The ship was leaving Earth's atmosphere. Numbuh 1, aka Nigel Uno was just named Earth's first KND operative to join the Galactic Kids Next Door. As far as he is concerned, this will be his new life. Several alien worlds from the tyranny of adulthood. As far as he knows, he will never be able to see his friends and family again. He is sad to leave everything behind. As he passes by the Moonbase, there was one more person he wishes he could have said goodbye to. It didn't matter now, the last time they saw each other ended in an argument anyway. As far as Numbuh 1 knows, she may not have been sad to see him go. But that isn't what's important to him right now. What is important is for him to adjust to his new life and the strangers he will have to meet.
The ship he is on is now on course to meet a much larger Mothership, where the rest of the Galactic operatives are based. Currently, he is with Numbuh 74.239 walking through the corridors to meet other operatives.
"Are you feeling better okay, Numbuh 1?" Numbuh 74.239 asks.
"I'm fine. It's just… I'm still not quite used to the idea of being in space away from my friends and family. I'm going to miss them." Numbuh 1 replies sullenly.
"I know it's going to be hard for you. But the work you are doing to help them is honorable. Trust me, you'll fit in great here at Galactic." Numbuh 74.239 says, putting his hand on Numbuh 1's shoulder as a form of reassurance.
"Thank you." Numbuh 1 replies with a smile.
"Anyways, there are people I think you should see. You're not the only one from Earth we have up here." Numbuh 74.239 continues, opening a door into another room.
"Well else besides us is up…." Numbuh 1 ceases his question when he sees two figures standing in front of him. To his surprise, it is Numbuh Infinity and Chad Dickson (aka Numbuh 274). Infinity seems very happy about seeing Numbuh 1, though Chad seems slightly sullen at the sight of Numbuh 1.
"Numbuh Infinity? Chad? You guys are part of Galactic?" A confused Numbuh 1 asks.
"I was always part of Galactic. My mission was to find the best Earth operative, and bring them here." Numbuh Infinity answers.
"That makes sense. But not to sound rude, if I was chosen over Chad, what's his mission?" Numbuh 1 asks.
"Well. I'm not necessarily going on the same kinds of missions that you are. My job is just to make sure relations with alien planets and missions go smoothly." Chad explains.
"That makes sense, I guess." Numbuh 1 responds.
"Everything will be explained to you over time. In the meantime, Numbuh 274 will show you to your chambers. Numbuh 1, welcome to Galactic Kids Next Door." Numbuh Infinity salutes the two and walks with Numbuh 74.239 into another room.
Chad and Numbuh 1 look at each other, neither sure of what to say to one another. Chad gestures to start walking to Numbuh 1's new room.
"So, you did become a Galactic operative." Numbuh 1 says, trying to break the silence.
"In a way. You go to the planets and fight, while I deal with all the behind the scenes work. Basically what I was doing on the Moonbase." Chad explains.
"If they wanted the both of us? Why make us resent each other?" Numbuh 1 asks.
"I don't know, but there's nothing we can do but move on." Chad replies.
"Move on?" Numbuh 1 asks.
"Yeah. Listen Nigel, I never hated you. I regret doing what I did to stay undercover. There's nothing I can do to change my actions, but I can make up for it. That's what I plan to do for you because…"
"Chad. I'm sorry to interrupt you, but this is a lot for me to take in right now. I just had to say goodbye to my closest friends and family. You don't need to tell me about how you're gonna make it up and why. I know why. You want a fresh start with Galactic Kids Next Door. We all want to make up for our mistakes, God knows I do. There was someone I wish I had said goodbye to before I left. It doesn't matter now, she was mad at me the last time I saw her. All I can do now is move on from it. This can be a new start for another chapter in my life." Numbuh 1 interjects. Chad seems a little upset at not finishing what he wanted to say, but hides that fact from Numbuh 1.
"That's… that's actually pretty on point. And that's pretty much how I feel about the past. Hate is baggage, and resentment is toxic. This can be a new start for us, and I want to make the best of it." Chad replies, putting a hand on Numbuh 1's shoulder.
"Thank you, Chad. I appreciate it." Numbuh 1 replies.
"I'm glad. Anyway, let's get you set in your quarters." Chad opens a door, showing Numbuh 1 where he will be staying for the time being. Numbuh 1 looks around the quarters; which is nothing but 4 walls, a bed, and a window.
"It'll do for now. If you don't mind, I actually want to lie down for a bit. I've had a long day, as you can imagine." Numbuh 1 yawns.
"I get that. I got some stuff to go over with Infinity. If you need me, my room is right next to yours. I'll see you later. Chad then leaves and Numbuh 1 waves goodbye. He then flops down on the bed and falls asleep almost instantly.
Outside, Chad is walking down a hallway and then walks into a bathroom. He splashed water on his face and looks at himself in the mirror.
"You fucking idiot, don't overwhelm him. Now isn't the time for that." Chad says to himself. Just then Numbuh Infinity walks in.
"Is everything alright Numbuh 274?" Infinity asks.
"Everything's fine. He's asleep right now." Chad replies.
"At least he's settling in. Anyway there is something we need to show you, would you come with me?" Infinity orders.
"Yeah, sure." Chad follows Infinity out of the bathroom and into a meeting room.
End of Part 3. This feels like it should be the first part, but I actually want to make some parts of this story either non-linear or congruent with each other. I liked writing this chapter, especially the part with Chad and Nigel having a one-on-one talk. The next chapter is going to be about Numbuh 362 finding out where Numbuh 1 went, and how she reacts. Not sure how long until the next update. But until then, happy reading.