Elevatia

9. The plot thickens

The next few weeks were a blur of activity. Without Galbrathian, I kept up my training on my own. Chip encouraged me every step of the way. But, in frustration, I had to admit to myself that I still couldn't get the shrinking skill working without more tuition. We'd have to plan our heist without it. Chip and I switched our reconnaissance over to the Low Lands, making detailed notes of the few patrols admitted in and out. Sky drew up intricate maps and plans. I think she sent some smoke signal messages. Maybe she just burned some toast – not sure. Soon we were almost all set for our mission.

On the morning of the day we were to leave, Jayla and Munk led me into an unused classroom that had been cordoned off for construction works.

"What's going on?" I asked confused. "You already did my chemistry homework this week."

"Just wait," Jayla said mysteriously.

Munk switched on the light and I gasped at how the two of them had transformed the old classroom into a state-of-the-art laboratory filled with gleaming technology.

"We've got gadgets and gizmos a-plenty," Jalya grinned.

"We've got whoozits and whatsits galore!" Munk added.

"What about thingmabobs?" I asked.

Munk looked crestfallen.

"She's only got one of those, Kit." Jayla whispered reproachfully. "It's a bit of a sore point."

"Oh sorry. This looks amazing though. Are there things that I could use on this heist?"

"Yes, absolutely!" Munk brightened up.

She opened a drawer from a nearby cabinet. "Here are our very best prototypes."

First, she took out a pair of black sunglasses.

"These may look like an ordinary pair of sunglasses," she said, "But, in fact, if you press this little button on the frame, they shoot out lasers!"

"That's awesome!"

Next, she brought out a shabby looking analogue watch.

"Now this may look like an ordinary watch," she said, "But, in fact, if you press this little button on the strap, it shoots out lasers!"

"Oh okay, great!"

Next, she brought out a slim silver pen.

"Now this may look like an ordinary pen," she said, "But, in fact, if you press this little button on the cap, it sings you a recipe for vegan brownies!"

"...fantastic?"

"It also shoots out a laser," added Jayla.

I took the laser sunglasses, laser watch, and laser pen. I also took a laser shoe, laser hairbrush, laser contact lens, laser roll of dental floss, laser toothpick, laser credit card, laser magnet of Mount Rushmore, laser commemorative stamp, and laser tin of cat food for good measure.

"This is all brilliant, Munk," I said impressed and pockets bulging. My eyes were drawn to the back of the room where there was a large shape covered with a tarpaulin. "What's that?"

"Ah my magnum opus," sighed Munk theatrically. "Unfortunately, I still can't get it to work yet. So, it won't be any use on this mission."

"Soon though!" Jayla enthused. "I believe in you Munk". She gave her a peck on the cheek and Munk blushed.

I left them to have some time together and went to go find Chip at our usual reconnaissance spot.

"Nearly set for leaving this afternoon?" I grinned.

He gave me hug and we sat enjoying a moment together while we could, uncertain how things would turn out that evening.

"It's exciting, Kit," He said. "I'm so glad we've got this all planned out. I think we've actually got a shot of this working."

Just then a trumpet sounded in the Medium District. Turning our telescope in that direction, we saw group of High Class sweep into the District. They all saluted the Upright guards and waited until the Lowlies bowed. It was the visiting delegation, here to collect tribute following the basketball win the previous month.

"Great," Chip whispered. "Perfect timing. Now we just stay out of the way till it's time to leave. We don't want any trouble."

I was about to agree but then amongst the group I saw the familiar curls of that gorgeous hair. Ace!

"Ace is here, Chip!" I whispered excitedly. "This is such good luck! I can disguise myself again and sneak over for another conversation. He might have more information that will help the heist."

"No Kit!" Chip scowled. "It's too risky. We have our plan already. He's not worth it."

"Of course he is. He's Ace!"

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"What are you talking about? He's a sympathetic member of the High Class. He's our best lead. He's the most valuable member of the team."

Chip scowled "I don't trust him."

"I don't care." I stood up huffily. "I'm going to find him, with or without your help. I'll see you at 4pm at the gates with the others."

Fuming, I went to fetch my High Class disguise and work out how best to get a quiet moment with Ace. I saw my chance when the delegation was assembled in the courtyard awaiting the arrival of Lady Hanson. Hidden in the shadows, I swiftly changed into the purloined High Class robes and adjusted my height – it came like second nature to me now. I boldly walked up to the members of the small group. My heart was in my mouth as there was a distinct risk that if any of them paid attention, they'd recognise I wasn't supposed to be one of the group. But luckily Ace was at the back.

I leaned towards him and whispered "Galileo, Galileo."

He turned sharply. I was surprised to see his expression as he recognised me – was it anger? Probably he was just scared.

"Magnifico!" I said, "These plants are well tended. Would you admire the shrubbery with me?"

"Of course." Ace said curtly, with a quick glance at the others. He followed me to the edges of the courtyard.

"Kit what are you doing?" He whispered as soon as we were out of earshot of the others. "This is foolish. The stadium crowd is one thing but here you'll get caught and get us both in trouble!"

"I thought you'd be happy to see me," I said caught off guard. "I wanted to see you. I'm heading away tonight on a mission and it might be dangerous."

"Yes of course it's nice to see you." Ace said exasperated. "But we can't. Why don't you understand? You're Medium Class, I'm High Class, we can't mix."

"You know that's nonsense, right?" I said disbelievingly. "I'm Kit and you're Ace. We're friends, no matter what anyone else says."

"Maybe back in the Unmeasured compound. But things are different now. We're all being watched. The Upright are everywhere. Better for us to just play along with the rules and not get in trouble. Life isn't so bad in the High Class. I've learned to live with it. Maybe you should learn your place too."

"What? Ace..." I said backing away. "Tell me you don't believe that. You said you knew Vyle was hiding something. We have to do something about it. We have to help Elevatia."

"I don't know what foolhardy mission you're embarking on tonight Kit. And I don't want to know. I'm not going to have any part in it."

"Ace, where have you go to?" A snooty looking Tall was looking around. "Lady Shorty is nearly here."

I was still reeling from Ace's words.

"You've changed, Ace." I said, a tear rolling slowly down one cheek.

"Yeah." He said shortly. "Maybe you should too. Goodbye Kit."

And with that he headed back to the other Talls and I shrunk back into the shadows.