Chapter 7: Exodus
…Connection Re-Established…
It was nightfall, and their ship zoomed over the Atlantic Ocean towards North America to rendezvous with Numbuh 60.
From there, they would have to voyage down South in the safety of one of the surviving carriers to Antarctica, the location of the Arctic base.
In both North and South America, the Kids Next Door managed to hold up against Father's forces, but it was only a matter of time before both continents fell under his tyranny.
It was their only option if they had any chance of escaping to the Moon Base.
"Things are looking pretty gloomy aren't they?" Rachel said to Nigel.
The boy looked up, still looking confident as ever.
"They may look like that now, but things will start to brighten up, you'll see." He responded back.
She could never quite understand how he could remain so positive even in the most desperate of situations.
During the first half of the trip they both didn't realize that both of them scooted a bit closer to each other, their arms basically touching.
Rachel noticed, and slowly put her head on his shoulder while slouching back in her seat.
Nigel almost jumped, but gradually relaxed.
"Hey Nigel." She said in a soft and sleepy voice.
"Yes Rachel?"
Nigel suddenly felt a warm hand gently interlock with his. It felt so intimate, and her hand seemed like a perfect match with his.
"There's no pillow or anything on this bucket of bolts, mind if I sleep on your shoulder? I mean if that's ok with you." She turned and glared up into his shades.
"Of course it is."
He looked down at her and she smiled, quickly falling asleep.
"Good night Rachel." He said getting one last good look at her before entering the deep bowels of his unconsciousness.
The S.C.A.M.P.E.R arrived in Washington D.C at 7 o'clock in the morning.
Nigel woke up first, and surprisingly found Rachel's head resting on his chest.
"Hey Rachel." He whispered gently.
The blonde girl slowly woke up, and looked up to Nigel.
"Yeah…?" She said, still tired.
"We're here in D.C."
Rachel perked up. "Oh snap! How long have we been here?"
"We just got here Rachel." He said rolling his eyes.
"Oh." She said feeling a little foolish.
They exited the ship and were immediately greeted by Patton, Commander of the North American forces.
"Attention!" he announced to all the soldiers present.
"At ease Numbuh 60, glad to see you."
Numbuh 60 then broke back into his normal stature and walked beside the side of Rachel.
"And glad to see you too Supreme Leader, we were all afraid you wouldn't make it."
Rachel then smirked. "Well I had some help on the way." She winked at Nigel.
Rachel was astonished to find that the city remained relatively intact, aside from the occasional burning Teen Ninja fighter that had been shot down or bullet holes that marked some of the buildings.
"Looks like you guys are holding up pretty well." She turned to Patton.
"Yeah… but we won't last long, Father's invasion force is already on the way, and the West Coast has already been taken." He responded, putting his hands in his pocket as he looked down at his feet.
"What the? I thought it would take him at least a few weeks?!"
"Unfortunately he steam rolled right over Asia, and took full control of the Pacific. Our forces are already packed up and ready to head to the Arctic base. We'll meet up with the carrier in the Gulf of Mexico." He responded.
"Good, what about the rest of the KND?" Rachel questioned.
"Most are already at the Arctic base, including the remainder of our navy. However, pockets of resistance remain in Father's captured territories, and key assets are still being defended."
The situation seemed to have some somewhat good news for once. She was glad to hear that most of the KND was already waiting for their arrival at the Arctic base, but she wasn't so thrilled hearing that some of their forces would remain on Earth.
"The transports are already waiting for us, let's head their now." Numbuh 60 interrupted.
Nigel, Patton, and Rachel all boarded the ship.
"Hey how's the Moon Base holding up?" Rachel asked.
"Still untouched, apparently Numbuh 86 is still yelling at all the boy operatives blaming them for our loses." He laughed a bit.
Rachel giggled a bit too, her closest friend Fanny always acted the same, regardless if there was a war or not.
Nigel interrupted their conversation. "How long will it take us to get to the fleet in the Gulf?"
"Three hours. Relax, everything's under control." Assured Numbuh 60.
Rachel looked around them, and witnessed several hundred KND S.C.A.M.P. , transports and fighter escorts zooming to the Gulf.
"Aren't we a target for Teen Ninja fighters…?"
"Naw, the air space is under control, in fact I don't even know why we have fighter escorts." Patton interjected, a little overconfident.
The first hour of the flight was uneventful, and all three operatives as well as the soldiers in the transport remained quiet.
Suddenly, they heard a loud explosion outside, and saw several Kids Next Door ships ablaze into the ground below.
They saw dozens of Teen Ninja fighters shoot pass the front of their transport.
Numbuh 60 immediately questioned the pilot of the ship.
"What the hell is going on here?! I thought the air space was under control!"
"Several Teen Ninja fighters managed to break through our remaining defenses." The pilot responded.
"Where are our fighter escorts?!" he yelled.
Their ship violently shook as bullet's hit from behind.
Nigel grabbed a hold of Rachel, keeping her in place.
"Boogie on our tail! Requesting immediate assistance!" the pilot shouted frantically into the ships radio.
"Negative, we have our hands full." Replied one of the escort leaders.
"Evasive action!" shouted Numbuh 60.
The ship banked to the right, barley dodging the bullets of the Teen Ninja fighter on their tail.
"We barely missed that one…. THEY GOT A LOCK ON US!" the pilot yelled at the top of us lungs.
Suddenly, the enemy fighter locking onto them exploded in midair.
"Who the hell saved our asses?" Patton said to the pilot.
Nigel looked out the ship and immediately recognized the aircraft that had come to their aid.
It was the Kid, the same person who was able to shoot Numbuh 2 out of the skies over a dozen times.
The Kid pulled up to the side of the S.C.A.M.P.E.R saluted, and immediately zoomed off to deal with the other enemy fighters.
"Dang, look at him go." Patton muttered to himself.
He shot down all the enemy fighters nearly single-handedly before flying back into the horizon.
"How come he never joined the Kids Next Door, he's a better pilot than Numbuh 2!" Rachel said, both excited and relieved they were saved.
Nigel responded, trying to remember Numbuh 2's story about the ace.
"I don't know much about him, but according to Numbuh 2 he acts alone, only helping those he feels are doing the right thing."
Rachel nodded "I see, well I'll be sure to thank him after this war is over."
The rest of the trip was uneventful, for the skies were now clear. The most activity in the ship included the snoring of the other soldiers, and Numbuh 60 communicating with air traffic control.
They finally landed on one of three carriers that survived the energy blasts. The lone carrier named the "The Ravager" was surrounded by retreating cruisers and frigates, as well as cargo ships, which contained troops, vehicels, and supplies. Two famed battleships also guarded the ship, their massive cannons ready to fire below and above them.
Upon exiting the S.C.A.M.P.E.R, they were hurriedly greeted by the only surviving admiral, Numbuh 1942.
The admiral wore the same ones Numbuh 288 wore, give or take a few more medals.
"Welcome to the Ravager Supreme Leader." He greeted Rachel, saluting her.
He then turned to Numbuh 1, and shook his hand. "Oh and the legendary Numbuh 1, now that's shocking, two of the KND's most legendary operatives on my deck."
"Erm, sorry to be a bit rude, but what's your name exactly admiral?"
"Just call me Chester." He smirked, gesturing them to follow them into the carrier's hull.
The carrier appeared to be a tad newer than the one in the Atlantic fleet.
This one had polished halls, and the defense systems were controlled by a central computer, opposed to the older models which required manual labor from the crew.
"Ship's a beauty ain't she? Equipped with the latest defense systems, engines, and computers. Sad to see that the oldest and most fabled carrier in our possession sunk a little over a day ago, their admiral along with it…" Chester frowned.
"Yeah… were you friends with Numbuh 288?" Rachel replied back, hoping that the question wouldn't offend him.
"Of course we were! I was friends with all the admirals, it's sad to realize that I'm the last one alive."
"I see… guess everyone's lost someone in this war." Rachel thought to herself.
Numbuh 1942 directed them into their quarters; Numbuh 362 got the ship's suite, while Numbuh 1 would be in a small sailors quarters right across.
"Are you freakin' kidding me?!" Nigel exclaimed; his room was half the size of a walk in closet, and the bunk beds looked like they were made out of pure steel.
Rachel laughed, and teased him a bit.
"Hey Nigel, how's your room? Comfortable ain't it?"
Nigel became a bit irritated. "Well how's your room princess?"
Rachel yelled back. "It's actually really nice! I got my own bathroom, and everything! Being Supreme Leader sure does have it perks at times."
Nigel grumbled in silence, and Rachel took note.
"Hey Nigel, if you want I can order Numbuh 1942 to…"
"It's ok Rachel, say let's head to the mess hall, I'm getting pretty hungry."
"Ok meet ya' outside my room." She said back, meeting him in the hallway that separated their two rooms.
They headed to the mess hall, which was surprisingly empty.
Rachel whispered to Nigel. "I expected this place to be a bit more crowded, especially since their serving meatball sandwiches!"
A pilot sitting in one of the other tables responded, shocking both kids.
"Yeah, this is the most crowded it gets; most of us are either shot down or out doing a mission."
"What about the crew?" Rachel questioned.
"Kiddin' me? Most of the ship's crew is too busy worrying about one of those energy beam cannons blasting this ship out of the sky."
"What about you then? How come you're not out doing a mission." Interrupted Nigel, crossing his arms.
"I would if I could, sad to tell you my aircraft was damaged and is in the hanger getting repaired. Anyway, I'll be going back to my room." He saluted Rachel and Nigel, and left.
"Well that was weird." Rachel said to Nigel after they got their trays.
"Eh, not really, he's just a pilot doing his job. Sometimes talking to people keeps them sane."
Rachel shrugged. "I guess."
The two ate their sandwiches, having random conversations, ranging from Yipper all the way to the latest battle reports.
"Hey Nigel, want to go on the ships balcony in the back of the hanger? I really want to see the sunset."
"Um sure, whatever you want Rachel."
The two entered the busy hangar, and walked towards the back of the carrier where the opening was located.
"It's so beautiful." Rachel said mesmerized by the sunset.
"Yeah, it is…" Nigel murmured, looking at Rachel.
Her face seemed to be lit up by the sun, and her brown eyes illuminated a brighter color.
She turned to Nigel, sensing his glare.
"You ever wish you could just leave all of this behind, away from all this senseless fighting?
Nigel was stumped by the question, he was unsure how to answer.
"Sometimes, but someone has to do it."
"Yeah… I guess you're right, I'm just tired of all this Nigel and I know you are too."
Rachel got a bit closer, and gazed up towards the now darkening sky.
"People are losing the ones they care about the most all around us… I just… I just don't want to…" Rachel felt a tear develop at the thought of losing the boy that stood before her.
"I just don't want to lose you Nigel; you mean a lot to me, you're my closest friend, and probably the only person who knows me inside and out." She finished, barely holding back tears that begged to pour out.
She abruptly felt a pair of arms slowly embrace her into a hug.
"Hey, don't worry about it Rachel. I'll always be there for you."
Comforted by Nigel's words, she held him tighter in her arms before finally letting go.
"Thanks Nigel, I really appreciate it. Well, I'll be going back to my cabin, see you tomorrow soldier." Her gentle voice being picked up by Nigel's ears.
"Anytime Rachel" Nigel responded before she walked off.
The next day, Rachel was awoken by the ship's loud horn. She fell out of bed and then proceeded to get up. As she recovered from her fall and stretched, she heard someone knock on the door of her cabin.
Rachel slowly opened the door squinting her eyes to see who it was.
"Oh hey Nigel"
"Morning Rachel, we arrived at the Arctic base. Did you get a good night's sleep?"
"Sorta." She responded.
"Well get ready, Numbuh 60 and several other commanders awaiting for your arrival already at base."
"Ugh, so early in the morning? Fine." Rachel closed her door and immediately put on her typical outfit as Supreme Leader.
She met up with Nigel who was waiting right outside her cabin.
"Say, since you seemed to be awake this whole time, did Numbuh 900 make it here safely?"
"Yeah, she's under close watch though." Nigel responded
As they got out of the ship, they were astounded to see a still massive force around the base, waiting for further orders.
The other two carriers, the Hokagi, and the Miranda also docked near the Arctic base, preparing to orbit in space when the full retreat order was given.
The two entered the command center situated near the top of tree house. Upon entering, they were greeted by Numbuh 60.
"Feels good to be back here, almost gives me a sense of nostalgia." He greeted.
"Anyway, let's talk about some more pressing concerns."
He led them to a small office, where several other commanders awaited.
Upon entering the room, all the operatives present got out of their seats and saluted Rachel.
"At Ease everyone." she responded, gesturing for everyone in the room to take their seats
Numbuh 60 then walked to the front of the table.
"About 80% of our remaining forces are already here at the Arctic Base, but we will have to hold off until the rest of them can make it. As soon as this happens, we will proceed with the Supreme leaders plan and retreat to the Moon Base to regroup and reorganize."
One commander rudely interrupted. "Why on earth retreat here than retreat again? Why don't we just make a counter offensive now, we have enough forces to do it."
Rachel responded.
"No we don't, not nearly enough to beat back Fathers armies. Our only option is to retreat to the Moon Base so we can rebuild our military."
"Well then, why don't we just do that while we attack right now?"
Rachel was getting a bit aggravated by the ill-mannered commander.
"Well, mister know it all, if we do your strategy and lose everything, what's there to defend the Moon Base? Who will defend the space ports and factories huh? Tell me please."
The commander than sat back down, feeling stupid and humiliated.
"Good, now that everything is clear, you all have your orders. Return back to your posts and strengthen the bases defensive perimeters."
As the commanders dismissed, she walked up to Numbuh 60.
"Where's Serena?"
"She's in the training bay, but don't worry she's under guard."
"Thanks"
Nigel and Rachel paced to the training bay located in the deep underground portions of the base.
"What do you guys want this time?" Serena snorted.
"That's no way to address your Supreme Leader." Commanded Rachel, not pleased on how the brown haired girl greeted her.
"Whatever." She said before hitting a punching bag
"You're going to need to tell us everything you." Nigel added.
The girl looked back.
"About that stupid Arctic facility huh?"
"Yep" Rachel said back.
"I don't feel like talking about it right now." Serena than walked away exiting the room.
Nigel restrained Rachel from chasing her.
"Let her go, what ever happened to her on that mission apparently traumatized her, she'll talk when she's ready."
"I guess." She said, calming down.
The alert sirens of the base suddenly went off.
"Attention all personal, report to battle stations. We are under attack, I repeat we are under attack, this is not a drill.
"Guess Father's forces are due a little more early than we thought." Rachel sighed.
They entered the main lobby of the base, and saw operatives rushing outside to take defensive positions.
Numbuh 60 approached them quickly, brushing off operatives that got in his way.
"Numbuh 362, the commanders are awaiting further orders."
"Tell them I order for them to defend the Arctic Base while rest of our forces retreat."
Patton nodded, and immediately ran to give out the order.
"Numbuh 1!" a familiar voice shouted.
It was Numbuh 2 and the rest of Sector V, they were amongst the first to arrive at the base.
"We thought you didn't make it." Numbuh 3 rushed up and gave him a hug.
"Well looks like I did" he grinned.
"Can't wait to kick some cruddy adult villain but!" Numbuh 4 interrupted
Rachel felt a little bit ignored, but understood that Nigel was happy to be reunited with his Sector.
"Hey take command of some of the defenses outside with your sector. I'll be up at the command post, let me know if you need me.
All of Sector V remained quiet, but had a sudden outburst the minute Rachel was out of sight.
"Ooo! Numbuh 362 got a thing for Numbuh 1!" Abby teased.
"Ugh, whatever guys, are we going to defend this base or what?" Nigel said, half blushing.
They arrived at one of the entrenchments just outside the base.
Around them, transports were scurrying into space towards the Moon Base, and all of the carriers already took off into orbit.
"The quicker our guys retreat, the quicker we get out of here." Numbuh 1 murmured to himself.
"Enemy tanks approaching!" a tower near them reported.
Nigel looked out through his binoculars, and saw several armored divisions approaching the Arctic Base.
The artillery batteries were awaiting orders.
Nigel waited for the tanks to be in range of their cannons.
"Steady… Steady… FIRE!"
The sound of shells pounded the ground, and vaporized the first wave of enemy tanks.
Victory was short lived, and several seconds' later Teen Ninja bombers knocked out their artillery positions. Soon after enemy infantry and armored vehicles charged their defensive emplacements, quickly overrunning several machine gun nests.
Numbuh 1 shouted through his communicator.
"Numbuh 2! Get those anti-tank guns running! The rest of you guys, hold defensive positions until we are given the final order to retreat. Kids Next Door battle stations!"
Shorty after, several enemy soldiers entered Nigel's positions, and he quickly made short work of them, knocking them out using his own hands.
As he got out of his dugout, their defenses seemed to be holding out, now that Numbuh 2 repaired the anti-tank guns.
His sector was fighting in the trenches in front of him, quickly overcoming any enemy soldiers that tried to take them out.
"This is too easy!" Shouted Numbuh 4, taking out an enemy soldier trying to flank him.
The other operatives all seemed to fare well against the enemy advancement, and managed to hold on to several key defensive areas.
Suddenly, an influx of enemy reinforcements parachuted right on top of them, quickly subduing most of the remaining operatives.
"Fall back everyone fall back!" He yelled into the radio.
He then pointed to his Sector.
"I want you guys to take off on the next shuttle out of here!"
"But what about you?!" Numbuh 5 yelled.
"Don't worry about me, I need to report to Rachel!"
Numbuh 5 nodded, and the rest of Sector V retreated into the Arctic Base.
Nigel ran through some of the trenches, avoiding stray bullet fire from both sides as well as artillery shells.
He entered the Base, and immediately ran towards Rachel's location
TRANSMISSION INTERRUPTED