Now- TMNT and all characters from the show are the property of Mirage. Agent Iwamatsu and Doctor Baker are mine. I'm gonna go celebrate this chapter with my sixth viewing of the movie!

Cacotopia

"... and so, as you can see, the cadastre is up to date."

Hun studied the documents his "agent" had presented him with, freshly delivered by the representative of the foundry's owner, and chuckled in self-depredation at himself; he certainly had not done himself any favors by not paying attention in school. Cadastre?

Well, he definitely was getting an education now! As he studied the survey map that listed all the surrounding blocks of properties, their owners, and current value of such for the apportioning of taxes, he shook his head. He had learned so much, and was learning more- far more than he could ever have learned in college, it seemed.

He thanked his agent, and dismissed him from the office. Then he looked at his assistant, who also was studying this odd document, silently repeating the word "cadastre" a few times, trying to match the sound with the spelling. He, too, had become more knowledgeable over the course of time.

"Have the men reported back?"

Miller- formerly Fang- nodded, putting down the "cadastre" and producing a neatly typed report complete with photographs.

"They've been watchin' the place carefully. There's some kinda' guy all right. If you ask me, he looks like he's playin' a part in one of them old horror flicks!"

Hun stared at the pictures. Blurred; dark, blurred, vague- yet he could see a figure lurking somewhere in those photos, bandaged here and there, caught in mid-stride or action, and at one point looking directly at the person taking his picture.

"This the best they can do? We gave them the finest photographic equipment available!"

"Sir, it's not the camera- or their fault," he responded, and respectfully pointed to the photos in Hun's hand. "See? All the buildings are in focus! But the guy is- well, it's like he blurred himself! Like there's somethin' interferin' with any attempts to film him. They tried to vid him, but it turned out the same- and he vanished, just like the Foot Techs can!"

Miller then inserted a small memory card into the desktop's appropriate slot, pulled up the movie program, and soon Hun was watching this person in action.

"Somethin' weird about how he moves..." Hun heard his assistant say. "Like- like he's made of liquid or somethin'..."

The figure in the dark movie moved quickly across the roof of a low building. Miller was right; he looked like he flowed rather than walked. Reaching the edge, the figure suddenly leaped into the air, twisting and summersaulting gracefully, landing on the ground with hardly a sound, landing on his feet in a way that a cat would envy.

And then he vanished!

Hun blinked; replayed the movie; slowed it down, tried to enhance it. But nothing he did could bring the guy in focus. The background buildings, the moon- hell, even the debris on the ground was sharply focused, but this guy looked as if he were out of focus.

There was something familiar about him, though. Something nagged at Hun's memory, but he wasn't getting the message. He shook his head. It would come to him later.

"This is the guy they said was controllin' the rats?" he asked instead. Miller nodded.

"We got vid of that as well," he informed him, making a move to bring up that scene, but Hun waved him off.

"I'll watch it later," he said, brow creasing in concern. "We're supposed to go with the owner in a few days to tour the property. But if that guy is there with a shit load of rats, the City will get involved- health officials, the press, the cops-"

"We could kill him," Miller suggested. "We could take him out quickly. We have the best weapons."

Hun was nodding in agreement- then the nagging thought broke through.

"Bishop."

Miller looked at his boss, surprised. Hun brought down a huge fist on his desk, realization all over his face.

"Bishop! That's who this creep reminds me of- the way he moves! Bishop..."

Hun recalled the incident: he'd been offered a second chance by Saki, a second chance to prove his loyalty. And all he had to do was rescue Karai from Bishop.

The man moved as if he weren't human! Hun had been hard-pressed to hold his own against the agent! He was powerful, and hard to hold onto. He flowed like liquid in Hun's powerful grasp, and he was quick, even quicker than Saki. If the Turtles hadn't persisted in following him...

Bishop! But Bishop was dead. Yet this guy moved like Bishop... the word "clone" kept bouncing around in his head. This was something Grant would understand, might be interested in, be able to confirm.

Hun got up and headed out, Miller right behind him, trying to keep up with his fast-moving boss.

"This is what we'll do," Hun said, leading the way to the storage area where his vast collection of weapons, vehicles, and other toys were kept. "We'll capture that rat-controlling dude and give him to Grant- for a fee. I'm certain he must be one of Bishop's pet projects, if not his actual clone."

Miller looked around as Hun began sorting through a large white refrigerated cabinet, pulling out boxes of what he knew to be powerful tranquilizers, at the same time calling to one of his many workers to "bring the dart guns!"

He turned back to his assistant.

"We take a large group tonight- late," he ordered. "We'll take one of those nice holding cages that Bishop had Karai in- damn, I'm so glad I rescued that one of Shredder's from his place, though where HE got one..."

He absently tossed the "dart gun" to his assistant as he roamed the area, barking orders, making plans, and organizing the proper teams.

"But Boss, I mean, Master Hun," his harried lieutenant said, trying to keep up with the quick-moving behemoth, trying to take notes of all the commands. Hun spoke almost as quickly as he was moving. Miller hardly remembered a time he had seen the big guy so animated and excited. "What about the dosage? We don't know how much we're gonna need to bring him in alive."

Hun shrugged even as he gave the room a last look-round, then headed for the elevator to his private rooms.

"I want him alive, but I won't worry if he's killed. But we need to have him regardless. I'm certain that he will be almost as valuable to Grant as that doctor she's been searching for." He got into the lift, and looked at Miller. "I'm putting you in charge of this, Miller. Don't let me down."

And Hun, confident that his orders would be followed, left his man to get busy, while he headed to his suite to prepare for yet another business luncheon.

"... and keep an eye on Michelangelo," Splinter ended his orders to Leonardo, even as he finished dressing for the surface. It was dark, and threatening to storm, so bundled as he was, in the company of Dr. Baker, he should be fairly unnoticeable. "He is up to something, I am certain of it."

Leonardo assured his father that it would be as he wished, and kept the comment You always say this when you go out and leave me in charge to himself. Leo had a hard time not laughing; Splinter talked of Mikey as if he were still five.

Then again, recalling the recent water balloon attack on himself and Don, perhaps Splinter was on to something and not just being a worrywart.

"I still think you should let Don go along as he offered, even though he's still grounded," Leonardo said, but Splinter shook his head.

"The fewer of us going out of the sewers, the better," he replied. "I am not happy as it is that Dr. Baker is so insistent, but it may be more dangerous if we do not let him go this once. Donatello is not to follow. Keep an eye on him as well as Michelangelo."

Splinter also refrained from cautioning Leonardo against going topside alone. The two-week agreement was not complete, and yet the Rat was a worrywart; he did not wish to distrust his eldest, but these past months had been more trying to him than all the years of dealing with a rebellious Raphael.

Well, perhaps not that trying...

So Splinter merely said good-bye and made his way to Leatherhead's lair, where Dr. Baker was wearing a hole in the floor pacing back and forth, waiting for his "escort" to arrive.

"Shall I at least accompany you as far as your exit?" Leatherhead offered again, but the rat shook his head kindly.

"That should not be necessary, my friend," he replied. "It is growing colder, and though many of these tunnels are fairly warm, I would rather not risk your becoming ill".

Leatherhead merely smiled at this, and did not repeat the offer. Besides, he knew that Splinter would probably know some shortcuts that might not accommodate the huge crocodile's size, and he was just too polite to point this out, not wishing to hurt Leatherhead's feelings.

"I could at least accompany you," Honeycutt offered. "The cold will not affect me, and it might be prudent to have someone 'watch your back' as it were. I believe that I could be of service in making sure no one is nearby."

"Yes, at least allow Professor Honeycutt to go along," Leatherhead pressed. "His programing could allow him to scan the area for your enemies."

"Well... I suppose that would be prudent," Splinter agreed. He had had a similar conversation with Donatello earlier. His son had insisted that he be allowed to go with his various gadgets and tools to make sure the area was clear of any Foot activity. When Splinter had refused, pointedly citing the fact that he was still grounded, Donatello had then launched into a LONG and unintelligible explanation on how to work various items that he insisted on pressing into his Sensei's hands. Splinter had only just managed to hide them from view before leaving the Lair. And while he trusted his skills as a ninja to keep himself and the Doctor safe, it would not hurt to have an extra pair of eyes- highly specialized ones at that.

So it was, ten minutes later, that the unusual trio were making their way through the dark tunnels, the muffled sounds of dripping water, the hurried whispered scurrying of the occasional sewer rats, and the soft shuffle of their own feet breaking the overwhelming silence between them.

Baker was too absorbed in his need to speak with his friend. His mind was crowded with overlapping questions and concerns and recalled dialogues...

He shook his head, arguing and rearguing his fears over and over and over. He had been in hiding for so long, it was hard to let it go, to allow himself to trust that things would NOT be as he imagined. It mattered not that Grant and the EPL would leave the Utroms alone; HIS life was still at risk, and he knew that no agency in the world could protect him from Grant's- and Bishop's- vengeance.

His memories of that place were too ingrained on his psyche, and it was easier to live in hiding like this...

Cold; dank; dark. Weak light struggled to pierce the gloom of this section of the sewers. On the higher levels there was more light, but Splinter had chosen the lower, darker ways to lead them to their destination. The dark was not a hindrance to him, or to Professor Honeycutt, but Baker found himself stumbling every now and then, unable to see some stray debris in his path.

Drips from the ceiling found their way through the protective clothing of the man, but he seemed to not notice, his mind was that preoccupied with finally hearing the voice of his friend. He hoped that she would still be willing to help; would not bring anyone to force him to come in. She had threatened...

"Yes. You could. But there would be no guarantee that I would show myself," he had responded. "I've learned how to spot the lurkers, you know."

"We are here," Splinter's voice interrupted the doctor's thoughts, and Baker looked up at this tall ladder leading into the darkness above. Faint sounds of the city filtered down, while warm, moist air from the tunnel whirled steadily up to escape through the holes of the manhole cover.

Escape. He wondered if he should just make a break for it. Donna may have decided to act on her threat.

"Dr. Baker," Honeycutt gently nudged him. "I have already been up and scanned the area. There is a larger than normal presence of people on the surface, but where you are to meet your friend registers as deserted."

"Do not forget the plan, Doctor. If it appears there is danger, you have three routes of escape," Splinter reminded him, as he began the ascent up the ladder. "Keep that in mind. But I believe that we shall be all right."

Baker sighed; he was suddenly of two minds, but he had come too far. His need to see Donna had overcome his fears of all the possible outcomes.

Vaguely aware of the robot following behind him, the man climbed the cold, wet ladder into the dark, Splinter going before him like a spirit guide into the unknown.

Karai, in position, kept watch over the scene. She had followed the woman's car with relative ease, all thanks to Dr. Chaplin.

She had shown him the tracking device that Agent Grant had provided her with. He had studied it most carefully, talking to himself as he usually did, praising it's size and construction, while scanning it with his various detection devices. Then he had rummaged his work desk and pulled out an item that was shaped like the Foot emblem. The size of a quarter, it was flat and barely noticeable in the scientist's hand. When he put it into her black-gloved one, it blended in almost at once.

"If you'll take my advice," he had said, "you'll plant this one on her car as well. She's bound to find this one Grant gave you- and even if she doesn't, my little bug has a longer range that this alien toy."

Karai had watched as the woman in question found the alien bug in no time. She, too, it seemed, used a device the size of a cell phone. Karai smirked, recalling Agent Grant's boast; "The best alien technology available. Undetectable by anything created by humans."

Well, Agent Grant, it seems that you have a most worthy opponent.

The Foot had spread out, keeping the location in sight but hiding at a safe distance to avoid detection. Karai was leading this personally. She had culled the herd, and was now certain that the remainders would follow loyally with no more infighting.

It was cold, but she had left her expensive coat in the limousine parked a few blocks away. She needed to be ready. She had become soft, sitting behind a desk, but that was changing as well.

Movement; the car of the agent had been parked three blocks from the meeting area, a dark alley in a nondescript street. The woman had dressed warmly and in a manner that would not arouse the suspicions of any passersby. Backpack on her shoulder, a hand in the pocket of her coat, she had calmly passed by the few brave souls still out, even as the threatened storm began to drop its first few flakes of snow.

Wind, cold and biting, swirled around Karai, perched on the ledge of a low building. Her dark hair swirled in time with the gust, but despite the chill, Karai remained stationary, like a gargoyle of old, unmoving, untouched by the elements- well, except for the hair.

A slight movement in the alley below her caught Karai off-guard. She had known that there were at least two ways into and out of it, but the fact that none of her people had warned her that the quarry had entered...

Below two figures, bundled up, staggered together.

Drunks, Karai sniffed disdainfully, and watched to see where Agent Iwamatsu would hide.

But she didn't hide. On the contrary, she pulled a bottle from the bag and approached the two drunks in the alley- the smaller of the two held back, appearing to scan the area, as if searching for prying eyes...

One of them!

"Boku ni atte," she hissed into her communicator, and within seconds her two lieutenants had joined her. "We will wait for the woman to leave. We will take both of those men- though I suspect one may be a Turtle!"

The two silently bowed, then faded back into the shadows.

Below her, she could hear a conversation that was whispered yet heated. At one point the woman had reached out to grab the taller man, but the smaller one suddenly stiffened, then barked out a command.

"Hashitte!" At the same moment, he shoved the woman towards the alley entrance in one direction, while forcefully driving the man before him in the other.

Karai leaped down into the darkness, heedless of the agent. Someone had messed up; someone had been spotted, detected- someone would pay for springing her trap without her permission!

In the winding alley she followed the sounds of a fight.

Cursed Ninja! She thought she had rid herself of the incompetent!

Drawing her sword, she came upon the combat. Three of her Foot were lying unmoving, but many more had swarmed the helpless larger man. The smaller one was making quick work of his opponents, but his clothes seemed to hinder his moves. Karai immediately placed herself in front of him, and with a quick swipe of the blade she sliced deep into the material, causing a long and wide strip to fall in such a way that the person was hard-pressed to not trip because of it.

A flash of something brown caught her eye, and an unexplained fire of hatred burned in her heart! Her mind could not grasp this sudden surge of strong emotion, but her heart had her slicing more of the clothing, only with the intent of killing.

"NEZUMI! NEZUMI! Cursed NEZUMI!" she heard herself shouting, as the smaller figure desperately fought off the blade- then one of her most trusted lieutenants dared to block her weapon with his own, while several of the Foot were finally able to overpower this small warrior, holding him tightly.

"What! How dare you!" she began to shout, but Tanaka withstood her wrath.

"Mistress Karai! We have the doctor! The police are on their way! That woman called for backup!"

He knew that he risked much by shouting at his Master, but she had lost control at the sight of this nezumi.

As his words penetrated the red haze of anger, her mind finally caught up to the rest of her. She stood there, panting with the after effects of her adrenaline rush, the ever-growing sound of sirens approaching rapidly. But her eyes bore into the eyes of her most hated enemy.

"Let us go," she managed, breast heaving but voice quiet.

Yet there was no mistaking the raw edge to it. She kept eye contact with Splinter even as the limo suddenly arrived at the end of the alley.

"It seems I shall be able to settle old scores tonight."

Mikey put the finishing touches on his backpack. He felt rather like Don, preparing a bag of tricks to help him prove that Victor was alive and living at the foundry.

"Night vision goggles- check! Camera capable of night photography- check! Extra set of 'chukkies- check! Shuirken- check! Candy- check!"

He smiled in self-congratulations, and then dressed himself warmly.

"Now, to get past Leo," he mused. He had caught his big brother playing the "I'm in charge" role earlier, when he had mentioned that he was going out to April's for something.

"Splinter said to stay in the lair," Leo had said, and Mike knew this- but Leo's tone of voice had gotten under Mikey's shell, and it was now a matter of pride. He was going to get out and get going, and Leo "I'm the leader" nardo was not going to prevent this.

"A distraction... HOW can I stage a decent distraction?"

Klunk wandered into his room, and for a moment Mikey considered his beloved pet.

"Naw," he finally decided. "Besides, last time you didn't come near me for a week. Sorry about that, Klunkers!"

Fate lent Mike a hand at that moment. An argument between Raph and Don had broken out, and Leo was called upon to play the judge.

Mike wasted no time in trying to find out what had caused the brain and the brawn to get into a rare and vocal shouting match, was out the door and on his way in no time!

He took the roundabout way up to the garage, where he contemplated borrowing the Battle Shell- but though it would be warmer, it was also as conspicuous as clown pants on a ninja.

"Well, Raph won't want to ride in this weather," he decided, and taking a moment to bundle up some more with the spare clothes kept up there, he put on Raph's helmet and "borrowed" Raph's bike.

Downstairs, a sudden loud "BEEEPBEEEPBEEEP" interrupted the argument- all three froze at the sound, then as one they ran to Don's lab, where the theft was being broadcast via close-circuit.

"My BIKE!" Raph bellowed, charging towards the elevator. Leo could barely keep up, but he managed to prevent Raph from leaving.

"YOU stay here with Don!" he ordered. "I'm the one he snuck out on! I'm the one who is gonna haul his sorry ass back!"

Raph would have argued, but something in Leo's tone caught him by surprise.

"Just as long as you bring back my bike in one piece- and I mean a RIDE ABLE piece!" he growled.

"I promise," Leo said, getting into the elevator alone. "And don't kill Don. He was right, by the way- Dawn Wells played Mary Ann, NOT Ginger."

And the elevator doors snapped shut.