The Mysteries of the Q Files #2: Screens are Cursed Windows

Chapter Twelve - The Best Laid, Reluctant Plans

Conturbatio laid it all out before the Jacksons, after checking to make sure that the Ghostbusters gear was indeed acting like it did in the movie, the very plan he was concocting. The team would escort Brandon to the movie theater, where he would mingle in with other youth, and with his connection to the Chronicler (As they were now calling the entity who had bestowed the "curse."), they would trap the interdimensional being. The Sphinx hoped that they would be able to study and question the Chronicler later, but he admitted that he was getting ahead of himself there.

The Jackson were, however, less than supportive of the idea.

"My son will be suffering for the rest of his life from PTSD after being sucked into a video game! I have half a mind to throw out every single electronic device and game in this house!"

"Mom," Tiffany said testily.

"Are you really the FBI? You have done nothing to fix anything since arriving here! I want to to talk to your director! This is just deplorable," Mr. Jackson raged!

"Yes, if it wasn't for those two sweet boys, my boy would still be lost to us!"

"A I chopped sui," Kyle asked.

"It's chopped liver," Naomi corrected.

"And this idea of yours is so hairbrained, there's no way it would work!"

"I can't let my angel go into your war zone," Mrs. Jackson shrieked.

Trick snorted at that. Brandon just rocked himself in his seat. The agents shared hopeless looks.

Naomi leaned in and said, "Come on, Brandon, if you aren't going to do this for me,do it for yourself. This is real what is happening here. Let's end it. Tonight!"

Brandon's eyes snapped up to Naomi's.

"Why should I do anything for you," he sneered. "You don't care about me. You kicked me in the balls!"

Mrs. Jackson gasped and her husband glowered at Naomi.

She ignored them and continued, "I make not like you Brandon, but there are some girls out there who would find you attractive. I have a friend, who has no experience with guys, a virgin, who doesn't get out much but is looking for a good time. How about if you help us tonight at the movie theater, I'll give you her contact information and give her a head's up."

Everyone at the table suddenly looked very awkward and blushed a little.

"Are you pimping out your friend," Trick finally asked, incredulously.

"Nope, just promising to set up a meeting or contact between two people," she answered simply.

"Young lady, that is-" Mrs. Jackson began, but Brandon cut her off.

"You would do that?"

Naomi nodded her head stiffly and he licked his lips. "Is she hot? Like you?"

"Gorgeous, like one of your waifus," Naomi said, her lips jerking.

Trick couldn't tell if she was joking, but he knew Brandon was definitely considering. Naomi was really pulling the team along this time. He was just the baggage and felt useless. It made him feel even more sorry for her that she had gotten trapped in a video game.

"So, uh, what is the plan again," Brandon finally asked.

"I forbid it," Mrs. Jackson screeched.

"Drink your prune juice mom," he shot back lamely. "Seriously, tell me what I have to do."

Conturbatio slowly grinned and said, "We are going to the theater tonight. You will go to a showing of your choice, as long as we can say that there will be plenty of young people there, and you will sit down. The Chronicler will try to come through like he did last time when you went. I will trap him with your dad's now live Ghostbusters' costume."

"And then I get to meet this hot chick?"

The Sphinx looked to Naomi, who said, "Yes, and not before we are done and the Chronicler is caught."

Brandon then jumped up and shouted, "What are we waiting for!? Oh, and you will all be paying for this, right?"

Agent Miles reluctantly agreed and he gave them all a leering, potato-y grin. Trick wanted so bad to deck the guy across the face.

"Then I am going to see the Jurassic Park showing at 8 p.m. It will attract lots of college kids who like that stuff," he explained. "I think that will work for your plan, uh, whatever your name is."

"Agent Conturbatio," the Sphinx said calmly.

"Bless you," Brandon said walking away. "Alright, well, the movie is only over an hour away. You need to get suited up. Ha! I always wanted to say something cool like that!"

"This is the only time we team up with this guy," Trick whispered to Naomi.

"Agreed," she said fervently.