Chapter 25: "The Plan is Set in Motion"
Numbuh One raced toward Moon Base at break-neck pace, pulling every last ounce of speed from the shuttle that wouldn't send it crumbling into fiery little bits of space dust and him along with it. His proof by his side of the Coup d'etat that Infinity planned to execute, had arrived from Numbuh Five just in time to help them. The best espionage expert in the KND, Abby had retrieved the information from Infinity's personal databank on the KND Mainframe.
She was actually assigned to give training part time at the ATB for cadets busting into the Recon/Espionage Units, thanks to her top-notch skills. She had held this position ever since stepping down as Supreme Leader. Numbuh Two was the other part time trainer in Sector T.V. Nigel, Kuki and Wally were not trainers even part time, but occasionally Patton called them to the ATB as consultants. Nigel as a Tactical Specialist and Sector Leader would be enlisted to address cadets who were interested in or had shown aptitude for those fields. Wally would do combat drills every so often, and Kuki held mini Medical/First Aid workshops. Primarily though, they left the training of cadets to Patton's people, and devoted their time to missions. That of course had changed when Numbuh Four had been taken, but Numbuh One hoped to get back to utilizing their strongest skill soon. Of course everything hinged on the exposure of Infinity's sinister agenda.
Numbuh Five had been working with Hoagie to polish her techno-espionage skills recently and the tutelage paid off for all of them. He had been so thrilled to be spending so much time with just her, that at first he had tried to covertly extend the 'lessons'. That didn't work because Abby proved to be a remarkably quick study. She had mastered all the rudimentary and intermediate hacking skills he had tasked her with in record time. Now putting those abilities to use, she had pulled enough evidence from Infinity's office and personal documents that he could never wriggle out of the grasp of justice.
74.239 was another matter entirely because he, as a scientist and tech master himself, would never leave such a blatant trail. There were no documents to procure, which bore out his involvement in the plot, either hard copy or digital format. Hoagie would have to work a whole other angle to snare him. Fortunately, Numbuh Two was good at fishing secrets out of his fellow science nerds, but since Rachel's arrest things were much more dangerous. Nigel piloted the shuttle into the docking bay hoping against hope that Hoagie had gotten what they needed in time.
Hogarth Pennywhistle Gilligan, II sat unobtrusively in the Moon Base Mess chatting casually with a few of the upper level clearance KND scientists stationed there. He made an art out of this kind of exchange, getting information, and appearing to give it without actually revealing anything useful. He could have been a spy, but not if you asked Abby. If you asked Abby (which he had done), she would laugh (which she had done). Carefully stowed in the pocket of his bomber jacket, given to him by the beautiful spy he now was proud to call his girlfriend, last Christmas, was a brand new model of his latest piece of 2x4 technology christened the KND – T.W.I.T.T.E.R.
Kids Next Door – Tiny Wireless Investigative Tool Takes Excellent Recordings
Every bit of the conversation he was engaged in was being gathered into the massive memory of the deice which looked like an ordinary mechanical drafting pencil. He had modeled it that way because a drafting pencil was a common thing for him to be in possession of at all times, therefore would not arouse suspicion. With this recording to present as evidence to the Disciplinary Committee, they would have rule in favor of re-instating Rachel and they would also be forced to acknowledge the Splinter Cell existed and was currently comprised of two actively complicit members who were now gradually seizing power and gaining influence. As soon as Numbuh One got there they could end this madness. He carefully excused himself from the table after he'd gotten enough dirt, and left the Mess headed for Ambassador 274's office where the team had arranged to meet.
Rachel T. McKenzie sat alone in a holding cell awaiting the trial on trumped up charges that she had misused her authority as Supreme Leader. She knew intellectually that as soon as the Splinter Cell got wind of her involvement in the resistance against them, that there could be retaliation and that it could end her career. However the reality of being arrested charged as a traitor, and held prisoner by her accusers was harder to bear than she had thought. Particularly hard to handle was the look in her friend Fanny's eyes when she'd led the detail that put Rachel here. Unfortunately for Fanny, 74.239 coveted her position, and that was her last official act as Head of Decommissioning & Security. Rachel did not know what had happened to her after that.
Mournfully Numbuh 362 accepted the fact that it seemed that everyone was convinced that she really had let them down. It didn't help that this felt so similar to the way Chad had left his position as Supreme Leader. The trouble was many operatives who'd been around then were either decommissioned now, or deceived by Infinity's lies as much as the younger kids were. She might never regain her reputation, even if the others succeeded and the charges were dropped. If no one trusted her anymore it would all be pointless.
Her thoughts drifted back to Chad. He had been in her office warning her about the danger she was in, when the security forces had come to arrest her and he'd initial drawn on them with his weapon to prevent her being taken. He had put everything on the line for her in that moment and she had never loved him more. She had calmly reached out and placed a hand on his cheek and asked him to let it go.
"You can't help me if they arrest you too, Chad. Please, just lower your weapon and let this play out", she spoke with a softness in her tone meant only for him and her eyes shone with unshed tears.
"I can't just let them do this, Rachel. It's wrong! You haven't done anything to betray the KND. I can't let them..."
"I know. Don't worry about me, OK? I'll be fine. Do what you can and help the others expose the truth, that's what will save me", she expelled the breath she'd been unaware she'd been holding, as he slowly dropped his weapon to his side, and silently allowed the security detail to relieve him of it.
When he spoke to her, watching the operatives in Numbuh 86's top flight security force strip their Commander of her credentials and office, his voice was brimming with the painful knowledge that just what he'd feared had happened – she was the target of this humiliation because she'd agreed to help him unearth the Splinter Cell. He knew also that her involvement was probably by design after all, because Numbuh Infinity could hardly seize her position with her still rightfully in it. By default then, the GKND Ambassador had been used and maneuvered along with Numbuh One to put Rachel in the line of fire. He would personally see that Infinity paid for that – dearly.
"I love you, Rachel, I'm going to get your name cleared no matter what I have to do to make it happen. I promise", he locked his gaze on her face as she was bound and led from the Office of the Supreme Leader in shameful disgrace. As she left his sight, he heard her call back to him four words that would carry him through any obstacle.
"I love you too."
Now sitting in her lonely cell, she wondered if he and her other friends could possibly triumph over this so well entrenched threat which preyed upon the very structure of the KND, structure and traditions which made up it's foundation, and without which the whole organization would collapse. She had to trust that they would prevail, that truth and right would win out, and the KND would be restored, able to continue it's mission to liberate children everywhere from adult tyranny. To accept any other outcome was not an option – failure was not an option.
Numbuh One made his way past countless new 'security' checkpoints where he was poked, scanned, prodded, and questioned by operatives whose faces showed their regret at treating him so suspiciously. He was simply trying to get to Chad's office without the wrong people getting a hold of his file of evidence. Just when he thought he was in the clear, he saw the last person he wanted to see stepping toward him. It would not be possible to avoid a conversation, the dreaded Numbuh Infinity was looking straight at him as he approached, meeting his newly exposed enemy face to face was now a certainty.
"Numbuh One, I am glad to see you here. I am sure you have heard of the disappointing betrayal of our cause by Numbuh 362", he watched Nigel's face, but the sunglasses hid the sector leader's contempt.
"Yes sir, I have heard. I trust there is to be a full inquiry, so that no mistakes are made?"
"Oh I assure you, no mistakes are being made. Traitors must be decommissioned immediately and that is what I will make sure takes place. Before she can sway any loyal operatives into supporting her and causing division, I plan to send a message to all that makes it crystal clear what betraying the KND brings to anyone who tries", he words sounded noble and worthy and there was a time when Nigel would have supported him unquestioningly, trusted him. That time was over, and now the true greedy ambition in the former diplomat's voice sickened him.
"We should arrange to meet soon Numbuh One, to discuss your place in the restructuring of the organization. After all if we are to continue, we must grow and that means change", he stepped past Nigel and headed down the hall on his original path and Nigel was grateful that he had not turned to see the salute that his new rank as Interim Supreme Leader demanded. It was doubtful that Numbuh One would have been able to compel his arm in that kind for Numbuh Infinity ever again.
He started out on his course toward Ambassador 274's office replaying the conversation in his mind. Had there been a threat laced in all the false nobility of purpose? A warning that he too would face decommissioning as a penalty to opposition? He believed there was. Numbuh Infinity had worked out the details of Rachel's fall from grace perfectly. There would be no game of TAG to choose a new Leader, because the only one who could start that process was the current SL. She was no longer authorized to do so due to the accusations laid at her feet. As the highest ranking operative after Rachel, Infinity had made a spectacle of taking up the post, as a humble and service minded, self-sacrificing act for the good of all childkind. He was bestowed the title to the thunderous applause of the audience who were sucked in and believed he would step down graciously once Rachel had been tried and Global Command could choose a new Leader.
Upon reaching the office, Numbuh One was surprised to see Numbuhs Three and Four already there. They seemed to be involved in a rather animated discussion with Chad, but it was unclear who was making a stronger case, or if anyone was making one at all. He listened, and found that they were addressing the latest developments.
"We can't just let them waltz right in and take everything we've built and twist it into something like this. The KND has always been a place where kids could get together and help each other and not have to worry about having to be someone they're not. The rules that Infinity is setting up make it almost impossible for the operatives who stay to do the one thing they're supposed to do. Be kids", Chad had been speaking and now Wally spoke up too. None of them had heard Nigel enter.
"It's really getting bad when they send transmissions banning Rainbow Dor-, I mean Monkeys from the tree-houses. The message said they were not KND approved for use inside tree-house bases. I mean what is this guy's problem? I may think they're totally stupid, but that doesn't mean Kuki... I mean operatives who do like 'em should be told they can't have 'em around. It's like he's trying to force everyone to act like adults before their time", he stopped and blushed when Kuki squeezed his hand.
"That's exactly what he's doing, Numbuh Four. Infinity is in league with a group of enemy adults who have recruited him to bring down the KND from the inside. He talked Numbuh 74.239 into helping him by promising him higher rank and more authority over the science program and research facilities. Now it seems they have expanded on that somewhat to encompass most of Moon Base operations. The communications that Numbuh Five was able to intercept only directly implicate Numbuh Infinity. According to this, the adults promised him control of the KND if he brought it under their operational protocols, all of which are adult initiatives designed to force kids and teens to 'behave ourselves'. They are systematically trying to turn the KND into exactly the thing we are sworn to fight – a massive organized way to control and tyrannize kids", Numbuh One's really strong leader's voice had not been heard by his friends in a very long time, and only now confronted with the resurgence of his confidence did they truly notice how far down he'd gotten before.
Kuki jumped from her seat and through her arms around her 'big brother' and hugged him so tightly that he couldn't breathe. Nigel really didn't expect this, and he was a little slow to respond. After it seemed that Kuki would never let go, he glanced at Wally who was looking on with an amused smirk and getting no help from there, Nigel finally just decided that the best thing to do would be to hug her back. As soon as Kuki felt him embrace her in return, she loosened her vice grip, giggled a welcome back, and sat back down next to Wally. Chad simply waited this little display out with an understanding eye. Everyone knew Kuki and her penchant for death-grip hugs.
"Now as I said, what I have here only gives us enough to go after Numbuh Infinity and believe me that is not going to be easy. I saw him in the hall on the way here and he made it very clear to me that he will see to it that anyone who opposes him gets decommissioned for their trouble", Numbuh One looked grimly at the others and they all nodded and expressed understanding of the risks. He continued on, with his features set in a determined expression.
"Once Hoagie brings us the proof we need to implicate Numbuh 74.239, then the real task is going to be going public with what we know, before Infinity can do something to stop us. We have to get the information to all the KND at once if we can so that there can be no chance for misunderstanding, rumor, and hearsay to derail the course of justice", he paused and Numbuh Four added something that had not occurred to the others yet.
"What I'm worried about is what Infinity might do if he gets wind of all this and feels cornered. He could be dangerous if he gets his adult friends involved. We have to neutralize him first somehow. Keep him form being a threat once he's exposed. I still think Father is in on this somehow, and if Infinity were to bring him here now, it could get bad real fast. He's a lot more insidious now than he used to be, ya know", he broke off genuinely worried and looked at Kuki. His concern was predominantly for keeping her safe and if Father returned to Moon Base none of them would be safe.
"We better break this up before anyone get suspicious, guys", Kuki said. Something in her voice made Wally very nervous, but he couldn't place it. He resolved to ask her later.
Just as they were about to close the clandestine meeting Numbuh Two burst in looking very white, and breathing hard.
"Numbuh Two! What's wrong? Did you get the proof we need?", Numbuh One asked with concern in his voice.
"Yeah I got it, right here", he held out the TWITTER and pressed down on the eraser. The recording started to play and they were all very curious to hear it. However, Numbuh Two abruptly switched the device off again and this made the others all look at him questioningly. On seeing the terrified look in his gentle blue eyes, Kuki was the first to realize the only thing that could make Hoagie look like he did now.
"Numbuh Two, did something happen to Numbuh Five?", she asked the question so softly that the words were barely discernible.
"She's gone. Disappeared. I can't find her, no one has seen her, and she's not answering my calls to her communicator", Hoagie's voice shook with worry and Wally stood and put an encouraging hand on his shoulder.
"What if she's hurt? What if they did something to her? What if Father took her like Wally?", he was quickly becoming hysterical and despite the reassurances his friends gave, Hoagie just couldn't let himself trust that she was safe. If she was OK, she'd have answered when he called.
"Alright. This is what we are going to do. Numbuh One, do you have more than one copy of that file?", Chad asked, taking control of the situation be fore rising panic could overwhelm them all.
"Yes sir. Abby has a copy, and I have two. One here, and one that I am planning on taking back to the tree-house with me. It can be stored in the Tree-house of Coolness with the Book of KND. No one can get to it there, not even Infinity himself", Numbuh One replied.
Kuki sniffled in her chair, worried about her friend and Wally stepped behind her and put his hands on he shoulders, rubbing them to comfort her. He hated to see her upset, but he was pretty sure this was not Father's work which is what everyone was so afraid of. He was more inclined to suspect Infinity or someone under his orders had detained her, and if she did have the evidence file on her, then they could lose their chance. However, he did not say anything because Chad started speaking again, this time to Hoagie.
"What about you Numbuh Two, did you back up the recording you made?", he waited and the Tech Specialist spoke with a thick voice.
"Yes I backed it up. There is a copy here, and one that I transmitted to Tommy's email account on my way here. He is not in the KND, and I don't think they'll trace his account. Even if they did, Tommy is going to make another back-up copy and send it somewhere else too. He is not going to tell me or anyone else where so that we'll have leverage to bargain with... if we need it", he stopped and looked down clearly still very worried about Abby.
"OK, troops. We've gone everything we can for now. I'll take care of arranging a meeting system-wide as soon as I can, and I'll try to think of a way to get Infinity out of the way. I'll contact you when I have something. You just concentrate on staying under the radar and finding Numbuh Five", he saluted them as they stood to go, and they all returned the gesture and filed out toward the docking bay, to head back to the tree-house.
Nigel's shuttle, he'd pilot back himself as long as Hoagie was up to piloting the rest of them home in the waiting S.C.A.M.P.E.R. When asked, Hoagie said that he was fine to fly. Once they were gone, Chad left his office to check on Rachel and fill her in on the plan. He wanted most of all to see how she was holding up and give her some hope.
"Maybe Numbuh Five is already back home, Numbuh Two", Kuki offered sweetly trying to be of comfort to her friend.
"Maybe she is, Numbuh Three. Maybe she is", his voice showed what his words did not. He was too worried to hope that it was true. Too worried to believe that she was really OK until he could see her for himself. One thing was certain, if she was not OK, if she had been harmed in any way at all, whoever was responsible would regret ever being born, he'd see to that.
PREVIEW: Chapter 26: "The Splinter Cell is Ended"