Chapter 2: Numbuh 362's Talk

Still Fanny's POV

What could Numbuh 362 want? I didn't do anything wrong. I did what I always did and followed orders while I never questioned them. So why did she want to speak to me? It must be very important because if it was something stupid, like calling up Sector V for a debriefing or something, I would know. This was serious. I could tell.

After waiting a while, I went ahead and knocked on Numbuh 362's office door. There was no answer. I did it again. This time she opened it, looked around for the coast to be clear, and let me in. I was puzzled.

I could tell something was wrong because she began to pace back and forth, thinking up who knows what in her head. She turned her head toward me a few times but then sighed as she went back to pacing. She looked as if she was sweating. She looked tense.

What was wrong with our fearless supreme leader?

Rachel's POV

What is wrong with me? Just spit it out! Oh no, I think I'm starting to actually sweat! Maybe she doesn't notice.

I looked up at her and she remained still and quiet. She could tell something was bothering me.

This was big, REALLY BIG! But how could I tell her in the right way? I have to stop pacing or I'll make a hole through the moon base floor.

I stopped and set my gaze upon Fanny. She began to look as nervous as I was. I breathed in some oxygen and let it out slowly. I took my position at my desk while Numbuh 86 followed and sat at the chair nearby.

"Numbuh 86," I began.

Not a bad start, this may be easier than I thought.

"Yes sir?"

I'm done for.

"I wanted to talk to you about something," I straightened myself.

I had to look unafraid. However, it was hard considering how important this was.

"What is it?" she wondered, putting her full attention onto me.

I gulped.

There was two important things I needed to tell her about but I had to keep my cool. I mean, I don't like to see her mad, but that was the least of our problems. I wasn't exactly afraid of her but something far more evil.

"I wanted to say that..."

Numbuh 86 was anticipating my every word.

Here we go.

"I need to be able to trust you," I began to feel more confident.

I sucked all the pride in and let all the fear out.

"You can trust me sir," nervousness stuck to her face, yet she still managed to look cool, calm, collected, and strong.

"I wanted to talk to you about...three months from now."

Fanny's POV

Here we go. She wanted to talk to me about my birthday. But why would she be nervous about that? Did she not want to lose me or somethin'?

"You mean me birthday sir?" I wondered.

She nodded, "Look, I know this must be hard for you but..." she trailed.

It was but it wasn't like I was ever going to admit that. I'm too tough for that.

"But what?"

"I need to know where your loyalties lie?"

"With the Kids Next Door," I answered rather quickly.

Did she trust me enough to buy that? I mean, I was telling the truth, but teenagers lie all the time. (Don't even try to deny it! I know where you live! JK.)

"Are you telling the truth?" she eyed me.

"Yeah."

Oh no, that doesn't sound that convincing.

"I mean-yes, sir."

She pondered for a second.

"Look," her voice became caring, not like the serious voice we were all used to, "I know it must be hard for you, after all, I am turning thirteen myself soon. I can't say I know what EXACTLY you are going through or what is in your mind right now, but just remember…"

My eyes widened and she got my full attention.

"Remember what, sir?"

"That we are Kids Next Door and, no matter what happens, we will always have it inside us...just as long as we don't turn against it."

Rachel-I mean, Numbuh 362, picked up an old picture of our old leader...Numbuh 274-I mean, Chad.

Rachel was close to him, not like the 'I'm in love' kind of close but the kind of 'really good friend' close. Back before she was leader, she was Global Tactical Officer. However, sometimes she would also go on some missions when it was really important.

I looked at her and she gave an upsetting face.

Wow. I'm not the 'trying to make people feel better' kind of person but I wanted to assure her I meant the truth.

I came closer to her and put my hand on her shoulder.

"We all miss him, but he made mistakes. Many mistakes that you would never do-I mean, after all, he is a cruddy boy. But...we still all miss him and I wouldn't run out like he did."

She turned her head to me and gave a blank stare.

"…And neither will you," I finished.

She started to have a slight smile until…

There was a knock on the door.

"Yes," she asked, placing the picture back on its rightful shelf.

"He's here," said Numbuh 35.

Numbuh 362 glanced at the clock, "Already!" she panicked.

Who was she talking about? Who was him?

"Can you tell him to give me a minute?"

"Yes, sir, Numbuh 362, sir."

Numbuh 35 left and I raised an eyebrow at our 'fearless' supreme leader.

"I-I … There is a problem."

"What problem, sir?"

"What else but adults?"

"Well… What did Numbuh 35 mean by, 'him is here'?"

"Well, you see…"

"It is Numbuh 1, isn't it?" I burst into rage.

"What?"

"Why do you always pick him for these cruddy missions, huh? He's not so brave!"

"I-"

"He never follows orders! He's a reckless, stupid, and-not to mention-I hear he wears rainbow monkey underwear! Why of all people him, huh? Why! ?"

She gave me a stern look and I glared.

Normally I wouldn't yell or even glare at our supreme leader but have you forgotten I never had breakfast? I am starving! Why, of all the operatives, is it always him?

"Fanny, it isn't him, and-rainbow monkey underwear?"

"…And further more-huh?"

"I said it isn't him, Numbuh 86."

I guess she didn't want to repeat the other part.

"Then who the cruddy boy is it?"

The door flew open to reveal a average height boy, with black hair, wearing an arctic suit.

Our heads shot back and I...was in rage!

"What is he doing here?"

"What is she doing here?" he spat back.

"I work up here you STUPID BOY!"

"I know that but why are you in here?"

"I invited her," Numbuh 362 jumped in.

"Numbuh 362, sir!" he saluted.

"Give me a break!" I yelled.

He glared.

Out of all the operatives of the world, he just had to be the worst. I loathed him. He was the most annoying, stupid, cruddy, good for nothing boy in the world! Why on earth would Numbuh 362 invite him?

"Would you two just sit down!" Numbuh 362 demanded loudly.

We quieted and sat down beside each other, still sharing evil looks. I stuck out my tongue as he stuck his out. I blew a raspberry and he blew an even bigger one. I placed my thumb on my nose and went "Neh" as I wiggled my fingers. He did the same.

HE IS SUCH A COPY CAT!

Numbuh 362 rubbed her temples, "Stop it you guys!" Numbuh 362's yell echoed throughout the entire office.

We went silent but still continued to glare at one another. Numbuh 362 slapped her palm over her face.

"Why are we here?" Numbuh 60 asked boldly.

WHICH I WASN'T IMPRESSED OVER!

"Well…I just had to talk to Numbuh 86 about something private and then I was going to tell her what has been happening and keep her in the circle!" She glared at me.

I bowed my head, "Sorry, Numbuh 362, sir."

Numbuh 60 chuckled and I growled in response.

"Enough! Now, I called Numbuh 60 here because you are the best qualified."

"Qualified for what, sir?"

"For a humongous mission."

Numbuh 60 did a small gulp then gave me a toothy grin. I snarled.

Stupid boy. You see why I hate him?

"Ugh, it is like being in charge of two year olds."

I stopped my snarling and tried to look professional for our leader. As soon as I stopped, Numbuh 60 followed.

"Are you in?"

"I'll do anything," Numbuh 60 answered our leader.

Kiss up and stupid…He is on a roll.

"Great!"

"Hold it!" I screamed.

I couldn't let that dummy do a mission by himself. He would mess everything up! I just need to change her mind…

"Why are you letting this STUPID BOY do this?"

"Because I believe he is the best choice."

Numbuh 60 smirked and I rolled my eyes.

"Look, you're making a BIG mistake!"

"How so?" she raised a brow.

"He knows nothing to do!"

"Are you kidding? I'm not the Arctic Training base Drill Sargeant for nothing!" he protested.

"Really? I thought that was the reason."

"Why I-if you weren't a girl…"

My eyes widened.

What was he thinking? If I was a boy, I would jump off a cliff!

Numbuh 362 ignored our behavior, "…And you do?" she questioned me.

"Who? Me? Of course! I know everything and more on what and what not to do! Only idiots would try and fight me!" I boasted about myself.

Numbuh 60 rolled his eyes, while Numbuh 362 contemplated.

"You're not actually serious?" Numbuh 60 was shocked.

Ha! STUPID BOY!

"I made my decision," she began, "I have decided…You should go, Numbuh 86."

"Yes!" I cried, "TAKE THAT STUPID BOY!" I blew another raspberry in his face.

"What about me?" Numbuh 60 wondered, glaring at me.

"Oh, you'll go too."

I stopped my cheering as Numbuh 60 and I exchanged looks of disgust.

"US? NO WAY!" we yelled in unison.

"I think it would be good, having a couple of the best operatives on the same team."

We both spat.

"Forget working with him!" I screamed, pointing to the black headed boy.

"Fine, I could always just call up Sector V to do it."

"NO!" we both shouted.

"Then what?" the leader questioned us.

"NO WAY AM I-"

"Okay."

I shot my head back in surprise to see Numbuh 60 agree.

It was one thing for someone to agree, for no one has ever wanted to go on a mission with me alone, but an enemy?

Numbuh 362 looked taken aback as she was just as surprised as I was. She shook it off.

"What about you?" she raised an eyebrow at me once more today.

"NO WAY!" I screeched.

"Fine, I'll just let Numbuh 60 go by himself…"

"NO!"

"Look Numbuh 86, think of this as redemption before you get decommissioned. You will probably never have a big enough mission again. Go prove yourself!"

She made total sense. I didn't like it but I knew what was right…

"Fine!" I snarled.

"Excellent! You guys will leave first thing tomorrow!"

"But Numbuh 362, sir," Numbuh 60 spoke up.

"Yes?"

"What is the mission?"