by H. I. Larry
CONTENTS
TITLE PAGE
CHAPTER 1
CHAPTER 2
CHAPTER 3
CHAPTER 4
CHAPTER 5
CHAPTER 6
CHAPTER 7
CHAPTER 8
CHAPTER 9
CHAPTER 10
COPYRIGHT PAGE
Zac Power had his SpyPad earphones jammed in tight, and his eyes closed.
Screaming, loud electric guitar music drowned out all other sounds. Zac was in another world – Axe Grinder’s world!
He was tilted back dangerously in his classroom chair, his feet up on the desk. It was lunchtime on Friday – the school week was nearly over. Zac was listening to his favourite band’s new single for the 86th time that day!
Sonic Boom was Axe Grinder’s latest track. It was so new that it had only been released at midnight the previous day. Zac’s older brother Leon had downloaded it at four seconds past midnight. Computer stuff was easy for Leon – he was a spy.
In fact, the whole Power family were spies. Zac liked to think of himself as a SUPER spy. An expert in keeping cool at all times. Always on the lookout for danger. Able to escape the trickiest traps and capture any villain.
The Power family worked for GIB, the Government Investigation Bureau. Leon took care of everything on the technical side. This left Zac to tackle all the toughest missions.
But GIB was the last thing on Zac’s mind. He was concentrating on every note of Sonic Boom. Everyone knew that Ricky Blaze, Axe Grinder’s guitarist, was the hottest player alive. One day Zac hoped he would be that good, too.
After six months of nagging them, Zac’s parents had bought him a totally wicked, ruby-red Gibson Firebird electric guitar. But the new guitar came with a catch – Zac had to attend boring old guitar lessons early every Saturday morning. Yawn!
‘Zac Power!’
Zac opened his eyes in surprise. His teacher, Mrs Tran, was standing in front of his desk, scowling.
‘Take your earphones out now,’ she said.
This was no way to treat a super spy and future guitar hero! Trouble was, Zac could never say a word about GIB or his missions. No-one at school knew about the action-packed life he led, not even his closest friends. Keeping his identity secret was too important for his spy work.
‘Sorry, Mrs Tran,’ said Zac.
‘Never mind that. The school nurse told me that you missed an important vaccination when you took a day off last month,’ said Mrs Tran sternly.
She looked as though she was enjoying herself when she added, ‘Off you go to sick bay – she’s going to give you the injection immediately.’
Zac headed out of the classroom and walked slowly down the hall. All thoughts of Axe Grinder’s incredible new song were swept away by the idea of a big, sharp needle.
He wasn’t even halfway to sick bay when a hand reached out of the cleaner’s cupboard and grabbed his collar. Zac was yanked in among the brooms and buckets.
The door slammed shut behind him.
A small flashlight lit up the tiny cupboard. When Zac recognised the face of GIB Agent Tripwire, he breathed a sigh of relief.
‘Sorry about the scare, Zac,’ whispered Agent Tripwire. ‘We’ve got an emergency and had to pull you out of class as fast as possible.’
‘So no needle, then?’ asked Zac. ‘And I get to skip the rest of school?’
‘No needle, no school, and keep your voice down,’ hissed the GIB man.
Agent Tripwire reached across to a dusty shelf. He lifted up a can of Squeezy Shine floor polish. Zac heard a click.
The whole shelf moved away from the cupboard wall to reveal a hidden doorway. Zac could just make out a steep concrete ramp that led to the school car-park.
Agent Tripwire jumped into the darkness. Zac headed down the ramp after him. A few seconds later Zac heard a gigantic motor roar into life. A powerful headlight came on.
The GIB agent was twisting the throttle on an motorbike.
‘Let’s move,’ said Agent Tripwire.
He threw Zac a strange-looking helmet and pointed to the seat behind him. In a second they were flying out of the carpark at top speed. Zac was holding on for his life!
Agent Tripwire’s voice sounded in the speakers built into Zac’s high-tech helmet.
‘We have to get you to the Air Force base right away,’ said Agent Tripwire. ‘The Lightning Strike here is the quickest way to cut through traffic.’
Zac had heard rumours of the Lightning Strike ultra-bike – a top-secret, high-speed vehicle being developed at GIB headquarters. The ultra-bike was painted a rich, dark blue. It packed a motor larger than most helicopters did. Sparkling silver exhaust pipes stretched down the sides.
They were moving so fast Zac could barely suck in enough air to breathe. They passed cars in a blur. Agent Tripwire leaned the massive bike on its side as they tore around corners.
‘We’ve been messaging you on your SpyPad since 7 a.m.’ Agent Tripwire was annoyed.
GIB agents were required to carry their SpyPad Turbo Deluxe 3000 with them at all times.
While it looked like an ordinary handheld computer game, the SpyPad was an amazing piece of electronic equipment. A satellite phone, super-computer, X-ray machine, laser, voice scrambler and dozens of other things – all in one small unit.
Zac didn’t say anything. He guessed he hadn’t heard the messages while he was listening to Axe Grinder’s music.
‘You’ve lost a lot of valuable time on this mission,’ said Agent Tripwire. ‘You did have a full 24 hours but now you’ve got barely 18 hours and 27 minutes left to get the job done.’
Zac looked over Agent Tripwire’s shoulder. The GIB agent was working the touch-screen computer between the Lightning Strike’s handlebars. The screen showed dozens of complex words and numbers. Zac noticed their speed – 256 kilometres an hour. This was an awesome ride!
‘I’m uploading your mission details to the Stealth Master helmet you’re wearing,’ said Agent Tripwire. ‘You’ll like the helmet, Zac. Built in mini-computer, speakers, microphone and camera. Readouts for air supply and pressure. Special infrared, ultra-violet, heat and night vision.’
Zac’s helmet visor blinked on, and his mission began to scroll up the screen.
BIG was the sworn enemy of GIB. It was just like BIG to come up with such a plan. Billions in donations to the Rockathon would be a tasty haul for BIG.
The Rockathon was a massive charity event to raise money for countries struck by a tsunami. This freak tidal wave had left thousands of people homeless and starving.
The Rockathon featured the hottest bands from 28 countries. They would perform at a gigantic open-air concert. A few thousand very lucky people would get to watch the show live. The rest of the world could see it on the internet webcast. Coolest of all, Axe Grinder would be the very first band to play!
Suddenly Zac was almost thrown over the side of the Lightning Strike. Agent Tripwire had slammed on the brakes and the ultra-bike went into a slide. It skidded to a halt less than a metre from the loading ramp of a giant Hercules transport plane.
They were on the runway of the Air Force base. Agent Shadow marched down the ramp. ‘A quick question for you, Zac,’ said Agent Shadow with a worried look on his face. ‘Do you know how long astronauts train for their first trip into space?’
‘Hmmm,’ said Zac. ‘I think about three years, at least.’
‘That’s a shame,’ said Agent Shadow. ‘I’m giving you three HOURS!’
Keep cool, Zac thought to himself. He had been on some crazy adventures before, but never
Now aboard the Hercules, Zac took off his Stealth Master helmet and looked around. This was no ordinary transport plane. The inside of the aircraft was like a cross between an enormou
s gym and a lab. Unusual training gear, advanced computer equipment and at least 10 scientists in white coats lined the gleaming walls. You could park three semi-trailers inside the plane and still have room for a … Leon!
Zac’s older brother was sitting in front of a computer screen. He was busily tapping away at a keyboard, as usual.
‘What are you doing here?’ asked Zac.
‘Oh, hi,’ said Leon. ‘That Lightning Strike is mighty quick, isn’t it. My job is to take you through the equipment for this mission. I’ll also help with your training. I think you’re going to be very surprised.’
‘I’m already surprised,’ said Zac. ‘A few minutes ago I was off to see the nurse. Now I find out I’ll be in space in three hours!’
The surprises kept coming. Zac saw a small, pink nose poke out of Leon’s jacket pocket. Whiskers on the nose twitched and then a whole head popped out for a look around. A rat’s head!
‘Looks like everyone’s along for this mission,’ said Zac pointing at the rat. ‘Even our pet!’
The rat was Cipher, the smallest member of the Power family.
‘I had to bring him along,’ said Leon, tickling Cipher under the chin. ‘I could tell he was feeling lonely and there was no-one home to ratty-sit him.’
Cipher scampered onto a desk and started munching on a Choc mallow Puff. It was the size of his head! Choc mallow Puffs were Zac’s favourite breakfast cereal. It looked like they were Cipher’s as well.
‘Family reunion is over, boys,’ said Agent Shadow impatiently. ‘Here’s the deal: we know that BIG has a new secret base on the Moon called Lunar Strike. BIG will use the Lunar Strike base to somehow cause chaos on the internet.’
‘Sounds like a distraction to me,’ said Zac.
‘Exactly,’ said Agent Shadow. ‘What they’re really after is money from the Rockathon. BIG’s Agent Mirror is already inside the Space Fortress, organising the robbery.’
Leon continued. ‘The Space Fortress is a heavily guarded bank computer that orbits Earth. Seconds after the Rockathon begins, millions of dollars in donations will be sent, via the internet, from all parts of the world. All the donations will pass through the Space Fortress. That’s where BIG will steal the money from!’
‘We don’t have exact details,’ added Agent Shadow. ‘That’s what makes this mission so dangerous. We know next to nothing about this Agent Mirror. Obviously there’s not enough time for you to get to the Moon, so your only chance is to get into the Space Fortress.’
Leon looked worried. ‘All security is computer-controlled on the Space Fortress. Motion detectors, laser canons, tracking missiles, space torpedos – the works! The whole space station is encased in armour plating one metre thick. We don’t know how Agent Mirror got in, but he’s already tampered with the master controls!’
‘Time is tight, Zac,’ added Agent Shadow. ‘Three hours training is all we can afford to give you. The Rockathon begins at 7 p.m. tomorrow night – on the other side of the world. With the 12-hour time difference, you MUST complete the mission by 7 a.m. tomorrow – no later!’
‘Oh,’ said Leon, ‘and Mum – I mean Agent Bum Smack – says you have to be home by 8 a.m. to get to guitar practice!’
Zac rolled his eyes. ‘Great!’
‘Leon will brief you on your equipment while we prepare for take-off,’ said Agent Shadow briskly. ‘You’ll be weightless in space and you need to learn to handle it. We’ll be airborne in 25 minutes – get cracking.’
‘I’ve got some fantastic gear for you,’ said Leon, leading Zac over to a work bench. Four GIB scientists were waiting to help with the demonstration. ‘First up, the Space Master. I tweaked the technology of the Chameleon suit that you used on your last mission. I combined it with a space suit of my own design.’
One of the scientists passed over a folded black garment. Leon took it and shook it out.
‘I’ve set it for plain black colouring at the moment,’ explained Leon. ‘That’ll be the best camouflage for moving around undetected in space. The suit is fully pressurised and heated. Space has no air pressure and is dreadfully cold. Without the suit on you’ll explode and then freeze into a lot of VERY messy ice-cubes.’
‘Nice work, Leon,’ said Zac, slipping into the Space Master. ‘Light, comfortable, a good fit. It looks sweet in jet black!’
Leon smiled – he was very proud of himself. ‘This belt completes the suit,’ he added, as another scientist handed over more equipment. ‘The buckle controls suit colour, temperature and pressure – quite simple. There’s a specially designed pouch for your SpyPad, along with everything else you’ll need.’
Zac wrapped the wide belt around his waist and secured the control buckle. He fitted his SpyPad into its pouch. He flipped the top on one of the other pouches and pulled out a tiny, silver cylinder the size of a small battery.
‘Ah,’ said Leon, going into full nerd mode. ‘Your oxygen supply. I’ve packed you six of those mini-tanks. They’re exactly like the air tanks used for underwater diving.’
‘They don’t look like they hold much air,’ said Zac, lifting the cylinder to his ear and shaking it.
‘Careful, Zac!’ said Leon. ‘The oxygen inside is under extreme pressure. That’s how we can keep them so small. That minitank fits into your Stealth Master helmet and will give you hours of air. Be warned though, you MUST keep them away from excessive heat at all times.’
‘Otherwise?’ asked Zac, replacing the delicate, teeny tank in its belt pouch.
‘That thing could go off like a grenade!’ said Leon, looking very serious.
‘What about these?’ asked Zac, fiddling with a number of small, metal SpyPad discs he had found in another belt pouch.
‘My own invention,’ smiled Leon. ‘They’re a selection of nasty computer viruses that you can spread using your SpyPad. Each one comes with its own instructions. I thought they might come in handy.’
The engines of the Hercules began to rumble. Zac and Leon grabbed the workbench to steady themselves as the monstrous plane taxied down the runway.
Agent Shadow returned from the cockpit. ‘Everyone strap themselves in good and tight,’ he yelled above the engine noise. ‘Everyone except you, Zac. Time for your zero gravity training.’
The Hercules climbed steeply and levelled out at high altitude. Agent Shadow gave a nod to one of the scientists, who then hit a switch. Leon and the crew checked their safety belts. The lights inside the Hercules blinked on and off for a split second.
Zac heard a quiet hum in the walls… and bumped his head on the roof! He hadn’t even noticed the zero gravity generators kick in – he was floating six metres above the metal floor!
‘This plane is used for astronaut training,’ Agent Shadow explained. ‘Best place for you to learn.’
Zac hit his bum a few times over the next five minutes. Luckily all those hours Zac had spent surfing meant that he very quickly got used to being upside-down and off balance.
When he got the hang of zero gravity he began zooming about inside the plane. He even swooped Leon and gave him a good fright.
It was like the best fun-park ride ever – without having to buy a ticket!
Zac was disappointed when he had to stop. The three-hour session just flew past.
‘Time’s up,’ said Agent Shadow. ‘There’s barely 14 hours to complete this mission. Let’s introduce you to your last piece of equipment.’
‘Bring it up,’ said Agent Shadow, signalling one of GIB scientists. A metal trapdoor in the belly of the plane slid to one side. A hydraulic platform rose through the floor.
Before Zac was an extraordinary, futuristic spacecraft, painted blazing yellow and red.
‘All right!’ he said, excited.
Agent Shadow led Zac over to the spacecraft. ‘This is the Star Master, GIB’s mini-space shuttle. It’s the smallest vehicle capable of manned space flight. You’ll be taking it out for the first test run, Agent Rock Star.’
Zac leapt into the cockpit of the S
tar Master. ‘I can’t wait to get this beauty up to top speed,’ said Zac, running one hand down the smooth hull of the spacecraft.
It had the lean looks of a jet fighter and the rocket engine muscle of an advanced NASA shuttle.
Zac immediately began punching some buttons and running pre-flight safety checks. He booted up the navigation computer, checked the star maps and programmed a course to the Space Fortress. After fitting his Stealth Master helmet, he gave the thumbs up.
‘Drop the ramp and I’ll power up the rockets,’ said Zac, keen to get moving. ‘Anything else I need to know?’
‘Be very careful approaching the Space Fortress,’ warned Agent Shadow. ‘The station’s sensors will detect anything – human or machine – that comes near. If you’re not careful, you’ll be blasted to space dust!’
‘Here,’ said Leon, passing over the cereal box. ‘Take the Chocmallow Puffs in case you need a snack. Good luck!’
Zac sealed the cockpit of the Star Master. Everyone stood well back. The loading ramp on the Hercules opened slowly and a strong wind rushed inside the plane. Zac pressed the ignition buttons and the rockets thundered.
Zac gripped the joystick and edged the Star Master forward. He hit the minishuttle’s throttle on the final few metres of the ramp. The spacecraft dropped out into the sky and fired upwards.
The speed was incredible. Soon the Hercules was a speck in the distance. It wouldn’t be too long before he reached the outer atmosphere. Zac made himself comfortable and bent down for the box of Chocmallow Puffs. He hadn’t eaten anything since lunchtime. The zero gravity training was a tough workout and his stomach was grumbling.
Something inside the cereal box wriggled. Zac let go of the joystick in fright. The Star Master swivelled onto its back and dived towards the ground!
Zac planted his feet firmly on the floor. He yanked on the joystick and wrestled the mini-shuttle back under control. Chocmallow Puffs flew about the cockpit and the box landed on his knees. A furry bundle jumped out into his lap.