Ch 19 Aftermath.

For the next several seconds, the occupants in the control room remained silent and still while the deafening noise of static crackled over the radio. Leatherhead shook his head and was just about to switch the radio to a different frequency when within the static a faint voice could be heard.

"Cap…..Leon…..Calling…..Come….you read….trol?"

"That sounds like Captain Hamato!" April exclaimed.

Pigeon Pete began moving the dial and pressing buttons as he attempted to get the voice to come in clearer.

"Captain Leonardo Hamato calling Central Control, come in please, do you read me control?" Leo's voice finally came through strongly over the radio and everyone within the room breathed a collected sigh of relief.

"We read you Captain," Leatherhead called back, "Is everyone okay?"

"All pilots are accounted for sir," Leo called back, "We do have some injured but for the most part, everyone is okay."

Upon hearing this, Splinter stepped forward and took the radio from Leatherhead, "Are my sons okay Captain?" He demanded with a shaking voice.

"Raphael is one of our injured, Mr. President," Leo stated somewhat hesitantly, "But it's not serious and Donnie and Mikey are fine," He stated very quickly, "All of Earth's Defense Forces will heading home shortly."

"We await everyone's arrival Captain," Splinter responded then let out a sigh of relief. He leaned heavily on the desk, taking deep breaths to compose himself before turning away from the console, "Admiral," He looked over at Leatherhead, "Let me know when all our pilots and warriors have gone through decontamination procedures, then have them gather in the hangar bay, I would like to welcome our heroes home," He told him. Leatherhead bowed to him then Splinter turned to Dr. Xarkfarm, "Looks like we once again owe your people a debt of gratitude Doctor," He told him.

The large Triceraton bowed his head in respect then nodded toward the viewing screen where everyone could now see, through the dense Kraang fog, The Triceraton's destroyers had reattached themselves to the mothership and was now slowly descending toward Earth. April pressed a few buttons on her console and the viewing screen changed to show Washington Square where many of the Earth Defense pilots and Triceratons had managed to land safely away from the explosion and were now attending to the injured as well as the fallen Kraang.

"I'm sure they will love to accompany our brave warriors back to the compound Mr. President," Dr. Xarkfarm stated.

Splinter stepped aside and motioned toward the radio, "Then please," He said, "Extend the invitation to them," He looked back to the viewing screen and noted several more air ships descending toward the area where the warriors had gathered. With a slight smile, he looked toward the Vice President, "Please extend an invitation to the arriving Utroms as well Mr. Bishop," He requested. After a nod from Bishop, Splinter took a shaky breath then walked out of the control room with Slash following him.

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Leo jumped out of the fighter and ran toward the tunnel where he had left the three turtles. He sighed in relief upon seeing they had moved themselves further into the tunnel to escape possible harm from falling debris or possible aftershock. With a relieved smile, he jumped into the tunnel, "For a second I thought I might have jumped the gun telling your father that he only had one injured son," He told them as Mikey ran over to him to give him a hug.

Raph painfully shook his head and adjusted the bandages that wrapped around his body to cover the laser burn and keep his arm immobile, "We heard what was going on over our ear pieces," He told him.

"And we quickly realized we needed to move away from the opening just in case," Mikey said as he and Leo helped Raph stand.

With Raph in between them, the three turtles started toward the tunnel opening while Donnie made his way back to the control box, "We're still going to want this fixed," He told them as he kneeled down and began to fiddle with the controls and the power cell, "Even with Kraang Prime out of the way, there are still dangers out there the Earth has to be careful of," He looked at the control box and shook his head then looked at the others in despair, "But it's going to take some time to get it fixed."

"Why don't you let us Utroms handle the control box," A new voice said, "You four along with the rest of your pilots look like you could do with some rest."

The four turtles watched as several Utroms in exo suits jumped into the tunnel, "Sorry we didn't get here sooner," One Utrom walked over to them and extended his hand which Donnie shook gratefully, "But it took us a little longer than expected to get around Kraang Prime's defensives."

"And when we saw what the Triceratons were doing," Another Utrom came forward, "We realized we had to hold back."

"That's okay," Donnie told them, "We're just glad you're here and can help fix this mess," He pointed to the control box and handed one of the Utroms the power cell.

"We'll have this fixed within the hour," The Utrom promised.

The four turtles nodded their thanks and made their way out of the tunnel to above ground where in the distance they could see several of the Earth's pilots along with Triceraton pilots walk around and gather Kraang droids that were attempting to get out of their downed airships.

As they stood and looked around, one Triceraton walked over to them, "Now that Kraang Prime has been destroyed, the link between the Kraang have been broken and, although it may take some time, they will revert back to the Utroms they once were."

As he spoke, one of the Utroms came forward, "And we have the Earth's Defense Council Force to thank you for this," The exo suit's head turned to look up at the Triceraton, "As well as your people Zeno," The two aliens shook hands and Leo felt an overwhelming sense of peace and happiness come over him.

Leo looked up to the sky and could see the sun filtering through the Kraang fog, "Well everyone" He said as the Earth's Defense Pilots and Triceraton Pilots came toward them, "It's the beginnings of a new day," He said loud enough for all to hear, "I think it's time we all went home."

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An hour later, Donnie piloted the Earth's Defense Shuttle craft into the landing bay. With Mikey's assistance, the two turtles aided Raph in climbing out of the craft while the rest of the pilots and Triceratons arrived within the compound. A few hours later, after all pilots and warriors had been through the decontamination units, they gathered in the hangar bay to hear the president speak.

"This is a celebration!" Splinter called out as everyone gathered to welcome the heroes' home, "Kraang Prime has been defeated, the Universe is safe from his evil and we, along with our friends the Utroms, Triceratons and all the planets within the alliance can once again live in peace." His manner turned serious as everyone continued to gather around and listen intently, "But there are new threats every day and we must still be on our guard so at this time Admiral," He turned to Leatherhead, "Have all injured report to the infirmary then," He turned back to the pilots, "Have all our pilots prepare for shore leave on one of the many planets we are allied with," Leatherhead smiled broadly, "A group of ten will be allowed to go at a time and the Admiral will be organizing the shore leave parties. This will take place in the next forty-eight hours," He put his hands up to quiet the crowd as the pilots cheered, "Until then, celebrate, rest, heal and know that the Earth's Defense Council and all Earth's government is extremely proud of you all."

Splinter nodded to Leatherhead then made his way over to where his three sons were currently standing, he looked at them with a hardened glare which quickly crumbled away upon seeing all three were safe and sound.

"I was so worried for you," He told them as he brought Donnie and Mikey into a hug, he then released them and placed a paw on Raph's bandages, "How are you feeling my son?"

"I'd be lying if I said fine but…." He winced as Splinter gently wrapped his arms around him, "This burn hurts like hell."

"I will excuse your choice of words at this time Raphael," Splinter told him as he pulled away, "As I am just relieved to see you are home safe." He looked around the large hangar bay, "As I am happy to see all our pilots are home safe."

"Well, we do have some very skilled pilots, Mr. President," Raph told him then nodded over to Leo who was nodding and shaking hands with his fellow warriors, "But if it hadn't been for Leo, I would definitely not be here."

"You have to admit it sir," Donnie came over to him, "I don't think the Earth would be here if it hadn't been for him."

Splinter placed a paw on Raph's cheek and smiled down at him; he then turned to Donnie and nodded at him in understanding. He was just about to walk away from them but stopped and looked back at Donnie, "Did you finish upgrading the computer within his quarters Donatello?" He asked.

Donnie smiled and nodded, "Yes sir, we did," He said proudly waving between him and Mikey.

"And we made sure to have it respond to Leo's voice father," Mikey said excitedly.

"Excellent," He looked back at Raphael, "Please take your brother to the infirmary then get some rest so that you may enjoy some shore leave time," He told them.

"Actually father," Raph looked over to where Casey and April were embracing and kissing fiercely, "I'm fine and I think I need to have a heart to heart with my Captain over there."

Splinter followed Raph's gaze and nodded thoughtfully, "Very well my son," He responded as he started toward Leonardo, "But after you two have talked, please get some rest." Raph nodded as he watched the President weave his way through the crowd and over to where Leonardo was talking with Usagi.

"You are a true warrior Leonardo-san," Usagi was saying as the two pilots shook hands, "I can see why my ancestor considered you both a true friend and a brother," Leo nodded and looked away sadly as he thought back on a time long ago and the fun he and his friend used to have, "He mourned you till his dying day," Usagi told him.

"And I will mourn him till my dying day as well," Leo told him, "I only wished I could have been there for him like he had been there for my family."

Usagi nodded and turned to leave, "Perhaps when it is our turn to go on shore leave," He said looking back at Leo, "You would like to accompany me and you can tell me more stories of you and my ancestor."

Leo nodded, "I would like that Usagi." The rabbit nodded back and walked out of the hangar bay along with several other pilots. Leo watched them leave and looked around thoughtfully, 'Maybe hanging around here might not be a bad idea,' He thought to himself as he started toward the hangar bay exit.

"Leonardo?" Leo turned to see Splinter walking over to him, "May I accompany you to your quarters?"

Leo smiled at him, "Thank you Master Splinter," He said as they turned to leave, "It would be an honor."

As the rest of the warriors walked out of the hangar bay, Leo noticed Donnie and Mikey had already left and Raph was walking over to where Casey and April were talking with Dr. O'Neil and once again he began to feel a deep longing for the past he left behind.

"Leonardo," Splinter looked down at him, "I would like to thank you for saving my son's life and being there to help stop the Kraang from taking over our world."

"Well," Leo rubbed his head awkwardly, "It is my world too," He said with a chuckle, "And since I wasn't here to help defend it the first time it only seems fitting I should help defend it this time."

"Yes," Splinter stroked his long beard and nodded thoughtfully, "Leonardo, I wanted to ask how you knew the Futtokurans were involved with the Kraang?" They stopped walking and the two looked at each other intently, "When I asked my sons they insisted that is something I should talk with you about."

After a few seconds, Leo finally sighed and nodded, "I guess it will eventually have to be told," He muttered. As the two walked toward the transporter, Leo finally confessed to Splinter everything that had happened since he had spotted Stockman at the celebration party.

"So it was this Stockman fly that had advised you that the Kraang were going to invade once again," Splinter nodded as the two walked up to Leo's room.

"Yes sir," Leo responded, "When he told me the Kraang had captured him and punished him by turning him into a fly, I wanted to turn him in but he insisted he was trying to redeem himself for everything that happened so I guess I decided he had suffered enough; being held captive by the Kraang and now being forced to work for the Futtokurans as well as constantly being reminded of the damage he did," Leo shrugged, "What more of a punishment can we give to him that he hasn't already given himself by his own hands?" He looked at Splinter curiously, "Aside from giving him the death penalty of course."

"Sometimes, allowing one to live with the constant guilt of his conscience can be punishment enough," Splinter agreed, "I will speak with the council on the matter but since Stockman is now under the Futtonkuran's jurisdiction, it may be difficult to have him extradited back to Earth."

Leo nodded thoughtfully, "You know Master Splinter, I don't know if I'll ever be able to forgive Stockman for what he did; after all, it's because of him I lost everything, my life, the woman I loved, my friends and family, but knowing that he and, in some strange way Karai, helped to defeat the Kraang, well…I think maybe I can work on getting past the anger I feel toward him." Leo sighed heavily and looked up at the president, "So what's going to happen with the alliance between Earth and the Futtokurans now that we know King Saki was in league with the Kraang?"

Splinter stroked his long beard, "I will need to discuss the next step with Vice President Bishop and the rest of the Earth's government," He stated, "I'm not even sure we can verify King Saki was actually in league with the Kraang since you took it upon yourself to follow through with what Stockman told you instead of letting the rest of us know."

Leo nodded, "Well, I don't regret my actions," he stated vehemently, "I wasn't here the last time Earth was invaded so I took the opportunity to save Earth this time and I would do it again if the situation ever called for it."

Splinter hummed, "Perhaps fate played a different role for you this time," He mused, "Maybe you were not meant to be here for when the Kraang invaded the first time, perhaps you were always meant to be here for this time," Leo looked at him in bewilderment, "Fate is a strange mistress Leonardo, most things happen for a reason and it may take years to discover why, but when you finally do, your life will be all the better for it."

"So you think I was always meant to be here, in this time?" Leo asked him.

"That is something for you to decide," Splinter placed a paw on Leo's shoulder, "Donatello and Michelangelo told me you were uncertain that you had a place here," Leo looked away and nodded while Splinter chuckled lightly, "Well, with everything that has happened to you since you have arrived, I do hope your mind, as well as your heart, has reconsidered that feeling," He nodded toward the door to Leo's quarters, "They updated the computer in your room so it will serve you as needed," He told him, "Now, get some rest Leonardo," He told him as he turned to walk away, "I am sure the High Council will want to speak with you tomorrow."

Leo wished Splinter a good night then watched him walk back toward the transporter. After the President had disappeared from his sight he turned toward his door and, with a very heavy and very tired sigh, walked into a dark lonely room.

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Getting close to the end, next chapter up soon, please R&R :) Peace.