Part 1

Planet Turo… Galactic Council Chambers.

A Council relies on one simple hope: that each sitting member contributes their wisdom and views to the debate at hand. To refine ideas and execute a decision as one, singular body. It is this duty of all councilors; to not simply carry wisdom, but to state and champion one’s own ideals…

So too is the duty of councilors to remain informed… and nothing could be more true when passing judgment on an entire species...

The Experiments.  

Jumba: “These creatures are deserving of a life beyond what Jumba made them for!”

Jumba slammed his hands on the round table, both to punctuate and to convince himself. This was the most passionate he had been in a long, long time… but even he had his doubts. It was easy, simple even, to make cases for the others, sure… but where is the line drawn?

As destructive as 626 was, even he had a heroic resolve. But from what everyone has seen, his brethren didn’t share that.

His opposition barely flinched. He towered overhead, grunted, and leaned into the table himself, pressing his large, blubbery palms on the metal.

Gantu: “And how will throwing in these trogs affect them? One bad apple spoils the bunch, doctor. Imagine three.”

The comment flushed through Jumba. His grip on the table hardened.

Jumba: “Jumba’s Experiments are not so… weak-willed as to turn to evil a second, third time! They have surpassed that!”

From the shadows behind Gantu, someone spoke.

Council member: “You have been wrong before, doctor. What you are proposing now has far too much risk. If you’re wrong this time…”

Gantu: “We would not only have three superpowered trogs on our hands, they’d be leading an army. All they have to do is convince 624 to sing that song to an audience big enough! There’s too much risk!”

Jumba: “Her name is Angel. They all have names!”

Council member: “We are aware… but our policy towards referencing them stands, doctor.”

Done on purpose, of course. The detractors lobbied hard to strip his creations—his children, of their names, their humanity. For “easy reference,” they argued. It was enough to drive him mad. Dealing with the Council simply reminded him why he crafted 626’s blueprints in the first place!

Gantu: “Am I wrong, doctor? The Experiments who have not been created with an immunity won’t gain it overnight. And we certainly won’t be letting anyone alter them now, harumph!”  

Jumba: “Jumba refuses to sit here and listen to these implications, these insults! Their wills are strong!”

Council member: “And Turo forbid if one of those humans allies with them. Do you have faith in them, doctor?”

Jumba: “Do not be insulting Lilo’s kind! Have you forgotten everything she’s—they’ve done for us?!“

Gantu: “He’s right. The humans have little to do with this. The Council should continue to focus their attention on the Experiments. May I remind you all of their capabilities and history?”

Gantu pointed towards a screen that slowly descended over the table. A pink Armada member waddled into the lit centre and gave Gantu a single remote, which he gripped and whispered a grunt of ‘thanks.’

And with a single click, he pulled up Experiment 627’s file. Jumba winced; the flash of green brought back memories. Some painful. Tantalog scrolled across the sphere-like projector, shining down on the obscured, but no doubt horrified faces of the councilors.

Gantu: “And these aren’t even half of the powers 627 carries. Having worked personally with it, I can safely say it is not like Experiment 626. In the slightest.”

There were murmurs, disappointed ones, shocked ones. Passionate ones. For all his intellect, Jumba failed to come up with a rebuttal.

Gantu: “And this is not the only Experiment the good doctor requests we release into the wild. Shall I remind you all of how Experiment 629 came into existence?”

Experiment 629; Leroy. His file flashed on screen. That crimson fur, that slobbering yellow grin. The malice in his eyes. All of it prompted horrified gasps and cries of outrage.

Council member: “Never! Never release it!”

Jumba: “This one has a weakness! Jumba assures you that it’s as harmless as a bug!”

He winced. Even he couldn’t believe that. Not with any certainty.

Gantu: “It knows its weakness, doctor. You are on record saying these… trogs can think faster than supercomputers. Do you expect us to believe it hasn’t found a way to overcome its limitations?”

Jumba fell silent again, deafened by the growing whispers of anger. Mini-debates sprouted, and kept sprouting. Gantu stopped circling the table, holding up the remote to silence the chambers.

Gantu: “And let us not forget Jumba also champions the release of code named D-001, Dark End.”

There were gasps even before its file flashed on screen. And when that light of green finally fell on the council, it broke them. There was an immediate outrage. Heated debates fired up all over again, but support of the Experiments quickly drowned out. An echo chamber formed swiftly, one firmly against the Experiments.

Despite his best efforts… Jumba hung his head in shame; he had failed. Failed, failed, failed…

From behind him, someone stirred, rising from their seat.  

Grand Councilwoman: “Enough!”

The chamber fell silent.

The Grand Councilwoman sighed as she exited the shadows. She held her hand up as she approached the lit table.

Grand Councilwoman: “Enough.”

Her eyes were glazed over from exhaustion; her voice a pleading one. She could not bear to hear her council debate further.  

Gantu: “Your Excellency.”

Gantu bowed.

Grand Councilwoman: “No doubt you’ve all said your piece in the matter… and it appears you have not lost your edge, Captain.”

Gantu: “I’m merely being realistic. Someone has to think of the negatives. And the Federation does not have the numbers to quell an Experiment revolt!”

Jumba: “There will be no revolt! Jumba will be placing his life on that promise!”

Gantu: “The bias of a creator, Councilwoman.”

Grand Councilwoman: “Indeed…”

Jumba: “You… you must understand how Jumba—“

Grand Councilwoman: “Feels? Dear doctor, I understand more than you could ever know…”

Grand Councilwoman: “The Galactic Federation was founded on one single principle; the protection and exhalation of all forms of life. From the tiniest plant to the largest creature.”

Grand Councilwoman: “And this must extend to the Experiments as well. What right do we have to judge who should live or die?”

Gantu: “Your excellency…”

Grand Councilwoman: “I believe I’ve heard enough from you, Captain. You and the doctor have worked fine in the past, and I pray this continues. I assume there will be no wedges driven in between your relationship, when all this is said and done?”

Gantu and Jumba shared glances. The latter nodded solemnly; he knew better than to speak in this state.

Gantu: “Of course, your excellency. But I must be firm on this matter; it touches many, many nerves for me.”

Grand Councilwoman: “So be it. So long as these opinions are your own, and not the interference of any… third parties.”

And she glanced over to Gantu’s initial position, narrowing her eyes knowingly. What had her council become?

Whatever it is now, it won’t remain that way so long as she breathes. And it was time to make that plain.

Grand Councilwoman: “...Protecting life also means defending it from life. And so the task of determining whether these last three Experiments are a danger to the galaxy as a whole remains.”

Grand Councilwoman: “And the only way to truly determine it is to rehabilitate them. To see if they are capable of living among their kin. And if not…”

She gestured towards Gantu, who nodded.

Jumba: “And, uh… how would we be accomplishing this? Lilo is…”

Grand Councilwoman: “Lilo deserves to have her life continue as normal. She’s earned that much. But we do require a Lilo—only this time, an Experiment for Experiments.”

Jumba: “Ah… then Jumba knows who to suggest! May Jumba be reminding you all of Experiment 625—“

Gantu: “Reuben.”

Jumba: “Reuben, yes. Jumba believes he is the best fit, the best hope on correcting my last two creations.”

Grand Councilwoman: “Is that so…?”

Jumba: “He has served as Jumba’s assistant, has the powers and exact programming of Stitch, and has a most capable mind, haha! Programmed by yours truly!”

Gantu: “Reuben is… smart, I’ll give him that. But can he handle this?”

Grand Councilwoman: “I don’t know, Captain. Can he? You served with him, haven’t you?”

Gantu gave a breath of remembrance, folding his arms.

Gantu: “...He is incredibly lazy, devotes a majority of his time to sleeping, and his mind is constantly geared towards eating.”

Gantu: “...But he does have a spark to him. I only ever see it when he’s trying to help me—or his cousins.”

He said this begrudgingly. Only the Councilwoman could’ve choked this out of him in front of the entire congregation.

The good doctor immediately latched on to this; he knew he had to. He gestured both arms at the Captain, grinning at the rest of the councilors.

Jumba: “Ha-ha, Jumba believes Reuben is more than capable of handling this task. More than he’d ever admit!”

The council remained silent, save for maybe a few murmurs. It was the best Jumba could hope for. Satisfied, the Grand Councilwoman plucked the monitor’s remote from Gantu and placed it on the table quietly.

Grand Councilwoman: “Then I’ve heard enough. We revisit this topic in the event that 625—

She paused to glance at Gantu, to remind herself what that number meant. To remember that it symbolized something more. She nodded, then glared at the detractors.

Grand Councilwoman: “No, in the event that Reuben fails. For now… the ohana is about to meet one more member.”

Grand Councilwoman: “Until we meet again, friends. May the stars ever light our paths.”

The Grand Councilwoman hurried out of the meeting chambers and down the lavish halls of the Federation’s governmental sanctum. She scoffed at the circular camera drones hovering overhead, attempting to hound her for pictures and spouting questions that drowned each other out. Her escort formed a tighter formation to shield her further.

This was the hall where the magic happened. The Federation’s heart and mind, every other week, would walk these halls under the watchful eyes of their forebears. Immortalized in stained murals, the Grand Councilors of eras past gazed down at all who would steer the galaxy’s future.

From behind, someone approached. Familiarity traveled within those heavy footfalls, in that lumbering build, the way it hustled to catch her.

Gantu: “Your Excellency-”

The Captain slowed his pace, lining up beside the Councilwoman and matching her speed.

Grand Councilwoman: “Blasted press drones, I thought it made it very clear I wanted none of that here, Captain.”

Gantu: “They must’ve snuck them in somehow, you know how they are these days.”

She muttered something in tantalog, hastening her strides. Her personal chambers were all the more appealing right now.

Gantu: “I’m more concerned with whether or not… bah, are you sure this is the best idea?”

She narrowed her eyes.

Grand Councilwoman: “Read my expression, Captain—do I look unsure? And it is important that we proceed with this. The Council seems to have lost sight of the Federation’s place in the galaxy and I plan to correct that.”

 Jumba: “And Jumba is very grateful for that!”

The pair turned to greet a running Jumba, the Councilor’s guard shifting formation with her move. The doctor paused to pant. He glanced up, growled, and shoo’d a few of the drones away. Most left, but one stayed to heckle and prod him.

Jumba: “Blasted—”

A burst of green shot the drone, dropping it to the ground with a clunk. Smoke rose from its shattered hull, prompting Jumba to sigh. The Grand Councilwoman shook her head.

Grand Councilwoman: “Decisive as always, Captain. I’m sure the Treasurer will be very pleased to add that to the budget.”

Gantu: “I’ll sort it out, believe me. Now as for these trogs—”  

Jumba: “Are you to be releasing all three Experiments? Jumba can be ensuring that Stitch is on standby and—”

Gantu grunted to protest, but the Councilwoman raised her hand to stay him.

Grand Councilwoman: “Has 627 been dehydrated?”

Gantu: “Not without losing four of my men… but yes, the pod is in level-4 containment.”

Grand Councilwoman: “Authorize its release. I want you to personally bring it to Reuben; and with a squad of ships waiting in deep orbit. Make sure they’re cloaked; I don’t want the UN throwing another fit.”

She faced Jumba.

Grand Councilwoman: “We do this the smart way, doctor, not your way. It’s been good seeing you.”

With that, she bowed and entered her chambers. Jumba and Gantu shared an awkward glance.  

Jumba: “...Wait a second, what is that supposed to be meaning?!”

The galaxy is full of giant, floating rocks. Somewhere in the corner of it all was a particularly small and backwaters rock. Pretty, sure, but a ways out there.

It was small, had green trees, cyan skies, and blue oceans. They—that is—the humans native to it, called the planet ‘Earth.’ And on this ‘Earth’ was a set of islands named Hawaii; one of the prettiest things the planet had to offer. One of these islands was named Kauai.

But we’re not here to talk about Kauai. We’re here to talk about the island off the coast of it. Yes, the one housing dozens of illegally made, genetically altered aliens. The Federation called them Experiments now, for what else could they be called? It was the only word that could possibly unite them.

Eventually the Federation decided to move these Experiments to a new home, away from those who would use them for ‘nefarious’ deeds. Luckily for them, a pair of the critters had an entire island just waiting to be populated.

Talks ensued; a bill here, some signatures there, and soon every Experiment was invited to the aptly named ‘Experiment island.’ Most moved as soon as they could, filing into complexes of apartments and houses. They interacted with each other and pooled their strengths to overcome their weaknesses.

Ever since, Kauai has experienced a boom in tourism. After all, who wouldn’t want to see real life aliens with magic powers? And if you were brave and respectful enough, you could even walk among them, maybe even hold their hands; or at least whatever they had closest to a hand. So of course you had a lot of snot-nosed brats running around in the daytime.

Not every Experiment liked it. Most did, sure, but there were a few who decided to pack up and head for the other parts of the island, into the untapped wilderness that faced away from Kauai; away from humans.

One of these Experiments was numbered 625, proudly going by the name of Reuben. By one way or another, he was the leader of this new frontier. Only a handful of Experiments followed him, but they all hoped more would come in time.

They formed a small little village out of wood and what steel they had, and they enjoyed their solitude. If any human—or Experiment, for that matter, wanted them, they’d have to search.

Reuben painstakingly designed each house, each blueprint was a labor of love. And although his cousins offered otherwise, he was more than content with forming a house out of the mouth of a cave; one that sat right next to a waterfall, just a little ways from the village itself. Though one could argue that was more due to laziness than anything good-hearted.

After months—no, years of service with Gantu as part of the Federation Armada, nothing really surprised Reuben anymore. He was used to always running around different planets, waking up to blasterfire, or struggling not to insult the ridiculously ugly alien diplomat of the day. When he was told he had to leave for the island, he knew he’d hate it.  

But he was wrong.

Something about his cousins kept him in high spirits. They kept his mind moving. And surprisingly, they kept him active. The ohana’s bonds grew and tightened, and nothing made him happier. Despite the lack of Gantu—despite everything—he was happy here.

He’d be the last one to tell you, but he cared about the Experiments, the same way he cared about Gantu. The same way, for each and every one of them. He never understood why. All he knew was to follow one simple phrase:

You have to give some aloha to get some back.

~~ ~~

For Reuben, the day opened like usual; him snoring. Of course, he had little trouble sleeping in other places, but compared to the weeks of sleeping out in the cold and weathering the elements, an actual roof over his head worked wonders… even if it was a damp, dark cave.

He really had to get some lights later.

Reuben: “Ah… no, no!”

His leg twitched with anger. He couldn’t find good help even in his dream. Clearly, he had to make every sandwich himself.

Reuben:  “Don’t put mayo on the pickles… whaddya doin’...”  

Eventually Gantu entered, bending to slip under the cavern’s mouth. Why was Earth so obnoxiously tiny?

Gantu: “Reuben…”

Reuben snorted and rolled onto his stomach.

Reuben: “Mmegh… Gantu…”

Gantu smirked, kneeling in expectation of him running up into his arms.

Gantu: That’s a first. Usually it takes ages for you to wake u—”  

Reuben: “Stop cryin’ already, Gant! It’s not my fault you got fired again!”

Gantu’s expression faded.  

Gantu: “What the—Reuben!”

Gantu hoisted him by the foot and dangled him in the air, like so many times before. It was a proven way of waking the Experiment up, working like a charm every time.

And this time was no different. Reuben’s eyes flashed open. They quickly narrowed into a glare.

Reuben: “Wah! Huh?! What’s the big idea—“

Gantu: “Grrmph.”

They stared at each other, letting Reuben’s brain take a minute to kick into gear. He rubbed his eyes clean of exhaustion, blinking to make sure nothing was left.

Reuben: “Gan… tu? Gantu?! Buddy?! Is it really you?!”

Gantu sighed; he couldn’t help but smile. After all this time, hearing Reuben say his name was a powerful remedy. His exhaustion and anger melted away.

When Reuben lit up like that, it was hard to stay mad.

Gantu: “It’s good to see you, old friend.”

Part 2

He couldn’t have asked for a better morning. Jimmy on his head, Gantu in the other room, and Reuben doing what he did best. His hands glided from one ingredient to the next with a special sort of pep, hovering over the open fire with skillet in hand.

His little cave didn’t have much of a kitchen, at least not yet; he couldn’t wait for an actual stove. Yet he made do with a bit of cowboy-style cooking, suspending pots and pans over campfires and somehow managing to rustle something up. Today was of little exception. He cracked a pair of eggs in a bowl and stirred with the kind of speed you’d only get from an illegally-made alien.

Gantu: “You know, Reuben, you really don’t have to cook…”

Gantu walked in with a bucket of water, setting it down near Reuben’s workstation.

Gantu: “I already ate on the way here—”

Reuben shot him a glare.

Reuben: “That’s exactly why I hafta cook! You’ve probably been filing up on those insta-foods the Federation keeps handin’ out, yuck!”

He stuck out his tongue to prove the point, and quickly turned back to his cooking. Gantu rolled his eyes.

Reuben: “Ol’ Reub is gonna give you some real food, Gant, so you just sit there and wait for it!”

Gantu: “Eugh. You still sound like my mother.”

Reuben: “Probably because she has taste! Now hand me that spatula, will ya? It’s hard enough cookin’ with you blabbering!”

Easier said than done. Gantu had to knelt down just to rummage through the pebbles and pans just to pick up a comically small spatula, of typical earthling size.  

Gantu: “This isn’t much of a kitchen to cook in, either.”

Or a home, for that matter. Gantu took another look around; no table and no chairs, unless you counted a trio of rocks as a table set. And of course all of his stuff was scattered around the floor, resembling his room on the Captain’s ship.

Reuben flipped one side of the omelette onto the other, sighing as he did so.

Reuben: “Yeah, I’m workin’ on that. Here, eat up.”

He handed over a dish; Gantu stared at the steaming omelette sandwiched between two loaves of bread—Reuben’s signature touch. The cheese oozed out down the sides of the toasted bun. He hadn’t had one of these in a while.

Gantu: “Must you put bread on everything?”

Reuben: “Less complainin’ and more eatin’!”

Gantu grumbled and took a bite out of his sandwich, melting with the flavor. Reuben’s edge hasn’t dulled food-wise; and this ‘american cheese’ the earthlings called it was plenty flavorful. If Gantu hadn’t missed Reuben as his galley officer before, he definitely would’ve missed him now.

He savored the moment, as long as he could. It was just like old times.      

~~~~

Gantu: “Mm, you’ve outdone yourself again, Reuben.”

Reuben: “Hey-hey, don’t I always? C’mon, who’s the best galley officer in the galaxy?”

Gantu: “...You are.”

Reuben: “Can’t hear ya!”

Gantu rose to his feet.

Gantu: “You are. Now, if we’re done with breakfast, I have something I need to tell you—”

Reuben interrupted with a gesture of his hands.

Reuben: “Woah, woah, woah! What’s with the whole ‘serious business military-schmuck’ act? C’mon, Gant, I haven’t seen ya in what—four years?”

Gantu: “Five years—and I’ve made every effort to call you when I could—”

Reuben: “Aw, don’t give me that! Five years, Gant! You can’t just pop some ‘I have something I must tell youuuuuu!’ shtick on me!”

He waved his hands in the air to punctuate, and Gantu narrowed his eyes.

Gantu: “I sound nothing like that!”

Reuben: “Whatever! Where’s the catchin’ up, huh!? How’s the job, what’s the news like? How’s the wife?!”

Reuben lowered his hands with a smirk, side-eyeing Gantu knowingly.

Reuben: “Oh. Right. Heh.”

Gantu: “Grrmph. My job is very important, and very stressful. So you’ll forgive me if I’m not into the idea of small talk anymore.”

Reuben: “Boringggg. You’re in Hawaii, Gant! Hawaii! Take it easy! At least let me show ya around the island!”

Gantu: “I can’t, Reuben. This discussion takes priority. ...Besides, I doubt I’m entirely welcome on this island, anyway.”

Reuben: “Whaddya… oh.”

The pair shared a moment of silence. Reuben’s nose scrunched up as he searched the ground for a response. But nothing could really satisfy that comment in his head.

Reuben: “Aw, don’t worry about that! Water under the bridge!”

No, he didn’t believe a word of that. Especially knowing his cousins. His smile faded, and he crossed his arms in frustration. Somehow, he forgot all about that capture-spree.

Maybe he just didn’t want to remember. Gantu silently sat down at the table—in the loosest sense of the word.  

Gantu: “The Federation has a request.”

Reuben: “Well that’s not a good sign. Do I really have to come back? Are you guys that desper-”

Gantu: “Oh, no, no, it’s nothing like that! It’s about your cousins!”

Reuben just raised a brow.

Reuben: “There’s 624 of ‘em, Gant, ya need to be a lil’ more specific.”

Gantu sighed and placed a metallic box on the floor, securely bolted for protection—both for its contents, and from them.

Gantu: “Experiment 627 and 629. I’m sure you remember them.”

The names were like a tonal nuke. Reuben narrowed his eyes in remembrance, glaring at the plated box. It slowly became obvious why it needed all those locks for. Two and two together didn’t add up to something pretty.

Reuben: “You gotta be kiddin’ me… you guys didn’t seriously…?”

Gantu: “It wasn’t my decision, Reuben, it was the Councilwoman’s. She believes they deserve a chance.”

Reuben: “At what?! Leroy tried to—y’know! Kch-kch!”

He made a killing-motion across his neck. Gantu nodded solemnly.

Reuben: “And 627—oh, please, don’t even get me started on him! I don’t even like him! Do you really think the others are just gonna let this fly?!”

Gantu: “No, we assumed the opposite. But we also hoped you’d be the one to help change that.”

Reuben fell silent, as rare as that was. He rubbed his temples in an attempt to process all this. Was it really happening? Was this all just a dream he hadn’t woken up from?

Reuben: “…Okayyy, you’re joking… please tell me you’re joking…”

Gantu just narrowed his eyes. Reuben gave him a desperate look, before shutting his own eyes and shaking his head ‘no.’

Reuben: “You’re not joking… let me—just let me get this straight Gant…”

Gantu sighed and sipped on some water as Reuben started pacing around, rubbing to ease his headache.

Reuben: “So the Grand Councilwoman thinks it’s a good idea to not only release two superpowered evil Experiments, but she wants to send them to me? What, did my house turn into an Experiment-dump when I wasn’t lookin’?!”

Gantu nodded, ignoring the pacing Experiment’s grumbles. He gazed around at the cavern.

Gantu: “Well, it’s not exactly much of a house either, Reuben.”

Reuben: “Oh, thanks. It won’t be anything at this rate! Can’t wait until it’s destroyed by my EVIL COUSINS!”

He stopped, holding up a hand.

Reuben: “This is—this is a Lilo thing. Get Lilo, she’ll know what to do! Definitely! She’ll wave her fingers and make everyone cute and cuddly and nice and you guys can get outta my hair!”

Gantu: “Lilo is unavailable, Reuben—she deserves her own life, one that’s not defined by Jumba’s creations.”

Reuben: “Then get Stitch!”

Gantu: “Stitch has too much of a history with them, and I doubt he’s picked up anything from Lilo that’s relevant in this case. Sending them to him will simply cause a fight. A big one.”

Reuben: “Ugh, then—”

Gantu slammed a hand on the plated box, gazing into Reuben’s eyes. The Experiment frowned; he hated it when he did that.

Gantu: “Reuben… if it were up to me, those trogs would’ve been blasted to smithereens by now. But she and Jumba both want the best for them, despite everything they’ve done.”

Reuben: “Yeah, well, I don’t. I’m not the Councilwoman or Jumba!”

Gantu: “Funny; Jumba tells us the opposite.”

Reuben: “The Doc says a lot of things, Gant. They usually don’t turn out very true!”

Gantu opened his mouth to reply, but his words faded. That was a new line, and it seemingly came out of nowhere. Jumba rarely came up in their discussions but it never failed to charge the air around him. Gantu sighed, deciding to back off… they’d be arguing all day, and Reuben was more than a brick wall in these situations.

Gantu: “You’re the closest one to Jumba, despite everything. Isn’t there anything about him that rubbed off on you? Don’t you feel anything for these… your cousins?”

Gantu couldn’t believe his own voice; he sounded far too much like the Councilwoman herself. Or perhaps worse, he sounded like Lilo. Reuben blew him off with a wave of the hand.

Reuben: “Pah, don’t make me laugh…”

He moved to turn around, but then shot an accusing finger at the Captain.

Reuben: “Why don’t you just take bighead and Larry back to Turo and tell Jumba that—”

Reuben’s ears picked up a pebble roll, and he glanced towards the cavern’s entrance. Gantu followed suit, watching as someone stepped into view, enshadowed by the sunlight.

Experiment 609, Heat, and Experiment 040, Hammerface. The two were donned in green and orange construction vests respectively. 609 gave a friendly wave, oblivious to what was going on.

Heat: “Hey guys!”

Reuben and Gantu shot each other a glance and awkwardly cleared their throat, desperately trying to lose their expressions. Reuben muttered something in tantalog and walked over to the kitchen, leaving Gantu to give a hastily-formed smile.

Gantu: “Uh—heyyy… Heat! Hammer!”

Gantu coughed as Reuben set down some ingredients on the table. He slid the metal box out of his way and under his arm.

Gantu: “Er—How’s it going?”

Heat: “Great! It’s been a while Gantu! How’s my favorite Experiment-napper doing?”

Gantu: “A-hah, yes, I always did love that title.”

Reuben got to work on making a couple of sandwiches, prompted by his cousin’s impromptu visit. He knew he was forgetting something, but it was a good thing he had four arms. They all moved across the table, and he never once looked up.

Hammerface rolled his eyes, catching on to the obvious issue. He grabbed Heat by the collar and pulled him outside, out of view.

Heat: “Agh, what, Ham?!”

Hammerface: “I told you he was busy! Look, you probably ruined something!”

Heat: “Ruined what?! They were just staring at each other!”

Hammerface: “They were obviously fighting; we talked about this!”

Hammerface brought his voice to a useless whisper.

Hammerface: “You know how couples are!”    

The pair froze, their cheeks getting hot. Reuben and Gantu shared the same look of disbelief.

Reuben: “We are NOT a couple, and I can HEAR you out there! What part of ‘superpowered genetic Experiment’ did you guys miss in the memo?!”

Reuben held his hips angrily as the two slowly slid into view, then back out again.

Heat: “Good going, doofus!”

Hammerface: “Me?! What about you?!”

Heat: “I was hungry! It was either Reuben’s or Frenchfry’s place! And I can’t walk another mile without something in me!”

Reuben quickly stacked up five sandwiches and casually walked to the entrance. Heat clasped his hands together at the sight.

Heat: “It’s beautiful! You’re a lifesaver, Reub!”

Reuben: “Yeah, yeah, I’m a hero. Sorry I couldn’t make it today, guys.”

Hammerface: “Yeah, it’s alright. Heat wouldn’t shut up about you, so we came here. Guess we ruined something, huh?”

Reuben: “Hey, nothing important. You guys are gonna see Diggs and Woody today, right? I made two extras, so don’t eat all five of ‘em on the way there.”

Heat: “No promises!”

Hammerface: “Alright, let’s go Heat. We’ll probably miss them if you don’t hurry up.”

Heat: “Alright, alright! Bye Reuben!”

Reuben gave a smile and a wave as the two Experiments headed down the hill towards the village. He sighed as they went out of view, but couldn’t quite wipe his smile.

Gantu: “Mmph. They seem happy.”

He must’ve snuck up on him. Reuben gestured vaguely at the palm trees and greenergy.

Reuben: “Well, it is Hawaii. Kinda a rule to be happy here, Gant.”

Gantu: “Happier in the more important ways, Reuben. They have each other. This is a place where they can be free, together.”

He shut his eyes in thought. This island seemed well at peace. It would be a shame to introduce anything that could destroy that. And so easily, too…

Was it not his duty to protect his best friend’s home? His family?

Reuben: “When’d you get all sappy?”

Gantu: “I could ask you the same thing.”

Reuben: “What’s that supposed to mean?”

Gantu: “Lilo’s rubbed off on you.”

Reuben: “You guys just want a Lilo 2.0. And you think I’m it?”

Reuben crossed his arms and turned away.

Reuben: “Heh, buddy, you better keep looking!”

Gantu took in a breath. How could he reach his friend? How could he find the right way through his defenses?

And then, of course, it hit him. The quickest route to one’s heart.

Gantu: “Hmph… y’know, Reuben… I’ve always wondered what it was like… back when you were first… y’know. Alive.”

Reuben took a moment to think, to find some words. He’s never asked about that before.

Reuben: “...I don’t like ta talk about it.”

Gantu: “Surely you have something to share. I’ve told you all about my childhood!”

Reuben: “I said I don’t like ta talk about it! Ugh, I need somethin’ to eat.”

Gantu: “You just ate.”

Reuben: “Well between you and workin’ me up over this stuff, I kinda emptied my stomach! Let me whip up some grilled cheese.”

Gantu rolled his eyes. Typical. He quietly sat down, making him as comfortable as he could on some rocks.  

Gantu: “You really need to get some furniture.”

Reuben: “I’m workin’ on it!"

Gantu: “…Reuben…”

Reuben: “Whaat?”

Gantu: “What’s it like? Being… y’know. A pod.”

Reuben: “What do you think it’s like?”

Gantu kept quiet. Reuben shook his head with a frown.

Reuben: “It’s like being stuck in a box… a really small box. You get all… crushed up and shoved in a box with no holes, and ya can’t see, and…”

He shut his eyes and grimaced.

Reuben: “It isn’t fun, by the way. Do you know how depressing being a pod is?!”

Gantu: “Mmph… do you think someone else feels the same?”

Reuben glanced down at the box, which Gantu patted lightly. He groaned and let his arms go limp.

Reuben: “But that’s different! I’m not a crazy lunatic who says ‘evil’ all the time! Or, y’know, tried to murder everyone on this island?!”

Gantu: “I suppose you have a point…”

Reuben: “Yeah, thanks. Don’t I always?”

Gantu: “…This village of yours… do you think it’s going to last?”

Reuben: “Yeah. …It’s small now, sure, but someday it’ll be bigger. Not huge, but big enough to be pretty lively. Right now it’s pretty depressing… but I think some of us just need the peace.”

Reuben placed a hand on his chin.

Reuben: “I like the quiet, though… but I’ll find the right balance, though. Somehow. I won’t turn away any of my cousins.”

Gantu: “That’s great, Reuben. Really…”

Gantu: “I’ll admit, when I heard you had left the apartments I was worried.”

Reuben: “Hah?”

Gantu: “Worried that you had left your family. That you had… lost your place with them.”

Gantu: “Listen, Reuben… I’m not entirely sure what Jumba— or even the Councilwoman sees in you, as harsh as that sounds… but I do know you. I don’t think you want your cousins to stay like this.”

Reuben: “Hmf, maybe I do!”

He didn’t believe his own words; it came out more like a defense mechanism. For fear of giving in too quick, he refused to look his friend in the face. Eventually, Gantu simply shook his head, knowing better than to fall for that.

Gantu: “You don’t. You don’t want them to stay… locked up like this.”

Gantu tenderly slid the metal box across the table, a newfound respect for the ‘trogs’ he so affectionately called. Reuben refused to look, prompting Gantu to rise.

Gantu: “Reuben, I’m starting to sound like the Councilwoman. Cut me some slack, for goodness’ sake.”

Reuben’s expression finally softened. He let out a defeated breath and faced Gantu with a hesitant frown. They were asking the impossible, he insisted. There was no way someone like him could pull this off.

Not a failure like Reuben.

Reuben: “Gant, do you really think I can—”

Gantu read his expression and walked over. He knelt down and handed over the case, and ruffled his head for good measure.

Gantu: “I do. Perhaps you need some time to convince yourself that you can do it.”  

Reuben fell silent, his gaze softening as they fell on the case. His hands clutched it just a bit tighter now.

There was a series of muffled beeps, prompting Gantu to grunt. He bent underneath the cavern mouth and stepped outside, pulling up a green projection of a Federation alien via his wristband.

Gantu: “...Alright, understood. I’m on my way.”

He shut off the comms and glanced at Reuben without turning his body.

Gantu: “I’m needed everywhere at once. I would stay longer, Reuben, but you probably need the time to think. Contact me when you’ve made your decision, you know how to reach me. …That is, unless you—”

Reuben: “I didn’t lose my commlink, sheesh! I’m not that lazy.”

Gantu tilted his head with a smirk. A debatable statement.

Gantu: “Good, then. Until your call, Reuben. May Turo smile on you.”

He gave a stern and confident salute. Reuben gave a half-hearted one back, not that Gantu expected anything less. And just as quickly as he arrived, Gantu was gone. And it was just him, now… him, and his cousins.

Where would he even begin?

Nightfall came quick that day. Reuben sat near the lake, listening to the running waterfall. Next to him was an important case, a pencil and paper, and the crumbs of a finished meal. He wasn’t used to doing all this thinking, but it ruined all his plans for the day.

He turned over the little remote in his hands. It has a single, red button atop the gray surface. One press, and he’d be speaking to Gantu. A direct line that the Captain only gave to select people. He just had to decide what to do.

He ran his thumb across the button—once, twice, three times. With a sigh, he pressed it, and his face quickly became tinted with green.

Gantu: “Reuben. Good to see you.”

Reuben: “Sorry to keep ya waitin’, Gant.”

Gantu: “You have a lot of time, but the entire Council is eager to hear it.”

Reuben nodded in understanding, but kept quiet.

Gantu: “Have you made a decision?”

Reuben gazed up at the stars. He hadn’t. Was it even his decision to make?

Was it right to deny them a chance? Was it right to risk the entire island? Would it even be worth it? What would the ohana even gain?

And a part of him didn’t want to bother. To spite the Council, Jumba—to spite everyone. Just to prove he could. He was his own Experiment, after all! Why should he do anything for anyone? Why rely on him? 

Reuben: “Yeah… I have.”

Yet, no matter how stubborn that part was… no matter how angry it got, or how loudly it yelled… there was a part of him that wanted to find a way. To give them that chance. To let the ohana grow.

He glanced at the plated case, and felt compelled to give it a soft pat. He had to do this, didn’t he? He had to try. Even if he didn’t want to. Because…

They were family.

Reuben: “You have to give aloha to get some back…”

He muttered the phrase again and shut his eyes. If Lilo were here she’d be nagging his ears off, saying it was his duty. And he’d probably agree with her.

Reuben: “I’ll… I’ll do it, Gant.”

Gantu: “Excuse me?”

Reuben: “I said I’ll do it!”

Gantu: “The signal breaking up, one more time?”

He caught Gantu’s smirk quickly, rolling his eyes.

Reuben: “Oh, don’t mess with me right now! Just let me get started before I change my mind!”

Gantu: “Hmph, very well. I knew you’d come through, Reuben. You have conviction. Like me.”

Reuben raised a brow. He’d better not push it now. Gantu glanced down at something offscreen, and a second later the case let out a sharp click! A lock must’ve been opened.

Gantu: “Go ahead, it’s open. I’d like to see it, if you don’t mind.”

Reuben: “Alright, pretty creepy of you...”

Gantu: “Don’t get cute, just open it.”

Reuben’s smile faded as he undid the other locks on the case. It took a few tries of testing before he was actually able to open it, and sitting in the middle of it all…

Gantu: “Say ‘aloha’ to your cousin… 627.”

Reuben turned the pod over in his hands, revealing the listing number. Less than pleasant memories quickly flooded in. He narrowed his eyes at Gantu’s holo.

Reuben: “The one that says evil half the time, huh? Can’t you guys start me off with somethin’… oh I dunno—easier?”

Gantu: “We figured we’d start in order. But yes, this is one of the harder of the three. But if you succeed, you’d have no problem with the rest.”

Reub frowned.

Reuben: “That doesn’t help.”

Gantu folded his arms with a reminiscing smile.

Gantu: “At any rate, I’m hoping this one passes the test. He was fun.”

Reuben: “Yeah, for you maybe. Not too much of a fan myself!”

Gantu: “I have full confidence in you, Reuben. Start whenever ready… but this is your show now. I hope you figure out whatever magic Lilo worked back then.”

It was hard to forget that magic. She made Reuben feel welcome, made him have a sense of belonging. He shut his eyes. How would he even accomplish that with 627?

Gantu: “It was a mess to nab this one, so only do it when you’re confident. For now, I’ll see you later. May Turo protect.”

And he hit something offscreen, fading into the night. Flowing water filled the air once more, its sounds unhindered. He was alone now.

No, that was wrong.

Reuben looked down at the lowly pod. A cousin was in there. His grip eased, beginning to cradle rather than clutch. After all… even despite the memories, 627 was vulnerable like this. Indestructible, sure, but easily locked away. Easily forgotten. Never seen again, and he wouldn’t even know about it. He’d just be cold…

He’d be alone. The thought upset him, angered him… but in a new way.

Reuben’s eyes flashed with confidence.

Reuben: “Aloha, cousin.”

He hadn’t noticed Jimmy arrive, but there he was, sitting on the metal case. He gave the roach a gentle pat.

Reuben: “Hey, Jim. Couldn’t sleep either, huh bud?”

Reub watched him drift off to sleep. He took some time to listen to the cricket’s song, then realized he left something unfinished. He placed the pod in the case and picked up the pen and pencil, glancing back at the moon.

He sighed and twirled the pencil around, staring at the blank spot on the pad. Just another hard decision…  

Reuben: “Name… name… come on, Reub… think!”

Nothing. Hopeless. He buried his head in his hands.

Reuben: Oh, who am I kidding? I’m not Lilo! I can’t name someone who only says ‘evil’ all day! I can’t…

Reuben: “Wait…”

He quickly scribbled the word down.

Reuben: “Waittt… wait, wait, wait!”

Evil. Evile. No, that’s too tacky… too lazy! This was his cousin, he had to think harder! The goal was to make him the opposite of evil, but if he loved that word so much… he can have it!

Lilo taught him about this. For him, it was easy to remember. Anagrams. One word turned into another. He could still hear her know-it-all voice… at first he doubted he’d need that lecture, but here…

“It’s a word formed by switching up the letters of another word!” her voice said. In one ear, out the other. But he was programmed to remember. Even if he wasn’t there, his mind was.

He had different words spelled out in an instant. Vile, a fat no. Live, too tacky. Veil wasn’t good enough. And finally…

Levi. He stared, before smirking and circling it.

Reuben: “That’s it! I’ll call him Levi!”

He slapped his pencil on the paper.

Reuben: “Reuben, you are a genius!”

He’ll love it. Somehow, he was sure of it.

The next morning…

627: “I hate it! Hate, hate, hate! You named me after pants!”

627 was practically throwing a tantrum—rather, he’s been throwing one ever since he was hydrated . He was hopping mad, stomping his feet. The only reason he hadn’t fired off a plasma blast was because he already did so a second ago.

Reuben sighed and put the flame out on his antenna.

Reuben: “Okay! Noted. Any other complaints?”

627 growled and ran up a palm tree, sinking his teeth into a coconut and, after failing to break it open, ripped it off and threw it at Reuben’s head for the third time that hour.

Reuben: “Ow.”

Even still, it was an absolute riot for 627, who kept giggling as he leapt onto the cavern.

Levi muttered something in Tantalog that was better left untranslated as he crawled into the cave. As expected, the clanging of pots and pans came soon after. A plate shrieked as it hit the rocks, prompting Reuben to sigh.

This was gonna be a nightmare, wasn’t it?

- **Reuben's Lazy Morning:**

  - Reuben lounges in a hammock strung between two palm trees, basking lazily in the warm sunlight.

  - He waves lazily at passing tourists, who chuckle at his nonchalant demeanor.

- **Gantu's Visit:**

  - Gantu arrives on Experiment Island in his imposing spaceship, causing a stir among the island's residents.

  - Reuben grumbles about the interruption, but Gantu insists on discussing something important.

  - Gantu delivers the message from the Galactic Council, much to Reuben's disbelief and dismay.

- **The Grand Councilwoman's Decree:**

  - The Grand Councilwoman's holographic projection materializes in Jumba's laboratory, where the Galactic Council convenes.

  - She speaks sternly about the need to assess the rehabilitation of Jumba's experiments, casting a somber mood over the proceedings.

- **Lilo's Involvement:**

  - Lilo, now a college student, is shown engrossed in her studies, surrounded by textbooks and research materials.

  - She receives a message from the Galactic Council, requesting her insight and expertise in the matter of Jumba's experiments.

  - Despite her eagerness to help, Lilo expresses frustration at her inability to take on more responsibilities due to her academic commitments.

- **Delivery of Evile's Experiment Pod:**

  - Gantu hands over a mysterious pod to Reuben, containing Experiment 627, soon to be known as "Evile."

  - Reuben eyes the pod warily, sensing trouble even before its contents are revealed.

  - Gantu warns Reuben of the dangers that may lie ahead, urging him to take his new task seriously.

- **Heat and Hammerface's Construction Projects:**

  - Heat and Hammerface oversee the construction of new buildings on Experiment Island, their hulking forms contrasting with the lush tropical surroundings.

  - Woody and Digger, their crew members, toil diligently under the hot sun, adding to the island's evolving landscape.

  - Reuben watches from a distance, uninterested in the laborious tasks unfolding before him.

- **Exploration of the Underdeveloped Jungle:**

  - Reuben ventures into the untamed jungle of Experiment Island, where wild foliage and hidden secrets await.

  - He encounters strange creatures and peculiar plants, reminders of Jumba's boundless imagination and unchecked experiments.

  - The jungle whispers with untold stories and undiscovered wonders, foreshadowing the challenges that lie ahead for Reuben and his newfound mission.