Hi! And thanks for staying tuned for Chapter 7 of "FoH" otherwise known as "Force of Habit." I know it's taken me a year to update this story, and I DO apologize. The truth is my life's been, well... weird. And for a long while I'd lost my passion for writing. But now things are starting to look up; I'm getting my life in order, and that just so happens to include my writings.
So, without further ado, on to the main event!
Chapter 7: Just Out of Reach
Raphael huffed and shifted restlessly, causing Donatello to tense and hunch forward over his desk even further. Don was trying to ignore Raph's obvious irritation and continued typing letters, symbols, and numbers in the long string of computer code on the screen in front of him.
"Don," grumbled Raph, from behind, "Is this gettin' us anywhere?"
Donnie's jaw tightened; he immediately swiped up the printout from the desk in front of him and slapped it down in full view of his brother. "We know what the truck looks like, don't we?"
Raph set his hands on the desk as he leaned forward. "Yeah we know what the truck looks like, so— why ain't we out there lookin' for it?!"
"Because it could be anywhere by now!" answered Don, emphatically, "I'm trying to follow it on all the available cameras and it's taking time to hack into each system!"
"Yeah, time Mikey might not have!" retorted the red-masked ninja, "I mean, we don't even know who these creeps are that took 'im. They could be doin' anything to 'im right now! We need t'get on their butts as fast as we can!"
"I know that!"snapped Donnie.
"Well then come on! Let's get goin'! That picture you printed out shows what neighborhood the truck was last in. We should start d'ere and spread out!"
Don pushed away from the computer, facing Raphael while remaining seated. "But that's just it! We really don't know what neighborhood that truck was last seen in until I've accessed all the video footage!"
"But that's takin' too long, DON!"
"And you're not helping it go any faster, RAPH!"
"YAMÉ!" came the sudden and forceful command of Splinter, their adopted father and teacher. He was emerging from the dojo accompanied by Leonardo who'd been bringing him up to speed on their current situation. "That will be quite enough my sons." said the old rat, "We are, after all, on the same side. We have the same goal, do we not? We must find and rescue Michelangelo before he comes to harm, if that is indeed the intention of his captors."
"But that's just my point sensei," began Raph, approaching his father with arms open in appeal, "We can't just sit here on our butts hopin' we'll find the 'magic' video that'll somehow shows us exactly where d'ose creeps took Mike. Chances are that ain't gonna happen! Which means we need to be out d'ere right now lookin' for 'im!"
"Which brings us to the point I was trying to make!" spat Donatello, quickly stepping into the circle of discussion, "In case you hadn't noticed Raph, the city is HUGE, which means we can't just strike out in any old direction and hope it's the right one. I mean, do you know how much time that would waste? Time, which you so handedly pointed out, Mikey might not have! I mean look!" he opened his hand towards his computer, "Not only do we now know what the truck looks like, but from all the video I've reviewed so far it's apparent these guys are taking Mikey northward."
"Then we'll head North!" spat Raph. He and Donnie glared at each other, prompting Splinter to tap the end of his walking stick in quick succession against the floor; this effectively drew the attention of his reptilian children.
"The truth is, my sons, you are both correct."
There was silence for a moment as the turtles blinked in surprise. "Huh?"
The Ninjutsu master cleared his throat. "While it is indeed vital for us to follow the visual trail left behind by Michelangelo's abductors," he continued, "It is also imperative that we head out in pursuit of them as quickly as possible. That is why Raphael and I shall head to the surface together, and scour the city northward from the last location you were able to verify." Splinter nodded toward Donatello, and smiled as Raphael's eyes lit with excitement.
The fact that their father was taking such an active role in the search for Michelangelo meant the situation was very serious indeed.
"Er, okay." Don's brow creased.
"Ahright!" piped Raph. He eagerly swung 'round, darting toward the dojo, "I'll get my gear!"
"Get mine as well my son." called Splinter, watching his caramel-eyed son nod and disappear through the dojo's doorway. The old rat swiftly brought his attention back to the turtle with the purple mask. "In the meantime, my son, we are counting on you to do what you do best. Continue your search here on your computer, for the results you have yielded thus far have been most favorable."
"Yes father." said Donnie, with a quick half-bow.
Splinter glanced briefly at his oldest son. "Leonardo will stay with you to help you."
Don and Leo each gave a slight start. "Help?" Donatello looked confused. "Yeah," began Leo, blinking, "How can I help Donnie, father? I don't know anything about hacking into—"
Splinter held up his hand for silence. "You may not be as technically inclined as your brother Leonardo, but that is not the reason you are remaining with him. Aid comes in many forms, my sons, and we must always support each other." His eyes narrowed solemnly. "Donatello's mind and heart may yet grow weary considering the daunting nature of his task. If his morale indeed flags, your presence will be required to provide him with the strength to continue."
Leo and Don stared at their father a moment before glancing sidelong at one another curiously. Splinter turned then, as Raphael emerged from the dojo. The sai wielder bounded up to his father, extending a short sword. "Here's your wakizashi sensei."
"Thank you my son." The old rat set aside his walking stick a moment in order to push the sheathed blade into his belt. Raph held out a pouch of shuriken next, and Splinter cinched that securely to his waist as well.
"Well I-uh better get back to the video feeds," said Donnie, sharing a quick nod with his father before dashing back to his chair in front of the computer. Leonardo watched Don quickly settle in before looking to Raph and Splinter; they were almost ready to head out.
Leo swallowed, feeling a bit out of place — he wasn't used to being sidelined. Nevertheless, he knew his father was right about the role he had to play. The only way they would get Mikey back was by working as a team, which meant he had to do whatever he could to help Donatello.
While Leonardo was thinking over the truth of this, he didn't notice Raphael glancing in his direction; the truth was, Raph wasn't used to Leo being sidelined either. Still, odd as it felt leaving Leo behind, Raph knew he wasn't willing to give the matter any more consideration if it meant a delay heading topside, and he quickly shifted his attention to his father.
Splinter stepped up beside his maroon-eyed child. "Where did you last see the vehicle belonging to Michelangelo's captors, my son?"
Donnie's fingers were flying across the keyboard. "Last I was able to find, they were headed north through Pelham Gardens."
"Pelham Gardens?" jeered Raphael, "Well, unless the nefarious mastermind behind Mikey's kidnappin' works out'uva residential 'hood in the Bronx, I'm guessin' that's not where they were takin' 'im."
"A reasonable assumption." answered Don, finishing up a line of code on the screen in front of him. "But I won't be able to answer definitively until I've seen all the camera feeds."
Raph almost rolled his eyes.
"I'll help Don stay on track." said Leo, stepping forward, "Together we'll do our best to narrow down the search radius for you guys." He paused as a sudden thought struck him. "But– how on Earth are we supposed to update you guys? It's not like you can just call us up from the nearest pay phone. And it would be stupid for you guys to have to keep coming back here, especially if we haven't made much progress."
Donnie stopped typing abruptly. "Actually," he hummed, turning 'round in his chair, "I have been working on something to help us stay in touch." He rose and went to a cabinet not far from his computer desk. "My preliminary tests revealed they have a pretty good range." He pulled three plastic squares from his techno-stash, each a different color. "The video quality is pretty good too," he said, approaching his family members, "But there are periodic instances of lag that can be a bit distracting considering I'm using the various satellite dishes and antenna throughout the city to relay our signals."
Don extended a black device to Raph, and a blue one to Leo; he kept the silver one for himself. Leo raised an eyebrow, realizing he recognized his gadget. "Hey, aren't these those game—?"
"Yeah, they're Game Boy SPs! Or rather, they were. I found them here and there on my perusals through the tech-dumps. It took me forever to find all the right components to remake them into com-devices."
Raph looked unamused. "So why are we jus' now findin' out about d'ese?"
Don frowned. "Well obviously because I only just finished working on them! It's not like I was trying to keep them a secret. I was just hoping I'd be able to find a few more before I handed them out! You know, one for each of us."
There was a moment of silence as Raph, Leo and Splinter considered their new means of communication. With his keen eye for detail, Leonardo could see just how much effort Donatello had put into converting the Game Boys, and he was rather impressed with his little brother's handiwork. He looked up from his SP, smiling. "Well, great job Donnie." he said, supportively, "I can see a lot of hard work went into these. I can't wait to see them in action!"
"Yes, you have done well in foreseeing our need for these devices, my son." said Splinter, "Thank you for your skilled craftsmanship."
Donatello was beaming with pride.
"Yeah. So how do they work?" quizzed Raph.
"Well, they're a kind of video phone," replied Don, "Which can actually do a number of different things depending on the cartridge you have inserted."
Leo's SP beeped as the screen came on. "Oh!" he said, with a slight chuckle, "Found the 'on' button."
—–—
About 20 minutes later, Leo, Raph and Splinter had learned enough to communicate using the Game Boy Coms. Of course, being both eager and impatient to head topside, Raphael had been hurried about the whole affair. "Can we get goin' a'ready?" he huffed, frowning at no one in particular whilst shoving his SP into his belt.
"Yes my son," answered the Ninjutsu master, taking up his walking stick, "Let us depart."
Knowing they needed only one of the Coms there at the Lair, Donnie gave his SP to Splinter so he and Raphael could split up during their search if it became necessary.
"Your SPs will automatically go to Standby Mode if they're not being used." explained Don, "That helps save the batteries. Anyway, as we learn more we'll call you and let you know where to head next. Okay?"
"Right." "Very good." Raph and Splinter nodded. "Good luck my sons." said the old rat before heading up the steps to the Lair's hidden doorway.
"Same to the both of you, sensei." said Leo, watching both Raphael and his father pass through the opening in the brick; the doors slid together the moment they were through.
Leo lowered his gaze, rapt for a moment in thoughts of Michelangelo; he hoped he was all right. His brow suddenly furrowed as an unsettling notion came to mind, and he wondered about his father and brother venturing to the surface. Was there any chance they were in danger? Would those who had taken Mikey eventually return to ensnare his family as well? Leo's eyes narrowed at the thought.
He turned to Donatello who was already reviewing the latest CCTV footage he'd hacked into. Seeing Don was presently occupied gave Leo a minute to reconsider the potential danger presented by his baby brother's kidnappers. 'I should warn Raph and father.' he concluded, reaching for the Game Com in his belt. He opened it.
"Time to see if I was paying attention." he muttered, switching it on.
—–—–—
Mikey snorted as he stepped into the Holding Area. "I still don't see why I need to have a crate!" he expounded, throwing his hands in the air, "It's not like I'm gonna run amok on the plane!"
Waldorf shook his head, his large frame filling the doorway. "Mr. Adelton makes his own rules little friend. And I'm afraid if he wants you to ride in back of the plane, that is where you must ride."
"Ohgh!" Mikey folded his arms, sulkily jerking his face away from the Chief Handler.
Waldorf Bauer let out a quiet sigh. "Well, have a good night. I'll see you tomorrow when I bring you your breakfast."
At the sound of the door sliding closed Michelangelo suddenly spun back. "But–!" The lock clicked.
Mikey exhaled, his jaw briefly tightening as he turned away from the door. He flinched abruptly, tipping his beak toward the ceiling. "OH man!" he cried, grabbing his head "I can't believe this! This whole thing BITES, big time!"
A gruff chuckle issue from across the way, and Michelangelo looked towards the blacked out Shadow Glass.
"Sooo, got fitted for your own crate eh? A terrible nuisance isn't it?"
Mikey remembered the Recall Signal had brought both him and Tusdin to the lower-level entrance; there, upon meeting up with the Chief Handler, Mikey had left the Yeti's company. It was only now, after hearing this sudden comment, that the young turtle realized the winter sasquatch had actually been returned to his own enclosure there in the Holding Area.
"Yeah," grumbled Mike, approaching the immense window pane, "You could say that." His head drooped down and he leaned forward, pressing his palms up against the glass. "This whole thing, it's just… it's like a bad dream I can't wake up from." He shook his head, his voice beginning to crack. "I just wish I was back home, with my family."
"Well, it isn't easy, I know. " said the Yeti, sympathetically, "Change never is. As a matter of fact, I'm sure you'll feel like that for a long time. But things will get better old chum, you'll see."
Mikey felt a tightening in his chest: that was the LAST thing he wanted to hear. 'Does this Adelton guy really expect me to be happy here? Like this?' he wondered irefully. Regardless of the comfort level of the prison, could anyone truly expect a prisoner to be happy with imprisonment? Was this even a rational expectation?
All at once, the words of Mikey's wealthy owner echoed in his memory: ~We all must eventually leave our families. ~ Did you really intend to remain with your family until the end of your days?~
Michelangelo grit his teeth hard enough to feel the pressure push into his ears. 'Stupid old man!'
Mikey's neighbor cleared his throat. "Well my young friend," intoned the Yeti, "It's best we get some sleep now. Tomorrow is going to be something of a busy day considering we're on the cusp of our departure. And we'll need our rest, yes? Mm, good night."
Mike could hear the Yeti rolling over, a sound which spurred a bud of anger to suddenly bloom in his heart. He turned sharply, arms knitting together as his carapace clanged up against the glass.
Angrily bashing thoughts around in his mind, Mikey was in a stew for a minute or two before his gaze finally landed on the large pillowed cushion on the floor; it wasn't far from him. 'Sleep?' he wondered, 'How can I sleep when I feel like my life's just ended?'
A great heaviness descended on his heart then, and he brooded a while longer before his anger finally melted into defeat. At last he loosed a deep sigh and let his arms fall to his sides. Pushing away from the glass, Mikey moved reluctantly to the pillow and lay down; he fidgeted a moment, trying to get comfortable. "I hate this place." he muttered with a groan.
Settling onto his side, Michelangelo snuffed out hard through his nose, and shut his eyes. The young ninja gave a slight twitch as a little itch appeared at the back of his neck. He maneuvered his hand over to rub at the irritation, and, in doing so, felt the tails of his mask as his fingers brushed against them. He paused.
'My mask,' He gripped the fabric knot that kept it tied 'round his face; even now he could still remember the very first one his father had ever given him. 'Oh dad... man do I miss you.' he thought, 'I miss all you guys. Leo, Raph, Donnie… I'm sorry I let this happen. I'm sorry…'
With the look of pained sadness, Mikey nuzzled into the plush cushion. There, his mind began to wander through thoughts so heavy, he was soon overcome by sleep. And he was swept, mind and spirit, into a deep dreamless slumber.
Not a very long chapter I know. But my dad made an passionate plea for me to finish this tale, so, in order to do so (and honor his request) I will be focusing my efforts mainly on completing this story.
The next chapter is already well underway, so keep a weather-eye out for it, because it is coming. ^_^
Thanks for reading! Cheers everyone!
