- Chapter 89 -
Dinosaur Seen in Sewers!
Within the city dump, something unseen landed in an open space, before a white spaceship blinked into existence. A short, white humanoid robot with yellow optics disembarked, looking at the tall figure of the TCRI building on the skyline.
"By the Creator, don't let me be too late…" it prayed.
The figure ran off towards the city, the ship shimmering slightly before vanishing from sight.
Meanwhile, in the sewers, Krang and Viral had hunkered down, the Utrom General fuming over this latest failure.
"Damn the day I ever met those miserable Turtles!" he cursed. "And Oracle... I should have let Ch'rell throw her to the Voidworms long ago!"
"I'm surprised you haven't killed them yet," Viral mused.
"It hasn't been from lack of trying. Those meddlesome mutants are a blight on this planet. If only someone or something would come and get rid of my mutant problem!"
At that moment, they heard heavy footsteps approaching, and stiffened.
"What is that?" Viral questioned.
Her question was answered when around the corner came a massive, humanoid Triceratops.
"Triceraton?!" Krang exclaimed. "Here?!"
"A what?!" Viral shouted. "I didn't think they came to such a backwater planet!"
The Triceraton soon spotted Krang, and his eyes widened behind his respirator mask. "General Krang! You are here!"
"No…" Krang said, panicking. "No, no! Why did you have to come now?!"
In fight-or-flight mode, Krang chose flight and turned to run, only for the Triceraton to tackle him from behind.
"You won't escape this time!" he swore. "I will put an end to your reign once and for all!"
The dinosaur roared and tore into the suit, destroying it.
"Viral!" Krang shrieked. "Viral, help me!"
Viral surged into the Triceraton's technology, trying to overload everything.
"You will not harm the General!" she shouted.
Using his suit's last vestige of power, Krang swung the arm, punching the Triceraton in the face and cracking his mask, allowing Earth's oxygen into his air supply. He began coughing and choking as Viral pulled out, scooping Krang up. They immediately took advantage of the situation and ran.
"The Triceratons know I'm here…" Krang muttered. "This isn't good!"
"What do we do?" Viral demanded. "All our attempts to leave this dimension have failed, and Earth lacks the capacity for interstellar travel!"
"There's only one thing we can do."
Meanwhile, the Triceraton fumbled with something on their belt. They pressed down on a small device, one that began emitting a flashing red light.
"Trooper Zog… to base…" he wheezed, struggling to breathe. "I… found him…"
At TCRI, Samson was on duty at the main desk. The door slid open, and he looked up, jolting to see Krang and Viral.
"You?!" he exclaimed, drawing his sword.
Krang held up a tentacle. "We surrender."
Samson raised an eyebrow, already suspicious. "What are you up to, Krang?"
Krang scowled. "I'm not 'up to' anything. Those miserable Turtles made sure of that."
"This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity," Viral added. "Are you truly going to let this slide?"
After a minute, Salmon called for Mortu, who came down just as the other Guardians escorted the two to a cell.
"I don't like it, Mortu," he told him. "Krang just comes in the front door and surrenders without a fight? Something's fishy."
"I couldn't agree more," Mortu agreed. "Summon the Hamato Clan. Perhaps Hisako can glean his true motives."
It wasn't long before the Hamato/Lee family was called in and gathered in Mortu's office.
"We came as soon as we could," Splinter said.
"What's going on, Mortu?" Leo asked.
"Krang entered the building earlier and surrendered without a fight," Mortu informed them.
"He what?!" Hisako exclaimed.
"Viral as well," Samson added.
"What the hell is going on?" Raph questioned.
"Yeah, this is fishier than Fishface in a sushi shop," Mikey agreed.
"Are you certain he's secure?" Donnie asked. "No chance of him escaping?"
"He came without his exoframe, and we placed him in the same max security wing as Bishop." Mortu adjusted his glasses. "I know Krang better than anyone, and he would never simply turn himself in like this. He's up to something."
"Then let's go find out what." Hisako's hands were shaking, and her breath was unsteady. Leo took one of her hands as Raph took the other.
"You okay?" Leo asked.
Hisako forced herself to take a deep breath. "I will be.
-X-
They headed down to the holding cells to see Sam standing before an unamused Krang's cell.
"Y'know, Krang, there are all kinds of things I wanted to say to you," the teen Guardian remarked. "I was afraid I'd forget them, and I didn't want to because it was so important to me, so I wrote them down."
He pulled a sheet of paper out of his jacket pocket, unfolding it.
"Okay, here we go." He cleared his throat before reading from the paper. "You're so stupid, you drooled on yourself and thought it was raining."
Hisako snickered. Krang just looked at him blankly.
"No? How 'bout this one? You're so ugly, when you went to use the bathroom, you scared the shit out of the toilet."
That got a snort out of Hisako, her shaking shifting from fear to amusement. Krang just scowled.
"Ooh, tough room. Okay, next one. You're so fat, when you die in Call of Duty , the player gets a five-person kill streak."
Raph snorted at that one and Hisako was wheezing into her hand, tears prickling the corners of her eyes. By this point, a vein was throbbing in Krang's forehead.
"And now, the best for last. You have so many warts, your face spells 'UGLY' in Braille."
That did it. Hisako cracked up completely, falling back on her ass in a fit of full-on belly laughter, while Krang exploded with rage.
"You wretched BRAT!" he howled. "How dare you, an insignificant monkey, laugh at the great General Krang?! No one makes fun of me! NO ONE! "
"That's not true," Sam shot back. "I just did."
Krang slammed his tentacles on the floor. "Well enjoy your cheap thrills while you can, boy, because you won't be laughing when the Triceratons come!"
Immediately, Hisako sobered up, sitting upright. The paper dropped from Sam's hand.
"Say what now?" he asked.
"Yes! That's why I'm here! I ran into a Triceraton scout in the sewers! They're coming!"
"No…" Hisako let out. "No, no, no, no, no, no.." The lights flickered as she curled into a ball on the floor. "No, this is bad. This is… this is really bad…" Her eyes flashed green, her hands glowing as she began pounding on the floor, cracking it on impact. "Fuck! FUCK! FUCK! "
Immediately, Leo caught her wrist, stopping her.
"Hisako, stop!" She lashed out, but Leo managed to brace himself, digging in his heels and remaining where he was. "Hisako, you need to tell us what's wrong! What is a Triceraton?"
"Extremely dangerous, that's what," Bishop's voice called from the man's cell. All of them turned to face the man, who was looking more than a little gaunt after his extended incarceration. He was pale and had rough stubble growing along his face. "And as you can clearly see, the only force in this galaxy that Krang truly fears."
"You and Oracle know what's coming," Krang spat. "Now talk some sense into Mortu and get me off this damned rock already!"
"What's he talking about?" Leo asked.
Bishop leaned against the glass of his cell. "The Triceratons were created by Krang's faction, one of their earliest experiments with life from Earth. According to the files we've acquired, they were created as menial labor and expendable soldiers. That is, until they revolted."
"So, they're mutant dinosaurs?" Kagome asked.
"Long ago, yes," Hisako confirmed. "By now, they've evolved into their own race. One that never forgot where it came from. Now, they hunt Krang across the cosmos, leaving dead planets in their wake."
"So let me get this straight." Vee turned to Krang. "You've spent eons terraforming and influencing Earth, and the minute these Triceratons come close, you're cowering in fear, surrendering, and ditching all of your hard work?"
"Why do you think I've invested so much into this little ball of dirt in the first place?!" Krang shrieked. "Earth wasn't just meant to be a New Utrominon! It's a backwater planet, one where I would have been safe from those Mesozoic maniacs!"
"Hisako was not lying when she mentioned dead planets, Venus," Mortu cut in. "The Triceratons see all Utroms as a pestilence, regardless of affiliation with Krang. And any planet where they are found is considered 'corrupted.'"
"Any planet that Krang has even been seen on?" Hisako began, making an explosion noise with her mouth and expanding her arms. "Gone."
"And if they're on Earth, and Krang has been spotted…" Kasumi gasped. "Oh Kami, no…"
"This is their chance to end Krang," Bishop confirmed. "And they don't care how many innocent beings will be killed in the crossfire. In their eyes, our genocide will be a small price to pay for Krang's downfall."
"If we hurry, we can stop this scout from calling in his men," Leo turned to Krang. "Where did you find him?"
"Down in your repulsive sewers, where I was forced to hide after you saved the Neutrino half-breed," Krang replied. "If you truly wish to find him, I spotted him in the tunnels on 11th and Bleecker."
Donnie perked. "That's near the 2nd Time Around!"
"Go," Splinter ordered. "Make sure April and her father are all right."
As they left, the adults remained.
"You know as well as I that the Turtles are unlikely to get there in time," Bishop said. "If this scout did see the General, then the fleet won't be far behind." He placed a hand against the glass, his expression pleading. "Let me help."
"How can we trust you?" Kasumi asked.
"Mrs. Lee, you've seen how Krang is terrified of the Triceraton Empire. The EPF has the resources you need to mount a proper defense. You can hardly afford to be picky."
"We can get help from Dr. Miller and Agent Bennett."
"Help, yes. But I have two hundred years of experience. Please…" Bishop almost sounded desperate. "Let me help you."
Splinter and Kasumi exchanged looks.
"Yoshi, should we?" Kasumi questioned.
"I do not know," Splinter admitted. "However, what he says holds merit, and we are not in a position to be picky."
Joined by April, the Hamato/Lee siblings quickly hurried down to the tunnels Krang indicated, and went searching.
"So sis, what do these Triceratons look like?" Mikey asked.
"Dinosaur people," Hisako replied. "They're basically Triceratopses on two legs. I saw Krang bring in one early on during my imprisonment. His name was... Mozar, I think."
"What was he like?" Leo asked.
"Huge. I think he was a soldier since he fought like one. In his escape, he ended up losing an eye and an arm, but he got out."
"Dude," Mikey cringed. "Did he pull a 127 Hours ?"
Hisako nodded. "Without hesitation. And that's why Krang moved the Technodrome to Earth."
"And yet, these things still found him…" April cut herself off, pointing ahead. "And now they've found us!"
Everyone immediately grabbed their weapons as the Triceraton came stumbling forward. He was gasping and coughing, holding onto the wall for support.
"He… doesn't sound so hot," Karai remarked.
"He's not," Hisako said. "The Triceratons have adapted to Dimension X's atmosphere, and his rebreather is compromised. His mind is basically soup right now."
Donnie noticed the Triceraton's cracked respirator and put two and two together. "Oxygen's getting into his air supply."
The Triceraton suddenly noticed them, standing up straight and saluting.
"Sirs!" he declared. "Trooper Zog, serial number XJ-4, reporting for duty, sirs!"
The teens exchanged confused looks before Leo saluted him slowly.
"Our air's messing with his brain, dudes," Mikey let out. "He thinks we're his superiors!"
"Leo, what's the plan?" April questioned.
Leo thought it over, then snapped his fingers, slowly approaching him and putting on a commanding tone. "At ease, soldier! Status report!"
Zog coughed, then began his report. "Sir, yes sir. Reports of Krang sightings on planet Sol-3, dubbed Earth. I was sent to investigate, locate the target, and engage. However, he had access to some kind of artificial intelligence that interfered with my armor. My rebreather was damaged, and Krang escaped." He sighed, turning his back. "Request permission to terminate self for the disgraceful failure of my mission."
"NO!" Hisako cried out in an instant.
"She means… unnecessary, soldier," Leo said quickly. "You located your target. The fact you survived should be commended. We just need to… bring you in to… debrief you."
"Thank you… sir." Zog managed before wheezing and hacking even more.
"Poor guy's breathing poison," Kagome said sympathetically. "Let's take him to the EPF. Maybe they can help him out."
"We sure that's a good idea?" Raph questioned. "I mean, once he gets a clear head, he's gonna realize we tricked him, and I get the feeling we're the ones about to be 127 Hours -ed."
"Well, we can't just let him suffocate, Raph!" Kagome snapped. "Mom and Splinter didn't raise us to leave someone to die when we have the ability to help!"
"Agreed," said Hisako. "We need to help him. The Triceratons are dangerous, but they're still living creatures."
"At the very least, the EPF can help contain him once he gets a clear head," April mused.
In the medical wing of the EPF, Zog had been relieved of his weapons, Sarah working on the apparatus herself while Splinter and Kasumi joined their children. They explained what Bishop had said, and as expected, there were protests.
"Hell. No," Raph spat. "Leave the asshole in his cell where he belongs."
"We might not have a choice," Leo remarked.
"Leo, have you forgotten all he's done?" Vee demanded. "He's a clinical liar and manipulator. The guy pulled the wool over the eyes of his girlfriend and his surrogate daughter. We don't even have that particular protection, and you expect us to believe that he actually wants to help?"
"He's also got two centuries of experience fighting aliens, and actually did his job right in some way, considering Viral and Sh'Okanabo only got out because of us."
"I have to agree with Leonardo on this one," Kari cut in. "I just got done looking over his weaponry, and I found this." She held up the flashing device. "It's a long-range transmitter, with a signal booster that reaches deep space."
Immediately, the blood drained out of Hisako's face. "He's already called them…"
"Yes," Kari confirmed. "The Triceraton fleet is on Its way, whether we like it or not."
Immediately, Raph and Vee shifted gears.
"On second thought, who's for giving Bishop an early parole?" Vee asked.
"This doesn't mean we're just handing him back the reins, does it?" Raph asked.
"No." Kari shook her head. "Sarah is going to remain the head of the EPF. At most, he'll have an advisory role. Once bitten, twice shy and all that."
Sarah finished her work on the rebreather, slowly approaching Zog.
"Be ready for anything," she cautioned before carefully placing the mask back on the Triceraton's face. "I don't know how much this will help, big guy. But you should breathe a little easier now."
He took a few deep breaths, everyone tensing.
"Fog's clearing, guys," Hisako warned. "Be ready."
Zog opened his eyes, and looked around, seeing them clearly.
"You…" he let out. "You're not my superiors! You tricked me!"
"Hang on a sec!" Donnie held out his hands. "We just saved your- URK!"
He was cut off when a big, meaty reptilian paw clamped around his face, bodily lifting him up.
"Oh c'mon, not the face!" Zog shook him like a ragdoll, Donnie pounding on his fist ineffectually. "Get him off me! GET HIM OFF ME!"
"Hang on, Donnie!" Mikey threw his kusarigama chain, wrapping it around Donnie's midsection and pulling. Donnie let out a pained shout as he was stretched out.
"Not like that!" the purple turtle shrieked. "NOT LIKE THAT!"
"Okay, big guy!" Raph shouted. "Drop our brother!"
He pounced on Zog's back, beating on him with the pommel of his sai. Kagome charged forward, drop-kicking him in the chest. Zog staggered back, dropping Donnie, while Kagome fell to the ground, clutching her leg.
"Ow!" she exclaimed. "What is this guy made of?!"
"He's a dinosaur, and a soldier," Hisako pointed out. "He's tougher than LH, but he does have one weakness!"
She raced forward just as Zog threw Raph off of his back. Hisako rushed in, two fingers aimed at his forehead. He caught her hand and twisted her wrist, forcing her down.
"You think you can defeat me?!" Zog roared. "I am a member of the great Triceraton…"
He stopped, seeing something under Hisako's hair now that she was stationary. He parted her hair, revealing her barcode.
"That brand... it's…" He staggered back, releasing his grip. "Krang's prisoner barcode... just like the one Commander Mozar has…"
"Never thought I'd be grateful for the damn thing…" Hisako muttered, shaking out her arm. "Everyone okay?"
"Aside from the fact my ankle is shattered like a dinner plate, I'm just peachy," Kagome remarked, rubbing her leg.
"Why do they always go for my face?!" Donnie moaned. "What is wrong with my face?!"
Raph stood up, rubbing his head. "Would you like the list alphabetically or in descending order of grossness?"
"I'm sorry, is this relevant?" Sarah asked.
"Right…" Raph sighed.
Leo planted his swords in the ground, holding out his hands in a peaceful gesture. "Zog, listen. Please. Yes, we did trick you, but it was so we could get you here for help. If we hadn't lied to you and gotten you here, you would have died."
Zog paused at that, still clearly suspicious. "Then… I am your prisoner?"
"More like our patient," Sarah clarified. "Your mask was cracked. It's why you weren't thinking clearly."
"I… see…" Zog mused. "You have my apologies for attacking you. I... assumed you were agents of Krang."
"No way, dude," Mikey confirmed. "We hate the guy."
"Considering one of your numbers bears the mark of those enslaved by him, I am willing to believe it."
"Enough to not destroy our planet?" Leo asked.
Zog sighed. "I'm afraid your planet is already infested by Krang and his minions, and with the General here on the planet, we cannot run the risk of him escaping. Not like he has for millennia. We can finally end this war."
"But what about the countless innocents living on this planet?" Donnie questioned. "You can't honestly just discard them like they're nothing!"
"War has casualties, young Gamaron, and Krang's ilk have existed for far too long. Still, it is not too late. Perhaps you and your loved ones can leave, find a new colony to call home."
"We're not abandoning our home," April insisted. "Zog, these people don't deserve to die! Krang's the enemy here! The humans are as much his victims as you and your race!"
Zog could only shake his head in sympathy. "Then their deaths will be a mercy to them, so they do not have to live as we do."
"We've stopped Krang before," Leo shot back. "Without trading lives."
"Did you stop him? Or did you merely delay his plans?"
"And you've done better?" Hisako piped up.
That gave Zog pause. "I…"
"You're clearly an honorable being," Kari chimed in. "I can see that much in your eyes. Are you truly okay with the genocide of an entire planet?"
"There is no honor in sacrificing innocent souls for victory," Splinter insisted.
"I've got a saying for you," said Vee. "I read it in a book once. 'He who fights monsters should see to it that he himself does not become a monster. And if you gaze for long into an abyss, the abyss gazes also into you.' Know what it means?"
"Are you saying…" Zog looked down at his hands, "that my people have become no better than Krang?"
Vee nodded. "Exterminating entire species. Laying waste to planets. What the Triceratons are doing is the exact same thing Krang's been doing for thousands of years. What's the point in stopping a monster if you become one yourself?"
"I…" Zog's hands started to shake. "...What have I done… what have we done…?"
"It's not too late," Kasumi told him. "We know the fleet is coming. That you sent the message. The only question now is... how long do we have before they arrive?"
"At most, six Earth months."
"Gives us a little time, anyway," Raph mused.
"To do what, Raph?" Karai asked. "It's not like Donnie has a spaceship tucked away somewhere!" She paused, then slowly turned to Donnie.
"I don't," Donnie hesitated before sighing. "Okay, yes, but it's still in beta testing!"
As they were talking, Hisako's phone went off. "It's Sam."
"You gave him your phone number?" Leo asked.
Hisako shook her head. "No… Samson gave it to him." She answered, before hanging up after a moment. "We need to get to TCRI. Apparently, help has arrived."
Karai gestured to Zog. "What're we gonna do about him?"
"Consider him under house arrest in this facility for the time being," Sarah said.
Zog nodded. "I will concede to these conditions."
"Thank you for your cooperation," Kari told him. "I'll go with the Turtles as the EPF's representative in this mission."
"Be careful," Sarah told her with almost motherly concern.
With that, the Hamato Clan and April took their leave, bringing the good doctor with them.
They headed up into Mortu's office, stopping short at the sight of the robot who landed in the dump speaking with Mortu.
"That's the help Sam was talking about?" Mikey asked. "A robot?"
"No, a person," Hisako corrected. "I'm getting genuine brain patterns from him."
"He was once a Neutrino," Mortu explained. "Until the Triceratons got his hands on him."
"Ah, you must be the Hamato Clan I've heard so much about," the robot said, bowing. "Allow me to introduce myself. I am Professor Zayton Honeycutt of D'Hoonib, and I'm here to save this world."
Leo's eyes were absolutely sparking. "He sounds just like Captain Ryan…"
"Gimme a break…" Raph sighed.
"Welcome to Earth, robot-dude," Mikey greeted.
"Thank you," Honeycutt replied. "I came once I heard the Triceratons were investigating this planet for Krang's presence. Though it seems I'm too late to stop them."
"You're still here though, and we could use your help," Donnie said.
"Right, right." Leo snapped to attention. "We learned we have approximately six months before the fleet arrives."
"Okay," Mikey piped up. "So these Triceratons are coming to Earth to destroy it. How are they gonna do that? With some kinda Death Star mega-laser?"
Honeycutt gave him a blank stare. "You'll find your references to Earth's popular culture are somewhat lost on me."
"Giant space laser that can blow up a planet," Leo clarified.
"Well, you're not far off…" Honeycutt admitted. "Tell me, is this planet advanced enough to be aware of an event known as a singularity?"
"A black hole?" Donnie asked. "Yeah, we know what it is."
Mortu's eyes widened. "Zayton... don't tell me that the Triceratons are actually mad enough to try to assemble it."
"Oh, I'm afraid they are," Honeycutt confirmed. "It's... how I ended up like this after all."
"Perhaps you should start at the beginning," Kasumi suggested.
"Yes, of course. Under normal circumstances, the Triceratons would use the Decimator Cannon to ensure a planet's destruction. But with Krang's presence confirmed on Earth, they seek to ensure his absolute demise by assembling the Heart of Darkness. I would know," Honeycutt sighed. "I had a hand in building it."
"Whoa, back up," Donnie held up a hand. "You invented it?!"
"I was working on a transmat device, to transport matter across great distances."
"Like the one the Utroms have?" Donnie questioned.
"In a manner of speaking, yes. It was meant to provide relief support. Food and water to areas where such resources were scarce. It worked by super-compressing gravity into a singularity."
"Meaning?" Vee asked.
"It created a black hole," Donnie clarified.
"Yes…" Honeycutt's shoulders drooped a little. "It worked too well. The test nearly consumed my planet before I managed to deactivate it."
"Then why the hell didn't you destroy it?!" Raph demanded.
"The Triceraton Prime Leader, Zanramon, approached me, demanding the device. I refused to hand it over, so they brutalized me and ransacked my lab before taking the device and leaving me for dead."
"That's when my men and I came along," Mortu chimed in. "Zayton's body was fatally damaged. We couldn't get him to a healing tank, so we were forced to transplant his brain into his robotic assistant, Sal, to save his life."
"It is not a perfect existence, but I survived," Honeycutt remarked. "And since then, I have been doing my best to try and keep my failed invention out of the wrong hands."
"Again, why not just destroy the thing?" Raph asked.
"Because it can't be destroyed. Believe me, we tried," Mortu replied. "The most we could do was divide it into three components and hide them in the corners of the universe."
"And now the Triceratons are after them," said Honeycutt.
"Just one question," Donnie cut in. "What exactly do we do to stop them if they have a black hole generator?"
"Simple, my boy," Honeycutt answered. "We retrieve the fragments of the Heart of Darkness before they do."
Kagome snorted, laughing slightly before pausing. "Wait, you're serious?"
"Very much so," Honeycutt confirmed. "I came here, having learned of Krang's activity on Earth and knowing the Triceratons weren't far behind. And the Neutrinos informed me of you."
"The Princess," Leo realized.
"Guess we made a good impression," Mikey mused.
"Indeed. Her, Commander Dask, and General Stavros. All of them speak highly of you."
"But we can't just leave," Donnie objected. "Us leaving would leave the planet defenseless."
"That's true," Vee remarked. "The EPF did get mind controlled during the last invasion."
"Ugh, don't remind me…" Kari groaned, curling up in her chair. "That was by far one of the most horrifying experiences of my life."
"Being mind controlled?" Mikey asked.
"No, I avoided that. I was trapped under rubble in a collapsed building and all of the EPF soldiers ignored me because I was 'too damaged to serve any purpose to Krang'. I still have nightmares…"
Hisako placed a gentle hand on her shoulder.
"Is that why you're…" Donnie gestured to Kari's chair, getting a small, silent nod.
"We have allies outside of the EPF," said Leo, quickly derailing from the dark subject. "We can go into space, while the rest of the clan prepares a second front in the event the Triceratons beat us to the Heart."
"And do what with them once we find them?" Raph questioned. "I thought this thing was indestructible."
"I'm currently working on a means to destroy them," Honeycutt explained. "Direct analysis of the components will help me in that regard."
"The clan won't be enough," Karai said. "And if you hated the idea of letting Bishop out... you'll absolutely loathe and despite mine."
They all got it at that, turning to Karai in disbelief.
"Oh, no," Raph gasped. "No fuckin' way. You are not suggesting we go to him! "
"He's got an entire army. More than that, he has just as much reason to protect this planet as us. He can't rule a black hole."
April sighed. "As unclean as it makes me feel, Karai's right. I mean, he did help against Dracula."
"Yeah, after he bit Dad," Raph retorted. "Also, he helped Krang invade the city. Twice!"
"Krang was a means to an end," Karai reminded them. "Shredder planned to betray him from the start."
"Very well," Kasumi decided. "We'll arrange a ceasefire with Saki."
"While you do that, I'll go and lay down some ground rules with Bishop," Kari decided. "If you're letting him out, then he needs to know the pecking order."
"I'll go with you," Hisako offered.
"Me too," Sam immediately chimed in. "You'll need a Guardian to let him out anyway."
Karai nodded at that, then turned to Kasumi. "Mind coming with me? He'll listen to me better than you or Dad, but I'm not comfortable going alone."
"I had every intention of accompanying you," Kasumi informed her. "I will not allow that monster a chance to harm you again."
"Okay," Leo cut in. "While they deal with Bishop and Shredder, the rest of us get ahold of the rest of the clan, the Mutanimals, anyone and everyone we can." He turned to Honeycutt. "Professor Honeycutt, was it? Let us make some preparations, then we'll go with you."
"I'll get the ship ready to depart," Honeycutt replied.
With that, the group split up to accomplish their tasks.
Hisako, Sam, and Kari descended into the cell block containing Bishop, Hisako carrying a brown paper bag. He looked up when he saw his three latest visitors.
"Hello, Kari," he greeted. "I wasn't expecting to see you again."
"Neither was I," Kari admitted. "But, whether we like it or not, we need you."
"Then my suspicions were confirmed," Bishop realized. "The Triceraton Empire is coming."
Sam nodded. "Their scout is in EPF custody, but Hisako and her sibs were too late to stop him from sending the signal."
"How long?" Bishop asked as Sam slid his keycard through the lock.
"Six months," Hisako answered.
As the cell door slid open, Kari blocked Bishop's way out.
"Not so fast," she said sternly. "Don't think we're just handing you back the keys. Sarah is remaining the head of the EPF. You will be serving strictly in an advisory role. You make one slip-up, one step backward, give me one reason to think you might betray us... and you'll never see daylight again. Got it?"
Bishop met her eyes, his own filled with remorse and resignation. "I understand perfectly."
"Good," Hisako shoved the bag in his hands. "Change of clothes, a razor, and a pair of those dumb sunglasses you always wear. Go clean yourself up."
Bishop briefly looked offended at her insulting his brand of sunglasses. "Not so above it all, are you Miss Hamato?"
Hisako shrugged. "I'm sixteen and I don't like you. What did you expect?"
Across town, Karai and Kasumi entered Shredder's den. Shredder was calmly seated in his chair as Kasumi stood protectively in front of Karai.
"Kasumi Lee…" Shredder mused. "You are quite brazen to come here."
"We're not here to fight, Saki," Kasumi informed him.
Karai stepped out from behind her. "We came for your help."
"An alien race called the Triceratons will be arriving in six months' time," Kasumi explained. "They seek to destroy the Earth outright. Everyone will die. Including Karai... and you."
Shredder's eyes widened briefly, but he remained calm and seated.
"We need the power of the Foot Clan to combat this threat," Karai went on. "Believe me, we wouldn't be here if this wasn't the end of the world."
"This world is mine to rule," Shredder said, standing up. "I will not stand for any vile aliens trying to destroy it."
"Then until the Triceraton threat is dealt with, we have a ceasefire," Kasumi said.
She offered Shredder a hand, which he reluctantly shook.
"This truce is only temporary," Shredder swore. "Once these Triceratons are ended-"
Kasumi nodded. "I expected nothing less, Saki."
Splinter approached the houseboat Amaya, Li, and Alopex were living on. He lightly rapped on the door. Amaya answered, a smile crossing her face.
"Hey, Yoshi!" she exclaimed, hugging him. "You don't visit often enough."
"I wish this was a courtesy call, but I fear we are all in grave danger," Splinter informed her.
He entered, Amaya quickly calling Li and Alopex.
"Within six months, an alien race called the Triceratons will arrive. Once they do, they will destroy the Earth."
"The Triceratons," Alopex mused. "I remember the one called Mozar. He swore to destroy Krang with every breath. It seems he and his kind intend to fulfill this promise."
"They're going to destroy the planet just to dispose of Krang?!" Li exclaimed. "That's madness!"
"My children and I have a plan to stop them," Splinter told them. "But should we fail, we will need someone down here to ensure that the Triceratons do not get what they want."
"You got it, Yoshi." Amaya declared. "I've been itching for some action anyway."
"Whatever you need, we will provide," Li promised.
"Good," Splinter said with a smile. "Though I warn you, you are not the only ones we have asked for help."
"Who?" Alopex questioned.
"Kasumi and Miwa are negotiating a ceasefire with Saki," Splinter said, deciding to come out with it.
"Him?!" Amaya shrieked. "Yoshi, you know I love you, but are you nuts?!"
"Our feud is meaningless should the Triceratons succeed," Splinter replied. "Even he sees that."
Amaya sighed. "Alright. But unless I'm running full-tilt in the opposite direction, I'm not turning my back on him for a second."
"I respect that," Splinter assured her.
Elsewhere, the Turtles and Kagome approached the Mutanimals' lair. Leo knocked on the door and was answered by Slash.
"Well, this is a surprise," Slash noted. "You lot ain't usually ones for social visits."
"Sorry Slash, but it's important," Raph said. "Get your crew together ASAP."
In no time at all, the Mutanimals had gathered in the main room, the Hamato family explaining the encroaching threat. The minute they mentioned the Triceratons, Leatherhead spewed the soup he was eating out in shock.
"The Triceratons..." he let out. "They're coming?!"
"Uh-oh," Hob said. "If they're freakin' LH out, then they've gotta be bad news."
"For good reason," Leatherhead told them. "They're enemies of Krang, but not our friends. Their default approach to any sign of Krang activity on a world... is complete planetary devastation."
"These psychos nuke planets and kill everyone on them just to deal with Krang?!" Slash demanded.
"So…we have a legion of highly militant, hostile, alien, mutant dinosaur people with access to a machine that makes black holes who wanna Buster Call the planet?!" Kieran exclaimed.
"The Honeycutt guy we mentioned is taking us into space so we can get to the parts before we do. If we fail, we need you to be ready. We've got six months before they arrive."
"Yeah… no pressure," Kieran took a deep breath. "Alright, okay, h-here's the thing: um... see, I'm afraid of dinosaurs, and, um... rayguns and planet-busting spaceships. I can't do this! It's really cool you guys seem ready to do battle and stuff, but, full transparency, I've never done battle! I've just thrown some people around and stretched like Luffy to get away!"
"...Save one," Leo said after a moment.
Kieran perked. "What?"
"Save one person."
"Uh, which one?"
"When the time comes, don't talk, don't fight. Get in. Get one guy to safety, and get out."
"...A-and then?"
"You'll know," Leo patted him on the back.
At TCRI, the various groups gathered as the Turtles, Hisako, and Kagome prepared to leave, alongside April, Casey, and Splinter.
"Ain't no way I'm missing a space adventure," Casey declared.
"Me neither," said April.
"Kasumi and I agreed that one of us should accompany you," Splinter informed the kids. "She would be here as well, but there's still the issue of her company."
"And I gotta stay to make sure Shredder plays ball," Karai added.
Kasumi walked over to Splinter, and the two grasped forearms and shook. "Good luck, my friend."
"You as well," Splinter replied.
Kasumi pulled Kagome into a hug next, tearing up slightly. "Stay safe, Kagome. You, Hisako, the Turtles... I love you all, and I'm so proud of you."
"Thanks, Kasumi," Leo smiled. "And don't worry. We're all coming back."
Hisako prepared to join them, Sam intercepting her.
"Hisako…" he began, rubbing the back of his neck. "I just wanted to say... good luck."
"Thanks, Sam." Hisako replied, smiling slightly. "I'll be okay."
She patted his arm and joined the rest of the group as they made their way to Honeycutt's ship. As she boarded, Midnight trotted after her and immediately, Professor Honeycutt scooped up the puppy.
"Terribly sorry my dear, but I'm afraid your pet will have to stay here."
Hisako slowly turned to face him. "If you want me to come with you, then my dog's part of the deal."
"Again, I'm terribly sorry, but having a wild animal onboard the ship is simply-"
Hisako gave him a deadpan glare as she took Midnight from his hands. Behind her, the Turtles were all glaring as well, serious eyes on full display.
"Midnight is coming," she declared, staring the robotic Neutrino down.
Honeycutt sighed, seeing a losing battle if he pushed this. "Very well, then. But I will not be held responsible for her. And… keep her away from the wires and machinery, if you please."
Hisako brightened at that, and the Turtles relaxed. "Don't worry, Midnight is the most well behaved dog in New York. Right girl?"
Midnight barked happily as everyone made it aboard. The drawbridge closed behind them as Honeycutt stood to address them all.
"Well, Hamato Clan, welcome to my ship, the Ulixes. Our first stop will be my homeworld, D'Hoonib, for restocking and refueling. From there, we'll head to the planet Xaava-Dal, where the first fragment of the Heart is."
Leo looked around with an excited eye. "I can't believe we're on an actual spaceship, about to head on a space adventure!"
"Oh boy." Raph muttered." Here we go."
"This is just like Space Heroes!" Leo went on. "All my childhood fantasies come to life."
Kagome rolled her eyes. "This is gonna be fun."
Author's Note:
And thus, the Turtles in Space arc begins!
I'm using the Triceratons' origin from IDW, to further explain their grudge against Krang.
Please R&R. Until next time!