Transmission 32: Abby's Choice
Down in the prison level of the TND Base, in the furthest cell, Abby sits on the floor in near darkness. Her hat is lying next to her and her arms are wrapped around her knees.
As she leans her head against her legs, she thinks back to her time in the KND. It was always a given that she'd join them, after all, her sister was a member and she looked up to her greatly. Then, when Cree escaped the KND and Maurice was reassigned, she brought Nigel to the KND and made him leader of Sector V. Then came Hoagie, Kuki and Wally and they all formed an unbeatable team.
It was her job as second in command to keep everyone in line and make sure the others did their jobs right. As the most experienced member, they all looked up to her. But despite this, she always felt alone. Her sister had betrayed the KND and Maurice was no longer a real member, so she had to fend for herself. The admiration she received from the others only strengthened her belief that she would keep everyone safe. Just her. But when they were framed and went their separate ways, being by herself didn't really bother her. The life of a Candy Pirate was something she could embrace easily. After all, candy was always her greatest passion. However, at some point, an uncomfortable feeling started to gnaw into her mind, like something was missing. She always dismissed it, which made her even more brutal as a pirate as time went on.
Maybe it was a blessing in disguise then when she was sold out by her crew and sent to Block V. Now she was finally reunited with her friends. The team was back together and it would be like the old times. But it wasn't. While she was still second in command like before, things weren't the same. Nigel was now a hardened, haunted teenager, who was more willing to make questionable decisions and wasn't as strait-laced. Hoagie was no longer the chubby joker he was but a lanky perfectionist whose mechanical genius had reached new heights. Kuki smiled way less and carried unimaginable pain within her heart and wasn't as reliant on the others as she used to be. Wally was stronger than anyone but distant and traumatized.
While the three years had changed her friends in both good and bad ways, she hadn't changed. Abby was still the same. But she was no longer the most experienced member. Nigel no longer needed her advice in planning, Hoagie could hold his own in a fight, Kuki had become more independent and Wally had surpassed her as an all-around fighter. She became frustrated. She would scream and berate her teammates more often. She kept telling herself that she was the bulwark of the team, the one who'd keep everyone safe. But then, she lost Maurice, and Cree showed her true colors to her. Abby realized that she could lose her friends too. But the only thing she could do was try harder. Abby had the experience to back up her words but the others wouldn't listen. Wally took too many risks, Nigel wanted to deal with his demons by himself, Hoagie came prepared for everything, no matter what the mission was and Kuki willingly risked both hers and her friends lives to free herself.
Maybe it was when Kuki had lost control that Abby realized how far behind, she had fallen. She couldn't do anything when Kuki fell from the ship, nor could she help Nigel when he went berserk. It was always someone else who did what needed to be done, not her, like it used to be. Now she was just a background character. She was there, but at the same time, nowhere. She had lost that which she had become accustomed to, the praise and the admiration that she had received for all those years. Without realizing it, she had become addicted to it. She wanted them to rely on her again like a big sister but they didn't. In her head, she wanted to be the one who would save the others from any danger. It had gotten to her head and she desperately wanted to hold on to that role. But now, she's locked in a cell for disobeying orders after being shot by her own teammate. It's wasn't like her. What did she think she'd achieve by going out there?
The look in Nigel's eyes as he aimed his gun at her gave out how he felt. He would've been the first to go and help them but knew that it simply wasn't possible. But she was Numbuh 5. The calm and reliable second in command of Sector V. She could save them, like she had done so many times before in the KND. However, as she was thrown in to the cell, she realized that she hadn't done it out genuine care, but just to get her place back. She'd bring her friends back from the Ninja's and be a hero to them again. They'd look up to her again. Of course, they would. Or would they? What if she didn't make it in time? What if she was captured too? All these "what ifs" spring in to her mind as she buries her face against her knees. "Why'd ya hafta do that…this ain't like you…"
Suddenly, she is brought back to reality by the sound of the door slit opening and a familiar, albeit cautious voice speaks to her. "Uhm…Abby?" Hoagie peeks through the slit but doesn't get an answer. "I…I ah…I've got good news."
"Hmm?" Abby's reaction lessens Hoagie's tension as he explains what happened while she was stupefied. At first, she doesn't respond but then, she starts to chuckle.
"Hah…hah-hah…hah-hah-aha!" Hoagie is surprised by her laughter but he can tell she isn't laughing out of happiness.
"Abby? What's so funny?"
"Hah-hah…this whole thing…Numbuh 5 was bein' stupid for nothin'…it was all pointless…of course those guys came back…that's how it always goes…"
"Pointless? You mean the whole…rescue attempt and all that?"
"Bravo, ya got it. Ya just won first prize."
"Hey! You didn't have to say it like that!"
"Sorry…but can ya leave me alone? Right now, even hearin' you speak hurts…"
"What?! You're aren't making any sense! I just wanted you to feel better, that's all!"
"Well don't! Numbuh 5 doesn't want any of your pity."
"Pity?! I'm not trying to pity you! Sheesh…give me a break…I'm trying my best here…"
"Good for you. Now go away." Hoagie bites his lip and refuses to budge.
"You're unbelievable! Here I am, trying to do what friends do and you just tell me to leave! I know why you're saying that. You always push us away when something goes bad. You never let us help!" Abby stands up and turns towards Hoagie, showing him an expression, he's never seen before.
"Ya have no idea what's it's like bein' me! It was my job to look after ya'll! Numbuh 5's doin' her best to make sure everyone's safe but now, I'm just no good! I…you guys left me behind…"
"How can you say that?! We didn't leave you behind! We're a team! We're equals!"
"Hah, yeah right…just like how Numbuh 4 saved Numbuh 3 from fallin' when I was in charge! Or how Numbuh 5 couldn't do anything to help Numbuh 1, but Numbuh 4 did! And now, Numbuh 3 didn't need my help to get everyone back…I'm just…a damn sideshow who screams and yells at you guys…that's not how Numbuh 5 wants to be…I just…want my place back! Numbuh 5 just wants you guys rely on me! That's how it's always been!" Abby screams at Hoagie, her eyes filled with tears, but Hoagie clenches his fist and looks directly into her eyes.
"You can't be serious! I…I can't believe you…you don't want our help but you want to help us?! That's not how friendship works! Is this how you've felt all this time?! Even when we were in the KND?!" Abby hesitates to answer, realizing that she came out the wrong way, but her pride is too strong to admit it and looks away.
"You just wanted us to…look up to you, that's all? I…how could you…I thought you were the coolest…friend in the world…but you were just using us to make yourself feel better…" Hoagie's words grasp and twist Abby's heart but she remains silent. "You sound just like…"
"Numbuh 2, that's enough!" In the heat of their argument, neither has noticed that Nigel, Kuki and Wally have also arrived and overheard most of what was said.
"N…Numbuh 1?"
"I know what you were going to say, but don't. She knows exactly what you meant." Nigel says sternly and puts his hand on Hoagie's shoulder. Behind them, Kuki has covered her mouth in disbelief while Wally stands silently beside her.
"I…I…just…DAMMIT!" Hoagie screams and kicks Abby's cell door, its loud bang echoing the prison. Then, before the others can say anything, he runs away and leaves the prison.
"Numbuh 2!" Nigel's words don't reach him as he barges past the guards and disappears into hallway.
"He was crying…" Kuki says silently as Nigel looks through the slit into the cell, where Abby has turned her back on the door.
"I know you didn't mean it, but hearing you say that hurt, all of us…Like Numbuh 2, said, we're equal, both as friends and as teammates. You yourself said that, back in fifth grade when Numbuh 4 was complaining about his height."
"Don't try to cheer me up with stories."
"But it's the truth! You're our friend!" Kuki also peeks through the slit.
"Hah, some friend…I got addicted to ya'll lookin' up to me…all those expectations ya had of me…that's why I wanted to go out and save ya…for the praise…Numbuh 5's the worst…"
"Hey, I'd have done the same cruddy thing!"
"If you were out there, alone, anyone of us would've defied orders to come and help you."
"Says the one who pointed a gun at me…"
"I had no choice! I couldn't let you go out there! I would've done exactly the same if it was Numbuh 4 or 2, or anyone for that matter. Losing you would've been too much…if Numbuh 3 is the heart of the team, then you're the soul. And without the soul…there's nothing." Nigel says sullenly but Abby doesn't reply. After a moment of silence, she grips her left shoulder with her right hand and begins to shiver.
"Sorry, Numbuh 1. Numbuh 5 just…can't do this anymore…I'm still the same I was 3 years ago, unlike you guys…Numbuh 5's still stuck in the past…Please, just lemme be by myself…"
"Very well. Come on, let's go."
"What?!"
"But Numbuh 5…"
"No, she needs to be alone." Nigel closes the slit and turns away from the door, despite his friend's protests. Kuki looks back at the door and follows him, but Wally stops and opens the slit one last time. However, he is unable to say anything but manages to make eye contact with her. They look at each other for a few seconds until Wally closes the slit and leaves Abby by herself. As the prisons heavy doors close behind them, Abby collapses on her knees and begins to silently weep.
…
As the evening goes on, Abby's friends are trying to deal with what they heard, each in their own way. Wally has spent the whole time in the training center, frustration clearly visible in his movements. Nigel has returned to plan the operation while Kuki has gone to the infirmary to practice her new healing powers. Hoagie however, has put all of his thoughts in the T.S.-W.R.A.S.L.E.R., blocking out everything else. Down in the 31st floor, Eliza steps out of the Switchboard, having finished reading the latest intelligence report on Sector V2's Treehouse. As she passes by the hangar, she notices The Kid working on his fighter alone in the empty hangar. "Evening." she walks over to him and pokes him on the shoulder.
"Huh? Oh, Miss Commander. What brings ya here?" The Kid asks over his shoulder, his face covered by a welding mask.
"Why are you here all by yourself?"
"Cuz, I always maintain my planes myself. I've got standards ya see."
"Heh, right." Eliza chuckles slightly and leans against a large tool box. "Why did you do it?"
"Do what?"
"Go out there with Numbuh 3 and 4? I didn't think you'd do something so stupid."
"I couldn't help it. It's in my nature to help girls in need." He replies as he repairs damage done by the rocket attack with a welder.
"You really are a lady's man, aren't you? Though, I think this time you're a bit in over your head." Eliza's comment makes The Kid stop his work and turn to towards her.
"You're underestimating me, Miss Commander. I'm not giving up, just because…"
"She's clearly got eyes only on Numbuh 4. You've seen it plenty of times already."
"I don't need you to point that out. Besides, why are ya wasting your time grilling me anyway?"
"Because…I'm disappointed in you." Eliza crosses her arms and glares at The Kid.
"What?!"
"You willingly risked, not just Numbuh 3's and 4's lives, but also your own, just so you could show off to her." The Kid removes his mask and tries to talk back, but then, he adjusts his aviators and looks away.
"I'm not that shallow! I just wanted to help her, that's all. You know she went nuts because I didn't close the door in time. If she hadn't heard that stupid gossip, she wouldn't have…"
"Well, that's new. You're a lot more human than I thought."
"Hey, that's too harsh."
"Sorry, I've just gotten the impression that you're just a flying skirt chaser. But I guess we've all got sides we don't want to show to others." Eliza stretches her arms slightly and pats The Kid's shoulder. "I know you're not gonna give up, but it's gonna be a real uphill battle against someone like Numbuh 4."
"Hah, he's just got a head start, that's all. Anyway, what does it matter to you? Or do ya have experience or something?"
"Hah-hah, sorry, but I'm a total amateur in these things but then again, I haven't yet met a guy who matches my standards."
"What standards?"
"Heh, I'll let you think about." Eliza winks and smiles cheekily as she walks away, leaving The Kid dumbfounded.
"Huh, I guess ya gotta be a real loco to be in charge here…" He mutters to himself and gets back to work. Eliza meanwhile leaves the hangar but gets a call from Herbie.
"What is it?"
"Well Commander, there's been some new developments at V2's Treehouse that the recon teams brought in. Numbuh Gamma wants to go through it ASAP in the Deciphering Room."
"I see. I'll be right there."
"Also, the prison warden called me to tell you that Numbuh 5 wants to talk to you. Preferably right now."
"Oh…okay. I'll swing by the brig first, then."
"Understood. Numbuh Iota-3, out"
…
The next morning, the warm Sunday sun rises over the hill as the base springs back to life. Wally lumbers slowly though the hallway towards the cafeteria, having slept poorly the previous night. As he walks through the doors, he sees Nigel and Rachel sitting on a table not far from him. "Ah, good morning, Numbuh 4."
"Mornin'…*yawn*…"
"Didn't sleep well?"
"Nope…" Wally mutters and sits down opposite to Nigel.
"Me neither." Nigel replies as he takes a sip from his cup of coffee.
"Are they still keeping Numbuh 5 in the cell?"
"I don't know, Numbuh 4. We can go and check once the others arrive.
"Okay…" Wally's head hunches slightly, forcing Nigel to snap his fingers to stop him from falling asleep.
"Hey, stay focused. We've got a lot planned for today and I need you to stay sharp."
"I'm trying…"
"WALLY!" Kuki's loud shout echoes in the cafeteria as she marches inside, followed by an even more tired Hoagie. "Why'd you leave before me? I had to wake up Numbuh 2 by myself!" she asks in a slightly agitated tone and sits next to Wally, while Hoagie slumps down next to Nigel.
"Didn't wanna wake you up."
"Oh…well fine, but you still should've waited for us."
"Those two never change, do they?" Rachel nudges Nigel, who nods.
"Indeed." Nigel then turns his attention to Hoagie, who has an even harder time staying awake than Wally.
"Numbuh 2, don't tell me you stayed up all night?"
"Uh…who, me? Oh, I was just so busy working on the T.S.-W.R.A.S.L.E.R. *yawn* that I lost track of time…"
"Numbuh 2, I know you haven't gotten over what Numbuh 5 said, but you can't do this to yourself."
"I…I'm fine, Numbuh 1. Relax, *yawn* I just overworked myself, that's all." Hoagie brushes Nigel's concerns aside, but Nigel can see through him easily. However, he doesn't press the issue further. Then, Wally, Kuki and Hoagie eat their breakfast in total silence while Rachel is called to the hangar to brief the Scout Teams assigned for the day's recon operations. Once the others have finished, the group leaves the cafeteria but before they reach the elevator, Herbie's voice is heard through the intercom.
"Attention, all members of Sector V, please report to briefing room 1, I repeat…"
"Hmm, that sounded urgent. Alright, let's get a move on." Nigel increases his stride and marches towards the elevator.
"Hey, ya don't have to run!" Wally complains but Nigel has already entered the elevator.
"Hurry up guys."
"Yeah, yeah…" Wally, Kuki and Hoagie also board the elevator, but Wally is so tired he leans against the wall the whole way down to the 31st floor.
Once they arrive to the briefing room, they are greeted by Eliza and Numbuh Gamma. Patton is also present, leaning against the back wall with his arms crossed while Numbuh Omicron joins the meeting remotely from the Science Lab.
"Sector V reporting, Commander." Nigel and his team salute, while Eliza does the same.
"At ease. Now take your seats, we've got important things to discuss." But before any of them do so, Kuki notices that someone is missing.
"Uhm…where's Numbuh 5?" Hoagie twitches slightly while Eliza and Numbuh Gamma exchange looks with each other and then, she sighs.
"That's why I called you here. But please, sit down first." Sector V does as they're told, but a sense of dread fills them.
"Now, as of last night, Numbuh 5 of Sector V has been suspended from the Teens Next Door." Eliza prepares herself for a flood of protests but to her surprise, Sector V remain silent, for a few seconds.
"…su…suspended…? You can't do that! I know she made a big mistake but this is just…I…I have no words…" Nigel throws his arms into the air, while Kuki jolts up.
"What do you mean suspended?! Why?! Why did you do that?! She's, our friend! I'm the one who caused all this! She was just…worried!" Kuki screams in disbelief as Wally remains stiff as a board. Hoagie on the other hand clenches his fists silently.
"Please, calm down and let me explain first. Yesterday evening, she wanted to talk to me face to face and she explained her reasons why she behaved like she did. Though I protested, she wanted to leave the base and the TND, so I allowed it."
"She what?! Why would she want to leave?!" Nigel shakes his head in disbelief.
"No…" Kuki covers her mouth while Hoagie stares intensely at his knees, gripping them tightly.
"Why the crud did you let her go?!"
"I tried to talk her out of it but she said she needed to be by herself and the way she was now, she'd be a burden to the team."
"A burden?! Dammit…"
"She gave me these before I let her go. She said they'll be safe with you guys." Eliza hands Nigel Abby's Stupefier, communicator and the TND Signal Receiver she used in the recon operation.
"Of course, she would leave these behind. Numbuh 2, you hold on to them."
"Wha…why me?"
"Just in case." Nigel pushes the pistol and the communication devices into Hoagie's hands despite his protests but then he begrudgingly accepts it and stuffs them into his pocket.
"Oh, she also left you guys a message. I have the recoding right here, if you want to hear…" Eliza offers a small data disc to Nigel, who reluctantly takes it and hands it over to Hoagie, who places it into the disc port of his scanner and they huddle around him to listen. Just as the message is about to start, Rachel enters the briefing room. However, Patton instantly gestures her to remain quiet. Then, Hoagie presses the play button.
"…Hey guys…ya'll know who this so I'm gonna get straight to the point. Numbuh 5's been thinkin', well, a lot actually and I…aw man…I need to leave the TND…Numbuh 5 hasn't been herself for a long time so I gotta figure out what's wrong with me and that's why, I can't be with you guys. The way Numbuh 5 is now, I'm just gonna drag you guys down. I need time to figure things out about myself, why I did all those stupid things, why I always yelled at ya'll, even though I knew I was wrong. But when I get my head back in the game, I…I'll come back…if you'll let me. I know ya'll aren't gonna be happy about this, but please, I wanna earn back my place with the team…that's all. And before I go, I just wanna something to ya'll: Nigel, try to loosen up once in a while. Kuki, you gotta start smilin' a bit more and Wally, get yo act together and be honest with yoself. Hoagie…well, right now, Numbuh 5's got nothin' to say to ya but maybe when we meet again, okay? Right, that's all. Numbuh 5, out."
As the recording ends, the briefing room falls into total silence, until Nigel starts to chuckle.
"Hah, even when she's not here, she still nags on us…"
"I…I promise I'll smile as much as I can, Numbuh 5!" Kuki shouts while Wally doesn't understand what Abby meant by her remark.
"What the crud?" However, Hoagie remains quiet as he puts his scanner away.
"If she wants some time to herself, I understand. She always puts the team first, so we'll just have to wait for her to come back. In the meantime, we have to do the Treehouse op without her."
"Huh? But wasn't she like, in charge of the infiltration or something?"
"Yes, she was, Numbuh 4, but we'll just have to modify our plans to compensate."
"You're taking this surprisingly well."
"I can't say I agree with this, Numbuh Alpha, but knowing her, there was no way she was going to stay. Still, she's one of us and I think we can all support her choice."
"Besides, she said she'd come back!"
"She better…" Wally leans back on his seat and crosses his arms.
"She will! You just watch!" Kuki huffs excitedly, as all traces of sadness have faded from her face.
"Alright, now that we've gotten that out of the way, let's move on." Eliza hands the floor to Numbuh Gamma while everyone turns their gaze on the stocky Intelligence Chief.
"Thank you, Commander. Now, the main reason why we've called you all here is because there have been some unforeseen developments at our target location." Numbuh Gamma shows a map of the area surrounding V2's Treehouse.
"There has been an increase in activity around the Treehouse and based on reports from our scouts, it seems the KND has bolstered their defenses greatly. As it stands, we'll need to change our strategy. Otherwise, we'd be sending you into a real hornet's nest."
"But isn't that Treehouse already a hornet's nest?"
"Indeed, Numbuh Zeta, but now, it's become even more heavily fortified. I assume it's because of that jail break Numbuh 4 orchestrated on Wednesday night. Take a look." Numbuh Gamma changes the static map into a 3-D map, which shows the extent of the defenses.
"According to the latest recon reports, they have deployed a contingent of G.O.G.O.- G.O.R.I.L.L.A.'s and installed a powerful shield system around the entire Treehouse. And before you say anything, even the subterranean parts have been protected. So, our original plan of sneaking in through the underground tunnels is a no go."
"So what, that's not gonna stop us."
"Numbuh 4, did you hear what Numbuh Gamma just said?" Kuki asks him but Wally crosses his arms defiantly.
"Yeah, I did, but I'm not gonna give up just because of that. There's gotta be some way we can take 'em down, right?" Wally turns to face Nigel, who places his hand against his chin and looks at the 3-D map intensely.
"Hmm…I have to agree with Numbuh 4. Even if they've increased their defensive capabilities, we must go through with this operation. Numbuh 1000 is too dangerous to be allowed to remain in control of the KND. And yes Numbuh 4, there is always a way. Numbuh 2, any thoughts?" Nigel looks past Wally and Kuki towards Hoagie, how still seems a bit distant.
"Huh? Oh…uhm…well, KND shields always have a certain amount of damage they can take before they power down. We just have to wear that shield down until it shuts down. But I think it's got a recharge cycle, so it'll turn back on really quickly, unless the generators overload."
"There you go. Numbuh Gamma, do we have any blueprints of the Treehouse at hand?"
"Unfortunately, no. It's impossible to get any further within the perimeter without getting noticed, even for us."
"Oh, I know! Bradley can sneak in!"
"Good idea, Numbuh 3. Numbuh 6 is an expert in infiltration. He was a big help during the jail break, isn't that right, Numbuh 4?" Nigel nudges Wally, who scratches his head slightly.
"Uhm…yeah I guess…"
"Okay, that's one problem dealt with. Numbuh 3, since you're in charge of him, can you send him off immediately?" Eliza turns her gaze towards Kuki, who nods.
"Of course! Just wait a sec!" Kuki takes out her communicator and presses a button below the speaker.
"Bradley? Hi, can you do something for Mommy? You can? Great! Now listen…" Kuki explains the details to the skunk who then gives her an acknowledging squeak.
"He'll be back before midday." Kuki puts away her communicator and gives Eliza a thumbs up but Wally stares at her in disbelief.
"You…you've got that cruddy skunk on speed dial?"
"Obviously! A mother's gotta look after her child!"
"Sheesh, that's just stupid…"
"WHAT DID YOU SAY?!" Kuki's face becomes oni-like, silencing Wally immediately and startling the others.
"…anyway, now that we've got that covered, we'll adjusts our plan once Numbuh 6 gets back. In the meantime, I want the Science Section to speed up our fleet overhaul. I want those internal stealth cloaks ready before we begin the operation, understood?"
"Roger that, Ma'am." Numbuh Omicron acknowledges Eliza's order who then looks at Nigel.
"And one last thing, Numbuh 1. Numbuh Gamma wants you all to come to the Intelligence Section's floor. They've made a breakthrough that might interest you."
"Understood."
"Okay, that's all for now. You're all dismissed." Everyone stands up and salutes Eliza as she leaves the briefing room. Nigel then gathers his friends and they approach Numbuh Gamma.
"So, what is it you wanted to show us?"
"We'll talk about that once get to the Deciphering Room. Now follow me."
"Numbuh Gamma, you don't mind if we come too?" Rachel asks as Numbuh Gamma looks over his shoulder.
"Hmm…fine, this is something that affects you two as well." he nods and lets Rachel and Patton join them.
As they walk through the hallway, Kuki nudges Wally slightly. "Huh?"
"What do you think they wanna show us?"
"Don't ask me. I got no idea."
"I'm gonna make a wild guess and say they've finally deciphered all the data I stole from the Ninja Hideout." Hoagie says with a dry voice.
"Wait, really?"
"Omg, does that we'll finally get to…" Kuki is immediately silenced by Numbuh Gamma.
"Shh, not here." he gives her an intimidating look just as they approach a special elevator. "Stand back." he places his hand on a scanner next to the doors and then, they open, revealing a much bigger elevator lined in stainless, reinforced steel.
"Alright, get in." The others do as they're told and board the special elevator.
"Wow, this is so…mysterious." Kuki looks around in awe as the elevator starts moving downwards.
"This elevator can only be accessed by members of the Intelligence Section and Commander Numbuh Alpha. All others need special authorization." Numbuh Gamma explains as Nigel adjusts his glasses.
"Makes sense. I suspect there is a lot of sensitive information stored in here?"
"Correct. If our enemy gets their hands on even a small amount, it will mean the end for our organization, so these measures are necessary." Numbuh Gamma replies as the elevator stops between floors 37 and 38.
"Uhm, why did we stop here?" Hoagie asks as Numbuh Gamma has his eye scanned by a small laser next to the floor buttons.
"You'll see." Then, the doors open, revealing a dark hallway filled with laser tripwires, each one connected to a dome-shaped laser-turret.
"Holy crud!"
"You said it, Numbuh 4." Nigel is equally surprised as Wally while Numbuh Gamma walks past the lasers.
"This grid recognizes TND Agents, if I've given the authorization. Now follow me." Despite slight hesitation, the group follows Numbuh Gamma through the laser grid and he leads them into the end of the hallway, where another door awaits. This one also appears heavily reinforced and as it opens, a huge hall filled with computers appears before them. Most of the computers are unmanned but a few have operators typing feverishly on their keyboards while other Agents are manning consoles that show CCTV footage from around the world.
"So, this is the Intelligence Section…"
"Indeed, Numbuh 1. If the Switchboard is our base's brain, then this is the nerve center. All the information that flows through the Switchboard comes here, where every piece of information is processed, analyzed, sorted and stored. And if it is needed again, the information is immediately sent back to the Switchboard. Nothing enters or leaves the base without going through us first."
"Very impressive. But how are you able to process all that information? Do you have some sort of super computer here?" Nigel asks as he looks around the hall.
"Not exactly. All TND databases are actually stored on a ghost server within the KND's Super Big Computermabob."
"What? Are you serious?! Isn't that kinda risky? The Super Big Computermabob is the KND's brain and it's got millions of security systems built into it. I should know, I was a member of the design team."
"Yes, you were, Numbuh 2, but so was Numbuh Omicron. He just so happened to be the designer of its firewall and the storage system. It wasn't hard for him to make some changes to it without the KND noticing. But don't worry, the ghost server is only accessible from this room and only after passing through multiple checks. These checks can only be passed by those who are both over 13 and members of the Intelligence Section."
"I can understand why you need such security measures. So, what did you want to show us?"
"Follow me." Numbuh Gamma leads the group to a small side room with a large computer in it. As everyone enters, the doors close behind them. "Now, Numbuh 2, I want you to operate the computer. Take a seat." Numbuh Gamma points towards the small chair in-front of the massive computer screen. Hoagie does as he's told and sits down as the others gather around him. "Now, the things you are about to see are highly classified and should be under no circumstances told to anyone not involved, unless me or the Commander has allowed it, understood?" Everyone nods and Numbuh Gamma presses a button on the keyboard. "Alright, Numbuh 2, open that folder on the desktop and choose the sub-folder titled 'Evidence'."
"Uhm…shouldn't Numbuh 5 see this as well…?" Kuki asks cautiously.
"Unfortunately, that's not possible. She'll get her chance later, when she returns. It's important that all of you see this before the Treehouse operation. Now, before we do anything else, I'll give you a brief explanation: What you are about to see is a collection of information we've gathered over the past 10 years, before any of you were even cadets. It was started by our predecessors in the Teen Spy Organization and it's thanks to their efforts that we've managed to put together this 'evidence' in the first place."
"Well then, what does this "evidence" have to do with us?" Nigel crosses his arms and looks sternly at the computer screen.
"Everything. Your sector was an important part in the plans of a deep rooted KND conspiracy. I believe you've heard of the "Splinter Cell"?" The mere mention of the name sends a chill down everyone's spine.
"Th…the Splinter Cell?! But I thought those guys…disappeared after the treaty incident?" Hoagie asks.
"Yes, at least officially. You were all there during the treaty incident, when Numbuh 274 was detained by Numbuh Infinity and how he claimed there was a higher power at work, guiding the KND."
"Yes, he raved about it before he disappeared."
"Then, let's move forward a year, right before your 12th birthday. Numbuh 2, open the folder named "Scavenger Hunt"."
"Okay…hey, isn't this about the great scavenger hunt right after our sector was dropped from cake duty?"
"Indeed, it is. There are some questionable details that stuck out to us." The folder shows the picture of the Delightful Children from Down the Lane and a picture of Numbuh 74.239.
"First, the disappearance of the Delightful Children from Down the Lane. Numbuh 1, you witnessed how they fell into the swirling hole while you fighting over Father's pipe. Both Teen Spy and KND records show that they were never seen again. Then how is it possible that they attacked the Moonbase three months later during Numbuh Epsilon's 13th birthday party?"
"What?! But…we saw them…even the CCTV footage showed them being there…even if we were unconscious the whole time…" Nigel shakes his head while Rachel joins the conversation.
"I saw them too, they arrived on-board a Really Really Incredibly Destructive Machine and took a beeline for the floor where we placed the C.O.D.E.M.O.D.U.L.E."
"Yes, that's what the reports also say but how is it that they simply showed up to destroy the C.O.D.E.M.O.D.U.L.E. and then disappeared from the face of the earth just like that? You didn't meet them during your time under Father's service, did you?"
The gears in Nigel's head begin to turn and he comes to a shocking realization. "No…not once! Nor did Father mention them at any point. Not that I cared…I was too focused on my…task…"
"Then are ya sayin' those Delightful Dorks were fakes or something?"
"That is correct, Numbuh 4. The Delightful Children you and the rest of the KND saw raid the base along with the Ninjas and Adult Supervillains were a hoax. Truthfully, they were a holo-guise recently developed by Father. The device could be worn by anybody and they could look like anyone, even multiple people, like the Delightful Children." The members of Sector V can't believe what they are hearing and look at each other in disbelief.
"That's crazy! Why would Father do something like that?"
"That is a good question, Numbuh 2. However, even now, we have no idea if the Delightful Children are even alive. Perhaps they perished when they fell or something else happened to them afterwards. We suspect only Father knows the answer to that."
"So why did they resort to using a fake?" Rachel asks.
"To make the lie believable. The attack on the Moonbase during your 13th birthday had two main goals: One was the destruction of the C.O.D.E.M.O.D.U.L.E. and the other was to get rid of a threat."
"Wait…by threat, do you mean…us?" Numbuh Gamma nods, causing Nigel to hit his hands together. "So, my hunch was right. Someone wanted to get rid of us…"
"But I still don't get it. Why would Father wanna go through all that trouble just to frame us?"
"The only reason I can think of is that he'd want me under his wing, which did happen…"
"What about that mole Numbuh 1 mentioned to me and Numbuh Epsilon in that warehouse?"
"I was about to get to that." Numbuh Gamma points at the picture of the former head of the KND Science Division, the freckled, orange-haired Numbuh 74.239. "As you all know, Numbuh 74.239 led the Science Division up until his disappearance after the scavenger hunt. Where he went and why, we don't know. However, it was well established by the Teen Spy Organization that he was a leading member of the Splinter Cell. We know this, because of his position as head of the Science Division, which made him perfectly placed to control weapons development and information. There is also the fact he was in constant contact with Numbuh Infinity, who had disappeared earlier with Numbuh 274. We believe Numbuh 74.239 had simply given command of the Splinter Cell to someone else before he left, to carry on the Splinter Cell's master plan, Project Never Grow." Numbuh Gamma instructs Hoagie to click on the Science Division Leader's picture, which opens three smaller files, showing the Unpoppable Zit, the C.L.A.M.M.A.H.-Array and a list of operatives from the year before Rachel's 13th birthday.
"Officially, Project Never Grow was meant to develop new, better ways to fight adult tyranny but it was cancelled by you, Numbuh Epsilon."
"Yeah, it was draining valuable resources. Though…thinking back to it, I was tempted to let them continue the project…"
"I doubt anyone here would've disagreed, if it was just to fight adult tyranny, but it's real purpose was much more sinister."
"To wipe out all adults." Nigel says grimly
"Correct. Project Never Grow's and the Splinter Cell's ultimate goal was to wipe out everyone over the age of 12 from Earth."
"That's…that's horrible!"
"You said it, Numbuh 3…"
"Yes, it truly is. But when you cancelled the project, the Splinter Cell faced a dilemma. Without Global Command's support, they couldn't continue with the project. They realized that in order for their plan to succeed, they needed to get more operatives behind their cause so that they could place them in desired positions within the KND hierarchy. That's where you come in, Numbuh 1."
"Me? What do you mean?"
"Am I correct when I say that you don't remember anything between the time the Delightful Children fell into the vortex and when you woke up the next morning?" Numbuh Gamma looks sharply at Nigel.
"I…you're right, I don't remember anything…"
"That is because your memories about what actually happened were altered. In essence, you were Decommissioned, selectively."
"WHAT?!" The others shout in unison while Nigel's jaw drops.
"De…Decommissioned? But that's preposterous!"
"It might sound crazy, but it's true. Only a small part of your memory was erased. That goes for your entire team too, since they were present as well." Nigel shakes his head in disbelief as Rachel puts her hand on his left shoulder. "In truth, once the Delightful Children were out of the picture, you were approached by someone. That someone was none other than Numbuh 74.239."
"No way…what did he want from me?"
"Unfortunately, we have no idea about the contents of the exchange but we suspect he wanted to recruit you to the Splinter Cell."
"Holy crud…you're serious? That nerd wanted Numbuh 1 on their side?"
"But that doesn't make any sense either! Numbuh 1 would've never agreed with their cause, right?"
"Absolutely not, Numbuh 2." Nigel nods but his expression remains serious.
"Let's not forget that they went through a lot of trouble to prepare you for the meeting. It was the Splinter Cell who forced you to break up with your girlfriend, Lizzie Devine."
"Please don't remind me…"
"They wanted you to sever all your connections, so that you would have no quals about joining them. Lizzie Devine herself was in on the conspiracy too."
"WHAT?! She was with the Splinter Cell the whole time?! No…that can't be…she would never…" Nigel shouts in disbelief as Kuki and Hoagie begin to protest.
"That's not true! She was never even part of the KND!"
"Yeah, I mean, she was weird and…possessive but there's no way she would've used him."
"Maybe so, but have you seen her since she dumped Numbuh 1?" Numbuh Gamma's question silences Kuki and Hoagie while Nigel tries to gather his thoughts.
"Are you saying she disappeared?"
"Yes. She hasn't been seen since she left you, and her family claim they only had one daughter. It's as if she never even existed. We've been trying to find her, but the Splinter Cell were very thorough and covered her tracks completely."
"So, if she was a Splinter Cell spy, that would explain some of her…quirks. Why she was so possessive and only had me in her mind 24/7…and to think I actually liked her…"
"You couldn't have known, Nigel. None of us knew." Rachel tries to comfort Nigel, as she was present when he broke up with Lizzie.
"Regardless, she was a Splinter Cell spy, which only strengthens our hypothesis that you were under Splinter Cell surveillance throughout your time in the KND. And when they were ready to recruit you, you refused. We suspect that when you did so, it angered Numbuh 74.239, because afterwards, he said this in a private conversation, shortly after he disappeared." Numbuh Gamma has Hoagie click on a small picture under Numbuh 74.239's file and a message appears on the screen.
"Effort wasted, 1 refused. We'll have to move on to C instead. Inform the Core to begin planning disposal. N and the rest of V are a confirmed threat. Ensure that 5 is not allowed to succeed SL."
"So, it was the Splinter Cell who wanted to get rid of us all along! It wasn't just a single operative who wanted us out of the KND." Nigel and the others are shocked by what they see but deep within, they also feel slightly relieved, since they now know without a doubt they were framed.
"Those cruddy freaks!"
"All those years…we believed you betrayed us…were we really that blind?" Rachel asks Patton, who is unable to answer, as his thoughts go back to Fanny, who was probably most convinced out of the three that Sector V were traitors.
"But who was behind the framing, if Numbuh 74.239 had already left?"
"That, Numbuh 2, takes us our next suspect." Numbuh Gamma has Hoagie select the list of operatives, among who is a familiar face. The unmistakable brown hair, slightly chubby build and a mark of the KND Moonbase Security Guards. Numbuh 1000.
End of Transmission 47
Note: Ooh, the plot thickens and the truth is getting revealed, or will it?
This chapter was a long time coming, ever since I came up with the idea of Sector V being framed. I wanted to the whole conspiracy thing to work within the KND canon, so it wouldn't feel out of place. Now of course, if you know who the Splinter Cell really are, this whole thing makes more sense.