Kids Next Door
Mission Log:
The PULSAR Project
Chapter one: Flash Back-Part 1
Nigel slowly walked back to the camp. Just before he entered the tent, he glanced past it.
The smoldering remains of the tree house stood smoking in the background, its tattered shadow some twenty feet away. As Nigel watched, the structure beneath the battleship in the tree house gave away. With a mighty crash, the gigantic water-craft plummeted to the ground.
As everyone turned to the sound, a small tear escaped from Nigel's eye. Three years of working for the freedom of children. Three years of fighting adults.
Three years...
And then, just like that, it all came crashing down in a single moment. All because he refused to swallow his pride, and work with those he, and his group, had called enemies.
With a heavy sigh, Nigel slowly trudged into the tent.
Inside, Jack, the unofficial leader of the Delightful Children From Down The Lane, sat on one of the sleeping bags. His tailored suit was reduced to rags, and there were bandages wrapped around his left leg and torso.
As Nigel entered, a small smile appeared on the blond boys otherwise sullen face. Nigel raised his hand in greeting, then sat down next to his former enemy. As he did, Jack noticed the depressed look on the other boys face.
They sat in silence for a few seconds before Jack decided to say something. "So why are you so down, apart from the obvious reason."
"Just thinking." Said Nigel.
"About what?"
"The events leading up to this disaster."
"Oh."
Jack went silent for a few minutes before speaking again. "So, when and how did it all start?"
Nigel glanced at the blond boy in confusion, before he realized. "Oh yeah. You weren't there, were you?" Jack shook his head. "No. But remember: We were still foes then."
Nigel gave a small chuckle. "Point."
Nigel shifted to a more comfortable position, and put a hand on his chin. "So. When and how did it all start. Well, I suppose it all started at our tree-house, a little over a week ago..."
The KND Tree-house
Eight days ago...
7:45 AM Saturday
The morning sun rose in the eastern sky. Under its shining gaze, the KND headquarters slowly awoke to the new day. Inside, though, one child was already up.
Kuki Sanban, wearing only her Rainbow Bear pajamas, skipped down to the kitchen. As she got some of her favorite cereal, Kuki noticed a functional computer with a message.
After getting her cereal, she headed to Nigels' room, and knocked. A minute later, Nigel opened the door a crack, and peered out with one bleary eye.
"What is it Numbah 3?" He yawned.
"Someone's trying to call us." She said with a huge smile.
"Who?"
"Numbah 478."
Nigel grunted. "OK. Ill-" He paused to yawn. "--Be right down."
A few minutes later, Nigel, dressed in his usual red shirt and dark shorts, slouched down the stairs to the main communication room. Kuki was there, dressed in her normal oversized green shirt and black pants, and still eating her cereal. After turning on the computer and accessing the message, the face of Numbah 478 appeared.
478 was an eleven-year-old boy with skin that was almost albino in color. He had a round nose and large ears. These worked nicely in framing his round face. The most distinctive thing about his features, however, was his hair. 478's long hair was redder than a ripe tomato. The bangs hung loosely over his face, almost obscuring his green eyes. In the back, his long locks were gathered into a ponytail that almost reached his ankles.
In terms of clothes, he wore a dark red T-shirt, black cargo pants, and black fingerless gloves.
Nigel looked up. "Hello 'Red.'"
478 regarded the two children with a friendly smirk. "Yo, Numbah 1, Numbah 3." He frowned. "Did I wake you?" Nigel nodded. "Oops. Sorry. I forgot about the state time change."
Nigel waved away his apology. "Forget it. So what's with the wake-up call? You find anything about your past?"
'Red' expression turned thoughtful. "Maybe..."
Kuki looked curious. "Maybe?"
"Well, a few days ago, while I was going through the maintenance of my scanning equipment, I found an odd signal coming from the ocean just offshore of Manhatten Island. I decided to go investigate..."
He went on to explain that he had discovered what looked like an underwater statue of a dragon. Upon closer inspection, It was revealed to be some sort of machine. 'Red' pulled up some photos he had taken of the machine. While he explained what was going on, the rest of the KND entered the communication room one at a time.
"The signal was most definitely coming from within the statue. But what struck me most was a sense of deja-vu."
"Deja vu?" asked Abby.
"Yeah." Said 'Red' "I felt like I'd been there before."
He sighed. "Before I could continue exploring, however, I was discovered, and couldn't go back. I've spent the last few days trying to dig up anything I could about it, but, unfortunately, I've come up with absolutely zip."
Nigel thought about that. "You say you haven't been able to find anything about it?"
'Red' shook his head. "Aside from the fact that it's a machine, it's giving off that signal, and that I recognize it for some reason, no."
"I see." Said Nigel. Abigail spoke up. "Why not call one of the other teams?"
'Red' shrugged. "I guess they're all on separate missions. You guys are the closest group I could get a hold of."
Nigel nodded. "Has the machine moved at all since you found it?" 'Red' shook his head. "Right." Nigel turned to the rest of the group. "OK, everyone. Get some diving gear, and get ready. We leave in an hour."
----
Two hours later, the KND were flying towards New York in Hoagie's new transport: The S.O.A.R. (Sub-Ocean-Air Ride).
As they came to a landing near one of the eastern wharves, they perceived a lone figure standing on a dock. It was 'Red,' only now he was wearing crimson-colored diving gear.
"Yo, guys." He said, waving.
The S.O.A.R. landed in front of 'Red,' and everyone, except Hoagie, got out. Like 'Red,' the KND that got out were in diving gear. Because of the Time Zone change, it was already 12 in the afternoon.
Nigel addressed the group. "Everybody ready?" They all nodded. He turned to the S.O.A.R. "All set, Numbah 2?" Hoagie nodded. "Yes sir!"
"Alright, everyone! Go!"
Five small splashes and one big splash later, the members of KND swam down through the depths, with 'Red' in the lead.
After about ten minutes of swimming, a huge shape emerged out of the gloom.
"That's it?" asked Wallabee through his com-device. 'Red' nodded.
It was as 'Red' had said. From a distance, it did, indeed, look like a statue of a dragon. Although the fact that it was a machine became more obvious, it was apparent that whoever built it had tried to make it as intimidating as possible.
The machine squatted on its enormous haunches, doglike, with the wings curled protectively over it. Its paws (Or whatever it had at the end of its extremeties) were buried in the ocean floor. The head was held erect, as it stared straight forward. The long tail was wrapped around the base.
"Whoa!" Said Abigail. "That thing is huge!"
"Yeah..." Said 'Red' wistfully...
"Hey, 478." Said Hoagie. "You said this place is familiar to you." 'Red' nodded
Nigel turned to the group. "Alright. We'll split up into two person groups. Numbah 4, you and 3 will head over there." He pointed to the left side of the machine. "Numbah 2, You and 478 will go over there." He indicated the right. "Numbah 5, you and I will search the top of this thing. We'll meet up back here in about a half hour. OK?" They all nodded.
"Right lets GO!" And with that, the three parties split up, totally unaware that they were being watched.
"This will be your final mission, Kids Next Door." Droned five voices in unison.
----
As Kuki and Wallabee swam around the left section of the dragon-machine, Wallabee marveled at how large the machine was.
"Crikey, this thing's big!" He remarked. "Whoever built this thing must've had a LOT of money."
"Maybe he was bored and wanted a home, so he decided to build it, to live in." Said the smiling Kuki. Confusion replaced her smile when she saw Wallabee's weird look.
"What?"
Wallabee shook his head. "Nuthin.'" He looked up to the head where Abby and Nigel were. "Still, I wonder what this thing has to do with 478, and why he recognises it."
----
Hoagie, in the SOAR, and 'Red' were going around the right side of the machine, when they noticed a large shape emerge from behind the wing. Since it was so far away, all they could tell was that it had a vaguely humanoid torso; the entire upper body was muscular but rather skinny, like a gangly teen.
That was where the human similarities ended, however. Below the stomach, right at the hips, the body extended into an incredibly long, snake-like tail. Various fins sprouted out of the long body.
To Hoagie and 'Red,' this creature looked like a cross between a merman and a sea serpent. Most definitly worh reporting in.
----
Meanwhile, Nigel and Abby explored around the head of the machine. Although they didn't see any unusual creatures, they did find a way in. On the very top, right above the eyes, they found a large hatch.
The hatch was dull and rough, but not rusted. And it had to be, at least, large enough to fit three adults. The wheel would probably turn easily, but Nigel decided not to risk it just yet.
"Who knows what's down there." Said Nigel when Abby asked why not. "We're better off in group when we go in."
----
15 minutes later...
The majority of the group had gathered in front of the machine, with only Hoagie and 'Red' missing. "Where are they?" Said Nigel "They should've been here by now." Suddenly the group heard paddeling in the distance. They all turned to the sound. "Speak of the devils." Said Abby.
Swimming towards them were the two final members of this particular gathering. Hoagie looked totally spooked and 'Red' was panting hard, as if he had just outrun a man-eating shark.
"Oi, what happend?" asked Wallabee.
"We... we saw something." Said Hoagie. "Something big."
"It looked like somesort of merman." Continued 'Red'
"A merman?" asked Kuki. Her eyes were as big as golf balls. "You mean like a half man, half fish?"
'Red nodded. "Out of curiousity we decided to follow it, but soon lost it."
"Then, the... whatever-it-was tried to sneak up on us." Said Hoagie. "The radar picked it up as coming from the rear. I signaled to 478 and we turned around. When it realised it was spotted, It just... vanished."
"Vanished?" asked Nigel.
"Well..." Said Hoagie "It-or I should say he-just seemed to blend in to the color of the water, like a kind of aqua chameleon."
"Did you get a good look at it-er, him-before he disappeared?"
"Just his face." Said Hoagie "He looked like a young teenager, about 13 or 14."
"A teenager?" asked Abby.
'Red' nodded "Yeah. And he had blue skin."
"Hm..."
"After it disappeared, we realised that we were late for the rondevouz. So we got back as quick as we could."
----
While the KND discussed thier findings, another marine transport device waited at a distance. In it sat five children, all wearing upper class school clothes, all with blue eyes that were almost totally devoid of life, and all wearing the same sinister expression. The Delightful Children from Down the Lane.
"Those Brats Next Door not going to stop us this time. One well placed shot and their gone for good. Then thier newest discovery will be ours!" As one, they turned their attention to the giant machine in the distance. Their single expression turned to curiousity. "Still, one must wonder: precisely what is that thing, from where did it come from, and what is its purpose? It looks like some sort of war machine, but it is most certainly not one of our devices."
The Delightfuls went into thoughtful mode. "Hm... Still, whatever it is, it looks like it could destroy an entire city. And something that large has got to have some sort of major defense system." Their expression went back to evil. If the machine destroys the KND, The Delightfuls wouldn't have to deal with them anymore, and they'll know about what kind of defences that thing has.
The Delightfuls settled down to wait. Now it was only a matter of time...
----
After 'Red' and Hoagie explained about the creature they found, everyone got back into the SOAR. Nigel and Abby decided to show the group to the entrance they found.
"So this is the only door you've seen?" Asked Wallabee.
Nigel nodded. "There're probably other entrances and exits, but this was the first we came across." He turned to Haogie. "Numbah Two. Link us up."
"Yes, sir." Hoagie extended a tube from the SOAR that attached itself to the machine's hatch.
After the water drained out, Nigel climbed down the tube and grabbed one side of the hatche's wheel. "Four, Five, give me a hand."
The three agents pulled to the left, then the right. But even when Kuki and Hoagie joined in, the wheel still wouldn't turn. After the group setteled down for a rest, Nigel realised that 'Red' had not helped them.
"Hey... 478." Said Nigel between breaths. "Why... didn't you... help?"
'Red' looked at the wheel with interest. "I know that there is a special way to open this. We just need to find out what it is."
"What do you mean?" asked Hoagie.
"You remember what I said about this place being familiar to me?" Everyone nodded. "Well, when I saw this wheel, my amnesia lifted for a minute. Apperently there is a certain password you have to say before this will open."
"Well, what is this bloomin' password?" Said Wallabee in exasperation.
'Red' leaned his elbow on the center of the wheel. "Unfortunaty, I don't-"
"State password please."
"Huh?" Everyone looked around. "Who said that?"
"State password please."
"Oh." said Nigel. He looked around. "Anyone want to give it a try?" Kuki raised her hand. "OK Numbah 3. you're up."
"I like parties!" Said Kuki.
"That'll probably work this time as well." Muttered Wallabee.
"Processing."
Everyone waited with bated breath. Unfortunately...
"Password unacceptable. Access denied. Re-state password please."
Abby scoffed. "Well that didn't work. Now what?"
"Sirian."
As the computer processed the password, everyone turned to 'Red'. "Sirian? What kind o' password is-" Said Wallabee.
"Password confirmed. State second password."
"Huh." Said Hoagie in wonder. "Obviously a very good one."
Nigel nodded and turned to 'Red.' "Well?"
'Red' thought for a moment before speaking. "Weapon."
"Processing... Password confirmed. State final password."
'Red' felt the gaze of everyone on him. He sighed and spoke.
"Siegfried."
"Processing... Password confirmed. Access granted."
The wheel started groaned, then made five rotations, before popping open. In the hole was a large metal ladder leading straight down into darkness.
"Alright. We're in." Said Nigel. He turned to the group. "OK people, stay on your toes. No telling what we might find down there."
"The group nodded, and, one-by-one, we climbed down the ladder and into the inside of the statue."
Nigel sighed. "I think I'll stop there for now. I could use a break."
Jack nodded. "OK. We'll pick up where we left of later." His stomach growled. "Right now, I need something to fill my belly."
Max's helmeted head poked through the tent flap. "Yo Jack, Nig.' The foods ready." He indicated outside. "Better get some quick, before Hoagie and John devour the entire roast."
The two leaders nodded, stood up, and, with Jack leaning on Nigel, walked out of the tent.
Note: Hey there! Solarice speaking. How do you like the chapter? It's not as long as I had originally intended, but I decided to expand the Flashback chapters from two to four, to account for all I have planned. As usual: Read, reveiw, and opinionize. And no flaming.
Now for reveiws:
IceDragonQueen2005: In terms of age, they are all still ten. Since I don't know the Delightfuls age, I'm going to assume that they are the same age as the KND. The only exceptions are John and 'Red' both of whom are eleven. Be aware that all this WILL change later in the story.
As for relationships:
3/4 definitely
1/5 I make no promises, but the possibility is still open.
2/OC He isn't going to go for an OC, but rather one of the other established characters. I'm not going to say who though...
Thats all for now. Bye!
(By the way, If you think I'm overdescribing my characters, then please tell me if you want me to change that.)
Mission Log:
The PULSAR Project
Chapter one: Flash Back-Part 1
Nigel slowly walked back to the camp. Just before he entered the tent, he glanced past it.
The smoldering remains of the tree house stood smoking in the background, its tattered shadow some twenty feet away. As Nigel watched, the structure beneath the battleship in the tree house gave away. With a mighty crash, the gigantic water-craft plummeted to the ground.
As everyone turned to the sound, a small tear escaped from Nigel's eye. Three years of working for the freedom of children. Three years of fighting adults.
Three years...
And then, just like that, it all came crashing down in a single moment. All because he refused to swallow his pride, and work with those he, and his group, had called enemies.
With a heavy sigh, Nigel slowly trudged into the tent.
Inside, Jack, the unofficial leader of the Delightful Children From Down The Lane, sat on one of the sleeping bags. His tailored suit was reduced to rags, and there were bandages wrapped around his left leg and torso.
As Nigel entered, a small smile appeared on the blond boys otherwise sullen face. Nigel raised his hand in greeting, then sat down next to his former enemy. As he did, Jack noticed the depressed look on the other boys face.
They sat in silence for a few seconds before Jack decided to say something. "So why are you so down, apart from the obvious reason."
"Just thinking." Said Nigel.
"About what?"
"The events leading up to this disaster."
"Oh."
Jack went silent for a few minutes before speaking again. "So, when and how did it all start?"
Nigel glanced at the blond boy in confusion, before he realized. "Oh yeah. You weren't there, were you?" Jack shook his head. "No. But remember: We were still foes then."
Nigel gave a small chuckle. "Point."
Nigel shifted to a more comfortable position, and put a hand on his chin. "So. When and how did it all start. Well, I suppose it all started at our tree-house, a little over a week ago..."
The KND Tree-house
Eight days ago...
7:45 AM Saturday
The morning sun rose in the eastern sky. Under its shining gaze, the KND headquarters slowly awoke to the new day. Inside, though, one child was already up.
Kuki Sanban, wearing only her Rainbow Bear pajamas, skipped down to the kitchen. As she got some of her favorite cereal, Kuki noticed a functional computer with a message.
After getting her cereal, she headed to Nigels' room, and knocked. A minute later, Nigel opened the door a crack, and peered out with one bleary eye.
"What is it Numbah 3?" He yawned.
"Someone's trying to call us." She said with a huge smile.
"Who?"
"Numbah 478."
Nigel grunted. "OK. Ill-" He paused to yawn. "--Be right down."
A few minutes later, Nigel, dressed in his usual red shirt and dark shorts, slouched down the stairs to the main communication room. Kuki was there, dressed in her normal oversized green shirt and black pants, and still eating her cereal. After turning on the computer and accessing the message, the face of Numbah 478 appeared.
478 was an eleven-year-old boy with skin that was almost albino in color. He had a round nose and large ears. These worked nicely in framing his round face. The most distinctive thing about his features, however, was his hair. 478's long hair was redder than a ripe tomato. The bangs hung loosely over his face, almost obscuring his green eyes. In the back, his long locks were gathered into a ponytail that almost reached his ankles.
In terms of clothes, he wore a dark red T-shirt, black cargo pants, and black fingerless gloves.
Nigel looked up. "Hello 'Red.'"
478 regarded the two children with a friendly smirk. "Yo, Numbah 1, Numbah 3." He frowned. "Did I wake you?" Nigel nodded. "Oops. Sorry. I forgot about the state time change."
Nigel waved away his apology. "Forget it. So what's with the wake-up call? You find anything about your past?"
'Red' expression turned thoughtful. "Maybe..."
Kuki looked curious. "Maybe?"
"Well, a few days ago, while I was going through the maintenance of my scanning equipment, I found an odd signal coming from the ocean just offshore of Manhatten Island. I decided to go investigate..."
He went on to explain that he had discovered what looked like an underwater statue of a dragon. Upon closer inspection, It was revealed to be some sort of machine. 'Red' pulled up some photos he had taken of the machine. While he explained what was going on, the rest of the KND entered the communication room one at a time.
"The signal was most definitely coming from within the statue. But what struck me most was a sense of deja-vu."
"Deja vu?" asked Abby.
"Yeah." Said 'Red' "I felt like I'd been there before."
He sighed. "Before I could continue exploring, however, I was discovered, and couldn't go back. I've spent the last few days trying to dig up anything I could about it, but, unfortunately, I've come up with absolutely zip."
Nigel thought about that. "You say you haven't been able to find anything about it?"
'Red' shook his head. "Aside from the fact that it's a machine, it's giving off that signal, and that I recognize it for some reason, no."
"I see." Said Nigel. Abigail spoke up. "Why not call one of the other teams?"
'Red' shrugged. "I guess they're all on separate missions. You guys are the closest group I could get a hold of."
Nigel nodded. "Has the machine moved at all since you found it?" 'Red' shook his head. "Right." Nigel turned to the rest of the group. "OK, everyone. Get some diving gear, and get ready. We leave in an hour."
----
Two hours later, the KND were flying towards New York in Hoagie's new transport: The S.O.A.R. (Sub-Ocean-Air Ride).
As they came to a landing near one of the eastern wharves, they perceived a lone figure standing on a dock. It was 'Red,' only now he was wearing crimson-colored diving gear.
"Yo, guys." He said, waving.
The S.O.A.R. landed in front of 'Red,' and everyone, except Hoagie, got out. Like 'Red,' the KND that got out were in diving gear. Because of the Time Zone change, it was already 12 in the afternoon.
Nigel addressed the group. "Everybody ready?" They all nodded. He turned to the S.O.A.R. "All set, Numbah 2?" Hoagie nodded. "Yes sir!"
"Alright, everyone! Go!"
Five small splashes and one big splash later, the members of KND swam down through the depths, with 'Red' in the lead.
After about ten minutes of swimming, a huge shape emerged out of the gloom.
"That's it?" asked Wallabee through his com-device. 'Red' nodded.
It was as 'Red' had said. From a distance, it did, indeed, look like a statue of a dragon. Although the fact that it was a machine became more obvious, it was apparent that whoever built it had tried to make it as intimidating as possible.
The machine squatted on its enormous haunches, doglike, with the wings curled protectively over it. Its paws (Or whatever it had at the end of its extremeties) were buried in the ocean floor. The head was held erect, as it stared straight forward. The long tail was wrapped around the base.
"Whoa!" Said Abigail. "That thing is huge!"
"Yeah..." Said 'Red' wistfully...
"Hey, 478." Said Hoagie. "You said this place is familiar to you." 'Red' nodded
Nigel turned to the group. "Alright. We'll split up into two person groups. Numbah 4, you and 3 will head over there." He pointed to the left side of the machine. "Numbah 2, You and 478 will go over there." He indicated the right. "Numbah 5, you and I will search the top of this thing. We'll meet up back here in about a half hour. OK?" They all nodded.
"Right lets GO!" And with that, the three parties split up, totally unaware that they were being watched.
"This will be your final mission, Kids Next Door." Droned five voices in unison.
----
As Kuki and Wallabee swam around the left section of the dragon-machine, Wallabee marveled at how large the machine was.
"Crikey, this thing's big!" He remarked. "Whoever built this thing must've had a LOT of money."
"Maybe he was bored and wanted a home, so he decided to build it, to live in." Said the smiling Kuki. Confusion replaced her smile when she saw Wallabee's weird look.
"What?"
Wallabee shook his head. "Nuthin.'" He looked up to the head where Abby and Nigel were. "Still, I wonder what this thing has to do with 478, and why he recognises it."
----
Hoagie, in the SOAR, and 'Red' were going around the right side of the machine, when they noticed a large shape emerge from behind the wing. Since it was so far away, all they could tell was that it had a vaguely humanoid torso; the entire upper body was muscular but rather skinny, like a gangly teen.
That was where the human similarities ended, however. Below the stomach, right at the hips, the body extended into an incredibly long, snake-like tail. Various fins sprouted out of the long body.
To Hoagie and 'Red,' this creature looked like a cross between a merman and a sea serpent. Most definitly worh reporting in.
----
Meanwhile, Nigel and Abby explored around the head of the machine. Although they didn't see any unusual creatures, they did find a way in. On the very top, right above the eyes, they found a large hatch.
The hatch was dull and rough, but not rusted. And it had to be, at least, large enough to fit three adults. The wheel would probably turn easily, but Nigel decided not to risk it just yet.
"Who knows what's down there." Said Nigel when Abby asked why not. "We're better off in group when we go in."
----
15 minutes later...
The majority of the group had gathered in front of the machine, with only Hoagie and 'Red' missing. "Where are they?" Said Nigel "They should've been here by now." Suddenly the group heard paddeling in the distance. They all turned to the sound. "Speak of the devils." Said Abby.
Swimming towards them were the two final members of this particular gathering. Hoagie looked totally spooked and 'Red' was panting hard, as if he had just outrun a man-eating shark.
"Oi, what happend?" asked Wallabee.
"We... we saw something." Said Hoagie. "Something big."
"It looked like somesort of merman." Continued 'Red'
"A merman?" asked Kuki. Her eyes were as big as golf balls. "You mean like a half man, half fish?"
'Red nodded. "Out of curiousity we decided to follow it, but soon lost it."
"Then, the... whatever-it-was tried to sneak up on us." Said Hoagie. "The radar picked it up as coming from the rear. I signaled to 478 and we turned around. When it realised it was spotted, It just... vanished."
"Vanished?" asked Nigel.
"Well..." Said Hoagie "It-or I should say he-just seemed to blend in to the color of the water, like a kind of aqua chameleon."
"Did you get a good look at it-er, him-before he disappeared?"
"Just his face." Said Hoagie "He looked like a young teenager, about 13 or 14."
"A teenager?" asked Abby.
'Red' nodded "Yeah. And he had blue skin."
"Hm..."
"After it disappeared, we realised that we were late for the rondevouz. So we got back as quick as we could."
----
While the KND discussed thier findings, another marine transport device waited at a distance. In it sat five children, all wearing upper class school clothes, all with blue eyes that were almost totally devoid of life, and all wearing the same sinister expression. The Delightful Children from Down the Lane.
"Those Brats Next Door not going to stop us this time. One well placed shot and their gone for good. Then thier newest discovery will be ours!" As one, they turned their attention to the giant machine in the distance. Their single expression turned to curiousity. "Still, one must wonder: precisely what is that thing, from where did it come from, and what is its purpose? It looks like some sort of war machine, but it is most certainly not one of our devices."
The Delightfuls went into thoughtful mode. "Hm... Still, whatever it is, it looks like it could destroy an entire city. And something that large has got to have some sort of major defense system." Their expression went back to evil. If the machine destroys the KND, The Delightfuls wouldn't have to deal with them anymore, and they'll know about what kind of defences that thing has.
The Delightfuls settled down to wait. Now it was only a matter of time...
----
After 'Red' and Hoagie explained about the creature they found, everyone got back into the SOAR. Nigel and Abby decided to show the group to the entrance they found.
"So this is the only door you've seen?" Asked Wallabee.
Nigel nodded. "There're probably other entrances and exits, but this was the first we came across." He turned to Haogie. "Numbah Two. Link us up."
"Yes, sir." Hoagie extended a tube from the SOAR that attached itself to the machine's hatch.
After the water drained out, Nigel climbed down the tube and grabbed one side of the hatche's wheel. "Four, Five, give me a hand."
The three agents pulled to the left, then the right. But even when Kuki and Hoagie joined in, the wheel still wouldn't turn. After the group setteled down for a rest, Nigel realised that 'Red' had not helped them.
"Hey... 478." Said Nigel between breaths. "Why... didn't you... help?"
'Red' looked at the wheel with interest. "I know that there is a special way to open this. We just need to find out what it is."
"What do you mean?" asked Hoagie.
"You remember what I said about this place being familiar to me?" Everyone nodded. "Well, when I saw this wheel, my amnesia lifted for a minute. Apperently there is a certain password you have to say before this will open."
"Well, what is this bloomin' password?" Said Wallabee in exasperation.
'Red' leaned his elbow on the center of the wheel. "Unfortunaty, I don't-"
"State password please."
"Huh?" Everyone looked around. "Who said that?"
"State password please."
"Oh." said Nigel. He looked around. "Anyone want to give it a try?" Kuki raised her hand. "OK Numbah 3. you're up."
"I like parties!" Said Kuki.
"That'll probably work this time as well." Muttered Wallabee.
"Processing."
Everyone waited with bated breath. Unfortunately...
"Password unacceptable. Access denied. Re-state password please."
Abby scoffed. "Well that didn't work. Now what?"
"Sirian."
As the computer processed the password, everyone turned to 'Red'. "Sirian? What kind o' password is-" Said Wallabee.
"Password confirmed. State second password."
"Huh." Said Hoagie in wonder. "Obviously a very good one."
Nigel nodded and turned to 'Red.' "Well?"
'Red' thought for a moment before speaking. "Weapon."
"Processing... Password confirmed. State final password."
'Red' felt the gaze of everyone on him. He sighed and spoke.
"Siegfried."
"Processing... Password confirmed. Access granted."
The wheel started groaned, then made five rotations, before popping open. In the hole was a large metal ladder leading straight down into darkness.
"Alright. We're in." Said Nigel. He turned to the group. "OK people, stay on your toes. No telling what we might find down there."
"The group nodded, and, one-by-one, we climbed down the ladder and into the inside of the statue."
Nigel sighed. "I think I'll stop there for now. I could use a break."
Jack nodded. "OK. We'll pick up where we left of later." His stomach growled. "Right now, I need something to fill my belly."
Max's helmeted head poked through the tent flap. "Yo Jack, Nig.' The foods ready." He indicated outside. "Better get some quick, before Hoagie and John devour the entire roast."
The two leaders nodded, stood up, and, with Jack leaning on Nigel, walked out of the tent.
Note: Hey there! Solarice speaking. How do you like the chapter? It's not as long as I had originally intended, but I decided to expand the Flashback chapters from two to four, to account for all I have planned. As usual: Read, reveiw, and opinionize. And no flaming.
Now for reveiws:
IceDragonQueen2005: In terms of age, they are all still ten. Since I don't know the Delightfuls age, I'm going to assume that they are the same age as the KND. The only exceptions are John and 'Red' both of whom are eleven. Be aware that all this WILL change later in the story.
As for relationships:
3/4 definitely
1/5 I make no promises, but the possibility is still open.
2/OC He isn't going to go for an OC, but rather one of the other established characters. I'm not going to say who though...
Thats all for now. Bye!
(By the way, If you think I'm overdescribing my characters, then please tell me if you want me to change that.)