, he realized many others were eyeing the female as well. Growling to himself, he pushed and bulled his way through the crowd until he managed to get up a different stairwell to the balcony.
He hoped she didn't got down her end before he managed to work his way to her. Tara's eyes were focused below her and didn't see the tiger tom bearing down on her from the side. Just as she was about to move off, he reached her side.
"Hello, beautiful!" He said smoothly.
Tara looked over her shoulder and stared. 'Ohh, what a hunk!' Was her first thought. 'He's built too and such beautiful green eyes. Hmmm, for some reason he looks familiar as well.' Unfortunately, she couldn't bring up his image in her mind so let it go for now.
"Well, hello to you too, handsome." She said turning to face him and give him her full attention.
Chance grinned widely. 'Oh yeah! She's sooo...hmmm...everything!' He thought inanely. "What'cha drinking there?" He asked, getting a whiff of something really strong.
"Hmm, they called it a Firebird. It's got a great kick to it. I like it!" She said grinning invitingly at him.
"Want another?"
"Maybe...you buying?"
"Sure...want to wait here or come down to dance a bit then get a drink?"
"Ohh, now that sounds like a great idea." Tara cooed and turned back to the stairs to lead the way down to the dance floor.
Soon they were gyrating to the hip hop music and enjoying each other immensely. They paused after an hour and got the promised drink. Chance gasped as the fiery brew burned its way down his throat.
"Woah! Strong stuff that!" He coughed.
"Yeah, isn't it great?" Tara said smirking as she smacked her lips in obvious delight. She was rapidly getting tipsy but not completely drunk. This stuff was really great.
"Oh yeah! Haven't tasted anything like it." Chance snorted, eyeing his companion, a little concerned. He didn't want her falling down drunk that wouldn't help later...if there was a later. "I think this will be my only one. I like keeping my wits about me." He said casually, keeping an arm wrapped around her waist possessively.
"Hmmm, yeah, this will be my last too. I like having a buzz but not being blotted completely." She agreed as she sipped a little more before giving up on it and setting it down on the bar. "So handsome, want to dance some more?"
"If you'd like to." Chance said warmly, putting his glass down and pulling her back out to the floor.
It was very late by the time they squeezed their way out of the club and onto the street.
"Interested in a nightcap, my handsome dancer?" Tara asked, eyes bright with lust.
"Ohh, I like the sound of that. Your place?" He asked.
"Sure, if that's easier."
"Yeah, I share my apartment with my best friend." Chance said easily.
"Oh, good reason."
"Uh, did you drive?"
"No, took a cab."
"Good, I've got my ride over here. Like motorcycles?"
"Ohh, do I. Wow! This is some ride!" Tara said in awe as she noted a motorcycle that didn't resemble anything she'd seen so far on this planet. That triggered something in her mind. 'What are the odds I'd see something Genus has seen once already?' She thought as she climbed aboard behind the male and put a helmet on he offered her.
She gave him the address and soon they were whizzing through the light, late night traffic. It was a thrilling ride and she was almost regretful at its too soon end. She climbed off and handed the helmet back. She watched as he set a very sophisticated security system.
They walked paw in paw through her lobby, into the elevator where he held her close and gave her a nuzzle on the cheek, then they were stepping off and walking down the hall to her apartment.
They stepped in and she locked it behind her, dropping her keys on the nearby table and tossing her jacket and purse on the couch. Stepping up to him, she wrapped her arms around his neck. She was glad she wasn't too much taller than he was...that might have been awkward.
"So handsome, what's your name?" She growled huskily as she ran her fingers through his blond hair.
"Chance Furlong." He rumbled, rubbing his paws up and down her back, his face buried in her neck.
She nearly stopped playing with his hair when she heard his name. A name she'd heard only a few days ago. 'Goddess! One of the SWAT Kats. For the love of all the stars, how did I manage to find the partner of Genus's lover? What an amazing coincidence.' She thought in shock. 'Well, well now isn't this something!'
"Something wrong, beautiful?" Chance asked, pulling his head back and staring into her eyes questioningly.
Tara recovered quickly and smiled warmly at the tom. "None at all Chance and my name is Tara."
"Hmm, nice name, it suits you."
"Thank you!"
Without further words, Chance pressed his lips to hers. Her toes curled and heat rushed through her. 'Ohh, yes just what I've been needing. This is going to be a great night.'