Chapter 11

Donatello's point of view

It is morning, and I have now completed work on Sakura's papers. When Bishop said he was working on unlocking our genetic sequence, he wasn't lying. The documents contain such detailed explanations on every aspect of our DNA that it blows my mind. Not only that, but there was extensive research completed on the biological and chemical composition of the human body.

From what I am able to gather, Bishop's team compared the human body with ours and went from there. There are numerous similarities, but when it comes to the results surrounding the brain, that is where the problem occurs. Apparently, our brains are slightly different from human brains. His team was not able to discover the reason for that difference, so that is where I come in.

I have dropped off Sakura's papers as she requested, only to be handed more paperwork. I had already left her office and am now carrying my new assignment, when someone abruptly bumps into me.

Quickly, I regain my balance and watch as the person gathers up their clipboard of notes. "Why don't you watch where you're going next time?" the young man grumbles angrily.

"I'm sorry."

The man checks to makesure nothing is missing, before he finally focuses his attention on me. He is your typical man with short, sandy brown hair, pale skin and sea green eyes. He is wearing black pants and, like Sakura, is dressed in a long lab coat.

He studies me for quite some time before a mocking grin twists his features, his eyes holding an unusual and eerie glint. Based on his reaction, I swear the guy is missing some marbles. He should be freaked out by me, or at least disgusted, and instead he is smiling.

Oh yes, this guy is definitely in need of a psychiatrist.

He stops his scrutiny of me long enough to say, "You're the self-proclaimed prodigy, aren't you?"

Self-proclaimed! Says who? I may be smart, but when did I ever run around declaring to the world that I was a prodigy? Why do I always end up in these kinds of situations?

Quizzically, I stare at him and then shake my head. Needing to set him straight, I look him square in the eyes and say, "I'm not a self-proclaimed prodigy. Bishop is the reason why I am here."

I don't bother to hide my disdain for Bishop. So far the jerk and his new "flunkies" have yet to touch me, but one can never tell with him. As for the Shredder, he is also being a little too quiet. Something is definitely in the works concerning those two, but so far I've had little success in finding out just what that something is. Talk about being frustrated.

I am quite sure I missed something when I reviewed those papers, but I have little time to continue pondering my thoughts, for the young man interrupts me with his next statement.

"Ah, so you're the little pet that everyone's been talking about. Well, it's a pleasure to have you on board. The name's Jason Adams. I'm sure you've already met Sakura. She's the top engineer in the genetic department."

I have to refrain myself from rolling my eyes, as well as spitting outseveral rude remarks. There is no mistake about it. This guy thinks I'm just some animal and can't possibly be capable of thought, reasoning or logic.

You see what happens when you put someone in a position of power? They think they are better than everyone else and can only feel better when they are making the lives of others a living shell. Well, I will just have to continue proving to him, Sakura, Bishop and all of the others that I am what the so-called rumors claim and then some.

I sigh softly and fall into an uneasy walk with Jason. This is going to be a LONG morning, especially with him blabbering away like that. His condescending tone of voice is seriously annoying the dickens out of me, but I was careful to hold my tongue. He definitely has more clout around here than I do, at least for now. I could always show him up in the lab or whatever else I'll be responsible for while I'm here.

As we continue to walk to who knows where, he abruptly stops at a metallic door and slides his key card through the lock. He grips the handle and opens the door as the lock flashes green. We enter the room, and my breath catches in my throat.

I am now in a laboratory of some sorts, but it was the most sophisticated laboratory I've ever seen. This has to be the Shredder's main testing room, for computers, monitors, devices both large and small, labeled chemicals, technicians and anything else one could ever need is here.

When my initial shock wears off, I am vaguely aware of someone tapping me on my shoulder. I look over and notice that it is none other than Jason.

Suppressing a groan, I turn to face him. You better have something worthwhile to say, otherwise do me and the rest of the world a favor by keeping silent.

"Today, you're going to be working in the lab with us, so try to keep up. You may also want to suit up. Wouldn't want any chemicals spilling on you, now would we?"

He is still smiling that unnerving smile, and did I also happen to mention how he keeps talking to me as if I'm dumb? I swear this is worse than what happened when Bishop and the Foot attacked me.

It is one thing to be repulsed by what I am, because I'm almost used to it. But it is a completely different thing altogether to know what I am and then act as if I'm an unintelligent creature. It is an insult that stings to the very core of my being.

Nothing hurts quite as much as when someone is implying that you are stupid.

Biting back a caustic remark at his words, I merely nod and place my paperwork on one of the workbenches. I walk over to the coat rack and grab a laboratory jacket. Slipping it on, I proceed to a table that Jason indicates and notice that there is a pair of gloves and goggles sitting there. I glance around in confusion before putting my goggles on.

As I put on my gloves, I take notice that they are specially made. With my rather large, three-fingered hands, it would have been hard trying to wear regular gloves. If I'm not mistaken, this is a clear indication that the plot to capture and use me has been in the works for a very long time.

I am pulled out of my musings as Sakura enters the laboratory, shattering the silence with her strident voice, "All right, everyone. This morning we're going to continue work on Project Apocalypse. Mr. Saki expects us to present our final results to him within five months. With that said, you have your assignments. Now get to work."

I look in Sakura's direction in the hopes of asking a question, but she is already busy. Sighing quietly, I say nothing as we all turn to our respective tables and begin our work.

Working quietly at my station, my thoughts begin to drift away. I can't stand it here. I want to be back home in my own lab and with my family. I want to be able to work on a project without being monitored every single minute or being treated so horribly.

My brothers may have bothered me while I was working in my lab, but at least they respected what I did and showed some type of interest in my work. Not like these people. No, to them I'm just a pawn in their diabolical plan.

Master Splinter's point of view

My sons had yet to return, but I tried not to let it concern me. Perhaps their venture to the surface would do them some good, for remaining ensconced in our home had done nothing for my own well-being. I had mediated constantly since Donatello's disappearance, but still came no closer to discovering his whereabouts. Those walls of despair were still surrounding him.

Giving up on meditation for the time being, I opened my bedroom door and was greeted with the pleasant aroma of green tea wafting in from the kitchen. Upon my arrival in the kitchen, I saw Karai making the final arrangements for breakfast. She smiled at me as she bowed.

"Good morning, Master Splinter."

"Good morning, Karai."

Once seated at the table, I watched in silence as she prepared two cups of tea. Grabbing both cups, she walked the short distance to the table and placed a cup in front of me before sitting down herself. I thanked her politely and then began to sip my tea, as a companionable silence descended.

As time stretched on, it was Karai who broke the silence. "Master Splinter?"

As I looked into her eyes, I could see that she was valiantly trying to hide her insecurity about whatever it was she had to ask. Smiling ever so softly, I answered her, "Yes, child?"

She let out a small breath as she looked at me. "There's something you should know."

Calmly, I sipped my tea and waited for her to begin speaking. She stared pensively at her tea and then took a deep breath.

"Do you recall the year in which Michelangelo and I were absent?"

I nodded.

"During that time we were away, your son's wounds became severely infected. While I was treating him, I discovered something quite disturbing. The clawed glove that the Shredder wears had been laced with a potentially dangerous compound that could have taken your son's life. It was his intention to keep your sons separated, and I fear his agenda hasn't changed. He has no intentions of returning Donatello to you."

I was quite taken aback by her news, but before my feelings got the best of me, I quickly suppressed them. I raised an eyebrow in honest curiosity as I asked, "How do you know all of this, Karai?"

She gulped nervously, but I paid it no heed.

"Right before he began terrorizing Michelangelo with a device he'd managed to create from the Triceraton technology, he told me that he was going to rid the world of the turtles and you once and for all. Before I had the chance to uncover the hidden meanings within our discussion, however…" She trailed off as she looked away from me.

It took me a moment to compose myself, because this news was indeed disturbing. "Michelangelo began having those visions and now Donatello is missing. Is there anything else I should know, Karai?"

"I am sure that he is not residing here within New York. He could be anywhere, although I have a feeling that I might be able to locate him."

"Do what you must, Karai, and thank you for this valuable knowledge."

She let out a breath of air, as if a great burden had been lifted off of her shoulders. Her once tense body language was now relaxed. Her mood was no longer one of somberness; instead she seemed to be at ease as she went back to drinking her tea. I soon followed suit. As we slipped into an awkward silence, the lair's door opened.

I could hear Michelangelo's overly enthusiastic voice trying desperately to reassure Leonardo and Raphael that their brother was fine. Leonardo said nothing, but I could sense his inner turmoil even as I heard Raphael snap testily at Michelangelo for being a lost cause. From all of them, I could sense great turmoil, confusion and worry. Now that my sons were back, however, we could attempt to rescue Donatello.

Author's Notes: Of course, italics denote character thoughts. If anyone is curious about Donnie's attitude in the previous part of this chapter, he's been through shell and back. He's stuck working for the enemy, he misses his family and what's worse is that he has morons like Jason treating him like some type of animal. The whole point of Don's "snotty" attitude is because he's quite ticked that they don't consider him to be human. They just see him as a tool or a creature. Hope that clears up any questions you guys may have had regarding this chapter.