Chapter 8 - The space adult's plan!
While 14 had managed to bring Sector Z back, he had no idea of the movement that was taking place at the lunar base. Thousands of ships were leaving the planet and heading towards the base. Many were transport ships; others were war cruisers. The space adult was planning something vital. He was on the lunar base, in the communications center, now facing a space sector where several structures were being built.
If you could see around the base, you would see that it is surrounded by starfighters. Their design looked a lot like the ship in which Numbuh 14 was found. They were surrounding the lunar base in groups of three to five ships each. Near what looked like cruisers, the same thing was repeated.
In another region, some cruisers could be seen heading into deep space. But they weren't fewer in Numbuh because of this. Five cruisers with their respective starfighters. It looked like they were an expansion group.
Inside the base, the space adult was watching everything. Now with his helmet down and on the ground. His face turned to the window in front of him.
86 came to meet him. He stood up from his chair and raised his hand without turning around. Indicating to 86 that he shouldn't come any closer.
– Sir, the evacuation of the bases is at forty percent. – it will take a little longer for all the Earth agents to move to the lunar base. But we'll be on schedule. – he replied confidently.
– The important thing now is to be on or above schedule. – replied the adult.
His voice now sounded nothing like it had before. It was a jovial voice. Even for an adult. 86 tried her best to avoid looking at him, but she couldn't stop imagining what his face would look like. His hair, on the other hand, was clearly visible. It was gray, but it was strange because it wasn't the gray that you get when you're getting older. It was as if he was re-aging, which didn't make any sense.
– Sir! Could I ask you a question?
– Go ahead.
– Why are you doing this? Bringing all the agents from Earth to the lunar base? What about this project to expand our borders to Pluto? I try to think of an answer, but it's all so strange to me.
He laughed.
– It's simple, my dear. Once you've finished with 14, they'll come. I'm surprised they haven't come to attack yet.
– Who?
– The Galactic Kids Next Door, of course.
86 was confused.
– I have a mortal hatred for the Numbuh 14, and I believe he reciprocates those feelings..., but we can agree on one thing: we can't let the GKND come to Earth.
He continued.
– Did you know that at the end of the third generation, to combat the tyranny of the GKND, the Kids Next Door, the teenage rebellion, and the adults formed an alliance? – asked the space adult. – Yes, the three factions on Earth united to fight the GKND. Many deaths occurred in this war. But in the end, the GKND was banished from the solar system forever. But as 14 was the supreme Emperor of the KND, he never admitted to having such a large star fleet. Partly because of the fights against us and the teenagers. But a lot of it was because he believed that if he did, he would be calling the GKND into a war of major proportions. Although I'm against it, I understand his point.
The space adult paused briefly, admiring his new star fleet.
– But now it's different. For two generations you've allowed that group to come as it pleases on Earth. And that's a very serious problem, especially since they must know that 14 and I have returned from our resting place. They'll send an attack, I'm sure of it! It's a miracle they haven't already. That's why all the time we have is valuable.
He turned to 86 and she lowered her face. He walked towards her.
– How's theproduction of our super cruisers?
– It's going faster than expected sir.
– What about sector v?
– No sign of him, sir.
With his hand, the adult gently lifted 86's head, which turned red as he looked at her face.
– Send a squadron to the base. I believe 14 was there but tell them not to look for him and the others. – said the adult, turning around and walking towards the window. – Tell them to find the agents from sector v and bring them here as soon as possible. We'll need Numbuh 2 to finish off not only the super cruisers, but also other ships, artillery, fighters and other war pieces.
– Yes, sir! – said 86.
– Oh, and 86.
She stopped midway.
– Sir?
The adult threw a device to 86.
– Give it to them.
– As you wish, my lord. – said 86, now turning and leaving the communications center.
Now, looking out the window again, seeing that one of the super cruisers is almost ready, he reflected on 14.
– "14, soon you and I will meet again, I know what you're doing and what your plan is. I must admit that bringing Sector Z back was a good strategy. You're not going there? The base that was destroyed. There you'll get the answers you've been looking for for almost a thousand years... And if you don't... well... I think I'll reveal them myself!". – the adult smiled evilly.
Back at their father's mansion, the Sector Z agents had just been released from their curse. They were welcomed by Numbuh zero.
– But what's going on? – asked Bruce.
– Anyway, we thank you for freeing us – said Ashley – now tell us what the problem is and what we can do to help.
– Because our time is short... – said Constance when she was interrupted by the Numbuh zero.
– Calm down. You don't need to be in this state of worry any longer. You've just been released from the effects of Ben's machine. You'll never be the kids from down the street again.
When they heard this, they remained unresponsive for a while, until they all hugged Numbuh zero, crying.
– THANK YOU! THANK YOU SO MUCH! – said sector z.
– It's not me you have to thank – said Numbuh zero, pointing to his father and Numbuh 14. – They're the ones who risked their lives for you.
The father was on his knees trying to catch his breath, as if he had just run a marathon. But 14 was in a worse state. He couldn't even stay on his knees and felt like he might faint at any moment. Yet he tried to fight it.
Ashley, a tall girl, wore a red helmet with rectangular details on the top. In the middle, you could see the letter z in place of the Numbuh. Her long blonde hair was past her waist. She wore black boots with red shin guards and yellow details in place of the laces.
She didn't even pay attention to the 14, she went towards her father and pulled out his umbrella. She grabbed him by the shirt and said:
– If it wasn't for you, we wouldn't have had to suffer so much! – Ashley said, raising the umbrella to deliver the final blow.
When she was about to hit her father, who remained silent and waited for the blow, she was stopped by 14 who held her arm.
– It's true, he mistreated you and used your skills for evil. But he also looked after you like a real father. If it hadn't been for him, you would be dead or in such an intense coma that not even this machine could save you. – said 14 extremely weakly.
– Spare…, his life.
14 fell to the hard floor. Rachel went over to him and held him.
– If 14 had used all his life energy, you might not be here, just like him. – Rachel said, now pointing at her father – he was the one who shared the burden with 14 and yet he couldn't stand it because his energy was drained so much.
Rachel was about to cry when she felt 14's breath.
– "Thank god! I really thought he had... no, he's alive. He's just tired from all that drained energy."
Numbuh Zero went to check on 14.
– He's just fallen asleep, but it'll be a while before he wakes up. I've seen it before; he'll wake up within the next few days I believe.
Numbuh zero then asked Rachel to carry him.
– I need you to stay here for a while to look after 14. Ben, is there a problem?
– No, stay as long as you like.
Ben then asked them to follow him to another room where they could leave 14 to rest. In the meantime, Numbuh zero and Rachel told sector z about the current situation. As expected, they were shocked.
– A first-generation agent?! – commented Lenny
– I can't believe it! – said Ashley.
– In any case, we need to stay alert – said David – If this space adult is that dangerous, we'll have to come up with a strategy to fight him.
14 was put to bed. Sector z and Numbuh zero tried to come up with a strategy, but as none of them had had any contact with the enemy, they could only speculate. Sector z was still angry with their father, but they understood that he really wanted to help their situation.
– We won't forgive you so easily, Dad..., but thank you for helping us. – said Bruce, representing Sector Z.
The father nodded.
Rachel, on the other hand, informed Chad of the situation via the communicator. He then left the ship at the base and went to the house down the street. While she waited, she stayed by 14's side as she had at the moon base, but this time she didn't want to leave his side. Numbuh Zero then entered the room with a tray of food and drink.
– You'd better eat a little 362, you need to be full of energy for when he wakes up.
– Thank you. – Rachel replied, taking a bite of her sandwich.
Numbuh Zero was on his way out the door when Rachel asked him a question.
– Uh, Numbuh zero?
– Yes?
– Have you heard from Nigel?
Numbuh Zero paused.
– None since he joined the GKND.
– I see...
Rachel turned her attention to 14 but was soon interrupted.
– You like him? – asked Numbuh zero.
Rachel was surprised by the question.
– I don't know, ever since Nigel disappeared, I've felt strange, but now I see that it was something...
– I meant 14.
– 14? – shouted Rachel. Then she realized she'd spoken too loudly. – I hardly know him; how could I like someone I've only known a short time?
– I don't know, but you certainly care about him. – Confirmed Numbuh zero. – And I can feel that this feeling you have for him is strong, even if you've only known him a short time.
Rachel wondered about this.
– "I liked Nigel before. That's a fact, but now that he's not around anymore, I... I... I... I don't know... I don't know if that's right. Not that 14 is a bad person, on the contrary, but...".
– Don't worry about how you felt about Nigel. – said Numbuh zero, snapping Rachel out of her thoughts – If you want advice, wait a bit. Then maybe he'll say something about it.
Numbuh Zero was about to close the door when Rachel asked her last question.
– How do you know he's going to say something about it?
– Simple: he likes you.
Numbuh zero closes the door. Rachel thought about that last sentence: "He likes you". She turned so red she felt like her heart was going to burst out of her mouth. She was about to leave the room when she saw him moaning. She put her hand gently on his forehead and noticed that it was cold. She calmed down and sat down in the chair next to the bed. As she looked at him, she couldn't think anything about it. But in the end, she smiled.
– Wake up soon 14. – Rachel wished.
14 was dreaming abouthis old memories again, but now they were clearer. First, he recalled the last moments before the base went under.
– Computer! How long will it take to empty the base of all the water?
– A FEW MONTHS! BUT 14, IN FIVE MINUTES, THE BASE WILL BE COMPLETELY SUBMERGED!
– What can I do?!
– GO INTO THE CRYOGENIC CHAMBER!
Then I'll remind you in more detail about your deplorable situation in the Alps.
– Where am I?
– Safe. Your ship was shot down, it's a miracle I managed to save you from your injuries.
– Who are you?
– An old friend...
Finally, he remembered the last moments of the attack on the adult fleet in space.
– 14 WHAT ARE YOU DOING! YOUR HYPERDRIVE DEVICE HAS BEEN TRIGGERED! TURN IT OFF NOW!
– I CAN'T NUMBUH 3000! THE SPACE ADULT'S SHIP IS ATTACHED TO MINE! I CAN'T MISS THIS OPPORTUNITY!
– OPPORTUNITY? THAN THIS... WAIT! DON'T DO IT!
– IT'S THE ONLY WAY! NUMBUH 3000 I GIVE THE ORDER THROUGH THE CODE IIXFZKL-IV! DON'T COME AFTER ME! I REPEAT! DON'T COME AFTER ME!
– 14! NO!
– GOODBYE KIDS NEXT DOOR AND THANKS FOR EVERYTHING!
Finally, he saw a flash in front of the ship thanks to the ship's hyperdrive. He thought he would wake up soon, but instead he found himself in a large, vast field. It was daytime and a breeze was blowing in his face. He didn't know what it meant, but he felt at peace, and that was what mattered. A short while later he heard a voice, a voice coming from behind him.
– 14?
He looked back and saw who was calling him. It was his old friend, Numbuh 88. Right behind him, he saw other agents he had known through the generations. He couldn't help himself, fell to his knees and began to cry. Crying with nostalgia for those who were no longer with him.
Then someone put a hand on his shoulder and gently lifted his face. It was Rachel, as radiant as the sun. He stood up and stared into her eyes. It was the only thing that calmed him at that moment. She stroked his face and said:
– It's all right! It's all right 14, they're with you, and so am I.
– I-I... I can't explain what I feel, but it's too strong! It hurts me in a way I couldn't even imagine... I-I wanted to get it over with...
Rachel hugged him.
– Don't give up now! We still need you. I need you.
– But...
– If you let this feeling swallow you up, soon you won't have the strength left to fight the space adult and the GKND. Focus on the other feeling... You know what I'm talking about.
14 looked at the horizon thoughtfully but soon lost his concentration when Rachel turned her face to look at him again. She smiled and began to move closer to her face, and the only thing 14 could wish for at that moment was that if this was a dream, she didn't want to wake up.
When he opened his eyes, 14 had recovered from his drained strength. He sat up in bed, put his hands on his head, and began to feel his body. When he realized that he had returned to reality, he became calm.
– I'm alive and well... but what I just witnessed was strange... it's the first time in millennia since I entered the cryogenic chamber that I've been able to... That I can dream.
14 then heard breathing and looked to his right. Rachel was there. Sitting in a chair next to the bed, she was sleeping propped up on the bed. He then smiled and nudged her awake.
– Let me sleep some more... – said Rachel sleepily. – 14 hasn't woken up yet, Numbuh zero.
– Sorry, you can go back to sleep then.
Rachel quickly straightened up in her chair when she realized whose voice it was.
– F-fourteen!
– Yes, I just woke up. – she said, shaking herself awake. I feel like I've had a good night's sleep, although I was really afraid of...
14 couldn't even finish his sentence when Rachel hugged him. He didn't understand, especially as she started crying at the same moment.
– Did I do something wrong in my sleep? – he asked, worrying about Rachel.
– You slept for weeks! I was almost losing hope! – Rachel replied tearfully.
14 then wiped away Rachel's tears and stroked her face.
– Don't worry, I'm better now.
14 got out of bed and Rachel stayed by his side. She was still worried about him, even though she could tell he was in good condition.
– Well, what did I miss? – he asked, still in his room
– Not much. Chad came here after I informed him of the situation.
– Did he bring the ship?
– No... I forgot to ask him.
– Maybe it was for the best.
– What do you mean?
– I've got a bad feeling... did something else happen while I was asleep?
– I think KND agents broke into the house, but it was so fast that we couldn't do anything about it.
14 became very suspicious.
– Take me to Chad and Sector Z! We've been on vacation long enough... I apologize for staying so long...
– Don't worry, it wasn't your fault..., and it was thanks to you that sector z was freed.
– You're right, well, now let's go.
In the corridor, Rachel had asked 14 what the plan was.
– It's simple, I want to go to the island where the Numbuh 3000 left their records, I want to rescue them before the volcano erupts.
– Do you think there'll be time?
– I think... if the space adult hasn't shown up yet, it's because he's busy with something...
14 stopped in the corridor.
– What was it?
– "I've been asleep for several weeks and he hasn't come to take the chance to finish me off? What are you up to, space adult?".
During this time on the lunar base, the space adult had been observing space in the command room. But now he focused on what was in front of him.
86 He approached the adult and asked him to stand next to him.
– Nice, isn't it? – asked the adult in a modified voice – With this, we'll be able to hold off the GKND's attack right after I get rid of Numbuh 14..., What's the report?
– Sir, the Kappa fleet has just arrived on Pluto. They've scanned the planet several times as you requested and no anomalies were found, they're going to start establishing a base there.
– And the others?
– All of them already have bases underway outside the asteroid belt. – replied 86.
– Excellent, just as I planned. And now that the super cruiser is ready, we can rest a little easier.
– Sir... Do you really think this super cruiser can handle an attack?
– Of course not, that's why it will join the Kappa fleet when the base on Pluto is ready.
– But...
The adult clicked a button on his helmet and the visor went up.
– Don't worry my dear, we're producing another nine super cruisers as we speak.
86 leaned over and watched. Out there in space, nine superstructures were being assembled.
– But how can they be built so quickly?
The adult pointed to the device behind his neck
– This makes you learn to do the tasks faster. They'll finish the nine super cruisers in less than a month this time and then we can be prepared for the surprises the GKND will bring us!
He continued
– Now that we have all the agents from the KND in space, we'll be able to populate the space stations in sector 180 in the Delta Quadrant. That's why I asked you to bring the Earth bases into space, so we can set up a space station in that sector where the GKND could use it to attack our shores!
86 smiled.
– Well, at least we still have a few on Earth to keep order. – said 86 – What about Numbuh 14?
– I'll only give him another 48 hours to take advantage..., Are the agents ready?
– Yes, sir!
– Excellent! Use this time to prepare, my dear. Soon the most anticipated battle for millennia is about to begin!