TMNT: SkyTech
Chapter 1: M.I.A
The early spring is the best time of year, well, maybe autumn too. Skylar Henson thought as she watched the wind blow fresh pollen over the valley below. The sun was peeking over the mountains on the horizon as she and her horse trotted along the fence line. So tranquil. Her calm was interrupted by a chirping coming from her riding pants.
Reaching down, Skylar groaned as she saw the caller's name on her cell phone. "Good morning mom." She answered, sickeningly sweet.
"Hi Hun, listen, I am sorry to bother you. I know how busy you are with work and everything, but your uncle Kirby called me this morning. He said he hasn't heard from your cousin, April, in over a week. That girl lives with her cell phone you know." Her mother's worried tone sent chills down her daughter's spine.
"Has anyone gone by her apartment? How about the police?" the young woman asked.
She could hear her mother weeping, "Yes! The apartment is empty except for furniture. No signs of life. The police have said they are doing all they can but they don't seem to be really interested. I mean I understand it, it is New York City. But, this is my niece here."
Skylar's blood had gone cold. "I know. I will see what strings I can pull. I will go there myself and see what I can do. I am sure she met some boy and eloped or something. You know her." She suggested. However, even she was not convinced.
"Thank you, sweetie. Please keep me posted." Her mother asked, "I will come by the ranch and feed Gypsy and the other animals while you are gone."
"Thanks, talk soon."
"Love you."
"Uh huh, you too." With a click, Sky tucked her phone back in her pocket. With a gentle nudge, Skylar urged Gypsy back towards her little ranch house, oh goodness April, what have you gotten yourself into now? She recalled the pair had been close as kids but since high school, they drifted apart. Skylar's science project turned start up exploded and ever since she had grown distant from everyone.
Leaving behind her northern comfort of the Adirondack Mountains, Skylar threw her duffel bags into the back of her little Toyota Prius and headed south on I-87. "Hey, James, yea it's me. I have to leave on a family emergency. Please cancel all meetings for right now. I promise I will call when I know more." She told her secretary's voicemail. She was grateful she didn't get him live, he would have argued. Sky was not in the mood to be challenged.
Nothing has changed since I moved away. Skylar mused to herself as slowly but surely made her way towards The Chatwal, luxury hotel. A valet greeted her, taking her Prius to be parked safely during her stay. "Greetings Ms. Henson, it is an honor to have you stay with us for your time in New York City." The concierge met her cordially.
"Please, call me Sky." She corrected softly, "I apologize for the short notice, so I will take whichever room you have available."
"Not to worry… Sky. We have the Producer Penthouse Suite with the garden terrace waiting for you." The young man spluttered. The eighteen-year-old laughed softly as he handed her the key to her suite. With a polite thank you she found her way to the elevator to make her way up. She had seen the suite online but as she had told the anxious young man, she would've taken anything.
After making sure her laptop and all her bags were in the room securely, Skylar changed out of her more formal riding outfit. She hadn't thought to change before running to gather her things and run to her car. Rummaging through her bags, she found a white tank top and leggings. Slipping into those, she went through her clothes in search of her favorite over sized zip up jacket. Now more comfortable, she was determined to get this whole escapade handled so she could get back to the mountain laboratory she owned.
The streets were as crowded as she remembered. The city was chilly for early spring. I am glad I brought my hoodie. Not minding the walk, Skylar started forcing her way towards the NYPD station. She had to stop and ask several times for directions but after an hour and a half walk, she finally made it to one of the many Manhattan police precincts. There was a line at the information desk and she noticed several people in cuffs sitting in chairs next to desks.
Removing her purse and jewelry to go through the metal detector at the entrance, Skylar took in the whole scene. It unnerved her being in the precinct. She had never once had to be in a police station. It was not something she wanted to repeat either. The officer at the door directed her to the line at the information desk, six people deep. Skylar felt bad for the clerk behind the desk. The current guest was having a fit, so Skylar situated herself at the end of the line and waited patiently.
The screaming lunatic that was at the front of the line had to be hauled away and it was only another half an hour wait before it was Skylar's turn. "Next please." The clerk called nervously. Piteous, the young woman put on her best smile and stepped forward.
"Good afternoon, I was told to ask for a Chief Vincent? Is she available please?" Skylar asked, hopeful but doubtful.
Betsy, Sky read her name tag, smiled warmly. She is probably relieved to see humanity isn't lost. The blond thought. "One second ma'am. May I ask your name?" Betsy squeaked.
Skylar cleared her throat, she had expected this but didn't want to give it. "Skylar. Skylar Henson."
A wave of recognition washed over Betsy and she scrambled for the phone. Punching in numbers she waited as it rang. "Chief Vincent, I have Miss Skylar Henson here to speak with you…. Yes, it appears that one. Ok, I will tell her." Click. "She said have a seat and she will be right up."
Skylar nodded and took a seat far away from the cuffed people. She tried to ignore the occasional glance of admiration from Betsy. Pulling out her phone, she shot her uncle and mother a text letting them know she had arrived and was waiting to see the chief.
"Miss Henson?" a firm female voice spooked the young woman.
Looking up, Sky took in a lean, sharp featured blond woman in a pant suit. Jumping to her feet, the teen offered her hand. "I assume you are Chief Vincent?" she asked nervously.
"I am. What brings you here?" the police chief asked politely. She seemed surprised but not awed like the clerk. Sky was grateful for small favors.
"Well, you see my cousin has been missing for a week now and I was summoned her to see if…. I could influence a bit more urgency?" Skylar rambled. She couldn't quite describe it as she was not one to throw influence around, "Her name is April. April O'Neil?"
A look crossed the chief's face that Sky couldn't quite place. There was certainly recognition. "I am familiar with the missing person's case. It was filed last week yes, and we have been searching everywhere as well as exploring every lead we receive."
"I know but w-"
"These types of things take time. I understand you and your family are very worried. I promise as soon as we hear something I will contact you personally. You have my word." Chief Vincent cut her off curtly. The cousin realized she was not going to get anywhere with this woman. Something was off about this whole thing and she would find out what.
"I understand. Thank you for your time," Before she left, Sky tried one last time, "Can you at least tell me of any friends she may have had? I want to at least reach out for support in this time of crisis." She lied.
The Chief regarded her for a moment. "Vernon Fenwick. He was previously her cameraman." With that, the chief turned and disappeared back into the halls of the precinct. Skylar watched until she was out of sight then crept back up to the clerk, Betsy.
"Hello? Is this Vern "The Falcon"?" Skylar asked into the phone as she hid in the doorway to the precinct. "Hi, my name is Skylar Henson. Yes, that's me. So, I was in New York City this week and have heard stellar things about you. I was wondering if you wanted to have dinner with me tonight? Does uh, Virgil's sound good to you? Great. See you at 6."
From what she could tell on the phone, this Vern was definitely the kind of person her cousin hangs around with. He seemed cocky and quite pleased with himself. She had to google him to find out what he looked like. Running back to her hotel room, Skylar quickly changed into something more form fitting. She favored a nice white button down and a short-pleated skirt. The young business owner didn't do her hair often but she made sure she took time to curl it just enough that it bounced.
Taking a moment for a once over in the mirror, Skylar grabbed her purse and darted out to make sure she was on time. Virgil's was a half hour drive through the city, which her uber made in record time. "Thank you, here." She waved after handing the driver his wages and tip. Making sure everything was in place, she made her way in.
Vernon was already there, dressed in a nice navy suit. He waved her down as she looked around. "My, your pictures do you no justice." He crooned, kissing her cheek and pulling out her chair.
"Thank you. Your reputation does not stand up against the real thing. You are much handsomer in person." She flirted back, Ugh, this is so stupid. Vernon ordered himself a wine and she an alcohol-free bloody-Mary when she told him she was not legal age yet.
"What brings someone of your status to this neck of the woods?" he chuckled, sipping his wine, "Are you here on business?"
Skylar took a swig of her beverage, "Personal business yes. I tend to keep my business private otherwise." She answered coolly.
Vernon laughed, "I must tell you, that last gadget of yours, the guard dog robot thing was genius. I had to go buy one after my sudden fame struck. I love that thing like an actual dog. Less maintenance though."
The young woman smiled, "Thank you kindly. I just thought it would be helpful for those with allergies."
"Of course." He agreed. "Are you developing anything new?"
Skylar decided to indulge him a bit, "A little something. More so for my personal use because to me it is too dangerous to sell." She explained. "But, I wanted to talk to you after Chief Vincent recommended it."
The inventor was a little amused as his face fell. "W-Why would she recommend that?" he stammered, drinking more wine.
His dinner date took a deep breath, "My cousin, April O'Neil has gone missing. She said you were previously close to her."
The Falcon choked on his drink, "A-April is your cousin?" When she nodded he sat back, visibly nervous, "Listen, I heard she may have disappeared, but I have no idea where she is. Honest. We haven't spoken since…"
"Since when?" Skylar pressed.
Vernon tugged at his collar a bit, "Since the second attack on New York City, months ago. We fell out of touch after that. I'm sorry. I do hope you find her." He added quickly.
"Do you know anyone who may know where she is? Her family is sickened with grief right now over this." April's cousin begged. Vern saw the desperation on her face and sighed.
"Listen, I ma…. May know some people that could potentially help you." He admitted. When he saw the hope in her expression he added, "You cannot ever tell them who told you about their existence, ok? I will tell you where to find them but that is it. Deal?"
Skylar snickered, "You make it sound like they are mutant monsters or something."
I think he was just yanking my leg. Skylar huffed as she stood in the brisk night air by the entrance to the New York City Sewage system. The breeze coming off the river chilled her to the bone. Who lives in a sewer? she wondered irritably.
She pulled out her cell phone once she felt it was dark enough to match Vern's description and punched in the number he had given her. She text, "Donatello, I need help. Come to the river entrance asap." She double checked to make sure the wording was exactly as she had been told before she hit send. The whoosh of the sent message chirped.
Several minutes passed and nothing happened. "Ugh, I will kill Vern." She groaned after fifteen minutes passed. Just as she was about to give up, the bushes rustled behind her. Skylar's heart stopped as she turned to make sure it was just a small animal.
Instead, four large humanoid turtles like creatures emerged from the shadows. "Aww told you it wasn't April." A young, almost childlike voice moaned.
Skylar stepped back, pinning herself against the railing, terrified as these four come closer. "W-who are you? A-are you Donatello?" she gasped.
The one with the purple bandana and a staff looked at her hard, "I am. Who are you?" he asked, not harshly.
Skylar shook nervously as the giant one with the red bandana circled her, pushing her away from the railing into the middle of their newly formed circle. "Hey!" she yelled, turning and punching the one that had pushed her.
The giant brute snickered, "Got a spirit at least."
"This was a bad idea. Vernon wants me killed, that's obvious." She said remorsefully, "I will find April on my own."
As she pushed to get through the turtle creature with the blue stepped in front. "You know April? April O'Neil?"
Skylar swallowed, "Y-yea, she is my cousin and she has been missing for a week. I met with Vernon Fenwick," the name elicited a consecutive 'oh' throughout the group. "I take it you are familiar?"
"Oh yeah, he is our homie. So, he told you about us?" the shortest of the creatures smiled warmly.
"Uh, well…. He didn't exactly tell me about you. I guess I learned that on my own just now, here." Sky confessed, looking around, "Look, I was told you can help me find April."
"Maybe." The largest snorted.
The turtle in blue shot the red one a look. "I think we may. We don't know where she is either, but five is better than one. My name is Leonardo. That's M- "
"Michelangelo at your service my lady." The obvious youngest swooned, taking her hand with a wink. "Over there is Donatello, the brains behind this organization. Behind you is the king of attitude and hostility himself, Raphael."
"Pleasure to meet you guys," Skylar nodded, "I'm Skylar. If you don't mind me asking, uh… what are you?"
They all chuckled, but Donatello answered, "We are the teenage mutant ninja turtles."