Brian Saves the World, Maybe

Chapter 44 - A New Plan

"Travel Elevator, Enter," Brian said to Zed's avatar.

"The Elevator is currently unavailable."

Brian threw his head back and groaned. "But I need to see what's on floor 21!"

Zed looked at him blankly.

Sighing, Brian said, "Question: why is the Elevator unavailable?"

"Possible destinations include: Observatory, Harvest Simulation."

Brian shook his head. "Travel Observatory, Enter."

Brian's surroundings shifted, as he was transported to the Observatory.

This time, there was something different about the big holographic globe. There were red dots spread throughout it as before, but now Brian also saw a blinking white dot on the East coast of the United States. It was much larger than the other dots.

"Question: what is that white dot?"

No answer.

Brian zoomed in on it and issued the command to view a live feed.

The holographic globe flattened, morphing into a rectangular display that revealed the top of an ornate wooden desk, surrounded by something like a large corporate office.

"You are certain all is in place? Excellent," said a woman's voice.

Brian assumed he was seeing through the eyes of the speaker.

The view began to shift, as the woman stood up from the desk, and steadily walked across the room. She passed several exquisite paintings and sculptures, before stopping at a wall-high window. Brian tried to make out the view. He saw a river and a vast skyline of buildings in the distance.

"Looks like New York City," Brian muttered.

The view moved in closer to the window, and the features of a young woman, perhaps 25 to 30 years old, appeared faintly on the windowpane.

Brian squinted at the image. "Question: who is that?"

The avatar remained silent, as the woman continued to stare out the window. She remained like this for about a minute, before breaking the silence.

"Very soon," she began slowly, "it will be time." Her lips formed a sneer that made Brian shudder.

"What does she mean?" he said to himself.

Brian, Jessica wishes to speak to you. I am putting her through.

The interruption to his thoughts made Brian jump. Oh. Uh, okay. Thank you, TV.

Brian, can you hear me?

I can. What's up, Jessica?

There is going to be a nuclear attack! I don't know the locations, but it will be widespread.

Brian's mouth fell open. Had the Borae already won? Was he too late? When? he said.

Very soon. Carol thinks she can stop it, but—

Oh, thank goodness, he replied, taking a deep breath.

No, it's not good. She is going to send some kind of signal that will destroy all Observer chips.

Really? She can do that? I never would have—

There's more, Brian. It will kill them. All Observers will be killed.

Brian froze, letting the words sink in. She is going to kill them? But they are just innocent people. People that had chips implanted in them. And killing them all would lead to countless other deaths around the world. It didn't sound any better than nuclear warfare. Brian shook his head.  No. There had to be another way.

Brian?

Brian didn't know what to say. He didn't know his aunt was capable of something so—what was the right word? Ruthless? Then something occurred to him. Jessica, you said they are going to send a signal. That's how they will do it?

Right. Why?

I think I might have a plan. The beginnings of one, at least. Thank you, Jess. Keep me posted, okay?

Will do.

TV, I need to talk to Dale.

Very well. I will put you through.

Dale, you there?

After a few seconds, Dale responded. Affirmative. What's going on down there?

Dale, we don't have much time. I need you to blow something up.

Okay.

Just, okay? You didn't even—never mind. It's a satellite dish behind the bunker gas station. How soon can you—

That's a big dish.

Yeah, they are going to use it to— Wait, how do you know how big it is?

I'm not one for sitting around. Ralph and I have been watching the place since soon after you got there. I figured there might be trouble.

Brian sighed, shaking his head. You're a life saver, Dale.

Brian briefly caught him up on the Observers capturing the Cafeteria, and Carol's plan. So, think you can disable that dish? he asked.

I'll see what I can do.

* * *

Brian frowned. He was counting on Dale to thwart Aunt Carol's plan, but he still needed a way to, you know, stop World War 3.

If only he could contact Zed. Maybe he would know of a way to stop the Borae. But Brian hadn't had a chance to try to get Aunt Carol to reveal the password, if she even knew what it was to begin with.

"Argh, I need to talk to Zed!" Brian shouted, kicking the wall.

The avatar blinked. "Perhaps the Operator can help. Would you like to speak to the Operator?"

"Yes, please!" Brian yelled, in a strangled voice.

"Password accepted," Zed's avatar intoned.

"What?! The password was please? Seriously?"