Chapter 2: What Has Nigel Done?
"Thank y'all for joining me," said Numbuh 5, addressing a couple of the higher ranking members of the KND. "As y'all already know, something just tried to attack Earth, until we deflected it back into space. However, we have no idea what could have done it, and without a warning from this mysterious Numbuh Vine, we'd have been hit. All Sectors have been put on high alert, but now we need to figure out what to do before they attack again. Numbuh 71.562, what did you find out about them?"
"Well, I traced the transmission as far as possible," said Numbuh 71.562. "However, the signal goes way off into deep space. There's no way any kid has ever been that far out."
"Your equipment must be faulty," said Numbuh 86. "If no kid has ever been there, then the signal must have come from somewhere else."
"That's the weird thing," said Numbuh 71.562. "I tried seeing if I could find it being redirected from somewhere. Obviously Numbuh Vine was telling us something we weren't supposed to know, so it stands to reason they would try to confuse the signal so they couldn't be traced. But I couldn't find any sign of signal tampering. They contacted us directly, possibly through an unsecure line. It looks as though they had to get the message out quickly, and didn't bother with security measures."
"What are you saying?" asked Numbuh 86.
"That something, quite possibly from deep space, wants us dead," said Numbuh 71.562.
"Oh, so it's a fight they want eh?" asked Numbuh 86. "Well, just wait 'til they get a piece of me. I say we strike back hard and fast, wiping 'em out."
"Wait, we don't even know what that ray was going to do," said Numbuh 5 quickly. "We can't rule out the possibility of Numbuh Vine being the evil one."
"Have you gone daft Numbuh 5?" demanded Nunbuh 86. "They fired at us, with no warning, and we only knew to protect ourselves because someone warned us. Why would whoever fired at us be on our side? It was probably an adult superweapon, and one of them chickened out at the last second because of how powerful it was."
"Yeah, I guess," admitted Numbuh 5. "But we still need to figure out who they are, and what they're planning."
"Perhaps we can help?" suggested someone from the doorway. The group turned to see Sector V entering the room.
"Hi Numbuh 5," said Numbuh 3, running up and hugging her old teammate.
"Abby, looking good baby," said Numbuh 2, winking at her. Numbuh 5 shuddered in response.
"Why are you guys here?" demanded Numbuh 86. "This is a private meeting."
"Relax Numbuh 86," said Numbuh 5. "They know what's goin' on. Plus, 362 was Supreme Leader once. Maybe she has some insight into this that we don't."
"I don't know about that," said Numbuh 362. "But I intend to help any way I can."
"Hey, as long as I get to beat the crud out of those cruddy adults, I'm good," said Numbuh 4, punching into his hand like he was ready to go then and there.
"Numbuh 4, we don't even know if the adults were behind this," said Numbuh 5.
"Of course the adults are behind this," said Numbuh 86. "Why are you so insistent that they're not? Unless you know something we don't?"
"Err…well…" stammered Numbuh 5. "I just don't want to rule things out, as unlikely as…" Before she could continue, Numbuh 362 placed a hand on her shoulder.
"Numbuh 5, you might want to tell them," said Numbuh 362. "If it's them, they need to know what we're up against."
"If it's who? What are you talking about?" demanded Numbuh 86. "You know who's attacking us?"
"I think we do," said Numbuh 5. "This is going to sound really unbelievable, but I swear it's true."
"Just spill it," said Numbuh 86.
"Well, you know how Numbuh 1 disappeared six months ago…" started Numbuh 5.
"So, you're saying this 'Galactic Kids Next Door' is attacking us," said Numbuh 86, adding her own air quotes. "And that Numbuh 1 just let it happen? And you expect us to believe that?"
"But it's true," said Numbuh 3. "We all saw it."
"Yeah, how else do you explain Numbuh 74.239 and Numbuh Infinity disappearing, as well as Chad?" asked Numbuh 2.
"Oh stop it," snapped Numbuh 86. "Numbuh 362, you don't honestly believe any of this, do you?"
"I do believe this Numbuh 86," said Numbuh 362 seriously.
"What? Why?" asked Numbuh 86. "It's the most ludicrous story I've ever heard."
"And do you know what else is ludicrous? Nigel Uno just abandoning the Kids Next Door for no reason," replied Numbuh 362. "I've never seen a more loyal operative than Nigel, and I know he wouldn't leave his position here on Earth unless he thought he could be of more use elsewhere."
"Bah, you've been brainwashed by their stupidity," said Numbuh 86. "Come on Numbuh 71.562, let's go see if we can find out what really happened."
"But Numbuh 86, it did happen," said Numbuh 71.562, stopping Numbuh 86 in her tracks.
"Oh jeez, not you too," said Numbuh 86, turning to face Numbuh 71.562…
…only to see the spot where Numbuh 71.562 had been standing now contained a green alien with four tentacles. The operatives present yelled and screamed in horror, backing away as much as possible.
"Wait guys, calm down," said Numbuh 71.562, regaining his human form. "That was just my true form. Most of the science division of the Kids Next Door are actually aliens."
"Of course," said Numbuh 4. "That explains why Numbuh 2 is so weird."
"Hey, I'm not an alien," retorted Numbuh 2.
"Quite true," said Numbuh 71.562. "Let's face it, as if a human would ever be able to create technology that could compete on the same level as ours."
"And what do you mean by that?" demanded Numbuh 2, rolling up his sleeves.
"Guys, we have a much bigger problem to deal with," said Numbuh 5. "Namely, the whole 'Numbuh 1 just tried to kill us' problem. There's no way Numbuh 1 would ever do that, unless they've brainwashed him."
"Most likely," said Numbuh 71.562. "Maybe you humans aren't as dumb as the rest of the GKND say."
"I'm going to pretend you didn't say that," said Numbuh 5 through gritted teeth. "And stop Numbuh 1 as soon as possible. I'm heading out there."
"Pfft, good luck," said Numbuh 71.562. "The Galactic Kids Next Door have been hiding from adults for years. Do you really think you're going to find them by yourself?"
"Which is why you're going to help me," said Numbuh 5.
"Me?" asked Numbuh 71.562. "Sorry, but I serve a higher power, and…"
"And when you're in this Moonbase, you'll listen to its Supreme Commander," said Numbuh 5 threateningly. "And last time I checked, that was me."
Numbuh 71.562 gulped in terror. "Ye…yes ma'am," he said, saluting her and shaking nervously.
"Me and Numbuh 2 are going to track down Numbuh 0," said Numbuh 362. "If these GKND guys are going to attack again, we're going to need more agents. And that might mean recommissioning a few old operatives."
"You're nuts," snapped Numbuh 86. "They'll all be teenagers by now at best, and…"
"And their planet is in danger as much as ours," said Numbuh 362. "Teens and adults are dangerous enemies, but they're not idiots. If the only way to save themselves is by allying themselves with us, they will."
"Which brings me to your job Numbuh 86," said Numbuh 5. "Go get Numbuh 60 from the Arctic Base, and start recruiting and training new members. If it's a fight they want, we'll give it to them."
"But…" started Numbuh 86.
"That's an order," said Numbuh 5. "Are you going to question it, or follow it?"
Numbuh 86 sighed in defeat. "Follow it," said Numbuh 86. "It's not like you're giving me much choice."
"Hey, what about us?" asked Numbuh 4, standing with Numbuh 3.
"Numbuhs 3 and 4, you guys stay here in case Numbuh Vine calls in again," said Numbuh 5. "If they do, you're to contact the rest of us ASAP."
"Okay," said Numbuh 3, happily skipping away.
"You've gotta be kidding me," said Numbuh 4. "You expect us to just sit here and wait around doing nothing, while the rest of you do all the dangerous stuff?"
"Yes, I do," said Numbuh 5. "Because I need our toughest people here on Earth, in case things go wrong. If they get around our defences, they'll have you to deal with. That's why you're staying here."
"Oh…okay, that makes sense," said Numbuh 4. "In that case, they better be ready to fight, or else they'll feel the might of Wallabee Beetles."
"Alright, we all have our missions," said Numbuh 5. "Let's get to work." Each of the groups left the meeting room and prepared to leave.
"Uh, Numbuh 5?" asked Numbuh 362. "Are you sure about leaving Numbuh 4 as a last line of defence?"
"He's a tough kid," said Numbuh 5. "Plus, if he thinks he's being helpful by staying put, hopefully he won't mess things up too badly for the rest of us."
"Huh…never would have thought of that," said Numbuh 362. "Guess you've got the hang of the Supreme Leader thing."
"Well, I learned from the best," said Numbuh 5, saluting the other girl. "Good luck Rachel."
"You too Abby," said Numbuh 362, saluting back. "And be careful." The doors to their ships closed, and the kids all left on their missions.
