Songs featured:
Attack the Ice Cream Factory: "Deep Strike" by Hiroshi Okubo

Transmission 3: Where You Belong

The boy has a dream: He sits inside a boxing ring with someone. I can't tell who it is, but he knows that somebody is beside him. He can't turn his head to look around and it makes him nervous. A feeling of sadness engulfs him until he hears someone crying.

Wally snaps out of his dream and sits up on his bed, sweating and breathing heavily. "What…the crud was that…" he pants and looks at his phone. The flip-phone was bought a year ago from a second-hand electronics shop in Australia and he was lucky to get a sim card that worked in the US. The phone's digital clock shows a time of 8 in the morning. Wally sighs and lays on his back, his hands under his head as he remembers what happened yesterday: After he took Kuki home, her father was standing on the front porch of their huge house and immediately ran over to Kuki when she dismounted Wally's bike. Before she could explain, her mother arrived in her car and gave Kuki a frantic hug before apologizing to her multiple times. Then, after Kuki finally did explain what happened, her parents thanked Wally but he left quickly to hide his embarrassment. His mind then wanders to Kuki and her brown eyes, turning his face red. Startled by this, Wally jumps out of his bed and goes through his morning routine.

"Good morning Wallabee. Did you sleep well?" Helen greets him as he enters the kitchen.

"I dunno…" he yawns and sits down next to his father.

"Well ya sure did sleep long son. I think it was…10 o'clock when you fell asleep."

"I'm fine now dad."

"That's great to hear sport. Say uh…how're things going on at your new school?" Sydney asks but Wally clenches his fist slightly under the table.

"It's…fine…" Wally says through his teeth, but his parents can tell he's not honest. However, they don't press the issue.

"Well, as long you're not alone in there, Wallabee, that's the most important thing." Wally's mother says but Wally doesn't reply. Then, his younger brother Joey runs down the stairs and nearly bumps into Wally as he is about to leave the kitchen.

"Gah, watch where yer cruddy going!" Wally shouts and Joey sticks out his tongue but then, Helen glares form across the kitchen table, stopping the quarrel before it even properly starts. But the brothers still exchange glares as Wally heads to the garage and hops on his Ducati.

Meanwhile, Nigel is also preparing to head to school, but before he can hop on his bicycle, a dark green SUV parks in-front of his house. "Morning Nigel!" Rachel waves from the back seat and Nigel greets her back.

"Good morning." Nigel replies as he pushes his bike next to the SUV. "Sightseeing this early in the morning? The school is that way." Nigel says jokingly while pointing at the opposite direction.

"Hah, good one. We came to pick you up."

"Pick me up? Don't be ridiculous, I can cycle there no problem."

"Hey, we came here just for you and you're gonna turn us down like that?!" a red-haired girl shouts from the front passenger seat, startling Nigel.

"Uhm…well I uh…I just prefer to…"

"Don't be like that, Nigel. There's plenty of room in the trunk for you bike, right Patton?"

"Yup. I'll even open it for ya." Patton pushes a button on the dashboard and the SUV's trunk opens. Nigel however tries to protest but the expectant expressions of his fellow Student Council members make it impossible to refuse.

"Argh, all right, all right, if you insist." Nigel replies and puts his bike into the large trunk before hopping to the backseat, next to Rachel. Then, as Patton puts on some music and turns the SUV around, Nigel stares out of the window, his mind in deep thought. "We'll need to put a stop to this today…"

"Nigel, what's wrong?" Then, Nigel is brought back to reality by Rachel, who is staring at him.

"Ah, oh it's nothing. I was just thinking, that's all…" Nigel replies without making eye contact with Rachel, who tilts her head.

"About what? You can't fool me Nigel, I've known you long enough that I can tell when something's bothering you."

"We've only been classmates for over a year though…argh, whatever, it's about the transfer student."

"Oh, that so? What about him?" Rachel asks, not revealing that she is overjoyed Nigel is thinking about Wally.

"Abby and the others want to stop him from being isolated by the Football Team. I intend do so as well."

"Heh, that's our president. You're really sticking to your campaign promise." Patton says from over his shoulder as he drives the SUV to the foot of the hill that leads up to the high school.

"It's not simply about that. The Football Team have been out of control for too long. They cause trouble wherever they go, and the school does nothing about it."

"That's because Ernest's stepdad funded the new stadium."

"We'll need to get to the bottom of that…" Nigel says to Rachel as the SUV reaches the top of the hill and Patton parks it near Hoagie's van. "Thanks for the ride, Patton."

"Don't mention it." Patton replies as Nigel takes his bike and pushes it to the bike rack while Rachel looks on.

"At least that part of you hasn't changed."

"Hey, what are ya standin' there for? We've gotta get to class, Rachel." the red-haired girl nudges Rachel, who yelps slightly.

"Ah, sorry Fanny. Let's go."

As the lunch bell rings, Nigel meets up with Abby, Kuki and Hoagie at their lockers in the entrance hall. "He fled the classroom before I could talk to him." he says as Abby shakes her head.

"*sigh* Figures. Well, let's go look for him. Abby's got a hunch where he's hidin'." the four teenagers then head up the stairs into the second and then the third floor, but upon arriving there, Hoagie stops in his tracks.

"Uh…are sure he's here? This is…*gulp*…senior's territory."

"Ernest hangs out at the football team's locker rooms, so he ain't here." Abby says over her shoulder as she turns to the right, followed by Nigel and Kuki.

"*sigh* that's great…hey, wait for me!" Hoagie runs to catch up to his friends, who are all headed towards the very end of the third floor hallway, where they see a single door to their left. Upon approaching it, they hear faint sounds coming from behind the door. "Huh? Who's playing music?" Hoagie asks as Nigel recognizes the room.

"Hmm…*snaps fingers* ah-ha! That's the band club's old club room. It hasn't been used since the principal diverted funds from the cultural clubs to the sports teams."

"Bingo. Abby saw him sneak here in the mornin'. Most of the club rooms here are outta use, so nobody's gonna find him here." Abby smirks slightly as Kuki's ears focus on the sounds.

"…you're right Hoagie, it's music!"

"Yeah! I recognize that tune. It's a guitar."

"Oh! I wanna see what he's doing in there!"

"Kuki, hold on!" but Kuki has already run over to the door and she swings it open. Inside, she sees a startled Wally sitting on a stool, strumming a dusty electric guitar.

"Oh my gosh! I didn't know you could play an instrument!"

"Huh? What the crud are you…" Wally jumps up as Nigel, Abby and Hoagie enter the room as well.

"So this is where ya were hidin'. Pretty smart choosin' this dusty closet." Abby says as she looks around the small clubroom.

"Man, they must've forgotten this room even existed." Hoagie says as Wally glares at the teenagers.

"…what do ya want with me?"

"We were looking for you actually. Ernest isn't letting you go off easy for standing against him." Nigel replies with his hands behind his back while Abby walks up to Wally.

"We heard from Kuki you got locked in the toilet yesterday. That's mild from Ernest. He's gonna come down on ya hard, ya know that right?"

"Hmph, and what are you, his fan or something?"

"Boy, we're tryin' to help ya! Ernest's gonna run ya outta school at this rate." Abby shouts at Wally, who huffs and puts the guitar back on its rack.

"I don't need help and I didn't ask for it. Besides, I don't wanna involve other people in my problems."

"Ernest ain't just your problem! He's been tormetin' everyone in this school for three years!"

"That's right! Five of our classmates left the school because he bullied them out. Stole their lunch money, destroyed their bikes and filled their lockers with water. And he never gets caught." Hoagie explains but Wally is not deterred.

"I'm not scared of him."

"We know ya aren't and Ernest knows that too. That's why he's tryin' to goad ya to hit back and get ya expelled."

"Look, I can handle whatever that big-chinned punk throws at me, so get off my case! It's best if ya just stay away from me." Wally shouts at Abby and tries to leave but Nigel steps in.

"By the sound of it, this isn't the first time you've been harassed like this, Wally. I don't know what happened at your old school, but as president, I won't let anyone be bullied by Ernest. Why won't you just let us help you?"

"Help me how? He's gonna drag ya into this and…" Suddenly, Wally falls silent and clenches his fists, as Kuki notices a faint but angry grimace appear on his face. "I don't need your help, end of story." Wally mutters and pushes Nigel aside before dashing out of the clubroom.

"Grr…Fine, ya blockhead! Be that way! But ya can just blame yoself when Ernest gets ya expelled!" A furious Abby shouts from the door as Wally disappears into the stairs.

"Abby…" Kuki comes to her friend's side and puts her hand on Abby's shoulder while Nigel and Hoagie look on.

"…I was right…"

"About what, Nigel?"

"He's gone through this before. That's why he's not reacting to Ernest's baiting."

"He must've been really lonely at his old school." Kuki says wistfully as Abby adjusts her hat and shakes her head in frustration.

"Whatever, Abby's done worryin' about that idiot. I'm gonna get some lunch." she huffs and marches away.

"Ah, Abby, wait! Don't say that!" Kuki shouts as she runs after Abby while the boys stay behind.

"So, what do we do now?" Hoagie looks at Nigel, who crosses his arms as a faint memory flashes before his eyes. Somehow, he's seen this scenario before.

"I won't give up on him, even if he is stubborn to his core. I'll find him and talk to him again today."

"Good luck with that…he looked like he was about to sock you earlier."

"He's hiding something from us. His reaction gave it away." Nigel replies as the boys head downstairs as well but unknown to them, a sophomore from the Football team had seen them.

…

The last period ends, and the four teenagers once again meet up at the lockers, but Hoagie notices something odd. "Hmm, guys, check this out." he points at the locker between Kuki and Abby's locker, which has been slightly kicked in.

"Musta been one of the football team's boys. They love breakin' random lockers." Abby says nonchalantly as Hoagie peeks inside and sees an orange helmet inside.

"Uhm…I think I know whose locker this is…Wally's helmet's in here." he gestures to his friends and Nigel hits his hands together.

"That means he hasn't left the grounds yet!" Nigel shouts as a group of freshmen run past them, towards the entrance.

"Hurry! The football team are gonna fight that transfer student!" upon hearing their shouts, Nigel immediately runs after them, followed by his friends.

"This doesn't sound good! Come on!"

"Oh man…" Hoagie mutters as they run past the freshmen and as they dash out of the entrance, Nigel sees a large crowd at the parking lot.

"Over there!" the four teenagers quickly run towards the crowd. "Out of the way! Move!" Nigel forces his way through a wall of teenagers and then, he's greeted by a frightening sight: 12 members of the football team have confronted Wally, who is standing before his knocked over motorcycle, its tires having been clearly slashed.

"Hah, what's wrong?! You gonna cry, newbie?"

"Don't like what we did to your fancy bike, blondie?" the bullies sneer at Wally, who stands still, clenching his fists and Nigel can tell he's doing everything he can to hold himself back.

"…"

"Not so tough now, are ya, punk?!" a lanky bully steps up and punches Wally in the cheek, knocking him to the pavement.

"Urgh…ghh…" gritting his teeth, Wally glares back murderously at the bullies, who begin to swarm him.

"We're gonna make ya wish ya stayed in Australia!" the lanky bully shouts but before he can touch Wally, Nigel intervenes and punches him in the jaw, sending the bully reeling backwards.

"That's enough!" Nigel shouts with a commanding voice and puts himself between a stunned Wally and the bullies. The sight of him standing in-front of Wally causes a faint memory to flash by his eyes and somehow, he feels like this has happened before. "You've just crossed the line."

"Ghh, look who showed up! Mr. President himself wants to pick a fight with us! You're gonna lose your title now!" The bullies charge at Nigel, who puts up his fists like a boxer but then, someone else joins the fray.

"The only ones losin' anythin' today, are you guys!" Abby yells as she elbows, and judo throws one of the bullies while Nigel knocks another bully off his feet. However, when another bully tries to attack from behind, he's punched in the stomach by none other than Wally.

"Nice one." Nigel replies with a confident smile as the three teenagers make short work of the remaining bullies, leaving only Nigel, Abby and Wally standing.

"Urgh…*cough*…ow…" the lanky bully groans as he spits out a tooth. "Hah-hah…you're so gonna get expelled now…"

"Think again, dumbass." Hoagie replies, holding up his smart phone. "I recorded the whole thing and you guys threw the first punch, which means this was self-defense."

"You also damaged his bike, so you'll be held accountable for it as well." Nigel says menacingly as the bullies faces turn pale and they quickly scatter while nursing their wounds. Then, Nigel turns around and gestures to the crowd. "Alright, the show is over, leave."

"Yeah, ya'll get lost right now!" Abby shouts and the crowd disperses while Wally lowers his head and walks over to his Ducati, which is lying on its side.

"Damn bastards…" he grits his teeth and goes down on his knees. "How am I gonna tell dad about this…" he laments angrily and punches the ground as Nigel comes to his side. "…if ya came here to say 'told ya so', don't."

"No, I won't. Hoagie, can you take a look this?"

"Sure thing!" Hoagie replies and runs over to the bike to inspect the damages.

"Dad's gonna cruddy kill me…this was a birthday gift from him…we can't afford the repairs…" Then, Kuki kneels next to him and puts her hand on Wally's back.

"Don't worry, Hoagie can fix anything, right?"

"Huh? Oh yeah, this is gonna be a piece of cake. I'll just get new tires for it and fix the paint job."

"Huh? Wait, I didn't ask for…"

"We'll help you, whether you want it or not. That's what friends do." Nigel says as he helps a dumbfounded Wally back up. "And you are our friend."

"Yeah! Besides, we still owe ya for helping us. So, this'll put us even." Hoagie says over his shoulder as a wide smile appears on Kuki's face.

"We're not letting you be by yourself anymore, okay? From now on, you're gonna be our bestest best friend!" she shouts excitedly, causing Wally to blush slightly before Abby slaps him on the back.

"And don't start sayin' ya don't wanna involve us in your problems. Cuz now, we're involved and we ain't gonna let ya face Ernest and his goons by yoself, got it?"

"Five people is way better than one, don't you agree?" Nigel lowers his glasses and gives Wally a sharp look, which makes him speechless.

"Hoagie's gonna take yo bike to his place and fix it, okay? We'll give ya a ride home." Abby points at her convertible, prompting Wally to turn his back on his new friends.

"…right…I'll get my stuff…" he replies with a faintly shaking voice and walks away.

"Oh, I'll come with you!" Kuki shouts and runs after him as Nigel and Hoagie load the bike into his van. Then, a smile appears on Abby's face as she watches Kuki catch up to Wally.

"Never seen ya smile like that, Kuki. Go get him, girl."

"Wait!" Kuki shouts at Wally, who has covered his eye with his blond bangs and when she tries to make eye contact, he looks away. "What's wrong? Ah! Your cheek! It's bruised! Let me take a look!"

"NO!" Wally snaps at Kuki, who takes a step back. "Sorry, din't mean it like that…I'm fine…I just…never mind." Wally replies and runs back inside the school, leaving Kuki standing by herself.

"You've been alone all this time, haven't you?"

Wally runs over to his locker but as he opens it, tears start falling down his cheeks and he doesn't understand why. "What…what the crud…why am I…crying…?" he buries his face inside the locker as a flurry of faint images flash in his mind. The kindness the four teenagers have shown him has triggered something inside Wally, something he hasn't felt before. "I…I know them…but how…I've never seen them before…" After a few seconds of silent weeping, Wally gathers himself and picks up his helmet, jacket and backpack before walking outside, where Kuki is dutifully waiting for him. However, she can tell he was crying.

"Aw, you poor thing! Let me give you a biiig hug!" Kuki shouts and true to her word, she gives Wally a bone-crushing hug, much to his discomfort.

"Gah, oi ya idiot, let go! I don't need a hug!"

"Yes you do, mister! You were crying in there!"

"I was not! I just had dust in my eye, that's all!"

"You can't fool me!"

"Let go!"

"Yo, will ya two dummies quit makin' out and get over here?!" Abby shouts jokingly, prompting a blushing Kuki to let go of Wally, who looks away and marches towards Abby, Nigel and Hoagie with Kuki in tow.

"Why don't we introduce ourselves once more? I am Nigel Uno."

"Hogarth P. Gilligan Jr. but I prefer Hoagie."

"I'm Kuki Sanban!"

"And my name's Abigail Lincoln, but you can call me Abby." the four teenagers look at Wally expectantly, who doesn't answer at first but then, he lifts his head as a faint smile appears on his face.

"Wallabee Beetles, or just Wally."

"It's a pleasure to meet you, properly this time." Nigel offers his hand to Wally and the others do the same. Then, the five teenagers put their hands on top of each other, though Wally finds it really awkward. "From now on, we'll keep you company. That way Ernest can't single you out anymore."

"And ya don't have to fight those punks by yoself."

"Thanks…I guess…but why are ya guys doing this? I'm a stranger who just moved here."

"Kuki said you look familiar, so maybe we used to go the same school. You did live here, right?" Hoagie gestures to Wally, who nods.

"Yeah, I think…"

"Ah don't worry about it, boy. What matters is that you ain't alone anymore."

"Oh! Can I get your number?!" Kuki brings out her smartphone, which has a Rainbow Monkey themed cover.

"Uh…"

"That's right, I need your number too so you'll know when I'm done with your bike."

"We've got a group chat too." Abby says while gesturing with her blue phone, while Nigel reveals his red smartphone and Hoagie shows his protected smartphone but Wally frowns and puts his hand into his pocket.

"I uh…I only got this…" he shows everyone his old flip phone. "Can't really do anything but make calls…"

"Ah don't worry about that. Just give your digits already." Abby says jokingly and Wally nods back. After exchanging numbers, Nigel says goodbye and heads over to the bike racks while Hoagie drives cheerfully away, leaving Wally behind with the girls. "Alright, hop in and let's go. Abby's got some chores waiting at home and she doesn't wanna leave 'em late." Abby points at her convertible and the trio get inside.

However, apart from telling her where she has to go, Wally doesn't say a word on the way back. His mind is too occupied by everything that happened today. He simply can't understand why these four strangers decided to become his friends. "Why?" he keeps asking himself while Kuki peeks over her shoulder from the front passenger seat. Then, she notices a smile creep up on Wally's face and even though she doesn't show it, his smile makes Kuki feel extremely happy.

Finally, the convertible arrives to the city's outskirts, where the girls see small house squeezed between an industrial complex, a junkyard, a railway crossing and a trainyard. "Wow…is that really yo house?"

"Yup. Pretty cruddy, right?"

"I think it's really cute! It's not too big and it looks really homely."

"Hmph, sure…" Wally replies as Abby parks her car in-front of the driveway, but before Wally can get off, Kuki stops him.

"Hey, do you wanna hang out with us tomorrow?!" she asks excitedly while Abby tries her best to hide her smirking face.

"Uh…what?" Kuki's direct question takes Wally by surprise as Kuki nods wildly.

"Yeah, yeah! It's gonna be fun."

"I uh…maybe some other time." Wally replies quickly and dashes for the door and runs inside, leaving behind a surprised Kuki and a wheezing Abby.

"HAH-HAH-HAH! Girl, ya can't just blurt out stuff like that. He just met us."

"But…but I just wanted to…" a disappointed Kuki lowers head as Abby pats her on the shoulder.

"Don't worry Kuki. It wasn't anythin' personal, you know? Abby can tell he ain't used to being with others and especially with airheads like you."

"Hey! I'm not an airhead, Abby!" Kuki yells but Abby simply laughs, finding her friends frustrated expression adorable.

"Man, you're cute when your angry. Just give the kid some time, okay? Ya can't expect him to be super friendly with us right away."

"I know but…" then, Abby sees Kuki's cheeks turn red slightly, prompting her to poke them as she drives off.

"Aw, Abby gets it. You like that guy, don't ya?"

"I do not! Not like that! Argh, why aren't you taking me seriously?!"

"Hah-hah, oh Abby's takin' ya seriously alright."

"No, you're not…" Kuki huffs as she starts pouting while Abby lets out another hearty laugh.

"You're just way too easy to read, that's all."

…

As evening arrives, a large ship made of junk glides through space, towards the Moon. It is a KND S.T.A.R.W.R.E.C.K., painted mostly blue and gray. "This is Hooky 2 to Moonbase Defense Station 4, do you copy?" the teenager pilot contacts the rotating KND O.B.S.E.R.S.T.A.T.I.O.N., one of 20 such stations positioned around the KND Moonbase, the organization's headquarters. After the war one year ago, it went through a major overhaul, which included an added extension made specifically for the Teens Next Door. Its defenses were also revamped and the debris field where the Orbital Shipyards were located 4 years ago has now been cleared completely.

"This is Moonbase Defense Station 4, we copy, Hooky 2. State your purpose and number of people on board."

"Personnel transport to TND Global Command. He have 5 crew and 3 passengers."

"Roger that, you're cleared to pass. We'll disengage the barrier shield for 50 seconds." the operative aboard the O.B.S.E.R.S.T.A.T.I.O.N. replies and a hexagonal hole appears on the red energy wall behind the station, through which the S.T.A.R.W.R.E.C.K. passes and continues on its way to the Moon.

"Man, it's been 4 months since we visited the Moonbase." Patton says as he lounges on his passenger seat. With him are Rachel and a Jamaican teenager, wearing a green t-shirt, red and yellow shorts and white sandals. He has large sunglasses over his eyes and his dreadlocked hair has been tied into a ponytail. He is Agent Hermit, real name Keith Bailey. During his time in the KND, he was known as Numbuh 1-Love, the laidback and calm leader of Sector J. Upon joining the TND, he became a member of the secretive Deep Cover Unit, whose job is to infiltrate the TND's enemies and undermine their operations from the inside. Like The Kid, Keith has refused a command position, as he prefers to be on the field.

"Ya mon, tell me about it. We've been so busy with missions lately I forgot what space feels like." Keith replies as he sips on a can of mango soda.

"Guys, we're not here for a vacation. TND Global Command is about to commence an important operation and we've been invited to observe."

"We know that, Numbuh Epsilon. But bein' stuck up about it isn't good for ya."

"Oh she's not stuck up, Hermit. She just wants to get back to Cleve and hang out with…"

"Numbuh Zeta!" Rachel glares angrily at Patton, who huffs and rolls his eyes as Keith chuckles next to him.

"Mon, you're digging your own grave with that talk."

"Right…" Patton mutters as the S.T.A.R.W.R.E.C.K. approaches the Moonbase. At the very center of the massive base are two golden statues, the larger one depicting Numbuh 0 and the smaller one depicts five teenagers standing side-by-side. As they pass by the statues, Rachel frowns slightly before their ship is contacted again.

"This is Moonbase Flight Command. Hooky 2, Teen Hangar 6 is ready to receive you."

"Roger that." the pilot replies and the S.T.A.R.W.R.E.C.K. flies around the Moonbase, where the new, TND operated section is located. It consists of a cluster of interlinked skyscrapers and the whole structure is also connected to the tube transport system to ease travel between sections. Near the center point of the outermost skyscraper is a large hangar door, which opens as the S.T.A.R.W.R.E.C.K. approaches it. The ship gracefully enters the hangar, and as the doors close behind, a dock near middle of the hangar lights up, indicating to the pilot where to land. Four magnetic clamps connect to the ship's hull and a long telescoping tunnel extends from the wall before connecting to the S.T.A.R.W.R.E.C.K.'s side hatch.

"Okay, time to go. Thanks for the ride, Numbuh Pi-12G." Patton gestures to the brown-haired, nose ring wearing teenager sitting at the helm, who waves back over his shoulder.

"Any time Chief." Then, Patton, Keith and Rachel salute the ship's crew before leaving via the tunnel.

"Wow, I gotta get used to zero gravity again." Keith says as he rolls over while in the tunnel.

"The artificial gravity will kick in once we pass the airlock, so bear with it." Rachel says over her shoulder as they reach the other end of the tunnel and enter the said air lock. As their feet hit the floor, a TND agent appears before them, wearing a green and blue officer's uniform over her blue t-shirt.

"Commander Epsilon, Commander Zeta, Agent Hermit, welcome." she says stoically while saluting and the trio salute back.

"It's pleasure to be back here again, Numbuh Ypsilon-09." Rachel replies as the agent points at the nearby elevator.

"The Global Command is waiting for you. This way." the agent has them board the elevator, which takes them half-way up the outer skyscraper, before sliding to a rail, which moves the elevator horizontally to another skyscraper.

"Has the operation already begun?" Rachel asks the agent, who nods sternly.

"Affirmative. The first strike will begin in 5 minutes."

"What's the target this time, mon?"

"An old Evil Adult Industries Ice Cream Factory in India. The Teen Ninjas are using it to manufacture weapons and we've also learned that they have a large laboratory there as well. Intelligence Section reported sightings of Ninja Nerd Troop members going in and out of that facility."

"Ooh, sounds spicy. I wish I could've taken part."

"Your protégé is leading the land assault, so at least you can watch him."

"You mean Numbuh Tau-6? Hah, well then, I'm looking forward to this." Patton replies to Rachel, who chuckles slightly as the elevator moves itself into another elevator shaft and speeds up the central skyscraper, where the TND Global Command's Central Operations room is located. The four teenagers disembark the elevator and head down a hallway which ends in-front of a guarded door.

"Go on in." Numbuh Ypsilon-09 steps aside and Rachel leads the boys inside. What awaits them is a massive spherical room with multiple walkways running around the edges, all connect to a huge central platform by smaller walkways. And there, on the central platform, stands a group of teenagers, gathered around a wide round table projecting a highly detailed hologram. All the teenagers are gathered around Eliza, who stares sternly at the hologram. To her right is a dark-haired girl, wearing a yellow and red outfit, a green eyepiece over her left eye and large yellow gloves. Lifting her head, the tan-skinned girl notices the newcomers and waves at them.

"Numbuh Epsilon! Over here!" the dark-haired girl shouts. She is Rosa Zanardi, former KND Operative and tracker, Numbuh 43 and the TND's current Chief of the Global Armory Section.

"Sorry we're late, Numbuh Rho." Rachel replies as the trio join the others at the table.

"I prefer the term, fashionably late. The operation hasn't begun yet." Eliza replies calmly as a stocky, bespectacled boy next to her frowns slightly he. His brown hair is cleanly cut and split in the middle and he wears a dark brown vest over a beige buttoned-up shirt and brown shorts.

"It never hurts to be on time." the boy remarks as Patton slaps him on the back.

"Ah loosen up, Numbuh Iota-3."

"I'll loosen up when we've dealt with that facility." Herbert "Herbie" Mullins replies bluntly. Previously, he has served as the KND's Global Communications Officer under the codename of Numbuh 65.3 before taking the role of TND Communications Chief, following recommissioning a year after turning 13. Now however, he holds the dual position of the TND Global Intelligence Chief and Communications Chief. "Intelligence suspects that the Ninjas have a S.I.N. manufacturing plant under that ice cream factory, but we can't be sure until we've secured it."

"They're makin' S.I.N. in there? Yeesh…"

"It's only a hypothesis right now, Agent Hermit. First, we'll need to deal with the 70 or so Ninjas manning that facility, not to mention it's outer defenses." Herbie zooms the hologram at the factory and highlights every single defensive turret, missile launcher and gunport around the factory, which is located in the middle of a deep ravine with river running through it.

"*whistle* that's a lotta guns." Patton says as a tall dark-blond haired boy leans over the table. He is Bartie Stork, former KND Operative Numbuh 35 and the TND's current 2x4 Fleet Commander, Numbuh Lambda. He had previously acted as a flight leader for the Cleve Sector before moving to the Moonbase, where he incidentally used to be stationed while in the KND as well.

"We're sending a single fighter into the ravine, to take out their fire-control tower. It's disguised as a smokestack but without it, the Ninjas can't accurately aim their weapons at the strike team."

"So who's the lucky pilot who has to fly in there first?" Keith asks, causing Bartie to smirk confidently.

"Hmph, there's only one guy who do a job like that."

…

Back on Earth, in north-east India, a fighter jet with forward swept wings, sporting a black and orange color scheme flies low over a spiraling maze of canyons and ravines. Not far behind it, are four P.I.P.E.P.O.D.'s, decked out in deep blue paint. Sitting in the cockpit of the fighter is none other than Ace The Kid. True to his rebellious spirit, he does not wear a flight suit or a helmet, justifying it by saying he's always been very g-force resistant. Now, as the night falls over the valleys and mountains around him, The Kid looks at the small clock on his dashboard, which is nearing 20:00. "Okay, let's take this nice and easy."

"Message from TND Global Command: Operation: D.E.E.P.-S.T.R.I.K.E. is a go. Commence Phase 1." a female voice says through The Kid's radio, which makes him smile.

"Roger that. Yo, Assault Team, you guys hang back while I clean up the landing site for ya."

"Affirmative, Agent Halcón. We'll wait for your signal." a male voice responds, as The Kid rolls his fighter to the right.

"Commencing radio silence, now." turning off his radio, The Kid executes a smooth barrel roll down into the ravine to his right and levels off above the gently flowing river. "Okay Valkyrie 2, time to have some fun." As he applies full power, the fighter is buffeted by the nearly storm level winds howling in the ravine. However, this does not faze The Kid at all as he expertly guides the Valkyrie through the tight and twisty ravine while keeping the fighter right above the river, thanks to a virtual path projected by his HUD. "Hah-hah, this is way better than being stuck in an office."

Soon, The Kid sees steam rising from above the ravine as the ice cream factory comes into view. "Okay Ninjas, show me what you've got!" The Kid smirks as he turns off the Valkyrie 2's stealth cloak, giving away his location to the Ninjas. Automated searchlights begin shining down from the top of the ravine while the factory's defense weapons open fire. However, because The Kid de-cloaked well within the early warning system's range, only the factory's close-range weapons are able to track him and thanks to The Kid's skill, they easily miss.

As he performs a roll, The Kid sees his target: the fire-control tower, hidden within the cluster of smokestacks sprouting from the factory's roof. Arming his weapons, The Kid grips the control stick and takes aim with the Valkyrie 2's long-barreled laser cannon mounted behind the two-seater cockpit. "Steady…steady…" despite the barrage around him, The Kid eyes are completely focused on the tower, partially hidden behind another smokestack. Then, his targeting reticle locks onto the fire-control tower. "FUEGO!" the fighter's cannon releases a long pink laser beam, which pierces through the obscuring smokestack and destroys the fire control-tower, instantly shutting down the factory's anti-air weapons while The Kid flies past the factory and performs an Immelman. "Hah-hah, vamos, that's what I'm talking about! Strike Team, this is Halcón! Target destroyed. You can start your approach; I'll mop up these guys."

"Roger that, Agent Halcón. We'll move in." the pilot of the lead P.I.P.E.P.O.D. replies.

"Hah, I knew ya could do it! We owe ya one!" a gruff teenage voices shouts over the radio, causing The Kid to chuckle.

"What, were ya doubtin' me, Tau-6? Hmm?" their radio conversation is interrupted by a group of Teen Ninjas, who had just taken off in their swept-wing Battle Ready Cycles. "Looks we've got more company. Strike Team, Cycles just took off. I'll intercept." Putting his fighter into a corkscrew dive, The Kid turns his attention to the Cycles, which are already climbing up to meet him.

"Shoot that thing down! We gotta protect the base!" the Ninja leading the flight shouts as the Cycles spread out, leaving only him flying head-on towards The Kid.

"Oh, you wanna play chicken? Bring it on!" with their engines roaring, the two pilots fly straight at each other, fingers on the trigger. Suddenly, The Kid feels an odd sensation and rolls out of the Cycle's way just as a burst of laser fire whizzes past his left wing. "What? Where'd that come from?!" The Kid pulls up and performs a wide right turn, searching for the source of the surprise attack. However, he is immediately forced to evade as the Cycles give chase and swarm his fighter. "Ganging up on me? Not cool." breaking through their attack, The Kid performs a Split-S and levels inside the ravine, followed closely by the Cycles.

"Dumbass! You're trapped in there!" the leader shouts but The Kid scoffs as he puts his hand on another control stick on his left armrest.

"Time to ditch these guys." he pulls the control stick from its socket and pushes it forward on a small rail, transforming his Valkyrie into robot mode, stunning the Ninjas.

"Huh?! What the heck?!" the Cycles fly past the Valkyrie as its single orange eye lights up behind it's head visor.

"Adios!" The Kid deploys two laser guns from the robots arms and with a short combined burst, downs all 9 Cycles in an instant.

"Gargh! Dammit!" the leader curses as he and the rest of his flight eject from their Cycles, but The Kid doesn't get a chance to observe his kill as the odd sensation occurs again, causing him to dodge another laser.

"Urgh, who the heck is that?!" The Kid shouts while barely dodging another laser but he can't see where it came from. "Ghh, this is cramping my style…"

"Agent Halcón? Do you copy? This is Lucknow Sector CIC." A female voice speaks into his earpiece, startling him.

"Gah…Halcón here."

"What's your status?"

"Landing zone cleard."

"Roger. Stay over the target area until the factory is secured. Intercept any Ninja reinforcements or Ninjas attempting to flee. This order is from the Supreme Commander herself."

"Leave it to me. Halcón out." The Kid cuts the transmission and transforms the Valkyrie back to fighter mode. "Ai, ai, ai, she must be watching this operation from the Moonbase." However, The Kid's mind is occupied by the mysterious attacks that he was somehow able to dodge. "Focus, you've got a job to do." he shakes his head and flies back to the factory, which is already under attack by the P.I.P.E.P.O.D.'s.

However, no one is aware that he was being watched. "I should've expected as much. You might look and act like a human, but your senses aren't. Another Sleeper confirmed."

An hour later, the strike team, under the command of Cleve Sector's Combat Force Field Leader, 15-year-old, brown-haired Numbuh Tau-6, have finished seizing the factory. Standing near a line of containers in-front of the factory's entrance, he is an imposing, burly teenager, wearing the Heavy variant of the standard TND B.R.A., colored in gray and bright red. A former member of KND Sector X, Charles McNeil was known as Numbuh 34 and shared his Sector with Angeline and Ted. During the war one year ago, he joined the TND despite being Decommissioned. "Man, these guys really put up a fight."

"You said it Boss. They actually made me break a sweat."

"Hah, real funny. Okay guys, let's make sure there aren't any booby traps left before the Science and Armory teams arrive."

"Yes, Sir!" the other agents reply and head back inside the factory as The Kid lands his fighter nearby.

"Looks like you guys got things covered here."

"Couldn't have done it without your air-support." the two teenagers do a high-five and look around the damaged facility.

"What did it look like down there?"

"The Intelligence guys weren't kidding. There is…or was a S.I.N. factory here. Those damn Ninjas cleaned out the place. Must've been weeks ago."

"Damn…"

"Well, maybe the Armory and Science teams can figure something out. There's gotta be some stuff left in there."

"Let's hope so, hombre, otherwise this was another dead end." The Kid replies as the factory is bathed in moonlight. Suddenly, he and Charles hear the unmistakable sound of jet engines and sure enough, four C.O.O.L.B.U.S.'s arrive, carrying with them teams from TND's Armory and Science Sections. Among the first people to step out of the lead transport is a blond-haired girl, wearing large blue safety goggles, a blue baseball cap and a blue tracksuit, blue trousers and dark blue safety boots while a big utility belt hangs on her waist. She is Cleve Sector's Armory Section Chief, Kimberley Atkins, codename Numbuh Pi-2. A former 2x4 Technology Officer, known as Numbuh 202 before she fled the KND 2 years ago, she joined the TND around the same time as Charles and Ted and the trio are very close.

"Okay people, let's move! We've got a huge facility to deal with here!" she shouts orders to the other teenagers, who quickly get to work while the girl walks over to The Kid and a visibly awkward Charles. "Nice job securing this place for us guys."

"No problem, bonita. It's what we do, right Tau-6?" The Kid smirks and nudges a frozen Charles, who can only stutter.

"Uh…ye…yeah, of course! This kinda stuff is what we're all about." he boasts, causing Kimberley to giggle back.

"Heh-heh, right. Well then you won't mind if I ask you to stay here and guard my teams while we're investigating down there?"

"Of course not! We'll keep you safe!" Charles gives Kimberley a thumbs up and heads back inside the brief his team while The Kid can't help but laugh.

"Hah-hah, that guy is so damn obvious."

"Sorry, what did you say?"

"Nothin'. Well, I guess I'll call this mission complete and head out. Keep that big lug in check, yeah?"

"Don't worry, I'll watch his back." Kimberley smirks as The Kid salutes her and climbs into his fighter, but as he takes to the sky, he can't get the mysterious attacker out of his mind.

"Just who the heck was that…and how did I dodge those lasers? Argh, whatever." he sighs as a message appears on his dashboard, informing him to head back to the Moonbase. "Yeesh, they just aren't givin' me a break. Well, better not keep Miss Commander waiting."

End of Transmission 3

Note: Refrence time! Like in RETRIBUTION, The Kid's fighter is again based on the Variable Fighters from the Macross series and while his fighter was inspired by the YF-19 and VF-1 in RETRIBUTION, this time, the Valkyrie 2 is based on the VF-31 Siegfried