-- Chapter Nine: When the Dust has Settled -- I feel good. I feel better than James Brown! I feel better now! How do you feel? -- "I Feel Better Than James Brown", Was (Not Was) + Day of Emancipation + Sunrise had never looked more beautiful. Zipper had to laugh, despite the numerous bandages covering him. They were at New Horizon Landfill, and true to the name, a new horizon was just cresting. The puffy clouds high above them were dusted with wisps of red and orange as the sun's rays touched them artistically. The morning was warming up, and even the breeze running across the huge crowd was refreshing and brisk. Even better, it was blowing upwind of the actual landfill. The freed captives from the Swarm HQ were all around, trying to reunite with their families that had been split up during the actual attacks. Gadget had driven back to the tree in the APC, then returned with everyone in tow. Some, of course, would need to return to the city to find those who were not captured, but many others had loved ones that had also been taken prisoner. Tammy and Bink were prime examples, and had rejoiced when in fact they found that their mother was very much alive and well. It was a mixed bag of emotions for the Rangers, though, for they knew that even though most would be reunited, some calls for a relative would forever remain unanswered. One of those cases tugged on Gadget's sleeve, literally. Henry tugged again in excitement, grinning at the thought of his mother. "Momma's out there, Aunt Gadget!" he cried, staring into the vast throng of rodents moving about in an unorganized fashion. He suddenly tore himself free from her grasp, darting into the crowd, calling out for his mother whom he had not seen for over a week. Gadget's heart went out to the little boy, and she started forward, only to be stopped by Foxglove. "Let him go for now," she quietly advised, her voice very tender. "Let his excitement ebb away first -- it will be easier for him to accept the truth later." Her voice dropped slightly. "Trust me in this." "Oh Foxglove," Gadget sighed, her eyes starting to well up. "It's not that. It's just--I told him that his mother was alive. I *lied* to him. I couldn't stand to see his heart broken, and now I have to be the one to break it." Her lips trembled and she ran a shaking hand through her tousled hair. Chip gave her a comforting hug, which she accepted gladly. "Gadget," he said softly, "you did what you thought was right. You kept his hopes alive when things seemed darkest. And whether or not you feel guilty about it now, it's already over and done with. Now," he gently tilted her head up by her chin, looking her in the eyes, "Henry needs to know the truth. And I'm sure that he'd much rather hear it from someone he trusts than a stranger. He may take it hard now, but he'll thank you later in life." He smiled at her, a twinkle in his eyes. "I think it's safe to say that your father would agree with me here, hon." Gadget looked down and clasped Chip's hand tightly for moral support. He squeezed her hands back affectionately, and she nodded with acceptance. "Promise me," she told him quietly, seeming to forget that others were around. "Promise me that you'll help me raise him." She looked back up, locking him in her soulful gaze. Chip's expression did not change as he gazed back at her, also forgetting everything else happening around them at the moment. "I promise." Reaching out, she lightly touched his cheek, sending chills down his spine. Again, moved by something unbidden and unseen, they drew together, and ever-so tenderly brushed each others' lips. Zipper glanced from one to the other. He thought he spotted something flicker between the two, as if something had been discussed at great length between them in that fraction of a second. If something had been discussed, however, both parties had agreed to let the matter drop for now. Turning back to the crowd, Gadget spotted Henry deeper in the crowd, looking around with a confused and now worried look on his tiny features. "Momma?" he called out again. Gadget gave a bittersweet smile and opened her mouth. "Henry!" Gadget, and everyone around her, froze. That call had not come from her. "Henry!" A lone figure forced its way through the crowd, and everyone gaped as Henry turned and squealed with delight. "*Momma!*" He launched from his position like a firecracker into his mother's warm arms, squeezing her tightly as she kissed him all over his head, burying her nose into his fur, unable to get enough of the scent of her child. "Oh baby," she whispered. "Momma was so worried about you. About where they would have taken you -- about what they might have done with you!" She pulled her head back to look at the small form cradled euphorically in her arms. The life that she had brought into this world. "I missed you momma," he quietly wept, nuzzling in close. "Momma missed you too, sweetie," she half-cried, half-laughed, hugging him to her chest. "Momma missed you lots." Well, Zipper winked at Gadget, seems like that's one bullet dodged. "Golly and a half!" Gadget laughed, throwing her hands over her widening smile. "I never knew being wrong could feel so good!" Chip nodded contentedly. "It was just a rumor, after all. I guess they pulled Henry free separately from his mother, so they were sent to different camps." A single tear slid down Gadget's warm cheek. She couldn't believe how happy she was over the reunion. Henry had carved out a small niche in her heart, she knew. She would miss him when he and Janice decided to take their leave. Heck, she missed the little boy already. Leaning back against Chip, who wrapped his arms around her waist and held her close, she thought about how her father had hoped that she might someday have a family, which is what her mother had been hoping for while pregnant with Gadget. The mouse inventor had been ready to take that step with Henry, even though she had known the responsibility would encompass a lot of her time. Apparently, though, it wasn't time for her to move to that stage in her life. Which, in a way, she was glad about. She had so much she wanted to do yet! Sorry daddy, she thought with a contented sigh, but not yet. She grinned as she turned her head a little to warmly snuggle up into Chip's fur. Someday, though. Someday. * * * "Well boys, how's it feel to know you were living a lie?" Orkin asked bluntly to the Swarmers that had been caught and then restrained only a few hours ago. A huge number were present, but none felt like fighting anymore. Orkin popped a stub of a toothpick in his mouth as Zipper, Zinger, and Queenie joined him. "Us?" Grater snorted. "Zipper lied -- he said that he was for his brethren. Instead, he double-crosses--" "How dare you?!" Queenie suddenly shouted, making everyone jump. "Zipper risked his life to save all of you! Several times, no less! I, sirs, have been a Queen for a good many years, and have never seen the honesty, integrity, and dedication that Zipper constantly shows on a regular basis." Zipper tried not to blush, thinking it would spoil the tough guy image he was trying to emulate. Fortunately, the bandages served to cover up his reddening skin. "He could have called in a massive attack, or another Hive War if he had wanted to," Queenie went on, stalking over to Grater and Brickhouse, "but he refused. He couldn't ever do anything like that, and wouldn't rest until he found a better way, which he did! So," she said, her tone becoming cold as she leaned angrily over them, "I hardly think that those prone to violence, such as yourselves, are in any position to be throwing stones." "Hah," Brickhouse sneered, picking up for a deflated Grater. "He used that poisonous gas--" "Oh, toughen up, you wimps!" Orkin snapped. "It was nauseating, sure, but it wouldn't kill you. Not unless you were some sort of pansy-hindshelled wimp, at least. In which case you would be better off dead to start with." Say, Zipper's pose expressed, where's Washboard and Sand? "Who knows?" Grater replied, tired. "We haven't seen any of them since this whole thing started." "Was it possible we missed them?" Queenie asked to her friends. Orkin shook his head. "We did a second sweep through the place after the gases thinned out, and it was barren. Either they managed to slip past us during the battle or weren't even there when it happened." They couldn't have slipped by, Zinger buzzed, because we were watching all the exits. Orkin turned back to the Swarmers. "Well, well, well..." he chuckled. "Looks like two of your own leaders jetted on you first chance they got. Doesn't say much for their support, does it?" Brickhouse glanced at Grater, whose shoulders sagged in reply. Listen up, Zipper motioned as he flitted above the massive crowd of subdued insects, you all screwed with nature, and she didn't take to it too lightly. Hitter may have led a lot of you on, but you all went with it. Every step of the way! He never forced you to take part in this -- Queenie never did, and neither did the Wells Colony. It pains me greatly to do this, but you all have to pay for this atrocity. When we have things straightened out here, you all will have to be put to work rebuilding all the sites you wantonly destroyed. Everybug blanched at the idea; that was a lot of labor. But Zipper's stern and commanding presence among them nudged all of them to accept their fate, rather than rebel. As Zipper knew, the vast majority of them were really just followers. And in this case, the humble housefly was a natural-born leader. "After that," Brickhouse asked, "then can we go?" Not you two, Zipper replied as he landed back in front of them with a frown. You guys were major accomplices in this symphony of mass destruction, and have to 'fess up to your crimes. "I'm afraid Zipper's correct," Queenie nodded. "I don't think the two of you will be working at all with the rest of the ex-Swarmers. Something more than community service is in order here." "We'll hang on to 'em until the A.P.F. gets reestablished," Orkin offered. What about the rest? Zinger quietly asked of her brother. You're just going to let them all go? What else can we do, sis? he shrugged in reply. Throw them all in prison? Those will be pretty full already with all the soldiers who did the actual fighting. Let the bats make a buffet out of them? Sorry, but if we want to heal the sore between the rodents and insects that this whole thing has created, we need to start now. Show compassion from the start, and give most of the insects a second chance. I think they deserve it, and will make good on it. Especially since Hitter's gone now. How can you be sure he won't come back? she asked with an uncertain look. Chip said it was guaranteed, Zipper gestured. Something about being caught in a web of his own making. He said we'd understand all too soon. Fine, Zinger put her hands on her hips, but who's to say another bug just like Hitter won't come along and start it all up again? Because I won't let it happen, Zipper grinned. You and me are going to be spending a little more time with the insects for a while. We? she asked with a smirk. Yeah, he nudged her. You're the sociable one, remember? Zinger sighed with a smile, then hugged her little brother close. You're too nice kiddo, she buzzed. Don't ever change. * * * "Well?" Router nodded. "Yeah, looks like the whole place has gone kaput. Me and the guys spotted all the ex-prisoners out there, and all the insects were tied up or something off to the side." He shrugged. "We could try to rescue them, I suppose, but I really don't think it's worth it. Swarm has had it." Sand smiled. "Yes, I would have to agree with you in that regard, Router. It's failed." He sighed. "But I sensed that when I found out what Hitter was really like. I mean, wanting their deaths for an honest mistake," he nodded towards the guards he had been ordered to terminate. Instead, he had gathered them up with all of his loyal troops, and left without a second thought. "So where to now?" Router asked. "Better yet, *what* now?" Sand glanced around him at the loyal insects who had followed him on this exodus. They had put their faith in him, believing that he could succeed where Swarm had failed: making life better for all insects. "Now," he finally said, starting off towards the desert, "we find a nice, quiet place to rest. Heaven knows we've earned it. We'll rest up, recuperate, and see about helping out the insects in the surrounding areas." "Will we return to the city?" Router asked as he fell in place behind the wasp. "Try to unite the insects agin?" Sand glanced back, then shook his head. "No. Not here. After the raid on the compound, they'll have to live with a nasty shame for a long time. They won't be nearly as easy to coerce as they were. No, Router, if we *do* decide to try a major consolidation of the insects of a city, it will be somewhere other than Stones City. I'll happily call our dealings with this place done." Router nodded as they continued on, wondering if he would ever be involved in another event as historically significant as this. The group that had followed Sand out of Swarm was fairly large, so it was possible that they would be around for a while, and perhaps even cross paths with those who had engineered Swarm's downfall. But not today. * * * As night fell over the peaceful city, a figure gracefully walked over the deserted ground above Swarm's HQ. It wasn't any of the Rangers; they had all gone home. It wasn't any of the freed prisoners; they had all headed back to their own lives. It wasn't any of the insects; they were all being held by a joint effort of Queenie's swarm and the Wells Colony. And it wasn't any of the bats; having served their tour of duty, they had flown back to their cave, rather pleased with how much help they had turned out to be. The figure stopped and looked around, a smile on her quiet lips. "And so, the empire of the insects has tumbled to the ground," Victoria softly commented. "Chip seems to have done rather well for himself after he escaped to the surface." She also assumed that the fly, Zipper, had had something to do with it as well. Especially after Hitter's tirade. That, and Zipper *was* the interfering type. Whatever the case, she had merely stopped by to confirm, for her own mind, the end of Swarm. She wondered if anyone would know of her own little contribution to the demise of the group, but didn't really care. She wasn't out for fame or praise. She only wanted two things, and both of them were undoubtably far away, back at the Rangers headquarters. Ah well, they could wait for a bit, she surmised. She needed to find another lair. Chip would undoubtably report her old one to the rest of the Rangers, but Victoria had wanted to move anyway. That sewer was just not her style. Perhaps she could scuttle over to one of the larger abandoned houses near the edge of the city. Might be some good spots over there. Satisfied that this obstacle had been overcome, Victoria moved off in search of another place to call home. Where she could relax for a few months before she plotted Foxglove's and Dale's demise anew. * * * "My nephew's room is cleaner than this place," McDugell sighed, looking out over the ruined remains of the A.P.F.'s main office. The whole place was a shambles, and would take weeks to replace, even with the help that Zipper promised the insects would give. Even then, though, a great deal of work remained to be done that only he and the officers could do; files had to be found, resorted, and replaced if need be. Criminals needed to be caught -- they had lost dozens when the holding cells were destroyed. The Rangers would undoubtedly be helping on that end, but it was still annoying. "I should've stuck with being a Warden," he sighed. "Less work." "Uh, sir?" one of the officers approached him. "Hmm?" "Some of the guys think we should just make a new office, rather than rebuild this one." "Not a bad idea. They have a place in mind?" "Yes sir. Over by the 7th precinct station. That place was just refurbished, so there's lots of building materials to work with, and we wouldn't have to worry about them digging through the walls or foundation or anything and accidentally finding us. All we would have to do is rewire our networks to theirs." "Well," McDugell chuckled, "sure, good idea, but first we need to replace the ones we had. Emphasis on the word *had*." "Oh. Good point, sir." * * * "Be it ever so crumbled, there's no place like home," Fat Cat shook his head sadly as he gazed over his ruined casino. Everything would have to be replaced, from the broken lights overhead, to the stained carpeting under his feet. "The office is pretty bad, too, boss," Snout said as he returned from the elevator. "Big-time mess." "I liked it," Mole dimly added for no apparent reason. "Looks more like my place now." "How absolutely appalling," Fat Cat sighed as he walked over to one of the walls, moving aside a crooked painting. He deftly opened the safe behind it, nodding in satisfaction. "At least they didn't touch the profits from the casino. This should cover the redecorating costs nicely." "This place does that well?" Stripes asked, looking up from the broken roulette table he had been inspecting. He sounded impressed. "We have our weeks," Fat Cat merely answered with a feline smile. "Meps, Wart, all of you -- start clearing this junk out of here. I want this casino clear of debris." "Gee boss," Wart said, glancing around in confusion, "I don't see no cheese here." Stripes chuckled while Fat Cat sighed. Things were back to normal. * * * "Well, I guess those bugs aren't going to be looking for a deal, after all," Bubbles mumbled, somewhat disappointed as he read over a scout's report. "Mmmm?" Desiree asked from her place on the couch. "Says here that the place was broken up," he frowned heavily. "By the Rescue Rangers no less! Bah!" He crumpled the paper into a wad and whipped it across the room. "Those blasted jerks! Every time I turn around they're poking their high-brow noses where they aren't wanted! First at that flabby tabby's meeting, now here. Why couldn't they have been killed during the attacks?" "Zey all survived?" Desiree lightly asked, stretching out a little. "Didn't say," Bubbles grumbled in return. "Pairhaps you should find out," she advised. "Why?" he shrugged. "They'll be licking their wounds too much to bug us for a while." Desiree couldn't believe how dense Bubbles could be at times. The brute certainly was no planner, to be sure. "Zey managed to survive Swarm, no? Zey also managed to -- 'ow you say? -- 'bring Swarm down'. Is it not likely, zen, zat zey may also not be as 'urt as you 'ope?" Bubbles grunted, chewing it over. "Maybe. Yeah, maybe I can have some of the guys check 'em out. See if they're all alive. If any are in bad shape. Personally, as long as that stupid mouse mechanic is out of the way, I'll be a happy man." Desiree gave him a sultry smile. "Naturellement." She had another mouse in mind, but hoped he had survived. It'd be hard to enjoy her revenge on him if he was dead, after all. * * * "There she be, mates," Monterey grinned as Dale and Gadget placed the Rescue Ranger symbol back in place over the doorway and firmly attached it. The rest of the gathered crowd on the branch applauded heartily, celebrating the simple act as if it were a metaphor for something much more significant. "Definitely looks better," Chip nodded with a grin. "I don't know," Tammy shrugged. "I was never crazy over the red and blue, really." "Hey, watch what you say about red," Rufus chuckled. Dale rejoined them, giving Foxglove a strong hug before turning to Chip. "Now? Huh, can we? Huh? Now? Please?" "Yes, yes, fine," Chip sighed with a smile. "Knock yourself out." "Whoo-hoo! Hey everyone," Dale called out. "Lunch is on in the living room! First come, first served!" The mad rush for the buffet table within left Zipper, Chip, Zinger, Orkin, and Queenie standing alone on the branch. "Aren't you hungry?" Orkin asked. "Well, sure," Chip nodded. "But the line at the table is probably more violent now than Swarm ever was. You could lose a hand before realizing it." How's about you, little bro? Zinger hugged her brother. Feeling well enough to eat? I'm always well enough to eat, Zipper assured her as he readjusted his bandages. "Just take it easy, Zipper," Queenie said, running a smooth hand over his head. "You deserve it." Chip swore that if Zipper had a tail, it would be thumping. Orkin, starting to get annoyed at the P.D.A. (Public Display of Affection), grumbled and headed inside, soon followed by the others. "Man, there's a lot of cheese here," Tim mentioned as he moved along the buffet line. "Oh hush, Timmy," Catherine, his wife, mock-scolded him. "You like cheese." "In fudge?" "Oh Chip," Janice waved the chipmunk over to a seat next to her and Henry on the couch. He made a quick stop by the buffet to snatch an apple slice before heading over and sitting down next to them. "What's up?" he asked politely. "Henry has something for you," she smiled, then nudged her son. "Don't you, honey?" "Hmm?" Henry looked up from the pudding he was devouring. "Oh!" he cried as he hopped up and ran off to the back rooms. "Uhm... should I be worried?" Chip asked lightly. Janice laughed. "No, it's just something that the Wells Colony found when they were checking to make sure none were left behind. I told them we'd give it back to its owner, and Henry wanted to be the one to present it to you." "Gee," Chip felt a bit flattered. "How come?" "He likes you," she smiled. "I think you remind him of his father." Chip shook his head with a grin. "Great. I'm a father already. I'm in serious trouble." "Oh tish-tosh," Janice joked. "You'd make a fine father." "Thanks, but my temper isn't always the best." "You think mine is, Chip? Trust me, when the time comes, you'll be surprised at how well you'll do." "You don't happen to know anyone by the name of Cassandra, do you?" "No, why?" "No reason." Henry came running back with something partially hidden behind his back, eyes wide and mouth grinning. "Here!" He whipped the object out from around him without any more fanfare, thinking none was needed. He was right, actually. "Hey, all right!" Chip said happily, taking his cherished fedora. "I was wondering what had happened to this! Thanks a lot, Henry!" He reached out and ruffled Henry's hair. "You're a lifesaver." "Takes one to know one," Janice beamed, giving Chip an unexpected hug. "Thank you, Chip. From both of us." "Uhm, no sweat," Chip gulped, his cheeks growing hot. "Hey, whose piano is this?" Foxglove asked as she walked by it. "Is it still working?" "Yep," Gadget nodded. "It was just knocked over. When we cleaned the place up, I took a few minutes to make sure that it was still working and in tune." "Where'd it come from?" Foxglove queried, having never seen it before. "Me," Skip answered from behind her, moving over to it. "Got it from some friends of mine, for another friend of mine." He let his gaze wander over to Chip. Chip? Zipper's buzz asked. I thought you said it was for aesthetic purposes. "It is," Chip replied, sighing. Rats. He had been figured out. "You play?" Gadget perked up. "Some might exaggerate and call it that," Skip winked. "That's for the support, buddy," Chip returned. "Ah, friendship that never dies," Monterey noted. "Because it was never there to start with," Tim added with a laugh. Chip had gotten up and walked over to the gathering crowd around the piano by this time. "Okay, laugh if you will, people, but in my younger days I was a terror on the ivory keys." "Yeah," Skip nodded. "People ran screaming into the streets." Dale leaned up against the side of the upright piano. "Weird. You know, I could have sworn I recall you playing a piano before, Chip. A grand piano, I think." "Yeah, it is weird, isn't it?" Chip agreed, oddly enough having had that feeling before. "Well?" Gadget's eyes darted from Chip to the keyboard, asking. "Fine, but I'm still out of practice -- and don't say it, Skip!" Skip held up his hands innocently. Seating himself comfortably in front of the instrument, Chip tried to block out the small crowd that had gathered around him. He dimly recalled one of his first recitals, back in grade school. He was just as nervous then, but at least he only had to worry about his parents being embarrassed. Here, it was a large collection of friends. Friends. That thought stuck in his head for a second longer. He glanced back up and around the piano at the varied faces surrounding him, all with cheerful and expectant expressions. Dale. Foxglove. Gadget. Janice. Henry. Tim. Catherine. Cindy. Ann. Tammy. Bink. Zipper. Orkin. Queenie. Rufus. Zinger. Monterey. He sighed deeply. Throughout this whole ordeal, they had all managed to stay together. Even most of the others who had been captured harbored no ill feelings toward Orkin or Queenie, or most other insects. They were willing to judge each person on the merits of the person's own personality. Some weren't quite so open-minded, but it was a start. Zipper's smile grew as he could easily read the feelings crossing Chip's face. His fellow Ranger was feeling quite at ease now, comforted by the ring of friends around him. When Chip opened his eyes, he found himself to be looking directly at Zipper. The two sleuths exchanged a smile, and Zipper nodded encouragingly. Bolstered, Chip set his hands upon the keys and began to play. -- Epilogue -- "All right, now this time I want everyone to sing along, okay?" "Okay!" (Chip) Oh, place your hands on my hope (Gadget) Run your fingers through my soul (Monterey) And the way that I feel right now -- oh Lord it may go (Skip) So place your hands on my hope (Cindy, Ann, and Bink) Run your fingers through my soul (Janice and Henry) And the way that we feel right now -- oh Lord it may go (All) Put your hands on, put your hands on Put your hands on, put your hands on Put your hands on, put your hands on Put your hands on, put your hands on (Tim) You know you cannot hide, from what's inside (Tammy) You know you cannot hide, from what's inside (Zipper and Zinger) So I ask of you (Dale and Foxglove) to help me through (Zipper and Zinger) I ask of you (Dale and Foxglove) this thing to do: (All) Put your hands on, put your hands on Put your hands on, put your hands on (Rufus) So lay me down, for a while (Orkin) Join my body with my mind (Queenie) Oh, I cried at the "Common One", 4 weeks aft' he died (All) Put your hands on, put your hands on Put your hands on, put your hands on Put your hands on, put your hands on Put your hands on, put your hands on Put your hands on, put your hands on Put your hands on, put your hands on Cause the way that we feel right now -- oh Lord it may go (Chip, Gadget, Dale, Monterey, and Zipper) Put your hands on, put your hands on! (Tim, Tammy, Bink, Cindy, and Ann) Put your hands on, put your hands on! (Janice, Henry, Zinger, Orkin, Queenie, Foxglove, and Rufus) Put your hands on, put your hands on! (All) Put your hands on, put your hands on! The End -- -- -- -- -- -- -- Author's Notes: Chip 'n Dale's Rescue Rangers and all characters from the series were created and are owned by Disney. All other characters are copyrighted [c] by Matt Plotecher. This story is part of the "Chip Noir Dale's Rescue Rangers" universe, both of which are copyrighted [c] 1998-1999 by Matt Plotecher. "Gadget's Lullaby" -- Filk of "Stay (So faraway, so close)" by U2. New lyrics copyrighted [c] (again) 1998 by Matt Plotecher. "Place Your Hands" is by REEF, [c] 1997. 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