Me: I have returned from UCSD and boy, do I feel exhausted. But that place was really great and I was busy most of the time, but it was still great. Now it's back to keeping my promise and updating another chapter of Operation R.E.S.C.U.E. !
Numbuh 5: High time. Numbuh 5 is really really disgusted wit' ya right now Caro.
Me: Oh come on! I just got back. What do you want?
Numbuh 9: I'm disgusted with you too.
Me: Oh? And why you?
Numbuh 9: (hands curl into fists) Because Numbuh 1...and you made...Numbuh 10 and him. I'm her best friend, not him!
Me: Ha ha. That you are, but can't you see that the girl wants two best friends. Besides, I thought you didn't like her.
Numbuh 9: I...I don't...I just...just...
Me: Uh huh. Anyway, let's start this thing before I get in trouble. This is a fairly long chapter with a flashback from Operation G.R.A.D.U.A.T.I.O.N. This will reveal when Numbuh 13 joined the team, when Numbuh 14 was assigned and how old she actually is.
Now downloading Kids Next Door Mission...
Real
Evil
Situations
Cause
Unhappy
Experiences
Log 7—The Weakest LinkTime: 11:55 AM Location: Kids Next Door International Headquarters, Moon Base
Cree grinned as she picked up her trident-like staff. "Baby, it's good to have you back." Her cell phone made another trilling sound. I'll bet that's Cyriel. She reached for it and pressed it against her ear. "Talk to me."
"Hello again Cree darling. How's everything?"
"Just peachy," Cree replied. "Oh yeah, I met your creation. He's really creepy...but you're right. He's pretty cool."
"Glad you got acquainted. Is Chad okay?"
Cree shrugged. "No idea. I just got my weapon here. Matthew went to go after him though."
"That's good. Now..."
"WHOT ARE YOU DOIN' IN HERE TEENAGER?!"
Cree rolled her eyes. She'd gotten used to that voice. "I'll talk to you later Cyriel. I have some pest control to take care of." She turned around, her dark ringlets swishing.
Fanny had a mustard gun trained on her. "I have no idea how you managed ta get past our security system but you're goin' back in the detention cell where you belong!"
Cree laughed and aimed her staff at Fanny. "Is that so? Make me."
Matthew smiled wickedly at Rachel, who glared back at him. To her, he would have appeared exactly the same as the real Numbuh 9 if he didn't have glowing red eyes and an evil smile. She was determined to keep up a strong front in order to prevent the clone from knowing how much he frightened her.
"Are you even human?"
He laughed coldly. "Not really. But that won't matter much to the adults now would it?"
"How did you come into existence?" The blonde spy demanded.
"Let's just say a few of your arch-enemies decided to take their abilities to the next level. Who are your greatest enemies? There you go." He narrowed his eyes and his smile vanished. "Now...if you would be so kind, I would like it if you handed me the Code Module and the access codes for controlling the Moonbase's defense system. Since I do know you are the leader of Global Command, you know what items I'm talking about."
Rachel looked at him as if his head was on backwards. "Are you nuts? I would never even consider that!" Her brown eyes glittered. "And besides, don't you already know the access codes to the defense system anyway?" She glanced at Chad.
"I know you probably changed them when I escaped," Chad answered her. "If you were smart enough you would have."
Rachel opened her mouth angrily but Matthew cut her off. "Give us both of those items now Rachel. There's nothing you can do now."
"I will NOT throw my organization into the hands of the enemy!" Rachel answered angrily. "And maybe there won't be anything I can do, but I know there are probably plenty of other operatives that can help!"
"You don't wanna push my buttons Rachel," Matthew said in a quiet and dangerous voice. His eyes were flashing red again. "Hand over the Code Module and the access codes now!"
"NEVER!"
Matthew rolled his eyes and walked up to her. Suddenly he grabbed her throat in one swift move and began to choke her. Rachel shrieked. "I said...hand them over!"
Chad's jaw dropped. "Matthew..."
"Ne...ver!" Rachel cried between gasps of pain.
Cree walked through the door, carrying Fanny tied up under one arm, and her own jaw nearly fell off. "Whoa! Did I walk in on somethin' I shouldn't have walked in on?"
"Cree?" Chad turned to look at her. "How'd you...where'd you come from?"
"The weapons bed," she answered calmly. "But enough about me. What's goin' on in here?"
"Numbuh 362!" Fanny screeched. "Let her go!"
"No."
Rachel gasped and struggled to pry Matthew's hands away from her throat but his fingers seemed to be made of steel. She gritted her teeth in frustration.
"Give me what I want Rachel," Matthew said quietly. He tightened his grip. "Or else."
"N-no."
Fanny shivered. "Numbuh 362, do whot the maniac says! Please! He took down everybody! Everybody!"
Cree blinked. Is that why there was nobody to stop me except for Fanny Pants here?
"You should have seen 'im Numbuh 362. He broke the 2x4 technology like it was nothing."
Rachel shook her head. No way. "I'd rather die than betray the Kids Next Door!"
Matthew laughed. "In a few minutes, you will die."
Cree began to look uneasy. He looks like...he's enjoying this. She turned away.
Numbuh 362...Chad tried to look away as well but he couldn't. Deep down he knew she was still his friend. He still considered her his friend, even though she considered him a traitor. You don't deserve this.
"You know...I don't have all day and besides...it doesn't matter if I kill you or not. Sometime soon, Numbuh 11's clone will awaken and he will be able to find the access codes no problem because he has the mind and skill of a computer hacker. Not to mention, we could just threaten Numbuh 86 here to give us the Code Module." Matthew laughed softly to himself as he increased the pressure on Rachel's neck. "So...do you want your spine to snap or not? I personally don't care."
Rachel choked and gasped, but she shook her head hard. Fanny closed her eyes, tears threatening to release. Just give in Numbuh 362. Anythin's better than wotchin' you die.
"Matthew stop it."
Matthew turned towards the voice. He smiled. "Chad...really now. I never knew you were such a softie."
"Please Matthew," Chad went on. He looked worried for the first time. "Let her go now. We still need her remember?"
The clone thought for a minute and then brightened. "Oh right." He freed one hand and grabbed a strand of her hair and pulled. "There we go." He tossed the strand of blonde hair to Chad. "That's all we really need."
I can't let him do this. "Matthew, Father might want to deal with the Kids Next Door personally. Besides, wouldn't it be better for her own clone to destroy her? I'm sure the clone wouldn't want to give you the satisfaction."
"That's very true." Matthew's eyes glinted, though his grip tightened as well. Chad was sure he could almost hear something threatening to snap. "All right Chad. For a minute there, I thought you were going soft but you've made a good point. Here." He tossed Rachel at Chad.
Chad caught the young operative and she rested against him for a minute, the top of her head brushing against his chin. She'd grown tall enough for that. Then she wrenched herself away, massaging her neck. "All right," she gasped. "I...I give. I'll give you what you want." Her brown eyes glanced at the ground. "But don't think I'll like it."
At once, Fanny broke down into soft sobs. This caused Cree to look at the fiery redhead in shock. It wasn't like Numbuh 86 to cry at all. She really cares...about the organization. But she knows it isn't worth killing off another kid.
Matthew smiled. "I thought you would see it my way."
Time: 12:05 AM
Location: KND Headquarters (Sector V)
Siri lay back against the roof, her hands stretched out on either side of her head. She watched the clouds slide through the blue sky, the sun high ahead. It must be nearly lunchtime now. She raised herself to a sitting position and propped her chin in her hands.
"Figured ya woulda found dis place by now."
Siri glanced behind her to see Abby standing there with a sassy grin on her face.
"Hey Numbuh 5. Oh, is this your usual thinking spot?"
"Not really. All o' us come up heah from time ta time when we need ta take a load off o' our minds." Abby sat down next to her. "So...how ya doin'?"
Siri grinned weakly and held out her bandaged hand. "I'm healing...I think."
"Nah, I'm not talkin' about dat Numbuh 10. I'm talkin' about yo' feelin's."
"Oh." She bit her lip and glanced at the ground. "I...I see. Well, I'm healing there too."
Abby nodded wisely. "Dat's good." She drew her knees up to her chest. "Numbuh 1...told me about...yo' parents jus' so ya know. Far as I can tell, he still hasn't told Numbuh 9 yet."
Siri nodded. "I told him to tell you...and they're not my parents."
"Feh, I know dat girl." Abby cocked her head at her. "We don't blame you fo' anythin' dat's happened. So yo' adoptive parents are duh ones dat have been messin' around wit' all o' dis. Don't worry. We'll still defeat 'em, guarantee you dat."
The blonde girl smiled again and this time there was more warmth behind it. "Thank you Numbuh 5."
"No prob." Abby stood up and held out her hand towards Siri. "Now come on. You don't wanna brood over dis all day do ya? We got ourselves some clones ta beat."
Siri nodded and reached out to grab Abby's hand. "Yeah."
Time: 12:05 AM
Location: Kids Next Door International Headquarters, Moon Base
After Rachel gave them the access codes and the precious Code Module, Cree turned to Matthew. "So what do ya suppose we do with them now?"
"Throw them in the cells," Matthew replied with a smile. "After all, you didn't like the cells very much so there's no reason why they shouldn't get a turn."
"Fine by me," said Cree. "Come on Fanny." Fanny didn't register any resistance.
Matthew grinned. "Now if you two will excuse me, I'll be checking up on the Code Module and delivering it to Father." With another last flash of his reddish eyes, he left the room.
Chad and Rachel looked at each other before Chad spoke. "Okay Numbuh 362, you should—"
"I know the way to the Cell Blocks Chad," she snapped angrily. "I happen to lead this organization now. You're just here to follow me." She stalked towards the sliding door. "You coming or not?"
He sighed and ran a hand through his golden blond hair in frustration. "Yeah." Just try not to lose your temper.
As they walked down the empty hallway together, Rachel tried to stop her arms from shaking. I almost died...what's going on is so much more dangerous than usual. This is even worse than when Father got his hands on the Code Module the first time. She looked up at Chad and then back down at the ground again. He's a much bigger traitor than I feared. Come on Numbuh 362. Stay focused. There are still some people down there on Earth who can save this base!
Chad was also preoccupied but with other matters. I don't know why I really wanted Matthew to stop. I mean, that excuse about Father was true but it's still that, just an excuse. He glanced at Rachel. Already traces of purple-blue bruises were forming on the soft skin of her neck he could see above her pale blue turtleneck.
She stared right back. Her blonde hair swung forward, covering her neck. "What? Do I have a zit or something?"
"No. It's nothing," he replied in the same tone and looked ahead again. It was hard for him not to notice how attractive she'd gotten. Agh, keep it together Chad. This is a kid!He grimaced and then noticed that Rachel was staring at him out of the corner of her eyes. "What?"
She blinked. "Oh...nothing." She faced forward again, her eyes now locked on the entrance to the Cell Blocks. However, he could see a slight blush forming on her cheeks. Does she...nah, my imagination.
As soon as they reached the cell containments, Rachel easily typed in the code to open her cell and stepped into it. Chad closed it and locked it with a new code of his own so she couldn't escape. He'd made sure she didn't have any weapons with her.
He looked back at her through the glass, but she'd shied away. "You know...it didn't have to be this way Rachel."
"That's Numbuh 362 to you," Rachel snapped, but her eyes were glassy. "And as for what you said, you never gave us a choice. It was either this or die."
"I didn't let him kill you."
"Am I supposed to say thank you?" Rachel closed her eyes and opened them again. She was trembling. "Don't make me think you saving me was an altruistic move. It's not like you care Chad. It's not like you ever cared. I'm just another kid that's going to turn thirteen in about another month or two and I won't remember any of this anyway."
Chad shook his head. "You don't have to forget."
Her brown eyes bore into his blue ones. "Oh? You want me to pull off some wicked stunt like what you did? Escape from decommissioning by accusing innocent operatives of being teenagers? Then afterwards, attempt to destroy the Moonbase and side with the adults? It's a really nice offerChadworth but no sale. I'm not going to be a traitor to my organization." She couldn't stop the tears of hurt from rolling down her face. "Unlike you, I'll go out with honor and acceptance."
Chad looked at her again, but she glared right back. He sighed. "Suit yourself." With that, he walked away from her and went to meet up with Cree to discuss their next plan of action.
Rachel's eyes...so full of bitterness were to follow him the entire way.
Time: 12:15 AM
Location: KND Headquarters (Sector V)
"So what's the highest thing on our priority list right now?" Matt asked Nigel.
"The clones of course," Nigel answered him. "Now let's see...according to what you've told us about them, they're exactly like us in every way except stronger, faster, smarter, and more ruthless. Am I correct?"
Matt nodded.
"All right. The only thing that we have going for us then is our weaknesses. They have the same weaknesses as we do, hopefully nothing less. So I believe that if we manage to figure out just what our weaknesses are, we'll be able to defeat them with that information."
"Are you sure Numbuh 1?" Matt asked him.
"Not really but that's about as good an idea as any at the moment. Any objections?" Matt shook his head. Nigel paused to fix his shades. "Now, we should assemble the team here in order to tell them what we're planning to do."
Matt snorted with laughter. "Easier said than done. They're all out in the other rooms."
"Not to worry." Nigel walked over to a switch on the podium in his control room and pressed it. At once a blaring red alarm sounded throughout the entire treehouse.
In nearly less than two minutes, Abby, Wally, Hoagie, and Kuki assembled themselves on the couch in front of the podium Nigel and Matt were standing on. Behind them, Siri, Zen, Kayla, Naomi, and Eric entered the room looking perplexed.
Matt blinked and looked at his friend. "That was...pretty good."
Nigel smiled before turning towards the two groups. "All right team, as you all very well know, we have a huge crisis on our hands. The Delightful Children From Down the Lane have created clones of us with the aid of Numbuh 10's parents. These clones are designed to be better than us originals but Numbuh 9 and I believe that they harbor the same weaknesses as we do. Therefore, if we are willing to expose our weaknesses, they will be affected the same way. This might be the only real chance we've got at defeating them. However..." He looked around at all of them. "That all depends on whether you are willing to expose any of your weaknesses and secrets to the known community."
"Which is us and the clones basically," Matt added in. "Should you choose to do this or not is your decision and yours alone, but this may be the key to defeating these clones. We can't fight them normally because they're stronger and they can easily defeat us in wit and speed. So we'll use our weaknesses against them until we manage to destroy the cloning machine. We destroy the machine, we destroy the clones that were created and supported by it." He crossed his arms. "So what do you say gang?"
The others glanced at each other and then lost themselves in thought.
"Give them a few minutes," Nigel whispered to Matt. "It is a lot to take in...and to be honest, I'm hesitant to reveal anything that I don't want revealed."
"Same here," Matt replied. "But like you said Numbuh 1, it's the only real chance we got."
They waited in silence as the two teams continued to discuss their proposition. Finally, Abby looked up.
"Well...have you made up your minds?" Nigel asked her.
She cocked her head at him. "Well, there are two thangs I'd like ta point out. One...dis whole idea is crazy. And two, dis could be risky an' dangerous. But...what duh heck. It's duh on'y chance we got." She smiled. "Numbuh 5's in."
"Count me in too," Hoagie added.
"Me three," Kuki smiled.
"Me four," Wally put in with a confident smirk.
"Don't forget me man," Eric said cheerfully.
"Ah figure this might work out fer us," Kayla agreed.
Zen shrugged from behind his massive book. "I give my consent."
"I'm going to help too," Naomi said shyly.
"..."
All eyes now turned on Siri, who was sitting with her hands clamped over her knees and her eyes on the ground. Abby prodded her. "Numbuh 10?"
She blinked but didn't respond. Matt jumped down from the podium and put his hands on his best friend's shoulders. "Hey don't worry. We'll find a way to get past this Numbuh 10. It's okay if you don't wanna take part in any of it."
"It's not that...it's just..."
"Your parents I know. But this may be your chance to get back at them."
She stared at her bandaged hand for a minute and then slowly nodded her head. "All right. You're right. I accept."
"That's the Numbuh 10 I know," Matt said with a smile. "Don't worry. We'll get them for this and we'll make it right. I promise you that."
She smiled winningly and hugged him lightly. "Thank you Numbuh 9."
Matt blushed but hugged her back. "No problem." His insides did a swooping leap of happiness. She actually hugged me. She actually hugged...me!
"Um Numbuh 9...you can let go of me now."
"Huh?" Matt's face flushed even redder and he released her. "S-sorry."
Kuki and Naomi started laughing. "You like Numbuh 10! You like Numbuh 10! You like Numbuh 10!"
"I DO NOT!"
Wally, Hoagie, and Eric now started laughing. "HEY!"
"It's okay Numbuh 9," Siri told him above the laughter. "I know you'll keep your promise." She smiled at Matt.
But it was Nigel she was looking at when she said that.
Time: 1:00 PM
Location: Kids Next Door International Headquarters, Moon Base
Cree drummed her fingers against the desk, one hand reaching up to toy with a lock of dark hair. Hmmm...I wonder what's keeping those guys?
The door slid open and Chad walked through, looking a bit more dejected than usual.
"Hey Chad."
"Hey." He walked over to the desk and sat down. "Anything yet?"
"Well, I did get this transmission from one of the KND bases on Earth," she told him. She smiled sourly at the L.U.N.C.H.B.O.C.K.S. "I can't believe I used to use one of these things; they're so small." With a sigh, she flipped open the machine and pointed at the screen. "Well, what do you know? Look familiar?"
Chad stared at the message and then who had sent it. His hands tightened on the desk in front of him. Numbuh 1...
"Whoa, looks like this really caught your attention." Cree noticed his resentful expression at the name of the operative. "So are you gonna send it back or not?"
Chad blinked at her incredulously. "Are you crazy? I'm not talking to him."
Cree shrugged. "Why not? Afraid? He's gonna find out sooner or later about what's goin' on up here once he figures out Numbuh 362 isn't sending back a message in return. Much as you hate him Chad, you gotta admit heisn't stupid."
He agreed grudgingly. "But what do you want me to do?"
"Send a transmission or something. Someone's bound to get it down there."
Location: KND Headquarters (Sector V)
Siri paced back and forth in front of the control room; waiting for the signal they'd sent to the Moonbase. Hopefully they've got it by now. Usually it never takes this long for the transmission. She rolled her eyes. With any luck, I'll be able to see Numbuh 65.3's geeky face again.
She paused in her pacing. Suppose something's wrong...agh, don't think like that. She resumed walking back and forth in front of the control scanner.
"You're going to wear a hole in the floor if you keep that up," Nigel spoke up.
Siri gasped and stopped pacing. "I didn't know you were in here."
"I've been in here for a few minutes. This is my room," he pointed out with a smile. "But try to stop worrying Numbuh 10. I'm sure they'll get it."
She sighed. "How are you so sure Numbuh 1?"
Nigel's smile faded slightly. "I'm not sure," he confessed softly. "But I do know you shouldn't worry so much." He squeezed her shoulder gently and then left the control room.
Siri stared after him and sighed. He's right. I'm being stupid. What could there be to worry about...besides the clones? She ran a hand through her blonde hair, closing her eyes for a minute. And us getting killed. Then Siri mentally slapped herself. What are you thinking Numbuh 10? This isn't right! She groaned. I should focus on my inventions. Yeah, that's it.
She turned to leave from the room, only to see the transmission screen flicker to life. "Huh?"
On the green hologram, she could make out the fizzled forms of a tall dark-skinned female with styled black hair and brilliant eyes, more yellow than brown. Speaking to the girl was a younger teenager with golden blond hair and piercing cerulean eyes that could barely be seen beneath his bangs.
Siri's jaw dropped. Numbuh...274?
"Hey Chad, check it out." Cree gestured towards Siri. "And here I thought there were no decent-looking operatives."
Chad, on screen, glanced at the young blonde operative and smiled. "Hello Numbuh 10. It's been quite a long time hasn't it?"
Matt lay back against the trampoline bed that he now had to call his for the temporary time they would be staying with Numbuh 1's team. He bounced slightly. Hmmm...
Given the rare moment of time to himself, he thought about something that had been nagging him ever since he had discovered the traitor in their midst...indeed, ever since he had spoken to Numbuh 1.Lizzie...what did he ever see in her?
Of course asking a question like that now would be useless. As far as he was concerned, Nigel and Lizzie were no longer an item. Yet he couldn't get over why they had gone out in the first place. Maybe it was blackmail...nah, he really did like her a lot, so it can't be that. Matt sat up. I don't get it. There are plenty of pretty girls around here—I think. I mean, Numbuhs 3 and 5 are pretty enough.
"What I don't get is...if you have two perfectly attractive girls, why would you go for someone so not?"
"I don't know. Why would you?"
"GAH!" Matt sat up straight, scrambling to his feet. Nigel stood a few feet away, smiling at him in amusement. Oh crud. I never meant to say that out loud. "H-hey Numbuh 1."
"Let me guess...that wasn't supposed to be heard or answered." Matt shook his head. Nigel laughed. "I thought so."
"Well...since you're here, can you answer that for me?"
Nigel shrugged. "Well...let me put it in detail," Matt continued. "Suppose you know two attractive on, think. What are the two most perfect girls you've ever met?"
Now Nigel thought about it.
"Well?"
"Katie."
Matt blinked in confusion. Who the heck is Katie? "You liked someone named Katie?"
"No." Nigel leaned against the wall across from him. "You asked me if I knew someone perfect and she's the first thing that came to mind. She was just in a utopian world though so she's not real."
Hmmm... "Okay. Care to draw a picture for me?"
Nigel shrugged. "Whatever." He took out a piece of paper and a pencil from his desk and started drawing.
"All right, now is there any other girl you find extremely attractive?"
The first image that clicked into Nigel's brain was an image of Siri. She's quite a looker for her age. But something tells me Numbuh 9 doesn't want the obvious. So he tried again...and got a mental picture of a girl with smooth brown skin, honey brown eyes, a long black braid, and a red hat. His eyes widened and he immediately squashed the picture in his brain.
What the—? Where did Numbuh 5 come from? He shook his head hard and immediately started drawing another girl, combining the girls in both teams together. Hmmm...that looks pretty good, but...oh no, the hair is all wrong...maybe...no...that's not it...perhaps I should change the eyes...and the outfit is a bit much...
Matt stared at Nigel from his place on the bed. Well...he's occupied.
"All done. Here you go."
Matt took the paper that Nigel handed to him and glanced at it. "Is the brunette with the pink Katie?"
Nigel nodded. Matt looked down again. So...she's pretty cute. And for the other one...who the...oookaaay.
"Okay. Say you got these two really attractive girls. If you already know these two girls, why would you go for someone so—"
"NUMBUH 1! NUMBUH 9!"
Matt stopped talking. "That was Numbuh 10!" He and Nigel hurried into the control room.
Siri stood there, staring at the transmission screen in fear. "This...just...can't be..."
"Numbuh 10!"
She turned around. "Guys!" Automatically, she grabbed Nigel's hand and tugged him over to the green hologram. "Look!"
The boys rolled their eyes upward to see Chad and Cree staring down at them in surprise. Then the surprised expression on Chad's face gave way to a smirk. "Well, well, well, it's been awhile since I've laid eyes upon you Nigel."
"That's Numbuh 1 to you traitor," Nigel answered coldly.
"What are you teenagers doing up there?" Matt demanded.
Cree smiled down at him. "Well, if you really must know, we've taken control of your Moonbase. Everything up here is ours now."
"WHAT?!"
Chad grinned. "That's right. We have everything, right down to the Code Module and the defense system of this Moonbase is currently being remodified to our liking. Hate to break it to ya." He raised his eyebrows at Nigel. "Gee, you sure get over girlfriends easily."
"Huh?" Nigel blinked and then noticed that Siri was still griping his hand tightly. "Um...Numbuh 10?" He began to blush a bit.
"Huh?" She looked at him and then at her hand. "Eep! Sorry!" She quickly snatched her hand away and drew it to her side. The light blush remained on her face. "We're not going out!"
Cree chuckled. "Well Nigel, considerin' you used to date that pudding bowl Lizzie, I've gotta admit your taste has improved. Although for the longest time I thought that you and...well..."
"What?"
"Aw nuthin'. It's not important. We just called to answer your distress call and regret to inform you that Numbuh 362 will not be able to receive it."
Siri narrowed her eyes. "What did you do with her and the others?"
"They'll be fine," Chad answered with a cruel laugh. "But once we get through with things up here, you won't."
"An' jus' how do you know dat?"
Abby, Wally, Zen, and the other kids filed into the room. Most of them, like Kuki and Naomi, were gazing up at Chad and Cree in shock. Wally and the others were glaring at the two teens.
Cree's smile wavered slightly and then began to look slightly more malicious. "Little Abby...I was wondering when you'd show your face."
Abby's eyes remained cold. "Wassup Sis."
The Florida sector kids stared at her in surprise. "She's your sister?"
Zen calmly looked up at Cree, and then flipped through the pages of his book to his Info Finder. Hmmm...oh dear.
"I have a name you know," Cree snapped. "And it happens to be Cree." Her eyes narrowed angrily at Hoagie in particular. "Oh and you little—"
"Oh h-hi Cree," Hoagie said nervously, waving his hand at her. "Uh...look about that time...you aren't st-still mad about it are you?"
The angry glare on the young teenager's face said it all.
"Whatevuh," Wally shot back. "Answer Numbuh 5's question. 'Ow do you know you'll be able ta bring us down?"
"Numbuh 4's right," Nigel stated seriously. "The Kids Next Door never quit."
"We just get decommissioned."
Everybody turned and stared at Zen. He had placed his book aside and was staring up at Cree with an extremely serious expression on his face. His glasses flashed in the green light from the hologram.
"You escaped decommissioning...didn't you Ms. Lincoln? That's why I have the number...I have now."
The teen gazed down upon him for a few seconds before realization dawned on her face. "You have gotta be...no way...this isn't...you're Numbuh 11?"
He nodded. "Is there a problem?"
"Um..."
"Say," Chad spoke up. His blue eyes now looked interested. "Isn't it almost time for your decommissioning? If I remember correctly, it should be at least a few more days."
Zen flinched.
"I'm right aren't I? Well, what can I say? Everything you ever worked for will be for nothing and you'll be forever condemned as an enemy of the Kids Next Door just because of your age. You going to do anything about that Zen?"
The bespectacled boy narrowed his eyes. "If you think for one minute I'm going to turn traitor like you and the former Numbuh 12 and everyone else that escaped, you've got another thing coming." He crossed his arms. "I am never going to back down from my team...even though I'm going to become a teenager."
The others continued to stare at him in shock. This was by far, the most they had ever heard Numbuh 11 say at one time, and the first time he'd ever been seen as truly angry. In addition to that, they hadn't known that he was almost going to be 13, save for his own teammates.
"Cree, Chad," a voice spoke up. The hologram shifted to the left and Matthew appeared. "What are you...oh...it's them."
"Crud! It's the clone!" Wally pointed.
Matt glared up at his clone. "I knew it! They would never have been able to take over the Moonbase that easily without your help."
The clone leered back at him. "How perceptive of you. I'd love to stay here and catch up with you brother, but I have work to do. So we'll have to end this transmission now."
Chad grinned. "You heard the kid. Catch you later squirts." The hologram switched off.
For several minutes, the two teams said nothing, only continued to stare at the blank hologram in horror and mingled fear.
"Tell me, that didn't just happen," Matt whispered. "He...they...didn't..."
"They did," Eric finished for him. "And now we're, like, doomed."
Kayla slugged him on the arm. "You ain't helpin'!"
"Wha-what do we do Numbuh 1?" Hoagie asked the leader. "I never knew things would come to this. So what do we do?"
Nigel said nothing.
"Numbuh 2's right. We need some kinda plan in order ta bring down those cruddy teenagers an' the Delightful Dorks an' those stupid clones o' ours." Wally crossed his arms. "So wha's the plan?"
Nigel still said nothing.
Kuki looked worried. "Are you okay Numbuh 1? What are we gonna do?"
At last, he spoke. "I...I...I don't...know."
His teammates gasped simultaneously. It was rare for Numbuh 1 to ever lose hope and ever not have an idea in store. This was one of the few times he actually truly looked helpless.
"We are doomed."
"Shut up Numbuh 12!"
Nigel paced nervously back and forth. "Nothing like this has ever happened before. No one's ever been able to get pass Global Command and all of those operatives on board the Moonbase. They're supposed to be the elite and yet that clone got past them and deactivated security like it was no big deal. Now Father and the Delightfuls have everything they need to destroy us: our central base, our bios, and even super-human versions of ourselves." He pressed his head into his hands. "Those clones are stronger than us. What if this is something we just can't beat? What if...we've finally met our match?"
His teammates gasped again. He'd never said anything like that either.
That just...can't be true. Matt stared at Nigel in shock. He can't be serious.
Siri blinked her eyes rapidly. Nigel...no...
"What can we do?" He closed his eyes tightly. "What can we do?"
That's when a hand came out of nowhere and smacked Nigel clear across the face. PAF! He slumped to the ground, one hand against the side of his face.
"Numbuh 5!" Siri and Matt cried in unison.
Abby put down her hand and grabbed him by the front of his shirt. "Get a HOLD o' yo'self!" she snapped angrily. "Yo' actin' crazy." She pulled him closer. "Listen up Numbuh 1. You have got ta calm down! Whinin' and carryin' on like a helpless baby ain't helpin' anythin'!"
Nigel glanced sheepishly at her. The others closed their eyes and braced themselves for another typical shouting match between the two teammates.
They're gonna kill each other.
"You're right Numbuh 5."
The kids blinked. They're not gonna kill each other?
Abby let go of him and Nigel slowly straightened up. "Sorry. Guess I did get a bit carried away with everything. It's just...nothing like this has ever happened before."
"No problem," Abby smiled evilly and held up her hand. "I'll do it again if ya want."
He laughed nervously. "Thanks but I'll pass."
Matt smiled lightly. "Don't worry Numbuh 1. We'll get through this."
"Yeah." The boy smiled back. "You're right. Those clones may be stronger than us, but they'll never replace us. We're not going to take this lying down."
"You said it Numbuh 1," Abby told him encouragingly. "We'll fight ta duh bittuh end."
Wally nodded and pounded his hand into his fist. Hoagie grinned and gave the thumbs-up and Naomi nodded solemnly. Eric and Kayla grinned in unison while Kuki giggled and waved her arms. Matt and Zen crossed their arms and grinned. Siri's smile quavered slightly but she said nothing.
"Now let's go about makin' a plan fo' dis," Abby went on.
"Good idea Numbuh 5."
As one, everyone turned and left the room except for Siri, Abby, and Nigel. Siri stared at the hologram again and then bowed her head. All this happening just because of my stupid parents. Why couldn't they just leave things uncomplicated?
"You going to be all right?"
She sighed and smiled weakly at Nigel. "Yeah. Just wish things didn't have to be this complicated."
"Well...we can't help that." Nigel tipped her head up. "Numbuh 5's right. We'll get through this. All we need is a plan."
Siri nodded. "Um...Numbuh 1...I hope you know that not all of my teammates really know how to fight. I mean, out of everyone on the team...I'm the only one that can really fight and finish."
Nigel frowned. That was a problem. Knowing the clones that were going to awaken, they were bound to be skilled in at least the normal fist-fighting. Still, it wasn't something he and his own teammates couldn't fix.
"Okay, we'll just train your teammates how to fight. I'm sure we'll be able to do that before we face the clones." He smiled at her.
"Yeah," Abby put in. "Yo' teammates will be fine."
"In the meantime, just try not to worry so much," said Nigel brightly.
"I'm worried about you," she whispered. "This is bound to be a lot more stressful than anything you've ever experienced thus far." She touched his sunglasses. "I just don't want you to crack under pressure like—uh—earlier."
Nigel nodded. "Don't worry about me. Just take care of yourself."
"Aw don't fret about me. Take care of yourself. And remember," she gave him a light peck on the cheek and a small punch on the shoulder. "I'm here for you."
Abby frowned a bit. Oh stop it girl!
Nigel blushed and then nodded. "Right. We better go and plan strategy. Come along Numbuh 5."
Abby shrugged. "Sho."
They both turned and walked through the sliding door, leaving her alone in the room. Nigel certainly walked away with better spirits although Siri felt a strong swoop of worry for him.
"Numbuh 10...you okay?"
Siri turned around. Matt hadn't left the room yet. "I...yeah, I'm fine."
He gave her a significant look and touched her arm. "Just worried about Numbuh 1 right?"
"And everyone else," Siri replied softly. She sighed and leaned against Matt, her head resting against his shoulder. He wrapped his arm around her back, his head resting against the top of her head. For one moment, they both felt entirely and completely safe.
He smiled, amidst his blush, and tipped her head up. "Don't worry. If I know anything...it's best not to fret about what's coming. We'll meet it, and we'll beat it when it comes."
"You're right...as usual," Siri answered. "But I still don't know if—"
"It'll be okay Siri...I promise."
He called me by my first name. Siri nodded and pushed herself away from him. "Feh, never knew you could be the one to cheer me up Numbuh 9."
"What are friends for?" he asked her.
She smiled. Yeah really. "Thanks Numbuh 9." With a much more cheerful bounce in her step, she walked up to the sliding door.
"You like him don't you?"
Siri stiffened and turned her head back at him. "Excuse me?"
"Numbuh 1." Matt cocked his head at her. "You really like him don't you?"
She bit her lip and shook her head hard. "Don't be ridiculous Matt. I barely even know him."
She called me by my first name. "You seem to care about him more than the other Kids Next Door, and he's always with you no matter what. Sometimes it doesn't take long before feelings arise."
"Like I said, don't be ridiculous." She closed her eyes and turned back forward. "I'm gonna go now."
Matt nodded and watched her leave before heaving an exhausted sigh. He pushed the green band firmly back against his brown hair. Someday Siri...I'd like to capture your heart the way he's captured it. If only I stood a chance...
Why did he ask me that? Siri paused on her way to Abby's room, considering her best friend's question. Since when was he on personal terms with me? She sighed and shook her head and tried to focus on anything else...and instead the image came up of Matt's concerned expression and Nigel's kind blue eyes that shone from behind his sunglasses. She shook her head hard.
No...I don't like Numbuh 1 or Numbuh 9...do I? Siri raised her head.
Do I?
Time: 10:00 PM
Location: KND Headquarters (Sector V)
Naomi lay back against her plushy new bed and thought about everything that had happened. Kuki had already dozed off. It's all gone by so quickly. When I signed up for this...I never knew things would get this bad. Oh sure things did get bad before, but never like this. Soon, I'm going to have a walking, talking, unwanted, twin.
She rolled over. Hard to imagine it wasn't all too long ago that I'd joined.
Flashback (Operation G.R.A.D.U.A.T.I.O.N.)
"Quit fidgeting so much Numbuh 12."
"Hey, easy for you to say man. You know I hate boring social gatherings like this."
Matt shook his head. "Look, I know you get bored easily, but this is a special event. This is the time where we honor the cadets and enlist them as new operatives for the Kids Next Door. You know we're here because we might get assigned one."
Eric sighed. "Yeah, I know the drill."
Next to him, Kayla draped one arm on the rail in front of her. She'd taken off her hat and it hung around her neck on a cord. "Cheer up guys. It'd be nice ta have some new blood in this here team."
"You're the newest blood so far," Eric told her. "I mean, you've only been on this team for six months."
"This team for six months," Kayla corrected. "Ah used ta be part of the sector in Texas before Ah moved remember? Ah wuz Numbuh 145."
"Quiet you two," Siri ordered. "Numbuh 362 just plugged in the Code Module and the first kid's being assigned his number."
They waited in silence as the first kid selected his number: T.
"What the—?" Matt uttered. "Numbuh T?"
Eric chuckled. "That's a cool number. I wonder why I didn't choose that one."
Kayla snorted. "Maybe a'cause it ain't a number numbskull!"
Zen watched seriously, without his book, as "Numbuh T" or "Tommy Gilligan" was assigned to Sector V of the Kids Next Door. He eyed the other young cadets thoughtfully. Most of them were around seven or eight years old.
A small girl with tan skin and long black hair sectioned into two braids stood apart from the others. She wore a white T-shirt with a red Rainbow Monkey on it.
"Next up, Naomi Cloud."
While the other three operatives argued amongst themselves, Siri and Zen paid attention to Rachel as she talked the young girl through the speech. "So what number do you choose?"
"I choose...Numbuh 14."
Matt stopped talking to Eric and Kayla. "What did she choose?"
"Very well." Numbuh 362 looked up at the giant Computermabob. "Welcome to the Kids Next Door Numbuh 14. You will be assigned to Sector...F."
"SECTOR F?!"
Rachel glanced at him. "Yes Numbuh 9. Your sector."
"Um...sorry."
Later at the graduation party, Naomi slowly made her way to her new teammates. She smiled shyly at them. "Um...you're Sector F right? I'm Numbuh 14 or Naomi Cloud. I'm eight years old."
The older kids said nothing, only stared at her.
"Um...heh heh...hi?"
Then Siri glared at the others and stepped forward. "It's nice to meet you Numbuh 14. Welcome to Sector F and the Kids Next Door."
Naomi smiled at her winningly. "You're really nice...and really pretty. Are you the leader?"
Siri laughed. "Me? Nah. I'm the second-in-command. The name's Siri, but you better call me Numbuh 10." She reached back and tugged Matt to the front. "This is the leader of the team."
He relaxed. "Yeah. I'm Matt or Numbuh 9. Nice to have you on board." He gestured towards the kids behind him. "And this is Numbuh 11...Numbuh 12...and Numbuh 13."
"Hello."
"Wassup!"
"Howdy."
Naomi smiled. "It's great to be a member of such an established team. I'm honored."
End Flashback
This is the biggest thing that's happened to me since
that graduation day. Naomi closed her eyes. I only hope I can survive it.
She clutched Mr.
Snuffles to her stomach. "Good night Mr. Snuffles."
Location: Delightful Children's Mansion
Cyriel Hartman pressed the button on the monitor, her eyes widening in delight as one of the capsules began to quiver. "Darling, I believe another one is about to awaken."
"Excellent." Jeff watched the clone smash its way through the capsule with both tight fists. As the greenish liquid sloshed around the clone's feet, he walked over to greet it. "Welcome to life...Wallabee Beatles."
The blonde boy lifted his wet head and brushed the stray pieces of glass off of his arms. His green eyes slowly changed to red. "Thanks. Good ta be alive."
Me: I apologize greatly to my readers that I wasn't able to get this chapter out sooner. Yet, my parents decided to end our Internet connection for the time being so it's been weeks since I've been able to update a thing for this fic. Don't worry.
Numbuh 5: Took ya long enough though.
Me: Yeah well, I hope you readers liked this chapter. I made it long for a reason. The next one's gonna be even longer and a lot more fighting and romance is heading your way.
Numbuh 1: Oh goody.
Next Chapter...Log 8--The Ties That Bind Us: The next two days will be nothing but work for the Kids Next Door, but surprises continue to appear around every corner. As the teammates learn from each other how to fight against their deadliest enemies, the clones themselves have begun to rouse. Far from being exactly like their originals as demonstrated by Matthew, these clones display their own personalities, little knowing the binding connection to the originals. Feelings and secrets will soon come into the open next time on Codename: Kids Next Door: Operation: R.E.S.C.U.E.!
"All we have to decide is what we do with the time that is given us."—J.R.R Tolkien's, The Fellowship of the Ring
"Show up or grow up!"—Numbuh 1