Codename: Kids Next Door

operation

g.a.l.a.c.t.i.c.

TWENTY-SIX

Man! What a long update! Almost three weeks! Sorry everyone, but I am losing interest and am having writer's block once again.

The dark room of the council seemed to grow more and more smaller the longer Nigel stood there. He longed to somehow escape the space but he knew that wasn't an option. So, here he was. Having to defend himself to the Galactic Kids Next Door. An organization that he had sworn loyalty to almost two years to the day. Despite this major setback, he hadn't regretted joining up with them. He had actually done some good these past few months. He and Numbuh 9L had saved multiple children from the onset of various adult attacks. So, to him, his time hadn't been wasted. The spotlight still shined down on him as he presented his defense.

"I am Numbuh 1, A.K.A. Nigel Uno of the Galactic Kids Next Door. Since my initiation 730 days, 13 minutes, and 40 seconds ago, I have demonstrated the utmost honor and loyalty to this organization. Up until now, I have never questioned nor disobeyed any orders," Numbuh 1 said confidently.

The room then went eerily quiet. Suddenly, a monitor lit up. The sound of it booting up actually made Numbuh 1 jump. The monitor had no person on it; just an intergalactic symbol.

"Yes but now your loyalty is in question," a strange electronically disguised voice said.

Another monitor came on.

"You went to Earth to gather operatives that weren't even under your watch," another voice said.

"And you also disobeyed your head superior NB476," yet another voice said along with another monitor coming on.

Numbuh 1 knew that the council was right. He had gone against orders when he went to capture both Rachel and his former teammates. However, he had failed to capture them. If it hadn't been for Numbuh 9L covering up for them, Sector V would be decommissioned by now. Despite his insubordinate actions, Nigel still wanted to defend himself. After all, where would he go if the gKND decided to decommission him?

"I accept full responsibility for my actions," he said. "But I just couldn't allow NB476 to capture my teammates."

"They are no longer your team members Nigel Uno."

"I know. But I thought I could hit two birds with one stone. My top mission was to gather information on the suspect that was tracked on Earth. Chad Dickson. Formerly known as Numbuh 274."

Suddenly, as if on cue Numbuh 1 heard Chad's voice. Apparently, he was being brought in by some guards.

"Let go of me," Chad said struggling to get out of their grip.

Numbuh 1 then watched as the operative was thrown to the ground; his hands tied together by intergalactic laser-like handcuffs.

"We are fully aware of Chad Dickson's betrayal. His trial will take place as soon as this one is over."

"Nigel!" Chad tried to call out to him, but he was slapped in the back of the head by one of the guards. Then, he was taken to the back of the room behind Numbuh 1 and ordered to keep quiet.

"Anyway..." Nigel said ignoring Chad's cries. "I thought that since I was already on Earth, that I could capture the fugitives and my friends as well."

The room went quiet again. So much so that Numbuh 1 began to wonder if he had said the right thing. He was just stating the facts and the truth. Lying wouldn't get him anywhere in this case. He figured he might as well tell the truth because the gKND would find out rather quickly if he was lying. The various monitors and galactic symbols lit up again all at once. They each wanted to ask Numbuh 1 specific questions about his training, his specialties, and most importantly...his loyalty. So, Nigel behaved like a good soldier and answered truthfully every question that was directed at him. He explained himself very thoroughly but became stumped when one question came to him.

"Why do you keep referring to Sector V as your teammates and friends?"

"Well...I...look I know they're technically not my teammates anymore but I-"

"Don't you see!" One voice said cutting him off. "He is just like all the other Earth filth on that planet! He cares more about his friends than the mission at hand!"

Soon, the entire room was filled with voices of every council member talking all at once. They were arguing over Numbuh 1's loyalties, his insubordinate actions, and his Earth heritage and DNA. Chad remained silent, however. As Nigel looked behind him, he saw that for some reason or another, Chad had fear in his eyes. Actual fear. But fear of what? Ever since he joined the GKND, some of the operatives were prejudiced against the fact that he was from Earth. They thought that Earthlings were so full of adulthood, that anyone who came from the planet (kids or teens) were still like adults in every way. Nigel was fully aware of the large capacity of adults on his home planet. It was no secret that the number of adults overruled the number of children. Still, the arguing continued.

In their escape pod, Numbuh 60 and Lizzie noticed that they were finally approaching the moonbase. A familiar voice came over the loudspeaker.

"You are in the area zone of the Kids Next Door moonbase, please identify yourselves," the voice said.

"Numbuh 35! This is Numbuh 60. I have with me," Patton paused. Just how in the world should he explain Lizzie's status? "Uh...I have with me...temporary operative Lizzie Devine."

"You can call me Numbuh 49. That's what Nigel called me that time when we went to the dance together," she said.

Patton noticed something odd about the tone of her voice. Normally, every time she referred to Numbuh 1 she always called him by the nickname "Nigie." Also, she usually had a flair of love, care, and infatuation when she spoke about him. This time she said it as if she felt nothing. Patton knew that whatever had been going on with Lizzie and the Galactic Kids Next Door, he knew that she was not the same person he once knew.

"Yes...I repeat. This is Numbuh 60 and Numbuh 49. We are dealing with an emergency situation and our in need of medical attention."

There was a long pause between communication that made Patton nervous. Finally, 35 responded.

"Copy that Numbuh 60. You are clear to dock in the bay. Medical personnel are on their way."

60 and Lizzie sighed in relief simultaneously. They had made it. They actually had escaped and they had made it.