Odder Than Ever

Fourteen: Transportation

Everyone looked at each other, hoping for an idea. Otto sighed. "I don't think any of us has an idea of how to get there soon enough."
Dalila spoke up. "I have an idea." Pulling out her cell phone, she typed up a number. "Hello? I'd like to book six flights to Oslo, please. When? Tomorrow would be preferable... That much? How about a bereavement fare?... Who's dying? THE ENTIRE POPULATION OF NORWAY, BUSTER. No? Okay, thank you." She closed her phone, sighing. "No."
Sean sighed. "Do we know anyone that could get us to Norway tomorrow?"
Filip shook his head. "It would need to be a person with a lot of connections."
"That's it!" Olive flipped open her badge phone. "I'm pretty sure Camille would be able to get us there."
"Um, yeah, sorry, but Camille's in the other world, remember?" Sean looked at her skeptically. Olive smiled. "So? She has more connections than just her stories, you know." She opened up the texting feature on the badge phone.
Olive: Hey, Camille? We need help.
Five minutes later, her badge phone played a short snippet of the Odd Squad theme song.
Camille: Sure, what do you need?
Olive: We need to get to Oslo, Norway, by tomorrow. Long story...
Camille: What's the address you're at?
Olive: 11235 Fibonacci Ave, Dalila's house.
Camille: I have an idea. Give me ten minutes.
"See? I told you she would help!" Olive smiled. Sean looked doubtful. "How is she going to get us over there?"
"I have no idea, but you can trust her. She got us out of the warehouse, didn't she?" Dalila calmed down a bit. "That's true."
Ten minutes passed, and Olive's phone buzzed again.
Camille: I got you a ride. However, the instructions are way too long to send to you in a text. Check your email.
Olive pulled out her tablet from inside her uniform. "There it is."
Olive: Found it. Reading...
Olive opened the email. "Wow. She wasn't kidding when she said this was long."

To: agentolive@oddsquad.com
From: lattecuc@schmumber.com
Subject: Ride to Norway

Here are the instructions. I included suggestions for avoiding questions from parents. Follow them to the letter. One small mistake could get you interrogated for an hour. I suggest printing them out, but DON'T LOSE THEM. Bon voyage!

1: Explaining to Parents

You will need one set of parents to know the truth. Since you're at Dalila's house right now, you should use them. Explain to those parents what is necessary, if you haven't already. One of them will drive you to the location and cover for you if any questions are asked. For Filip and Sean, the less your parents know the better. Say that you're going on vacation with Dalila's family or something believable like that. The Shield of Boringness feature should help; ask Oscar how to activate it. If possible, don't give a specific date when you're coming back.

2: Sleeping for the Night

Filip and Sean should go to their house. Dalila will have everyone else over at her house. Again, the less Filip and Sean's parents know the better. Change your uniform into a pair of regular-looking clothes,  go home, and make up a story for why you were gone. Then relax and prepare for the trip.

3: Packing

The oddness has probably changed most of your clothes into official Odd Squad uniforms. This is good. OS uniforms are warm in cold weather, cool in hot weather, lightweight, self-washing, etc. Pack several regular uniforms and a couple of cold-weather uniforms as well as pajamas. Also bring your basic toiletry kit, and anything else you might need. Sean and Filip, pack your uniforms and then put a layer of regular clothes on top. This way, you can avoid questions from parents.

4: The Next Morning

Set your alarms for 6:00, and change into regular clothes. Have a light breakfast. Don't eat too much, as the weather looks good but there might be some unexpected turbulence. However, eat enough so that you won't be hungry for the next four or so hours. Anyone with nausea problems should probably take something for motion-sickness at around 6:30. Filip and Sean, get your parents to drop you off at around 6:45 or earlier. Coordinate so your parents don't show up at the same time Keep Olive, Otto, and Oscar out of sight to avoid questions. If the parents ask where you're going, make up a location that's fairly near but won't be visited by them. Dalila's parents should also periodically email the parents about how much fun the kids are having.

5: Driving

At 7:00, everyone should be dropped off. A chauffeur will arrive and take you to the designated location. Relax and try to get some rest.

6: The Plane Ride

The chauffeur will drop you off at the front gate. Talk to the gatekeeper (her name is Rachel) and she'll let you in. Answer all questions asked of you honestly and completely.

Once you get in, you will be swiftly escorted to the plane, where you will be treated like royalty. Again, there may be unexpected turbulence, so don't eat too much. (I'm looking at you, Otto!)

7: Oslo

As the plane touches down, you will be let off. I have an acquaintance that may be of some help. Please trust him, or at least don't kill him. My acquaintance will get you a light breakfast, and will help you figure out the best way to attack Todd.

So, that's about it. Thanks for reading, and be careful. Bye!
Camille

Olive grinned as she finished reading. "Okay, does that work for everyone?"
"Yes! SLEEPOVER!" Otto cheered enthusiastically. Dalila nodded. "I suppose that'll work."
Oscar jumped in. "If you pull on your lapels while thinking about an outfit, you can change your uniform into anything you want. The Shield of Boringness button prevents adults from thinking that the wearer is odd in any way. We don't usually use them, and if it's an emergency, we use them as little as possible. Push the button on the inside of your jacket." Sean pushed it experimentally, then walked up to Dalila's mom. "I have a squirrel nest inside my lab coat which is made of a combination of spider-cat silk and unicorn tears. The squirrels are trained to attack any time I say the name of a type of bird."
"Okay," Dalila's mom replied, seemingly unfazed.
Sean grinned. "Well, if that's it, I'll be on my way. Coming, Filip?" Filip nodded. "Absolutely. See you tomorrow, guys!" Both of them then left the house, tugging on their collars.
Oscar smiled. "So that's that! Where can we stay?" Dalila thought for a minute. "I think the guest room's the best choice for Otto and Oscar. Olive, want to stay in my room?" Olive nodded. "Works for me."
"Great. Come on!"