Transmission 44: Memories of the Birthday
As the Wild Child slowly moves towards the Moonbase, Sector V is given temporary reprieve from the constant figthing. Kuki has gone to infirmary, to take care of a recovering Bradley, who's missing shovel-arm has been replaced with a smaller, temporary arm. "Don't worry, Bradley. Mommy will take good care of you." she says while feeding the injured skunk. However, she is unaware that Wally is standing in the hallway. He had been resting in the leisure room and just happened to wander to the infirmary after hearing that Kuki was there. But he doesn't knock on the door.
"She really likes that cruddy skunk..." Wally thinks and walks away but just as he is about to leave the infirmary, he bumps into to Nigel. "Huh? Agh, sorry Numbuh 1."
"It's fine. Why are you here, Numbuh 4?"
"Uhm...I dunno...I just...wandered here I guess..." Wally mutters and looks away, but his acting isn't fooling Nigel.
"You came looking for Numbuh 3, right?"
"Huh?! N...no! Of course not!" Wally shouts as Nigel chuckles and walks past him.
"Hmph, whatever you say."
"Hey, where are ya going?"
"To check on Numbuh 23. I heard her condition was stable and she's conscious again."
"Wait, are you saying she's been sleeping since she fainted a week ago?"
"I don't know the details, but Numbuh Mu and Numbuh Omicron have kept her under observation. She is a victim of Erasure after all."
Wally's curiosity gets the better of him and he follows Nigel to the Special Wing. "Mind if I tag along? Got nothin' better to do."
"Sure." Nigel replies as he and Wally head to the Special Ward, where they are greeted by Numbuh Omicron, who is observing former Numbuh 23, Virginia Sims, from behind a mirrored wall. She is lying in a hospital bed, wearing a white gown while being examined by a remote controlled robot arm.
"Numbuh Omicron."
"Hmm? Ah, Numbuh 1. You're just in time. We were about to perform some tests on her." The Science Chief says with a Scottish accent as Nigel and Wally join him.
"What the crud are ya doin' to her?"
"We're trying to purge the Erasure radiation from her body. It's preventing us from interacting with her."
"And what's that?"
"Erasure radiation. It's caused by exposure to the Splinter Cell's Erasure process, or at least to an early version of it."
"And she's is an early victim, right?"
"That is correct, Numbuh 1. We've examined some newer victims and they do not have any radiation in their bodies, but some of their belongings were highly irradiated."
"Like when her earring glowed blue?" Nigel asks, to which Numbuh Omicron nods.
"Yes. We've managed to seal the earring and have begun to exam it in detail." Numbuh Omicron's expression becomes serious as the robotic arm shines a blue light at a slightly worried Virginia. "But it's proving to be quite a tough nut to crack."
"What do you mean?"
"Well, Numbuh 1, we performed some tests on the earring and it's making our instruments go haywire. We don't know what's causing it but every time we analyze it, the monitors begin showing distorted pictures and we have no idea why."
"Hmm...that is indeed odd. Well, if anyone can figure it out, it's you, Numbuh Omicron."
"I'm glad you think that way, lad, but I admit it's a real puzzle."
"Is Virginia okay?" Their conversation is interrupted by a cautious Kuki, who stands a few meters away from the boys.
"Numbuh 3? Why are you here?" Nigel asks as Kuki fidgets slightly.
"Uhm...I saw you two in the hallway and uh...I followed you here...sorry."
"Don't be sorry, Numbuh 3. We didn't want to bother you while you were taking care of Numbuh 6. How is he by the way?"
"He's fine. But he said he wants a new arm so he can help us again."
"Hah, I thought so. Well you can tell him Numbuh 2 will build a new one later."
"Okidoki." Kuki replies and walks over to the boys, standing next to Wally. "What's happening to her?"
"Nothing serious, just a scan."
"Can you...cure her at all?" Kuki asks Numbuh Omicron, who crosses his arms and looks at Virginia.
"We'll definitely get that radiation out of her at least, but her memories...can't be recovered." he replies solemnly while Kuki looks at her old friend and frowns sadly.
"No..."
"Erasure is irreversible...as far was we know, but if there's even a slight chance of getting them back, we'll take it."
"Yeah, so cheer up, Numbuh 3. They'll figure something out." Wally pats Kuki on the shoulder.
"Thanks, Numbuh 4...*yawn*"
"Numbuh 3, have you rested at all since we came to space?" Nigel eyes Kuki sharply, who wipes her tired eyes.
"Uhm...a little but I was worried about Bradley so..."
"*sigh* Don't overwork yourself. We'll be attacking the Moonbase tomorrow and I don't want you to fight while you're tired."
"It's fine...I'm not tired...*yawn*."
"That's not what you're face is saying." Wally remarks as Nigel shakes his head.
"No, it's not. Numbuh 4, take her to the sleeping quarters."
"Huh? Why me?"
"Just do it." Nigel glares at Wally, scaring him.
"Okay, okay, sheesh... come on." Wally grabs Kuki's arm and starts dragging her away from the Special ward, despite her protests.
"Wally! I said I wasn't tired! Quit pulling me!"
"I'm just doing what the boss ordered me to do." Wally replies and eyes Nigel over his shoulder before the door closes, causing Nigel to smirk.
"Well, you certainly know how to deal with your teammates."
"When you've worked with them long enough, you'll learn what buttons to push. Regardless, I'm sorry if I'm overstepping my authority here, but could you keep me posted on your Erasure research. Something tells me we might have to deal with Erasure weapons inside the Moonbase..."
"Alright, I can do that, as a personal favor. The TND owes a lot to you and your after all."
"Thank you." Nigel and Numbuh Omicron shake hands and continue to observe the tests being done on Virginia.
...
Inside the Science Section's lab, Hoagie is feverishly working on both The Kid's and Fanny's B.R.A. However, he has a tough time focusing on his work, as his thoughts keep drifting towards Abby, no matter how hard he tries to keep her out. "Dammit…focus, Gilligan."
"Hey, how's it going?" Hoagie is startled by The Kid, who approaches him with his hands in his flight jacket's pockets.
"Gah…don't scare me like that…" Hoagie snaps at him and turns his attention back to the computer, which he uses to program the B.R.A.'s.
"Heh, calm down, hombre. I just came to check up on my new toy, that's all."
"It's not a toy. A Battle Ready Armor is a delicate of piece of equipment, especially a customized version."
"Yeah, yeah." The Kid shrugs and leans on Hoagie's workstation. "Did ya have a fight or something?"
"Huh? Where did you get that idea from?"
"I dunno, you just seem kinda…out of it, you know?"
"Gh…it's…nothing…"
"Ah, lemme guess, it's about that Numbuh 5 chick, right?" The Kid smirks, causing Hoagie to jump up and stare at him angrily.
"It's none of your business!"
"Oh-hoo, that's a scary face you're makin', hombre. You've got a thing for her or something?" The Kid's sharp eyes drill into Hoagie, who lowers his head and sits back down.
"I…don't know…but it doesn't matter anymore…she…she doesn't need someone like me…I misunderstood everything…"
"How so?"
"Argh, forget it…I'm…just not good enough…she said it herself. She didn't need help or friendship…she just wanted us to look up to her and give her our attention…that's all…but then she comes back and asks us to forgive her for walking out on us…I just…how can I face her after all that, huh? No way…there's no way…" Hoagie clenches his fist and leans on his workstation while the The Kid crosses his arms.
"Hmm…that's a tough call…but what about you? Did you feel anything towards her, ever?"
"O…Of course! I thought she was the coolest, the best kind of friend…and maybe I did hope for something more…but I couldn't act back then…and there's no way I can act now either, not after what she said…"
"You're soundin' like a quitter to me."
"What?!" Hoagie jumps up again and pulls up his goggles, his blue eyes glaring at The Kid, who smirks again.
"Well, are you? The way I see it, if she was bein' honest with her apology, just let it go. You said ya didn't act, well, now's your chance."
"Hah, as if! I'm not going to get my hopes up ever again! I'll just get smacked or yelled at, like I always do, no matter what I try!" Then, Hoagie is slapped in the face hard by The Kid.
"Guh…you…"
"Quit actin' like you're the only one here's going through hard times. Ya think things are gonna change if ya just hide here and bury yourself in self-pity? You're pathetic."
"I know I'm pathetic! Just…leave me alone and let me work…that's all I'm good for anymore…"
"Hmph, suit yourself, Gilligan, but your regret's only gonna get worse, remember that." The Kid glares at Hoagie and heads to the door, but when he opens it, standing on the other side is none other than Abby, who stares at the boys in shock for a few seconds, before pulling her cap over her eyes and running away.
"A…Abby…" Hoagie looks on in shock as The Kid frowns and looks over his shoulder at him, before leaving as well while Hoagie slumps back on his seat and throws his goggles on the floor. "Dammit…"
Meanwhile, a few floors above, Abby arrives to an observation deck and stares into the dark void, as tears slowly run down her cheeks.
"Stupid…why'd ya have to go down there…"
…
Later that day, Nigel and Rachel approach the special elevator on the 31st floor. "So, what did Numbuh Gamma want to talk about?" Nigel asks as they board the elevator.
"He didn't specify, but it sounded serious."
"I've been meaning to ask, who exactly is Numbuh Gamma?"
"Well, to be honest, I'm not sure myself. He hasn't mentioned his KND codename at any point…come to think of it, I don't remember seeing him as an operative when I was Supreme Leader…"
"Hmm…so his past is a complete mystery…I don't like that…"
"Now let's not jump to conclusions, Nigel. He's been a part of the TND since it was founded, and I trust him."
"Of course, I trust him as well, but we should keep our eyes open."
"Right…" Rachel's voice fades away as she remembers the conversation she had with Gamma before the V2 operation.
"Anyway, let's just focus on what's important now."
"You're right, Nigel." Rachel nods as the elevators stops and she scans her eye, which opens the doors, and they pass through the laser grid.
"Evening, Commander." Numbuh Gamma greets them as they enter the Deciphering room.
"So, what is it that you wanted to show us?"
"Follow me. We've found the last missing piece of the puzzle regarding Numbuh 1000." he says sternly and leads Nigel and Rachel to a separate room.
…
The night goes by as the TND finish their preparations for the assault on the Moonbase. Then, as Tuesday morning arrives, Rachel has everyone gather in the main hangar and she addresses them from a podium.
"Fellow Teens Next Door. The time has finally come, to take the battle to the Splinter Cell and end their reign of terror for good. All of us have fought hard to get here and now we end it. I'll now explain our strategy: This battle consists of a two-pronged attack against the Moonbase. First, the Wild Child and our own ships will engage the Moonbase head on." A unified gasp is heard as Rachel's words shock everyone.
"Head on? Didn't she say yesterday takin' them head on was crazy?"
"Ssh, Numbuh 4. Listen and you'll understand." Nigel says through his teeth as Rachel continues.
"I know this might sound insane but let me explain. As you all know, the Moonbase is heavily defended by a laser satellite system, barrier satellites that can deploy 2x4 energy shields, a jamming array that renders missiles useless and not to mention the KND Space Fleet, which is still under the Splinter Cell's command. However, that's why we will attack from two different directions. While the Wild Child draws their fire, a small team will infiltrate the Moonbase from the other side. Observe." Rachel then presses a button on the podium and a 3D hologram of the Moonbase appears above everyone.
"Notice that red area near the half-way point of the Moonbase? To the naked eye, it might seem like a simple bulkhead however, in truth, it's a secret hangar, only used by teen operatives. I myself used it many times and it is the key to everything. Once the small team has entered the hangar, they'll deploy Portal Discs, which will allow the Combat Force to charge inside. The Splinter Cell will be forced to fight against both the Wild Child and all of our troops that we've sent inside. Finally, the Wild Child will force its way through their defenses and dock with the main hangar, allowing us to both send more troops in and also insert a virus program into the Super Big Computermabob, which will let us remotely take control of the Moonbase through the Switchboard. The success of this mission depends on how quickly we can overwhelm the Moonbase's defenses and capture Numbuh 1000 and his followers. I want all of you to do your best out there and don't worry, once we've docked with the Moonbase, I will personally join you in battle. But the most important thing you must remember, is that everyone comes back alive. Anything less, and the mission is a failure, is that clear?!"
"YES, MA'AM!" The agents reply loudly as Rachel smiles.
"Excellent. Now, the Chiefs will brief their own Sections on their specific roles. I wish you all good luck." Rachel says as she salutes, and everyone salutes back. Then, she steps down from the podium while the Chiefs gather their subordinates, but Sector V have been left out.
"Uhm…Numbuh 1, what are we going to do?"
"Well, Numbuh 3, there's really only one job we're supposed to do."
"We're…doing the infiltration?"
"Exactly, Numbuh 2. Now, follow me. We'll be using a Subway Shuttle Pod to get close to the Moonbase, so we'll take-off immediately. I'll brief you all once we've left the carrier, understood?"
The others nod and follow Nigel out of the main hangar, but Hoagie and Abby are acting noticeably distant. Sector V walk through a side corridor and stop in-front of two doors.
"So, what the crud's with these?" Wally ask as he points at the doors.
"The secondary hangar has no air, so we'll need to put on space suits before we can board the Shuttle Pod. Go to the changing rooms and then we'll meet up in-front of the air-lock."
"Okidoki!" Kuki replies as she and Abby go through the left door and while the boys go to the right. Once inside, the girls start changing into their color-coded spacesuits, but Kuki can't help but notice Abby's silent demeanor. "Uhm…Numbuh 5?"
"Hmm?"
"Is something wrong? You're looking…sad."
"Honestly, Numbuh 5 don't know…I guess I am…" Abby says without looking at Kuki and tightens her dark-blue and white space suit.
"Why?"
"Don't worry, it's nothin' big…"
"Of course, I'll worry! You're my friend!" Kuki shouts and puts her hand on Abby's shoulder, who refuses to face her.
"It's about Hoagie, right? You two haven't talked yet?" Abby shivers slightly as she is reminded of what Hoagie said and lowers her head.
"Nu…Numbuh 5 can't think about that right now! We've got a mission to do…I'll…I'll worry about Numbuh 2 later."
"But…"
"No buts! This is Numbuh 5's problem!" Abby shouts, startling Kuki, who takes a step back. "Sorry…I didn't mean it like that…but please…this is something Numbuh 5's gotta deal with by herself." However, to her surprise, Kuki hugs her from behind.
"Okay…I understand…but don't let it hang over you too long, okay? It hurts to see you guys looking so sad all the time…"
"Thanks, Kuki…"
Inside the other changing room, Nigel has already put on his red and white suit, while Wally is struggling to don his orange and white suit.
"Aw crud, why the heck did they hafta make this so cruddy tight?! It feels like it's gonna rip my skin off if I take it off."
"You'll have to get used to it, Numbuh 4. We'll only need these until we reach the Moonbase."
"Yeah, yeah…cruddy suit…" Wally mutters as Hoagie finishes putting on his own, light-blue and khaki spacesuit.
"Everything okay, Numbuh 2?"
"Huh? Oh…yeah, I'm fine."
"Have you had a chance to talk with Numbuh 5 yet?" Nigel looks at Hoagie sharply.
"N…no…not yet…I uh…I've been busy with the B.R.A.'s and stuff…"
"I see…you still haven't gotten over what she said to you in the cell."
"I'm fine, Numbuh 1!"
"That's a lie and you know it. Look, we understand how you feel about it, since we all heard it, but you have to also understand Numbuh 5's position. She wasn't in the right state of mind and…"
"I know that!" Hoagie shouts, surprising his teammates. "I know dammit…but still…the way she said it…made it seem like she was just…being nice for her own sake…all this time…she just cared about her…status…not us…"
"Numbuh 2, that's a load of bollocks!" Wally shouts but Nigel gestures him to stand down.
"Calm down, Numbuh 4. Numbuh 2, only Numbuh 5 knows what she meant, and she's the only one who can explain it. So, you have to talk to her, not wallow in self-pity."
"…I know…but…"
"Numbuh 2, you have to be honest with yourself. You don't want this distance between you and her, right?"
"No…"
"Then think of a way to remove it. We're all in this together, remember?"
"Yeah…sorry…"
"No need to apologize. Just keep your head in the game. A lot is riding on this."
"Yeah, we've still got tons of butt to kick."
"Well said, Numbuh 4."
"You're…you're right…okay, I'll do my best."
"That is exactly what I want to hear, Numbuh 2." Nigel pats Hoagie's shoulder, who tries to smile back weakly. "Now, let's get going." Nigel opens the door at the other end of the changing room, and they join up with the girls in-front of the thick air-lock door. "Okay team, helmets on. Make sure your oxygen filter is on, otherwise you won't be able to breathe." Everyone puts on their helmets, which connect to their collars, sealing the suits completely. Nigel then presses a button on the small communicator on his left wrist. "Radio check. Can you all hear me?" His teammates nod and Nigel nods back. "Excellent. Okay, follow me." Nigel grabs the large handle on the door, but it proves too tight for him.
"Ugh…why…is it…so…tight…"
"Lemme try, Numbuh 1." Wally says and with a bit of force, manages to open the door, much to Nigel's embarrassment. "Don't tell me yer getting' rusty again?"
"Uh-hum, no, of course not. I could've easily opened it with my Silhouette Suit, but I can't overuse it, you see." Nigel coughs while his teammates smirk. "Anyway, let's go inside. The Shuttle Pod is waiting." The group enter the airlock and as the heavy door automatically closes behind them, the air is sucked out and the other door opens. Beyond it, is their Subway Shuttle Pod, sitting in a small hangar. Unlike the standard KND model, this one has four rocket arms instead of two, with a pair mounted in the nose and another pair in the rear.
"Numbuh 2, I'll leave piloting to you. Our approach route has already been inputted into the nav-computer, so all you need to do is follow the path the computer shows you."
"Got it." Hoagie nods as they enter the pod. While he takes the pilot's seat, Kuki, Wally and Abby sit down on the longitudinal seats on either side of the pod. Nigel then sits next to Hoagie on the navigator's seat and contacts the Switchboard.
"This is Numbuh 1 to CIC. We are ready for takeoff."
"Roger. Your escort will join you once you leave the stealth field's coverage. Good luck."
"Likewise, Numbuh Theta-9. Numbuh 1 out." Nigel flips the radio's channel switch and nods to Hoagie. "Alright, take us out."
"Roger that." Hoagie replies and activates the Shuttle Pod's four rockets, causing the ship to shutter before slowly rising as the hangar doors open ahead. "Here we go." The rocket arms pivot 90 degrees, pointing backwards and then, the Shuttle Pod gracefully floats out of the small hangar. Hoagie then turns to the right, as a red line appears in the HUD of his dashboard. Soon, the Pod leaves the protection of the stealth field and flies away from the Wild Child. "Uhm…Numbuh 1, what did she mean by escort?"
"Since this Pod is a transport, not a fighter or a gunship, I thought it was necessary to have some backup. They should be joining us any moment now."
"Wait a minute, you're not sayin' it's…?!" Before Nigel can answer Wally's question, they hear a familiar voice on the radio as a craft approaches them from behind.
"Ey, did ya miss me already, Beetles?"
"Aw crud!" Wally exclaims as The Kid's fighter catches up to them and flies alongside the Shuttle Pod.
"Oh, so that's what you mean…hey, wait a minute, there's someone else in there too."
"That 'someone' has a name you know!" Hoagie freezes from fear the moment he hears the sultry and sharp voice of Fanny, who is sitting in the rear seat of the Valkyrie.
"Fanny?! You're coming with us too?!" Kuki asks excitedly as she stares out of the side window.
"Of course, I am! I've got a score to settle with Numbuh 1000 and his cronies for turnin' me into a puppet."
"Oh great, first that cruddy pilot shows up and now it's 86 as well…"
"Hey! I heard that, ya stupid blondie! And fer your information, my codename is Numbuh Beta now, so ya better remember it!"
"Alright, let's all settle down. We've got a 1-hour flight ahead of us and I would appreciate it if we wouldn't argue the whole time. Now, listen carefully. We'll go through our plan of attack." Nigel presses a button on the navigator's dashboard, which projects 3D model of the Moonbase's middle section, where the secret hangar is located. This same model also shows up on the backrest-mounted screen of the Valkyrie, allowing Fanny to see it as well.
"We'll dock the Shuttle Pod onto the side of hangar's outer wall and connect it to an emergency airlock, that will allow us to enter the hangar. Once inside, we'll open the doors, allowing Agent Halcón to land his fighter and drop off Numbuh Beta. Then, we'll secure the hangar and use two Portal Discs, allowing Numbuh Zeta and the Combat Force to join us."
"What's our target, Numbuh 1?" Abby asks while crossing her arms.
"There are two. Because of that, we'll split into two groups, while the Combat Force heads directly to the upper levels. Numbuh 5, Numbuh 2, Numbuh 3, Agent Halcón, your target is the Super Big Computermabob. Numbuh 2, use this data-disc to install a backdoor into the firewall, which will allow the Switchboard to infect and take control of the Moonbase's control systems once the Wild Child docks."
"Uhm…okay, I can do that." Hoagie replies but feels hesitant, due to Abby and The Kid being in the same team.
"Numbuh 5, you'll be in-charge, understood?"
"Yeah…leave it to me, Numbuh 1."
"Good. Numbuh 4, you and Numbuh Beta will come with me to the Defense Control Bridge."
"Where the heck is that?" Wally asks and Nigel highlights a battleship's bow that is jutting upwards next to the Moonbase's main hangar.
"Right here. We'll storm the bridge and disable it completely. This will both hamper the Splinter Cell's defense effort and denies them the chance to reroute commands from the main Command Bridge, in the saucer. Once both objectives are complete, we'll rendezvous with the Combat Force in the main hangar, secure it and finally, isolate and attack the Command Bridge. Now, you know our opponent is the Splinter Cell. They'll throw everything they've got at us, so be prepared for anything. For all we know, they might have more Teen Hunters or worse waiting for us."
"I don't care what they throw at me, as long I get to give some payback to Numbuh 1000."
"Hey, not before I'm through with him first!" Fanny shouts over the radio.
"Hah, yeah right. I called dibs!"
"Is that so?! Ya still love runnin' yer mouth, don't ya?!"
"Look who's talkin', Fannypa…"
"ENOUGH!" Nigel silences Wally and Fanny instantly. "Could you two stop arguing?!"
"Yeah, leave that for later, ya dummies." Abby glares at Wally, who lowers his head while Fanny stays quiet.
"Listen, this battle will determine the fate of the Kids Next Door. The TND is putting all of its resources into this, and we won't succeed without teamwork. I want all of you to remember that." Nigel looks sternly at his team, who all nod back.
"You know I'll do my part, hombre."
"I…I'll do my best." Fanny replies.
"The stakes are higher than ever before, so let's give it our all."
The remainder of the flight to the Moonbase goes by in almost total silence, apart from a few transmissions between the Valkyrie and the Shuttle Pod. Soon, the two ships begin approaching the Moonbase, which had never seemed so foreboding. Following the red line on his HUD, Hoagie steers the ship through a field of debris, made up of space junk and scrapped 2x4 equipment.
"Wow, look at all that trash." Kuki says as she presses her helmet against the window.
"This is where the KND Orbital Shipyards used to be, before they were damaged during Rachel's 13th birthday…" Nigel says solemnly as his teammates are reminded of the battle that took place here 3 years ago. But this also makes them remember what led to it. How a harmless assignment changed everything.
...
Winter Break, 3 Years Ago
"Attention, this is Numbuh 1. All members of Sector V are to report to the briefing room at once. We've received an important transmission from Global Command, I repeat…"
A loud voice speaks over the intercom of Sector V's Treehouse as a soon to be 12-year-old Wally dashes out of his room and boards the nearest elevator. He is wearing an orange hoodie with a large collar, that partially covers his mouth, blue jeans with a small chain hanging from his belt while a holstered M.U.S.K.E.T. hangs the right side of his belt. Lastly, he has white, dusty and muddy sneakers. Suddenly, the elevator stops, and an 11-year-old Kuki happily skips inside. She is wearing an over-sized cotton sweater, a black top, black leggings and black and white sneakers.
"Hi, Numbuh 4!"
"*yawn* Hi Numbuh 3…" Wally replies sluggishly as the elevator speeds upwards again.
"Aw, is someone still sleepy?"
"What do ya think? We were up all night tryin' to capture that cruddy Count Spankulot and he still got away. Yeah, I'm cruddy tired. Why aren't you?"
"I slept like a log thanks to my Sleepy Sleep Tight Rainbow Monkey!"
"Yeah, of course…" Wally mutters while trying to keep his eyes open. Then, the elevator stops again as they hear commotion coming from behind the door.
"…Numbuh 5's told ya once, told ya a hundred times, why ya gotta test your 2x4 jet engines when Numbuh 5's havin' her beauty sleep?!"
"It was an accident! And for your information, it's not just any jet engine! The Hyper Acceleration Booster is a gazillion times more powerful than a 2x4 jet engine!"
"Whatever, just don't test yer gizmos when Numbuh 5's sleepin' got it?!" Abby shouts as the doors open. Standing before Wally and Kuki are the soon to be 13-year-olds Abby and Hoagie. Abby is wearing stylish black eyeglasses, a long blue t-shirt with white stripes and six gold bracelets, three in each wrist while the portly Hoagie has black suspenders holding his khaki-colored pants, a light blue shirt with a pocket protector filled with pens and black, finger-less gloves in his hands.
"Huh? Oh hi guys." The 2x4 Technology Officer says as he and Abby also board the elevator.
"Why were you arguing?"
"Numbuh 5 got woken up by Numbuh 2 playin' with his 2x4 tech again." Abby huffs and glares at Hoagie.
"I told you, it was an accident!"
"Yeah, whatever. Anyway, why the heck did Nigel call us to the briefing room?"
"Said there was a message from Global Command or somethin'…*yawn*."
"Boy, you gotta get some shut eye."
"I was, but then that alarm went off." Wally snaps at Abby, who chuckles and messes with Wally's blond, bowl-cut hair.
"Alright, ya made your point, sport." she smirks mischievously.
"Hey, cut it out!" Wally shouts but Abby ignores his complaints as her expression changes.
"Numbuh 5 thinks the transmission is about Numbuh 362's birthday…" The mere mentioning of the word 'birthday' sends a chill down everyone's spines, as they are reminded of the fact that Rachel's 13th birthday is only 3 days away.
"It's not fair…" Kuki mutters as her head hunches slightly.
"Yeah, but it's the rules. You can't be in the Kids Next Door once you turn thirteen…" Hoagie says solemnly as Abby puts her hand on Kuki's shoulder.
"Don't worry Numbuh 3. She's gonna be fine."
"But…"
"No one's a kid forever…" Wally says silently as the elevator stops and the door opens.
"Now pull yourselves together. Numbuh 1's gonna get angry if we don't get to the briefin' room on time." Abby says stoically, despite knowing that she and Hoagie will have their 13th birthday's during the summer back-to-back. The four kids then exit the elevator and walks across the wooden bridge that leads to the tower-like briefing room. Inside, they are greeted by their leader, Nigel, who is wearing a red turtleneck under a black equipment vest, black shorts with multiple pockets, white socks and his signature J.E.T.A.B.O.O.T.S.
"Numbuhs 2 though 5 reportin'."
"At ease. Now, take a seat." Nigel gestures his team to sit down as he walks over to the podium. "10 minutes ago, I received an urgent message from the Moonbase."
"What's it about?" Abby says as she leans back on the circular sofa's backrest.
"Don't worry, it's nothing bad. It's an invitation from Supreme Leader Numbuh 362. She wants us to be at the Moonbase until her birthday. It's a personal request."
"Wow…really?" Hoagie asks as Nigel nods and reads out the paper he is holding.
"Yes. She has already prepared quarters for us as well. 3 days and 2 nights."
"Hmm…not gonna lie, Numbuh 5 kinda likes that." A faint smile appears on Abby's face as her teammates also agree.
"Oh, oh, can we give her our birthday presents before everyone else?!"
"You'll have to ask her. She also mentioned that our Sector will be given a special assignment for her birthday, though she didn't specify what it was."
"Then what the crud are we waiting for?! Let's go to space already!"
"Not so fast, Numbuh 4. We'll need to ask our parents first."
"Huh?! Aw crud…Mom and Dad are never gonna let me go for 3 days…"
"Don't worry, Numbuh 4. I can come with you and help." Kuki smiles warmly at Wally, who hides his face under his bangs and the tall collar.
"Uhm…okay…thanks…"
"Alright, we'll all ask our parents and then meet up in the main hangar. Numbuh 2, is the S.T.A.R.W.R.E.C.K. prepped?"
"Just like all of my ships, she's ready to take-off anytime."
An hour later, Wally, Kuki, Hoagie and Abby return to the Treehouse, where Nigel is waiting inside the main hangar, along with their ship, the S.T.A.R.W.R.E.C.K.
"Did everything go without problems?" he asks as they walk up the ship's side ramp.
"No problems. Mom even packed me some lunch." Hoagie smirks as he points at his brown backpack.
"Numbuh 5's folks were cool about it."
"My mom said yes before dad came home and Wally's parents said yes, too!" Kuki says cheerfully as they enter the ship and take their positions on the bridge.
"Did ya remember to thank her, Numbuh 4?" Abby nudges Wally, who looks away.
"Y…yeah, of course I did!" he shouts as Hoagie starts up the S.T.A.R.W.R.E.C.K.'s engines.
"All systems online. Next stop, the Moonbase!" he yells and pulls a lever next to his seat, causing the ship to tilt 90 degrees upwards as the hangars roof splits in half and slides away.
"Take us up, Numbuh 2."
"Roger that, Numbuh 1!" Hoagie grabs the control stick and applies full power. Then, the S.T.A.R.W.R.E.C.K. takes off towards the winter sky and in no time, breaks through the Earth's atmosphere and reaches space. Soon, the five operatives arrive to the Moonbase. As the S.T.A.R.W.R.E.C.K. flies alongside the massive HQ, Nigel looks out of a side window, his eyes focused on the massive gold statue that sits within the very center of Moonbase, that is visible from the outside. This statue has a special meaning not only to him, but to all KND operatives, as it depicts none other than Numbuh 0, Nigel's father. "This is Numbuh 2, calling Moonbase Flight Control Center. Requesting permission to land."
"This Numbuh 105 from the FCC, roger that. We've got a special dock prepared for you, follow the holo-route to begin your approach. You're cleared to land."
"Roger that. Beginning landing approach."
"Special dock huh? They're givin' us special treatment today." Abby remarks as the S.T.A.R.W.R.E.C.K. enter the humongous main hangar, which is buzzing with activity.
"That's probably Numbuh 362's doing. I guess she wants to give us a warm welcome. Take her down nice and slow, Numbuh 2."
"Just watch me. This is gonna be smooth like buttering your toast." Hoagie says casually and gently lands the ship in a separate dock made up of two upside-down harbor cranes.
"Alright, let's go. We don't want to keep her waiting." Nigel gets up and leads his team out of the ship. Immediately upon stepping out of the ship, they are greeted by a short, brown-haired boy wearing a Moonbase Guard outfit.
"Welcome to the Moonbase, Sector V." The boy salutes Nigel and his team, who salute back. "Follow me. The Supreme Leader has asked me to personally escort you to her quarters." The boy says stoically.
"Well then, please show us the way." Nigel replies as the short boy starts leading them through the Moonbase's huge interior. Everywhere they look, they see operatives running around, delivering reports, training and working.
"Wow crud, I forgot how big this place is…" Wally mutters as they walk across a walkway made out of a subway car, which is suspended across a massive vertical shaft, where operatives wearing flgith suits zip up and down using their jetpacks and J.E.T.A.B.O.O.T.S.
"Yeah, been a while since we've been here…" Hoagie replies while Nigel moves alongside the short operative.
"Did the Supreme Leader mention anything about the assignment she's prepared for us?"
"No. She said she'll tell it to you personally."
"I see…"
"Come on, relax, Numbuh 1. Maybe she just wants us to keep her company."
"Why would the Supreme Leader of the KND bring us all the way here just to have company. No, I suspect she has a super special mission prepared for us." Nigel replies firmly while Abby rolls her eyes.
"Man, ya gotta learn to loosen up." Nigel ignores her comment as they board an elevator made out of a hollowed-out jet fighter, that instantly takes them to the top of the massive saucer, which acts as both the Moonbase's command bridge and the Supreme Leader's quarters. After exiting the elevator, the short operative leads Sector V to a large door, guarded by two heavily armed guards.
"The Supreme Leader is waiting inside."
"Thank you for bringing us here…uhm…you didn't mention your codename, did you?"
"No, sorry. I am Numbuh 1000." The boy replies cautiously.
"1000? Ah, you must be Caleb, Numbuh 100's younger brother. So, you were promoted to the Moonbase? Impressive."
"Uhm…thank you…I'm honored."
"I hope we can work together some time. I've heard good things about you." Nigel offers his hand to the boy, who hesitantly shakes it before saluting and turning away.
"What was his problem?"
"Heh, Numbuh 5 thinks he got nervous talkin' to THE Numbuh 1." Abby chuckles as they enter Rachel's quarters. Inside they see Rachel behind her desk reading something.
"Sector V reporting as requested, Supreme Leader!" Nigel shouts as he and his team salute Rachel, who doesn't react. "Uhm…Supreme Leader?"
"Hmm…Huh?! Oh, sorry, I didn't realize you were here." Rachel twitches and smiles sheepishly, but Nigel finds her behavior odd.
"Are you alright, Numbuh 362?"
"Oh yes, I'm alright. Sorry, I was just reading this magazine and lost my train of thought…heh…I'm glad you all came here. I uhm…wasn't sure if you'd accept."
"What are you talking about, Supreme Leader? Of course, we'd accept it, like any order." Nigel replies firmly as Rachel sighs.
"Yeah, I know." she gets up from her seat and walks over to Sector V. "Well, now that you're here, let's talk. Come on, take a seat." she presses a button on the wall, which slides away, revealing a large living room behind it.
"Wow! You've got a secret room! That's so cool!" Kuki shouts excitedly while Rachel smiles.
"Well, that was a left over from Numbuh 274, thought it's not my style." she replies and gestures to Sector V to sit down on the two large sofas while she sits down on the recliner opposite to them. "Alright, let's get down to business. I bet you're wandering why I called you guys here so close to my…birthday."
"Yeah, Numbuh 1's been goin' nuts about it this whole time." Abby remarks and smirks at Nigel who glares back.
"I have not gone 'nuts' over this. I'm merely curious, Numbuh 5."
"Hah-hah, you're serious as ever. Okay, there are actually three reasons why I brought you here. The first one is…well…I was hoping to spend my last few days as Supreme Leader with my friends so if you'd accompany me until my birthday, I'd appreciate it…" Rachel looks at Sector V meekly, a side that she doesn't show to others often.
"Of course! It would be an honor to accompany you. We will do our best to assist you in way possible!"
"Calm down, Numbuh 1. She just wants to hang out with us, that's all. Why you gotta be so 'official' about this?" Abby nudges Nigel, who realizes what Rachel meant and clears his throat.
"Eh-hem…yes, of course we'll hang out with you, no problem."
"Heh-heh, thanks Nigel. The second reason is I want to make some…arrangements before I'm decommissioned, so I need you guys to stay here until then. And lastly, Global Command has given you guys an important job for my birthday: Guarding the C.O.D.E.M.O.D.U.L.E. during the party."
"WHAT?!" Nigel jumps up while his teammates stare at Rachel in stunned silence. "You want us to guard to the C.O.D.E.M.O.D.U.L.E.? That's odd, I thought the Moonbase guards have that job."
"Yes, but since it's my birthday, Global Command has put the Moonbase on high alert because they're expecting the adults or the teenagers to act on that same day. And I don't blame them. Father has been awfully quiet for a month or so."
"Good point. Very well, we'll accept. Don't worry, we won't allow anyone to break in to the vault, I swear on my codename." Nigel replies firmly.
"No cruddy adult or teen is gonna get their hands on it while we're here!"
"Yeah! We'll keep it safe." Wally and Kuki jump up from the sofa while Rachel chuckles.
"Thanks guys. I knew I could rely on you. Now, I'll show you to your bedrooms. This way." Rachel gets up and leads Sector V out of her room and in to the hallway, where they arrive in-front of two doors.
"Numbuh 1, Numbuh 2, Numbuh 4, your room is on the left. Numbuh 3 and 5, the right one is for you."
"Alright, thank you Rachel."
"Everything's set up for you guys, but if you need anything, just use the intercom next to the door."
"Ooh, it's like we're in a hotel!"
"You got that right, Numbuh 3." Hoagie says as he peeks inside the boy's room.
"Numbuh 362, I'd like to pay a visit to the command deck."
"I thought you'd ask that, Numbuh 1. Sure, let's go."
"I wanna do a spacewalk!" Kuki jumps up and down excitedly.
"Count me in too!" Hoagie says as Nigel shakes his head.
"Guys, we're not on vacation here."
"Aw relax, Numbuh 1. Numbuh 5's gonna go with 'em."
"But…"
"Sorry, but I can't authorize that. However, you can go to the Zero-Gravity Training Sphere on the 57th floor. Just take the elevator down and use the tube-transport system to get there. Numbuh 50-G is in-charge there, so talk to him if you want to test it."
"Sounds good to me. Let's go!" Hoagie says as he and Abby head back to the elevator while Kuki notices that Wally isn't moving.
"Wally?"
"…huh, wha…? Uhm…I'm gonna go to sleep. That cruddy Spankulot hunt from last night screwed up my internal clock or something…" he replies and Kuki smiles back at him.
"Okidoki! Sleep tight!" she says and skips away while Wally goes to the boy's room and collapses on a bed, falling asleep almost instantly.
…
The rest of the day goes by quickly as Nigel and Rachel tour the bridge, where his presence is honored by everyone while Abby, Hoagie and Kuki play around in the massive Zero-Gravity Training Sphere, despite Hoagie nearly throwing up. Wally however sleeps like a log and doesn't even notice that he was asleep for almost 15 hours until he is dragged out of bed the next morning by Hoagie and Nigel. The next day also goes by, as Sector V spend time with not only Rachel, but also Patton, who spars with Wally but their matches prove inconclusive, Fanny, who gushes over Kuki's Rainbow Monkey's she brought over, Herbie, who plays multiple rounds of Yipper with Hoagie in between shifts and finally, Eliza, who arrives fashionably late and immediately berates Nigel for not telling her he was at the Moonbase.
Then, the evening before the 3rd day arrives. While half of the Moonbase goes to sleep, those with the night-shift take over the HQ's operations. However, up in the saucer, standing on the observation deck on the hallway between Rachel's room and the guest rooms, is Kuki. She stares wistfully into the void as the sun slowly moves behind the Earth. Kuki sighs and leans on the railing, the long sleeves of her purple pajamas hanging over it. Then, she hears the boy's door opening and sees a yawning Wally slowly walk out.
"Wally?"
"Huh? What the crud are ya doin' here, Kuki? I thought ya were sleepin'."
"I was gonna ask that from you."
"Couldn't sleep…" Wally mutters as he walks to her side and also leans on the railing.
"Me neither…I…can't stop thinking about tomorrow…" she clenches the railing and hunches forward while Wally stares blankly out of the massive window.
"Yeah…I hate decommissioning…"
"It's not fair…why do you have to lose your memories when you turn 13? I…don't want to forget you…or anyone else…" Kuki laments and turns to face Wally. "Abby and Hoagie will be 13 this year and then it's you and Nigel…I…I'll be left behind…" her lips begin to quiver but Wally refuses to make eye contact, until Kuki notices that he is shivering.
"I cruddy know that…I don't wanna lose my memories either…I don't wanna end up as a stupid teenager next year…" he grips the railing as the very thought of Sector V breaking up is something he never wants to happen.
"Wally…" Kuki moves slightly closer and puts her left hand over his right hand but he doesn't resist as he is gripped by fear.
"I know it's against the rules but…please…when I get decommissioned…don't…don't stop being my friend…" Kuki's eyes widen as she stares at Wally for a moment, shocked by his behavior. Wally, who would never show his sensitive side to anyone, is close to breaking out in tears.
Touched by his words, Kuki reacts. "I…of course!" she shrieks and gives Wally a tight hug, which he in any other situation would try to break out from, but not this time, as he simply remains still. "You're my bestest best friend and I'll always be your friend!" she begins to cry and despite being a head-height taller than him, weeps against his shoulder, while Wally does not move a muscle, trying his best not to cry as well.
As the two share this rare moment, unknown to neither, Abby has heard everything and leans against the wall on the other side of the door, trying to stop herself from crying, as she understands exactly how Wally and Kuki feel, while behind the other door, Nigel and Hoagie have also heard their conversation and Nigel, who used to work in the Decommissioning Squad, is having a hard time keeping his composure. They all know that Decommissioning is unavoidable, but being forced to give up their memories of their childhood is unacceptable. Each of them also knows that teenagers are the KND's enemy, and that would include them once they turn 13.
Then, overcome by emotion, Nigel, Hoagie, and Abby all join their friends on the observation deck and take part in the hug and Wally, who would normally protest, doesn't do so.
"Don't worry, Wally. No matter what, we're gonna stay friends."
"We might lose our memories, but our friendship will never end."
"It doesn't matter what happens, the five of us will always be friends."
"…thanks…" Wally struggles to reply as they let go and move over to the railing.
"Decommissioning is something we'll all have to face eventually, but until then, let's give our all for the Kids Next Door, okay guys?" Nigel looks at his friends, who all look back and nod. "I know now isn't the right time yet, but I'm glad to have you as my teammates. None of us would've gotten this far if we'd never met."
"Ya got that right, Nigel. These have been the best 7 years of Abby's life."
"Come on, we've still got plenty of time before any of us get decommissioned." Hoagie tries to cheer his friends up but he knows summer isn't far away.
"That's right, Numbuh 2. We've got many missions still ahead of us before that happens." Nigel looks at his friends reassuringly and adjusts his sunglasses. "But promise me one thing. No matter how old you become, never grow up. We'll always be kids at heart." Nigel puts his hand forward and his teammates put their hands over his.
"Always." Hoagie nods.
"No one's gonna tear us apart." Abby smiles warmly.
"We're gonna be the bestest best friends forever!" Kuki smirks
"Count on it." Wally says with a serious expression and Nigel nods back.
"That's right. Now, we should get back to sleep. Tomorrow's going to be a big day, to all of us." His friends nod and leave, but Nigel stays on the observation deck by himself.
"I won't let anyone of you become the KND's enemy…no matter what happens. We won't become Ninjas, or villains. We'll remains friends…" he mutters and also goes back to bed, but he is unaware that Rachel had also overheard everything and is leaning against her door.
"I'll miss you all…especially you, Nigel…"
…
"Alert! Multiple Adult and Teen Ninja ships are approaching the Moonbase from multiple directions!"
"How did they get past our defense perimeter?!"
"We don't know, Supreme Leader!" A frantic Herbie shouts as Patton runs to the Command Deck.
"Numbuh 362, the defense system's not working! Those ships are gonna land here any minute!"
"Dammit…Numbuh 60, you and Numbuh 86 are in-charge of the defense forces! Don't let them inside the Moonbase."
"Yes, Ma'am!" Patton salutes and runs out as Rachel gets up from her seat and contacts the Security Commander, Numbuh 20.000.
"Security, I want all special troopers to gather in main hangar. Those ships are headed there!"
"Yes, Supreme Leader!" Suddenly the Moonbase is rocked as something strikes it's left-side.
"What was that?!"
"Supreme Leader, it's the Delightful Children from Down the Lane! They just rammed the Moonbase with one of their mechs!"
"What level did they land on?!"
"It's…level 60!" Rachel's face turns pale.
"No…that's where the C.O.D.E.M.O.D.U.L.E. is located! Get me Sector V right now!"
"No dice, Supreme Leader! All communication lines are down!"
"Then give me visual!"
"Yes, Ma'am!" Herbie replies and manages to shows the Vault's 2x4 CCTV footage up on the main screen, but what they see silences everyone on the Command Deck.
"No…how could they…?" Rachel mutters as they see Sector V let the Delightful Children inside the vault and then, destroy the C.O.D.E.M.O.D.U.L.E. right before their eyes.
End of Transmission 44
Note: Oh man, I was really looking forward to releasing this chapter. Ever since I restarted this project back in 2019, I was keen on making a flashback which showed Sector V as 11-12 year olds. Now, I know their ages aren't really touched upon in the show apart from Numbuh 5, who was turning eleven in or after Operation: M.A.U.R.I.C.E. and Numbuh 3, who was 9 before Operation: F.A.S.T.-F.O.O.D. So I've taken a few artistic liberties regarding their ages: Nigel and Wally are the same age (they are a year older than Kuki), Abby and Hoagie are also the same age (two years older than Kuki) and Kuki, who is the youngest. Their appearances in the flashback are based on how they looked in Fusion Fall, with some changes.
We've once again reached the halfway point of the arc. The next chapters will be very heavy on the action and fights, so be prepared for it.