Code 47 to BREV Force Cracko

Chapter 42

CHAPTER 42

Brad, Evie and Brian were discussing the day's events, when their parents arrived home. Brad ran to the door, jumped up, bowed and exclaimed, "Raven and Dove, The BREV Force!" Without skipping a beat, Brad continued, "We were incredible, we..."

"Hold on a minute, son," his father laughed. "Yes, we heard the evening news. The BREV Force is the number one news story but mostly for sensationalism and questions about who they might be in real life. So, based on that, let's sit down and talk facts! There are important things we need to discuss."

"Yes Brad, "Vivian kissed her son, "at least give us a minute to say hello. Then we will listen to everything you have to say."

Brad stepped aside. They exchanged greetings and then proceeded into the living room. Vivian got herself settled in her favorite ergonomic chair and then turned her attention to her children. "I was admittedly nervous all day about your trial run, probably more, because it meant all this is really real. But, I have to tell you, when Brian called and told us what happened, I was just so relieved to know you were all right. So now, that I've had my little mommy moment, tell us exactly what happened."

Brian looked at his brother and sister for their okay to begin. "The experience was quite interesting," he began, trying not to steal Brad's fanfare. "Since we were unable to carry out our trial run, it was very encouraging that we did as well, as we did. We worked in unison, increasing our normal brain capacity beyond the scope of even what we had expected. As we completed our link, we found ourselves merging into one super mind with three bodies but..."

Brad jumped in, "You're leaving out the best details. Cracko tried to handle us but it wasn't any match for The BREV Force, so finally, Controller had to turn tail and pick up its defeated hologram and run and...."

"Slow down," his mother interrupted, putting her hand on Brad's arm as she turned to speak to all her children. "You must remember how dangerous this is and you can't let the excitement go to your heads." Brad listened to his mother and then answered questions and related pertinent details.

Evie and Brian joined in, giving their version of their experience with Cracko and Controller.

"We're very proud of what you all did today but...," she felt her mother's intuition kick in, "but I get the feeling you haven't told us quite everything." Brian responded to his mother's concern, "As much as we claim victory, we did encounter a slight problem. Controller discharged a strange beam of light that somehow disrupted our link."

"It was a really weird feeling. We were totally cut off from one another." Brad added.

"It was more than feeling alone," Evie chimed in, "it was like total nothingness."

Martin stood up and walked toward the window so his family wouldn't see his concern. "This is something we must find a solution for, immediately. We also have to consider that Controller has never been challenged before and as much as we believed we could slow it down and cut off its resources, we may have underestimated its scope. From all reports, we thought Controller was only able to operate within computers. That seemed to explain the need for the hologram. It was Controllers way to extend its reach but, if today's experience is any teacher," he faced his family with a look, as if the light bulb had just been turned on, "we must now add to our list of pros and cons, Controller's ability to reach through cyber space into our world." Martin stopped, thought about what he'd just said and added, "But that too, is a dual edged sword. Once it reaches into our world it may be vulnerable to our resources."

Brad and Evie seemed confused but Vivian and Brian understood and were in total agreement. "That should mean that it may be vulnerable to substances similar to anti-biotics." Vivian announced. She now felt 100 percent better. She knew the work she and Martin were doing for the I.A.S. could be the answer to defeating Controller and eliminating her children's dangerous involvement. "Martin, if that's the case, The BREV Force can hang up their costumes and we can devise the antidote to this virus threat, right?" This time it was Brian who brought the situation into prospective. "I understand that today's encounter was different than we expected but I believe, for the most part that we were victorious and addressing this new information can only help in future encounters. I do not question your methods but your path of action requires time and testing and trial and error, all of which we cannot afford right now. Therefore, The BREV Force does still seem an appropriate course of action, at least for the present."

Evie nodded, "Mom, I know you want to protect us but Brian is right. Since our friends are the ones being targeted, until you do come up with the answer, we must be out there, at least to try and limit Controller's reach and stop more kids from turning into mindless Controller followers. Each time we can stop Controller and Cracko or cause them to have to take time away from recruiting to deal with The BREV Force, that's one less opportunity they have to get to our friends!"

Brad nodded, "And, we learned one very important piece of information today. Sheila is definitely Controller's human collaborator. She seems to like her new-found position as candy distributor and she somehow has an endless supply. One thing's for sure, she's very defensive when it comes to Controller and is more than happy to supply anyone who is willing to help that cause. So, we also need to formulate a plan to go after her and her candy distribution network. " Vivian turned her face away, "I just want you all to be safe."

"We know Mom," Brad said, "but, as long as Controller has decided to target college kids here in Island Falls, we're in danger already. So, anything we can do is really a plus, right?"

Vivian reluctantly nodded her agreement then suddenly realized there was another threat they hadn't addressed. "I know you are feeling kind of invincible now; being The BREV Force and going up against Controller but, now that we know about the human supporters and Controller's ability to reach into our world, we must be even more careful to be sure that no one, no matter who and no matter how trusted, knows that you are The BREV Force."

"Is that understood, Brad?" his father questioned.

"Why me?"

"I guess because you like to boast more than I do," his sister quipped.

"Okay, I've got it, for now but boy wait till I can tell! What a rush!"

"When that day comes, Brad, I'll be proud to announce it to the world but 'til then...." his father shot him a very stern look.

"Agreed!"

Evie seemed lost in thought and then perked up, as if her own light bulb went off. "I know we need all this secrecy but maybe we're going too far in one direction." "Evie, I think you've completely lost all of us, including me and I'm your twin."

Turning to Brian she asked, "When you were outside Vid-Mart you were just a link, aiding us. And, since distance creates a problem, what if you were right there with us, on the scene?"

"For some reason, I am also not following your thinking, Evie."

"Don't you see? We keep putting you away from us because someone might recognize you and ask questions but if you were just one of the crowd, in plain sight, looking like all the rest of the kids but with your features disguised...."

"I get it!" Brad said. "If Brian was right there with us but so no one would recognize him, he could actually be acting with us...only no one would know he was part of The BREV Force!"

"Exactly!" Evie added, "Maybe longer hair: a moustache, beard and sunglasses, anything that would make it hard to make the connection and that way he would just blend in with the crowd."

The family discussion continued well into the night. Brian did want to discuss the molecular melding he had experienced, especially after he passed his hand through the refrigerator but, by the time the subject was broached, everyone was too tired. When they finally went to bed, no one slept very well but everyone felt they were much better prepared for their next confrontation with Controller.