It has been 3 weeks since Nigel Uno or as he was known, Numbuh 1 left. Sector V members. Hoagie, Kuki, Wallaby and Abigeal found the first 2 weeks difficult. They had finally got used to it on week 3. Of course, not many operatives knew why or where Numbuh 1 disappeared. The supreme leader Numbuh 362, demanded a full-on search throughout the world. And when they ended up empty handed, she wanted to look beyond space. Many operatives were alarmed, while his disappearance was a concern after Sector Z were never found, there was concern that she was putting too much focus on this one mission and neglecting her other duties.

Right now, Numbuh 123 was trying to discuss the problem. "Rachael, we know that the disappearance of Numbuh 1 is a big concern. But it seems you're putting this above all else. I know when you last saw each other, it wasn't on great terms. I know you cared for him as a close friend, perhaps even more".

The blonde girl looked down at her feet unable to reply.

"But you want to look all over space and there's no guarantee we'll find him. When Sector Z disappeared, we never went that far".

She glared at him. "Give up, is that your plan".

He sighed. "I'm saying we can't waste any more resources on a wild goose chase. If you want to keep looking, fair enough. But we can't continue to use operatives for this".

"I can't give up. I won't give up".

"Then perhaps you should step down from your position. I don't mean anything bad, but someone needs to take over your other tasks".

"And how would I do that? The last game of tag ended in disaster".

"I wasn't in the Kids Next Door yet".

"Are you saying I should give you the job".

"If you end up needing a replacement, yes".

"Is that what it is? You want my job and you're using my grief to secure it".

"I'm not trying to take advantage, but we both know this search can't continue".

She looked determined. "I'm sure someone knows something".

"We already interrogated all his friends. They seem to be as clueless as we are. What else can be done"?

She had no idea how to answer that. She shook her head. "No, I won't give up".

Numbuh 123 sighed. "I'm sorry to say you can't continue to be supreme leader if that's the case. You need to pick someone, if not me, then you need another game of tag to decide. We did take procedures to make sure another incident like Father in the Kids Next Door won't happen".

Racheal considered this. At the end she decided there'd would be a meeting. But to announce her successor. She was currently addressing nearly all operatives. The only ones not there were either currently on missions or doing something else. Sector V were able to be there, despite only finishing a mission against the Knightbrace.

Numbuh 362 made her announcement. "I called you all here to inform you that I will be stepping down as Supreme Leader".

One of the operatives shouted. "Does that mean another game of tag"?

Some looked ready to dash.

Numbuh 362 shook her head. "No. I know someone who's ready to take the job. Numbuh 123.

There were different reactions. Numbuh Infinity looked like he improved. Others such as 86 and 60 didn't look pleased.

It was Fanny who voiced her objections. "He's not qualified to be our leader".

There was a collective groan. Numbuh 86 growled. "Not because he's a boy. Because he has no experience in leadership".

Numbuh 123 nodded. "That is true but tell me Numbuh 86, are you saying you should lead? With your position and expertise, you'd make a fine supreme commander. If you want the job. I'll back down right now".

All eyes were on Fanny. She backed away. She didn't want the position. Nobody did. Except him.

Numbuh 123 addressed the crowd. "I admit, I'm not as qualified as some of you. If anybody thinks they can do the job. I'll hear them out".

Numbuh tried to raise his hand, only for his neighbors to prevent him from doing so.

Nobody else bid for leadership. It seemed Numbuh 123 was the only one up for the task.

As nobody else would say a word, he continued. "I know I'm not Numbuh 362, but I can assure you I'm not Father, either".

That earned a few laughs from the crowd.

"I will try to lead this great organization. I know I don't need to worry. Many of you had served loyally and fought adult tyranny for a long time. And I know you will continue to do so. KIDS NEXT DOOR RULE"!

They all repeated. "KIDS NEXT DOOR RULE".

"I will try to prepare myself for the mission as best I can. As for you all, I won't bore you with a big speech. I'll simply let you all go back to doing what you were. Be vigilant".

As the crowd dispersed, Numbuh 2, 3, 4 and 5 discussed Numbuh 123.

Numbuh 4 seemed happy. "No long speeches. I like him already".

Numbuh 3 looked confused. "Who is he"?

Numbuh 2 answered. "He's been in the Kids Next Door for a while. After the game of tag we had. All I know about him was he was a bodyguard for Numbuh Infinity. He was one of the leaders in the search for Numbuh 1".

Numbuh 5 was suspicious. "Numbuh Infinity? Do you think he told Numbuh 123"?

Hoagie shrugged. "Who knows. He was his bodyguard but he could be out of the loop".

As they left, only Infinity and Numbuh 123 discussed Numbuh 362.

"Do you think we should tell her the truth".

Numbuh Infinity shook his head. "It's need to know".

"But the fact that we kept the secret, isn't that like treason"?

Numbuh Infinity looked ready to pommel him, despite not being one for violence. "No it isn't. Treason would imply we betrayed the Kids Next Door. What we did was for the benefit of kids everywhere".

"I get your point but a few know that shouldn't. Why not add one more".

Numbuh Infinity considered it, then dismissed it. "If we let more in on the secret, then others that weren't supposed to might find out. That already happened. And we know that Father has been hunting his nephew since he left".

Numbuh 123 shrugged. "At least he doesn't cause us trouble anymore. And he seemed to accept the idea that the Kids Next Door are as clueless as he is about the whereabouts".

"That's why it's better to keep silent on this issue. So, the news doesn't end up leaked to him".

"What about Numbuh 362? She's going to keep looking for answers, even if I order her not to".

Numbuh Infinity wasn't fazed. "Sooner or later, she will realize he can't be found".

Numbuh 123 wasn't so sure. While he now had more authority over Numbuh Infinity, he knew the diplomatic operative had a better understanding of the consequences. He nodded.

Author's Note

Been a while since I saw the show, so my knowlede might be rusty.