فصل 26

chapter-26 False Bravado.

The following afternoon around three o’clock the dinner bell rang. Ostin, McKenna, and I were just east of the horse corral watching Eric and Peggy, our beekeepers, check the hives. They were dressed in white, full-body bee suits and looked a little bit like space people as they walked between the rows of white boxes.

When we first got there, they had sprayed the area with smoke to calm the bees, but the bees still weren’t happy with them poking around and kept swarming them. I was glad it wasn’t me, but it was still kind of cool to watch.

I did notice something peculiar. The bees were more attracted to me and McKenna than Ostin. Actually, more to me than McKenna. It didn’t bother me that much, except that I kept killing bees. I’d gotten so electric that anytime they got too close, my electricity would zap them. McKenna purposely made herself too hot to land on, which kept the bees from stinging her.

Ostin noticed the phenomenon too and immediately created a hypothesis. “I think we’re seeing an example of electroreception.” “What’s that?” McKenna asked.

“When bees fly, they collect atmospheric electricity in their antennas. When it visits a flower, it deposits that electricity. Bees can detect the pattern of electric fields on flowers and use that information to tell whether or not other bees have already visited the flower. You both probably look like very large flowers to them.” “How disappointing for them,” I said.

A few minutes later the dinner bell rang. Ostin checked his watch. “That’s weird. It’s only three o’clock. Too early for dinner. Not that it’s ever too early to eat.” “Must be a special meeting,” McKenna said.

We said good-bye to Peggy and Eric and walked up the hill to the house.

Chairman Simon, my mother, and Gervaso were standing on the porch near the front door. They all had somber expressions—not freaked out or anything, just really serious. I also noticed that two of our vans were parked near the side of the house and things were being carried out to them.

“What’s up?” I asked.

“Just go into the meeting room,” Gervaso said. “We have an announcement.” I looked at my mother. She hugged me but offered no explanation.

Only Zeus and Tessa were inside, so Ostin, McKenna, and I sat down next to them and waited for everyone else to arrive.

Within ten minutes everyone came, even Grace, whom none of us ever saw much of.

Abi and Jack came in with wet hair. They had been swimming in the pond.

After everyone had arrived, my mother came in looking around for me. I waved to her, and she walked over and sat down by my side.

I should say that everyone came except Taylor. She wasn’t there, but I guess that I didn’t really expect her to be. She seemed to have checked out, not just from my life but the Electroclan as well. I can’t say that I was happy or sad about her being absent; seeing her, not seeing her, both were painful. Hearts are weird that way.

We quieted as Gervaso and the chairman entered the room. Gervaso shut the door behind them.

“Thanks for coming,” the chairman said. “I’ll cut right to the chase. We’ve just got our orders. It’s time to go.” Even though we knew it was coming, the actual announcement still knocked the collective wind out of us. Not one of us said a word. Gervaso let the announcement settle, then said, “We’re leaving tomorrow morning at nine. We’ll drive to Las Vegas and spend the day, then fly out early the next morning.” “Yeah, Vegas,” Zeus said, slapping hands with Jack.

“Why Vegas?” McKenna asked.

“That’s where the plane is right now. We also thought it might be nice for you to have some fun before you go.” “You mean the mission isn’t going to be fun?” Tessa mumbled.

“There will be twelve of us going on this mission,” Gervaso said. “Michael, Taylor, Ostin, McKenna, Zeus, Tessa, Abi, Jack, Tanner, Ian, Nichelle, and me. Grace will be helping from here. If all goes well, we’ll be coming back with sixteen.” “Excuse me,” I said, raising my hand. “But Taylor won’t be going.” “Yes, I will,” Taylor said.

I looked over. Taylor was standing next to the door.

Gervaso slightly nodded to her, then turned back to us. “So we’ve got an even dozen. Bring your bags with you to breakfast tomorrow. We’re traveling light, so take only what you need. Breakfast will be ready at eight and we’ll be leaving at nine sharp, so say your long good-byes tonight. Everyone get some good sleep. We need you sharp and well rested, and over the next two weeks that’s not a luxury you’re going to get enough of.” He took a deep breath. “All right, Electroclan. You’re dismissed.” I looked back over to where Taylor had been, but she was already gone.

I turned to my mother. Her eyes were filled with tears.

“You knew it was time?” I asked.

“They just told me.” She brushed a tear from her cheek.

“It’s going to be okay,” I said. “We’ll be back in a few weeks.” I think we both knew it was false bravado, but she nodded. “Of course. Just a few weeks.” She gave me a hug. “Just be careful.” I looked at her for a moment, then forced a smile. “I’m always careful. Besides, what could go wrong?”