The moment we've all been waiting for has arrived!
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Disclaimer: I do not own Codename: Kids Next Door
Chapter 7: The Return Home
Nile had just said goodnight to Rachel and was looking forward to the next time he would see her again. Hopefully, it wouldn't be too long. Walking to his hotel room, he was ready to relax for the night.
'My, I hope Rachel is alright, she seems to have been in some kind of altercation. She seems okay, I'll give her a ring in the morning.'
Walking up to the elevator, he pushes the up button and waits. As he waits his watch beeps.
He sighs, 'Why can't they just leave me alone and let me enjoy myself, bloody hell.'
He answers, "Nile here, go ahead…"
"Nile… is everything alright? We've been trying to reach your for days!"
"Chet I'm fine, I told you I will be busy, you don't need to check up on me every second you know. I'm safe here; this is my home after all." He rubs his temple and enters the elevator
Chet sighs, "I know Nile, but you know we have to keep an eye on you, commander's orders. You are a very high target and who knows what could happen."
Nile drawls, "Right…like I'm going to be abducted by some random organization. News flash, nobody knows who I am. I haven't been here in years. I'm pretty sure I can blend in without being found out."
"That's beside the point… also I think someone is onto you being there. We have readings that something is going on and it all started when you arrived. Just be cautious Nile that's all I'm saying."
"Dang, can't I have one day of peace? Alright, Chet I'll keep an eye out and thanks."
"Well… don't thank me yet, a very special friend has also been looking for you. Since you didn't answer, he has been sent out there as well…just a heads up."
He rolls his eyes, 'Oh great another headache, what else could ruin this night for me?'
"I'll make sure to contact him later; right now I just need some sleep. Nile out…"
Nile ends the transmission by pressing a button on his watch, the elevator chimes. He steps out onto the twelfth floor, heading down the hall to room 1201. Reaching into his pocket he looks for his key. He begins searching each pocket.
He groans, 'Seems I've misplaced my key, hopefully the receptionist has a spare.'
He makes his way back down to the front desk. Nile goes to the elevator once more, this time pressing the down arrow. He waits for the elevator and makes his way down. All the while wondering…
'Now why did 'he' have to come looking for me, I'm fine on my own, I don't need a babysitter.' Nile mumbles
Walking to the front desk, "Sir… excuse me sir…"
"Yes, how can I help you?"
"I've seemed to misplace my key, do you have a spare?"
"What room?"
"Room 1201…"
The receptionist questions, "Ah Mr.… Nile is it? Well it looks like we don't have a spare, but I'll have to get the master key. This will take only take a moment, if you would like to leave your number, I can call when it's ready?"
'Great just great…' "Yeah sure…" 'Guess I'll take a walk then, it's a nice night out.'
Nile walks out of the hotel and begins his stroll around the neighborhood, unbeknownst of the figure shadowing him.
'What rotten luck, I'm only here for a week and I'm already on somebody's radar. How? I wonder… it's not like anybody has a tracking device on me. Who could it be and what do the blasted buggers want…?'
"NIIILLLEEE! YOU ASSHOLE!"
"Crap…"
…
While Fanny and Patton where off searching for operatives in a C.O.O.L.B.U.S. Hoagie and Abby where heading to his storage to see what they could find.
"So Hoags, where's dis storage unit you were talkin bout? Abby don't see nothin baby."
Hoagie scoffs, "Pfff, like I would just keep all the Kids Next Door secrets out in the open."
Hoagie and Abby were in his old room. He walked over to his old workstation and pushed a button underneath, and a trapdoor opened up beside his old bed.
Abby laughs, "You and your shenanigans, Abby bet you have a secret lab too, Abby wouldn't put it past ya."
Hoagie winks, "Of course, what is a mad scientist without his laboratory? Sometimes I had to work on secret missions, so at times I would come down here not to be disturbed. Mostly it was for building prototypes for new weapons, nothing too hard. Only Nigel knew about it because the arms room had to go through him to get permission to request my help. Since this is his tree house, it's actually located underneath his house, kind of like a basement if you will."
Abby shakes her head, "Abby would have neva known sugah. Well let's get to these modifications, Abby don't want to be here all night."
They walk in to the final corridor after going down some spiral wooden steps. Here entering into a huge room with a large computer screen and arsenal of weapons both finished and incomplete. Lying across the floor were scattered parts everywhere for multiple types of weapons and pieces of machinery. Drooping from the ceiling was a couple of unfinished aircrafts, suspended with wires. Hoagie walks over to his small workstation and begins rustling through some of his old blueprints.
"Whoa…baby, Abby didn't think you were serious. You really do have yo own lab down here. Abby don't understand how we didn't hear you workin down here?"
"Well that's easy, you guys were always so loud and you my dear, usually had your headphones on. Also it does help that we are kinda far down, I highly doubt unless something exploded it would cause too much noise. Besides, I wasn't too worried about that, most of my projects were small to say the least."
"If you say so honey, let's see what we got to work with here."
Seeing a few things lying around, Abby began naming things off from what she could see.
"Hmmm…let's see there's the: Gumzookas, Jetaboots, Muskets, Nochvitzers, Scampps, Spicers, Splankers, Veggies, Frappes, and the Conecannons. Hey sugah, do we have any commo (Communication) equipment? Abby don't see anythin that could be used for a stealth mission."
"Yeah, there should be some ear communicators and Pipers around here somewhere. Although I really don't see the point, now that we all have cell phones." He points to a tall wall locker across the room. "Over there in that cabinet are some Marbles and a couple of mustard bombs." He looked up, "On the ceiling over there is my set of magnet shoes, every time I tried to get them down, I ended up slipping out of the darn things."
Abby shakes her head, "Seeing as you have neva done a recon mission, cell phones wouldn't be of any use baby. 'Specially, if they could hear us…anybody can easily track a cell signal. So these things are perfect fo a stealth operative, sugah."
"If you think they will be of use to ya, than grab em. For now we just need to gather equipment, we can do any modifications up top." Hoagie looks around, "I think I have a back pack around here somewhere, we can use that to carry all this gear."
"Sounds like a plan, baby." Abby smirks, "You know sugah; you could have just used the Jetaboots to get the magnet shoes. You know that right?"
Hoagie flushes, "…Yeah, now you tell me…"
…
Rachel was typing away on the super computer, lost in her research.
Rachel groans, 'Uggh this is ridiculous! Who organized this database? I can't find a damn thing here. Well, at least out of all the files here, Herbert kept the mission files neat and orderly. All I need is to find the last few files on Nigel and Chad. There is something deeper going on here and I will get to the bottom of this. I just don't understand what's going on here… there has to be something we are missing. Hopefully, the others are having more luck then me.'
As she continues her search, Abby and Hoagie make their way up the stairs.
"Yo Rach, how's it going? Abby and I brought a lot of the old equipment up so you can take a look at it. Most of them have to be fixed, but the rest seem to function just fine." They place the bags down.
"Good, as long as they work that's all that we need right now." She inspects the gear, picking up a Splanker, "Hmm…do you think you can make this more modern? I don't think these mechanisms will hold for long without proper engineering. Any other modifications you have in mind, I will also allow. As long it's functional and preferably safe." Eyeing Hoagie, "Knowing your sector, you guys have been known to be a bit…reckless… Nevertheless, good job guys, this will be fine for now." Looking at her watch, she groans, "Crap it's almost four in the morning guys, and we have class tomorrow."
"Girl, Abby says forget class and let's just get some shut eye. Abby aint keen on missing class, but tonight has been rough that's fo sho. Abby needs a break; you need to do the same Rach."
Hoagie agreed, "Abby's right Rachel, we can't get everything done in one night, this is going to take some time. Who knows maybe things will go faster when or if we get the other operatives to join us."
Sighing she agrees, "Yeah, I know, you guys are right. Lets meet here noon tomorrow, pending any prior appointments. I'll call Fanny and Patton and have those two stifle searching for now."
"That's what Abby's talkin bout baby, let's shut down and recoup."
Rachel states, "Alright, lock up and move out. We have a big day ahead of us tomorrow." 'Let's just hope things go better tomorrow, there's no telling what we will find out there.'
…
"Why! Why do you always have to do such stupid things?"
He starts advancing and lunges at Nile, but Nile dodges.
Nile smirks, "Well nice to see you too…and who's to say I've done something stupid? All I can recall is losing my room key; I don't really see how that is stupid…forgetful maybe."
"See this is exactly what I'm talking about, you have no respect for your mission or your safety. You are always messing around!" He continues to jab at Nile, missing his every blow.
"Now you're just making stuff up, I've always cared about the mission. It's the reason why I was chosen over you… don't you agree?" He smiles and lands a blow on his attackers face
"Why you little… you will never be as good as me. Uggh, I don't see why I put up with this, we are grown adults. Take care of yourself! If it was up to me, I'd leave ya here to rot." He spits
Nile laughs, "Well I'm glad it isn't up to you, especially if you would just leave your comrades. Come on, I thought we became friends? Why so serious?"
He sighs, "That's just it… seeing that we're friends, I have more of a responsibility to look after you now. After all it was always just me and you with 'them'."
"Aww, Dickerson has gone soft, nice to see you finally care about someone other than your bloody self."
"Uuggh…I tried to be nice, but now you're pissing me off!" Again he lunges
"Well, I just know how to push your blasted buttons. I had to make my night a tad bit more enjoyable, since you came all this way for little 'ol me. Plus, I need a sparring partner and you are good when you're angry."
The two exchange blows, parrying each other's attacks. Nile comes with a roundhouse from the left as Dickerson ducks to avoid the kick. Dickerson comes with and uppercut barely missing Nile's chin. Nile spins coming around with a back hand. The blow lands, knocking Dickerson to the ground. He rushes Nile once more, as Nile slides with a low spinning kick sending him back to the pavement.
"Umph, well one thing I have to admit, you were always better when it came to hand to hand combat, I'll give you that."
Nile helps him up, "Much obliged, now that we got our aggressions out of the way. Please enlighten me on why is HQ all in a buzz? There is no need in sending their two best operatives to one location." Questioned Nile
"Isn't it obvious? One, they want to keep an eye on you. That in itself is suspicious, and two, since you've been here their beacons have been going haywire. Not sure what you did, but something is about to go down." Dickerson replied
"Well that's the thing Chad, I haven't done anything. I've just been seeing the sights and meeting people, just relaxing really. I still haven't even seen my family or friends yet, something I want to do more than anything. I just don't understand what could be going on, that involves me in the slightest!" Nile answered
Chad smiles, "You must be really worried, and you haven't called me by my first name in years. I mean I would be too; I don't blame ya, if I knew something was going to happen, especially in a place I called home. I haven't seen my family either, another reason I 'requested' to come check up on you."
Nile laughs, "Always with the ulterior motives…something's never change, do they Chad?"
"What gets me though, is if you're looking for your family, why not go home? It isn't too far from here, your friends either I bet. What's keeping you from going there?" Chad questioned
Nile sighs, "It's just…I… I was preparing myself… I mean so much has changed and for my folks to see me randomly come home after being gone… I… I just don't know how to deal with it all. I've been preparing for this for so long… now it just seems so…surreal…"
"Ha, trust me I know, I doubt my parents will be too thrilled with my disappearing act. Trust me on this Uno, it'll be alright. Just believe that it will; I do, but I know I'll be in some trouble. Right now all that matters is that I'm with my folks."
"Yeah, I guess your right…"
"You will never know until you try Uno. I know I have a lot of explaining to do myself. At least you had a proper send off. I kinda left with no explanation what so ever." Chad states
"But that doesn't mean everything will be alright. What if everyone has forgotten? What if end the end we are all alone, never remembered by anyone forever?"
Chad rolls his eyes, "Oh come on Uno, I'm pretty sure it's not that bad. You did always have a way of over exaggerating everything, you know that?"
Nile exclaims, "I do not! Ha ha, okay well maybe a little."
Chad shakes his head, "Oh and Nigel…I bet they are waiting for you to return. I doubt they forgot about you."
Nigel smiles, "I know Chad, I know…"
"Come on Nigel… lets go home…"
…
Down in the depths of the furthest seas, in a dark and gloomy conference room, The Interesting Twins From Beneath the Mountain are conducting a meeting with their current employer. Trembling in the middle of a huge oval table, illuminated by the overhead spotlight of shame, they waited. Kneeling with their heads down, as their latest failure was to be discussed. At the head of the conference table, their boss, turned to see TITFBTM and begins to speak…
"You have failed us yet again. How many times must you incompetent fools fail to bring us results?!"
Chatter came from around the table, in agreement. Though they couldn't see the others, they could feel their presence which frightened TITFBTM even more, hearing the slight echo of the boss's words.
"We are terribly sorry…"
"My liege we will try harder, we will. Isn't that right Sister?"
"That is correct my dear brother."
"Ugh, get out of my sight; I don't need you to try. I need you imbeciles to get the job done!… Why does it seem like good help is so hard to find these days?"
"But…"
"Did I stutter? I said LEAVE!"
TITFBTM hastily disappeared, fear of being punished more coursed through their veins. Being reprimanded again was not on their list of things for today. Pushing the intercom button on the chair, he speaks again.
"Summon Mr. Fizz; I would like a word with him."
"Yes Sir!"
The boss cackles evilly turning back to looking out the massive window observing the aquatic life.
…
Wally had just landed and was taking a cab back to the campus. Turning on his phone he views a couple of missed calls and a few messages. Some of them were from his family, mainly Joey the rest from his friends. Scrolling through his messages he stops at Kuki's message.
~Have a safe trip Wally! Miss you lots! :* :*~
Wally smiles and shakes his head. Wally saw that he had a few missed calls from Hoagie, he scrolls to his latest message.
~Hey Wally, when you get a chance call me dude. It's kinda urgent…~
'Crud what could be so freaking important he couldn't have told me in the morning? Oh well I'll call 'em later, I'm beat.'
He reaches the campus after dozing off for a few minutes in the cab. Paying the taxi driver he heads to his room thinking nothing of the text from Hoagie.
…
Waking up Hoagie couldn't remember where he was. His hair was disheveled and he looked down right tired, sitting in his boxers with the superman symbol embroidered on them and white tank top. Putting on his glasses, he blinked for a bit, continuing to look around until he spotted his girlfriend beside him.
'Oh that's right; I was too lazy to go to my room after we got back.' Finding his phone he glanced at the time. 'Crap it's almost two in the afternoon, can't believe we slept so late.' Looking at Abby, 'Eh, well I guess it's not all bad.' Lying back down, he begins to spoon his girl. Grabbing his phone again, he checks to see if anyone responded to his messages. Sighing he places his phone down, 'Well looks like nobody has gotten back with me. I'll try to get some more shut eye before Rachel decides we've been slacking off.'
…
Down the hall Rachel was on her fifth cup of java. Heavy signs of exhaustion written on her face, not having slept since the group returned to the dormitory. Sitting in her pajamas and her robe, her room was a disaster. Papers were thrown all about; no place on the floor was unspotted with at least one piece of paper. Lines were drawn from piece to piece, trying to connect each file to the next. Her walls were covered in the same manner, and windows littered her computer screen. Every file on her two best operatives was displayed on screen. As for the top secret files she would have to access at the base.
'What am I missing…What could I possibly be missing?' Repeating this manta countless times, she began pacing her room while sipping her coffee. 'Seriously! It's like it's staring me right in the face! UGGGH why is this so hard…' Looking over her board of connections again, she mulled it over. 'All I can see is that Chad and Nigel had an ongoing rivalry since Nigel was a cadet. Though they never really interacted or interrupted each other's missions. There isn't a connection to them really until Chad lost it when he tried to hurl the Moon base into the sun. Talk about going off the deep end… After that the two seemed to butt heads more…Hmmm, what am I missing…what could I possibly be missing?' Sitting down at her desk taking another swig of coffee, Rachel started pulling up more files on Nigel as her phone began to ring.
If you're not the one, then why does my soul feel glad…today…? If you're not the one, then why does my hand fit yours…this way…? If you are not mine, then why does your heart return…my call…? If you are not mine, would I have the strength to stand…at all…?
Answering the phone with a weary smile, she speaks, "Hello?"
*"Hey beautiful, did you miss me? I was just checking up on you, is everything alright?"
Laughing she replies, "Yes, Nile everything is fine, I'm just tired is all."
*"What's the matter couldn't sleep? You weren't thinking about me where you?"
She could picture his smirk, "No, no… I wasn't… at least not too much. I really just had a ton of research to do and I've been up all night. I've been trying to figure something out and I've been stumped, every road leads to a dead end".
*"Well, I think if you get the proper rest, your brain will function properly no doubt. I bet you're all hopped up on coffee."
Looking around sheepishly, "Yeah kinda, it was the only way to stay focused. So yep, guilty as charged."
*Letting out a laugh, "Well, I say give it a few, you're going to crash and I do mean hard. That stuffs no joke. It's why I prefer tea."
"I'm fine Nile, you worry too much. So are you done acting like my dad now?"
*"Ha, ha, far from it, though I wanted to tell you, some unexpected turn of events happened. I have to say though; luckily it happens to be some good news. I'll be close by your area sometime soon. I was wondering if we could see each other if you're not too busy."
"Wow that's great Nile; I'll let you know when I'm free so we could meet up for coffee or tea, or something. It will be my treat."
*"Splendid, well I'll keep in touch Rachel ol girl and thanks again."
"It's no problem Nile; I do enjoy your company. I'll talk to you later."
*"Yes, see you soon Rachel dear."
'Oh that Nile, as always he's too sweet. I guess he is right though, I've been up way too long, I don't know how I'm even functioning right now. I'll have to leave specific instructions for Abby; I doubt I'll be of any use today. Now where did I put my notebook? I know it's around here somewhere.' Looking around she spotted it underneath a stack of papers on her desk. Jotting down the tasks she wanted at least started by the time she was fully rested. Rachel taped the instructions on her door and then laid down for a well deserved nap.
…
"Jeez Rachel sure does how to get detail don't she?" Reading over the note… "I'm not sure how much of this we can get done before the end of the day honey. Looks like we better get started, it's already late anyway. Anybody ever get back with ya sugah?"
"Yeah, they did. Wally says he'll be on the lookout, then he went on rambling about kicking tail and all that, but he said he would inform Kuki when he gets a chance. Tommy and the others are okay, he will keep an eye on Lee and Bartie. They said if we need anything just to give a holler. Though truthfully I'm not sure what help they can really be."
"Aww come on babe, they were trained by the best. Abby sho they'll be fine, not everyone keeps in shape like us sugah." She winked
"Haha you're right, only way I could have kept the weight off, especially with my appetite." He smiles
Sector V usually trained with one another to stay fit, some of the school sports helped as well. Wally and Hoagie usually did a bit of kickboxing, but when Wally left Abby became his sparring partner. Man did she have one hell of a left hook. Abby herself loved dancing and did gymnastics, which Kuki joined when she was in the states. Each played various sports in their free time, never staying consistently on school teams. Mostly just for fun, feeling they too many classes to be bogged down with after school activities.
"You got that right baby! Well, Abby already called Fanny, she and Patton have about twenty operative ready to join the fight. They are out for a new wave today. What we need to do is get started on these weapons. So…what bright ideas have you come up with flyboy?"
"You see most these will have to be upgraded from 2x4 to electronic. As you can see most of the wood is rotting and I don't think it will hold in a fight. We need alternative ammo, gumballs will be easy as well as peppers but those ice cream cones and nacho cheese will be a hassle." He shakes his head "But what I really want to do is upgrade the Gumzookas." With a dark gleam in his eyes and rubbing his hands together, he laughs maniacally "Yes, yes… Make it bigger, more destructive… a… a… Bazooka of gumwads, not just gumballs…"
Abby looks at him funny, "Ooookay… Abby is sorry she asked. Seems as if somebody done gone off the deep end. Let's just get started flyboy; we have a lot of other things to get done too."
'Abby just hope he don't go crazy over this, that boy like a mad scientist or something.' Shaking her head she grabs Hoagies tools and heads to the living room.
Everyone had gotten pretty busy to prepare for their unknown threat. Not realizing the things that were already in motion and making a move towards them…
… …
~Author's Notes:
I want to keep the villain a surprise, so I've kept it real subtle.
You will find out soon enough :)
I'll try to update monthly, but sometimes I'm just busy with work or get writers block.