"I'm afraid I don't understand your language," Master Splinter said calmly, and the floating Utrom pressed a few buttons on his platform.

"There, is this the correct earth language?" the being asked formally.

"Much better, thank you," Master Splinter nodded back. The old rat hadn't understood a word that the Utromian being had been saying, it had just sounded odd to say the least. "Now, what is the cause for this intrusion? As you see, I have some construction problems I have to attend to."

The Utrom turned his attention to the fallen beam, and seemed to nod in agreement.

"Quite problematic, but home design is not the issue. We received a transmission from this location as to the whereabouts of a wanted fugitive."

"I would never aid and abet a criminal," Master Splinter said forcefully. "That is something that goes against my moral code."

"I am glad you feel that way, that will make our search for this person that much easier with your cooperation," the Utrom replied.

"How do you know this is the right location? I used to live with my sons...They didn't cause another intergalactic problem, did they?" Master Splinter worried. With all their escapades, his sons had made quite a few enemies, and problems, and destroyed just a bit of different planets and places. They weren't going back to those antics again, where they?

"This time, thankfully not," a familiar voice chuckled, and Splinter turned his attention to a new arrival to the lair.

"Captain Mortu, it has been quite some time since last we met," Master Splinter smiled.

"Indeed, it's been awhile," the captain replied, then turned to the other Utrom. "I will continue the interrogation with Splinter, you're dismissed."

"Yes, Captain."

"Can you explain to me what exactly is going on? If my sons are not at fault, then I'm afraid I don't understand why Utromian troops are in my home," Master Splinter chuckled.

"Apologies, my friend. We're searching for a fugitive who stole important data over seven years ago. In most cases, this wouldn't be a problem considering the age of the data and advancements on our home world, but in this case...well, the information is highly sensitive."

"Ah," Master Splinter nodded. "And you think I have been hiding this criminal?"
"I would never think that of you, I know your moral code is without question," Mortu replied seriously. "The reason we were able to get here so quickly is because we have been picking up static in your quadrant. You see, the data was imbedded into a device that could easily hide it's true value from anyone without privy to our plans," Mortu explained.

"Wise, indeed."

"But, the device was stolen," Mortu sighed. "It's been missing ever since, and we've been trying to track it for years. The only good thing about the data's carrying case is that it picks up noise. It's been transmitting static from your area for years, but we could never pinpoint an exact location."

"What's this carrying case look like?" Master Splinter asked, but was cut off by a gasp.

"You gotta be kidding me, we're being invaded!" Michelangelo exclaimed.

"Aw, shuddup Mikey," Raphael growled.

"It's just the Utroms," Donatello grinned.

"Hi everyone," Leonardo waved.

"Aw, my favorite earthlings," Mortu replied. "Please, come in."

"We've scoured the sewers, we haven't found anything suggesting the being in question is here," another familiar voice rumbled.

"I remember you!" Michelangelo said, looking at the Utrom Guardian in shock.

"You planted a homing beacon on me," the guardian said darkly. "That wasn't nice."

"Uh, yeah, sorry about that..." Michelangelo trailed off, chuckling nervously.

"So, what's going on?" Raphael spoke up.

"We're searching for a wanted fugitive," Mortu explained. "As I was explained to your father, this is a serious issue concerning sensitive information. We must discover and apprehend the culprit before it's too late."

"We will try to help you, but you must remember how complicated and complex these sewers are," Master Splinter replied.

"That's why I brought my friends with me," Mortu chuckled, gesturing to the masses of floating Utroms and guardians. "We will find and apprehend the suspect as soon as we can, and be out of your way as soon as possible."

"There is no hurry among friends," Master Splinter responded.

"Thank you," Mortu nodded appreciatively.

"So, who here thinks we missed something?" Mikey asked his brothers.

"Missed something? Dude, we missed everything," Raphael snorted.

"Who would've thought we had a wanted Utromian fugitive in these very sewers," Donnie shook his head in wonderment.

"Dudes, do you think...Never mind," Leo shook his head, waving off his brothers curious looks. "Never mind, okay?" he said again, and his brothers decided to leave the issue alone.

Leo's mind was running. He wondered one little thing, if someone was hiding in the sewers, afraid of going topside, what would that make you? A runaway? A stray?

A fugitive?

Does Master Splinter know the 'criminal'? Could it be...Kage? But wouldn't he have known if the girl was a bad guy in disguise? What did he ever really know about her to begin with? What am I thinking? There's no way some human girl could be a wanted felon by the Utromian Justice Force! How could that even happen anyway? I really am going crazy...

Leo shook the thoughts away, he didn't want to think that maybe Kage was a crook. That would break Sensei's heart to discover the girl he was considering a daughter was actually a criminal!

"Leo, Leo, earth to Leo," Mikey sing songed, and Leo blinked, jerking himself out of his thoughts. "We're going into the sewers with some of the Utroms, you comin?"

"Uh, actually, I think I'll stay here with Splinter," Leo replied, for some odd reason not wanting to go with is brother...and stay with Splinter. The guy who had caused him so much misery from training, demanding perfection...

"Ya sure?" Raph asked, looking his brother in the eye, searching for a reason why.

"Yeah, take the lead, bro," Leo nodded, and watched as his brother smirked.

"See ya," Raphael waved, and the group disappeared back into the sewers.

"Leonardo, come here please," Master Splinter called, and he went towards his father.

"What is it Sensei?"

Master Splinter seemed to smile sadly at the title.

"I have not been your sensei, or at least a true one, in quite some time. You have become an excellent warrior, and I wanted you to know that."

Leo was speechless.

"Also, your brothers have all told me about their new homes, but you haven't come to visit to tell me about yours. Please, how do you like your new place?"

"Um, it's good. Peaceful," Leo said, and then attempted to mend the tear between him and his father as he spoke about his new home.