Supper Time

Leo had not yet returned from the streets. Donatello texted him their findings on M&R Enterprises, warning him to be extra careful. He texted back his typical 'K' reply, something which irked Donnie.

Why even bother sending a text message if it will only host a single letter? At least tell me about the weather, or how your day is going, or send the over used semicolon parentheses ;) . Anything is better than receiving ONE STINKING LETTER!

The attempts to get past the security main frame were proving to be harder than the skilled turtle first presumed. His sore fingers throbbed from repetitious pounding, and his knuckles ached from their constant cramped position. Even his neck was starting to bother him. It was normal for Donatello to spend many hours working alone in his lab hunched over a project without ever feeling the signs of fatigue. Of course, he rarely felt such a clench of dire importance, a need to keep someone safe. The stress of Trinity's situation remained at the forefront of his mind. He was not going to let her down.

I am going to make sure they never find out where you are. Then we'll take care of them.

—-

In the kitchen, Mikey allowed Trinity to watch him prepare supper. She offered to help, but he refused.

"Probably for the best," she had told him, "I don't like cooking, so naturally I stink at it." She looked on with amusement as he put on a performance, wearing a ridiculous frilly apron filthy with food, as he pranced about like a jester in court. Even with his antics Trinity could tell Michelangelo knew what he was doing, his talent for culinary arts shown through. By the time he finished cooking, the whole lair had filled with the savory fragrance of garlic and herbs.

The smell was enough to pull the troops in, as the family soon arrived in the kitchen. Even Leonardo had returned, forgoing the need to remove his garments he wore the dark clothing to the supper table. He pushed the hood off his head, and took a seat.

"Any luck?" Raph asked. Leo shot him a look, answering his brother. Raph mumbled something under his breath.

"Michelangelo, you have out done yourself, my son," Master Splinter praised. He couldn't hide the pride in his voice.

"What can I say, when there's a sexy mouth to pleasure, I go all out." He winked at Trinity, who smiled and shook her head. Their sensei sighed, displeased with his youngest son's uncouth manners.

Leonardo cleared his throat loudly. "What did you guys come up with while I was out? Hopefully more than I did."

"Well, Don, Trinity, and I were on fire. R&M is a shady robot loving company, and by robots I mean Kraang!" Mikey said, adding wild hand motions as he spoke.

"It's M and R, and I'm not entirely through getting past their firewall. I need to get into their security feed, to see what they are hiding, but yeah, they definitely have relations with Kraang. It just isn't coincidence. Too many things are matching up."

"Great," Leo grumbled. "How bad do you think this is Donnie? Be honest."

Donatello set his fork down, thinking it through. "I didn't like it when we bumped into those Kraang droids last month, I knew then it was bad. None of them should've survived that explosion we set three years ago. It imploded on Kraang Prime, shutting down every portal to their dimension. The fact we only see a few of them at a time doesn't make sense either, or that we can't track them. It's nontypical Kraang behavior, for lack of a better term."

The three turtles looked at one another, not liking their shared thoughts of where the mystery was leading. Michelangelo saw that Trinity had finished her food. He stood, grabbing her empty plate.

"Let me fill that for ya, sweet cakes," he said, dishing up more pasta.

"Oh no, Mikey I seriously cannot eat another bite. You piled it like a mountain the first time. I'm going to gain ten pounds if I keep at it."

"So what, you're too skinny," Raph said. The words were out before he realized it. He saw the others staring at him, gaping like he had broken some cardinal rule. He inwardly cursed himself. "What? She's scrawny is all I'm saying." He grunted, and went back to eating in silence. Donnie and Leo exchanged a humorous glance.

"I still cannot believe this company bought the website I was writing for. You're positive they didn't have anything to do with 'Foreshadow Tonight' before that?" Donnie nodded. "Huh, guess that explains why Kruger was so morose on turning down the first Gucci Guy story. He acted like it was good, just that his hands were tied. The second time though, he became belligerent. Said not to submit anymore."

"So when you submit your stories obviously someone must read them," Leo said.

"Yeah, they have a trial site for a select group that all those stories get put on, once they pass the editors desk. It weeds out the better stuff."

"Someone read those two articles then?" Leo asked.

"Yes, just a small group that supports the website. It is run differently than most news sites, that's why it's cutting edge, so they say."

"Wonder who was on that group? What do you think, Don?"

"I was wondering the same thing." The two turtles got up and headed towards the lab.

"Hey eat, it's getting cold." Mikey pointed to Trinity's plate. She groaned. "Food is good for the soul, and will help you get better."

"Not if I'm puking my guts out. Seriously, if I take another bite my stomach will rupture. It was excellent, though. I LOVE pasta, and that was probably the best I've ever eaten."

Mikey grinned. She helped him clear the table. Raph took off, not offering to help in any way. Master Splinter thanked his son, excused himself, and retired to his room. Trinity began running the hot water.

"What are ya doing?" Mikey asked.

"I'm starting the dishes."

"No, no, no, nuh-ah, you are our guest. Go sit down and let that awesome meal settle." She tried protesting, but he pushed her out of the area, making it evident she wasn't going to be doing dishes that night. If Trinity wanted to help out around their home she would need to seek a higher authority, which is what she decided to do.

—-

Carefully, she tapped on the bamboo screen. She hated disturbing their master. He had looked tired after the meal. Trinity felt the urge to speak with him, not only about her current living predicament, but to understand them all a bit more. She was surprised when he answered immediately, as if he'd been standing there, waiting.

"I'm sorry, Master Splinter, I was wondering if I could speak with you?" she asked.

He smiled. "Of course, step inside."

She entered the cramped space. It was like stepping into a time warp. Japanese fans, silk fabrics, and scrolls decorated every inch of wall. A deep, rich scent of spicy, floral candles infused the air, the flickering warmth of their flames giving the area its only source of light. Layers of pillows lined the floor.

"Please, sit," he said. She took a spot opposite him, sitting criss-cross apple sauce. "What is it you wish to talk of?"

"I just wanted to say thank you," she said. "Your sons saved me. I'm sure they told you, but I wanted to tell you myself. This is the sort of thing they do all the time, but it's not every day I almost wind up dead. Thank you for training them how to perform martial arts, and how to be gentlemen. There aren't many human men in this city who would've done half as much for me. I am indebted to you all."

"My dear, you take our honor to heart. It is simply our way. Though I understand, and I appreciate your gratitude. However, you owe us nothing in return. Your life is reward enough."

Trinity smiled. "I had a feeling you'd say that. Well, since I can't repay you for the care you've given, at least let me help out while I stay here. With that you can't argue. It's part of American culture to pull your own weight when you're with someone for any length of time."

Splinter squinted, stroking his long whiskers as he contemplated. "What did you have in mind?" he asked.

Trinity smiled, knowing she had found the loophole she had been hoping for.