I don't own KND, nor would I want to. It's too much responsibility for this little kid's mind. My first fanfic, this chapter takes place after the KND have been placed on temporary hiatus, because Nigel screwed up their latest mission. Don't ask me how. Just try to picture the next scene that way, okay? Any advice or changes that you feel should be made let me know and I'll take into consideration...maybe.

Hehe. Now on with the fic!

Prologue

"This is an urgent message from the Kids Next Door Moon base Headquarters for operatives one through five, of the Kids Next Door, Sector V: You are hereby placed on temporary immediate suspension until further notice--effective immediately."

Numbuh 1 gripped the letter in his right hand, trying to calm his nerves, and stared at his teammates. No one spoke for awhile; the reality of it all had not sunken in yet. After an awkward pause, Numbuh 2 finally said, "Soooo...what does this mean for us?" He glanced at his leader; afraid Numbuh 1 may blow up at any moment.
"I'll tell you what this means," Numbuh 1 said. "It means Sector V of the Kids Next Door is on temporary hiatus." His anger under control, he crumpled the letter and tossed it.
"You mean you aren't upset about this, boss?" Numbuh 5 asked incredulously.

Numbuh 1 laughed but his reply was impassive. "No. I was, quite actually, expecting worse. We will get through this and we will prevail, Kids Next Door!" He placed his fist in the air for emphasis.
"What happens to us now?" Numbuh 3 asked quietly. She was staring at the ground, her expression solemn, and clasping her Friends Forever Rainbow Monkey to her chest.(insert gratuitous 3/4 ness)
"You heard him, Numbuh 3. We'll get through this because we're the Kids Next Door!" Numbuh 4 reassured his SecretLightofMyLifeLoveofMyLifeHowDoILoveTheeLetMeCounttheWays crush, relaxing a bit when she smiled softly at him. He started to pat her on the back but stopped himself. Oh God, when she smiles at me like that I get all shaky inside and I want to go jump off a building because I feel like Peter Pan...oh wait, stop thinkin' like that, Numbuh 4! The Aussie immediately broke off eye contact with her and shoved his hands in his pocket, staring at his shoes. (end gratuitous 3/4 ness)

"Well, team, I really don't know how to say this, but...I'm sorry. As a leader, I let you guys down. It's all my fault. I'm a failure," Numbuh 1 spoke seriously. The atmosphere suddenly became somber. Numbuh 5 walked up to him then and gave him a friendly pat on the shoulder. oO
"Numbuh 1, you did your best for the team. You're not a failure." With that, she immediately removed her hand from his shoulder, feeling the unwanted heat rise up in her cheeks, cursing herself for getting a little too personal with him. I'm the cool one. Emotions are for the weak-minded. He's going to think you're pathetic and a coward if you keep throwing yourself at him every chance you get, girl.

Numbuh 1 smiled at her and took off his sunglasses, rubbing his eyes. I can always count on Numbuh 5 to have faith in me. I only hope the others feel the same way... I wonder how long this 'suspension' will last. I don't know how long I'll be able to handle it. With there being no missions for awhile, I guess I could put that time to good use and reevaluate my leadership skills and tactical abilities. But, first, I need some time alone...after I take Lizzie to tonight's ball game. His mood suddenly brightened at that last thought and he had to catch himself so the others wouldn't see the smile that crept up on his face.

"Well, team, I suppose we can think of this as a sort of 'vacation.' But, we will not let this be a detriment to the team. We will continue to stay together, in the tree house, and keep ahead of the 2 x 4 technology and any other changes that must be made. I am still your leader. Today, do whatever you like. But tonight, at 11 o'clock, there will be a meeting--HERE--and I expect all of you to be here at that time." He relaxed when they all nodded in unison, and, with that, headed off to his room to shower for his big date with Lizzie that night.

Everyone wandered off to their respective rooms...wondering what to do for the rest of the night.
But Hoagie had different plans....

(a/n: Thanks to amélie for the edit)