Chapter Text
"Oh come on! I make a great leaduh and you know it!" exclaimed a short Australian boy, stomping his foot in frustration. "Tell'em Numbuh 1! Tell'em that I ain't no cruddy 'hot-head'!"
"Sorry Numbuh 4… I don't think anyone wants to build cannons anymore…" explained a cheery Japanese girl.
"Yeah Numbuh 4! No one's gonna clam up this time!" joked an overweight boy. "Get it, because clam u-OUCH!"
"Quiet, fool! Next time Numbuh 5 hears another one of them jokes your butt's going on the floor!" yelled an African-American girl, who had knocked her red hat on the joking boy's head.
"Please Numbuh 1! Can I be leaduh? Pleasepleasepleasepleaseplease!" The Australian boy, Numbuh 4, begged.
Typing away on the computer was Numbuh 1, a bald British boy named Nigel Uno, who had been ignoring the conversation that was taking place around him. Focused on the report that he had been working on, Numbuh 4's pleading and the resulting remarks had gone unnoticed up until now. Sighing, Nigel turned from his chair and addressed his desperate subordinate.
"That's enough, Numbuh 4. I've made up my mind and Numbuh 3 will be taking charge while Numbuh 2 and I are up at Moonbase," Nigel said. "We'll only be gone for a short time, probably make it back here before the night."
"Oh… alright. Fine then, I'll be second in charge! Yeah, that sounds nice. All the power, with no responsibility!" Numbuh 4 exclaimed. Looking towards a smirking Numbuh 5, he continues, "But I ain't no cruddy hot-head, ya hear!"
"Yeah yeah. Numbuh 5 hears ya loud and clear, sport," Numbuh 5 said. Turning to face Nigel, she adds, "Not like there's much going on around here anyway. When's the last time any crazy adult showed up?"
It took Nigel a moment to respond, thinking over the last operation that took place. "This will be the third month since anything major has happened," he answers. "Other than the occasional teenage bully or an overworking teacher, there hasn't been anything to report."
"Jeez Numbuh 1, what about that lost rainbow monkey we found in the lost-and-found at the library? He looked so sad and lonely… and we even had to stitch his arm!" The Japanese girl said, catching Nigel off guard.
"Uh… Numbuh 3, while saving lost rainbow monkeys is good and all… it's not really anything worthy of a report," Nigel said. He turns away from the girl and resumes typing, hoping to avoid upsetting her.
"Yeah Kuki! No dumb rainbow monkey who got lost is as important as dealing with adults who need a good punch." Numbuh 4 chimed. "I'd bet that dumb rainbow monkey belonged to that old hag who kept yelling at us!"
"More like she was yelling at you because of an overdue book," the overweight boy weighed in.
"That's beside the point Hoagie! Besides, my dog ate the darn thing anyway."
"Since when did you have a dog?"
"Er-um… when was that book due again?"
Numbuh 5 raised an eyebrow in suspicion. "If you'd opened your ears and listened to the librarian, you'd know that you're overdue by three years."
"Y-yeah, three years and one day now! I remember that day like it was yesterday, best day of my life that was."
"Oh yeah?" the girl challenged the apprehensive boy. She already had a retort in mind, but Numbuh 2 interrupted her.
"Say, Abby, speaking of no adult activity, has Cree been up to anything lately?" Numbuh 2 questioned the girl. "You'd think if the adults weren't causing trouble the teenagers would be."
"Curious, lover-boy?" Abby questioned in return. Before Numbuh 2 could stutter out a response, she continued, "Though even she hasn't so much as said a word to me about anything. My sista's been busy with school and homework apparently, more so than usual."
"Right… though that seems kind of suspicious. Both the adults and the teenagers going dark? Something doesn't feel right about that."
"That's why you and I are heading up to Moonbase today," Nigel interjected. He stood from his chair and faced Hoagie. "I've finished my report to global command. Is our ship ready, Numbuh 2?"
"Sure is, captain! She's ready to go when you are." Hoagie salutes his superior in mock sailor fashion, smile wide on his chubby face.
"Right then. Let's start heading out." Nigel turns to the rest of his team. "We'll be back soon enough. See you all tonight."
After the three remaining team members said their farewells, Nigel and Hoagie made their way down to the treehouse hanger where their ship was waiting. The small aircraft vessel had enough room for two kids, and with space flight capabilities was the perfect choice for their voyage. Despite the vessel being made from 2x4 technology, it was surprisingly durable.
The two kid operatives entered the ship, Hoagie seated in the front with Nigel sitting in the seat behind him. A pilot and his commander, ready to embark on a journey into the sea of stars.
Hoagie starts the ship, the lights flickering on, and the small vessel roars gently as the resulting vibrations show signs of life. The ship rumbles in wait, prepared for lift off at any moment. The moment arrives immediately after, as Hoagie initiates lift off and the ship flies out of the hanger and up into the atmosphere at an increasing speed.
Once the ship breaks through the Earth's atmosphere, Hoagie sets it on autopilot as the course to Moonbase is set. He turns his head towards Nigel with glee.
"Say, isn't it ice cream day up at Moonbase?" Hoagie snickered. "Wanna bet Numbuh 48-Flavors will have a meltdown the moment he sees us in line again?"
"I'd say he'll just sprinkle some taunts our way, but not much else." Nigel smiles. "This is the one day where he can't deny anyone ice cream after all."
Hoagie hums in agreement. Looking up towards the ship's ceiling, a worried look crosses his usually smiling face. "Think any of the other sector leaders have any adult activity to report?"
"I'm hesitant to hope that there has been activity, but in our case I guess the adult's silence is cause for concern." Nigel looks to the side, a paranoid look beginning to form. "Nobody has seen anything in three months. What are they planning?"
Hoagie doesn't answer and opts to simply continue the journey in silence.
Once the two operatives arrive at Moonbase, they are greeted with the usual hustle and bustle that follows being the command center for the entire Kids Next Door. Kids from across the globe running frantically from place to place, either due to playing on the hanger bay or otherwise trying to catch up on the work that they had been procrastinating due to playing so much.
Today seems to be more filled than usual, however. Due to in part because this was the day every sector leader in the organization were set to gather here to discuss their monthly reports. That, and ice cream.
"Come on, Numbuh 1! If we rush to the cafeteria now you should have enough time to grab some ice cream before your meeting starts!" Hoagie pushes Nigel forward, rushing him out of the hanger bay and into the halls of Moonbase. "Don't wanna go in there on an empty stomach, do ya?"
"H-hey! Slow down, Numbuh 2! I'll be fine, the meeting will only last-," Nigel's stomach growled, "-a few hours."
"Can't hide from your own stomach, Numbuh 1! Come on, we're almost there!"
Pushing past multitudes of fellow kids, Nigel and Hoagie found their way to the Moonbase's cafeteria. Here, hundreds of kids all gather throughout the day to eat, relax, and reenergize before returning to their duties. Scores of tables were lined up parallel to each other, with nearly every table occupied. Past the tables was a long line of kids, presumably for today's special.
"Man, this place is already filled to the brim!" Hoagie whined. "Can barely breathe in here with everyone shoving each other out of the way just for ice cream."
"You're one to talk." Nigel mutters. "Well, it doesn't matter now. Go ahead and get in line before it gets any longer, I'll head up towards the meeting."
"You're seriously going to sit in a chair for hours on an empty stomach?"
"Wouldn't be the first time."
"We seriously need to have some kind of intervention or something." Hoagie shakes his head in disappointment.
As the two kids debated whether or not Nigel should stay in line, a figure had appeared behind them. Unnoticed by the two, the figure merely watched the boys bicker with interest.
"I'm telling you I'll be fine, Numbuh 2." Nigel said. "The line is too long now, staying in it would only make me late at this point."
"Well, if you want, I could just walk right into the sector leader meeting and just hand you a scoop or two." Hoagie said.
"I'd rather you not interrupt anything for any reason! Just grab yourself a scoop and I'll grab mine after the meeting's done."
"Jeez, it's a wonder you can work so much when you're always skipping lunch."
"Nigel? Numbuh 2? Is everything alright?" Hearing enough of this pointless quarrel, the figure decided it was time to intervene. In response the two boys turned around to face the figure.
"Numbuh 362, sir!" Numbuh 1 and 2 both salute the figure, who happened to be Numbuh 362, the supreme leader of the Kids Next Door.
"At ease. Numbuh 2, why don't you head over to the line while I talk to Numbuh 1 about today's meeting?" Numbuh 362 requested.
"Sure thing, boss!" Hoagie does a final salute before heading over to the line for ice cream. He disappears within the group of surrounding kids. After Hoagie's departure, Nigel gave his superior a questioning look.
"What is there to talk about, Rachel? Any sudden adult activity?"
"Oh, no. Nothing too important, actually," Rachel said. "Follow me, there's something we need to go over."
Motioning Nigel to follow, Rachel leads him out of the cafeteria and through the halls. Despite the lunch hour, the halls were still lively as ever. It took some time before the pair started to see halls that were quieter and emptier. As they reached the central elevator, Rachel turned to Nigel.
"I had sent out a scout team out to the adult's convention center where Father likes to hold his little get-togethers," Rachel began. "I never told anyone about this due to the strange behavior the adults have been showing, so I was trying to avoid any leaks. They've been keeping an eye out there for about a month now."
Nigel nods in agreement. "Understood. Did they ever manage to pick anything up? Like a plan or something?"
"No, they never found anything." Rachel shakes her head. "At least, until today. Which is a huge problem because I've lost contact with them roughly a half-hour ago." Rachel steps out of the elevator, however Nigel is rooted in place.
"Wait, what?!" Nigel exclaimed. "You lost contact with your team? That's… what about reinforcements?"
"I've already sent two teams down to retrieve them, and we lost contact with them as well." Rachel turns to her stationed companion. "Come on, we're almost at my office. I'll explain the rest there."
Rachel moves forward and Nigel is forced to follow. Still in disbelief at the disappearance of three teams of operatives, Nigel can only plan for their next move.
If the adults are on the move, why now? What are they after? What's their next move?
Questions plagued the bald operative, ideas and imaginary visions haunting him. What if scenarios, doomsday plans, anything that could harm the KND was imagined. By the time he made it to Rachel's office, he had yet to escape from his daze. Rachel ushered him in and closed the door. As she settled into her desk and Nigel sitting in the chair opposite from her, she pulled out a box that was hidden underneath the desk.
Opening the box, she displayed the contents to Nigel. "Here, have a scoop. Numbuh 2's right about working on an empty stomach, you know."
Snapping out of his stupor, Nigel grabs the ice cream cone from Rachel and takes a scoop of ice cream that was also in the box. "Thanks, Rachel. How'd you even get all this? Numbuh 48-Flavors doesn't usually give this much out to well… anybody."
"Let's just say he owed me one, and this was his payment." Rachel smiled mischievously. "There is a reason why today's meeting was scheduled on ice cream day, and why Numbuh 48-Flavors is the only one running the cafeteria today."
"W-wait, he is?" Nigel questions. The only answer he received was Rachel's smile. "Well, I guess that explains the line, I suppose."
Sealing the box and placing it back on the floor, Rachel took on a more serious tone. "The reason why I brought you here is because I want you and your sector to take the lead and head to the convention center. I want you to find those missing kids and bring them home before bedtime."
"Did you want Numbuh 2 and I to head out now?" Nigel asked. "We can make our way back to my treehouse to regroup and we'll be at the convention center in under two hours."
"Negative, Numbuh 1," Rachel shakes her head. "I want Sector V to lead. You will have other sectors with you as well as Moonbase for support. Whatever those adults are doing down there… they don't want us finding out. I don't like that, Nigel, and I especially don't like missing kids. That's why I can't just send you and your sector down there. I don't want you guys disappearing too."
"Agreed. We can't have kids go missing just before the weekend." Nigel said. "Then shall I call the rest of my team up here in preparation?"
"There's no need. I'm having Moonbase ships retrieve the members of each sector that I've chosen for this mission." Rachel looked over to her computer screen. "Fanny will handle communications to each sector. Give me a moment to send her the list and we'll head to the meeting room."
Without waiting for Nigel's affirmation, Rachel began typing on her keyboard. Nigel meanwhile was mentally left alone, going over what he needs for the upcoming operation. The adult convention center was a highly guarded facility, where every adult supervillain would meet and discuss plans for taking over the lives of every kid. A full-frontal assault would be possible but depending on how many adults were present the KND would need to expend a vast number of operatives, which is something that might not be possible at this moment. That leaves the stealth approach, which is risky since if the adults catch them then there's little that could be done to avoid a confrontation.
And given that Rachel's hand-picked scout team was captured, stealth might not be the best option, either.
"And… done," Rachel said. "Let's get going, we're running out of time."
Without waiting for a reply, Rachel rushed past Nigel and out of her office as Nigel wordlessly followed behind. Retracing their steps back towards the central elevator, the pair traveled downwards back into Moonbase's core. Exiting the elevator, the two made their way past the various groups of kids until they finally arrived at their destination.
Judging by the fact that nearly every seat in the room was occupied, it was made apparent that Nigel and Rachel were late. The constant sound of talking Two operatives, both sharing a striking resemblance to the other, approached the pair and saluted.
"Supreme leader, sir!"
"At ease, Numbuhs 44A and 44B." Rachel said. "Since you're both here, I take it Numbuh 60 couldn't make it again?"
Numbuh 44A takes charge and responds. "Affirmative, sir. Numbuh 60 said that a fresh batch of cadets were set to arrive today and that he didn't want to miss them."
"That, and because he finds these meetings boring, sir." Numbuh 44B followed up. This caused a shocked reaction in his counterpart.
"Dude! You weren't supposed to say that! Ever heard of "confidential", stupid?"
"Who're you calling stupid, stupid?" Numbuh 44B replied. "Last I checked, you couldn't even find the cafeteria! That's like… a straight shot from the hanger!"
Hearing enough of pointless arguments for today, Rachel quickly stepped in. "That's enough, boys. Anyone else that couldn't make it today?"
The bickering pair looked at each other for a moment, and then Numbuh 44B responded. "Well, other than Numbuh 60, there's Numbuhs 10 and 1-Love that are missing too. Haven't seen Numbuh Infinity, either."
"Infinity's on vacation this week, took some time off after having to deal with 48-Flavors for a few days," Rachel said. "I think he's at Sector J right now, by the beach as we speak. The other two are usually absent as well, especially Numbuh 10. No surprises there."
"And I think Numbuh 14 couldn't make it either, because of you-know-who." Numbuh 44A continued. Numbuh 14 was Sector N's leader, who also happened to have the unluckiest operative alive: Numbuh 13. There's no surprise that she couldn't make it as well.
"Nothing we can do about it now." Rachel said. "Alright guys, go take your seats so we can get this started. You too, Nigel." She turned away from the trio and made her way to the head of the table, whose seat still remained empty.
Numbuhs 44A and 44B also turned away from Nigel, having no words to say towards him. Left alone, Nigel scanned the room in search for an open seat. Unfortunately, it appeared that every seat was taken so that would mean-
"Oi, Numbuh 1! Come 'ere, I got a seat for you!" yelled out a strangely familiar, and also quite British voice.
Turning towards the source of the voice, Nigel immediately recognizes the owner. Moving towards his fellow sector leader, Nigel addressed his peer as he is seated. "Numbuh 122. How have things been for Sector E?"
"We've had bugger all to do for months, been having topop round the Jack a bit too often now. Afraid I haven't had so much as a wrinkle in my dicky-dirt."
"I see, it has been pretty quiet lately." Nigel said. "Can't say anything's been exciting for my sector."
"Right then." Numbuh 122 said. Before he can continue, Rachel addresses the sector leaders.
"Greetings, fellow kids next door sector leaders," Rachel began. "As you all know, adult activity has been down now for three consecutive months, and we've all been waiting for something to happen. And… something has happened."
A screen lights up behind her, a projected image of the adult's convention center appearing. "I've had a team of operatives staking out this place for a few weeks, shortly after our previous meeting. The adults have been regularly meeting here about once a week. A lot of them: Father, Mr. Boss, Stickybeard, you name'em. They're there, every week, for the past few weeks."
"And? Do we know any plans they're making?" Asked one kid.
"That's the thing, Numbuh 78." Rachel addressed the questioning operative. "We lost contact with them not too long ago. I sent out two rescue teams to retrieve them, but we also lost contact with them as well. That was about forty-five minutes ago now."
This answer caused the whole room to start murmuring in confusion, in paranoia. Its not too uncommon for adults to capture KND operatives, but typically rescue missions are successful. The cases where Moonbase failed to save captured kids are few and far between. Whatever it was that the adults were planning, they did not want kids prying into their affairs.
"That leads us into the more important part." Rachel continued. "I want Sectors C-A, E, T, X, and W to be ready. The rest of you will be on standby, and Moonbase will offer full support to reinforce those being sent to the field. This will not be a stealth operation; this will be a full-on attack."
This caught everybody by surprise. Its rare for multiple sectors to work together in attacking the adults, as opposed to defending, and rarer still for Moonbase to directly send support for such occasions.
"Sector V will be taking charge of the ground troops." Rachel said. "They will lead this strike, and global command will lead from the skies. No lollygagging on this, it's been three months since the adults made any move which means they've been planning something. The last thing I want is them giving us a surprise attack first."
"No fair! How come Sector V gets to be in charge? They're not even the best sector here," whined one kid. Nigel turned to the complaint's source, to see that Numbuh 363, the leader of Sector W, was the one who was complaining.
"Not now, Harvey. Sector V is leading, and that's final." Rachel said, deciding that explaining anything to the young leader would be a waste of time.
"More importantly, why aren't more sectors being sent for this operation?" Questioned another, Numbuh 48, leader of Sector C-A. "I would think that we would have better chances of success if we had greater numbers. Moonbase only has so many operatives it can send."
Rachel takes a moment to find her words. "The sectors who I've chosen for the frontal attack will be the first wave to be sent out. The second wave will be transported to the rear of the convention center, where the adults' defenses should be weaker. I've decided that Numbuh 518's sector, Sector C-C, will lead the rear attack."
Numbuh 518, a long-hair Chinese girl, silently watches Rachel as she explains her sector's position in this operation. Her stoic face giving no answers as to how she feels about her place, until she responds.
"The first six sectors are a distraction, then." Numbuh 518 said, her face still not giving away any emotion. Rachel's eyes stare at 518, whose own eyes stare back. Both are unblinking, a tense atmosphere suddenly appearing within the room.
"That is correct," Rachel answers the statement as if it was a question. "The first six sectors were chosen for their skills in combat. They're good at fighting, and so should be able to handle what the adults can throw at them while your sector pushes into the convention center."
Numbuh 518 looks over to Nigel, and a spark appears within her eyes. "You think Father will go for Sector V specifically, which is why they're leading the charge. If they're the front of the push, they will be easily recognized." The accusation wasn't thrown as a question, but as a statement. "You plan on them to be targeted by Father, who will weaken his own rear defenses in order to deal with a sector who he has personal interest in."
Rachel's jaw was almost left hanging, as she was shocked to hear the words that came from Numbuh 518. "You think I'm using them as some kind of sacrifice, Numbuh 518?! That's… that's…!" Rachel shook in frustration. The blond girl was unable to respond.
"My sector will be able to handle Father." Nigel stated. He faced Numbuh 518, who's eyes now bore through his sunglasses and into his. "We've dealt with him plenty of times in the past, and this will be no different. Whatever he throws at us won't be enough to stop us from completing our mission," he declared proudly.
"Very well, Numbuh 1." Numbuh 518 acquiesced. "If you think having a target on your back is acceptable, then I cannot stop you." Her words held no contempt, but a trace of disappointment could be found. The girl turned back towards Rachel, who had regained her composure.
"Right, then. So, as for the rear atta-," before Rachel could continue, the lights began to flicker. "What the..?" Then, suddenly, the whole room began to shake. Red lights started to flash, and-
"CRITICAL! CRITICAL! CODE RED!" The robotic overhead speaker continuously cried out, signaling that Moonbase was under attack. The sector leaders scrambled out of the room, all pushing past each other to assist in the assault.
Rachel rushed through everyone, running as fast as she could towards Moonbase's command center. Nigel followed her, but with Moonbase shaking every few minutes it made it hard to keep balance. By the time the pair reached the command center, Moonbase operatives were frantically hitting controls. Numbuh 86 could be seen shouting orders, desperate to take control of the chaotic situation.
"Status report, Fanny!" Rachel called out to the Irish girl, who turned and responded.
"We're under attack, sir! Looks like the adults were a step ahead of us!" She turned back towards one of the kids at the control panel. "Well? Anyone respond yet?!" Fanny desperately yells out her question, afraid of the answer.
"Nothing, ma'am! Can't get any response from anybody! We're in the dark!" The boy yelled back, scared of the situation they suddenly found themselves in. Rachel stepped forward and placed her hand on the boy's shoulder.
"Take a deep breath, there." Rachel said, trying to calm the frantic boy. "How many fighters do we have out there?"
"The adults first attacked the hanger bays, hitting a decent amount of our ships. We're trying to get them flying as soon as we can but… they avoided our radars, sir. What we were able to send out won't be enough to handle all of this!" The boy's attempts at calming down had a small effect, but as the boy answered Rachel, his fear was regaining momentum.
"Avoided our radars, huh?" Hearing this, Rachel turned to Nigel. "Looks like Father's little secret he wanted to avoid us finding out came out sooner than we'd like. Guess we'll have to postpone our mission until… Woah!" Another strike from outside caused the base to shake once more, surprising the operatives.
At least, that's what they thought at first. However, what actually caused the tremor was an adult vessel that attached itself to the command center's central window. All the operatives present watched as the vessel opened its door, and fire melted the space-hardened glass as if it was butter.
"Well, I wouldn't believe it was butter, anyway." There was no mistaking the voice that spoke, the voice of the KND's most feared adversary.
"Father!" Nigel yelled out.
Father stepped forward from the shadows of his ship and looked down to address the surrounding kids. "Ah, well, look what we have here. A large group of misbehaving children, all gathered up and ready for a timeout!"
"Kids Next Door, battle stations!" Rachel commanded, and every operative pulled out their own 2x4 weapon and pointed them all at Father.
"Now that's not very nice, where are your manners? Shouldn't you kids know that when you have a special guest, you're supposed to be pleasant?" Father shakes his head in disapproval. "Kids these days, always thinking for themselves. Alright then, its punishment time!"
At that, dozens of ice cream men appeared from behind Father and rushed past him, jumping down into Moonbase's command center. This action caused the kid operatives to attack, sparking a battle for the control center. Father remained where his ship at landed, above the battle, watching it all unfold.
Nigel ducked and dodged a pair of attacks from two different ice cream men, before spinning in a circle with one leg out to trip them. Jumping on the shoulders of a third who attacked from the front, Nigel twisted his attacker's ears before jump kicking off his back and sending him flying into a fourth. Next, he grabbed the S.P.I.C.E.R that he often carries for defensive purposes and shoots a couple more ice cream men down who were charging towards him.
Unbeknownst to him, another ice cream man had snuck behind him and was about to strike his back before something landed on his back. Before the would-be attacker could turn to see who had landed on him, a yield sign found its way to his cheek and he was flung across the room, unconscious.
"Thanks, Rachel!" Nigel had turned and thanked his savior. "We've almost pushed them back; they're backs are starting to hit the wall!"
"It's almost like it's too easy, Nigel." Rachel asked, wary that Father would attack with such a weak force.
By the time the kids had subdued the ice cream men, Father was still standing high above, gazing down at them all. Despite his men having failed, Father started to clap his hands as if he were congratulating his enemies.
"Its over, Father!" Nigel called out to the man. "Might as well retreat now while you can!"
Father laughed and shook his head. "Oh, I don't think its over quite yet." At that, several more ships landed on the window that Father's own ship had pierced. In less than a minute, each ship had opened their door and pierced the window, just as Father's own ship had done. Groups of ice cream men had appeared before the kids; all waiting to jump down and renew their assault.
"I'll give you all this one chance to surrender peacefully. Those that do… I'll reconsider the time you'll have to spend in timeout." Father offered his demand. In response, the kids raised their weapons in preparation for the second wave. "Is that so? Well, I've been meaning to test this thing out anyway." Father snapped his fingers.
A green wave of energy came out from behind him and hit all of the operatives in the room. The kids had braced themselves, but when nothing was felt, they had regained their aggressive stances.
"Is that all you've got?" Rachel asked. "Alright guys, it's our turn now! Attack!" Rachel's command was heard loud and clear, as each kid aimed their weapons at the invaders. However, no shot came, and each kid looked at each other in confusion. "What the…?"
Father's laughter could be heard, as well as the laughter of his men. "At least I know the thing works consistently." Once it was made apparent that the kids' weaponry was malfunctioning, the groups of ice cream men all descended down to the command center, releasing their fallen comrades from capture. "Last chance, kids. I'm feeling great today, no line at the coffee shop does that to a guy like me. How about it?" Father offers the chance to surrender once more, fully aware of the position his enemies are in.
"You'd have a better chance at catching me eating asparagus!" Rachel denied his offer. "Kids Next Door, attack!" The kids all charge at the ice cream men, fully intent on not giving in.
The battle's reignition sparked a heavier strike than before, the number of adults far greater than the number of kids. That, and the lack of ranged weaponry means that the kids were at a severe disadvantage.
Deciding to go all in, Nigel clicked his heels together, which activated his jet boots and flew towards Father. This act of desperation might have worked, had Father not been watching Nigel for most of the battle.
"Looks like one of them thinks they can fly. Kids, why don't you swat him out of the air for me?" Father's eyes stayed fixated on Nigel, who's increasing speed meant that he'll reach the ship within seconds.
"Yes, Father." A group of monotone voices answered back. Stepping forward, a group of five kids appeared, holding a strange weapon with a green tube connecting it to something deeper within the ship. Stepping past Father, they aimed the weapon at Nigel, and fired.
Nigel realized too late what had happened, and the green energy that the weapon shot out at him had collided with him in the air. His jet boots reacted to the energy and had malfunctioned because of it, causing him to plummet back down back to the floor. He crashed, and by the time he had gotten back up, he had found himself surrounded by adults. All he could do now was hold up his arms in a defensive stance and fight for as long as possible.
Thankfully, Rachel had seen where he had landed and rushed to him. Pushing and hitting various adults out of the way with her yield sign, she managed to penetrate the adults' frontline and reached Nigel, giving Nigel the chance to slip out of the encirclement. In response, the group of kids that had shot Nigel down also descended from Father's ship, prepared to fight.
"Well, well, well. If it isn't the leader of the brats next door and the bald brat." The group voiced in unison. "Father's been waiting for this day; we can't let you go and ruin it now."
"The Delightful Children from Down the Lane," Nigel said, venom laced in his voice. "I was wondering where you were. Never far from daddy, are you?" He mocked.
Rachel, however, had stepped back from the group and would have bumped into Nigel if he hadn't stepped back in surprise. "Rachel?"
Without looking back at him, Rachel responded, "We have to retreat, Nigel. There's too many of them, and we don't have any weapons to handle this. Get ready to run."
Before Nigel could voice his complaints, the Delightfuls laughed. "Run? There's nowhere to run, little girl. Once this is over, all of you snot-nosed brats will be locked in cells until Father deems you all fit to be free." The Delightfuls stepped forward, fully intent on not allowing the anyone escape. "Besides, there's nowhere to run to."
Rachel's eyes narrowed, prepared to charge at a moment's notice. Before she could do that, however, a figure had jumped in front of her and had kicked her into Nigel, sending them both to the ground.
"What the?!" The Delightfuls were just as surprised by the figure's actions, who had raised a staff with boxing gloves on both ends.
The figure turned towards Rachel and Nigel and gave them one command. "Run, I will hold them here." It was Numbuh 518, who had turned back towards the Delightfuls and raised her weapon. Before either of the two fallen kids could protest, she charged forward and attacked the Delightfuls head on. The Delightfuls in turn yelled in frustration and charged towards their new attacker.
"Numbuh 518, wait! Let us help yo-hey!" Nigel had called out to Numbuh 518, wanting to help her but was unable to as Rachel grabbed ahold of him and pulled him away.
"Not now, Nigel! We have to get out of here, full retreat! Full retreat!" Rachel cried out, hoping he'd listen.
Despite the conflict that was clearly shown on his face, he turned to follow Rachel as they both retreated deeper into Moonbase. A few fellow operatives also followed, but the majority had fallen to the adults.
Father, who had watched the two escape, merely stared at the exit.
The lights in the halls were flickering on and off, red and grey lights flashing as Rachel and Nigel ran. They had since realized that with each tremor also meant an adult ship had landed on Moonbase's walls, and that a batch of ice cream men had infiltrated. Kids were running frantically, trying to make sense of what was happening. Father's ship wasn't the only one equipped with the weird green-energy weapon, and the number of operatives with working weapons dwindled as the battle raged on.
The longer the battle went on, the more halls became a battle zone. With the loss of the command center, Rachel had no way of communicating a retreat to the global operatives. Likewise, global command could not send out a distress signal to earth to let the organization know that Moonbase was under attack.
It wouldn't have worked, anyway. Communications were down before Father even got into Moonbase.
Nigel wondered what he could've done to prevent this catastrophe. Everyone knew that the adults were planning something, it was just a matter of what, when, and where. Unfortunately, all three of those were answered within seconds of each other, but the how is a frightening prospect.
How did Father disable our 2x4 weaponry so easily?
That was the main concern Nigel had. Looking over to Rachel, who's labored breathing signified fatigue, he probably figured she was wondering the same thing. Entering an empty side room, the two closed and locked the door so they can catch their breaths.
"So… what's the plan Rachel?" Nigel asked. "I don't think reinforcements are coming anytime soon."
Rachel, for her part, had slumped to the floor, clearly beat and barely holding on from fighting so hard. "We… we have to get to the hanger. There might still be a ship we… we could use to escape. We can escape and regroup and plan for a counterattack."
"Probably not a good idea, remember what your operative said? The adults attacked the hanger first, damaging a good number of our ships." Nigel furrowed his brow in contemplation. "There might not be any chance for escape."
"There… there might be one way." Rachel said. This caught Nigel's attention, who motioned her to continue. "My office has its own escape shuttle, similar to Chad's. We can use that as an emergency escape ship and head back to Earth. We'll just have to reach the central elevator from here and move quickly."
Nigel nodded his head, agreeing with the plan. "Alright then, we'll move out. Are you ready, Rachel? We can take a few moments so you can catch your breath." He offered his hand to her.
Rachel shook her head as she grabbed the offered hand, pulling herself up with Nigel's help. "No can do, soldier. I might not be as combat ready as I used to be, but I still have a reputation to maintain." She takes a couple deep breaths, and continued, "Lets go. We shouldn't be too far from the elevator from here."
Quickly, the two rushed out of the room they had hidden in and made a run towards the central elevator. The closer they got to the elevator, the easier it was for them to hear a battle that was taking place. By the sounds that could be heard, the adults were winning.
Reaching the room that held the elevator, the pair had come to witness a near total defeat of their fellow operatives. The kids that they heard fighting had almost all captured, the few that were still standing in defiance had their backs to the wall. Dozens of ice cream men surrounded them, all prepared to complete their victory.
Without missing a beat, Rachel and Nigel jumped into the fray, disrupting the adults' final push. The surrounded kids took advantage of the surprise attack and pushed back their attackers. The adults eventually decided to retreat, figuring that this was too much for their paygrade.
"Thanks, Numbuh 362, sir! We would've been goners if you guys didn't show up!" One of the rescued kids praised. "Alright guys, lets move. We got a cafeteria to take back!"
"Wait! We need to retreat, guys." Rachel tried to stop them. "We're being overrun, there's no way you guys can take anything back now."
The kid shook his head. "And let the adults have all the ice cream? Heck no!" At that, the kid and his group rushed by Rachel and headed towards the cafeteria, intent on rescuing the captured ice cream. Rachel could only stare in disbelief, before Nigel walked over to her and placed his hand on her shoulder.
"There's nothing we can do for them, Rachel. Let's go." He headed towards the elevator, with Rachel following just behind him. Entering the elevator, Rachel punched the code in that would send the elevator to her office's floor. As the elevator quietly ascended, the pair had a small moment of reprieve to catch their thoughts.
The moment went as swiftly as it came, however, as the elevator's door gently opened, allowing the operatives access to the floor. The two stepped out, bracing themselves for what the adults had done here.
…
Nothing. The adults had done nothing to this floor. The halls were still as pristine as they were when Rachel and Nigel had walked through them earlier. The only thing out of place here was that the elite guards that normally patrolled these halls were missing, probably responding to the attack on the other floors.
The pair moved silently towards Rachel's office, suspicious of the silence that had been missing previously. No issues occurred on their way to the office, however, and as Rachel punched the code in to unlock the door, they entered the room. Locking the door behind them, Rachel moved towards her computer to begin the activation of her personal escape shuttle.
Minute after agonizing minute passed by as Rachel swiftly typed on her computer, no doubt rushing through the process as fast as she could. Soon enough, a small hidden door opened from behind her, revealing the shuttle.
"Get in, Nigel. I'll set a course for-," Rachel couldn't finish her sentence.
The door to her office abruptly exploded, and the Delightfuls had walked through the smoke, smiles wide on their faces. "So, this is where you two brats ran off to. Shame that this little hide and seek is about to end, but it was getting tiresome anyway." They each held their own weapon, no doubt provided by the ice cream men that Father had brought with him.
Rachel, eyes wide, turned towards Nigel. "Set course for you sector, now!" She commanded. Turning towards the Delightfuls, she added, "I'll hold them off, so go!"
"Rachel, I can't just leave you here!"
"Its either one of us escapes, or none of us!" She hits a button on her computer, sealing the shuttle.
Nigel is cut off from the resulting fight between Rachel and the Delightfuls, and so hits the button to ignite the shuttle. The shuttle roars to life, and after a few more button presses, it launches itself out from the supreme leader's office and into a series of hidden tunnels that eventually leads out into space. Once out of Moonbase, Nigel was able to properly see the space battle that was occurring.
Not only were ice cream men attacking, but also it appears that Stickybeard's pirates were also assisting in the attack.
So, Father isn't alone in this. Surprise surprise.
Nigel inputs the coordinates to his treehouse and sets the course. On autopilot, Nigel's only options now were to either watch the battle happening or sit and think of a plan.
"GALACTIC OVERRIDE! RE-CONFIGURING COURSE!"
"Wait, what?!" Nigel yelled in surprise. He tried canceling the reset, but to no avail. He had lost control of the ship to something else. The ship's speed, on the other hand, increased drastically and Nigel was forced to hold onto his seat as best as he could. He didn't know where he was going, but at this point he could only pray.
Nigel's shuttle breached the Earth's atmosphere, and before he realized it, the ship had crashed down into the ground.