Page 1
Setting: Site 7 main hall. The gang stands in aw as they're presented a new device. It seems to be a large pod that a small group could walk onto. Its platform is wide with a light blue light emitting from the bottom up.
Forte: "This here is something we've been working on. Driving is great and all, but we'll need you guys to be available on call. Need a quick transport? We've got you covered."
The gang is amazed.
Devlon: "Again, how long have we had something like this?"
Terry: "Wait, so we can transport now?"
Iris: "Anywhere we want?"
Elliot: "Ay Jazz, we bout to travel the world for free on our first date."
Jasmine: "Skip the mission, I'm using vacation days."
Wendy: "No more six hour drives into town? No more hours of Elliot singing? Lovely."
Chase: "Ya know, why not hit up a family trip?"
Page 2
Everyone except Forte looks to Chase with excitement. Devlon looks like he's trying to hide his excitement, but he's failing miserably.
The Gang (except Chase): "REALLY?"
Chase: "Yeah, why not? Could be a nice getaway. We can take our visitors, too. We can show em a good time before dropping them off at home."
Nana looks up at Kei, holding his arm. Meanwhile, Kei wears a heartfelt smile.
Nana: "We get to go on a trip with Elliot and friends?"
Kei: "That's very considerate, Chase. Thank you."
Jasmine jumps in a couple wine glasses made of pure ice.
Jasmine: "I'll get the drinks ready."
Wendy is right behind her with her with her arms crossed.
Wendy: "You know you're technically a cop, right? An underaged cop. As in, not 18 yet?"
Jasmine leaning back, holding a hand to her face as she whispers in Wendy's ear.
Jasmine: "Turn a blind eye and Terry and I can whip up a hot tub at any spot you'd like. Say, the roof? Gazing at stars?"
Wendy: "Oh yes, PLEA-er-um, Apples juice! When she said drinks, she meant apple juice, guys!"
Iris: "Apple juice? I love apple juice!"
Page 3
Devlon: "Hold on, shouldn't we be training for the games?"
Jasmine liquifies and slithers to Devlon's side.
Jasmine: "I hear Wendy makes a mean carne asada. She makes it for every special occasion."
Wendy: "I do?"
Jasmine: "Shh!" I'm tryin' to convince him!
Close up on Jasmine's mouth near Devlon's ear.
Jasmine: "With a special mango smoothie."
Devlon: "Man…go?"
Wendy: "Wait, what makes you think I'm just gonna make these-"
Jasmine: "Just play along. Devlon can't resist mangoes."
Wendy: "Oh really?" So that's his weakness? "Yep. I totally make a mean mango smoothie along with my mango salsa."
Page 4
In an instant, Devlon heads for the transportation device with luggage and a backpack.
Devlon: "Th-then, we're ready to go, right?"
Wendy: "You weren't kidding about that weakness, huh Jasmine?" That was fast!
Jasmine: "Hahaha! Told you!"
The entire gang circles the device as if trying to figure out how it works.
Iris: "What does this button do?"
Chase: "Hold on, Iris. We need a destination first."
Terry: "Somewhere tropical!"
Jasmine: "Eh, how about somewhere snowy?"
Devlon: "Eh, I don't handle the cold very well."
Wendy: "Somewhere with a natural hot spring?"
Kei: "I wonder how this device works."
Elliot looks down at Nana.
Elliot: "Yo, where you wanna go, sis?"
Nana: "You want me to pick? Hmmm…Pony Paradise?"
Iris teleports to Nana, attempting to hide her excitement.
Iris: "Pony Paradise? I'm too old for that." Please pick that place. Please please please! I want Ponies!
Forte: "GUYS! Aren't you forgetting something?"
Page 5
The gang looks at Forte.
Gang: "Um…"
Devlon: "Oh!"
A light bulb turns on above Devlon's head.
Devlon: "We forgot to include Master Forte! Where would you like to go, sir?"
Forte: "That's not it, Devlon!"
Forte yells at the group, pointing his finger at them.
Forte: "You all got carried away and forgot about the mission!"
Upon realizing what Forte is saying, the group is disappointed beyond recovery.
Devlon: "Oh, right."
Iris: "So no Pony Paradise?"
Jasmine: "Afraid not. Alright, party pooper. Let's get this mission going. We can travel after the mission."
Forte: "I'm afraid that's not possible. It's not that I'm a party pooper. I uh…care to explain, Omar?"
Page 6
Omar steps up to explain things with a smile. The gang listens in, but Kei seems the most intrigued.
Omar: "Well, we've been working on this for quite some time, but it's still far from perfect. We're only able to use these in the areas you've already been to. So, driving isn't a thing of the past just yet."
Kei: "Wow. So you set this up in Maple town already?"
Omar: "Yep. I'd been working over there for the past month. After I plant a couple more 'seeds,' I should be able to figure out a way to build them at a faster rate."
Kei: "Seeds?"
Omar: "Yes. It's how I refer to the process."
Omar: "You see, after we work through all the scientific stuff, we work on compression. That is, reducing its size using a shrinking device."
Elliot: "Shrinking device! Like in the cartoons?"
Omar: "Yes. But it isn't a permanent shrinkage. The compression takes a lot of power, so it's temporary. That said, we have to transfer the shrunken transporter underground before time runs out."
Terry: "So you literally place it underground like a seed?"
Omar: "Precisely. Though, the underground area is already predetermined. We have to dig out the exact measurement of the full sized transporters in order for this to work."
Elliot: "Wait wait. So what if I was carrying one in my pocket on the expressway when the shrinkage runs out of time?"
Omar: "Well, that would result in a terrible accident."
Elliot rubs his chin and nods.
Elliot: "No further questions."
Wendy: "Satisfied, now?"
Elliot: "Yes.
Page 7
Forte: "And there you have it. The only seed we have planted so far is in Maple City. Wendy, I'll have you deal with the rental car when you get there."
Wendy: "Got it."
Forte extends his arm out.
Forte: "Alright. You're going into town to gather more information on the faceless. Bring back a sample of these things if at all possible. If you see the guy Wendy ran into at the hospital, be careful. He did save Iris, but we don't know his motives."
Devlon: "What do we do if we run into him or other irregulars?"
Forte: "See if you can convince them to come back with you guys. We're moving towards the goal of integration between humans and irregulars, but considering these faceless things are a threat to irregulars, it may be best to take in irregulars if you find one."
Jasmine crosses her arms with her eyes closed.
Jasmine: "Don't think anyone would just come quietly to a bunch of cops taking them in for no reason."
Forte: "There is a reason. They just may not know what it is. There are bots who can find irregulars as well. Bring back a sample of a faceless and we'll work on programing our bots to attack the faceless on site."
Page 8
Forte: "Alright. Devlon, I'll have you teamed up with Wendy. You'll need a human cop with you. Wendy, I'll leave you in charge of all transactions for the hotel, car, and everything else just in case."
Wendy: "Got it."
Devlon: "Understood."
Forte: "Jasmine, you and Terry will accompany each other. You work well to compliment each other's weaknesses."
Jasmine: "What is this 'weakness' you speak of? Me no comprehend." I'm as strong as they come.
Terry: "Let's DO this!"
Forte points at Elliot, Iris, and Chase.
Forte: "And you three will work as a group. Support each other. Elliot's new to his powers, but has grown a lot since his awakening. Stay in a group at all times!"
Page 9
Forte: "Those are your groups. But I'll have Wendy, Chase, and Iris enter the hotel first. Transactions are to be done with Wendy as mom. Chase and Iris will be father and daughter."
Iris grabs hold of Wendy's arm.
Iris: "Mommy!"
Wendy: "If I'm in a group with Devlon, why change things and start off with Iris and Chase?"
Forte: "Just so things look normal. Once the hotel room is booked, you'll be in your assigned groups."
Forte stretches out his hand.
Forte: "Alright. Commence mission! Attract those faceless and see about bringing a sample back! Maybe we can get an idea as to where they come from."
The gang stands in the pod, ready to go.
Forte: "Have each other's backs! And good luck!"
Page 10
Setting: An unknown area that gives the feel of a parking garage. Close up on a single gray door with a sign on it. A beam of light flashes through the cracks of the door frame, followed by rising steam.
From behind the door, voices can be heard.
Wendy: "Ack! Devlon, your sword handle hit me in the throat!"
Nana: "I don't like it! Everyone's too close! And it's dark in here!"
Terry: "It's all wet! There's Jasmine all over the place!"
Kei: "That's what that is? I've got Jasmine in my socks!!"
Water leaks out from the crack between the door and the floor and begins to rise.
The water solidifies into a human. It's Jasmine. After leaking out from the other side of the door, she reaches for the door handle.
Jasmine: "Hold on, hold on."
Everyone has fallen out of the small room behind the door as Jasmine opens the door. Jasmine takes a look at the sign on the door.
Jasmine: "Hmm…it says 'Government people, only. Keep out.' Who would say it like that?"
Devlon is up as he glares at the sign.
Devlon: "This is…master Forte's writing."
Wendy: "That was his idea for keeping everything under wraps?"
Everyone begins walking out of the parking garage.
Chase: "Anyway, let's head to the hotel."
Page 11
Setting: Outside of the hotel. The gang stands outside of the hotel.
Wendy: "Alright. Sit tight. I'm gonna rent the car first, then I can get us rooms."
Jasmine: "You actually wanna follow the rules? C'mon, I'm old enough to pay for a room. No need to hold my hand."
Devlon: "We have Wendy paying for a reason. Just to be safe, we need Wendy to handle transactions. She's human."
Jasmine: "It's not like they can tell we're irregulars. Only the bots can do that."
Jasmine points at Wendy's cheek, which is still red and a little swollen from her fight with Terry.
Jasmine: "If anything, Wendy will catch their attention with that. Terry got you good, girl."
Wendy: "That obvious? Devlon, you said it didn't look bad!"
Devlon: "No, no. You look good. Really. Just, you look good with a small lump on your face. That's all."
Wendy: "Thanks. You know just what to say to make a lady feel beautiful."
Devlon: "Oh, um…you're welcome." I'm getting better at this.
Eliot: "Bruh…"
Wendy, Chase, and Iris walk away from the hotel.
Wendy: "Whatever. I'm kinda tired anyway. We'll save time by splitting it. I'll take the car rental. Just get us a nice room, Jazz."
Chase: "You sure?"
Terry: "Like Jazz said; only the bots can scan for irregulars. Let's go."
Page 12
Next scene. Setting: Hotel Lobby front desk. Jasmine is handling the transactions. Elliot and Terry's with her, along with Kei and Nana.
Front Desk Lady: "Hi. How may I help you?"
Jasmine: "I'd like two suites, please. With the works."
Front Desk Lady: "May I see your I.D.?"
Jasmine hands over the I.D.
Jasmine:See? This is easy.
Front Desk Lady: "Ms. Aqua Dragon? Last Name 'I'mclearlyanirregularsodon'teffwithme?'"
Jasmine:Shoot! Wrong I.D.
Elliot: "What kinda name is that?"
Jasmine whispers to Elliot.
Jasmine: "It was an old project where we made fake I.D.s in case we ever needed to use it in the city."
Elliot: "And you chose that as your name?"
Jasmine: "That was a joke I.D. I made to piss off Forte."
Jasmine speaks with the front desk lady.
Jasmine: "Um…sorry, that's um…I'm totally not an irregular. Just a foreign last name."
Terry (sipping soda):Nobody's gonna believe that.
Page 13
Front desk lady: "Why would I think that? It's a unique name. I love your accent."
Terry spits out his soda, trying not to choke.
Jasmine: "Yeah, I get that a lot."
Terry: *choking.
Front Desk Lady: "Besides, you're much too well-mannered and articulate to be one of those irregulars."
Though she's smiling, a nerve appears on Jasmine's forehead.
Jasmine: "Ya don't say?"
Terry:Uh oh.
Front Desk Lady: "Yeah. And with the most recent incident involving that demon child with the sword? I wouldn't want them anywhere near my kids."
Jasmine begins to rub her nose.
Jasmine: "Ahhh, I see. Hehehe. Oh, my nose."
Terry:Just let it slide, Jazz. Don't do anything rash!
Jasmine lets out a sneeze, shooting so much water that it completely engulfs the front desk lady, even pushing her out of her seat.
Jasmine: "ACHOOO!!!!!"
Behind Jasmine, Kei looks frightened.
Kei:I hope I never get on her bad side.
Jasmine rubs her nose with a look of satisfaction on her face.
Jasmine: "So sorry. Allergies, ya know? Totally not an irregular. Anyway, which room is it?"
Still recovering from being blasted out of her seat, the drenched front desk lady holds up a key card.
Front Desk Lady: "...room 219."
Jasmine: "'Preciate it."
Page 14
Scene change. Setting: Rental car place. We're now in a car rental place. Wendy and Iris are at the front desk. Chase and Devlon are further back near the door.
Wendy: "Hi, I'd like to rent a vehicle for a couple days."
Car rental dude: "Sure. May I see your I.D.?"
Shift focus to Devlon and Chase.
Chase: "So. How's it been going? Being on a team with the lovely Ms. Wendy and Elliot?"
Devlon: "Huh? Good. Elliot's been improving a lot, lately."
Chase: "Eh, lemme just cut to the chase. What do ya think about Wendy?"
Devlon: "She's been holding her own this whole time. She's really impressive."
Chase: "Okay. Good. But, aside from mission stuff. How do you like her?"
Devlon: "Huh? She's…cool, I guess."
Chase lets out a sigh and rubs his temples.
Chase: "Man. These short answers are killin' me. Loosen up a bit. What's she like?"
Devlon: "I mean… she's fierce. But ya know, gentle at the same time."
Chase: "She definitely looks like her, ya know? Karla."
Devlon: "Yeah, she does. Sometimes it's like I'm looking at her again."
Chase: "Just make sure you're not confusing the two. Ladies like to be accepted for their individuality, not for similar traits of another."
Devlon: "..."
Page 15
Wendy and Iris walk over to the guys.
Wendy: "You guys ready?"
Devlon: "Huh? Yeah, let's go."
Chase holds the door open for everyone on their way out.
Chase: "Ladies first."
Wendy: "Why thank you, Charles."
Devlon catches Wendy before she walks out, facing her with a stern look.
Devlon: "Wendy, can I have the keys? Master Forte wants me to take the wheel while we're out."
Wendy looks terrified. Her pupils disappear as she starts breathing heavily.
Wendy: "WHAAAAAT?!" I don't wanna die.
A few seconds pass, then Devlon forms a smile and closes his eyes.
Devlon: "Gotcha."
Surprised and relieved, Wendy catches her breath.
Wendy:Wait, Devlon has a sense of humor? "Hehehe. Yeah, you did get me for a moment." I get to live another day.
Iris: "Kyaaa! Big bro has jokes!"
Page 16
In the hotel suite, Wendy and the others enter the room. Jasmine and Terry are already in the room, relaxing.
Wendy: "Oh, this is nice! I guess everything went okay downstairs, huh?"
Jasmine: "Without a hitch."
Wendy turns to Nana and Kei with a smile.
Wendy: "We'll drop you two off in the morning, if you're okay with that." I'm tired.
Kei: "Oh, thank you. That's fine."
Nana: "Yay! We get to spend the night!"
The rest of the page displays the following: Elliot sitting, playing video games with Devlon and Kei,
Elliot: "Bruh, jump over the hole."
Devlon: "Like this?" This is kinda fun.
Kei: "Now you're getting it. You're a natural."
Iris playing with Nana, jumping from sofa, to bed, to dresser,
Iris: "The floor is lava. The floor is lava!"
Nana: "Oh no! Jump, Iris!"
Wendy chills with a glass of wine across from a relaxed Jasmine.
Wendy: "Wait, really? You hid his blankie?"
Jasmine: "Yeah. Devie was pissed! He loved that blankie."
And lastly, Terry and Chase arguing.
Terry: "Why do I have to take the floor?"
Chase: "I already told you; seniority. I'm older, man."
Page 17
As the gang settles in for the night, we shift scenes. Setting: Outside, after hours, in the middle of the street. The moonlight and street lights light the scene.
A silhouette walks down the street.
Silhouette: "Sheesh. And here I thought I'd finally lost em."
Close up on the silhouette's mouth.
Silhouette: "But you guys are persistent."
Zooming out, the silhouette dude stands in the middle of 6 military bots circling him. The silhouette dude is revealed to be the Sword Dude who was part of the meeting with Stone and Chase (Chapter 24). He wields a katana at his waist.
Page 18
The circling bots pull out guns. That is, except for one.
Sword Dude: "Seems you guys just won't take the hint."
The weaponless bot rushes Sword Dude, going in for a punch.
Sword Dude lowers his head, eyes closed.
Sword Dude: "Have it your way, then."
Page 19
With the flick of a single thumb at the Katana's handle, Sword dude unsheathes his weapon.
The katana flies out of its sheath, causing the katana's handle to rise into the bot's chin with enough force to send the bot up into the air.
Sword Dude grips his sword handle and performs a 360 spin, slashing the other 5 bots that surround him, limbs flying in all directions.
Sword Dude: "Crescent Moon Slash!"
Page 20
The bot that was sent in the air crashes to the ground in front of the sword dude. Sword Dude picks up the bot and brings it to eye level.
Sword Dude: "I know these eyes hold cameras, so if you're listening…"
He plunges his blade into the bot's abdomen.
Sword Dude: "I'm not interested!"