Transmission 17: Treehouse Besieged
Back in Sector V's Treehouse, the team gathers on the bridge of the M.O.S.Q.U.I.T.T.O.H.-W.A.S.P. Nigel hands the Signal Receiver to Hoagie, who places it on the communications console and immediately, a distorted female voice is heard from it. "Can you hear me? This is Numbuh Theta-9, from the Switchboard Combat Information Center. I've been assigned to be your liaison. But first I'd like to say it is an honor to work with you."
"We are equally honored to work with you, Numbuh Theta-9." Nigel responds
"Thank you very much. Now, regarding the KND's Orbital weapons that are locked onto your Treehouse: one of our mobile units has launched a decoy drone, that will deploy a cloaking field around your Treehouse. It should allow your ship to take off without trouble. However, once airborne, your presence will be detected, unless of course you have a cloaking device or something."
"You heard her, Numbuh 2."
"Yeah, I haven't been able to make a ship-sized cloaking device yet, so uhm…hold up." Hoagie walks over to the back of the bridge and opens a small hatch with various wires and circuit boards inside it.
"What are ya doin'? We don't have time to mess around with the ship."
"Just give me a second guys. I'm gonna make some adjustments to the ship's sensors…there we go." Hoagie then returns and sits down on the pilot's seat.
"Okay, I've modified the ships sensor so it'll jam the KND's wireless coms. The continuous jamming signal should stop commands from going into their Orbital Weapons. After all, I was a part of the crew that built those satellite weapons. That way, we won't have to worry about getting bombarded, at least from any weapons directly above us in orbit. I can't really do anything about the other weapons beyond the signal's range…"
"It doesn't matter Numbuh 2. Did you copy that, Numbuh Theta-9?"
"Loud and clear. The decoy drone is now positioned above you Treehouse. It should keep the KND's surveillance unaware that you've taken off, but don't rely on it."
"Understood. Take your seats team, we're going to help our fellow teenagers."
"Man, I never thought we'd be doing something like this."
"Ya got that right, Numbuh 2. 10-year-old me would've eaten a whole plate of liver rather than help teens." Wally says as he sits down on the gunner's seat. Nigel meanwhile sits in the captain's seat directly behind Hoagie, while Abby sits to his right and Kuki sits next to Wally, Bradley in her arms.
"Alright Numbuh 2, there's no need for subtlety, fly as fast as you can."
"Aye, aye. Buckle up guys." The M.O.S.Q.U.I.T.T.O.H.-W.A.S.P. tilts 20 degrees upward on its catapult and the secondary hangar's doors open.
"M.O.S.Q.U.I.T.T.O.H.-W.A.S.P., taking off!" The bipedal ship launches from the catapult and flies into the afternoon sky.
"Numbuh 3, connect the Signal Receiver to the ship's intercom."
"Okidoki!"
"This is Numbuh 1, do you copy, Numbuh Theta-9?" Nigel presses a button on his armrest and contacts the Switchboard.
"Affirmative. I'll send you the recovery team's location. They're holding their ground in an old barn in the eastern farmlands. Reports say the KND has just sent another team in there to capture them, so please hurry."
"Understood. Step on it Numbuh 2."
"On it!" Nigel then types on the small keyboard next to his seat and a 3D model of the area in question appears on the large screen above Hoagie. "Alright team, take a look at this. Our targets are most likely hiding inside that building. Based on Numbuh Theta-9's info, we've got two groups of enemies attacking them. Speed is of the essence here. Numbuh 5, you and Numbuh 3 will evacuate the team and the runner.
"You got it." Abby nods.
"Numbuh 4, you will be the vanguard and draw the KND's attention. Numbuh 2, Numbuh 6 and I will stay in the ship to provide backup."
"Leave 'em to me." Wally hits his fist together and nods.
"Just remember, this is a rescue mission, so once we've got the TND Agents and the runner onboard, we'll egress from the area. So, don't waste time fighting the enemy, Numbuh 4."
"I know that! Not my first time doin' this sorta thing ya know…" Wally mutters.
"I just wanted to make sure."
"ETA to target, 5 minutes." Hoagie says as a static male voice is heard from the Signal Receiver.
"This…s…Bravo team…area hot…need…evac…repeat…"
"Someone is trying to contact us!"
"Boost the signal, Numbuh 3. This must the same kind of jamming Numbuh 1000 used on us…"
Hoagie keeps the M.O.S.Q.U.I.T.T.O.H.-W.A.S.P. at a low altitude as they enter the vast farmland. "We're in the combat zone now!"
"Numbuh 4, get to ready to jump."
"Right!" Wally gets up from the gunner's seat and runs down the staircase that leads to the lower hull hatch. "Numbuh 5, ya got any idea who's waitin' for us?" Wally says over the intercom and Abby takes a look at her radar.
"Hmm…we got two Megaone's, four D.O.H.-D.O.H.'s and a dozen troops. I'm pickin' up more comin' from the north."
"Heh, I'm gonna give those jokers a pounding."
"Remember what I told you Numbuh 4."
"Yeah, yeah I know. Sheesh…" Wally activates his armor and stands in front of the hatch. The traffic light next to the door switches from red to yellow and the hatch opens. Wally is immediately buffeted by the powerful winds and he grabs hold of a railing on the hatch's right side. "Man, this is some serious breeze!" Then the light turns green.
"Jump now Numbuh 4!" Abby shouts over the intercom.
"Let's do thiiiisss!" Wally steps out of the door and immediately changes his B.R.A. to High Altitude Mode and dives towards the fields below.
"YEEEEHHHAAAAAAA!" He pulls up from his dive on the last second and flies low over a corn field. Ahead of him, he can see flashing lights and the distinctive silhouette of a Decommissioning Squad D.O.H.-D.O.H. walker.
"Heh, there just sittin' there." Wally readies his twin-heat laser cannons and charges in guns blazing, taking his foes by surprise.
"Unknown enemy detected. Intercept!" The squad leader says in a monotone voice and takes aim with the walker's head-mounted laser cannons, but Wally's speed allows him to easily dodge the shots. He then flies through the Decommissioning Squad forces, immediately destroying the lead D.O.H.-D.O.H.
Above them, the M.O.S.Q.U.I.T.T.O.H.-W.A.S.P. circles the airspace.
"Have you been able to contact the recovery team?" Numbuh Theta-9 says over the commlink.
"No dice. All radio waves are bein' jammed below us. We're just gonna hafta go in blind."
"Understood. Don't worry, Agent Halcón will be there in 10 minutes to provide assistance."
"That's good to know. Numbuh 5, Numbuh 3, it's your turn next. Be on your guard down there."
"Gotcha baby!" Abby leaves her seat, followed by Kuki and they both run down to the lower hull section.
"Okay Numbuh 2, Numbuh 4 is managing to keep the enemy occupied, so land behind the barn and lower the main ramp. We'll cover the north-east section of the building while the girls are inside. Understood?"
"Roger that boss!" Hoagie changes the W.A.S.P. to CQC mode and swiftly lands behind the barn. The appearance of the giant bipedal ship causes the two Megaone's to open fire but M.O.S.Q.U.I.T.T.O.H.-W.A.S.P.'s armor shrugs them off without much trouble. It then kneels down slightly and the main ramp is deployed from between the legs. Abby with her B.R.A. activated and Kuki, wearing her Kitsune mask exit the ship and use Wally's distraction to sneak in to the barn. But to their surprise, they don't see anyone there.
"What the heck? Where are they?"
"Let me take a look, Numbuh 5. Cover me."
"Okay, but make it quick" Abby brings out her wrist laser cannons and points them at the two exits. Kuki uses her mask's thermal-imaging and immediately finds three heat signatures, hiding in the cellar.
"I found them Numbuh 5. They're over there!" She points at a small hatch underneath a tractor tire.
"Good, get 'em out of there and let's go!" Abby says as she spots two Decommissioning Officers running to the barn from around the corner. Abby fires a grappling wire into a tractor tire and with a spinning motion, sends it flying at the officers, who are instantly knocked out.
"There's more comin'! Hurry up!"
"Okay, okay, you don't have to yell." Kuki opens the hatch and peeks inside.
"Helooo?" Then, to her surprise, a S.C.A.M.P. barrel is pointing at her face and she just barely dodges its laser. "Hey, what was that for?!"
"Who…who are you?!" The TND agent wearing a green camo-striped B.R.A. shouts.
"We're here to rescue you."
"What? Are you with the TND?!"
"Of course, we are, silly. Come on, you can't spend the whole day in there."
"I…I don't trust you! How do I know you're not with the Ninjas?!" The other agent, who looks identical to the first one, also pokes his gun at Kuki while Abby exchanges fire with 4 operatives.
"Numbuh 3, what's the hold up?"
"But they're not believing me…"
"Argh, just get them into the ship, will ya? We don't have all day!"
"Oh, okay!" Kuki does as she's told and uses her telekinesis to levitate the cellar occupants out.
"Hey! Put us down!"
"No can do, not until you're inside the ship." Despite the agent's protests, Kuki begins moving them out of the barn, while Abby keeps the operatives at bay. But as Kuki walks out of the door, she stops on her tracks. "Uhm, Numbuh 5…"
"What now?! Oh…" Before the girls stands a D.O.H.-D.O.H., it's head-mounted cannon aimed right at them. "Oh man, this ain't good…" With Kuki unable to use her lightning and Abby's lasers ineffective against such a large target, they are slowly being encircled.
"RAAAAAAHHHH!" Suddenly, Wally flies directly at the walker and slams through its torso, causing the machine to buckle and fall on its left side. He then lays down a barrage, forcing the Decommissioning Squad to fall back
"Yaay! Way to go Wally!"
"Heh, show off."
Meanwhile, Nigel watches on from the captain's seat as Hoagie unleashes a hail of laser fire at the reinforcements coming from the north-east. Then, Abby contacts them. "Package secured!"
"Good job team. Numbuh 2, lower the ramp!"
"Roger!" The ramp comes down and Kuki brings the recovery team inside, followed by Abby and Wally. Then Hoagie straightens the ships legs and switches it back to normal mode.
"Begin egress, Numbuh 2."
"Already on it." The W.A.S.P.'s six heliojets unleash a deafening howl as the ship takes off, quickly leaving the Decommissioning Squad behind. Inside the lower hull, Kuki puts the bewildered agents and the escapee onto the floor, but they still point their weapons at their rescuers.
"Where are you taking us?!"
"Will ya stop pointin' with those things, we're on the same side for cryin' out loud."
"We aren't saying anything until we know for sure you're not with the KND or Father! We're not letting you touch Numbuh 42!"
"Numbuh 42? Hey, Numbuh 2, didn't ya know that guy?" Wally contacts the bridge and Hoagie recognizes the codename.
"What?! Numbuh 42 is the runner? No way!"
"How do you know Numbuh 42?" The agents move in front of the runner while Abby, Kuki and Wally reveal their faces, to their surprise.
"Wait…you three are…Numbuh's 3, 4 and 5 of Sector V…but that's impossible! You're wanted criminals!"
"For the last time, we ain't your enemies! Numbuh 1, these guys aren't takin' the hint!" Abby huffs angrily
"Leave that to me." Nigel says and contacts Numbuh Theta-9. "We've secured the recovery team, but they don't seem to trust us."
"Yeah, we were expecting that. Let me speak to them: Attention Bravo Team members Numbuh Psi-A and Psi-B, can you hear me?"
"Numbuh Theta-9?! What's the meaning of this?!"
"Please lower your weapons. You'll be de-briefed once you get back to the Switchboard, but until then, you are under Sector V's protection."
"…Understood…" Both agents lower their weapons and sit on either side of the gagged and blindfolded, unconscious Numbuh 42.
"What about him? Is he okay?" Kuki asks cautiously.
"Until we reach the Switchboard, we aren't saying anything. We need proper confirmation that you people are really with the TND." Numbuh Psi-B answers bluntly, frustrating Abby.
"Fine, suit yerselves. Come on guys, let's get back to the bridge." As they climb the stairs, Wally nudges Kuki.
"Hey, don't those two look exactly like Numbuh 44A and Numbuh 44B?"
"Hmm…now that you mention it…they do look like them."
"That's because they ARE Numbuh 44A and Numbuh 44B." Abby says over her shoulder.
"Well, there's your answer." Kuki says cheerfully.
"Right…"
"Oh, thanks for saving us back there!" Kuki's compliment causes Wally to look away while Abby snickers.
"Yeah, I mean…you're welcome I guess…"
"Okay, enough with your flirtin', we've got a mission to finish." Abby says jokingly as she opens the door to the bridge.
"Good work team." Nigel says over his shoulder as Wally and the girls return to their seats and Hoagie steers the ship away from the farmlands, climbing to the clouds. Abby looks at her monitor and then turns to face the others.
"Those kids we fought, were all chipped. They didn't act like KND operatives at all." she says and crosses her arms.
"You don't think every single KND operative has been chipped?"
"Most likely Numbuh 3. My guess is that only those directly working with Numbuh 1000 aren't. It would be impossible for just a single person run the entire organization."
"Uhm guys, you seein' what I'm seein'?" Wally points at the red light appearing behind the clouds on their left.
"That's an orbital heat ray! Numbuh 2, evasive action, NOW!"
"Grahh!" Hoagie puts the M.O.S.Q.U.I.T.T.O.H.-W.A.S.P. into a climbing right turn, just barely evading the burning hot beam.
"That was too close…"
"*whistle*, good thing I rigged that jammer, otherwise we'd be toast." Hoagie says as he puts the ship back into stable flight.
"Let's not celebrate just yet. Numbuh 5's pickin' up multiple bogies comin' our way."
"I expected as much. Numbuh 2, keep us away from those heat rays. Numbuh 5, provide Numbuh 2 with support. Numbuh 3, contact the Switchboard asap. Numbuh 4, engage those KND units, but don't stray away from the ship."
"Roger!" All four answer simultaneously.
"Good, let's get through this." Wally gets up and runs back down to the hatch, jumping immediately. Using his High-Altitude Flight Mode, he sticks close to W.A.S.P., acting as an escort. Abby begins calling out incoming heat rays, keeping Hoagie aware of the threats. Kuki meanwhile manages to get through to the TND.
"This is Numbuh Theta-9. We're monitoring you from here. Please hang on, Agent Halcón will be there shortly."
"He was supposed to be here 5 minutes ago!" Abby shouts angrily over the radio.
"He was attacked by a Teen Ninja air patrol unit. Just hang on a little longer."
"Numbuh 5's got a feelin' this whole thing was a set up!"
"This isn't the time for that Numbuh 5. Just concentrate on your job. We won't fail!" Just then, another heat ray flashes past them. Then, the ship comes under fire from behind, but their attackers are not the KND.
"Hey, those are Teen Ninja Battle Ready Cycles! I thought ya said they're KND!" Wally shouts over the intercom as he evades the heat lasers.
"That's what the radar was showin'! They must've used fake IFF's!"
"So, we're being attacked by the KND and the Ninjas. I don't like these odds." Nigel crosses his arms
"Leave these creeps to me!" Wally accelerates and flies head-on to meet the incoming swarm. In the cockpit of the lead Cycle, the Ninja in-charge of the flight, orders the Cycles to scramble.
"A-Team, attack that ship. B-Team, you're with me. Let's swat this fly!"
"ROGER!" The other Ninjas shout and the Cycles split formation. Wally opens fire with his twin lasers and immediately scores hits on them, but the other flight flies past him and swarm the M.O.S.Q.U.I.T.T.O.H.-W.A.S.P. Wally meanwhile is attacked by the leader's group, but he holds his ground.
"That must be the stolen B.R.A. we heard about. It's different than in the reports."
"It doesn't matter. As longs we keep 'em occupied, we'll win."
"Huh, these guys are actually puttin' up a fight." Wally keeps the leader's Cycles at bay while inside the ship, something catches Hoagie's attention.
"Huh, why's that blinking…"
"Alert, unknown intruders are approaching the Treehouse. Perimeter defenses have been compromised." The Treehouse's computer contacts them through the W.A.S.P.'s coms system.
"WHAT?!" Nigel jumps up from his seat, his mouth wide open from disbelief. "How is that possible?! I swear I activated Maximum Lockdown!"
"No Numbuh 1, I've got an idea who's behind this. Those Cycles are here to keep us busy while a certain someone attacks our Treehouse." Abby says grimly as Nigel sits back down and realizes who she is referring to.
"Wait, you don't mean…?"
"Yup, it's Cree. That zit face is the one pullin' the strings."
"Then we have no time to lose. Numbuh 2, change course and fly back to the Treehouse!"
"What about the recovery team and Numbuh 42?!"
Then, Numbuh Theta-9 speaks through the Receiver. "Sector V, it's imperative you bring back the recovery team! The runner holds information vital to our plans."
Nigel crosses his arms and adjust his sunglasses. "Then we'll make a compromise. We'll send the recovery team to you and continue to our Treehouse. I won't allow it to fall in to their hands!" Nigel leaves his seat and takes the Portal Gun form the supply box. "Numbuh 2, I'm borrowing this."
"Okay, I left the red portal in the Switchboard, so just turn off the blue and create a new one. It'll take them to their base."
"Right. Numbuh 3, get Numbuh 4 back to the ship." Nigel says over his shoulder as he leaves the bridge.
"Okidoki. Numbuh 4, Numbuh 1 says you need to come back."
"What? I'm kinda busy here!"
"But we need you here! The alarm said that Ninjas are attacking our Treehouse!"
"They what?! Fine, I'll just shake these suckers first." Wally disengages and flies back to the ship, pursued by the Cycles.
"Looks like the jig is up. Aim for their engines!"
Like a swarm of hornets, the Ninja's Battle-Ready Cycles attack the M.O.S.Q.U.I.T.T.O.H.-W.A.S.P. from all directions as Wally boards it from the lower hatch. As he closes it, Wally notices Nigel running down the stairs, Portal Gun in hand. "What are ya doin' here Numbuh 1?"
"Change of plans." He then goes to talk with the agent's, who look at him with distrust.
"What are you planning now?"
"I'll make this short: We can't take you three to the Switchboard with this ship. I'm going send you there with this."
"What's the meaning of this?!" Numbuh Psi-A aims his S.C.A.M.P.P. at Nigel, prompting Wally grabs the barrel and pushes it away from his leader.
"Will ya quit it already?! We told you we aren't the enemy!" Wally wrestles the gun from Numbuh Psi-A and throws it on the floor.
"You have no proof! We know that you 5 are Teen criminals, who have hurt many kids for the past 3 years! We don't believe a word you say!" Wally's taken aback by the agent's words but Nigel points the Portal Gun at the hull, creating a blue portal that leads to the Switchboard.
"We don't have time for this. Grab them Numbuh 4, I'll take Numbuh 42." Wally nods and takes the twins into a headlock and drags them towards the portal.
"Let go! Where you taking us?!"
"You won't get away with this!" Both agents are thrown through the portal, landing next to Eliza's seat, startling her. Then, Nigel gently pushes the unconscious Numbuh 42 in as well, poking his head through the portal.
"Here's the recovery team and the runner, as agreed." Before his cousin can respond, the portal disappears.
...
Down in the suburbs, a lone green and gray Battle-Ready Cycle speeds through the streets. Sitting in the cockpit, is Maurice. He had overheard through the Signal Receiver what is happening and left the base immediately. In the distance, he can see the Treehouse, under attack from both the air and land.
"Aw man, this ain't good. I knew somethin' was up when they started gatherin' like that!"
…
High in the sky, the M.O.S.Q.U.I.T.T.O.H.-W.A.S.P. is holding its own against the swarm of Ninjas. Inside, having completed the rescue, Nigel and Wally climb up the stairs that lead to the bridge. Despite not saying a word, both were affected by what Numbuh Psi-B said.
"Numbuh 1, did you…"
"Yes, I heard it, but we can't think about that now. Just focus on protecting the Treehouse." Nigel says sternly.
"Right…" Wally replies silently as they return to the bridge.
"So, did ya deal with our guests?"
"Yes, our mission is complete. Now, let's concentrate on the matter at hand. Numbuh 2, we can't waste time with these pests."
"I'm trying my best, but they're not giving up."
Then, Abby notices something coming towards them on her radar screen. "Hey guys, we got a new bogie comin' in hot."
"Don't we have enough enemies already?!" Kuki shouts.
"It's over three times faster than those Cycles! It'll be here in 3…2..." Out of nowhere, a red and black fighter jet, resembling an F-14 Tomcat buzzes past the W.A.S.P.'s bridge, startling everyone.
"What the crud was that?!"
The jet turns around and flies towards the swarm of Battle-Ready Cycles, causing them to break away from M.O.S.Q.U.I.T.T.O.H.-W.A.S.P. It's pilot contacts the ship. "Looks like I made it just in time." He says with a Spanish accent.
"Uhm, who are you?" Kuki asks through the radio.
"That's a pretty cute voice you've got there. Agent Halcón, at your service." Kuki becomes slightly embarrassed from Halcón's compliment, causing her to giggle while Wally is slightly irked.
"Hey, I know that voice! You're Ace the Kid, aren't you?"
"Huh, is that you Gilligan? I could see that clunky flying style from a mile away."
"I could say the same about the smell of your hair gel!"
"Touché! I heard you guys needed a little help so leave these bugs to me. Try not to crash, Gilligan."
"And you try not to get blown up!"
"Heh, good luck!" Kid activates his fighter's weapons and begins to drive the Cycles away.
"While he's keeping them busy, use the Hyper-Accelerator to get us to the Treehouse."
"You got it! Put your seatbelts on, this is gonna be a bumpy ride!" Hoagie fiddles with his control console and pulls the large lever next to his seat, activating the newly installed Hyper-Acceleration Booster, housed in the rear of the ship. Everyone is pushed against their seats but Hoagie only needs to use it for 2 minutes, before they have the Treehouse in their sights. A storm has formed over the city and as lighting flashes in the sky and rain soaks the streets, the W.A.S.P. arrives to the Treehouse.
As Hoagie deactivates the booster, the others gather around him, to look through the window. They see dozens of Teen Ninjas trying to enter the Treehouse, but its automated defenses are keeping them at bay.
"Looks like it's still holding up."
"Man, what a day this turned out to be…" Abby leans against Hoagie's backrest as he moves the ship closer.
"What do we do now?"
"Well, Numbuh 3, first we need to get inside. Numbuh 2, land into the secondary hangar. Just make sure the doors close before the Ninjas try to enter.
"Okay, let's swat some flies!" Hoagie switches the ship to CQC mode and fires the W.A.S.P.'s rotating heat laser cannons at the Ninjas while at the same using the raw power of the heliojets to push the attackers away. As the others leave their seats, Abby puts her hand on Nigel's shoulder.
"So, what's your plan Numbuh 1?"
"We'll secure the Treehouse first, and then figure out what to do next." Nigel says calmly and takes out the Stupefier in his pocket. "But we're going with the possibility of the enemy already being inside the Treehouse, so don't take any risks, understood?" The others nod and Nigel heads towards the door "We're going to the lower ramp, Numbuh 2. Join us once you've landed."
"Roger that." Nigel then leads the other down into the central ramp as the M.O.S.Q.U.I.T.T.O.H.-W.A.S.P. begins landing, guns blazing but their approach is noticed. On a hill not far from the Treehouse, three Ninjas, all wearing grey and black armor observe as Sector V slowly land.
"So, they fell for the bait. Let's begin phase two, we'll burn those losers along with their Treehouse. Just make sure that Nephew is caught alive, the others don't matter."
…
The massive doors of the secondary hangar slowly open, catching the Ninjas attention. As they approach, Hoagie rotates the ship 180 degree and lands it rear-first, allowing him to keep the intruders away with the W.A.S.P.'s laser cannons. Once half-way in, the doors start closing, limiting the chance of a Cycle entering the Treehouse. However, one Battle-Ready Cycle passes the others, and just manages slip between the closing doors, crashing into the back of Hoagie's room just as the ramp is lowered. "Hey guys, one got through!"
"Understood Numbuh 2. Ready your weapons, we might get some information out of this one."
They surround the wrecked bike but as the cockpit glass slides away, Abby immediately recognizes the occupant. "What the heck ya doin' here?!"
"Heh, man, that was too close." Maurice says as he climbs out of the wrecked Cycle and stands up.
"Huh? Numbuh 9?"
"It's Numbuh Sigma now. I heard from Numbuh Theta-9 what's goin' on, so I got here as fast as I could. It looks like the Ninjas are finally playin' their hand." Maurice looks around as Hoagie runs down the ramp.
"So did ya guys get him…wha…?!"
"Heh, sorry about your room Numbuh 2."
Maurice and Sector V gather next to Hoagie's fighter jet bed as the sound of explosions is heard outside. "This doesn't look good. We can't hold back all those Ninjas!" Hoagie says as he types on his 2x4 scanner, which is directly connected to the Treehouse's computer.
"But why are they attacking us? We've been hiding here for a month and yet they decide to attack today. It doesn't make any sense." Nigel ponders.
"I'm guessin' the Ninja's wanted to capture this place when it's not under guard. Either that or this whole thing is a set-up." Maurice crosses his arms as the Treehouse's computer system speaks.
"Attention, enemy has infiltrated the lowest levels. D.E.F.E.N.S.E.-G.R.I.D. integrity down to 70% and dropping."
"Dammit, at this rate, they'll over-run the defenses. Numbuh 2, prepare the…" Suddenly, they hear a deafening blast that knocks everyone off their feet.
"What the heck was that?!" Abby shouts as Hoagie's face turns pale.
"Uhm guys, I think they brought the big guns…" He shows them the image feed from his scanner, which shows three large Octopaddlers, each armed with a long-barreled cannon.
"Of course, they aren't trying to capture this place, they just lured us back here. Those Ninjas are trying to destroy our Treehouse and us with it." Nigel says with a grim expression, shocking his teammates why Maurice looks on.
"We…we can't just let 'em do that? We gotta fight back!"
"Even if we could keep them away from the Treehouse, Numbuh 4, those artillery mechs are gonna tear this place apart."
"Indeed Numbuh 2. Our options are limited…"
"No…we can't give up! This Treehouse is like our second home! I…I don't want it destroyed again!" Kuki shouts, her eyes filling with tears. Abby puts her hand on her shoulder to try and calm her down while Wally clenches his fists in frustration.
"It's up to you, Numbuh 1. What are ya gonna do?" Maurice says with a stern expression as another explosion rocks the Treehouse.
Everyone looks at Nigel, who remains silent, his mind racing. Then, he speaks. "The only option we have left is…to abandon the Treehouse." His teammates can't believe what they're hearing. Abandoning the Treehouse, which has served as their base since they first met and had to rebuilt twice, is something none of them, even Nigel, ever thought of happening. But now, they face a decision they've never wanted to make.
"Ya can't be serious?! How can we possibly do that? Like Numbuh 3 said, this is like our second home, our soul!"
"We have no other choice, Numbuh 5. I don't like this either but if we don't, in the worst case, we might not make it out at all and that is something I refuse to accept. As leader, the safety of my team comes first. If I lost any one of you, I could never live with it!" The others are taken a-back by leader's words. "We might lose the Treehouse, but as long as we are together, that's enough for me."
"Then, what do ya have in mind?!" Nigel responds to Wally's question with a confident smile.
"We'll make them regret starting a fight with us. There are still some things inside the Treehouse we can't allow to fall in to enemy hands. Numbuh 5, go down to the central core in the 34th floor and remove the computer's memory unit. Can you go with her, Numbuh Sigma?"
"Gotcha."
"Numbuh 4 and Numbuh 3, you two head down to the armory and activate the data transfer. That will send all our weapon data directly to our ship. If the Ninjas get their hands on the Stupefier data, I don't even want to think what would happen. Then, remove the D.E.F.E.N.C.E.-G.R.I.D.'s control unit."
"Okidoki!"
"Right."
"What about me, Numbuh 1?"
"Numbuh 2, you stay behind in the ship with Numbuh 6. I want you to take manual control of the defense system and keep the enemy outside at bay."
"Okay…" Hoagie says, feeling slightly disappointed.
"Then what are ya gonna do?"
"Well, Numbuh 5, I'm going up to the main control room and activate Emergency Protocol: Lumberjack in other words, separating the Treehouse from its lower trunk and sending it to the sky, before it self-destructs."
"So, what yer sayin' is, we let 'em think they've got us on the ropes and then spit on their faces."
"Exactly, Numbuh 4."
"Numbuh 5 likes that plan."
"Once everyone has done their part, return to the ship. If you can't, blast your way out. Same goes for you Numbuh 2, if it gets too hot, leave the hangar and wait for us outside, got it?"
"Got it!"
"Now, let's begin! Sector V, battle stations!"
"YEAH!" The group disperses to different directions, leaving Hoagie and Bradley in the secondary room.
"Alright Bradley, let's get to work." The skunk nods as they run back to ship. Hoagie then goes to his seat and assumes control of the D.E.F.E.N.S.E.-G.R.I.D.'s external weapons.
"I'm gonna send you guys packing!"
…
As Hoagie opens fire on the Octopaddlers, a floor below him, Abby and Maurice run through the maze-like Treehouse. "Man, it feels like ages since I've ran here!" Maurice says as a piece of the floor collapses in-front of them. Both jump over the gap at the same time and land on the other side.
"Heh, I betcha never did this while under fire."
"Ya got that right Abby." Soon they arrive at an elevator shaft. "Damn, that cannon blast must've destroyed the elevator controls." Maurice kneels down in front of the gaping hole before them. "We're gonna hafta take the stairs."
"Nu-uh, that's gonna take too long. Numbuh 5's got a better idea." Abby activates her armor, surprising Maurice.
"*whistle*…Damn, I forgot ya got your own B.R.A. now. Looks good on ya."
"Why thank you, now hold on tight, we're gonna do a cordless bungee jump."
"Wait whaaaaaaa?!" Abby grabs Maurice's hand and jumps down into the shaft head first.
"WHOOOOOOO!" Maurice screams as they plummet down, deeper into the dark elevator shaft. Abby's eyes are glued to her left, where the elevator doors are, looking frantically for the right floor.
"Come on…there!" She rotates 180 degrees and holds on to Maurice with both hands, slowing their descent with her jet boots. She brings them to a standstill and then goes back up the shaft, until she finds the 34th floor.
"Heh, that's the first time I've been carried by you." Maurice says jokingly as Abby puts him down.
"Hmph, why thank you. Now let's go get that memory core." Maurice nods and they run along a corridor until they arrive in front of a massive steel door, protected by multiple locks. "That's it! Now we just gotta open it." Abby puts her hand on the DNA scanner and the huge door slowly creeps open. But just as they are about to enter, an explosion right behind them sends the two flying inside the central core.
"Gah…what the heck? Hey Abby, you okay?"
"Yeah…sheesh, where did that come from?" As Maurice helps Abby up, the smoke from the blast thins out and two Ninjas wearing black and gray armor enter through the hole in the wall.
"Well, I guess that answers your question." Both teens assume a combat stance as the Ninjas approach them.
"I thought I'd find you here." The other Ninja says with a familiar voice.
"Huh? No way…Cree?!" To the horror of her sister, Cree Lincoln pulls back her helmet, her eyes filled with hate.
"Surprised? You didn't think I'd let you hide in here forever?"
"How did ya know we weren't here?"
"Hah, simple really. You see, when I attacked a month ago, I had a backup plan if I couldn't get the box, so I planted a backdoor into your computer's communication system. All we had to do was wait till ya left and use the backdoor to hack that ancient computer of yours to shut down the perimeter defenses." Cree says with a condescending smirk, angering Abby.
"You what? Dammit, of course…That's the only way ya could've known…"
"I admit, I was pretty convincing, wasn't I, Maurice? You're not the only one who can deceive people."
"Yeah, I guess you had me there…" Maurice looks grimly at his ex, who brings her helmet back over her head.
"But enough talk! This time, I'll burn this place down, and make you watch it!" She activates her jet boots and charges towards her sister and ex-boyfriend, forcing them to dodge.
"Abby, leave her to me! You take care of the other one and grab that core!"
"Gotcha!" As Abby turns to face the other Ninja, Cree turns around in mid-air and dives on her sister.
"ABBYYYY!"
Maurice jumps and tackles her, intercepting the attack. "Sorry, but you're gonna hafta go past me first!" Maurice then positions himself between the sisters, shocking Cree.
"Why…why do you have to be on her side?!" Cree opens fire with her lasers but Maurice rolls to the left and flicks 10 M.A.R.B.L.E.'s at her. She responds with a barrage and destroys the explosives before they detonate, but this gives Maurice enough time to get the jump on her and he lands a kick squarely on her shoulder blade, sending her down on the floor.
"Did ya forget what I told ya? Next time we meet, we'd be enemies."
"No…You're…being deceived!"
"How can I be deceived? Abby's not my enemy, and that's final. Why are ya so hell bent on fighting her?"
"That's a family matter, it doesn't concern you!"
"I guess it doesn't but that ain't gonna stop me." Maurice's attempts to reason with Cree go nowhere and she tries to attack Abby from behind while she's occupied fighting the other Ninja but Maurice again stops her by pinning her to floor. "You're just bein' used by Father! Whatever he's promised ya, it's not worth it!"
"Not worth it?! All I have to do is make sure Nigel Uno is captured and I get to do whatever I want with the rest of them!" Looking directly into Cree's eyes, Maurice sees nothing but a bottomless void of hate.
"You're crazy, you know that? You're willin' to go this far just to get at your little sister?"
"You don't know anything! You have no idea what I've been through!"
"Well, I was your boyfriend, so does that count?"
"SHUT UP!" Cree kicks Maurice away and charges at her sister.
"Abby, behind ya!"
"Huh?!" Abby, having just knocked out the Cree's companion, hears Maurice's warning and instead of dodging, she also rushes towards her sister.
"Let's end it right here, Cree!"
"My words exactly!"
End of Transmission 17