Transmission 43: Fanny Returns
Down on Earth, at the captured Sector V2's Treehouse, having successfully exposed the Splinter Cell and Numbuh 1000 to the freed KND, Angeline takes a deep breath and turns to face the others, who clap and cheer for her. "Well done, Numbuh 78." Nigel compliments her as she tries to hide her embarrassment.
"Thank you for believing in me…"
"I knew you could do it!" Ted claps his hands wildly.
"Heh, what's wrong, not gonna give her a hug?" Charles jokingly nudges him, causing Ted's face to turn red.
"I don't know what you're talking about!" he stutters and looks away while Nigel steps forward.
"Alright, let's get back to the matter at hand. We'll leave the Earth's KND under your care, Numbuh 78. Numbuh Tau-6, Pi-2, Eta-4 and Scout Team W will stay here with you to help with the operation of the Treehouse. The rest of us will head to space."
"Sounds like a plan. We'll keep an eye on Father while you guys take down the Splinter Cell." Kimberley says and sits down in-front of the main control panel. "I'll contact the TND's Earth bases so they can help us with fighting the Ninjas. We still need to get the Treehouse's weapon systems back online. It'll give us a pretty good advantage if we can use the Array against Father later."
"Then it's settled. Numbuh 78, you're in charge now." Nigel shakes hands with Angeline, who nods back confidently
"Thank you Numbuh 1. And…on behalf of the KND, I'm sorry that things had to end up this way."
"We were all tricked, so there's no need to apologize. Now we need to focus on what's ahead, not worry about the past."
"Yes, you're right. Be careful, everyone." Angeline salutes Sector V, who salute back before they leave the command center.
"Alright, let's get to work. Numbuh Pi-2, contact all Earth Sectors immediately. I want to know what their situation is. Numbuh Eta-4, get the weapon system back online. Numbuh Tau-6, organize the freed operatives into a combat unit. Let's move it, people!"
"Yes, Supreme Leader!" The others reply firmly and get to work. Despite not saying it out loud, Angeline and especially Ted feels like a huge weight has fallen off their shoulders.
Meanwhile, Nigel leads his team, Patton and The Kid outside, to the flight deck, where their ships are parked. "So, we gonna go kick Numbuh 1000's butt next?"
"That's the idea, Numbuh 4. But we'll need to board the Wild Child first and plan ahead. Taking the Moonbase head on is going to be a million times harder than this Treehouse." Nigel replies as they walk up the W.A.S.P.'s boarding ramp while The Kid and Patton hop into his Valkyrie. "Okay Numbuh 2, take us up. The quicker we get to the Wild Child, the faster we'll be able to attack the Moonbase."
"Roger that." Hoagie replies sternly as The Kid contacts him through the radio.
"Alright Gilligan, I'll see ya in space."
"Don't get lost."
"Heh, that's my line, hombre." The Kid smirks and flies away in his fighter while Hoagie preps the W.A.S.P. for space launch. However, he has refused to even acknowledge Abby's presence, let alone look at her.
"Okay, strap in. I'll use the flight deck's catapult to gives us a boost." The others do as their told as the two-legged ship walks over to the catapult and lowers the hull close to the ground while the legs connect with catapult and move flush with the ship. "Space, here we come!" Steam pours out of the launch rails and then, the W.A.S.P. accelerates along the deck before it launches into the midday sky. Slowly pulling the W.A.S.P. vertical, Hoagie activates the Hyper Accelerator Booster, allowing the ship to reach escape velocity. Soon, the ship breaks through the atmosphere.
"Wow…it's so pretty." Kuki admires the Earth from the window while Wally comes to a stunning realization.
"Hey guys, we just freed the Kids Next Door."
"Indeed, Numbuh 4. Who would've thought? They expelled us and we became their enemy for 3 years. And now, we've freed them from the Splinter Cell's control. I admit, it feels surreal but we're not done yet. Numbuh 1000 still controls the Moonbase and the KND's space forces. And then there's Father. Our mission isn't over until both of them are defeated."
"I'm just glad Numbuh 5 came back!" Kuki says and hugs a silent Abby. "That reminds me, why did you come back?"
"Well…I…Numbuh 5 just…I was so angry at myself…cuz I couldn't do anything…"
"What do you mean?" Nigel asks as Abby lowers her head.
"Ever since what happened to Maurice I…haven't been myself. I got so scared about losing you all that Numbuh 5 started tryin' too hard. I couldn't think straight…That's why Numbuh 5 was so angry all the time…like when I yelled at Numbuh 4 after that recon mission."
"Hey, I said it was fine."
"But Numbuh 5 wasn't fine with it! I kept thinkin' that I had to do everything, that I could protect ya'll but I didn't have to. When Numbuh 3 fell out of the ship, when Numbuh 1 went nuts and when Numbuh 3 snapped, I was useless! All Numbuh 5 did was stand there, while you guys dealt with it, without me. Then, when those Ninjas nearly killed Numbuh 4, I just…couldn't take it anymore…I couldn't face ya'll after all that…that's why I left…but then things happened…"
"You were captured by the Ninjas." Nigel says, to which Abby nods back.
"Yup, they grabbed me and took me to a Hideout where Cree tied me to a wall and tortured me with dodge balls…"
"That's horrible! How could she do that to her own sister?"
"Yeah, she's really messed up." Wally shakes his head while Abby pulls her cap over her eyes.
"She's consumed by hate…she blames me for Maurice and everythin' else."
"But you didn't…"
"I guess she's so consumed by her hatred that she's beyond reason." Nigel crosses his arms while Abby sighs.
"Yeah, but Numbuh 5's gonna bring her back. I promised my folks I would."
"You don't have to do it alone! We'll help you."
"Yeah, we're a team, right?" Kuki and Wally's words make Abby feel warm inside as she looks at her friends.
"Thanks…for not giving up on me…"
"We'd never give up on you, Numbuh 5!"
"Numbuh 3's right, you're one of us, now and forever." Nigel says reassuringly, causing Abby's eyes to tear up.
"Thanks…I'm glad you guys got my back…" Despite her best attempts, Abby can't hold back the tears anymore, prompting Kuki to give her a hug. "I'm sorry I made ya'll worry…I just…"
"It's okay Numbuh 5." Kuki says with a soothing voice while Abby cries onto her shoulder. Hoagie however, has refused to take part in the conversation, despite his conscience telling him otherwise. He hasn't forgotten what Abby told him at the Wild Child's brig and it stops him from saying anything to her. However, the sound of her crying behind him twists his heart.
After calming down, Abby pulls herself together and looks at her friends.
"Guys, thanks again…"
"It's okay, Numbuh 5. All that matters now is that you're back."
"With the five of us together, no one's going to stop us!"
"You said it, Numbuh 3." Nigel nods as Abby opens the backpack she brought from home.
"Numbuh 5 wasn't sure how I was gonna come back, after saying all that stupid stuff…but then I got this." she hands Nigel the data disc she received from Agent Raven.
"What's this?"
"It's a recording of you guys talkin' with Numbuh Gamma about the Splinter Cell. One of those TND agents gave it to me right after the Ninjas got Delightfulized."
"Wait, what? Did that guy film us back then?"
"Hmm, I guess he did, Numbuh 4. Now I understand what he meant by you learning about it later. He's one crafty teenager." Nigel crosses his arms as Abby continues.
"Hearin' all that stuff made me think back at all the crap that went down 3 years ago. And it just made Numbuh 5 angry."
"Yeah! You could've been the next Supreme Leader if they hadn't framed us."
"Don't be stupid, Numbuh 4. Numbuh 5 ain't leader material."
"No, you would've been a worthy successor, Numbuh 5." Nigel says sternly but Abby shakes her head.
"But if Numbuh 5 had accepted it, we couldn't be together anymore."
"The rest of us would've probably been promoted to Global Command to work alongside you. But things didn't work out that way. We can't change the past, but we can change the future."
"Yeah, Numbuh 5's gonna make sure that Numbuh 1000 gets what he deserves."
"Leave some for me. He owes me for brainwashing and kidnapping Joey." Wally hits his fists together.
"The Splinter Cell will regret the day they made us their enemy." Nigel looks at his teammates firmly, but while the other nod, Hoagie remains silent, trying to keep his thoughts focused on flying. Then, the Signal Receiver springs to life.
"This is Numbuh Theta-9 from Switchboard CIC. Sector V, we've got you on our sensors."
"This is Numbuh 1, we copy."
"The hangar is ready for your arrival. The Commander wants all of you to come to the Switchboard at once."
"Roger, we'll be there. Sector V out." Nigel then sits down on the captain's seat while Wally and the girls also take their own seats. "Steady as she goes, Numbuh 2."
"Got it." Hoagie replies firmly but Abby can tell from his tone that he's not himself. However, she can't bring herself to speak to him either.
Hoagie steers the W.A.S.P. past the left-over debris from the destroyed orbital weapons, which are being frantically scavenged by the Wild Child's crew. Then, he lines the ship up with the hangar entrance and flies in, passing through the airlock and landing the ship next to The Kid's Valkyrie. "Alright, let's head to the Switchboard." Nigel says and leads everyone through the hangar. Once they arrive at the Switchboard, they are greeted by a relieved Rachel, who gets up from the Commander's seat.
"Nigel! You came back."
"Was there ever any doubt?" Nigel says as Rachel puts her hand on his shoulder.
"I didn't doubt you, not at all. But since it's you guys, I gotta be on my toes." she says jokingly, causing Nigel to chuckle.
"Indeed. So, what's the situation outside?" Nigel asks as Patton and The Kid also enter the Switchboard and join them.
"Well, now that all the KND operatives on Earth are free, the balance of power just tipped on to our favor. We'll hold a conference with Numbuh 78 and other KND representatives later, but they're on our side."
"And we've ordered our Earth bases to provide support for the KND, since they're still fighting against the Delightful Ninjas as we speak." Herbie says over his shoulder while Rachel brings out a holograph of the Moonbase from her seat's armrest.
"Our main problem right now is the Moonbase. Since they lost Earth's operatives, they've been quiet so far. Some flights from Earth were observed, but those were most likely Splinter Cell loyalists who were kicked out of their Sectors."
"I say we bust in and take 'em out."
"If only it was that easy, Numbuh 4. You all know that the Moonbase is the most powerful base in the KND's arsenal and taking over it is no cakewalk." Rachel says and zooms the map at the Moonbase. "It's protected by hundreds of S.O.O.P.E.R.- S.P.O.T.F.I.T.E.S. laser satellites, a massive jamming array and barrier satellites, not to mention the Space Fleet."
"Huh, they must've upgraded the system I installed…" Hoagie eyes the holograph as Nigel crosses his arms and looks at Rachel.
"Then I suggest we begin planning for an attack immediately."
"No need, Numbuh Gamma and I already came up with a plan. But we won't make our move yet. The Science Section is still making some last-minute repairs to the Wild Child, and we can't have all of you charge into combat right after V2. Get some rest and we'll attack tomorrow." Rachel says but as Nigel tries to protest, she cuts him off. "I know what you're gonna say, Nigel, but we can't rush in recklessly. Taking on the Splinter Cell with our full strength gives us the best chance of beating them." She looks Nigel in the eye, causing him to stand down.
"Yes, you're right, Rachel. But I want the full details of your plan of attack at least."
"Then let's go talk with Numbuh Gamma. He's in the Intelligence Section right now." However, before Nigel can answer, Rachel receives an emergency call from her wrist communicator.
"This is Numbuh Epsilon, what is it?"
"Ma'am, this is Numbuh Mu! One of the Hunters woke up and she's not listening to anything we tell her. She assaulted Numbuh Mu-4 and barricaded herself in her room."
"What?! Which Hunter?!"
"It's Numbuh 86, Ma'am." Immediately upon hearing this, Patton rushes out of the Switchboard.
"Patton, wait! Numbuh Iota-3, you're in-charge until I return." Rachel says and runs after him, followed by Sector V and The Kid while Herbie salutes and stays behind.
…
Down in the infirmary's waiting room, Patton is the first one to arrive, where he is greeted by the Chief Medic, the blond-haired Numbuh Mu.
"Where is she?! Where's Fanny?"
"At end of the left-side corridor. She barricaded the door with her bed."
"Oh great…" Patton clenches his fist as Rachel and the others arrive.
"Numbuh Zeta, don't go by yourself. I'm coming too." Rachel grabs his shoulder before he can go through the doors that lead to the infirmary proper.
"Ah, I'm glad you came here, Numbuh Epsilon. Maybe you can bring her back to her senses."
"That's why we're here, Numbuh Mu. Call back all the other personnel from the corridor. I don't want her injuring anyone else."
"Right, of course." While Numbuh Mu has the other medics and nurses leave the corridor, Rachel and Patton go inside while Sector V and The Kid keep their distance.
"So, who exactly is going loco in there?"
"Heh, she's always been nuts."
"Numbuh 4, don't say that! You'd be going crazy too if you'd been brainwashed and don't remember anything." Kuki snaps at Wally, silencing him. Then, the group turns towards the left-side corridor and realize it's eerily quiet.
"That must be her room. Okay, you guys stay back. Leave this to me and Patton. I don't know how she'll react if she saw you first." Rachel says to Sector V, who all nod and do as she says while The Kid looks on with his hands in his pockets. Then, Rachel and Patton head down the corridor, to meet their old teammate. Hearing their footsteps, the confused redhead immediately sends out a warning.
"Don't try ta sneak up on me! I'll beat the crap out of ya if you try to get in here!" she screams in her Irish-accent.
"*whistle* Damn, you weren't kidding, Beetles." The Kid nudges Wally while Kuki silences him as well.
"Shss!"
"You're comin' to decommission me, right?! Well, you ain't gonna get me without a fight!"
"Fanny!" Upon hearing her old comrade's voice, Fanny freezes from shock and for a few minutes, says nothing. "Fanny, can you hear me? It's me, Rachel."
"Ra…Rachel? N…no way! This is a trick, right? Numbuh 1000 gave ya voice changers or something?! There's no way it's Rachel! I…I saw her get hit with a Silhouette Brace! She couldn't…" Fanny's voice fades as Patton and Rachel stop in-front of her door.
"No voice changers. It's me. Can you open the door? I just want to talk."
"T... talk?! What's there to talk about?! I got you and Numbuh 60 kicked out of the KND…" Fanny lowers her head and clenches her fists as the memory of that night in March haunts her.
"That's in the past, Fanny. We'll explain everything, just please open the door."
"We? What do you mean?"
"I'm here too." Patton replies, shocking Fanny even more.
"Numbuh 60?!"
"Yup."
"But…I…I sold you two out...why are ya here…?"
"Because you're our friend, no matter what."
"Re…really? After all I did?" Fanny turns to face the door and she can sense her old comrades right behind the door.
"I told you, it's in the past. Things aren't the way you…remember."
"What do ya mean?"
"Open the door and we'll explain." Patton replies firmly but he doesn't get answer. Then, they hear the sound of the bed being moved away from the door, followed by the door opening slightly. Through it, peeks a cautious, red-haired and freckled girl wearing a white hospital gown.
"Fanny…"
"It…is you guys…I…thought I'd never see you again…" Fanny's lips begin to quiver as Rachel pushes the door wide open.
"So did we, Fanny." Rachel immediately embrace's her old subordinate, who collapses on her knees and breaks down crying. Watching their reunion from the t-intersection, Kuki almost starts to cry herself as Nigel turns around and gestures the other to follow.
"We should leave them be. Like Rachel said, we don't want her to snap if she sees us." The others nod silently and leave the infirmary. As they walk past the waiting room, The Kid puts his arm around Hoagie's neck
"Hey Gilligan, you mind comin' with me? It's about the thing we talked about."
"Wha…Oh yeah, right. Well, maybe I can whip up something for you. Let's go down to the Armory first and then head to the Science Lab. I've got all my tools there."
"Alright, now you're talking." As The Kid and Hoagie head towards another hallway, Abby looks on silence and sighs.
"He didn't say anything to you…"
"Heh, Numbuh 5 figured as much. And I don't blame him, after what I said to him."
"But you weren't yourself."
"It doesn't matter, Numbuh 3. There's no way I can take those words back…" Abby lowers her cap and walks away from Kuki and Wally.
"Numbuh 5's got some things to clear up, so don't worry about me." She says silently and leaves while Kuki watches her dejectedly.
"You're being too hard on yourself…" She puts right hand over her left wrist and squeezes it slightly.
"You alright?"
"I don't know, Wally…I thought everything would be okay now that Abby came back but…she's still blaming herself for everything…I want to help her but I don't know how…"
"I think we oughta leave 'em be."
"But that's wrong! We can't just…you're right Wally…but I can't stand everyone being so sad all the time."
"*yawn*, Well anyway, I'm gonna go sleep. I'm cruddy tired."
"…I'm going with you."
"Huh? Why?"
"Just because." Kuki says and holds Wally's hand, who nods and they silently walk towards the elevator.
…
Back at the infirmary, Rachel and Patton slowly explain to Fanny what has happened in last 2 months. "Wait, you're saying I've been brainwashed for 2 months."
"Yeah…Numbuh 1000 probably chipped you after the whole warehouse thing. He turned all the other Teen Hunters into puppets as well."
"No…he was usin' me the whole time…"
"You weren't the only one. The Splinter Cell tricked everyone when they framed Sector V and made us do their dirty work…" Rachel clenches her fist as she is reminded of all the people they captured and handed over to the Decommissioning Squad for their "Erasure" experiments. "They made us believe our best friends were traitors and then used everyone's anger to their advantage."
Fanny stares silently at the floor and realizes that she had been staunch believer of that lie, causing her to wrap her arms around her shoulders. "How could I…all this time I thought they were traitors…that they sold the KND out…what have I done…" She is reminded of all the times she fought against the various members of Sector V over the past 3 years and grits her teeth in frustration. Rachel puts her hand on Fanny's shoulder, to try and comfort her old friend.
"They had no choice but to become villains…because we exiled Sector V for a crime they didn't commit. We were all playing into the Splinter Cells hands."
"Then…did we waste 3 years…for nothing?"
"All of us did, Sector V included. They know what crimnes they committed and they'll carry that guilt forever. But carrying a grudge won't make things better. It's kinda ironic that Nigel was the only one who kept moving forward, even though he had to do horrible things to get there…"
"Where are they now? Did they get away?" Fanny lifts her as Rachel nods
"They're right here, inside this ship."
"Ship?! We're inside a ship?"
"Yes, this is the Wild Child, the TND's flying headquarters."
"TND?! What the heck is that?"
"Teens Next Door. We're a secret organization made up of formed KND operatives who also fight against adult tyranny."
"So does that mean everyone here used to be the KND?"
"Yup, we can show you around once you get your strength back. You might see some familiar faces."
"…I wanna go now!"
"Now? Are you sure?"
"Yeah, I need to…apologize for all the things I did…" Rachel and Patton become surprised by Fanny's request, but they shake their heads.
"Now's not the right time, Fanny. But maybe in two hours or so. Then we'll let you see everyone, I promise." Rachel takes Fanny's hand and looks her in the eye. Seeing the honesty in her eyes, Fanny relents and nods.
"Okay…I get it…"
"You just stay here and relax."
"And try not to attack the medics next time."
"Oh, shut up!" Fanny snaps at Patton's snarky comment, but the brown-haired boy just chuckles and begins to leave.
"Hah, I'm glad to your back old self." As he closes the door behind him, Rachel let's go of Fanny's hand.
"Patton's not showing it, but when we learned you were chipped, he got obsessed with freeing you."
"What? You're joking?"
"Nope, he told everyone he'd save you, many times. He even disobeyed orders, just so he could take that chip off of you. I've never seen him so determined." Fanny blushes intensely and hides her face under her red hair, making Rachel giggle.
"Heh-heh, okay, I'll need to go as well. I've got a meeting about our next move. Stay here, okay? I'll come pick you up later." Fanny and looks on as Rachel exits the room, leaving her by herself.
Fanny then lies down on her bed and looks up at the white ceiling. She goes through the events of the past 3 years: How the C.O.D.E.M.O.D.U.L.E. was destroyed and how subsequently Sector V, who she had always held dear, despite animosity with some of their members, where accused of the crime. The shock of them escaping and turning against the KND made Fanny into a heartless, merciless Teen Hunter, who was willing to do anything to capture Sector V and anyone else deemed as traitors. Her bond with Patton and Rachel strengthened during that time but when Sector V escaped the Arctic Base, she noticed that her comrades began to hesitate. That's when Numbuh 1000 persuaded her to spy on her friends, along with Numbuh 20.000, who Numbuh 1000 claimed had been recommissioned. But her world was shattered when Rachel and Patton sided with Nigel when they were ambushed in the warehouse. How could they side with a criminal, especially with someone like Nigel? Fanny remembers vividly the look of disgust on their faces when they realized that she was the one who sold them out. A cold shiver runs through her body and guilt fills her heart.
"They've got every reason to hate me…why aren't they?" she sighs wistfully and continues to stare at the ceiling in silence, reminiscing about her past.
…
A few hours later, Fanny hears a knock on the door. "Who's there?" She asks cautiously.
"It's me. Patton and I came to pick you up." Rachel opens the door and Fanny notices the bag she's carrying.
"What's that?"
"Oh this? Well, we can't have you walk around wearing that hospital gown. So uhm…here, I brought some clothes. I know you like green and orange so I picked a few for you." Noticing the glare coming from Fanny, Rachel stops Patton from entering the room and closes the door.
"Hey, what gives?!"
"You wait outside. Let Fanny change in peace." Patton shrugs and leans against the wall while Rachel helps Fanny pick her clothes. After 10 minutes, the door opens and Rachel leads Fanny to the hallway. She's wearing a green t-shirt, orange shorts and brown sandals while her hair is pulled back with a scrunchie but some bangs are still hanging on both sides of her face.
"*whistle* Looking good." Patton's laid-back complement causes Fanny to blush and she immediately snaps at him to cover her embarrassment.
"Shut your mouth! I don't need YOUR compliments."
"Hah-hah, whatever. Come on, we don't wanna keep the others waiting."
"O…others?!"
"Yup, everyone's been waiting to see you again, especially after we told them you asked."
"I…I didn't mean it like that!" Fanny panics at the prospect of meeting people she's afraid will hate her for what she has done.
"Sheesh, calm down. This isn't a tribunal or anything like that. Think of it like a class reunion." Patton's words only make Fanny more alarmed as they walk by some agents, who salute them, including her. "Those guys were from the Intelligence Section. Their under Numbuh Gamma's command." Patton says while Fanny becomes confused.
"Gamma? Don't you guys use numbers?"
"Oh yeah, we forgot to tell you. The TND use Greek letters instead of numbers for our codenames. Mine is Numbuh Epsilon and Patton's is Numbuh Zeta. Only Sector V use their old codenames because they're not officially part of the TND."
"Why's that?"
"Because of their pasts as Teen Villains. Their condition for working with us was that they'd decide for themselves what they'd do after this is all over. That's how Numbuh Sigma…Numbuh 9 got them to join us."
"Numbuh 9?! Wait, do you mean Maurice?! Is he here?" Fanny becomes curious but Patton and Rachel can't bring themselves to tell the truth.
"You'll…hear about him soon." Their vague response confuses Fanny even further. Then, the trio arrive in-front of an armored door flanked by two guards.
"Welcome back, Commander Numbuh Epsilon. Everyone is waiting for you." The guards salute them and step aside.
"Alright, it's time for you meet up with everybody. Go on in."
As the steel doors before her open, Fanny hesitates to step inside. "Come on, get going already!" Patton nudges her forward, but this only angers her.
"Keep your hands off me, you stupid boy!" she shouts but then, she turns around and sees the Switchboard before her. For a few seconds, she is stunned by its size, but then, one by one, she begins to see people, familiar people. "Wha…" Fanny is unable to speak as she notices Herbie and Bartie, two operatives who used to work with her in Global Command 3 years ago. She had also been the one who brought them to Numbuh 1000 for decommissioning. Then, standing next to them are Sector V, the very same Sector V she had hunted mercilessly since they were framed. She can also recognize many other former operatives, who man the computers scattered around the room. No matter where she looks, she sees more and more familiar faces. "I…" Then, to everyone's surprise, Kuki runs across the room and hugs Fanny.
"Fanny! I'm so glad you're alright!" she shouts and squeezes a speechless Fanny harder.
"…Ku…ki?" The fact that a member of Sector V approached her first causes Fanny's thoughts to go out of control. "Why…why are ya…"
"Because you're my friend, remember? I agreed to be your friend back in elementary school." Kuki says sincerely as Fanny is reminded of the slumber party she held 5 years ago, which led to the C.O.D.E.M.O.D.U.L.E. being stolen, but despite that, Kuki had agreed to be the bossy, loudmouthed Irish girl's friend without any hesitation. Then, she remembers all the things she has done in the last 3 years.
"But…you were my…enemy…" she says with a shaky voice but Kuki shakes her head.
"Not anymore! That's in the past!" Her smile finally breaks Fanny, who begins crying as all the guilt she has held inside her for 3 years is finally let out.
"I…I'm sorry! I didn't…mean to…" her legs give away as her screams echo inside the otherwise silent Switchboard. Her repeated apology isn't only meant at Sector V either, since many of the people here had been either dragged from their homes or captured by Fanny personally. This unusual display of remorse from the normally brash and rough Fanny takes everyone by surprise but it also brings closure to the animosity many of them held towards her, notably Wally, who was a frequent target of her attacks.
"Wow, never seen her break down like that…" he mutters while Nigel nods silently.
"She was deceived by the Splinter Cell, just like everyone else, but she was a staunch believer in that lie. But I'm glad she's willing to let go."
"Well said, Numbuh 1…" Abby says Rachel walks over to Fanny and puts her hand on her shoulder while Kuki helps her up.
"Come on Fanny, it's alright. You don't have to cry anymore."
"I…I just…"
"Everyone came to see you, so don't be sad. Smile." Kuki smiles warmly, causing Fanny to try and smile back but the guilt she feels won't go away, as everyone's presence reminds her of the deeds she has done. Then, Nigel and the rest of Sector V approach her as well.
"It's good to have you back, Numbuh 86." Nigel greets Fanny, his kind tone startling her.
"Neph…Numbuh 1…I…"
"I know what you're going to say, but I think you've said that quite few times already. None of us here hold any grudges towards you. And that includes my team." Fanny remains silent and eyes Nigel's team, who aren't showing any animosity towards.
"You've got every right to hate me…I sold you out too…"
"And you have every right to hate us for the crimes we committed. But like Numbuh 3 said, that's in the past. We're all here to make things right."
"…right…but…how can I? After all I've done…"
"Fight with us. The TND could use someone like you. Isn't that right, Numbuh Epsilon?"
"Absolutely. We'll be attacking the Moonbase next and if we succeed, the Splinter Cell will be history."
"Splinter Cell…Numbuh 1000…that's right! He's the fat runt who tricked me into selling you guys out…" The grief from Fanny's face fades away and is replaced by anger, anger that is solely directed at Numbuh 1000. "He's gonna pay for this! I'll give him a beatin' and drag him to the Decommissionin' chamber when I'm done!"
"*whistle* Yup, she's still the same."
"Still as cranky as ever, Numbuh 2." Wally replies as Rachel chuckles.
"Well, I'm glad you're fired up."
"But what about Maurice? I heard he helped you guys." Fanny's question causes the mood to change.
"He...he's not here...anymore..." Abby replies while covering her eye with her cap.
"Anymore? Wait, you're not saying..."
"Maurice, no, Numbuh Sigma perished a month ago during a Teen Ninja attack on our old Treehouse." Nigel says solemnly.
"No way...sorry I didn't mean to..." Fanny can't believe what she is hearing. Maurice had been one of the few male KND operatives she had respected. She had even cried during his decommissioning.
"Is okay, Fanny." Abby puts her hand on Fanny's other shoulder while Kuki let's go of her.
"He saved us from the KND and the Ninjas and that's why we'll keep fighting."
"Ri...right..."
"So let's not dwell on the past and focus on the present." Rachel says and contacts Numbuh Gamma with her 2x4 watch.
"Numbuh Gamma, if you're not busy, could you meet up with our newest member? You're in-charge of personnel orientation after all."
"Of course, Ma'am. By the way, could you and Numbuh 1 come to the Deciphering Room later? There's been another development."
"Alright, we'll be there."
"Thank you, Ma'am." As Rachel ends the call, she turns her attention to Hoagie. "Numbuh 2, you've started working on B.R.A. for Agent Halcón, right?"
"Uhm, yes, Ma'am."
"Then could you prepare one for Numbuh 86 as well?"
"Oh, uh, sure I can." Hoagie then reaches for his pocket and grabs his 3D-laser scanner, but before he can approach Fanny, Nigel and Wally stop him.
"Don't. You'll face certain death if you say another word."
"Ya know she's gonna rip your face off if ya ask her."
"Ah, yeah, you're right. Old habits…uhm, Numbuh Epsilon, if you could…" Hoagie offers the scanner to Rachel, who smirks and takes it. She then proceeds to quickly scan Fanny and hands it back Hoagie.
"Hey! What did ya do to me?!" she shouts while Hoagie begins to slip away from the Switchboard.
"Well uh, I'll get to work immediately!" he says and runs out, causing Kuki to chuckle while Fanny only becomes more confused.
"What's so funny?! What was that all about."
"…he took your measurements." Patton smirks, causing Fanny's face to turn red from anger.
"HE WHAT?!" Her furious expression causes all the boys in the Switchboard to freeze from fear, except for Nigel, Wally and Patton, who is laughing so hard he has to lean on his knees.
"She's gonna kill him later." Wally nudges Nigel.
"Yes, she will."
"Alright, that's enough. Numbuh Zeta, will you go already?"
"Hah-hah-haa…yeah, sure. Let's go, Fanny." Patton chuckles as he grabs Fanny's hand and starts pulling her towards the exit.
"Hey! Keep yer hands off me, you brain dead idiot! Are ye listenin' to me?!"
"Loud and clear." Patton ignores her insults and leaves the Switchboard with an irate Fanny while Rachel turns her attention to the others.
"Okay everyone, let's get back to work. Numbuh Lambda, meet up with Numbuh Rho and have all the ships checked. I want the Air Units to be in top shape before we attack the Moonbase."
"Yes, Ma'am!" Bartie replies and runs out of the Switchboard.
"Numbuh Iota-3, we'll begin a slow approach towards the Moonbase, under stealth. But don't enter their defense perimeter."
"Understood. Deploy stealth cloak and begin slow approach."
"As for you, Sector V, you know what you need to do."
"Rest, and prepare, as per your instructions. Don't worry, we'll be ready for tomorrow."
"Good. Meet me and Numbuh Gamma in the Deciphering Room later, understood?"
"Yes, Ma'am."
"Right. You're dismissed." Nigel and the rest of his team salute Rachel, who salutes back before they leave.
…
Meanwhile, inside the now isolated Moonbase, the atmosphere among the unchipped, Splinter Cell affiliated operatives is tense. Having lost the support of the Earth operatives, their combat strength has weakened and the advantage they previously held, is gone. While his subordinates prepare the Moonbase for an imminent attack, Numbuh 1000 has gone to the Science Division's weapons development lab, where the silver-colored machine is being loaded into a massive container, which is then pushed through an airlock, towards a K.O.L.O.S.S.A.L.I.N.E.R. docked outside. "Supreme Leader?" Numbuh 105 enters the lab and salutes him.
"Yes?" Numbuh 1000 replies coldly and looks over his shoulder.
"Scouts from the Space Fleet have lost the Gihugeacarrier. It was last sighted on the other side of the planet.
"They're trying to approach us under their stealth system. Hmph, they're getting overconfident. Have the Space Fleet form a perimeter behind the S.O.O.P.E.R.- S.P.O.T.F.I.T.E.S. satellites. I want them to fire on anything that moves."
"Yes, Sir. Also, the Decommissioning Squad has completed chipping all prisoners. Any over 13-year-old prisoners have been put under Numbuh 20.000's command."
"Good. The TND are wrong if they think they can just march in here. They'll have to go through waves of their fellow teenagers to get to us. Excellent work, Numbuh 105."
"Thank you, Sir…but there is one problem…"
"Hmm?" Numbuh 1000 glares at the Global Tactical Officer, causing him to stutter.
"Uhm…some prisoners managed to escape and have fled deep into the Moonbase. So far, we've been unable to find where they're hiding. We also can't spare any troops to perform a complete search, since it would hamper our defensive capabilities."
"Grrr, I should've known. Keep searching and chip them on sight, understood?"
"Ye…Yes, Sir!"
"Good, now get back to your post."
"Uhm…Sir, I'm sorry if I'm being blunt, but are you sure we can stop the TND?"
"You idiot! Victory is the only result we'll get! Otherwise, this planet is doomed, don't forget that! No matter what, we must defeat them, all of them!"
"But what if we don't?" Numbuh 1000 turns around and grabs Numbuh 105 by his collar and electrocutes him without hesitation.
"GAAAAHHH!" The Global Tactical Officer collapses on the floor while Numbuh 1000 stares down at him, his eyes filled with fanatic anger.
"Your lack of faith is beginning to annoy me! We've sacrificed too much to be defeated now! If you say anything like that again, I'll have you Erased and chipped, understood?"
"I'm sorry, Sir! Ugh…I won't question you again…" Numbuh 105 pants and struggles to get up.
"That's more like it. Now get out of my sight."
"Yes, Sir…" As Numbuh 1000 limps out of the lab, Numbuh 1000 turns his attention back into the machine.
"Even my most loyal followers are losing their belief. Cowards. But it doesn't matter. If they can hold our enemies back long enough, I'll use this to end it all and I'll become the savior I was meant to be…hah-hah-hah…HAH-HAH-HAH!" Numbuh 1000 laughs manically as the K.O.L.O.S.S.A.L.I.N.E.R. and it's cargo begin flying away from the Moonbase.
...
However, unknown to Numbuh 1000, and his followers, the escaped prisoners were not just any operatives, but a group of decommissioning escapees and captured Ninjas who managed to overpower their guards and are now hiding within the bowels of the massive Moonbase.
"So, how long can we hold out in here?" A Ninja wearing a black hoodie says as the group of twenty escapees walk inside a maintenance tunnel.
"Don't worry mon, we'll be fine. I know a place we can hide that not even Numbuh 1000 knows of. We'll hide in there until the fighting starts and then make our move. Simple as that, man." A laid-back Jamaican teenager with long dreadlocks, blue eyes and wearing a green hoodie, shorts, kneeguards and sandals says over his shoulder as they approach a door.
"How are ya so sure?"
"Because I let myself be captured. A Teen Spy never acts without a plan. Okay, stand back." The Jamaican teenager puts his hand on a scanner and the door opens, revealing a long corridor lined with doors.
"Follow me, we'll be safe here."
"Just who the heck are you, anyway?"
"Well, if you wanna know, mon, I used to go by the name of Numbuh 1-Love, but you can call me Keith."
End of Transmission 43
Note: New chapter, wohoo! This arc has been progressing very nicely and I'm only a few chapters away from starting the fifth and final arc. Also, regarding the other returning character of this chapter, Numbuh 1-Love. Since the wiki/fandom does not list his real name, I decided to go with the name of his VA, Keith Ferguson (the voice of Bloo from Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends)