Transmission 22: First Contact
"So, they finally arrived. Took them long enough." a kid wearing a full body cloak says to three others. They have gathered into a dark room with a single screen on the wall, which displays a map of the Earth's Solar System.
"Don't say that! They were stuck cleaning the mess Numbuh 274 left behind at the Void Prison." a girl's voice replies disapprovingly.
"Anyway, did Numbuh Shrike already leave?" the leading kid asks the others and another kid gestures with his hands.
"Yes, they left after the battle ended and should be arriving at the Treehouse today."
"Too bad they don't have a Treehouse-grade L.E.A.P.E.R. Drive on their ship… did Shrike take anyone with them?"
"Yes, 20 hybrid kids. They're not contaminated yet and they wanted to join the GKND."
"Hmm…then the rest will just have to die along with this planet. Did the GSF say when they'll attack?" the boy asks, causing the third kid to nod.
"Not yet. You know how strict Numbuh Exa is. Besides, they can't make a proper move until Numbuh S-26 arrives. He's their trump card."
"Right. We'll need to take action soon, so that we can scrap this stupid alliance with the teenagers."
"Indeed. And we gotta do something about that teenager lapdog Numbuh 81. He has to go."
"Let's meet again once we get more news from the higher-ups. GKND forever!"
"GKND forever!" the cloaked kids perform the GKND's salute and stick their fingers up their nose, which causes them to disappear into booger clouds which then fade away.
Across the Solar System, the GSF's massive Treehouse orbit's Pluto serenely. Its trunk is made up of the same pink alien structure as the Moonbase but it is several times larger and it seems to grow from a moderately sized, brittle asteroid. Running along the circumference of the Treehouse, at the same level as the main branches is a huge ring with 6 towers, each one resembling a smaller Treehouse. At the very top of the Treehouse is a domed structure which serves as the bridge while three big doors near the center, behind the ring, serve as the hangar entrances. Then, a short distance from the Treehouse, a visible rip appears in space, and a large shuttle made of 2x4 technology flies out, along with a tailless R.A.Y.-W.I.N.G.E.R. "This is Runner 6, do you copy?" the shuttle's pilot, who looks like a brown, sentient, humanoid bush, contacts the GSF's Treehouse.
"We copy, Runner 6. Hangar 3 is ready for your arrival. Line up and stand by for clearance."
"Roger, Runner 6 out." the pilot aligns the shuttle with slowly approaching Treehouse while the R.A.Y.-W.I.N.G.E.R. pulls alongside and matches its speed with the bigger ship.
"This is Hangar 3 Control; you are cleared to land at Dock 28. All crew members must use the S.C.R.U.B.B.E.R. Tunnel before entering the Treehouse."
"Roger." the doors of the central hangar open, allowing the shuttle and its escort to enter the Treehouse. Inside the bustling hangar, the ships land on two side-by-side docks and two yellow tunnels connect to their hulls.
"Hmph, gotta love their germaphobia." the pilot of the R.A.Y.-W.I.N.G.E.R, the helmet wearing Numbuh Shrike thinks as they climb out of the cockpit and enter the tunnel, which is lined with laser emitters and rotating brooms.
"Stand still until decontamination is complete." a robotic voice says, causing Shrike to let out a frustrated sigh as the lasers scan their black and purple flight suit before the brooms scrub them completely. "Decontamination complete. No Adulthood Virus detected."
"Finally." Shrike huffs while floating through the tunnel's exit. Beyond the tunnel's airlock, Shrike is greeted by Numbuh Geo-4 and Numbuh 74.239.
"Welcome aboard, Numbuh Shrike. It's an honor to finally meet you in person." Geo-4 salutes the GKND pilot, who salutes back.
"Special Agent Numbuh Shrike reporting. We brought the hybrid's as requested." Shrike replies as Numbuh 74.239 squints his eye at the three-fingered pilot.
"I see your ship suffered some damage. You were not compromised, were you?"
"Negative. Did you not read my report?" Shrike says slyly and 74.239 twitches at their response.
"Don't get smart with me. Yes, I did read your report, but it did not mention the hull damage. Perhaps you should be more thorough in your reporting, Numbuh Shrike."
"Whatever you say. So, are we just going to stand here or?" Shrike's attitude does not sit well at all with 74.239, who is trying his best not to lose his temper.
"…Of course…Numbuh Geo-4, take Shrike with you to the officers lounge. Numbuh Exa and I will talk with them later." the science chief hisses and walks away, towards the shuttle pilot and the 20 hybrid kids.
"Hmph, serious as ever…" Shrike mutters and turns their attention to a slightly nervous Geo-4. "Well? Show me the way."
"Ri…right, of course, this way." Geo-4 stutters and leads Numbuh Shrike to an elevator that takes them all the way to the officer's lounger, which is rowdy as ever, especially because the ever-peppy wolf alien Numbuh Dirus is trying to goad other operatives to spar with her.
"Come oon…! Let's have a match!"
"I've told you a million times Dirus, I don't want to!" an alien made of rock cubes responds angrily just as the door opens and Geo-4 enters with Shrike.
"Attention!" Numbuh Tera, who has kept to himself, once again stands up and salute Geo-4, as do the others, who were startled by his commanding voice.
"At ease, everybody. Let me introduce, one of the best secret agents in the GKND's history, Numbuh Shrike." Numbuh Geo-4 says excitedly and the presence of the helmet wearing operative silences the lounge.
"Wow…"
"No way…it's really Shrike…"
"Numbuh Shrike just arrived here after completing their mission on Earth. I heard it was a complete success…" Geo-4's words are immediately drowned by loud cheering as the officers surround him and Shrike, who sighs.
"That's a special agent in the GKND for ya!"
"I bet you really gave those teenagers a good whopping!"
"Now, now, give them some space. Shrike just got back…" However, the officers ignore Geo-4 and swarm Numbuh Shrike, who starts clenching their fists but before they can say anything, Numbuh Tera, who did not join the crowd, stands up once more.
"Hey! Didn't you hear what the lieutenant said?!" he roars, silencing the lounge instantly. Then, one by one, the officers back down.
"Hmph." Numbuh Shrike huffs and walks past the officers towards Tera. "Didn't think I'd see YOU here, Numbuh Tera. I thought Galactic Command decommissioned you after that fiasco." Shrike says sarcastically and to everyone's surprise, the imposing, stone-faced Kontion chuckles slightly.
"Heh, really funny. Is that any way to greet your old teammate?"
"Just wanted to check if your hide was still thick. It's been too long." the two operatives shake hands while everyone else, including Numbuh Geo-4, watch in silent awe as Shrike sits down on a hovering chair opposite to Tera's chair. "Looks like you and I will be working together again."
"Seems like it." Tera replies and the former warden starts catching up with Shrike. "Still wearing the helmet, I see."
"And you still like asking stupid questions. I'm a spy now. Can't show my face around all the time." For the next hour, Shrike and Tera talk non-stop and not a single officer, nor Geo-4, dares to interrupt until finally, the Treehouse's intercom does.
"Attention Numbuh Geo-4, bring Numbuh Shrike to briefing room 10 at once."
"That's my cue. Unless they send me back to Earth, let's hang out again." Shrike stands up and salutes Tera, who does the same, before Numbuh Geo-4, having snapped from his trance, escorts the spy out of the lounge. As they walk through a long hallway with a long window that gives them a view of space, Shrike hears music coming from the intercom. "She needs new material."
"Hey, don't say that. 'Starry Sky' is one of Numbuh Vocal's most popular songs. Don't tell me you don't like her music?"
"I'm indifferent, but that song gets stuck in my head and it's annoying." Numbuh Shrike replies coldly as they board an elevator, but Numbuh Geo-4 is completely puzzled. Why is Shrike only acting friendly with Numbuh Tera? Their attitude with everyone else been rather cold and Geo-4 doesn't understand why Shrike is acting like that. However, he keeps his mouth shut for the remainder of the trek to the briefing room, where Numbuh 74.239 and Numbuh Exa are waiting.
"Sir, I've brought Numbuh Shrike here, as requested."
"Good. You can leave, Numbuh Geo-4." Exa gestures with his hand and as Geo-4 exits the briefing room, Numbuh 74.239 eyes Numbuh Shrike.
"We've read your report, Numbuh Shrike but I still find it hard to believe."
"Which part?" Shrike replies bluntly.
"The part about Numbuh Vermillion's kid. You're implying that a complete outsider is Vermillion's offspring."
"It's the truth. No human has that kind of reflexes, special awareness and resilience. Didn't you see the gun-camera footage?"
"Yes I did…regardless, moving on. Jammer failed, is that right?"
"Yes. He had to use an E.J.E.C.T.O.R. to flee. After all, the O.M.E.G.A. Numbers interfered." Shrike explains, causing Numbuh 74.239 to turn pale while Exa twitches ever so slightly.
"Then…they really are working with the humans…damn that Numbuh 274."
"Indeed. How many did Jammer encounter?" Exa asks sternly.
"Based on the footage from his E.Y.E.-C.O.R.D.E.R., Scorpius, Libra and Virgo, along with Numbuh Vine." Numbuh Shrike replies as Exa exchanges looks with 74.239, who crosses his arms.
"And the rest were fighting the Teen Ninjas, correct?"
"Yes. But I have a question, Numbuh 74.239: is it really true that the O.M.E.G.A. Numbers are ex-GKND operatives?"
"I…I…I'm not liberty to say. Their very existence is confidential. I'd have to ask permission from the Galactic Supreme Leader themselves to give you an answer." Numbuh 74.239 stutters and Shrike, despite not being pleased by the scientist dodging their question, doesn't press the issue.
"Alright. Is this all? Am I excused?"
"Yes. You can go rest for now. We'll begin the first phase of our Earth operation very shortly and you'll be called back to duty in due time."
"Roger, Numbuh Exa." Shrike salutes and swiftly leaves but is not satisfied at all by the meeting's results while back at the briefing room, Exa presses a button on his wrist gauntlet.
"This is Numbuh Exa to bridge: Begin Phase One. Launch the first wave of E.N.R.O.A.C.H.E.R.'s. I'll come to the bridge very shortly."
"Yes, Sir!" Then, Numbuh Exa turns his attention to a silent Numbuh 74.239.
"Were you that surprised that the O.M.E.G.A. Numbers would side with the humans?"
"Nnno, of course not. It was all within calculations. I'm just disgusted, that's all. We should've mindwiped them the moment the conversion process was completed…" he mutters and leaves quickly as Exa brings up a hologram of all six O.M.E.G.A. Numbers on his gauntlet.
"Not the reunion I was hoping for…but if destroying a planet means you'll go down too, I'm fine it…big brother."
…
Meanwhile, as Monday evening arrives, at the KND Moonbase, Numbuh 81 has called an emergency meeting with the entirety of the Kids Next Door and the event is being broadcast to every operative around the globe. The atmosphere is tense, as no one is really sure what this meeting is about. Accompanied by loud murmurs, KND operatives from all around the world gather in the Moonbase's main ceremony hall, as do the TND, but the KND operatives are still keeping their distance from the teenagers, who can tell they are not wanted. Then, as large cameras descend from the ceiling and point their lenses at the empty podium, which is lit up but spot lights, Jacques enters the ceremony hall and walks up to the podium.
"KIDS NEXT DOOR RULES!" he shouts and the crowd answers.
"KIDS NEXT DOOR RULES!"
"My fellow Kids Next Door, I'm grateful that so many of you came here and also to all those who are tuning in remotely. You're all probably wondering why I've called this emergency meeting, so allow me to explain. It's been more than a year since the war with the Splinter Cell ended. All of us went through pain and suffering to bring it to an end and it came at a great cost. We were deceived by our own comrades, who wanted to wipe out all adults and teenagers from Earth, regardless of whether or not they were evil. The Splinter Cell controlled the KND and used us to do their bidding, me included. But did anyone ever wonder who or what was behind them? How did they take control of the KND so easily and quickly? Well, there's a simple answer to that: they were backed up by another organization, who want the exact same thing, but on a much, much bigger scale: the Galactic Kids Next Door."
Jacques points at the screen behind him, which shows leading members of the Splinter Cell, chief among them their leader, the brown-haired and stocky Caleb Centenar, codename Numbuh 1000. However, everyone's attention is drawn to two other pictures on the screen: former KND diplomat, Numbuh Infinity and former head of the KND Science Division, the freckled-faced and orange-haired Numbuh 74.239. This revelation stuns the crowd, who start talking amongst themselves while some GKND spies watching the event become alarmed.
"Impossible! How do they know about…"
"Dammit, this is happening way too fast…" they mutter as Jacques continues.
"I myself didn't know about their existence until right before we began Operation: R.E.T.R.I.B.U.T.I.O.N. and for the past year, I've kept this information a secret from all of you. However, I can't hide it any longer."
"WHAT IS THE GKND?!" some members of the crowd shout and Jacques presses his hands against the podium.
"They are the KND's mother organization. They formed the Earth's KND a long time ago and have since then observed and controlled us from the shadows. Numbuh 74.239 and Numbuh Infinity were both observers sent to Earth to do just that. Infinity kept a watch on us while 74.239, as head of the Science Division influenced our actions. He was the one who wanted to go after adults with much harsher methods, like using the Unpoppable Zit and the C.L.A.M.M.A.H. Array. He conceived the Splinter Cell by gathering adult-hating kids and formed a secret faction within the KND to do the GKND's bidding. And now, the GKND have arrived at our Solar System with one objective: to Decommission Earth by destroying it. Why? Because our planet is, according to them, infected with the Adulthood Virus." a huge gasp echoes in the ceremony hall and no one is quite sure what to think. Then, Jacques shows a map of the Solar System and highlights the Earth and Pluto, where the GSF's Treehouse is orbiting. "They entered our Solar System on Saturday and are no doubt preparing to attack the Earth at any moment."
However, out of the murmurs and whispers, disgruntled voices start speaking out, questioning everything Jacques has so far said and they start growing louder and louder, but the Supreme Leader is not intimidated at all. "I know this might sound like crazy talk but it's all true and the proof is here for all to see." Jacques then points at the large sliding door at the back of the stage, which opens up and Eliza enters, along with Rachel. Their entry however only agitates the KND side of the crowd further, but the teenagers do not react at all. They walk to Jacques' side without saying a word. Then, someone else enters the stage: Chad, but he's not alone as Numbuh 9L, Numbuh Vine and the O.M.E.G.A. Numbers also enter, shocking the crowd into silence in one fell swoop. Jacques salutes the newcomers, as do the TND while the KND are unable to react at all as Chad takes over and looks around the hall.
"…Uh, weren't expecting me to address you all, weren't ya? Well, I can't blame you. I did betray the KND six years ago. But I'm not here to beg for anyone to forgive me. Just listen to me. What Numbuh 81 just said is the truth and we can prove it." Chad starts explaining his story, how he was scouted by the GKND, what he did behind the scenes as a Teen Ninja and the crowd listens in total silence. Even the loudest doubters stay quiet as Chad reveals everything to the world but as he talks, he can't help but feel nostalgic. After all, he had addressed the KND many times from this same podium back when he was Supreme Leader Numbuh 274. "…and that's how we got back to Earth. Now, let me introduce you to my comrades, who also fled the GKND: Numbuh Vine." Chad points at the plant alien, who waves shyly. "She served in the same Sector as I did and before that, Vine was a GKND spy who came here with Infinity and 74.239. Then we have Numbuh 9L, the former weapon specialist of my Sector."
"MEOW!" 9L says loudly while gesturing with her tails, startling everyone.
"Lastly, the O.M.E.G.A. Numbers: Corvus, Cygnus, Libra, Leo, Virgo and Scorpius. They're GKND fugitives and proof of their evil ways, as they were all turned into living weapons by the GKND and would've been mindwiped had Numbuh S-26 not freed me." Chad then looks up at the screen, which shows a picture of the former TND Intelligence Chief. "S-26, or Numbuh Gamma as the TND knew him, worked alongside you all a year ago. He helped form the TND and he was the one who told Numbuh 81 about the GKND." Chad steps down from the podium as Jacques takes over.
"As the highest ranking KND operative left back then, I was asked to be a witness, along with former KND operatives Numbuhs 83 and 84." Jacques gestures to the TND side of the crowd and immediately Lee and Sonia stand up.
"That's right! We heard everything!" Sonia shouts as Lee nods. "You have to believe them! This is all true." Sonia says as Jacques nods.
"There were other people who were also present at the meeting when Numbuh Gamma told us about the GKND, such as our own former Supreme Leader Numbuh Epsilon."
"Yes. I was there and so were Sector V, Numbuh Zeta, Numbuh Iota-3, Numbuh Omicron, Agent Halcón and Agent Hermit. Keeping this knowledge, a secret from all of you was necessary, because before Numbuh Delta arrived, we didn't know anything about the GKND beyond what Gamma told us." Rachel says sternly as Eliza walks next to Jacques.
"And now the truth is out. The GKND are real and they're here, on Earth. They've been here all this time, hiding in the shadows, controlling us. But that ends now!" she shouts while Jacques moves the microphone closer to himself.
"This isn't about just kids or teenagers or adults anymore. This affects all of us, just like when Father Delightfulized the Earth, except now, instead of being brainwashed, we risk losing our entire planet. And the GKND have already begun their attack on Earth. The mass communications blackout that nearly ruined our attack on the Teen Ninja base was caused by a GKND agent masquerading as a Moonbase guard. This spy snuck in to the Teen Extention's communications relay room and shut everything down, before trying to destroy the Memory Vault. We have video footage of the events as proof!" Everyone's attention is once again drawn to the big screen, which shows footage taken from Kieran's 2x4 headpiece's in-built camera. As the spy appears on screen, everyone can tell that the spider-like alien is not human and is wearing a guard's outfit.
"Kids and teenagers will never work together again! Your planet is doomed! ALL HAIL THE GKND!" Jammer's words echo throughout the ceremony hall before disappearing into a flash of light, leaving behind their guard outfit.
"Now that you've all heard this, do you still doubt what we've told you?" Jacques says but the crowd does not answer. However, out of nowhere, the Moonbase's general alarm goes off.
"Alert, unknown objects are approaching the Earth from multiple directions."
The Sooper Big Computermabob's robotic voice interrupts the meeting as Numbuh 81's 2x4 wristwatch rings and he answers. "Yes?! What's happening?!"
"Sir, the Computermabob picked up 6 unknowing objects coming towards Earth…wait, one of them changed course and is heading towards the Moon."
"Issue Code Red alert! Get the Super D.E.F.E.N.S.E.G.R.I.D. online at once!" Jacques shouts and looks at Chad, who nods back.
"Yeah, it's them. The GKND are making their move." he says as Eliza looks upon the crowd.
"This is the real deal, everyone. All TND agents, head to the extension and prepare for battle."
"YES, MA'AM!" the TND agents salute her and start leaving while Jacques gives the same order to the KND. Meanwhile, Chad and Rachel walk over to their alien allies.
"They are attacking earlier than we expected…" Libra says as Numbuh Vine turns to face Rachel and Chad.
"The GSF are probably attacking with their E.N.R.O.A.C.H.E.R.s. I don't have a good feeling about this."
"E.N.R.O.A.C.H.E.R.? What's that?"
"It stands for 'Extremely Nimble Reconnaissance Optimized Autonomous Craft Hunts Endemic Rogues'. It's a combat drone the GKND use when they 'probe' a Decommissioning target." Chad replies to Rachel as Scorpius joins in.
"This is merely the first wave and they have sent six units. The GSF is serious because under normal circumstances they would only send 2 or 3. Destroying even one is a challenge."
"Then we'll take on that challenge. Numbuh Epsilon, Numbuh Delta, head back to Earth. Coordinate our Earth defence from Cleve Sector."
"We'll go with you!" Numbuh Vine says while Numbuh 9L nods firmly.
"We shall remain here. Scorpius has previous knowledge about the E.N.R.O.A.C.H.E.R., including its weak points. Also, we can engage the E.N.R.O.A.C.H.E.R. if necessary as all of us O.M.E.G.A. Numbers can survive in space." Libra explains as Leo slams his fists together excitedly.
"Hah-hah, alright! Time to tear those things to shreds."
"Not you, Leo. You're going with Cygnus and Corvus to Earth. We, Scorpius and Virgo will stay here."
"Huh?! Aw man…" Leo's shoulders slump down as Chad and Rachel nod back at Libra.
"Sounds like a plan. Let's get a move on." Chad replies and jumps off the stage, followed by Rachel, Vine, 9L, Corvus, Cygnus and a pouting Leo.
"Be careful guys!"
"You too, Numbuh Alpha!" Rachel yells over her shoulder but as they leave ceremony hall, they are joined by Tommy, Sonia, Lee and Paddy.
"Numbuh Epsilon, we're coming too!" Sonia shouts as they catch up to the teenagers.
"That's right! The Tommy won't sit idle while these Galactic Fiends attack our planet!" While her conscience is telling her to refuse their offer, Rachel allows the younger agents to join and the group head together to the Teen Extension's Portal Hub, which already filled up with frantic agents, each heading back to their own Sectors to defend them. Soon, they are allowed through one of the portals and they reach Cleve Sector's base, where the appearance of their alien comrades startles the hub's operators.
"Okay, Scout Team W, meet up with Numbuh 6 and stand by in the hangar. The rest of you, follow me to the Switchboard. We'll plan our next move from there."
"Yes, Ma'am!" the younger agents reply and quickly disappear up the stairs while Rachel leads the rest out of the Science Lab and despite the hallways being cramped, Numbuh 9L has no trouble keeping up with the rest. At the Switchboard, they are greeted by Keith, Angelie and Numbuh Nu-5.
"Wow, you guys were fast."
"No time for small talk, Agent Hermit. What's the situation?!"
"Well, Commander, we're tracking the objects and they're all heading to different parts of the Earth. But some of their predicted flightpaths don't match with friendly locations." Angelie replies as Numbuh Vine floats closer to the railing that overlooks the tiered lowers levels of the Switchboard.
"That's because the GKND isn't going after just the TND. Those E.N.R.O.A.C.H.E.R.'s are after the evil adults and Teen Ninjas as well." she explains and Angelie, despite having never seen the alien in person, recognizes her voice.
"Hey, your voice…do I know that from somewhere?"
"Don't worry about it. What we need now is precise locations. Are any of the E.N.R.O.A.C.H.E.R.'s coming close to this Sector?" Chad asks sternly and Angelie turns her chair towards the massive screen before them.
"Hmm…No…but if we don't count the one targeting the Moonbase, the first one is headed to Sector Baja in the south. Another is heading for Central-Europe, a third just broke through the atmosphere above Venezuela, a fourth one is flying towards the West-African coast and the last is approaching the Kamchatka Peninsula." Angelie explains and Chad immediately points at the screen.
"Then we're gonna head to Sector Baja and help 'em out." he looks over towards Corvus, Cygnus and Leo, who all nod while Numbuh 9L taps Chad's head with her tail, implying that she wants to go too. "Okay, you're coming too. Let's go!"
"Numbuh Delta, what are you doing? You can't just…"
"Don't worry, Numbuh Epsilon, I've got a plan. We can handle that E.N.R.O.A.C.H.E.R. You stay here and coordinate the defence like Alpha told you. Numbuh Vine can help you with information on the E.N.R.O.A.C.H.E.R." Chad replies and gives Rachel a confident smile, prompting her to sigh but she does not stop them.
"Alright, I'll authorize it. Just make sure you all come back alive, okay?"
"Of course. I'm the best there is." Chad says jokingly and dashes out of the Switchboard with 9L and the O.M.E.G.A. Numbers while Rachel and Vine stay behind.
"Okay, let's focus, people. Numbuh Psi, inform the hub to get a portal to Sector Baja ready. Numbuh Vine, tell us everything you know about that thing." Rachel looks at the plant alien in the eye and she at first hesitates, due to how Rachel acted towards her previously but Vine quickly brushes her doubts aside and nods.
"Right! I'll do it!"
A few moments later, Chad's team rush through a portal and arrive at Sector Baja's own portal hub. The TND Sector, located at the very back of the Gulf of California, serves as a supply base for all TND Sectors on the Eastern Pacific coastline. Though the Sector's agents are at first startled by the appearance of Chad and his alien comrades, they quickly brief him on the situation. "At this rate, that thing will land in the gulf's waters in 5 minutes. What should we do? This base isn't meant for combat." the Sector Commander explains as Chad crosses his arms and frowns.
"Hmm…we'll handle the defence. You guys should evacuate."
"E…Evacuate? We can't abandon this base!"
"Listen human, that E.N.R.O.A.C.H.E.R. is designed to mow down everything before it. Besides, it's hard to fight when you've got a bunch of soft targets behind you." Corvus says bluntly, angering the commander.
"Huh? What are trying to say?!" he shouts but Cygnus comes between them to resolve the situation.
"What Corvus means is that it's better for your safety if you evacuate the base. That way, if the E.N.R.O.A.C.H.E.R. damages this facility, there won't be any casualties."
"Oh…I see…"
"Trust us on this, you don't want to be on the receiving end of that thing. I've seen what they can do." Chad grabs the commander by the shoulder, and he quickly nods back.
"Ri…right, understood. We'll evacuate immediately!" he replies and starts issuing orders while Chad's team takes an elevator up to the surface, near the coast. Before them lies the awfully calm Gulf of California while the setting suns red hue illuminates the sky. However, Numbuh 9L is not happy, since she dislikes water.
"Mraummmaau!"
"Hey, it was you who wanted to come with us." Chad says to a pouting 9L as Leo floats closer to the shore and looks back at Chad over his shoulder.
"So, what's the plan? You said you had one."
"Yeah, I do, Leo. We smash that thing to pieces." Chad replies confidently, causing the turquoise and orange alien to burst out laughing.
"Gah-hah-hah-hah! You're talking my language there, human!"
"It's not as simple as that. The E.N.R.O.A.C.H.E.R. is protected by a thick layer of tempered Cosmo Metal. Not to mention its arsenal of weapons. We can't rush into this." Cygnus remarks and Numbuh 9L nods approvingly.
"Meow, meow." she then puts up her tails, which now have special weapon belts wrapped around, bristling with various bladed and blunt weapons.
"Enough talk, it's coming!" Corvus shouts while pointing at the reddened sky, as a silver colored, capsule-shaped object is rapidly approaching the Gulf. As the fireball around the machine fades away, two jet engines protrude from its top half while the lower half transforms, taking the shape of a robotic front half of an ant with six spike-tipped legs. Using it's now rear-mounted jets, the E.N.R.O.A.C.H.E.R. rotates and lands into the ocean, creating a large wave around it.
"Time to party!" Leo shouts and flies ahead before anyone can stop him.
"Leo, wait! Argh, we need to plan first!"
"Too late for that, Cygnus. I say we just get this over with." Corvus replies to Cygnus and flies after Leo, who is rapidly approaching the insectoid robot. Lifting its sleek head from the water, the E.N.R.O.A.C.H.E.R.'s two large compound eyes scan the area and immediately detect the approaching O.M.E.G.A. Number.
"TAKE THIS!" Leo increases his momentum and flies head towards the E.N.R.O.A.C.H.E.R., which points it two antennae at Leo, creating a green energy shield around itself and Leo slams right into it. "GRAAAAHHH!" the impact causes the E.N.R.O.A.C.H.E.R. to buckle backwards slightly but it's shield remains intact.
"Analysis complete. Capturing." the machine opens its mouth and fires a sonic blast at Leo through its own shield, scoring a direct hit.
"GUARGH!" Leo roars as the soundwaves reverberate through his artificial body, stunning him. Then, the E.N.R.O.A.C.H.E.R. launches six grappling wires at Leo but before they can grab the helpless O.M.E.G.A. Number, Corvus intervenes by destroying the wire's anchor heads before pulling Leo away.
"Don't remember seeing them use that kind of an attack before…" Corvus says as an angered Leo pushes Corvus aside. "Well don't thank me too much."
"Grrr, I didn't need your help."
"Whatever you say." Corvus replies nonchalantly and flies around the E.N.R.O.A.C.H.E.R., which is now tracking him with its compound eyes. "Yeah, this shield is gonna be a problem."
"New target acquired." four panels slide ways from the E.N.R.O.A.C.H.E.R.'s cylinder-shaped rear-section, revealing missile tubes that promptly unleash a salvo at Corvus, who is overloads them all mid-flight with electricity. However, he quickly realizes that the attack is a distraction, as the E.N.R.O.A.C.H.E.R. immediately follows with another sonic blast, which Corvus barely evades
"Woah!"
"Corvus!" Cygnus comes to his side as the E.N.R.O.A.C.H.E.R. slowly turns towards them. She has also brought an embarrassed 9L with her by using her magnetic powers on the cat alien's tail weapons. "This is not a standard E.N.R.O.A.C.H.E.R."
"Nope. The GSF must've gotten a new model built specifically to counter us. But if we could get through that shield, that thing wouldn't stand a chance." Corvus replies as they dodge another sonic attack while a frustrated Leo repeatedly rams himself against the shield. Then Chad joins them, having donned his gray and red B.R.A. "What took you so long?"
"Haa-haa, very funny." Chad mutters and eyes the E.N.R.O.A.C.H.E.R., which is now completely focused on Leo. "I know one trick we can try." he says and eyes Corvus.
"Hmph, you sure about that? We can only stay merged for a short time and you'll turn into a deadweight afterwards."
"Then let's put that time to good use." Chad says confidently, causing Corvus to sigh before he nods.
"Fine, we'll do it your way, but this better work."
"We won't know until we try." Chad smirks and points his right wrist at Corvus, whose Omega symbol starts glowing. "Overlay!" the pair is instantly enveloped in an orange sphere which quickly fades away, revealing Chad and Corvus' merged form.
"7 cycles."
"Two more than last time. Cygnus, get above the E.N.R.O.A.C.H.E.R. with 9L and standby. We're gonna break through that shield with Leo."
"Understood!" Cygnus replies and flies upwards with 9L dangling below her while Chad scans the E.N.R.O.A.C.H.E.R. with his V-shaped visor's HUD.
"Looks like a Grade 10 Energy Shield. We'd need to use all our juice to break it."
"There's gotta be another way…Ah-ha, got it. Leo!"
"What?!"
"Keep it busy!"
"What do you think I'm doing?!" Leo snaps at Chad as he continues to ram himself against the E.N.R.O.A.C.H.E.R.'s shield while also evading its sonic attacks. Seeing his chance, Chad dives headfirst into the water, causing a red and black faceplate to cover his mouth.
"What the heck are you planning?!"
"Watch me!" Chad spreads his arms and unleashes a massive underwater electric shock, causing the water around the E.N.R.O.A.C.H.E.R. to glow.
"Threat detected, intercepting." the insect robot lowers its head and fires a sonic blast into the water, where its effect is massively amplified, but so is Chad's electricity.
Above them, Cygnus realizes what Chad is planning and grabs the E.N.R.O.A.C.H.E.R. with her magnetic powers but while she is unable to lift it, she effectively stops its movement completely. Leo meanwhile circles around and strikes the shield with enough power to plow through a mountain, which causes the shield to begin overloading. "Ghhh…it's working…!" Chad grunts just as the shield shatters from the combined attacks, but the E.N.R.O.A.C.H.E.R. is far from defeated as it deploys four laser turrets from back and begins firing into all directions while also unleashing a missile salvo.
"GO!" Cygnus releases 9L, who free falls towards the massive insect mech but she is instantly met by the approaching missiles.
However, Numbuh 9L is not intimidated at all and thanks to her incredible acrobatic skill, weaves past the missiles and lands right next to the E.N.R.O.A.C.H.E.R.'s opened missile tubes. "GRAU!" 9L roars as she strikes the tubes with two hammers strapped to her tails before slicing one of the laser cannons apart with a long, curved blade.
Then, Chad rises from the water right below the E.N.R.O.A.C.H.E.R., arm blades ready. "TAKE THIS!" with a single powerful strike, Chad cleaves right through the E.N.R.O.A.C.H.E.R. middle section while Cygnus starts ripping off the machine's legs and finally, Leo finishes it off by ramming through it with his fists.
However, the crippled GKND mech does not collapse but its eyes begin glowing. "*ZZZTT* CRITICAL DAMAGE…*ZZZTTT* PURGINGGGGG…" Suddenly, the entire machine starts flickering, prompting Cygnus to pull 9L away from it.
"Wha…what the heck is it doing?!" Chad shouts just as the E.N.R.O.A.C.H.E.R. is vaporized into dust in the blink of eye.
"As expected, they don't want to leave any trace of it incase it's destroyed." Cygnus explains as a visibly disappointed Leo throws his arms in the air.
"Aw come on! I was just getting started! Gah, let's go find another one, right now!" he shouts but the others immediately reject his suggestion.
"No way. It took all of us to bring that one down…*pant*…besides…we're outta time." Chad says and, in a flash, flies back to the coast before his merge with Corvus times out. Exhausted, he falls back first into the soft sand as Corvus hovers next to him. "Hah…told ya it was worth it…*pant*…"
"It worked this time; I'll give you that. But that won't be the only E.N.R.O.A.C.H.E.R we'll have to deal with. This is just the first wave." Corvus remarks as Cygnus brings 9L to the beach as well while Leo is still disappointed that he can't seek more E.N.R.O.A.C.H.E.R.'s.
"I know…but we took it down…"
"What should we do now? Head back to your own Sector?" Cygnus asks as 9L pats Chad's head.
"Yeah…let's just hope we weren't the only ones to actually defeat that thing…"
…
"Target is about to land on the Moon's surface!" an operator shouts to Jacques, who is commanding the Moonbase's defense from the Saucer's massive control room, the very same place where he had been freed from the Splinter Cell's control a year ago.
"How long until we make contact?"
"The KND Space Fleet will be in firing range in 3 minutes."
"Good. Contact the Rascal Ruler and tell them to fire everything they've got at that thing. If what the aliens said is true, then we can't hold back at all." Jacques says sternly before his liaison officer nudges him on the shoulder.
"Uhm…Sir? Can we really trust them?" she asks cautiously.
"We've got no other choice, Numbuh 1212. This is the GKND we're fighting against, and they are a million times more dangerous than the Splinter Cell." Jacques replies swiftly, but in the back of his mind, he can't help but doubt the aliens too. However, he does not voice these doubts and stands up from his seat. "Is the Barrier Shield ready?"
"All O.B.S.E.R.S.T.A.T.I.O.N.'s are in position and ready to deploy shield, Sir."
"Alright, then all we can do now is wait for our guest to arrive."
Across the Moonbase, at the TND Global Command's Central Operations room, Eliza is also observing the approaching E.N.R.O.A.C.H.E.R., with all the Global Section Chiefs, the three O.M.E.G.A. Numbers, The Kid and Maurice. Patton meanwhile has boarded the TND's lead K.O.L.O.S.S.A.L.I.N.E.R., the Young Rebel, which the TND stole a year ago from the Splinter Cell. He is joined by TND Space Fleet Commander Numbuh Lambda.
"ETA 2 minutes."
"So what exactly is that thing?" Maurice asks as they watch as the silver-colored machine flies ever closer towards the Moon.
"It is the GKND's Long Range Planetary Armed Scouting Drone, the E.N.R.O.A.C.H.E.R. These machines are always a part of the first wave deployed to a target planet." Scorpius explains as Kieran crosses his arms.
"Hmm…that shape…it seems familiar…"
"Yeah, now that ya mentioned, it looks kinda like those drones the Splinter Cell used…" just the mere mention of the Splinter Cell's Erasure weapon-equipped drones sends chills down the spine of every TND agent present.
"Drone? What kind of a drone?" Libra asks and Eliza quickly recaps what happened a year ago. "Imitation Cleanser machines…understood."
"Hmph, those guys really love their silver, don't they?" The Kid remarks silently.
"Target is about to land!"
"You heard Numbuh Iota-3, everyone, eyes forward. It's coming!" Eliza shouts as everybody turns their gaze towards the big main screen when the E.N.R.O.A.C.H.E.R slams into the Moons surface, cloaking itself in debris and dust. Then, it emergers and the E.N.R.O.A.C.H.E.R. is identical to the one Chad's teem had just defeated. But the moment it moves, the entire KND Space Fleet and it's TND counterpart open fire on the E.N.R.O.A.C.H.E.R. and it predictably activates it's green energy shield before any of the projectiles hit it.
"Of course it's got a damn shield! Unload everything you've got on it!" Patton shouts from the bridge of the Young Rebel and the barrage intensifies but the E.N.R.O.A.C.H.E.R. fights back with it's laser turrets and missiles, but instead of using it's sonic cannon, it fires a plasma laser from it's mouth, sweeping through the incoming 2x4 ships.
"EVADE!" the plasma laser takes down some ships, but the crews manage to bail out in time. However, the E.N.R.O.A.C.H.E.R. is not fazed by the fleet's attacks and begins walking towards the Moonbase, which has deployed its barrier shield.
"Why isn't anything working on that thing? Damn, it's just like the Splinter Cell's drones…" Maurice frowns as they watch the battle unfold.
"Just how much can it take?" Kieran shakes his head while Scorpius squints his eye.
"That shield is not part of a standard E.N.R.O.A.C.H.E.R. The Galactic Subjugation Force must have received a newer model just for this operation." Then, Scorpius moves over to the holo table and begins typing, drawing Kieran and Libra's attention.
"Scorpius, what are you doing?"
"I am analyzing our foe. Without proper information, we stand no chance of defeating that machine." using the TND fleet's gun camera feeds, Scorpius creates a holographic model of the E.N.R.O.A.C.H.E.R. "It is both amphibious and capable of atmospheric and space flight. Armor seems to be made of tempered Cosmo metal alloy and the shield is generated from it's head antennae…" Scorpius mutters to himself when suddenly, he is snapped out of his thoughts by a scream.
"Look, it's getting closer to the Moonbase!" Rosa Zanardi aka Global Armory Chief Numbuh Rho shouts as the E.N.R.O.A.C.H.E.R. unexpectantly deploys it's back thrusters and begins flying towards the Moonbase. So sudden is it's move both fleets are taken by surprise and because they had gathered near the E.N.R.O.A.C.H.E.R., nothing but the barrier shield stands between the machine and the Moonbase.
"Dammit! Turn us around, full speed! We gotta catch up!" Patton shouts to the K.O.L.O.S.S.A.L.I.N.E.R.'s helmsman but they simply cannot turns fast enough. However, the faster, smaller ships easily give chase, frantically firing their weapons the E.N.R.O.A.C.H.E.R as it speeds towards the Moonbase.
"Libra, the three of us should head out, now." Scorpius says to his fellow O.M.E.G.A. Numbers, and even Virgo agrees with him.
"Right." she replies, surprising Libra yet again but they quickly agree as well and rush out of the operations room before anyone can stop them.
"I will go ahead. Libra, you have the layout memorized. Find a safe way to exit the Moonbase."
"Understood. Virgo, follow us." While the other two keep going, Scorpius uses his oscillation powers to vibrate himself down to his molecules, which allows him to phase through solid matter and the alien goes through a nearby wall into the void.
"Target sighted." locking on to the incoming E.N.R.O.A.C.H.E.R., Scorpius flies towards the barrier shield when suddenly, Libra stops him.
"Scorpius, wait! That shield will vaporize even you. Standby and wait. If the E.N.R.O.A.C.H.E.R. manages to pass through that barrier, then you can engage."
"Understood, standing down." Scorpius stops on his tracks just as Libra and Virgo arrive.
"We are the last line of defense. Let us prove to the humans that they can trust us."
"Sure…" Virgo replies silently but her motivation to protect the Moonbase has nothing to do with its occupants.
"Enemy approaching." Scorpius points at the E.N.R.O.A.C.H.E.R, which by now has the entire combined KND/TND fleet pursuing it but their attacks have not slowed it down at all.
"DON'T LET IT REACH THE MOONBASE!" a frantic Patton shouts over the radio but it is too late, the E.N.R.O.A.C.H.E.R. has closed the distance and rams headfirst into the hexagonal shield surrounding the Moonbase, creating a bright flash that nearly blinds everyone. However, observing from inside the shield, the O.M.E.G.A. Numbers notice something.
"Am I the only one seeing this?"
"No, you are not, Virgo. The shield is holding." Libra replies as the E.N.R.O.A.C.H.E.R. continues to push into the barrier shield but it is not making any progress. Then, its own shield starts flickering before it shuts down completely and the E.N.R.O.A.C.H.E.R. begins feeling the effects of the barrier, which was designed to withstand asteroid impacts and vaporize them.
"Terminal damage sustained. Purging." just like the E.N.R.O.A.C.H.E.R. Chad's team fought, this one also tries to self-destruct but because it's head was the first to make contact with the barrier, it's control computer is destroyed before it can fully issue the command, causing only the front half of the machine to self-destruct while the rear, which houses the power plant, weapons and thrusters falls into the lunar surface only a short distance from the barrier shield. As everyone's vision clears, they only see the headless E.N.R.O.A.C.H.E.R. lying motionless near the barrier and they can't quite believe what just happened.
"…wha…what the heck?" a stunned Rosa says as Kieran takes off his 2x4 headgear and stares at the big screen.
"It…it's not moving…"
"The shield…the shield worked!" Eliza shouts as everyone starts cheering loudly across the Moonbase while the operatives and agents in the fleet feel relieved but also frustrated that they were unable to do anything.
"That was way too close…" Bartie says as he slumps into his seat.
"You said it…if that was just a recon machine, then we need to amp up our firepower a crap ton. None of our weapons even dented that shield." Patton says with a grim expression. Meanwhile. Libra and Scorpius quickly contact the Moonbase through their inbuilt communication systems.
"Numbuh Alpha, that wreckage must be recovered at once. The GKND have just handed us a major prize."
"Of course. We'll do that…and thank you for going out there."
"We were simply doing our end of the bargain. Had the machine breached the barrier, Scorpius would have been easily able phase inside the E.N.R.O.A.C.H.E.R. and disable it from the inside. However, the GKND are sure to pick up on this shield and prepare counter measures. Thus, we must also prepare."
"You're right. Once we secure that wreckage, the scientist can start reverse engineer it's technology." Eliza replies and like Bartie, she also slumps down into her chair. "*sigh* So this the GKND…"
"We gotta lot of work to do if we wanna fight back. That thing was just a recon drone." Maurice says when Herbie walks over to Eliza, with a 2x4 handheld computer in hand.
"Numbuh Alpha, we just received reports from Earth. The machine that attacked Sector Baja was successfully repelled by Numbuh Delta's team."
"That's great news Numbuh Iota-3. Did any other Sector get hit?"
"No other TND Sectors were targeted…however…" Herbie's face turns pale and he starts stammering. "…the…the…"
"Herbie?" Eliza stands up and puts her hand on the stocky boy's shoulder as he struggles to finish his sentence.
"…the KND Deep Sea Science Lab…was completely destroyed." his words silence the entire operations room and Kieran immediately runs to Herbie's side.
"What did you just say, Numbuh Iota-3?"
"You heard me. They stood no chance. The entire facility was wiped out."
"What about the operatives? Don't tell me they were…"
"Some operatives managed to escape but…the others were abducted."
"WHAT?!" Eliza shouts so loud it scares everyone as Kieran grabs Herbie by the shoulder.
"Abducted?! You've got to be kidding me! They took all those kids?!"
"That's what the report says! We don't know anything beyond that!"
"Let him go, Omicron." Maurice walks over to Kieran and pulls the distraught scientist away from the pale Herbie. Eliza meanwhile contacts Jacques.
"Numbuh 81, we just heard about the Science Lab…"
"Yeah, we received the report too. The KND's deep sea rescue units are already on their way to find more survivors. But…does this mean they were planning to do the same to us as well?"
"I don't know, but the thought scares me. Regardless, we need to stay strong. If we start faltering now, the GKND will take advantage of it."
"Right. I'm going to address the KND once more. There's something that I didn't get to say before."
"Okay. We'll take that destroyed drone and start studying it. If the GKND think they can just attack our home planet and abduct us, they're dead wrong."
…
"So, that was the GKND's first attack wave?" Bruce, David and Alessandra, of the Delightful Teenagers say to Omnius as they observe satellite footage from a large screen.
"Indeed. They were probing the Earth's defenses and it looks like the KND lab facility didn't fair so well."
"Truly a shame, for them. Fortunately for us, none of our facilities suffered the same fate. Constance and Lenny dealt with their targets splendidly while the Teen Ninjas repelled theirs as well."
"I'm honestly surprised those grunts actually succeeded."
"Now, now, they did have plenty of S.I.N. at their disposal. A magnificent invention indeed, all thanks to Father's genius."
"Yes. When he proposed creating artificial Silhouette Suits, I knew he was the right person to ally myself with. However, we cannot get overconfident, Delightful Teenagers. The GKND will only increase their attacks from now on, until they decide to actually come to the planet in-person."
"And when they do, we will be ready greet them. For now however, we will watch and let our fellow teenagers do the dirty work for us. Oh, and we should also pay a visit to our old hometown soon. After all, our dear Father is there, along with our…cousin and his friends…" the Delightfuls turn their gaze towards a small table, which brings up a holographic photograph of Nigel, Hoagie, Kuki, Wally and Abby.
…
"This is KND Supreme Leader Numbuh 81 to all members of the Kids Next Door. You all witnessed firsthand how dangerous and powerful the GKND are. We lost the Deep Sea Science Lab and the GKND has abducted our fellow operatives. They were all our comrades, our friends and now, they are being held by the GKND. Like the Splinter Cell before them, they only seek to cause pain and suffering to us and we cannot let that happen. We must cast away our differences with the TND and work together, because it is the only way we can survive what's ahead. As such, I am issuing an Executive Order: Effective immediately, all Decommissionings will be suspended and all operatives who have been Decommissioned, will be Recommissioned. KND RULES!"
End of Transmission 22
Note: Hey, hey, finally got a new chapter up. I hit some IRL trouble while I was writing this and that's why it took a bit longer to finish. Anyway, the story continues as planned.
In this chapter, we were introduced to Numbuh Shrike, the pilot of the R.A.Y.W.I.N.G.E.R. and you could say, The Kid's "rival". While I won't reveal anything about their backstory, I wanted to point out, if it wasn't obvious in the chapter, that Shrike is indeed non-binary and refers to themselves as such. Also, Shrike has a past history with Numbuh Tera and that will become more apparent later.
Finally, I'm currently working on a biig new poster for this second arc but it might take 2-3 weeks to finish, so look forward to it. As always, my concept art for this fanfic and the prequel, OP: RETRIBTUTION, can be found in my Deviantart: Gettan49. I also have a tumblr under the same name but I don't post there as often.