The crowded auditorium is alive with conversation. Confusion seems common. Why the occupants there? What was to happen? At least one set of eyes always glances at the vacant stage every two seconds. Where was our host?
Everybody seems to have lost their vocal chords as the lighting dims dramatically, spotlights focusing on the elevated platform. They applaud politely as their self-appointed leader reveals himself and assumes position behind the glass podium.
"Thank you, thank you," he says. "We are gathered here today to plan the demise of the wretched Kids Next Door!" Hoots and cheers erupt from the clan of villains.
"Now I have a foolproof plan tha-"
"If you would excuse me, Father," a voice projects from the mass. The crowd parts to reveal Mr. Boss. "We've heard that countless times, but how many of them actually worked?"
Father seethes. "Those meddlesome infants simply will not cooperate."
"This plan will be no dif-"
"ENOUGH!" Father screeches, a burst of flames crackling in their wake. "Anyways, I have a foolproof plan to exterminate the Kids Next Door.
"As you all know, I have rescued KND operatives of Sector Z and relieved them of those silly sins. Now, as a kind being, I feel obligated to... continue. Delightfuls!"
"Yes, Father, yes!" they call in their monotone unison, scampering onstage in their unbreakable formation.
"Fetch me my latest machine!"
"Oh, yes, Father!" They sprint away. Moments later they are carting a gargantuan object concealed beneath a cloth of white. With a dramatic pause, Father whips it off. The audience whispers oohs and ahs.
"Behold! My Delightfulizer, new and improved!" He lovingly strokes the chamber. "You see, the Kids Next Door is infamous for their teamwork. Capturing one would mean capturing two. After we take one operative, a swarm of teams will follow! We Delightfulize our little captives, erasing their irritating mindsets and replacing it to bring down the KND. The information they have will bring down the KND!"
The sea of villains clap and cheer, clearly deeming the scheme as genius. Turning the KND strengths into weaknesses.
"Now, who should go first?"
...
The bustling Moonbase is alive with chatter and business. Earth below carries on with their usual work. Such normality is rudely interrupted with every screen and communicator sparking to display the KNN newsroom. By their disheveled and panicky appearances, they weren't expecting it either.
"Emergency broadcast!" Numbuh 10 pants. "Emergency broadcast!"
"Numbuh 86 has disappeared without a trace! Gone! If the villans are behind this, valuable KND information is at stake! EMERGENCY CONFERENCE, ASA-NOW!"
The orderly fashion is burned as chaos ensues. The ports are packed, public transport so full there are kids standing on top of others. The rapidly filling, conversation and gossip leaving the air thick.
"KIDS NEXT DOOR, A TEN HUT!" Nothing happens.
"SHUT UP!" Numbuh 60 screams from his spot on stage, but the demand is much quieter without Numbuh 86.
"HEY!" Silence. "A TEN HUT!" The operatives hustle to a stand. "AT EASE!" They take their seats. "Thank you.
"As you all have been informed," Numbuh 362 says gravely. "Numbuh 86 has been taken. By who, we do not know. However, we do have viable theories. As Numbuh 86 our teammate and colleague of high status, we must rescue her for her sake and the KND's life. If she lets any information out, we may be in grave danger. Please remain calm, and after this meeting please pack EVERYTHING you will need and meet at Moonbase for lockdown. We require volunteer teams. If you are interested please rise and get your butts down here."
Footfalls sound as volunteers assemble on the stage. Eight full sectors and several stray operatives stand in a neat line. Sector V seems so sure and ready, W all calm except for Numbuh 85 who is wringing his hands in worry, and Numbuh 60's face is scrunched in rage and fear.
"Thank you. KIDS NEXT DOOR, DISMISSED!" The kids salute respectfully at their leader, and they scamper out.
"Volunteers, over here!" Numbuh 362 calls, her hand high. She is immediately engulfed in operatives. "We need to recover Numbuh 86 ASAP. If you have a negative relationship with her, throw it out the window right now. She will be saved, and I will not let us fail because of one silly hatred. Now, your sector is your team. People with no sector, raise your hands." Only 4 hands are raised.
"Alright, you're all one team. If another teams loses a member, one of you will substitute! Sector D, surveillance the Big Badolescent, the Toilenator, and any other villains you can get. Sector M, you're in the control and communication. Sector S and G'll interrogate D's villans. N to investigation. Sector A, you're medical and disguise. Sector V, watch Father's mansion. Go with Sector W if we're positive Numbuh 86 is there. I'll be with the Sectionless, we'll be coded in as 'Sector Moonbase.' We'll be spending the nights in the lockdown." Numbuh 362 digs in her sweater pocket and retrieves a small black box. She throws it open and tosses the contents at the volunteers. "Put 'em in your ears. They're communication and tracking chips; we'll program them later. Go home and pack. Head to Moonbase when you're done. Dismissed."
The operatives salute and they run to their transportation, completely unaware that this hunt for one person will soon disastrously grow.
