Disclaimer: I do not own the TMNT, although I really wish I did. Maybe then I could have some fun.

"Okay, hi, hello, nice to meet you- like Donnie here said, I'm Mikaela. I take it from your obviously shocked silence that you probably don't believe what I told Donnie about there being other mutants around the city. You're probably wondering why you've never run across them before, too."

I pushed my hair out of my face. "Some of us look more human than mutant because of an accident that happened a few years ago, and some of us are simply mutated animals that had nowhere to go when TGRI disbanded. Myself and the others from the accident took those in, which is probably why you never saw them." I glanced at Donnie, "I'm assuming you heard of the downfall of TGRI and went to investigate, am I right?" He nodded, and I continued.

"I was once a member of the United States Military, working in the Nuclear Biological and Chemical sector, researching new types of weaponry, chemical developments, and defense from such weaponry. My colleagues and I were invited to TGRI to examine a new substance, modified from the discarded original, with unique properties. Upon completion of the tour, we had several samples in transfer to a facility for further study on its potential uses. However, one of the pranksters among us decided to pull a dangerous joke, and ended up killing some and causing many of us to go insane, or mutate. I was one of the fortunate ones to retain some of my humanity. However, not all of us did."

I sighed. "To cut it short, we were abandoned when we became useless to the government, and forced to find a new way of life. However we weren't penniless. We pooled our savings and assets into creating a safe haven for any other mutants lost and alone in the city. Not long after the accident, TGRI was disbanded- likely from pressure from the NIS. For the past three years we have learned to live and cope on our own in a society that does not accept rejects."

I smiled, noting that the red-bandannaed one scowled. "However, that proved to be somewhat untrue as many of us were able to find work with friendly humans, and a lot of them frequent the safe haven we have." I shrugged and let my story sink in.

Master Splinter spoke up. "That is truly a sad tale, ms. Mikaela. I am sorry to hear that you have suffered the same trials as us."

I sighed. "I really have no idea how on earth I managed to miss seeing you all this whole time I've lived here!"

The one in orange spoke up. "Ditto babe."

I gave him 'the look'. "Don't call me babe, I hate that." I raised an eyebrow. "What's your name anyway?"

"The orange one stood up "I'm Michaelangelo, but you can call me Mikey, babe" He gave me the 'thumbs up'.

"I'm Leonardo." Blue said, rising. He gave a curt bow before seating himself again.

"Raphael." Red said brusquely, not bothering to rise. He glared at me from beneath his mask.

"And I already know Master Splinter, and Donnie here." I said looking at each in turn.

"Well, sit down!" Donnie grinned, ushering me to an empty seat at the table. I sat, across from Leonardo and in between Donatello and Master Splinter. I glanced at Mikey who winked and turned back to the stove. My stomach voiced an awfully loud protest.

"What time is it?" I asked. My watch had been in my purse, and since that was long gone, I had no idea how long I'd been out.

"It's about… eleven thirty in the morning." Donnie said. "You were out for most of the night, and some of the morning."

I gaped. "Holy crap, I was out for that long?" I rubbed my goose egg. "Sheesh I musta been hit pretty hard!"

Donnie nodded, sipping at a cup of coffee.

Again, a heavy silence fell over the table, broken by Mikey, as he set a plate of BLT sandwiches down, passed out cups, set a pitcher of apple juice down, and seated himself.

They all looked at me.

"What?" I asked nervously. Mikey smiled.

"Dig in babe!"

Timidly I selected a sandwich and waited until everyone else had one before I took a dainty bite. Damn, but it was good. "You a chef Mikey?" I asked between bites.

"Yup," He said, spraying crumbs across Donnie, who glared at him. "I'm the only one here who can cook worth a darn!"

I giggled. "For sure. I burn water." Leonardo rolled his eyes and continued eating. Raphael glared at me again. Sheesh, what did I ever do to this guy? Already he's pissed off at me and I haven't even done anything yet!

Donnie must've sensed my anxiety. "Raph doesn't really trust strangers. You get used to it after a while." Raph flicked a piece of tomato at Donnie, scowling. "Quit it!"

"Yeah, he's a real hothead, and sometimes a real jerk." Mikey chimed in.

"Shut up, Mikey!" Raphael bellowed, then stormed away from the table. I blinked, chewing slowly. Apparently this family was like any normal one- they had issues.

"So he's always like this?" I asked, polishing off the BLT.

"Yes, he's always like this." Leonardo said bitterly. "Master Splinter, I'm finished. May I be excused?"

"Of course, my son. Please use the afternoon time wisely."

"Yes, Master Splinter." Leonardo rose and left the kitchen. Splinter soon followed with a parting, "It was a pleasure to meet you, Miss Mikaela."

"Likewise, Master Splinter." I smiled as he left.

"NOT IT!" Mikey shrilled, jumping up and racing away. Dons slapped his forehead and groaned.

"Crap, it's my turn to do dishes."

I smiled. "I'll help, then it'll go by faster." I smirked. "Besides, I want to see more of the lab!"

Don laughed and we got to work on the dishes.