Gabby half expected to be called shortly after Seth had left. But, she wasn't. What was going on? Not knowing when it would be her turn, she felt anxious. She stood at the window and gazed out at the darkened backyard. She looked at the clock on the nightstand and saw that it was already seven in the evening. What was taking so long?

Nearly two hours had gone by since Seth descended the stairs and still no one called for her. Maybe it was Devon's judgment that was delaying her own. Gabby wished she had the courage to intervene for them, telling Don that it wasn't their fault, but hers. Devon and Seth had so much as warned her to stay away from the bar; that it wasn't a place for her. She would tell Don the lure of the music encouraged her to disobey. She would even go so far as to admit she was irritated when they first pulled her away from there! Maybe it was too late for Seth, but she felt there was still time to save Devon from his fate - whatever it was.

Because it was music that tempted her, Gabby decided she would renounce it completely. To know her singing had caused such an embarrassment to this family, it was only reasonable for her to give it up! She felt a knot of sadness creep into her stomach and her throat. To give up music was, for Gabby, like cutting off an arm or a leg, or ripping her heart out. But, it was the least she could offer up as sacrifice for the 'crime' she had committed. She resolved herself to that decision.

Thinking about the Bible in Seth's nightstand, Gabby resolved that she would retrieve it no matter what! At the very least, having something of his in her possession would help her endure the length of time without him.

Around nine, Rahab came to her door and opened it. " Gabby, your wanted downstairs!"

She felt that familiar ache in the pit of her stomach whenever she was in trouble. It seemed to be happening quite a lot to her recently. How long had she been at Mike's? Gabby counted back and was surprised to find that it was less than a week! To make matters worse, she had not talked to the professor since her arrival.

Her thoughts couldn't have come at a worse time! Tears filled Gabby's eyes as she looked back on the past few days. Rahab glanced over at her niece and noticed them. She admonished her, " I would not cry, Gabby! It won't help you one bit."

Rahab looked as if she, herself, had been crying and Gabby felt sympathy for her. She just knew it was because Seth was forced to leave - and it was all her fault!

But, she thought, again, about the professor. Gabby explained to her aunt, "I was just thinking about the professor. I haven't talked to him since Sunday! " she choked, " I don't know how he's doing and I miss him!!" Gabby tried to hold back the tears. Taking a deep breath, thought, she swallowed her sob back and walked with Rahab down the steps.

"I don't know how your professor is. Don might know, though. " Rahab replied as they descended the stairs.

"Don probably won't tell me. Not after what I've done today!" Gabby commented, the despair clearly evident in her voice. "He probably hates me, now!" She sniffed once to quell her sadness.

"Oh, I wouldn't go assuming anything about your uncle, Gabby! He is very strict about Clan rules and is not too lenient with those who abuse them. But, you need to be assured that he cares very much for you - as do we all. Just be truthful with him."

About half way down, Gabby asked Rahab, " Seth's gone, isn't he?"

Rahab nodded sadly. Gabby complained quietly to her, " Just doesn't seem fair! It was my fault, not his or Devon's! I should be the only one getting punished!!"

Rahab replied, " It's not for us to determine, Gabby. They were more responsible because of who they are and because of their experience. At the very least, your innocence will probably protect you!"

That did not give Gabby much hope for Seth or Devon. Gabby was feeling quite dreadful. "Right now, I could care less about me!" her niece lamented.

Rahab smiled a little, seeing a much 'older' Gabriella walking next to her. She replied, " Well, be that as it may, Seth and Devon both shared about the progress you made today! It was not all failure, Gabby! Believe that!

Gabby asked, " They told Don and the others that?"

" Yes, they did, among - other things." Rahab replied. They were finally in the foyer.

The family room was empty, which prompted Gabby to ask Rahab, "Where is this all happening?"

" In the gym. You need to go down there on your own!" Rahab said as they walked into the room.

Approaching the open door to the stairwell, Gabby hesitated and then pleaded to Rahab, her words clipped and sounding nervous, "Shouldn't I have someone to witness for me. Someone who is a peer? An advocate of some sort?" Gabby was starting to get weak-kneed with the thought of going down the stairs by herself.

" Not here, not with them! This is not a court of law, but a court within the Realm of the Clan. You don't have the same rights as you would in the U.S. Government. Here, you have to face them on your own and governed by their rules! I'm sorry." Rahab countered. She kissed her niece on the cheek, told her be quick about it, and then she left Gabby by herself at the door.

With much trepidation, Gabriella slowly descended the stairs. She hesitated about a third of the way down, that knot in her stomach churning into nausea. She tried to focus on regaining control and, once she managed it, continued on down.

She thought for sure her heart would pound right out of her chest, though, as she stepped onto the gym floor and turned. Gabby saw the four turtles standing the same way as they did out in front of the house.

Devon was also there, which surprised her quite a bit. He was very tense and contrite looking, but there was an undercurrent of anger as well. He looked at her and it was a harsh look that he gave. Gabby cringed in response. However, she did take note that he was perspiring, the way Seth did yesterday morning when she caught him working out. Maybe, like Seth, Devon had to vent some of his energy before participating in her judgment - if that was the reason for his being there.

"Stand front and center to us, Gabriella" Don commanded hoarsely. He sounded different, like his voice was giving out. Had he yelled at his nephews, Gabby wondered?

She complied, but was still looking at Devon, transfixed by his glare and posture. "Please focus on US!" Don said sternly.

Recognizing that the tone of his voice was like the one he used the first day she met him, Gabby snapped her head around towards Don. He was not going to be trifled with this evening! She tried her best to portray complete compliance. Yet, Gabby felt the eyes of her father and uncles heavy upon her - and it made her feel very uncomfortable!

Though none of them expressed any outward concern, Don and his brothers could sense her emotional unrest.

" Gabriella," Don declared softly, " after much discussion and evaluation of the charges against you, we have found you negligent of breaking a most sacred law of the Clan. Without seeking permission and being one who is not yet trained, you have placed yourself in public view without escort, putting undue attention not only upon you, but on the sanctity of this clan and family." Don paused for a breath, then continued, "You have taken liberties with the freedoms privileged to you through the good graces of this Clan and, in so doing, you have forced us to remove these same privileges from those we entrusted to keep you safe!"

She glanced out the corner of her eye. Gabby could see Devon scowl at her. What did they mean, take privileges and liberties away? She knew about the government and the Declaration of Independence. She understood the words liberty and freedom. It was a right to any American to enjoy these fundamental privileges! But then, Gabby recalled what Rahab said earlier - that this was not a court of law with bi-laws and rules to govern any common citizen. This was - a different kind of trial! She momentarily felt ill.

Don continued, his words bringing Gabby's attention back to the trial, "You have also endangered your own life by venturing into a potentially dangerous environment! However, considering that you are not yet a fledgling member of this Clan and, therefore, ignorant of our laws, we are led to exercise clemency on your behalf!"

Gabby felt some relief, but her own perspective about who was responsible and who should be punished diminished that sense of easement. She wanted to protest but Leo misinterpreted the expression on her face.

" No act of arrogance or rebellion will be tolerated, Gabby!" he snapped.

She gazed over at him with such a look of confusion, Don was forced to comment, "If you have something to say regarding this proceeding, you will be given your chance to do so once we are done!"

She nodded, confident and resolute to what she was going to tell them when that opportunity was made available to her. Gabby looked forward to it, in fact! This gave her an air of confidence easily noticed by those who were in judgment against her.

Raph spoke up next, " To this point, she has remained contrite and cooperative. I feel that before more is said, she should be allowed to speak."

Don considered Raph's opinion and, much to Gabriella's relief, struck it down, "No, she must listen fully to all that will be said first. Once she is completely informed of her charges and punishment, then she may express a more enlightened response!"

Raph nodded his head in compliance, though Gabby could discern a hint of disagreement in her father!

"Originally, Gabriella, we were going to allow you time to adjust to the family!" Don said. "We wanted you to become comfortable, first, before you commenced your training. It was my hope to start this after my return from a necessary business trip. However, certain events have forced us to move up your education in the arts."

Don then pronounced her sentence, "Because it was your ignorance of what this Clan is about and what we will tolerate, beginning Monday morning at 6 A.M. sharp, you will be here in this room to await training. For every minute that you are late, we will add thirty minutes to your training time! You will not leave this room until 4 P.M. each day - unless you are late to arrive, and then it will be augmented accordingly! You will be given one hour for lunch and a short break before and after that time. This schedule will continue through Friday of each week until such time that we see fit to change it! Saturdays will be spent down at Mike's studio where you will assist him in whatever chore or work needs to be done according to your ability. Also, three Sundays out of each month will be set aside for review of what you have learned the week before! The fourth Sunday will be yours to do with as you please, if approved of by this Clan. The latter will be based on your accomplishments and most certainly by your cooperation. Evenings will involve dinner and education of Clan life and rules. You will be given one hour prior to bedtime for personal use. You will be expected in your room by nine to prepare for bed and then lights out by ten. "

Gabby was stunned. She had never before in her life ever had to adhere to a regime like the one Don just pronounced. She swallowed apprehensively, not too convinced she was getting off light! Her understanding of the military from reading the history books she loved made her feel like she had just been drafted into boot camp at the Marines! Her mouth went dry, as did her protest of who should be responsible for this offense against the family.

His expression showed sadness as Raph declared, " In addition, because the motivator of your iniquity was music and singing, you are prohibited from exercising either in or around this house. You will refrain from both throughout the duration of your training." Raph usually didn't use such formality when he spoke. However, this tribunal demanded such vocabulary and he was well versed in the text; taught to him by none other than his own late father, Splinter. But, it was usually by example!

Gabby had already decided to do this, but hearing it as a command - especially from her father - further pulled her into a state of despair. However, she held her focus and tried to outwardly portray compliance as best she could.

Don then offered, " You are now permitted to speak." He gave her an expression of warning, impressing her with the distinct feeling that whatever she was going to say, she had better say it well and with respect!

She nodded. Don said, " Then you are permitted. You have five minutes!"

Gabriella swallowed. The professor had taught her long ago to speak a thought or an idea well, which sometimes came back to vex him whenever she disagreed or argued with him. She was very adept at getting her point across. With that, she began, taking a deep breath for control, " I would like to formally apologize for my behavior. As you have said, it was my ignorance of the rules of this Clan that I did not control my actions this afternoon. Though I am not familiar enough with these rules to understand who should or should not be punished, I still feel strongly that those who were entrusted with my safety did nothing wrong - other than take a nap. I must state that my distaste for being controlled had, in part, been a primary factor! My action was of my own volition and not Seth's or Devon's. I strongly feel that they should not be held accountable for what I did - regardless of how this 'tribunal' sees it. To punish Seth by sending him back to Japan is to punish his mother at the same time. It was obvious to me that she is suffering terribly, maybe more so than anyone here!

"As for Devon, he was just the driver who provided transportation. He, least of all, is hardly responsible for my actions! I respectfully protest the decision of this tribunal about who is more guilty and who should suffer the greatest punishment!" and then she was done.

Silence enveloped the room. None of them, least of all Devon, expected such a response. Leo nodded slightly and Mike had one side of his mouth crooked up in amusement. Don considered a response of his own. He asked her, " Who told you that Seth was sent back to Japan and why do you think you are not being punished?"

Gabby replied quickly, " He said as much prior to our arrival that he would more than likely be sent back. As far as my punishment, I am only concerned about the verdict imposed upon Devon and Seth. Nothing more." She stared back at Don intently. Gabby was quite serious and wanted to convey that fact to him.

Don's expression eased up a little; he nodded, a vague smile appearing. Gabby noticed it, but maintained her outward focus of sobriety. " Hmmm... you have surprised us." Don offered, " I have to confess, a different reaction was anticipated." He straightened his resolve, " However, it is not for you to decide who gets punished or how. What has been decided on behalf of Seth and Devon was considered at great length. Yet, it was very strategic of you to willingly take their blame!"

Gabby was deeply offended, " Strategy had nothing to do with it!" She was livid and it showed with the rise of her voice and the glare of her eyes!

Raph smirked in response; he knew too well that expression!

Leo, however, corrected her sternly, " You were not asked for an opinion, Gabriella! You will remain silent until called upon to be otherwise."

Chastised, she complied, although she seethed inwardly at Don's implication that she was not sincere about how she felt! She then noticed a subtle change in Devon's expression - it seemed to soften a little.

"Regardless, our decision is final. You have three days to prepare yourself for the start of your training. There are some personal issues that you and I need to discuss and I am requesting, now, that the members of this tribunal be dismissed." Don asked.

With precision, Leo, Raph and Mike, along with Devon, bowed towards Don and then at Gabby! She was not expecting that and it caught her by surprise. " Why did they do that?" she asked herself.

She was mulling this over as they filed passed her. Raph whispered as he walked by his daughter, "Good job, Gabby!" and smiled at her. She did not change her expression for fear Don would snap at her, but she did wonder about what her father said to her. Now, she waited for what else Don had planned, and she was more than anxious concerning it!

Don watched her. He observed her facial features and her body language. He noticed she had been startled by the honor his brothers and nephew extended to her a moment ago. He stepped towards her. But, he noticed her eyes widen in anticipation. Don assured her, " I am no longer your judge, Gabby, and have no interest in implementing any physical punishment!"

" Did you strike Devon and Seth!" she asked angrily, finally letting her emotions show.

" Whatever transpired here in this gym on their behalf is between the tribunal and them. As you saw, Devon was not injured!" He said sincerely. Then Don chuckled, " But he did get the workout of his life, I can honestly say that!"

" I don't think any of this is one bit funny!" Gabby protested.

Don straightened himself and with equal anger, declared, " NEITHER DO I!" His voice echoed off the walls of the gymnasium and Gabby was sure everyone upstairs could have heard him!

She shrank back, realizing that she had said something very inappropriate.

" But," Don continued, softly, " I will not dwell on what has happened. Moving forward and progressing towards what we want from you and for you is our main objective. I will be expecting positive reports on your training - and nothing less!" The last few words were said with force and intensity.

Gabby swallowed as she recounted the schedule she was going to have to keep. It seemed terribly suffocating to her, the idea of being down in the gym for ten hours out of the day. Who would train her? They, too, would have to endure the closed-in space of the room.

" I noticed you were confused when the others bowed to you." Don commented.

Gabriella nodded meekly.

Don explained warmly, " You showed great strength this evening! Also, you exhibited maturity in accepting accountability for your actions. My brothers and nephew recognized this and that is why they honored you the way they did! It was noble of you to try to remove responsibility from Seth and Devon, although it was a futile attempt at best.

"Gabby, will be learning a lot about who and what we are over the next several months. Your understanding of yourself and the strengths you possess naturally will become obvious as you progress. I cannot put a time frame on it, but expect your training to go at least six months, maybe more if you resist in any way!" Don's expression became more serious and unyielding.

Gabriella swallowed nervously. " And what about Seth? Will he be gone that long as well?" Gabby asked softly, her voice trembling.

Don was aware of the feelings that had developed between Seth and Gabby, and he supported them. If it weren't for Gaele's findings, it would have been a different matter, all together.

However, he also knew that Gabby needed training. Getting Seth out of the way was the first step. Don explained, "Seth will undergo his own expanded education over in Japan. How long he is there is contingent on many factors. Your compliance is one of them!

" Leo will return to Japan at the end of next week. He will be your first trainer, or sensei! I suggest that you pay strict attention to whatever he tells you and to do exactly as he instructs! Leo does not repeat himself too often and with students he is quite harsh. Learn well and he will be pleased. Express any insolence and you will be sorry! "

Gabby felt her whole world collapsing. Would Leo be that hard on her even when he supported her relationship with his son? What kind of training would he implement? Leo had already established himself in her mind as someone quite aloof and imposing, certainly on par with Don! She cringed inside as she realized she knew very little about this new family of hers.

" Now, on to other business." Don began lightly, " The professor is progressing very well! "

Gabby's eyes brightened and she smiled for the first time that evening.

Don continued, noticing his niece's expression, " His strength is returning, but the doctors have told me that he will have to be moved to a warmer climate. I am flying out tonight to see to his move here. Since your training won't commence until Monday, I am inviting you to fly out with me - if you'd like. I promised you this back in Connecticut before bringing you here! I know you don't like fly..."

Before he could finish, Gabriella wasted no time, "Yes, I would like to very much!" She didn't care how she would get there; she wanted to be with the professor. Knowing that he was coming out west to California to live thrilled Gabby to no end. After all that had transpired that evening, Don's news made it all worth the while.

Don chuckled, " Good! I'm glad to hear that. Now, go and pack. We will only be gone for a couple of days, returning on Sunday afternoon. You won't need much in the way of clothing, but I'm told the evenings there are getting chilly."

" Yes, I know. They always are in late September!" and Gabriella turned and practically flew up the stairs! Don smiled after her. Yet, he wondered how she would handle being down in the 'basement' every day for hours on end, enduring the kind of training that would be asked of her. Add to that the distraction of having the professor living here would only make it more challenging for her. Don sighed and decided only time would tell.

He made his way back up the stairs, hoping that Devon and Seth were successful in emptying all the cameras at that bar.