I don't know if I was born to be a leader. The truth is, I don't think leaders are born; they're made. What, you may ask, are they made from? Any number of things: their upbringing, a life-changing event; sometimes circumstances simply force them to take that one great weight on their shoulders.
No, I certainly don't think I was born a leader; in fact, when I was just a cadet in the Kids Next Door, I was something of a troublemaker…
"Cadet Overlook!"
The girl with long, brown hair giggled slightly, sprinting in the opposite direction of the voices. Looking behind her, she laughed even harder when the sight of Numbuh 545 ran after her, yelling at the top of his lungs. He was covered in yellow mustard, nearly slipping on the small amount that was on his shoes.
"Sorry, sir!" she shouted back, between laughs. "But we just got those mustard bomb-thingies, and I had to make sure they worked- oof!"
She crashed into something, who replicated her sound of surprise. Cadet Overlook glanced up at the newcomer, and quickly jumped up in a salute, shock clear on her face.
"Numbuh 456, sir!"
"At ease, cadet," replied the black haired boy. The Supreme Leader of the Kids Next Door looked slightly amused at her trainer's predicament. "Was it a malfunction of the mustard bombs, Numbuh 545?"
545 scowled heavily at Overlook, quickly saluting Numbuh 456. "Negative, sir. Cadet Overlook here saw fit to plant one in my office."
"Is that so?" asked Numbuh 456, raising both eyebrows. He turned to the young lady- who was, in fact, only a year younger than he was. Overlook shuffled her feet nervously from side to side.
"It's true, sir," she admitted, but then her face brightened. "But they needed testing, sir, and I'd say this test went rather well, wouldn't you?"
Numbuh 545 gawked at the impetuous ten-year-old, his mouth moving with silent retorts. At last, he managed to burst out, "This is WHY we don't allow latecomers into the organization anymore!"
"Come now, Numbuh 545," said Numbuh 456 cheerfully. "Why don't you go clean your office? I'm sure it needs it. I'll handle Cadet Overlook's punishment from here."
Numbuh 545 brightened slightly at the word, 'punishment', while Cadet Overlook looked visibly ashamed. As soon as the strict officer had exited, she saluted the Supreme Leader again.
"Ready and waiting for your orders, sir," she muttered, looking down at the floor. Her green eyes, however, clearly showed that she wasn't about to apologize for the deed. She kicked at a blue leaf on the floor, not daring to look up at Numbuh 456.
He chuckled a little, which made Cadet Overlook glance at him, surprised. "I'll get to your punishment in a moment, Cadet Overlook, but first, I'd like it you answered a few questions for me."
She stood rigid at attention. "Sir!"
"First off… Marcela's your first name, isn't it?"
The cadet looked confused, raising one eyebrow at him. However, she didn't contradict him. "Yes, sir."
"Well then, Marcela… why did you join the Kids Next Door at such a late age? Surely you knew that it's more common to enter the organization at age seven, rather than age ten. Most are full-blown operatives by then."
Marcela shrugged. "It was sort of a sudden inspiration situation for me, sir. I'd heard of the Kids Next Door plenty of times when I was seven, but I never really felt the desire to join." Noticing Numbuh 456 nod, she continued. "About a year ago- just before I took the entrance exam- I saw a little kid of about, oh, five or six, getting beaten up by a teenager. I only just barely managed to fight off the teen, and it made me realize that I wanted to be there for kids like that boy."
The Supreme Leader nodded again, slower this time. "That's an excellent reason, Marcela." She looked slightly hopeful, but he continued, saying, "That does not, however, excuse your earlier prank. Numbuh 545 is hard at work training you cadets; I'd advise you to show him a little more respect."
Marcela slumped again, looking down at her gray sneakers. "Yes, sir," she mumbled. But she couldn't resist adding, "But now we know that the mustard bombs work!"
Yup. I was pretty crazy back then- even if the consequence ended up being helping Numbuh 545 clean up his office of mustard. Ah, well- you can't disobey a direct order.
I'm still not quite sure what day this all began to change. I guess it was the day I found out my last year of cadet training would be as a protégé underneath Numbuh 456 himself.
"H'atten-shun!" shouted Numbuh 545. All ten cadets standing before him saluted, staring straight ahead of them. He slowly paced around each of them in turn, before coming back around in front and addressing them.
"Today, you will be receiving your operative assignments," he said firmly. "In other words, you'll each be assigned to a different operative from now on. I will not be seeing you again for cadet training. Now then!" He turned around, looking contemplative.
Marcela took this moment to lean down and whisper to her good friend Hannah. "I feel bad for any cadet who gets assigned to him."
Hannah giggled, her black hair quivering slightly. The little eight year old, despite being three years younger, had struck up a lasting friendship with the irrepressible Cadet Overlook. Being the big prankster around the KND training base on the Second Moon of Adlenir got her quite a few admirers, but few friends. No one wanted to be in trouble with Numbuh 545.
"Anyway!" called the trainer. "The assignments stand as follows! Cadet Hydro, you are assigned to Numbuh 13, Supreme Commander of Sector F."
Gabe Hydro saluted Numbuh 545, grinning. Marcela would've clapped him on the shoulder, if he had not been several people down the row. It was considered a high honor to become the protégé of a sector leader.
"Cadet Rade, you are assigned Numbuh 57, global tactical officer!"
Hannah gasped in surprise, before her face shone with excitement. Marcela gave her a tight hug, not really caring what other people around her thought. She looked up in time to see Numbuh 545 glaring at her, before he continued reading off the list.
She watched while her fellow cadets became assigned to operatives of various positions, getting more and more anxious as each name was called. Was Numbuh 545 saving her name for last? If so, why, and was it merely a coincidence?
At last, he'd called every cadet besides her. "All right, cadets! All except Cadet Overlook are dismissed!"
The other nine kids glanced at her, before filing out and whispering to themselves- no doubt wondering what she had done wrong this time. Inwardly, Marcela scowled; she hadn't pulled any pranks today!
As soon as the other trainees exited the room, Numbuh 545 eyed her with curiosity. "Your assignment has agreed to escort you to your workplace himself," he said. "Why he insisted on this I'll never know…" Marcela gulped slightly as Numbuh 545 straightened. "Cadet Overlook, you are assigned Numbuh 456, Supreme Leader of the Kids Next Door."
Her jaw dropped.
I guess that was the day I started becoming a bit more responsible. Numbuh 456 never did tell me why he chose me, although I did ask him, once, how he would choose his successor.
He'd replied, "If you ever become Supreme Leader, Cadet Overlook, you'll know the person when you see them."
Those had seemed like words of wisdom back then; after all, everyone practically worshipped Numbuh 456. He was the greatest of the great- as a Supreme Leader should be. That year was both exciting and terrifying- and then came Graduation Day.
"Marcela Overlook," said Numbuh 456, looking at her straight in the eyes. "Do you swear, on your honor as a kid, to follow the code of the KND at any cost?"
"I do," the brown haired girl replied. Her face was neutral, her voice sincere; many people often talked about how the former troublemaker had suddenly become much more serious in the past year. Even Numbuh 545 had a grudging respect for her now.
"Then choose you codename," he said, holding out the Code Module toward her. Marcela took a deep breath, trying to contain her excitement. She plucked a hair from her head, opting to choose a less disgusting option than the traditional booger. If she received disapproving looks, she ignored them completely.
"I, Marcela Overlook, hereby choose to uphold the code of KND, as Numbuh 24.5!" she cried, thrusting the hair into the module. The convention center on the main Kids Next Door Moonbase erupted, cheering loudly for the newest addition to their ranks. Numbuh 24.5 went over to the side, watching with a huge smile on her face as her fellow cadets became operatives. Hannah opted to become Numbuh 842, while Gabe chose the codename Numbuh 3 AM, receiving several looks from the audience.
"What?" he'd yelled. "Oh, like you're one to talk, Numbuh 14 sticks of gum! Numbuh 6 pack o' root beer!" Both Numbuh 24.5 and Numbuh 842 snickered at the sight of the two named operatives rubbing the back of their necks sheepishly. Numbuh 3 AM headed over to join them, grumbling something about hypocrites.
"How do you know what hypocrites are?" asked Numbuh 24.5, poking him and grinning from ear to ear.
The ginger haired boy scowled at her. "For your information, Numbuh 24.5, I do know some vocabulary!" he snarled, fuming. Numbuh 842 giggled a little. Numbuh 24.5 just ruffled his hair, glad to finally be an operative of the Kids Next Door.
My name, as you might already know, is Marcela Overlook, a.k.a. Numbuh 24.5. What happened at graduation occurred two years ago. The Kids Next Door keep our planet, Adlenir, safe from adult tyranny. It feels like it's been a million years since I first stepped onto the training base at our second moon. Now I have an office on the first moon, where the main Moonbase is located.
I am now Supreme Leader of the Kids Next Door. I guess I'm one of the lucky ones; due to the many hardworking field operatives out there, we've had barely any trouble from anyone. I still keep all the sectors in shape; we have many drills and scenarios to keep them on their toes. We never know what might happen- especially after the Dark Teen Incident.
Remember when I said Numbuh 842 was assigned to the Global Tactical Officer? Well, now she is the Global Tactical Officer. Oh yeah, and Numbuh 3 AM is leader of one of the most successful sectors on the planet. You're probably thinking that Numbuhs 57 and 13 have been decommissioned, but no; they're just regular operatives now. They decided to let the jobs go.
You see, things work in a less rigid way around here. It isn't necessary to get decommissioned unless one chooses to. That's the way it's always been on Adlenir.
If only I'd known how much trouble that simple difference would bring…
Now loading: Kids Next Door
Operation: R.E.B.E.L.
Risky
Event
Brings
Ethereal
Lethalness
"Numbuh 24.5, sir!"
The Supreme Leader of the Kids Next Door stood, looking out over the blue planet Adlenir. She sighed slightly at the persistent calling of her name, before turning around to see a fellow operative saluting her.
"Yes, Numbuh 914?" she asked, quickly adding, "At ease."
The current Head of Decommissioning panted a little, nodding gratefully at the chance to catch his breath. He straightened at once, quickly getting under control.
"Numbuh 76 asked me to inform you that the candy supply is getting low! He also asked me to ask you if you prefer chocolate or strawberry."
If Numbuh 24.5 thought that this question was unusual, her face didn't show it. She was in what many operatives called, 'leader mode', when she needed to be crisp, accurate, and strict.
"First of all," she began. Her tone made Numbuh 914 shrink a little. "Inform Numbuh 76 that all complaints to do with the candy supply go directly to Numbuh 14 sticks of gum, and NOT to his Supreme Leader. Also, tell him chocolate."
Numbuh 914 saluted, looking relieved that she hadn't ranted. "Yes, sir! Right away sir!" The eleven year old promptly ran off. Numbuh 24.5 slumped a bit from exhaustion. She was lucky to be an orphan, so that she could spend all her time on the Moonbase without having to worry about her parents. For the most part, she spent the nights alone, in the armchair she used on the bridge. Often she'd be up late doing paperwork, but she'd managed to finish it early that day.
She regarded herself in the reflection on the window. Her light brown hair was long and disheveled, and her green eyes had bags beneath them. Still, one could see the steeliness in her eye, forged from many missions and learning how to deal with a lot of stress at one time.
She turned slowly towards her armchair, walking over and hoping to, for once, get a full night's sleep. Of course, being the Supreme Leader and all, it was not to be.
"Incoming transmission, Numbuh 24.5, sir," said the obnoxious computer voice.
The fourteen year old groaned a little. "Can't I get a decent rest for once?"
"Well excuuuuuse me," huffed the computer. "I'll just bother you until you answer!"
"Why did I ever program you to have a personality," muttered Marcela. "Put it through, then."
The screen buzzed a bit, before the familiar face of Numbuh 3 AM showed up on the screen. "Numubh 24.5?" he asked, sounding hesitant. "We… um… kind of need you to see this."
Marcela scowled impatiently. "What is it?"
The camera moved to the side, revealing the most enormous spaceship she'd ever seen. Numbuh 24.5 couldn't help but gulp a little.
"Uh, that's not a new project Numbuh 8 was working on… is it?" she asked hopefully.
"Negative, sir," said Numbuh 3 AM grimly. "All we've got is a message, requesting your presence specifically." He hesitated a little. "Are you alright, Marcela? If you'd like, we could try blasting them away… though I'm not sure if it'll work."
"No, I'm coming," she said, sounding resigned. Guess I'm doomed to never be able to sleep well. She made her way to where her personal ship was kept for emergencies such as this. She couldn't help but wonder how the strange craft had known her operating numbuh.
One short ride later, Sector F's treehouse came into view. Numbuh 24.5 pulled back on the joystick, slowing up enough to land directly at the bottom. She stepped down the ramp of her ship, revealing Sector F standing at attention, waiting for her.
"At ease, guys," she said firmly. Her eyes traveled to the strange ship, now sitting on the ground. As she watched, a hole opened up on the bottom, and six beings jumped out. Marcela eyed them with suspicion, before turning back to Numbuh 3 AM.
"Listen up," she hissed. "Don't act unless I give the signal, which will be the code, asparagus. Got it? If I yell that word, attack them with everything you've got. Don't hold back, and try not to worry about me."
"But, sir"-
"That's an order, Numbuh 3 AM," she growled. The fourteen year old turned back to the spaceship, hands clasped behind her back. She strode forward, purposefully, with her back straight. The leader of the newcomers came forward in a similar fashion. As soon as the six beings came into view, she heard gasps coming from Sector F behind her.
They looked like the elvens, but there was one, seemingly minor difference. Marcela, being an observant leader, noticed it almost immediately.
Their ears were round.
She did not allow her surprise to show on her face. It was a part of her duty as leader to intimidate any possible enemies. They all looked to be about the same age as her- early teenagers.
"Greetings," said the one at the front, with unusual dark skin and sunglasses. "I am Numbuh Infinity."
"Ha ha," Numbuh 24.5 replied sarcastically. Then she shot him a glare that could've burned the inside of a freezer. "I would know, I think, if such an operative existed."
"You may believe what you like, Marcela Overlook," said Numbuh Infinity. Numbuh 24.5 didn't so much as flinch at the sound of her real name being called, though she heard a collective breath from behind her. Normally, the Supreme Leader grew incredibly angry whenever someone called her by her real name. Sector F was impressed by her cool attitude.
Numbuh 24.5 took this opportunity to put aside her suspicions and simply observe them. The supposed Numbuh Infinity wore a suit- which was unusual for any kid or teen. He was not carrying any weapons visible to the naked eye, but she noticed that his left hand was just a tiny bit closer to his pocket than his right was. Standing next to him was another round-ears, only this one didn't have any hair on his head. He too wore sunglasses, though they looked rather suspicious.
Behind the two, four others with what looked like guard uniforms stood at attention. Numbuh 24.5 couldn't help but admire their discipline, something she had difficulty replicating in the Kids Next Door.
"I come from an elite organization that you are unaware of," said Numbuh Infinity, when she didn't reply to his saying her name. "It is called the Galactic Kids Next Door."
A pause, and then every kid in the vicinity- minus the newcomers and Marcela- burst out laughing. Numbuh Infinity frowned slightly, as did the boy next to him.
"Enough!" shouted Numbuh 24.5, quickly shutting Sector F up. She quickly turned her glare back on Numbuh Infinity. "However, your story does sound rather… ridiculous to me."
The dark skinned boy cocked an eyebrow. "Have you ever seen people with round ears, Numbuh 24.5? I think not. Is this not proof enough for you?"
Numbuh 24.5 considered this for a moment. They might be telling the truth, but that did not, in any way, mean that they were trustworthy.
"All right," she said coldly. "Let's say that you are from this… alien organization. What do you want with us?"
Numbuh Infinity turned to his companion. "Numbuh 1, perhaps you should be the one to explain."
The bald kid nodded once, before turning back to Numbuh 24.5. She folded her arms, waiting for what would probably be a monologue. Her hunch was correct- though it was a rather interesting speech.
"My codename is Numbuh 1," he began. Talk about being redundant, thought Numbuh 24.5. "I am a field operative of the Galactic Kids Next Door. The objective of the GKND is to fight galactic adult tyranny- which, by the way, does exist- as well as find a way to cure the disease known as adulthood." Numbuh 24.5 rolled her eyes at that one.
"When we deem a Kids Next Door organization on a certain planet to be ready, we choose a single operative from that planet to become a galactic operative. I was chosen as the representative of my home planet, planet earth."
"Planet earth?" yelled Numbuh 3 AM from where he stood. He sneered at Numbuh 1. "That's gotta be the dumbest, most uncreative name I've ever heard! You can't get any more fake than that! I mean come on, even Adlenir is"-
"Numbuh 3 AM, that is quite enough!" snapped Numbuh 24.5.
Numbuh 1 turned his gaze on the leader of Sector F, frowning slightly. "You sound like a cross between Fanny and Wally," he muttered. "Anyway, Numbuh 24.5, we have been observing you for quite some time now. It is under our impression that you are qualified enough to become a galactic operative. Of course, you must leave now."
Behind her, the sniggers of her fellow operatives fell silent. Marcela didn't change her expression, but inside she was seething; who did these people think they were, telling her to abandon her comrades?
"Just a moment, Numbuh 24.5," said Numbuh Infinity, frowning slightly. "How old are you?"
Numbuh 24.5 blinked several times, looking confused. "Fourteen, why?" she asked.
Both of the aliens' eyes widened in shock, and they backed away slightly. Numbuh Infinity cleared his throat slightly. "Why haven't you been decommissioned?"
"Decommissioned?" she screeched. "Why? I haven't done anything wrong!"
"But you're over thirteen!" exclaimed Numbuh 1. "Every operative must be decommissioned on their thirteenth birthday."
"What on Adlenir are you talking about?" came a new voice. Marcela turned in surprise to see Numbuh 914 stomping towards them, his Decommissioning squad right behind him. He quickly saluted his leader before marching over to Numbuh 1, a scowl on his face. "Decommissioning only happens for three reasons!" he yelled. "One: betrayal of the KND. Two: breaking of the code of KND, unless excused by a higher operative. Three: willingly returning to a normal lifestyle. Those three reasons only. UNDERSTAND?"
"Yes, Numbuh 914, I think he gets it," said Numbuh 24.5. "Now, I order you to tell me what you're doing here."
He saluted her again. "Distress call from Numbuh 6, sir!"
Behind her, she could hear Numbuh 3 AM berating his teammate for not informing him of this. She didn't pay any attention, seeing as Numbuh Infinity was giving her a warning look.
"All KND operatives must be decommissioned at the age of thirteen," he said. "It's the rule. I'm going to have to order you to revert back to it."
"Well, I've got news for you," said Numbuh 24.5. "I'm NOT going to revert it, because it was never like that!"
Numbuh 1 took a step back. "W-what?" he exclaimed.
"Oh, and about your offer," she snarled. "If you think for one second that I would go with you, who tried to change the rules of the organization I love, think again! Plus, to be honest, and I mean no offense to anyone," she added, glancing at the operatives behind her, "but there just isn't anyone right for the job of Supreme Leader right now. My predecessor once told me that I'd know them when I see them, and I haven't seen them yet."
"I'm sorry, Numbuh 24.5," said Numbuh Infinity, and Numbuh 24.5 shivered inwardly at the coldness in his voice. "But we're not giving you a choice."
That was what she'd been waiting for.
"Code: asparagus!" she shouted. Seemingly from nowhere, she whipped out a S.P.L.A.N.K.E.R and aimed at one of the four guards now running towards her. Behind her, Sector F leapt into action, each whipping out a different weapon and training them on the Galactic Kids Next Door. The Decommissioning Squad caught on almost immediately, pointing their own weapons.
One of the galactic guards stepped forward, his eyes on Numbuh 24.5. He came face to face with a gumball shooter, courtesy of Numbuh 3 AM.
"I really wouldn't," snarled the red haired boy. Numbuh 24.5 aimed her splanker at Numbuh Infinity's face.
"I suggest you leave, and don't bother coming back," she stated, her voice just as cold as Numbuh Infinity's had been moments ago. "I'm not about to tolerate an alien telling me what to do."
"Very well," he replied. "You've made your choice." She saw his hand drift towards his pocket. Before she could so much as say 2x4, he whipped out a device of somekind.
"Hey!" said Numbuh 914. "What're you…"
Suddenly, a smokescreen appeared from nowhere. Panic ensued, all the operatives running about and firing at nothing. It was Numbuh 3 AM who finally got them in order.
"Put a sock in it!" he shrieked. He looked around as the smoke cleared, and saw the ship taking off. He smirked, thinking, Ha! Now they're running. Cheers erupted around him at the exit of the aliens.
"Wait!" came a cry, and everyone turned to see a stricken Numbuh 6. Numbuh 3 AM frowned at his teammate, who looked positively horrified.
"Where's Numbuh 24.5?" she asked.
Everyone within hearing range froze at those ominous words. Slowly, they all turned to see the spaceship receding in the distance…
With their leader on it.
Numbuh 1 examined the splanker he had just wrestled from Numbuh 24.5's grasp. It appeared to be genuine, pretty much the same as the ones they had back home. Still, it had some minor adjustments that he thought Hoagie would like to see.
He headed over to where Numbuh Infinity stood, on the bridge of the ship. They had just thrown the Supreme Leader in one of the cells. Needless to say she had not been happy, but had stopped struggling once they took off.
"Are you sure that was necessary, Numbuh Infinity?" he asked, frowning slightly at the ambassador. "It seemed almost… cruel."
"I can assure you, Numbuh 1," he replied. "That it was essential. We can't have planetary organizations undermining our authority. I'm certain that Numbuh 24.5 will be able to see things our way when we get back to base."
The way he said this chilled Nigel slightly, but he made no comment; it was not his place. Pivoting, he turned around, but Infinity's voice made him freeze in his tracks.
"Oh, and thank you for your skills on this mission," said Numbuh Infinity, his voice more friendly now. "I'll see if I can't persuade those in charge to allow you a short trip to your home planet."
Numbuh 1's jaw dropped. He hadn't been home in… well, a long time. He immediately felt ecstatic, but merely cleared his throat and said, "Thank you, sir."
Once outside the bridge, he did a little jig. He'd be going home! Even if it was only a short time, he was still ecstatic. He wondered how everyone was doing, what they were all up to, and how they'd react to him if… if…
If they even remembered him.
He sighed, looking down sadly. What was the point of seeing them if they'd been decommissioned? Sure, there was always the chance that they joined the Teens Next Door, but that was a slim chance. He'd sure missed a lot of heartbreak back home; he could hardly blame the KND on Adlenir for not having the rule.
He stopped suddenly, surprised at where his feet had carried him- outside Numbuh 24.5's cell. And he could hear her talking, of all things.
"…no, that is not a request, it's an order! I repeat: follow this code, Numbuh 842! You're in charge now, but you still need to follow Code: Black 'n Blue Bruise!"
He raised both eyebrows. A hidden communicator? That didn't really surprise him. Sticking his finger up his nose with quiet dignity, he inserted it into the DNA lock.
"Access granted, Numbuh 1," the computerized voice said. The door slid open, revealing the girl in her blue fighter's suit.
"I'll have to take that," he said, snatching the black device from Numbuh 24.5. She scowled at him heavily, but relinquished it. He ignored the panicked girl's voice coming from it.
"Numbuh 24.5? Come in, Numbuh 24.5! Answer me!" Dropping the communicator to the floor, he stepped on it- hard.
The device sparked a little before the voice died away. Numbuh 24.5 glared at him through her long brown bangs, which hid most of her face in shadow.
"Why are you here?" she spat. "To convince me to relinquish my free will to you GKND freaks?"
He studied her. He knew what species they were: elven. A species almost identical to humans, except for the fact that elvens had pointy ears. In fact, Adlenir was practically the same as planet earth- even the animal species were relatively similar.
"No, actually," he said, not caring if his voice sounded resigned. "I was just curious is all."
Her eyes narrowed, but she said nothing.
He decided to press on. "Why did you refuse?" he asked her. "It's really a high honor to be chosen for this."
"Maybe to you," she said coldly. "But I will not stand still and watch while you"- here she pointed an accusing finger at him- "force every operative over the age of thirteen to forget everything! Plus, like I said before, I haven't found a suitable successor yet."
He raised an eyebrow at her. "Really? I just heard you talking to a Numbuh 842, who seems to be your successor."
"As Global Tactical Officer, she has to be- but trust me, the job isn't right for her," said Numbuh 24.5. "She's a sweet kid, but that's just it- she's too sweet. It's vice versa with the other possible candidate, Numbuh 3 AM- he's too strict. It's good for a sector leader, but not so much for a Supreme Leader."
She said all of this with seriousness, making Numbuh 1 realize that she probably knew what she was talking about. In many ways, the girl before him reminded him of Rachel. She knew what was necessary, and what was too much.
"Well then," he said quietly. "I'm sorry, Numbuh 24.5, but what we're doing now is what is the best for everyone."
With those words, he exited the cell.
1 Week Later
"NUMBUH 1!"
Nigel had barely stepped off his fighter when he was tackled in a giant group hug by Hoagie, Abby, Kuki, and Wally. He was just barely able to register his shock when they began questioning him furiously.
"Whoa, slow down guys!" he said with a laugh. Then his expression turned serious. "Did you all make it into the TND?"
"You'd better believe it!" said Numbuh 5, grinning from ear to ear. "When we heard you was getting vacation time, we had to come see you!"
"Yup," said Hoagie, still wearing the same goggles and hat. "Oh, and we're still Sector V, by the way."
"I guessed that," said Numbuh 1. He just couldn't stop smiling; he never thought his short time off would be this great. "What've you all been up to?"
"Well, you know, the usual," said Numbuh 3, beaming. "Fighting all the bad guys, annoying Wally…"
"Oh, yeah, right!" said Numbuh 5, rolling her eyes. "If you two call making out annoying, at least." Numbuh 2 snickered at the mortified looks on both Numbuh 3 and Numbuh 4's faces.
"So they finally admitted it, then?" Numbuh 1 asked Numbuh 5.
"Yup," said the African American girl. "Although Numbuh 5 isn't sure whether that's an improvement or not."
"So, how's everyone else been?" he asked her.
Numbuh 5 shrugged, though her expression darkened slightly. "They been fine, I guess. Numbuh 86 and Numbuh 60 both moved up to the TND too, although Numbuh 5 has to deal with their constant fighting almost daily. It's driving her crazy!"
He glanced at her. "Are you Supreme Leader of the Teens Next Door?"
She looked at him, eyebrows shooting up in surprise. "How'd you know?" she said, scowling. "Numbuh 5 was hoping you wouldn't have to salute me. We're friends."
"Sorry… Supreme Leader sir." He couldn't resist adding it, and received a whack from her hat in return.
He frowned slightly. There was something Numbuh 5 had been avoiding ever since their conversation began. Behind them, the other three members of Sector V were arguing about the latest video game to come out.
"How's Rachel?" he asked.
Numbuh 5 sighed. "Abby was afraid you might ask that," she mumbled. "You might not like to hear this, but… Rachel was a shoo-in for the TND. We even told her about it, so she'd know how to act, in order to fake her decommissioning! But the day of her thirteenth… she vanished. Without a trace. She even removed her genetic material from the code module, so we couldn't track her."
Numbuh 1 kept walking, letting the news wash over him. So, his former Supreme Leader was gone, and no one knew where. It was unlike her to run from decommissioning, especially since it wasn't even real.
"You haven't seen her since?" he asked. They'd just arrived at the bridge of the Moonbase, where he almost expected to see Numbuh 362 sitting in her chair. But it was vacant, for the moment.
Numbuh 5 shook her head sadly. "Nope. By the way, the Supreme Leader of the KND is now Numbuh 84."
He looked over at her in surprise. "Lee?"
"Yup, the very same. He's good at it, too."
Huh. Numbuh 1 had always thought of Numbuh 84 as the quiet type, not really leader material.
"Guys," called Numbuh 5, interrupting his thoughts. "Why don't you show Numbuh 1 where he's staying? I'm sure he needs to learn his way around the base again."
"Yay!" cried Numbuh 3, grabbing Numbuh 1's wrist and dragging him away, Numbuhs 2 and 4 following behind. Numbuh 5's smile quickly faded, and she turned to one of the pillars. "You can come out now."
There was a pause, and then a person clothed in black appeared. Nothing was showing except their eyes, which were sharp and intelligent.
"Thanks," came the muffled voice.
Numbuh 5 sighed. "Please don't ask Abby to do that again. It ain't easy for her to lie to him."
"Sorry," was the reply. "But it had to be done. If I'm going to get Numbuh 24.5 out of galactic prison, no one can know about me."
"Numbuh 5's wondering if you're crazy," she muttered. "Try not to get in over your head, all right?"
"I'm already in over my head," the person replied, laughing. "But strangely, I don't care."
Numbuh 5 stared at the person a few times, blinking. "Abby was right," she said. "You are crazy."
"No, I don't think so, but I'll do whatever it takes to stop them from achieving their goal." Abby shuddered at the clear sincerity in their voice. The figure threw themselves off the bridge, and Numbuh 5 sighed.
"Good luck," she murmured, "'Cause Abby's done helping you."
Numbuh 24.5 looked up to see Numbuh 1 entering her cell- again. He came to talk to her quite often, about who-knows-what. She'd finally stopped scorning him, but she couldn't resist adding a scathing comment or two to their conversations.
"Back from vacation?" she asked sweetly.
He glanced at her in surprise. "How'd you know about that?"
"I have my sources…." There was a pause, and then she sighed exasperatedly. "You told me the last time you talked to me, dumbo."
"Oh. Er… right." There was an awkward pause, which Numbuh 24.5 enjoyed, when he asked, "How did you become Supreme Leader, anyhow? I mean, if you don't have the decommissioning rule…" His voice trailed off as her eyes darkened. At first she didn't answer, and he considered leaving, when she began to speak.
"There was a danger… we call it the Dark Teen Incident. As you can probably guess from the title, it had to do with this one teenager. Just one… my predecessor, Numbuh 456, thought it wouldn't be too much trouble. He sent Sector N after her, and they… didn't make it." Her voice was barely a whisper now. "That was a time of terror. Back then, kids couldn't walk down the street without fear of being hurt. We lost three sectors." Her green eyes were wide, and Numbuh 1 could barely believe it; kids shouldn't have to go through this! "Finally, Numbuh 456 decided that he'd had enough. So he got Sector F- which I was in at the time- and himself to go on a final mission to finish her off. It was in a forest, and she somehow got the rest except Numbuh 456 and me.
"She popped up later, holding them hostage, and threatened to… to end them if we didn't turn ourselves in with them. I got my trusty splanker and ran up to fight her, expecting Numbuh 456 to help me, but then she got her hand around my neck and was squeezing… and he ran. He broke one of the most important rules of the KND code: never, under any circumstances, abandon your fellow operatives unless it's a direct order from a superior. But he ran for it, and it just made me so… angry. So I somehow managed to knock her out, and then the rest of Sector F helped me secure Numbuh 456. Both of them were taken for immediate decommissioning."
She swallowed, hard. "And… the KND voted that I take over, so… I did. And here we are."
They both sat in silence, with Numbuh 1 not sure what to say. It was almost as if leadership had been forced upon Numbuh 24.5, but she didn't seem to mind. More than anything, she seemed shaken that Numbuh 456 would be such a coward.
"Let me guess," said Numbuh 1, "He was the kind of leader that everyone looked up to for inspiration?"
"Yeah, he was," mumbled Numbuh 24.5. "But how'd you know?"
"I had a similar problem back on my planet."
"Ah."
The quiet descended on them again, and for a while neither said anything. Numbuh 1 was almost afraid to break her out of her reverie, when she straightened.
"Well, Numbuh 1," she said, her voice crisp. "I'm going to have to insist that you leave."
"I don't have a problem with that," he replied, "But why?"
She rubbed her eyes a little, before looking directly at him. "You've almost been a friend, Nigel Uno." He flinched at his real name. "And I don't want you to get blamed for what will happen later. Trust me when I say this: in 0300 hours, I will not be here."
He blinked several times before this sank in. "What?"
She sighed. "Need I repeat myself? Again, trust me: I don't want you getting hurt. Now leave, before I make you."
The glare she was now giving him was certainly enough to make him promptly sprint out of the prison cell.
And exactly 0300 hours later, the alarm went off.
Numbuh 24.5 looked up, just as a hole was blasted in the wall of her cell. She smirked slightly at the person dressed completely in black. "Thanks for coming," she said, dusting herself off. "Did you bring what I asked for?"
The person tossed her her splanker, and then motioned for her to follow them. Numbuh 24.5 obliged, only too happy to be out of her cell.
They soon found themselves in the main hallway, clearing a path through all the GKND operatives trying to stop them. The two leaped up, jumping on various alien heads in order to get through more easily. Numbuh 24.5 followed behind the masked person, kicking another space operative out of the way. She thought she saw Numbuh 1 running after them, yelling, but she didn't have time to get a proper glance before they were rounding another corner.
"The hangar's this way," they hissed. "We should be able to find a suitable transport there."
"Let's hope," muttered Numbuh 24.5.
Meanwhile, Numbuh 1 himself was still hurrying after them. He could see them now, sprinting for the hangar. He could make out Numbuh 24.5's blue fighter suit, as well as her accomplice's black attire.
They made it into the hangar, where more operatives waited. Numbuh 24.5 caught one on her splanker, while the other simply made good use of what looked to him like karate. They neared a high tech S.C.A.M.P.E.R., fighting off others all the way. Just as they approached the door, Numbuh 24.5 turned and gave him a tiny nod, a respectful one that clearly said, 'farewell'.
The scamper took off, heading, no doubt, back to Adlenir.
"That was a close one," said Numbuh 24.5, popping open a can of root beer. She raised it to her rescuer. "Cheers."
"Glad I could help."
Author's note: This is a three part story, kind of like a movie. Yes, Numbuh 24.5 is the protagonist. As to who the mysterious person in black is… that'll be revealed soon. Anyway, Adlenir is a planet I made up. It's got two moons: one has the main moonbase; the other has the training base. I put it there instead of the arctic.
For those of you who have read this, thank you. And, if you're not in a hurry or anything, please review. Those reviews… any feedback at all, really inspires me. I'd like to know if people are actually reading this. Thanks!