Finally! I can start releasing the final chapters! Lots of things happened in the past 2 months so I haven't had the time write at all. Hopefully that'll change now that my schedule isn't so clogged.
Also, from this chapter onwards, I'll be including songs I used to choreograph some scenes or that inspired me. Feel free to listen to them in the background.
-3x4 and 5x2 moments before the night: "June Mermaid" by Yasunori Mitsuda
-Final Operation begins: "Stardust" by Frequency
Transmission 55: The Die is Cast
With the shadow of the impeding attack on the Moonbase looming over them, the TND and the KND remnants wake up the next morning to continue their preparations. Thanks to Numbuh Omicron's swift leadership and technical expertise, the Super Big Computermabob is finally rebooted, albeit with much of its functions still unusable due to the damage. As the technicians turn their attention to the defense systems, the repair crews led by Bartie Stork, aka Numbuh Lambda are busy scrounging together parts to repair and rearm the TND's fleet of ships.
While this is going on, one person has separated himself from everyone else and has not even spoken to anyone for 24 hours. That person is Numbuh Gamma. He has holed himself inside the Erasure Chamber, trying to find more clues regarding the GKND's involvement everything that has happened so far. He has not allowed anyone to enter the otherwise empty chamber on the pretense that it is still highly irradiated with Erasure radiation. As he sits in-front of the main control panel, he begins putting the pieces together. "No matter how I look at it, this is all GKND technology, not Earth's 2x4…You were right about Numbuh 74.239, Numbuh Delta. He wasn't acting alone…" Suddenly, his 2x4 wristwatch begins flashing yellow, starting him. "Hmm?! A transmission? How is that possible?" Numbuh Gamma mutters and presses his index finger against the blinking screen, causing the wristwatch to emit a holographic projection of a formless silhouette.
"Transmission code 00798694. Do you copy, Numbuh S-26?" A distorted voice speaks to Gamma, who stands up and replies.
"Transmission code received. This is Numbuh S-26 speaking."
"*sigh* Finally, I got through. I've been trying to contact you for a Solar Cycle." Numbuh Gamma can tell the person is alarmed. "This is Numbuh Delta speaking. What's your situation?"
"Father has succeeded to Delightfulize the planet and the leader of the Splinter Cell escaped. Me and the rest of the Cleve TND Sector have taken refuge inside the Moonbase along with the remains of the KND. We are currently preparing a counter attack against Father." The person called Numbuh Delta does not reply immediately but then, Gamma hears a faint bang.
"Dammit…so that's why they've dispatched the Galactic Subjugation Force to the Milky Way galaxy…"
"They've what?! You're not serious, are you?"
"Deadly serious. The order came down from Galactic Supreme Leader Numbuh Aleph Zero themselves. They'll arrive on Earth in two Solar Cycles and will perform a Planetary Decommissioning on Earth."
"No…we can't let that happen."
"I know. I'm going to try and get an audience with the Supreme Leader and make them reconsider…"
"It's not going to work, Numbuh Delta. You know as well as I do that they'll only rescind that order if Father is defeated and the Earth's KND is restored."
"But Earth is MY home planet!"
"I am well aware of that, Numbuh Delta. But you're forgetting something." Once again Delta falls silent before replying.
"Sector V…"
"Exactly. I've seen first-hand how strong your former subordinate's team is and I'm willing to bet everything on them."
"Hah-hah…you always have a way with words…but you're right. If it's them, you'll have a chance."
"That's right. Now, there's something you can do at your end, Numbuh Delta."
"What is it?"
"I'm sending you the data I've gathered so far. Tell me what you think." Gamma presses a button on his wristwatch and multiple lines of code are moved into the hologram.
"Hmm…okay, let me take a look…Wait…is this…?"
"You were right, Numbuh Delta. Erasure technology wasn't made here on Earth. Numbuh 74.239 brought it with him from the GKND and gave it to the Splinter Cell. My original theory that they had planned to change people's memories was wrong. The Splinter Cell simply wanted to mind-wipe everyone over 13 on Earth."
"But that goes against Numbuh 74.239's methods. All this does is make Earth's population lose their memories and identities. It's too crude."
"Numbuh 1000 must've changed the plan after 74.239 left. Mind-wipe the population and then chip them. Of course, without the Moonbase, Numbuh 1000 can't go through with that plan anymore. Maybe that's why they sent the Galactic Subjugation Force to Earth. Galactic Command must've deemed Numbuh 1000 a threat as well."
"That makes sense. Okay, thanks for giving me the info. I'll have Numbuh Vine do a more detailed analysis on them later. But I wish I could do more…just knowing that Father Delightfulized the Earth makes me angry…"
"I'm sorry, but you'll have to leave the rest to us on Earth. We won't fail, Numbuh Delta."
"Thanks. I know I'm not allowed to say this but if you get a chance, give my regards to Numbuh 1, okay?"
"I won't make any promises. I've already broken protocol by revealing my identity to the TND."
"Right, of course…hmm? What is it? You did? Thanks!"
"What's going on in there?"
"Numbuh Vine just gave me a set of coordinates. She said a Galactic transmission was sent to those coordinates from the Galactic HQ Communications Center."
"Is it related to Earth?"
"Yes! These coordinates are from the Earth's orbit. I'll send them to you."
"Really?...You're right! This matches the results we got with Moonbase's long-distance sensor array. I'll need to run these through our computers, but I think we can now pin-point the Orbital Shipyards' location. Thank you Numbuh Delta."
"No, thank Numbuh Vine."
"Of course. Now, there is an important file in the data I sent you. It's a report about former KND Operative Numbuh 23, Virginia Sims. She was an early victim of the Splinter Cell's Erasure experiments."
"I think I remember that codename…she was a member of Sector K. So, they wiped her mind instead of Decommissioning her…*sigh*."
"Correct. She has no memory of her life before 13 and yet somehow, she has exhibited signs of recalling those same memories."
"How's that possible?"
"I'm not sure, but I ran some tests with her irradiated earring and the instruments showed pictures of some kind. Which would suggest that instead of her memories being destroyed, they were somehow stored in her earring or at least some of them. That along with her regular headache fits support my theory. Can you find out more at your end?"
"Of course. I'll look into it as well. One more thing: How is your…secondary mission going?"
"I haven't been able to locate Omnius, but I've got a hunch that he is most likely hiding on Earth or worse, has made contact with Father. If he has, he'll show up in Father's mansion."
"As long as you can get some proof. Keep me updated on that. Alright, I'm cutting the transmission. I'll still try and talk with Aleph Zero to buy you some time."
"We don't have anymore time. Everyone's fate now rests with Sector V."
"Yeah…Numbuh Delta out." the hologram disappears and Numbuh Gamma lets out a pained sigh as he leans back on the control panel's chair.
"We've done all we can. But if nothing else, I'll make sure the Splinter Cell are eradicated."
…
It's midday and Rachel is holding a meeting with Numbuh Omicron, Numbuh 81, Nigel and Numbuh Gamma, who is attending remotely.
"We have about a day or so before Father's predicted attack, so I wanted to call this meeting to see what our preparations are going. Why don't you go first, Numbuh Omicron?"
"Well, Commander, we got the Computermabob running and restored the TND databanks."
"However, about 70% of the databanks were compromised in the attack. That includes most of our weapons data, so it's safe to assume Father has already either devised countermeasures or has given them to his army." Numbuh Gamma says with his arms crossed.
"That won't help our odds at all…and it means a stealthy approach is out of the picture as well. Let's just hope those weapons Numbuh 2's team have been working on will give us the edge over the Delightful Ninjas, since they are the biggest obstacle we'll face."
"They will, Numbuh Epsilon. After all, this is Numbuh 2 we're talking about." Nigel says confidently as Numbuh 81 puts his hand up.
"What about the Moonbase's defenses? Are they usable?"
"Don't worry, lad, we'll get 'em up and runnin' in no time. What we really should be worrying about is the carrier. I won't lie, she's not in great shape. The space repair crews got the outer engines fixed but her armor and weapon systems took a beatin' from that C.L.A.M.M.A.H.- Array."
"And the stealth field?" Nigel asks to which Numbuh Omicron nods.
"Lucky for us, it's still functional, but I doubt it's gonna do us any good anymore. Father's no doubt figured a way to counter it by now."
"Yes, it will. The stealth field is a key part of our plan. As long as the carrier can cloak, fly and use its shields, we'll be set. Trust me."
"Well, if ye say so, Numbuh 1."
"So that only leaves the attack teams. Did Agent Halcón receive the blueprints from Numbuh 2?"
"Yes, he's done nothing but work on the W.A.S.P. since yesterday. I didn't think he'd actually agree to what you suggested to him."
"He knows what's at stake, Numbuh Epsilon." Nigel replies sternly and brings up a 3D rendering of the Earth and the Moon. "Numbuh Gamma, are you certain that the Orbital Shipyards are here?" Nigel points at a small dot on the holograph.
"Positive. Once we've finished the preparations, I'll brief the attack team personally on their target."
"And what about your…own investigation?"
"I'll find the answers I need from the Orbital Shipyards and besides, Father is our priority."
"Right, then I'll let you go back to your duties. With this pace, we'll be ready when Father makes his move." Rachel salutes everyone and they do the same, but while Numbuh Omicron and Numbuh 81 leave the Global Command operations room, Nigel gets a call on his communicator.
"Numbuh 2? What is it?"
"Yo, Numbuh 1! I got all the B.R.A.'s and weapons done. You mind calling the gang and tell them to come the Moonbase Science Lab? I need to do some tests."
"Of course. We'll be there shortly."
"Awesome. See ya in a bit." As the call ends, Nigel turns his attention to Rachel.
"Well, you heard him. Let's not keep him waiting." Rachel nods as they head out as well.
…
20 minutes later, Sector V, Rachel, Patton, Fanny and The Kid have all gathered in the Moonbase Science Lab, where both the KND's and TND's technicians and scientists are hard at work finishing the EMP weapons in time. "Numbuh 2!" Nigel greets Hoagie, who has his head buried in blueprints and schematics.
"Hmm? Hey, glad you guys could make it!" he turns around in his stool and puts his beanie on the table.
"Ya said the upgrades are done, so of course we came! So where's my B.R.A.?" Wally asks enthusiastically.
"Oh they're all done but we've gotta lots of stuff we need to test, because I need to check that everything works." Hoagie replies and hands everyone their B.R.A.'s, which includes Nigel.
"Numbuh 2, is this for me?" Nigel asks as he inspects the red wristband Hoagie gave him.
"Yeah, I figured you could use one. It's nothing a fancy like the other ones but think of it like a backup in-case you know, you overuse the Silhouette Suit."
"Don't ya mean ya got so lost in your tinkerin' that ya made that by accident?" Abby jokingly nudges Hoagie, while the others chuckle.
"Wha…no! Well…maybe a little, but I didn't wanna leave a half-finished B.R.A. behind." Hoagie stutters as he adjusts his goggles but Nigel pats him on the back.
"Don't worry, Numbuh 2. I'll make sure to put this to good use."
"When are we gonna start the testing?!"
"You're really excited, Numbuh 4." Kuki giggles next to Wally, who points at his wrist band.
"Of course I am!"
"Okay, okay, calm down. Let's go to the test chamber first." Hoagie points at the large, armored doors near the lab's back wall but before they even a take step forward, Bradley jumps on Kuki's shoulder.
"Hi Bradley! Ooh, is that your new arm?"
"Oh yeah, Numbuh Pi-2 made that arm. Pretty cool isn't it?" Hoagie says as Bradley proudly display's it's new shovel arm. It's overall design is more compact and now features a separate three fingered hand while the shovel is connected to the wrist. "The shovel can now expand and act as a shield as well. Pi-2 also gave him a new eye beam, that he can change between a heat laser and a Stupefier, and a new interfacing system, meaning he can take over and control machines. That last one was my idea." Hoagie explains as they enter the Weapons Testing Chamber. Inside, Rachel notices that something is off.
"I don't remember this place being so…empty."
"You said it. Last time I came here, it was filled with weapons and other gadgets that the science guys where testing." Patton notes while Hoagie takes out his 2x4 scanner.
"That's what I remember too, but when we opened the doors yesterday, it was like this."
"The Splinter Cell must've cleaned the place up or somethin'." Abby looks around the chamber while Hoagie gestures everyone but Wally to follow him.
"You stay here Numbuh 4, we're gonna go to the observation booth."
"Huh? Wait, what do ya mean 'stay here'?!"
"Ya wanted to test things, so you can go first." Abby smirks as they leave Wally alone in the chamber.
"Oh, well alright then!" Wally cracks his knuckles as Hoagie talks to him through the intercom.
"Okay, I'm gonna activate the 'Delightful Attack Simulation level 5' first."
"5? Gimme a break, pump it up to 10! I wanna have a real challenge!"
"But I haven't even explained all the upgrades to you yet!"
"I'll learn them when I use 'em!" Wally shouts stubbornly, while Hoagie sighs.
"Okay, just try not to break the armor…" he replies silently while Abby nudges Kuki.
"He gonna wish he'd taken level 5 instead." the girls chuckle while Patton moves next to Hoagie to observe the test.
"I don't think he even remembers what this simulation is about."
"Well, he'll remember soon enough, Numbuh Zeta." Nigel says as Hoagie sets the simulation to 10 and pulls the lever on the control panel. Then, red warning lights pop-up from the ceiling as a large, remote controlled Really Really Incredibly Destructive Machine rises from the floor, surprising Wally.
"What the crud?! You want me to fight that?!" Wally takes a step back as the saucer with legs activates its multiple tendril-mounted weapons and slowly approaches him.
"Hey, you wanted level 10, so here ya go."
"Gah, okay, bring it on, ya hunk of junk! I'll tear ya apart!" Wally shouts defiantly and activates his updated B.R.A. as the machine attacks him.
…
Later that evening, Wally is resting in the Saucer's central lounge, which is filled with couches, beanbags and large pillows. "Aw crud…that was a real workout." he mutters as Kuki and Bradley enter the lounge.
"Are you feeling better Wally?"
"Hah, I'm fine, just tired…ow…" Wally replies as he lies on a sofa without his hoodie.
"That didn't sound like you were okay."
"Well, ya heard wrong. Numbuh 2 just put me through the wringer, that's all." Wally sits up and stretches his arms as Kuki sits down next to him. "You ready for tomorrow?"
"I think so…but..."
"But what? Ya getting' cold feet or somethin'?" Kuki frowns and elbows Wally. "Ow!"
"Dummyhead." she huffs and looks away but then, her eyes fill with worry. "I…I'm just not sure I can keep up with everyone…what if I overuse my magic again and…"
"You'll be fine. I've got your back out there if somethin' like that happens." Wally replies confidently, but Kuki continues to look away.
"But every time we've had to fight I always end up as deadweight…"
"What the crud are ya saying?! Are ya still moping about Tuesday and Numbuh Tau-6?" Wally's question hits home and Kuki clenches her fists as Bradley puts it paw on her thigh.
"I…I couldn't do anything when he was Delightfulized…I just feel so…angry at myself…"
"Well forget about it already! We're gonna free everyone anyway."
"But…" Wally rolls his eyes as he grabs Kuki by her shoulders and forces her to look him in the eye.
"Look, if ya keep worrying about it, it's only gonna make ya feel cruddier." Despite her best efforts, Kuki can't keep her composure any longer and she starts to shiver as faint tears from in her brown eyes, prompting Wally to give her a hug.
"I…I…I'm just so scared…what if we…"
"Don't say it! We ain't gonna lose to Father!" Wally squeezes Kuki harder and she can sense that despite his words, he is equally scared of failure and wraps her arms around his back. "We've gotten this far and no matter what he throws at us, I ain't gonna stop fighting until everyone's free." Kuki is reminded of her little sister Mushi and bites her lip.
"Yeah…you're right…I want Mushi and everyone back…"
"So stop worryin' about overusing your magic. You're way stronger than ya were when we got back together." Wally loosens his grip on Kuki and looks her in the eye again.
"Thanks…Wally…"
"Like I told ya, I've got your back out there."
"And I've got yours, always." Kuki presses her head against Wally's shoulder as he gently strokes her hair, but he glares intensely at the opposite wall.
"I'm gonna protect you Kuki. And when this whole thing is over, I'll make sure you'll never go through that crud again. That's a promise."
…
Meanwhile, down in the carrier's science lab, Hoagie has stayed behind while everyone else has gone to sleep. All the weapons he and the others have worked on are mostly finished and they have been moved to the test hangar next door to await distribution. With only his table light illuminating his workstation, Hoagie silently puts the finishing touches to his Exo-Suit's container belt with a laser cutter. However, because he is so focused on his work, he doesn't hear the lab doors slide open behind him. "There ya are!" Abby shouts but Hoagie does not react at all. "Hey! Are ya listenin'? Argh, for crying out loud." Abby approaches Hoagie from behind and taps him in the back.
"WAAAHH! Hey, what's the big idea…oh, hi Numbuh 5."
"Don't you 'hi Numbuh 5' me. Ya got any idea what time it is?" Abby looks at Hoagie disapprovingly with her hands on her hips.
"I know it's late, but I'm almost done. All I gotta do is fix the Shrinkification lines, so gimme a few minutes." Hoagie says and turns his attention back to the belt while Abby shakes her head and smiles faintly.
"Hmph, fine. But I'm stayin' here to make sure you ain't gonna overwork yoself."
"Don't worry, I'm not gonna do that." Hoagie mutters and continues to tinker with the belt while Abby sighs and looks around the dim lab. Minutes go by with only the sound of Hoagie's laser cutter echoing across the lab, as neither teenager says anything. Abby has sat down, arms crossed, on a stool not far from Hoagie and silently watches as he works on the belt. Then, she frowns and turns to face her teammate.
"Hey, Hoagie?"
"Yeah?"
"Uhm…never mind, forget it…"
"You're thinking of Cree, right?" Hoagie says without looking over his shoulder and his question surprises Abby.
"Wha…how'd you…?"
"You always use my name when you're serious, so I kinda guessed it's about her."
"Heh, well aren't you smart…"
"Correction, I'm a genius." A smirking Hoagie gestures to Abby, who chuckles, but her smile fades away as she thinks about her sister.
"She's gonna be waitin' for us down there…"
"Yeah…"
"You think she got Delightfulized too?"
"Nah, I don't think so. But I wouldn't be surprised if she was." Hoagie replies silently.
"…Numbuh 5's gotta set things straight with her…but Numbuh 5's…not sure she can do it. I got lucky last time when we fought…"
"Well, this time you won't have to fight her alone."
"Huh? Oh no, Cree's Numbuh 5's problem. If she shows up, I'm takin' her on myself!" Abby says sternly, causing Hoagie to sigh and turn around.
"No, you won't! I'm not letting you out of my sights while we're there!"
"This is between me and my sister! Numbuh 5 can handle herself!"
"Don't do this again! I thought you quit the 'I don't need help' act!" Hoagie snaps at Abby, who looks away and grips her cap.
"…I gotta fight her by myself…"
"You don't have to! Who the heck decided that you have to fight Cree alone?!" Abby refuses to look Hoagie's way as he continues. "I might be just a nerd with a metal suit, but that doesn't mean I'm gonna let you face Cree alone again!"
"…But Numbuh 5 doesn't want anyone else to get hurt…"
"So what? Did getting hurt ever stop you from helping us? I'm not going to back out of this, Abby!" Hoagie shouts, but when he gets no response, he groans and throws his arms in the air before turning his attention back to the belt. "No matter what happens out there, I'm not leaving your side. I'm gonna stick to you like a super conductive magnet!"
"…" Abby turns her back on Hoagie, who tries to focus on his work, but Abby's attitude continues to bug him.
"Listen, when you fought her before, you got hurt bad, so that's why I'm not letting it happen for a third time." Hoagie says over his shoulder as Abby looks at the floor silently. "I mean…we're teammates…and…you're my girlfriend, so…" Hoagie's voice fades away as Abby glares over her shoulder at him. Then, she stands up and walks over to Hoagie before hugging him from behind. "Huh?!"
"Sorry…Numbuh 5 was bein' stupid again…but Cree's my big sistah. She wants a 1-on-1 fight with me, so Numbuh 5's gotta fight her alone…please understand…" she wraps her arms around his chest and leans her head against Hoagie's shoulder.
"*sigh* No I won't." he replies and puts his right hand over Abby's hands. "When the Treehouse was destroyed, I heard Cree beating you up through my communicator. I don't want to hear that ever again."
"What?! How…did you…?"
"You left it on, so I heard everything that happened in the computer core. Every word." A startled Abby let's go of Hoagie, who turns his chair towards her and looks her in the eye again. "I'm going to protect you out there! So fine, fight her all you want but I'll right there beside you, whether you want it or not!"
"…you dummy…" Abby gives Hoagie another hug, prompting him to stand up and hug back tightly.
"If I'm there, you'll beat her. I know you will."
"Quit actin' cool, Hoagie. It doesn't suit ya...and we ain't official yet, remember?" Abby says jokingly as she continues to embrace Hoagie.
"Huh? We aren't? Ow!" Hoagie shrieks as Abby pulls back his goggles and lets go but then continues to hug him.
"No we ain't...but…thanks…"
…
"Attention! The Delightfulized Space Fleet has begun its approach from Earth! I repeat…"
A few hours later, the Moonbase's peace is broken by the sound of alarms, informing everyone that Father's finally making his move. Down in the main hangar, Nigel arrives with Rachel, Patton and Fanny to meet up with the rest of Sector V. "Alright, this is it. Numbuh Zeta, Numbuh Beta, you two head to the Switchboard. The rest of you are coming with me to carrier's hangar. Let's move it people!" Rachel shouts but before they go their separate ways, Kuki gives Fanny a hug.
"Be careful."
"Don't worry, we'll be fine." Fanny replies while Rachel pulls Patton aside.
"Promise me you'll come back with Fanny."
"I promise. You just make sure you do the same and bring back Eliza." Patton nods confidently and slaps Rachel in the back before he runs off with Fanny while the rest head to the Gihugeacarrier's hangar.
Upon arriving there, they are greeted by The Kid and Bartie Stork. "So, this is the real deal, right?" The Kid asks Nigel, who nods grimly.
"Indeed. I was hoping Father would've waited a bit longer, but beggars can't be choosers. Is it ready?"
"Oh yeah, she's all set. Though I gotta say Gilligan, I didn't think you'd let me have my way with your ship." The Kid smirks at Hoagie, who smiles confidently back.
"You were the only one I trusted with this job."
"Alright, let's board the W.A.S.P. and get ready." Rachel says with a commanding voice and leads everyone further into the hangar, where the highly modified M.O.S.Q.U.I.T.T.O.H.- W.A.S.P. towers over the rest of the TND fleet. Its wings have been changed from the shuttle's delta-shaped wing to a swing-wing design, it's hull is lined with additional, purgeable armor plates while a cluster of long rocket boosters are mounted into the rear of the craft. The nose is equipped with a new antenna-like device instead of the yacht's thin nose, removing the last trace of M.O.S.Q.U.I.T.T.O.H.'s original design and finally, its legs have been reinforced, along with a new diagonally mounted split vertical stabilizer.
"Huh? What's his jet doing there?" Wally points at The Kid's Valkyrie, which is connected by four short pylons into the back of the W.A.S.P., between the bridge and the engines.
"Oh that was something I've had in my mind for a while now. Since the Valkyrie proved so helpful against the V2 Treehouse, I figured bringing it with us would make the assault on the Delightful Mansion easier as well. That's why I came up with…"
"Save the tech-talk for when we've saved the world, Numbuh 2!"
"Huh? Hey, quit pulling me!" Abby grabs Hoagie's arm and drags him up the boarding ramp while Rachel and Nigel speak to Bartie.
"Numbuh Lambda, I'm sorry we forced this project on you as well."
"Don't say that, Commander. It was nothing. Now go already! We've got your back."
"Keep the carrier and everyone else safe."
"Leave it to us. We'll do our part." Bartie replies to Nigel, who shakes the flight commander's hand and walks up the boarding ramp with Rachel, followed by Wally, but then he notices that Kuki has pulled The Kid aside. He sees her bow and apologize to him repeatedly, while The Kid gestures her to stop. Then, Kuki gives him a quick hug and runs up the ramp and past Wally, giving him a cheerful smile as well while Bradley jumps on her shoulder. However, before Wally follows them, he walks down the ramp and stop The Kid.
"Hmm?" The Latino pilot lifts an eyebrow as Wally offers his hand to him.
"Even though ya still piss me off, I wanna put everythin' between us behind."
"Ooh, that so? Doing it for Kuki's sake?"
"Not just for her sake! You're a member of the team too. So you better get through this, no matter what."
"Hah…HAH-HAH-HAH!" To Wally's surprise, The Kid breaks out in laughter.
"Hey! This ain't funny!"
"Hah-hah…man, never thought you'd say gushy stuff like that…okay, Beetles, you've got yourself a deal. You just make sure you get through this as well and don't make me pick up your slack." The Kid smirks as he shakes Wally's hand and for a brief moment, the two rivals smile at each other before Wally lets go and heads back up the ramp, pointing his fist up at the hangar ceiling while The Kid salutes him with his index finger. Then, he cracks his knuckles, loosens his shoulders and walks over to the scaffold lift that takes up to his fighter. "I got a debt pay as well, Beetles. A debt to Miss Commander." he mutters as he activates his B.R.A. and hops inside the Valkyrie's cockpit.
Wally meanwhile heads to the W.A.S.P.'s bridge and notices that Kuki is waiting for him in-front of the stairs but he does not say a word to her and simply nods while she gives him a confident smile as they enter bridge together, where everyone else has taken their seats: Hoagie at the helm, Abby sitting to his left, operating the radar while the captain's chair is occupied by Nigel and Rachel sitting in the auxiliary seat between Nigel and Abby. As Wally takes his place at the weapons control, Kuki sits down before the communications console with Bradley on her lap.
"Okay, now that everyone has taken their positions, I'll go through our strategy one final time." Nigel says as Kuki connects The Kid's coms to the W.A.S.P. "This will be a do or die operation and we won't have a second chance. The carrier will separate from the Moonbase under the guise of the stealth field once the Moon has rotated to a position where the main hangar and the carrier face away from the Earth. Then, while Father's forces are kept at bay by the Moonbase's defenses, the Wild Child will launch us using the magnetic catapult, before moving towards the Splinter Cell's hideout: The Orbital Shipyards."
"So Numbuh Gamma figured out where they've taken that place?" Hoagie asks to which Nigel nods firmly.
"Yes he did but it's going to be a tough nut to crack for the second infiltration team. We'll have to leave Numbuh 1000 and his followers for Numbuh Zeta and the others. Our target is Father." Nigel then shows a 3D model of the Earth to his teammates. "Once we've completed our atmospheric re-entry, we'll make a beeline for the Mansion using the W.A.S.P.'s rocket boosters and the Hyper Accelerator. However, we'll need to stay alert of any incoming C.L.A.M.M.A.H. shells during our approach."
"Aren't we gonna deal with that Array at all?"
"We'll leave the V2 Treehouse to the Wild Child, Numbuh 5. They'll attack the Array after dropping off Numbuh Zeta's team. Our main concern is reaching the mansion intact. I'm sure it's not a problem for you, Numbuh 2?"
"Oh don't worry about that, Numbuh 1. These rocket boosters are gonna get us there in no time." Hoagie gives Nigel a thumbs up, who then changes the 3D model to that of the Delightful Mansion.
"Finally, we'll have to get inside the Mansion itself. This is where Agent Halcón's fighter and the T.S.- W.R.A.S.L.E.R. come to play. Numbuh 4 and Numbuh 3, you two are going attack the Mansion head-on with the W.R.A.S.L.E.R. along with Agent Halcón. Don't worry about the shield system, all you need to do is keep the Delightful Ninja's and Father's attention while we move in on the submarine port, understood?"
"Hah, leave it to us. We're gonna turn Father's lawn into a cruddy scrapyard." Wally hits his fists together.
"Excellent. After we get inside, disengage and join the rest of us in the submarine port. From there, we'll simply need to fight our way through the Mansion's subterranean levels and reach these two locations: the Mansion's generator room and Father's throne room. If we can shut down the Delightful Mansion's power source, it will be rendered defenseless.
"What about that Delightfulization ray on top of his mansion?"
"Unfortunately, Numbuh 2, shutting it down won't change everyone back. We'll need to use it again to reverse its effect. And to do that, we'll need to get to the throne room. Father knows it too, so he'll be prepared for our attack. That is our plan and I expect everyone to stick to it. Remember, if we lose here, it's all over for the KND, TND and everyone else." Nigel looks at everyone sternly and receives a nod from them in return.
"Numbuh 1, I want to address everyone one more time before we begin."
"Understood, Numbuh Epsilon, the floor is yours." Nigel sits back down on his chair as Rachel contacts the Wild Child and the Moonbase. She takes a deep breath and then speaks into the microphone on her coms headset.
"Attention everyone. This is Numbuh Epsilon…no, this is Rachel T. McKenzie. I'm speaking to you all not as a member of the KND nor the TND but as someone who has the same goal as everyone else here: to the free the Earth from Father's control. I know this isn't the right time for speeches, but I wanted speak to you one last time before we begin our final mission. Know, we all know that there are only two possible results for us today: Either we defeat Father or he'll defeat us. Our odds of success are slim, but don't let that weigh you down. No matter what happens from here on out, know that I've never felt prouder to have fought alongside everyone here. Some of us where villains, some were controlled against their will and some where victims of cruelty at the hands of adults and teenagers, but today, we'll stand together against our ultimate enemy, Father. Today, we'll end his reign once and for all, no matter what it takes. Like my good friend Numbuh 10 said before, we'll take back the world. Remember those words and fight with everything you've got. Let this day be remembered as the day kids and teenagers came together and fought side-by-side for a common cause and proved that we don't have to be enemies. KND FOREVER!"
Rachel's speech is heard throughout the Moonbase and the Wild Child, causing everyone to cheer together, kids and teenagers alike, from the Moonbase's Command Deck to the Switchboard. Encouraged by her words, they continue the preparations with gusto and even the Sector V are taken aback. "You always had a knack for pep talks, Rachel."
"I just wanted to give everyone some encouragement. Who knows, maybe this was my last chance to talk to everyone like that." Rachel replies to Nigel wistfully, but Kuki walks over to her seat and grabs her hands.
"No it won't! We're going to win!"
"Yeah, there's no way we're gonna lose now." Wally says over his shoulder while Abby smiles faintly.
"Ya got that right. Aren't ya forgettin' what ya said before?"
"'Everyone comes back.'" Nigel remarks, causing Rachel to smile at him.
"That's right."
"T-Minus 120 seconds until operation start."
Numbuh Theta-9's voice is heard over the intercom and Kuki runs back to her seat and straps in while Hoagie contacts the Switchboard. "CIC, this Numbuh 2. We're ready."
"Roger. Stand by for catapult connection." A loud hiss and a clang are heard as a 2x4 magnetic crane lifts the M.O.S.Q.U.I.T.T.O.H. – W.A.S.P. and moves it across the Wild Child's hangar before lowering it on two magnetic launch rails. Accompanied by another loud hiss, armored doors slide away, and the ship slides forward into a smaller hangar with a long tunnel-like shape. "Catapult connection complete. Remain on standby until you receive the 'all clear'."
"Roger." Hoagie replies and silence falls inside the W.A.S.P.'s bridge, as it's occupants begin mentally preparing for what awaits them. Will they succeed and defeat Father once and for all or will they fail? None of them know for sure, but there isn't a single speck of doubt in their mind.
…
Down on Earth, Father is watching with silent glee as the Delightfulized KND Space Fleet moves slowly towards the Moonbase.
"The fleet is moving into position, Father." The shadowy Omnius speaks to him through the small screen on Father's throne's armrest.
"And my Delightful Ninjas?"
"They'll remain on standby as per your orders and will engage anyone trying to enter the Earth's atmosphere. We've also set the captured Array to general firing mode."
"Excellent." Father says with an eerie tone and turns his attention towards a screen showing real-time footage of the Moonbase. "I'm looking forward to how you'll respond to this, Mr. Uno." he mutters but then, as the moon completes a rotation, he notices that the carrier that was connected to the side of Moonbase has disappeared. "Hmm? So that's you're plan? Hah-hah-hah, alright, my turn. Have the fleet cut through the debris field and begin firing the Array."
"Understood."
…
"Commence Operation: Retribution."
Up on the Wild Child's bridge, the Switchboard, Numbuh Theta-9 contacts Herbie, who is overseeing everything from the Commander's seat. "Chief! They've taken the bait!"
"Good. Begin separation! Once we're disconnected from the Moonbase, set a course for Earth's orbit at full speed!"
"Aye, aye!" Numbuh Theta-9 replies while Herbie contacts Rachel and Numbuh Gamma, who has boarded a Subway Shuttle Pod along with Patton, Fanny and Keith.
"This is Numbuh Iota-3. We're starting the first phase of Operation: Retribution. Commander Numbuh Epsilon, is everything ready on your end?"
"We're standing by."
"Roger. And Numbuh Gamma?"
"We're also ready. I'll brief the team once Phase One is complete."
"Understood. Good luck."
"Same to you, Iota-3. Protect the carrier."
"Will do." Herbie then contacts Bartie, who has taken command of the TND's K.O.L.O.S.S.A.L.I.N.E.R., Young Rebel. "Numbuh Lambda, is the fighter force ready?"
"Ships are fueled, armed and ready to kick butt."
"Roger. Standby until we've completed Phase Two."
"Roger dodger." Then, Herbie makes a final call to the Moonbase's Command Deck.
"Moonbase Command, the enemy has moved towards the debris field as planned."
"This Numbuh 81. The net is ready. We won't let them come after you."
"Keep the Moonbase safe and if you have to, detach it from the Moon."
"We'll keep that in mind, Numbuh Iota-3. Command out."
Herbie then stands up and walks to the tip of the observation deck. "Alright everyone, you know what to do. Don't let them down!"
"Yes, Sir!" the operators shout in unison as the Wild Child begins to shutter. Under the guise of it's stealth field, it separates from the Moonbase's main hangar and begins flying away from the moon while the Delightfulized KND's Space Fleet enters the debris field. Up on the Moonbase's command deck, Numbuh 81 takes a deep breath and gives the order to spring the trap.
"Activate the barrier satellites!" As soon as the words escape his mouth, the 50 or so barrier satellites that were moved within the debris field are activated all at once, creating three tight energy walls behind and on both sides of the fleet. At that very same moment, the Moonbase opens fire with it's entire arsenal of cannons and missiles while the KND launch every 2x4 ship they've mustered to attack the trapped fleet. Surrounded by three walls that can destroy them at the slightest of touches, the Space Fleet is forced to go full steam ahead towards the Moonbase as the barrier satellites begin squeezing them.
Seeing the Space Fleet trapped within the debris field, Father clenches his fist slightly, but keeps his composure. "Ghh, I see…very clever but it doesn't matter. We've flushed out the teenagers at least. Locate their carrier immediately and have the Array open fire on it."
"Yes, Father." Omnius replies as Father's eyes stare angrily at his throne room's massive monitor.
"I knew you'd try something like this, Mr. Uno. But don't think for a moment your little plan will succeed. I have prepared for every eventuality."
…
Meanwhile, the remnants of the Splinter Cell, that have been hiding inside the Orbital Shipyards, are made aware of what is happening on the moon. Up on the command center, a frowning, distant Numbuh 1000 stared coldly at the 2x4 screen that shows them the battle around the Moobase. "It looks like Father has made his move on the teenagers."
"Let them destroy each other, for all I care, Numbuh 50. However, this will serve as a perfect cover for when we deploy the P.U.R.I.F.I.N.A.T.O.R.'s. Once the final preparations are complete, have everyone gather in the main hangar."
"Uhm, of course, but are you sure about leading the attack in person?"
"I told you already, cleansing and saving the Earth is my responsibility. All you have to do is watch."
"Yes. Absolutely."
…
As the battle rages behind them, the Gihugeacarrier flies towards the Earth but it comes under fire from the Array. "Incoming C.L.A.M.M.A.H shells!"
"Numbuh Gamma was right, Father has figured a way to by-pass our stealth field…it doesn't matter! Keep this course!" Herbie shouts at the ship matches the Earth's rotation.
"We are in position!"
"Ready the magnetic catapult and give Team 1 the 'all clear'."
Aboard the W.A.S.P., a light on Hoagie's dashboard turns from red to yellow, signaling him that launch is imminent. "That's our cue! Everyone, buckle up and hang on to your underwear!" he shouts as Nigel and the others strap themselves to their seats while Hoagie contacts The Kid. "You ready?"
"Born ready, Gilligan." Hoagie chuckles slightly under his breath and then contacts the flight control center.
"This is Team 1. Ready for launch!"
"Roger, opening catapult launch port." the flight control officer replies as the massive doors at the other end of the tunnel-like catapult open up, revealing a faint glimpse of the blue Earth. "Course clear. Team 1, you're cleared to launch!"
"M.O.S.Q.U.I.T.T.O.H.- W.A.S.P., taking off!" Hoagie applies full power just as the magnetic catapult releases the W.A.S.P. and propels it through the tunnel at incredible speed until the ship flies out into the void of space, it's passengers pressed against their seats. Immediately, the Wild Child changes course and flies away from the Earth's gravity well while Hoagie moves the W.A.S.P. into a good re-entry angle.
"We got incoming C.L.A.M.M.A.H. shells, loads of 'em!" Abby shouts over her shoulder as Hoagie grips the control stick firmly, struggling to keep the W.A.S.P. steady as they begin re-entry.
"Numbuh 2, focus on flying. Numbuh 3 and I will handle the shells!"
"Roger!" Hoagie grits his teeth as Nigel covers his hands in his Silhouette Suit while Kuki puts her hands together and closes her eyes.
"Repel the shells with telekinetic pulses, Numbuh 3. We only need to divert their path so they won't hit us!"
"Okay." Kuki replies as Abby begins calling out C.L.A.M.M.A.H. shell that are on a collision course with the W.A.S.P., allowing Kuki and Nigel to push them away from the ship, which can't evade them during re-entry. After what seems like an eternity, the ship regains aerodynamic control and soars through the sky.
"We're in! *sigh* Man, that was the craziest re-entry I've ever done."
"No time to rest, Numbuh 2. Numbuh 5, what's our location?"
"We're currently over the Amazon rainforest in Brazil."
"How the crud are we gonna get from here to Cleve? That's like a gazillion miles away?!"
"We can and we will. Numbuh 2?"
"Oh yeah, the rocket boosters are ready."
"Well you better punch it already, cuz Numbuh 5's pickin' up loads a Delightful teens and kids comin' after us."
"You heard her, Numbuh 2, hit it!"
"Here we goooooo!" Hoagie pulls the large lever to the left of his control stick and the huge rocket cluster connected to the rear of the W.A.S.P. ignites, sending the ship flying through the sky at over 4 times the speed of sound, it's nose pointing towards their ultimate destination, the Delightful Mansion.
End of Transmission 55
Note: I'm sorry it took so long, but here we are. The final act of RETRIBUTION has finally begun and I'm super excited to release more chapters, though of course in a slow pace. I've listened to Armored Core's OST and Metal Gear Rising's OST quite a lot while writing, so there will be plenty of songs from those games in the upcoming chapters. Some fights were even directly inspired by them.