Finally! Why is it always February when I get hit by a creative slump? Regardless, here is the second to last chapter of the first arc.
Transmission 17: System Down
"Begin orbital bombardment!" Jacques orders from the bridge of the KND's G.I.G.A.-K.O.L.O.S.S.A.L.I.N.E.R. and then, a cluster of KND F.L.A.Z.E.R.G.U.N. laser satellites fire a salvo through the atmosphere, which lands around the Teen Ninja base, riddling the area around it with shallow craters, but the facility itself is unharmed, thanks it's spherical energy shield.
"Target is still intact, Supreme Leader! It's shield the blocked barrage!"
"Figures. Move the S.P.L.O.R.C.K.'s into firing position. Aim at the shield perimeter. We'll disable the shield with mustard."
"Yes, Sir!"
"Numbuh 62, contact the TND. We need to start the orbital drop even if the bombardment fails."
"Roger!"
Down on Earth, a fair distance from the Ninja base, a pair of eyes is watching the battle from the sky. "Jammer, the battle has begun. Once I give the signal, sever the coms. That'll slow down the TND and give you the chance you need to destroy the Moonbase's Memory Vault."
"Roger." a distorted kid's voice replies.
"I'll stay here and wait until he enters the battle."
…
"Message from the KND. 'Orbital bombardment commenced. Moving fleet to drop position.'" the South-Asian TND agent in-charge of communications says to Numbuh Kappa-7 as they observe the bombardment from the M.-B.L.U.B.B.E.R.'s bridge.
"That shield is gonna be a tough nut to crack. Alright, inform Infiltration Teams 1 and 2 to prepare for take-off." he says and gestures to the helmsman. "Numbuh Ypsilon-6, Once they've launched, full stop and surface."
"Yes, Sir!" the agents reply, and the South-Asian agent contacts the hangars through the intercom.
"Attention all personnel, submarine hangars 1 and 2 will be flooded. Clear both areas."
Right on cue, the hangar crews quickly run over to the watertight airlocks before water begins filling the hangars, where two underwater versions of the P.I.P.E.P.O.D. are waiting, both ships being crewed by the TND's Special Operations Agents. In the upper main hangar, Eliza and the rest of her team are waiting anxiously for their take-off, can clearly hear the loud metallic screeches as the submarine hangars doors open and P.I.P.E.P.O.D.'s take off, followed by four S.U.B.S.T.A.N.A.R.D.'s, which will deal with any underwater obstacles such as Delightful Depth Charges and Ninja Spike Mines. Then, the M.-B.L.U.B.B.E.R. shudders as it's engines reverse thrust and the ship comes to a stop while it's ballast tanks start emptying, allowing the massive robotic, whale-shaped to rise the surface, where it is greeted by rain and tough waves.
"Surfacing complete, Sir."
"Good job. We can't do anything about this rain squall, so we'll move on to the next phase. Open upper hangar doors. Launch all aircraft and ready the Soft-Serve to ground Cruise Missiles." Kappa-7 issues his orders, which are immediately relayed to the aircrews. Aboard the M.O.S.Q.U.I.T.T.O.H.-W.A.S.P., Tommy receives the message for take-off clearance.
"We've got clearance for take-off, Numbuh Alpha."
"Then let's not waste any time, Agent Vigilante. Punch it." Eliza points confidently at the open sky beyond the hangar's launch ramp.
"The Tommy never wastes time! Buckle up, guys! The sky is calling!" Tommy shouts and lowers the W.A.S.P.'s hull low the hangar floor as the magnetic catapult locks onto the ships legs. "HERE WE GOOO!" Sparks fly everywhere as the W.A.S.P. hurtles down the rail, towards the short ramp at the end of the rail before shooting out of the hangar and spreading it's wings. The ship easily brushes off the rain and wind as it soars over the rough sea. Soon, it is joined by a huge assortment of 2x4 ships, such as C.O.O.L.B.U.S.'s, S.C.A.M.P.E.R.'s, S.K.Y.C.L.A.W.'s and F.L.I.E.R.P.L.A.C.E.'s while another group of aircraft, namely TND Battle Ready Cycles take off from the rear hangar, led by none other than The Kid, flying his Valkyrie 2.
"This is Numbuh Alpha to all craft, secure air superiority for the orbital drop. Agent Halcón, you're in-charge in the sky."
"Hah-hah, just what I wanted to hear, Miss Commander."
"And don't pull anything stupid, got it?" Eliza says mischievously, causing The Kid to laugh even louder over the radio.
"Ai,ai,ai, you're embarrassing me over here. But since we're on air, why don't you join me for a drink after this is over, okay?" The Kid replies cheekily, causing Eliza to blush while Patton and Keith start cackling.
"Gah-hah-hah, man, that guy's smooth as ever."
"Ya said it, mon."
"*cough* Focus! We're on a mission, remember?" Eliza snaps at the boys, but their conversation is heard by everyone on the same frequency, amusing the agents.
"Hey, leave the flirting for later, Supreme Commander. The Ninjas just sent out fighters." Numbuh Kappa-7 says over the radio.
"You heard him. TEENS NEXT DOOR, BATTLESTATIONS!" Eliza shouts as the TND ships open fire on the incoming Ninja Battle Ready Cycles and Vans while The Kid leads the TND Cycles up, towards the clouds.
"Alright amigos, right now, there's not a lady in the world who can resist us. Let's do this!" The Kid shouts, rolls his fighter into a steep dive towards the furball below, followed by the Cycles.
…
"What the heck is goin' on out there?!" a frantic Piggy yells as he enters the factory's underground command center.
"The Kids Next Door and Teens Next Door are attacking from all sides, dude! We just scrambled our fighters."
"Damn them. Okay, deploy the Knightamatons and send out the Sky Destroyers as well and the Radical Ninja fleet! If they think they can take us down, they've got another thing comin'!" Piggy says just as someone contacts his B.R.A. communicator. "Huh? Oh, it's you…" his face turns slightly sour as the sponsor appears on the communicator's screen.
"It seems we've got visitors."
"Yeah, but we ain't gonna let 'em take over this place, like Ernest did."
"Excellent, though I would suggest transferring all computer data to my own central server, to make sure our foes won't get their hands on them. And, lock down the portals, just to be sure."
"I'll let the Nerd Troop handle that."
"As long as it is done, methods do not matter. Of course, I will also stay here and assist in-case anything unexpected happens."
"Heh, well that's gonna make this a lot easier." Piggy hangs up and with newfound confidence, orders the Teen Ninjas to counter-attack through the intercom.
"Alright ya'll, listen up! It's time to show those brats and their teenager lapdogs how the Teen Ninjas defend their turf! We're gonna make 'em wish they never picked a fight with us! TEEN NINJAS RULE!"
"Teen Ninjas Rule!" the Ninjas reply across the base, but in a side hallway, Chuckie and Stacey haven't joined the others in the cheering.
"The TND are coming here…" Chuckie mutters as Stacey realizes what he's thinking.
"No…it can't be…"
"Yes, it is. Chad must've snuck a tracker with him or something. There's no other way the TND woulda found out about this place. That bastard!" he kicks the wall and starts running away.
"Chuckie! Wait!" Stacey runs to his side and grabs his shoulder. "What are you doing now?!"
"I'm gonna drag that traitor out of his cell and hand him over! He lied to us again, Stacey!"
"…" Despite understanding what Chuckie means, Stacey can't help but feel conflicted about this after hearing Chad's confession, but she does not stop Chuckie. "I'm coming too." she says sternly.
"…Fine." Chuckie replies and they board an elevator as red alarm lights flash everywhere.
Meanwhile, Chad is standing in his cell, his hand over his ear. "Numbuh Delta, the attack has started. Numbuh Sigma is going to break into the facility any time now. We'll relay all messages from him to you, okay?" Kieran explains.
"Right. Don't worry, even without weapons, I can take care of myself in here. And I've got a great wingman as well.
"Call me that one more time and I'll fry you." Corvus snaps at him, having remained on watch in the hallway.
"Meet up with Sigma as soon as possible once we give you the signal to escape the cell. He'll bring your B.R.A. with him."
"Sweet. I'll sit tight, Numbuh Delta out." Chad hangs up and walks closer to the steel mesh door, his senses on full alert. "Hey, what's it look like out there?"
"Those Ninjas are really panicking. Even the guards left the moment the alarm went off. You do realize this is the best chance you got to escape, right?"
"If I charge out there before I get the signal, I'm screwed. Besides, I'm not gonna make you protect me."
"Hmph, sure…"
A few floors down, in a large circular hall lined with the same portal generators the Ninjas used at Chuckie's Hideout, a Korean American Ninja wearing an orange horned helmet enters a control booth located above the hall. "Orders from Commander Piggy. Shut down all portals and lock down the entrances. Those brats and traitors aren't allowed to get here, understood?"
"You got it, chief." another Ninja replies as she and the other Ninjas manning the control booth begin turning off the swirling purple portals around the hall. However, just as the last portal is closed, a small purple dot appears on the next to the first generator from the left. "Hmm? Hey, chief ordered to shut them all down!" the bespectacled Ninja yells at the operator next to her, who is frantically typing on his console.
"I did! But that generator restarted itself!"
"What the heck are you two arguing about?!" the orange-horned Ninja glares at the two Ninjas.
"Chief, the first portal generator doesn't wanna shut down! It's trying to make a portal by itself!"
"Huh? That ain't possible, Clement! Lemme see…what the…?!" As the chief Ninja peers through the glass window down to the hall, he notices that the purple dot is turning into a swirling portal. "Shu…shut it down!"
"We're trying!" Alarmed, the chief orders the Ninjas stationed in the hall to destroy the generator but then, the portal reaches its full size and to everyone's disbelief and confusion, a blue and silver, legless swan-like creature with yellow eyes floats out of the portal, followed by a turquoise and orange, cat-faced creature with turbines in its wrists.
"So, these guys are the Teen Ninjas? Don't look much to me, Cygnus."
"Never underestimate your foes, Leo. Here they come!" Cygnus replies to Leo as the Ninjas panic.
"Wha…what the heck are those?! How did they get through the portal?!"
"SHOOT 'EM!" The chief shouts into his microphone, prompting every Ninja in the hall to open fire with their heat lasers.
"Get behind me!" using her magnetic powers, Cygnus spreads and expands her wings, turning them into a pair of large shields. "Quickly, activate the portal!"
"Huh? Oh, yeah, right!" Leo opens his left palm and eyes the Portal Disc in his hand before pressing the large blue button on its center and throwing it at the nearby wall, creating a blue portal. Then, Maurice jumps out of it, wearing his custom dark green and jet black B.R.A.
"Woo-hoo, time to rock an' roll!" he shouts while shooting his wrist-mounted Stupefier Guns at the Ninjas, who have no idea who he is, as they still believe he died a year ago.
"Mrrau!" Numbuh 9L growls loudly as she follows Maurice out of the portal, which closes instantly behind her.
"Gi…GIANT CAT!" Panic takes over the Ninjas as 9L rushes towards them and knocks out over half with her three tails. Then, Leo jumps into the fray, unleashing a powerful kinetic blast simply by punching the air which throws the Ninjas off their feet.
"Time to go buck wild!"
Up in the control booth, the Chief Ninja and his subordinates can't believe the sight unfolding below. "What do we do chief?!"
"…ho…hold 'em back! I'm gonna call for back up!" having lost his composure completely, the chief turns tail and runs towards the door but then, the control booth's glass window shatters as Maurice and Cygnus enter. "YAAAH!" the chief starts firing blindly with his heat-laser cannons, but Maurice weaves through them before knocking him out cold while Cygnus disarms the others by ripping their B.R.A.'s apart with magnetism.
"Wha…what the heck are you freaks?!" the bespectacled Ninja shouts in panic as Maurice walks over to her.
"I think you already know who we are. Now scram." Maurice speaks with a distorted voice while his face is covered by his blank visor and helmet. Then, he destroys the control booth's door and allows the disarmed Ninjas to flee.
"My, that was awfully kind of you." Cygnus remarks as Maurice starts typing on the console near him.
"I used to run with the Ninjas a few years back as a double agent, so I have a bad habit of goin' easy on 'em sometimes. Besides, beating an enemy who can't fight back doesn't sit well with me."
"Very admirable, Numbuh Sigma. You humans just keep surprising me."
"Enough small talk. I'm gonna open the hall's doors from here, so we can move forward. Go down there and tell 9L and Leo to get ready. This is where the real mission starts."
"Will do." Cygnus gestures with her wing and flies out of the broken window while Maurice contacts the Moonbase.
"This is Numbuh Sigma. Numbuh Omicron, we're in. Tell Delta to bust out and meet us at point 68, okay?"
"Roger that, we'll be right on it."
A few floors above the portal hall, Chad receives the go ahead from Kieran to break out of his cell. "Heh, that's Maurice for ya. Always on time. Okay, Corvus, break this door open."
"Right." Corvus replies stoically and returns to the cell before slicing the door into shreds with his claws. "So, what's next?"
"We're gonna meet up with Numbuh Sigma's team in lowers. Follow me but stay hidden." Chad replies and dashes out of the cell with Corvus in tow. The O.M.E.G.A. Number breaks down the armored door at the end of the cell block and the duo enter the long hallway. "This way!" they turn left and head down the hallway when they suddenly encounter a group of Ninjas approaching from the opposite end, blocking their path to the elevators and stairs.
"Huh?! Hey, that's Chad Dickson!" the lead Ninja shouts as Chad freezes in place. "What are you doing here? We thought you quit?"
"I…uh…" Chad stops in his tracks as the confused Ninjas glare at him when suddenly, Chad hears a familiar voice coming from the other end of the hallway.
"CHAD!" the voice belongs to the one person Chad didn't want to meet right now and as he slowly looks over his shoulder, Chad sees a furious Chuckie running towards him, accompanied by Stacey. "You damn traitor! You sold us out again!" Chuckie roars and draws his drill-tipped combat staff. "Don't let him escape! This guy's the reason our Hideout got captured and now he's led the TND here as well!" Despite some hesitation, the Ninjas blocking Chad's path all point their weapons at him while Chuckie does the same with his staff as Stacey stands by his side.
"…ghhh…" Knowing that he's on a tight schedule, Chad does not reply as he frantically looks for a way out.
"I don't know how you got out of that cell, but you ain't going anywhere, traitor!"
"Chuckie…"
"Stacey told me everything. You just love makin' up stories, don't ya?"
"No! I didn't lie to you!" Chad pleads but Stacey remains quiet while Chuckie starts slowly walking towards him, his furious eyes fixated on his former comrade.
"Nuh-uh, we ain't falling for that anymore, Chad. You're the reason everything's gone to heck and you're gonna pay for it." Realizing he's out of options, Chad turns around to face Chuckie.
"…Corvus, get me out of here…"
"Say the magic word."
"…Please."
"That's better! RAAAARGH!" Suddenly, Corvus manifests above Chad and fires electricity from his hands at both Chuckie and the Ninjas blocking the elevator, causing everyone to scramble to the floor. "We're taking a shortcut!" then, Corvus coats his talons with electricity and cuts a circular hole in the floor, before he and Chad jump through it.
"Gah…what the…"
"What was that thing?" the Ninjas stare in shock as Chuckie stands up and takes command.
"After him! He's not getting away!" he shouts and jumps through the hole with the other Ninjas while a stunned Stacey is left by herself in the hallway. The appearance of Corvus has left her even more conflicted, as she realizes Chad could've escaped at anytime if he had wanted to, but she also starts to wander if that thing was an alien.
"…dammit, nothing's making sense anymore!" she kicks the floor and runs after the others.
…
Outside, the TND air units have engaged the defending Ninja Cycles and Vans as the KND and TND commence their orbital drop. Hundreds of Subway Shuttle Pods are dropped from the lower orbit, each carrying KND operatives and TND agents armed to the teeth. "This is Numbuh Lambda to all air units! We've started the orbital drop! Keep the Ninjas occupied so our ships can land!" Bartie contacts the TND forces fighting around and above the Ice Cream Factory and they respond to his transmission by intensifying their attacks. At the sharp end of the air battle is Ace The Kid, who has already bagged over 10 Ninja Battle Ready Cycles.
"Man, these guys are way tougher than those punks who attacked Cleve, that's for sure. Yo, M.-B.L.U.B.B.E.R., this is Agent Halcón, I've taken down the Cycle's in this area, give me some new targets." The Kid contacts the TND's submarine carrier's CIC, who reply immediately.
"Roger, Agent Halcón. There is a large group of Van's approaching the assault team from the east. Intercept them."
"Gilligan's ship? Roger that, I'll handle 'em." With a slight grin on his face, The Kid performs a Split-S and puts his Valkyrie II low over the churning waves as he locates the M.O.S.Q.U.I.T.T.O.H.-W.A.S.P. flying at full speed towards the huge cliffs. "Sorry, but I promised Gilligan I'd keep his ship safe and I'm a man of my word. So, keep yer hands off that ship." taking aim with the Valkyrie 2's long-barreled laser cannon, he begins sniping the Battle Ready Vans from behind the W.A.S.P.
"Agent Vigilante, keep this course! Out target is the large landing platform on the top of that cliff!" Eliza shouts at Tommy, who is gripping the W.A.S.P.'s control stick with all of his might as the ship is buffeted by the heavy winds.
"Ghhhh…Yes, Ma'am! The Tommy will get you guys there safely!"
"That's the spirit!" Patton remarks as Sonia, sitting in-front of the communication's console, receives a transmission.
"Hmm? Supreme Commander, Agent Halcòn is trying to contact us."
"Put him through." Eliza replies as The Kid's confident face appears on the ship's main screen.
"Yo, need a hand? I'll escort you guys to your target so just sit tight."
"Hmph, did you start missing us already?"
"Hah-hah!" The Kid starts laughing at Eliza's comment when suddenly, a green energy beam flies past the W.A.S.P.'s nose, startling it's crew.
"WHOAH!" Tommy screams as he nearly loses control of the ship while Paddy, in-charge of the ship's radar, notices something approaching them.
"Huh? Something's coming towards from the left!" he shouts as a small dot appears on his radar screen while Eliza sees a black object flying low over the waves.
"What the heck is that?"
"Don't ask me, mon, never seen that thing before." Keith remarks as The Kid moves into formation with the W.A.S.P. on its right wing.
"I'll handle it, you guys keep going!"
"Wait, Kid!" but the Latino pilot ignores Eliza and rolls over the W.A.S.P. before banking to the left and applying full afterburner.
"This won't take long!" he shouts as Eliza shakes her head.
"Gah, fine…Pick up the pace, Agent Vigilante! This is our chance!"
"Okay!" Tommy sees the cliff's looming ahead and pulls the W.A.S.P. into a steep climb just as the laser turrets above the Ice Cream Factory begin firing through the facility's shield system, which has so far remained immune to the orbital bombardment. "GGGRRAAAAHH!" Tommy screams as the W.A.S.P. clears the top of the cliff and performs a wide left hand turn, circling the facility.
"There it is! Take us down!"
"Roger!" Tommy switches the W.A.S.P. to hover mode while Lee deploys the ship's CQC mode. Two large hydraulic arms lower down from the ship's bow, each equipped with a three-fingered manipulator arm and a rotary S.C.A.M.P. laser cannon while a third, shorter arm appears between them. It is equipped with a massive Super S.C.A.M.P.P. laser cannon and Lee starts mowing down the automated defenses around the landing pad while Eliza, Patton, Rachel and Keith run down to the ship's cargo ramp. While Patton and Rachel deploy their dark green and turquoise B.R.A.'s, Keith puts on a set of 2x4 sunglasses and draws his two Stupefier Pistols and finally, Eliza readies her blue-bladed sword and activates her face-plate, which covers her mouth and connects to her white and blue shades.
"Everyone ready?" she asks her friends, who all nod back. "Good. Stick to the plan. We'll fight our way down to the lower levels and link up with Numbuh Sigma. Then, we'll capture the control room."
"I'm opening the ramp!" Tommy shouts over the intercom as the cargo ramp drops down, followed by a loud thud as the W.A.S.P. lands.
"TEENS NEXT DOOR, ATTACK!" Eliza dashes down the ramp, followed by Rachel while Patton flies out of the cargo hold with Keith in tow and the teenagers are immediately met by a barrage of laser fire coming from the shield gate that separates the landing pad from factory.
"Let's cover them!" Tommy says as he turns the W.A.S.P. around, allowing Lee to fire the ship's laser weapons at the shield gate's automated turrets. Seeing their chance, Eliza rushes to the shield gate's huge, armored doors and presses her palms against it before releasing shockwaves from them but the door isn't budging easily. Then, Rachel comes to her side and does the same with her Shockwave gauntlets and together they manage to bring down the door.
"Thanks." Eliza says, but Rachel is so focused she does not register her words at all and draws her Laser Lance.
"I'll take point. Numbuh Zeta, give us cover." she says over her shoulder to Patton, who shrugs and points his Multi-Rifle towards the eerily empty courtyard. Then, Rachel moves ahead of the others, but the moment she enters the courtyard, multiple laser guns pop out of the walls and open fire on her. "Ghhh…"
"Numbuh Epsilon!" Eliza shouts as Rachel increases her speed with his Acceleration Boots and manages to get through the courtyard unscathed.
"Hah, she's too pissed off to even notice those guns." Keith chuckles as they follow Rachel through the laser fire and catch up to her just as she is about blast through a second set of doors, that lead to the factory's interior.
"Numbuh Epsilon, wait! Don't rush blindly in there!" Patton tries to stop her from going ahead but Rachel is not listening at all. She shatters the door and dashes into the darkness, alarming her friends. "Dammit, she's snapped. Come on, we can't let her get ahead by herself!" Patton shouts as he goes after Rachel and Eliza and Keith do the same.
Meanwhile, The Kid is pursuing the mysterious craft that attacked the W.A.S.P. Despite his best attempts, the craft has managed to dodge every laser shot he's fired at it, frustrating him immensely. "Dammit, this pendejo's really starting to piss me off! Who the heck are you?!" he yells as he flies low behind the mystery craft. Then, it performs a wide left turn, allowing The Kid to see his opponent clearly: it is a large, jet-black mechanical manta-ray with bird-like digitigrade legs connected to its lower hull while a long mechanical tail is mounted behind and below the craft's two jet engines. The Kid also notices a faint glow on the craft's surface and two green lights near the nose. "Wait a minute…that thing's made of 2x4 tech…" he mutters just as the craft's tail bends and points directly at him. "Aw crap!" The Kid sees the tail's tip glow green, and he immediately breaks off, evading a direct hit as the tail fires a green beam at the Valkyrie II.
Inside the craft's spherical cockpit, sits a person wearing a black and purple flight suit and a helmet with a mirrored visor. "*chuckle* Alright, it's time to put you through the final test, Ace The Kid. Let's see how well you can handle my R.A.Y.-W.I.N.G.E.R." the pilot grips the craft's control sticks with their three-fingered hands and pulls up, performing a textbook Immelman, which puts him level with The Kid.
"Ghhh, this ain't no normal Ninja." The Kid dodges another laser shot as the R.A.Y.-W.I.N.G.E.R. passes him, but then, to his disbelief, it immediately reverses direction, as if it was in zero-gravity, and latches onto his fighter's tail. "No way!"
"Now, let's dance!" the mysterious pilot shouts and begins pursuing The Kid through the clouds. Peeking over his shoulder constantly, The Kid continues to dodge the stranger's beam attacks, but doesn't realize that their duel is taking him further and further away from the factory's airspace, where his fighter cover is sorely needed. "That's it, keep running." then, the pilot presses a button on their left armrest's console. "Jammer, do it."
…
Up in space, at Moonbase's TND extension, Herbie observes the battle through the KND satellite network while being in direct contact with KND's Global Command through a video link. "So far we're on schedule…"
"Numbuh Iota-3, this is Numbuh 81 from the Rascal Ruler. We've commenced the orbital drop, but the factory's shield has survived the mustard bombardment. I'm thinking we should find another way to take it down." The KND Supreme Leader says, causing Herbie to cross his arms.
"The only other way that I can think of is bringing it down from the inside…If you can come up with something better, do it. We'll stick to the plan."
"Roger that. We've called reinforcements from other KND Sectors to help us. This could be our best chance to defeat the Ninjas once and for all! Numbuh 81 out." Jacques says confidently but Herbie isn't convinced and contacts the No. 10 hangar, where Kieran, Libra, Scorpius and Numbuh Vine are analyzing the battle.
"Numbuh Omicron, Iota-3 here. The Ninja defenses are too strong. Got any ideas?"
"Aye, I'm not really sure…We've been watching the battle from here and the OM.E.G.A. Numbers are suspecting that the Ninjas have filled that factory with non-Earth technology. But we're still analyzing."
"…Okay. I just have a really bad feeling about this…"
"Ah, don't worry lad, we'll be fine, this isn't the first time were attacking a Ninja ba…*ZZZZZZRRRTTT*" Suddenly, every screen in the TND Central Operations Room goes dark, followed by the sound of an alarm.
"What's going on?!"
"We've lost all communications, Numbuh Iota-3!" an officer replies as Herbie slams his hands against the holoprojector table.
"That shouldn't be possible!"
"Everything is gone, Chief! Not just here, but also on the KND's side as well. Long range communication is impossible. We can't contact the fleet or Earth."
"…No…dammit…" gritting his teeth, for a split-second Herbie seems on the verge of breaking down but then, he regains his composure and takes control of the situation. "Numbuh Ypsilon-09, issue a base wide alert. Even if our comms are down, the other systems should work. Seal off all important floors and open the Sooper Emergency Channel to KND Global Command. We need to get the system back up as soon as possible!"
"Yes, Sir!" Numbuh Ypsilon-09, the recently promoted Communications Officer replies and begins relaying Herbie's orders, while the Chief himself looks out through the massive glass window into space.
"This has to be sabotage…but by who?"
Down in the No.10 hangar, Kieran and Scorpius are both trying to figure out what just happened. "How the heck did our entire communications network crash like that? I personally oversaw the system overhaul!" Kieran throws his arms in the air as an emotionless Scorpius types on a keyboard with his smaller arms.
"No system is completely safe, Numbuh Omicron. However, the only logical explanation for this event is that the system was brought down from the inside."
"You're suspecting sabotage?" Libra asks to which Scorpius replies with a nod.
"Affirmative. Numbuh Omicron, where is the main communications hub for this base located?"
"Everything is run by the Sooper Big Computermabob…but this extension has a relay computer room. Why are ye asking?"
"I suspect whoever did this, had direct access to either the Computermabob or the relay room. I have analyzed your communications system and it is highly resistant to outside interference, so the only logical answer is that this is internal sabotage."
"Aye, that makes sense. Too bad we can't call them…"
"Then why don't we go and inspect it ourselves?"
"I guess that's our only choice, Numbuh Vine. Right, I'll head out, you guys stay here."
"Negative. If the saboteur is still on the lose, it is only logical that we go together."
"I agree." Libra nods and so does Vine, but Kieran is hesitant.
"But we haven't revealed your existence to everyone yet! We don't know how the others are gonna react to you lot."
"Right now, worrying about that is illogical. Every nano-cycle we waste, your comrades on Earth are paying the price." Scorpius says stoically, reminding Kieran that this communications blackout isn't only affecting the Moonbase, but also the TND and KND forces attacking the Ice Cream Factory.
"…aye, you're right. Follow me." Kieran replies but then, Virgo appears from the shuttle's cargo bay.
"I'm coming too."
"Virgo? I thought you said you had no interest in this." Libra eyes the green, energy alien with suspicion.
"I figured you might need a hand. But I guess not then."
"Argh, we don't have to argue! You're comin' too! Now move it!" A frustrated Kieran shouts and runs up the stairs that lead to the exit, follow by Numbuh Vine and the O.M.E.G.A. Numbers, but Virgo squints her eyes as they leave.
"Finally. Now I can…huh? What…what is this feeling…?" she starts feeling uncomfortable for some reason as the Omega symbols in the three rings in her body blink slightly.
…
Back on Earth, the communications blackout has thrown the KND and TND's joint operation in jeopardy. With no way of contacting each other on the battlefield, the attack on the factory is slowing down and their losses are mounting, since the Ninja's own communication lines are functioning normally. Not helping is the fact that the Radical Ninja Fleet and their Sky Destroyers managed to leave the factory's underground harbor and have joined the battle. However, deep inside the factory, Chad and Corvus, completely unaware of what is happening outside, are fleeing from a group of Ninjas, led by a furious Chuckie. So far, the pair have managed to stay ahead of their pursuers thanks to their knowledge of the factory's floorplan, but they haven't been managed rendezvous with Maurice's team yet. "*huff* Dammit, where the heck are they?"
"Don't ask me! I'm too busy keeping your butt in one piece!" a frustrated Corvus replies angrily to Chad as lasers fly past them.
"Grr…*huff* We gotta find them! I'm not getting captured again!"
"Hmph, I don't think they're gonna throw you behind bars after this."
"*chuckle* Yeah, I don't think so either." Chad manages to smirk a little just as they arrive at a t-intersection, only to find out that the left-side corridor is a dead end. "No good, this way!"
"Tsk, I could've been long gone by now if…"
"Save your complaining for later!" Chad roars as they head down to the ride corridor but upon reaching the door at the very of it, they arrive at large a atrium right above the Sky Destroyer hangar. "Oh great…"
"Another dead end!" Corvus clenches his talons just as Chuckie and the Ninjas arrive.
"I told you ain't getting away, Chad! Block all the exits and contact the control room. This rat isn't gonna go anywhere." Chuckie orders the other Ninjas to spread out, while he points his staff at Chad. "End of the road, Chad."
"I don't think so, Chuckie. I can't afford to get caught again." Chad replies and peeks over the edge of the atrium, towards the hangar floor. "Hi-yah!" fearlessly, he jumps over the railing, much to Corvus' disbelief.
"Hey, what the heck are ya doing?!" he shouts and flies down after Chad, as does Chuckie. Plummeting head-first towards the floor, Chad looks over his shoulder and sees Corvus diving towards him and the O.M.E.G.A. Number manages to catch him before he hits the ground. "Grrr, you damn idiot, you knew I would have to catch you!"
"And you did. It's called trust." Chad replies as a frustrated Corvus lets go of him but just as Chad's feet touch the floor, Chuckie is already caught up, forcing Corvus to deflect the incoming lasers with his lighting.
"CHAD!"
"Move it!" Chad starts running towards the nearest door while Corvus flies above him, protecting Chad from any lasers or Ninjas.
"Gah, this babysitting is pissing me off!"
"Stop wasting your energy on complaining already! Numbuh Sigma has my B.R.A.! Once I get that, I'll take care of myself!"
"Ghhh…GRAAAH!" with his patience running thin, Corvus unleashes a huge blast of electricity that blows apart the door before them, giving the duo a way out.
"Hah, that's the spirit!" Chad remarks jokingly as they go through the door with Chuckie and the rest of the Ninjas in hot pursuit. Then suddenly, from an adjacent hallway, Numbuh 9L crosses their path.
"Whoah! Hah-haa, hey Numbuh 9L!" an elated Chad yells and the cat-alien notices him and Corvus approaching.
"Mrrau!" she gestures towards the hallway she came from and turns around.
"Gotcha! I told you we'd find 'em, Corvus." Chad says to the O.M.E.G.A. Number, who huffs as they follow 9L down the other hallway, before arriving at a small storage area, where Maurice, Leo and Cygnus are holding back a group of Ninjas coming from another corridor. "Yo!"
"Hmm? About time, Numbuh Delta!" Maurice replies as the two comrades are reunited while Cygnus and Leo confront Corvus.
"It's good see you in one piece, Corvus."
"What? Cygnus, were you actually worried?" Corvus lifts an eyebrow, prompting the swan-like O.M.E.G.A. Number to smirk slightly.
"Perhaps."
"Oh she wasn't worried, she was just super pissed off you snuck out again." Leo remarks.
"Well, Leo's not lying, but I'll let it slide since you've kept Numbuh Delta safe."
"Hmph, whatever." behind them, Maurice hands Chad his B.R.A. and communicator.
"Next time, you carry your own equipment."
"Yeah, I'll keep that in mind." Chad replies and puts the wristwatch-shaped device around his right wrist, over the O.L. Ring. and turns on his red and gray B.R.A. "Okay, what's the situation?"
"No idea. All our comms are down. I couldn't even contact anyone on the short-range channels."
"All of them? No way…"
"Yeah. They went down 10 minutes ago." Maurice replies with a grim expression, but Chad shakes his head.
"We should stick to the plan, even without comms. Where's our target?" he says confidently, and Maurice shows him a hologram of the facility's floorplan.
"The main hangar is two floors above us and three floors above it is the control center. We're supposed to rendezvous with Numbuh Alpha's team and the two other infiltration teams in the hangar and then storm the remaining floors. But I've got a hunch the Ninjas are gonna try stoppin' us in the hangar too."
"Then we'll fight through them. Come on, let's go." Chad gestures with his gauntlet-mounted gun-blade and Numbuh 9L lets out a loud purr. "You said it."
"Alright then." Maurice nods while Chad waves at the O.M.E.G.A. Numbers.
"Hey, we're moving out."
"Finally. I was getting bored." Leo cracks his knuckles while Cygnus comes to Chad's side.
"I shall provide backup. Leo, Corvus, you two will take the lead."
"Hey, who made you leader?"
"Shut up Leo. Let's just get this over with already." Corvus glares at the cat-like alien and floats past Chad without making eye-contact. Then, Numbuh 9L points at her back with her tails.
"Meow!"
"You wanna give us a lift? Okay." Chad replies and climbs on 9L's back while Maurice does the same.
"Onwards, for victory!" Cygnus declares as Leo shatters the locked door behind them with his kinetic force powers and leads them towards a group of Ninjas up ahead.
…
Meanwhile, The Kid continues to duel with the mysterious pilot and their R.A.Y.-W.I.N.G.E.R. fighter. "Grr, what's with this guy?!" he yells while putting his Valkyrie 2 into a high speed scissor maneuver, forcing the R.A.Y.-W.I.N.G.E.R to do the same, but it's pilot is not deterred.
"Come on, you can do better than that. Show me that ability you demonstrated in India!" taking aim with the R.A.Y.-W.I.N.G.E.R.'s tail-mounted laser cannon, the mystery pilot fires at The Kid repeatedly and he immediately counters with a tight barrel roll, which puts him right behind the R.A.Y.-W.I.N.G.E.R. for a split second.
"Eat this!" taking his chance, The Kid opens fire with Valkyrie 2's own laser cannon but again, the R.A.Y.-W.I.N.G.E.R. changes direction instantly and evades the attack, frustrating The Kid. "How is he doing that? Who are you?!" Giving chase, The Kid dives after the manta ray-shaped fighter. They fly through the clouds, down into the squall and level off above the wave tops.
"Time to make this more interesting." Suddenly, the R.A.Y.-W.I.N.G.E.R. rolls onto its back and falls into the water, shocking The Kid.
"No way!" stunned by his opponent's move, The Kid performs a wide left turn, his eyes probing the area where the R.A.Y.-W.I.N.G.E.R. splashed down, but it is impossible to see anything through the stormy waves. "This guy's trying to trick me…" Then, he sees a faint glow under water and immediately pulls up but the Valkyrie II doesn't respond fast enough. Accompanied by a huge splash, the R.A.Y.-W.I.N.G.E.R. jumps out of the sea like a menacing predator, lowers it's nose and opens fire on the helpless Valkyrie 2. "Ghhh…" however, The Kid refuses to give up and his instincts take over, causing the same phenomenon to happen to him as it did in India: Time slows down and he rolls the Valkyrie under the R.A.Y.-W.I.N.G.E.R., transforms it into robot form and fires the machine's arm-mounted laser guns at the black craft. "RAAAAAAHHH!"
"Urgh…" surprised by his sudden maneuver, the mystery pilot changes direction but a few of the lasers land, severing the tail off completely in the process. "He hit me?...hah-hah…HAH-HAH-HAH!" the pilot laughs excitedly as they pull away from The Kid, turns around and presses a switch on their left control stick.
"Oh you gotta be kidding me…" The Kid says in disbelief as the R.A.Y.-W.I.N.G.E.R. transforms into a robot in a similar manner to the Valkyrie II, with the rear forming it's back and the nose forming the chest while arms fold out from under the nose and a head pops out right from where the fighter's front and back sections split, it's single green eye glowing eerily. "That's just like…urgh!" before The Kid can do anything, the R.A.Y.-W.I.N.G.E.R. rams into the Valkyrie II, almost knocking it into the raging sea, but The Kid manages to regain control.
"….*ZZZZTTTT*…you're pretty good…" suddenly, The Kid hears a distorted voice in his ear. "Wouldn't expect anything less from*ZZZZZZTTTT* son."
"Who are you and what do you want with me, bastard?!" The Kid yells as he points the Valkyrie II's arm lasers and the long laser cannon at the R.A.Y.-W.I.N.G.E.R.
"…that's not important. What matters is you. *ZZZZZTTTT* You're an exceptional pilot but are you sure you're fighting on the right side?"
"'Right side'? What the heck do you mean by that?!"
"You'll figure it out eventually. Besides, my mission is complete. I've confirmed who you are, Ace The Kid. We'll meet again." the pilot salutes with this right index finger.
"Huh? Hey wait!" but then, the R.A.Y.-W.I.N.G.E.R. transforms and instantly accelerates away at multiple times the speed of sound, leaving The Kid behind, confused and frustrated. "Grr…was that guy just playing around with me? No…OH CRAP!" seeing his current location on the small on his HUD, The Kid transforms the Valkyrie II and flies back towards the peninsula at full speed. "Dammit, dammit, dammit, dammit!" gripping his flight stick, The Kid speeds back to the battlefield and as he looks up at the sky, he sees faint lights falling through the clouds, which can mean only one thing. "No…" applying full power, he finally arrives at the factory, but what he sees horrifies him: burning, damaged and crippled Subway Shuttle Pod's litter the waters around the cliffs while the kids and teenagers manning them are trying to reach the shore. Above them, the seemingly disorganized TND's air units are caught in a slugging match with the defending Ninja battleships and the flying Sky Destroyers and The Kid can't contact anyone. "…this…this is my fault…urgh….RAAAAHHHH!" gripped by rage, The Kid flies into the furball, firing the Valkyrie 2's 2x4 micro-missiles into any Ninjas craft he sees as he finally realizes that in his hurry to fight the R.A.Y.-W.I.N.G.E.R., he forgot what his mission was.
…
"So how far is that place anyway?" an irritated Virgo asks as she, Libra, Scorpius, Kieran and Numbuh Vine dash through the Moonbase's Teen extension's hallways. With sections sealed as per Herbie's order, Kieran has to open every door with his TND key card.
"At the center of this floor. But this doesn't make any sense."
"What do you mean?" Vine asks as they round a corner.
"The relay room isn't remotely operated, which means it has staff 24/7. They should've been able to bring the comms back up by now."
"We believe your answer is right there." Libra points a faint glow further ahead and as they approach it; Kieran realizes what it is: a TND agent encased in blue crystal.
"Stu…he's been Stupefied." he says in disbelief as Scorpius inspects the victim.
"Hmm, interesting. The GKND uses something very similar to this, but it does not turn the target solid…"
"You can study that later, Scorpius." Libra remarks as Kieran takes a 2x4 screwdriver from his pocket and points it at the agent.
"Don't worry, I'll get you out of there." Kieran shatters the agent's crystal prison using a laser from his screwdriver and helps him up.
"Urgh…Chief Numbuh Omicron!"
"Calm down, lad. What happened to you?"
"I got attacked, by a KND operative!"
"What?! You're not serious are ya?"
"I am, Sir! He was wearing a black cloak but I could tell he had KND guard armor under it. He was heading for the…oh no!" the agent yells and starts running away.
"Oi, where ya going?!"
"The relay room! He was heading there!"
"This doesn't sound good. I will go ahead and survey the area. The rest of you should follow him." Scorpius says before using his oscillation powers to pass through the nearby wall.
"You heard him, Numbuh Omicron, let us go."
"Aye." Kieran replies to Libra as he and the aliens follow the agent down the hallway but the moment they catch up to him, he is already opening the door. "Wait! Don't…!" but agent doesn't listen and opens the sliding doors, only to be met by Scorpius.
"Numbuh Omicron."
"GAAAAAHHH!" the agent shrieks and falls on his back. "Wha…what are…" he stutters as Kieran arrives with Libra, Vine and Virgo. "Chief…who are these guys?"
"Argh…it's a long story, but for now, just keep this to yourself, okay? The guys are our allies from space. That's all you need to know, got it?" Kieran looks sharply at agent and he nods cautiously.
"Numbuh Omicron, the suspect has definitely been here. The personnel have been Stupefied and by a quick glance, it appears he simply shut down the communications system from here."
"We'll still need to check the system for any viruses…wait a minute, he's not there?"
"Negative. My sensors did not pick up any other lifeforms apart from the agents here."
"This doesn't make any sense! Why would he leave just like that?" Numbuh Vine says as she moves towards the large monitor at the center of the room. "The obvious choice would've been to permanently shut down our communications, so why didn't he?" Then, Libra snaps their mechanical fingers.
"Because their target was never this room to begin with! The culprit is after something else entirely."
"A logical assumption. With the communication system down, nobody would be able to call for assistance and since the culprit is a KND operative, they could easily move around." Scorpius crosses his large pincers and looks around. "Numbuh Omicron, let's say Libra is right and this was a diversion, where would the culprit go next?"
"Not the TND Global Science Lab at least. You need to be over 13 to go there plus it's heavily guarded…no…" then, Kieran's eyes widen and he turns around. "They wouldn't…you, free the others and get the comms back up ASAP!"
"Uh, Yes, Sir!" the agent replies hastily as Kieran hands him his 2x4 screwdriver and rushes out of the room.
"Where are you going?"
"I'll explain later! We have to get to the 60th floor right now!" sensing the urgency in his voice, Libra, Scorpius and Numbuh Vine go after him, while Virgo, who has so far simply observed, becomes intrigued and follows them as well, as the odd feeling inside her becomes stronger.
After using a high-speed elevator to get to the 60th floor, Kieran and the aliens head down an eerily empty hallway. "Are we headed towards an armory?" Libra asks as Kieran shakes his head.
"No. There's only one place more important than the lab in this extension. Dammit, I should've worn my J.E.T.A.B.O.O.T.S.! I hope we're not too late…huh? What are ye…" Libra grabs Kieran by his shoulders and lifts him off the ground.
"We'll get to our target faster this way. Guide us." they reply and emits a powerful jet of flames from their lower body, propelling them and Kieran through the hallway while Scorpius, Vine and Virgo are not far behind.
"Turn left…now right! Left corridor! Stop!" Kieran yells and Libra lets go of him as they arrive in-front of the a large armored door that normally would be closed, but now, it has a large hole in the middle. "No, they got in!"
"Whoever we are dealing with has very powerful equipment. This door has melted through." Libra says as the others catch up.
"What is beyond this door?" Scorpius asks as Kieran takes a Stupefier pistol from the holster on his belt.
"The TND's most important facility. Damn, the control's busted. Can one of you pry that door open?" Kieran asks and to everyone's surprise, Virgo approaches the door, enlarges her hands and easily rips the doors apart.
"Virgo?"
"What? I thought you were in a hurry? Let's go. This facility interest me too." Virgo replies to Libra nonchalantly and heads inside, followed by Kieran and the aliens. Past the doors, they enter a hexagonal-shaped hallway lined in silver colored metal that leads towards another door. However, the hallway is littered with Stupefied TND scientists and agents, much to Kieran shock.
"Grr…damn…" he mutters and grips the handle on his pistol as they approach the closed door. "Before we go in, you need to know something: behind this door is a control room and beyond that is a large storage area. If the wall between those two is damaged, it'll cause radiation to leak out and we'll be exposed to it."
"Radiation? What kind of radiation?" Scorpius asks as they stop in-front of the door.
"…Erasure radiation." Kieran replies grimly. "You've read our database, right Scorpius?"
"Yes."
"Then you know exactly what I mean. We have to catch that culprit before they get past the 20 stage security lock."
Behind the door, a short KND operative wearing a black cloak is typing frantically on a keyboard, but the screen only shows him error messages. "Grr, come on…stupid paranoid teenagers…I have to get through so I can…huh?" suddenly, he hears faint banging sound coming from the door behind him. "No! How did they…argh." he presses another button on the keyboard, turning off the control room's lights and disappears into the darkness just as Scorpius slices the door in two with his oscillating pincers.
"Entry confirmed. Be on your guard. The room's lights are off." he says as his large yellow eye lights up, illuminating the empty control room.
"I don't like this…" Kieran mutters as he, Libra, Vine and Virgo follow him inside while the culprit eyes them from the ceiling rafters.
"O…The O.M.E.G.A. Numbers?! Nononono...they're working with the teenagers?! Traitors…" looking around frantically, the culprit thinks of making a run for it but then, he stops. "I've gotten this far, can't run away now. Everything is for the Galactic Kids Next Door!" "RAAAARGH!" suddenly, the culprit jumps down from the rafters, his concealed Stupefier pistol aimed at Kieran.
"Enemy located!" sensing the attacker immediately, Scorpius lunges up and tackles the kid in mid-air, but before he hits the floor, four spider legs grow from his back and he uses them to bounce back up to the ceiling. Kieran instantly fires at the culprit, who evades by moving swiftly around the ceiling.
"You accursed teenagers! You should all disappear!" the culprit shouts and lands in the middle of the group but before he can attack Kieran again, Virgo swats him aside, knocking off his cloak in the process which reveals the culprit's true identity: his head is also spider-like with large mandibles and eight pairs of yellow eyes.
"Gah, that's not a human!" Kieran shouts as Libra and Scorpius recognize their foe.
"An Arakner. It's a GKND spy!" Libra shouts as the alien jumps up and over everyone and tries to reach for the armored door that leads the storage area.
"No, stop him!" Kieran shouts just as the alien strikes the door with his sharp legs, damaging it.
"You won't recover them, never!" the alien raves but before he can hit the door again, Numbuh Vine ensnares him with her tentacles and emits a noxious, paralyzing aroma from them. "Urgh…no…argh!" the alien tries to struggle but none of his legs or arms are moving and Numbuh Vine drags him away from the door before throwing him to the floor, allowing Libra to pick him up by his legs.
"It's over, spy. Whatever you were trying to do, it hasn't worked." however, the spider alien starts cackling as if not intimidated by his foes.
"…gh-gh-gh…gah-hah-hah-AH-HAH-HAH! That's what you think, traitor. I might've failed in destroying the Vault but we've done enough damage." he says defiantly as Kieran grabs the alien's collar.
"What do you mean?!"
"Kids and teenagers will never work together again! Your planet is doomed! ALL HAIL THE GKND!" the alien shouts before biting into something inside his mouth, which causes him to writhe and glow. "GUARGH!"
"NO! Get back!" Libra lets go of the alien and pushes Kieran aside as the screaming alien is consumed by a bright light, leaving behind on his KND guard outfit.
"…wha…what happened?! Where'd he go?!" Kieran gets up and runs over to the empty outfit but there is no sign of the alien as Scorpius crosses his smaller arms.
"The spy must have had an E.J.E.C.T.O.R. hidden in their mouth." he says in a monotone voice as a shocked Numbuh Vine presses her tentacles against her pot.
"Oh no…how could he…"
"What are ye talking about? Did he escape?" Kieran looks at Scorpius and Vine, who's eyes turn sad and she starts explaining.
"All GKND spies who infiltrate other planets carry a one-way escape device, the E.J.E.C.T.O.R. It instantly teleports them back to their nearest base or ship…but it also permanently Decommissions them…I…I carried one of them with me too when I was on Earth…" she replies with a shaky voice and Kieran is immediately reminded of the Splinter Cell, who were also willing wipe their minds for their cause.
"Grrr…DAMMIT!" he kicks the ground and eyes the huge shutters behind the control panel the alien was using. "Damn them all…"
"This is very alarming. While we knew the GKND would have agents here on Earth, they do not usually interfere in this manner." Scorpius says as Kieran looks him grimly.
"They did it because of the TND…that couldn't have been the only spy…"
"That is true, but we have no way of identifying them. And we believe trying to actively find them would cause further mistrust between your organizations."
"You're damn right it will, Libra…" Kieran slumps down on the chair in-front of the control panel as Virgo approaches the shutter, the Omega symbols in her wrist and neck rings faintly blinking.
"What exactly was that spy trying to do here? Are you storing a weapon in there or something?"
"No, not weapons, memories." Kieran says and uses his keycard to overwrite the control room's shut down mode. Then, the shutter slides up, behind which is a huge window and beyond it is massive storage room lined with shelfs filled with reinforced glass containers, each one holding an object that glows in a bright blue light. At the very center of the room is a separate, sealed off section which holds six items: a pair of broken black sunglasses, a gold earring, a singed wristband, broken yellow-lensed goggles, a yellow weapon holster with a long strap and lastly, a necklace with a cracked, pink crystal. Immediately upon seeing the six separated items, both Scorpius and Libra begin to feel odd as their Omega symbols blink.
"What is this?" Libra asks as Kieran stands up and moves in-front of the window.
"This is the Memory Vault. Inside are irradiated items taken from our friends and comrades who were Erased during the war one year ago." he says sternly, silencing the aliens. "Numbuh Gamma…or S-26 told us to gather as many items from victims as we could before he left. He said it was important, so that's what we did." Then, Numbuh Vine recognizes the items in the middle and rushes against the window.
"Those…those are Nigel's!" she says with shaky voice as Kieran nods.
"Yes, those six items in the middle belonged to Numbuhs 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 of Sector V and Numbuh Beta, one of our field commanders. They lost their memories during and after Operation Retribution."
"So that's why you've been so focused on the disc Numbuh Delta brought with him. We understand now." Libra replies silently as Scorpius points at Kieran with his left pincer.
"We must hasten our attempts to decipher the disc. You wish to recover your allies' memories, right?"
"Yes, but that darn disc is way too secure…"
Virgo however has ignored the others completely and stares at the crystal necklace in stunned silence. "…impossible…this can't be…that…that's the other half of the Nebula Crystal?! It's been here, all this time!" she presses her hands and face against the window before eyeing the door the spy tried to break down. "You mentioned radiation. What kind of effects does it have?"
"Erasure radiation damages your memory. The more you get exposed to it, the worse it gets. Those items are so irradiated that if you touch them you'll get total retrograde amnesia." Kieran replies, causing Virgo to frown.
"Dammit…" Then suddenly, a loud screech is heard as the Moonbase's intercom systems comes to life.
"Attention, this is Global Command, communications systems have been brought online!"
End of Transmission 17
Note: So, a lot happened in this chapter, so I want point out some things.
First of all, reference time! My idea for the R.A.Y.-W.I.N.G.E.R. was that it's an exact opposite of The Kid's Valkyrie. It's more sharper and ominous so I based it on another Variable Fighter from the Macross series, which is the YF-21 Omega-1/VF-22 Sturmvogel-II, which served as the opposite number to the Valkyrie's original inspiration, the YF-19 Alpha-1/VF-19 Excalibur in Macross Plus.
Also, I want to talk about The Kid a bit as well. He only appeared in 3 episodes in the series and when I added him into RETRIBUTION's cast a few years ago, he was supposed to be just a cool foil for Numbuh 4 but as I wrote him, he took on a life of his own. So, when it was time to write Beyond, I thought how should I use him this story. Then I bumped into a headcanon that mentioned him being a GKND agent, an idea that intrigued me but ultimately I did not take that path. However, it did inspire me to make The Kid a bit special, that's all I'll say for now.
Lastly, we finally learned what Kuki's family heirloom was all long. If you want to find out a bit more about this Nebula Crystal, I have released a fanart of the other half and it's holder on my DeviantArt at Gettan49.