‘Okay, Mum. I’ll go get my bracelet.’
It was no ordinary bracelet that Emma was collecting. It was a special SHINE spy gadget CHARM (Clever Hidden Accessories with Release Mechanism) bracelet filled with charms that with a single twist became high-tech spy gadgets. Emma had hers hidden in a secret box hidden in a secret shelf in her room. Not even her brother would ever be able to find it. Putting her bracelet on, she went out to the car where her mother was waiting. Minutes later, Emma’s mum pulled up outside an ordinary-looking light shop in an ordinary-looking shopping village. The sun was only now coming up and there was no one in the street.
‘Good luck, Em. You can do it,’ said Mum, smiling. ‘Let’s make sure we’re all home in time for Swedish Christmas!’
Emma smiled, gave her mum a kiss and got out of the car. She walked up to the Light Shop and pushed the door. It opened, just as she knew it would, even this early. As the door’s buzzer went off, an elderly lady appeared from behind a Christmas tree aglow with bud lights.
‘Good morning, may I help you?’ she asked. ‘Are you looking for anything in particular?’
EJ remembered the access words. ‘Yes, please,’ she said. ‘Do you have any Christmas lights you can show me?’
‘Oh yes, of course we do,’ cried the lady. ‘Just follow me.’
They walked to a desk at the back of the show room. ‘Please put your hand on here,’ said the lady, placing a small black box on the counter.
EJ put her hand on the pad, which buzzed for a moment then stopped. Then a small green light on the side of the box glowed.
‘You are cleared for access, Agent EJ12,’ said the lady. ‘Please take the lift down to level 20 and go directly to the Code Room. You know the way. Oh, and merry Christmas!’
‘Merry Christmas,’ said EJ as she moved past a row of lava lamps and approached a row of hanging bud lights. She turned the last lava lamp off and the strings parted, revealing a narrow lift. EJ then turned the second lava lamp off and the doors opened. She walked in and pressed the yellow button on the left. The doors closed and the lift began to move downwards. Back in the Light Shop, the elderly lady carefully turned the lava lamps back on and returned to her work.
The lift stopped and EJ heard a digital voice.
Please proceed to Code Room and await agent identity security test.’
EJ walked out of the lift and turned left into a long, plain brightly lit corridor. She kept walking until she came to a small metal door with a keypad and screen on the wall. EJ keyed in her pin code.
‘Security test commencing. Please sing the chorus of “We Wish You A Merry Christmas”.’
Gee whizz, lemonfizz! thought Emma. She found the singing voice recognition tests a little embarrassing but she took a deep breath and began to sing.
We wish you
‘A little louder please,’ said the digital voice.
EJ started again.
We wish you a merry Christmas!
We wish you a merry Christmas!
We wish you a merry Christmas!
And a happy New Year!
‘And we wish you a merry Christmas too, EJ12. Voice recognition complete. Door open.’
There was a beep and EJ pushed open the door to the code room. She sat down on a chair at the desk and looked up at the tube coming down from the roof. She was surprised when a Christmas cracker dropped out onto the table. A piece of paper was wrapped around it. EJ uncurled it and started reading.
It was a cracker with a Christmas Wonderland sticker on the side. She pulled the two ends and a small piece of paper and pretend diamond ring fell onto the table.
‘It’s just a Christmas cracker,’ said EJ to herself. ‘There’s the little gift and this must be the joke.’ EJ unwound the roll of paper. It’s a riddle, thought EJ, glancing at it. Then she began to read.
Okay, thought EJ, it’s a letter puzzle. She pressed the note app on her phone and began to type.
EJ twirled the ring in her fingers as she looked at what she had written. She looked at the ring, she looked at the letters and back again at the ring. The word jumped out at her.
DIAMONDS
It had to be right but what did it mean?
EJ wrote the answer on the riddle paper, rolled it, put it back in the cracker and the cracker back up the message tube. It was sucked up immediately, heading for the SHINE Operations Room.
Which is where I need to go, thought EJ, leaving the Code Room and walking down the corridor. A1 will know what it means.
Two large metal doors opened and EJ walked into the SHINE Operations Room. She noticed that the room had been decorated with Christmas decorations. Gold stars hung from the roof and there was tinsel around the workstations. And, waiting for her as always, was A1, the head of SHINE.
‘Welcome back, EJ12!’ said A1, smiling. She was dressed in her usual black suit with crisp white shirt and a shiny yellow pendant around her neck. ‘I’m sorry to hear about GM80, I mean your grandma,’ she continued.
‘GM80? Grandma was OM?’ asked EJ.
‘Just a little one,’ said A1. ‘And she will be proud of her granddaughter for cracking that cracker code so quickly. She’ll think you are a chip off the old block.’
EJ blushed. ‘But is it really a code?’ asked EJ. ‘Or is it just a Christmas cracker riddle?’
‘I would say it’s a code, EJ,’ replied A1. ‘The Christmas cracker was intercepted en route to a known SHADOW agent and what you decoded makes me pretty certain it is a message.’
‘The riddle spells out DIAMONDS,’ said EJ.
‘Indeed,’ replied A1. ‘And remember the last line.’
‘“My last is in sparkle, which I do, but not in taken, which I have been,”’ remembered EJ.
‘Exactly. Diamonds have been taken,’ said A1. ‘Does that mean stolen? I think so.’
‘But which diamonds, where and by who?’ asked EJ.
‘Excellent spy questions,’ said A1. ‘That’s exactly what we need you to find out. We do, however, have a few ideas about which diamonds.’
‘We do?’ asked EJ.
‘Yes. Now, what did you see when you were in the city yesterday?’ asked A1.
‘The Christmas windows,’ replied EJ, wondering why A1 had changed the subject.
‘Yes,’ said A1. ‘Go on.’
‘The windows theme was the sparkle of Christmas and …’ EJ stopped for a moment, her mouth wide open. A1 hadn’t changed the subject at all. ‘There was a diamond collection on display!’
‘Exactly,’ said A1. ‘The Aurora collection, the largest private diamond collection in the world, is part of the Sparkle of Christmas display. It will be auctioned after Christmas to raise money for a new family shelter. We think someone is trying to steal it and I think the message you just de-coded is part of the plot.’
‘But the message says they are taken and they aren’t,’ said EJ. ‘Gran, Mum and I saw them just yesterday. They were there in the window and surrounded by security guards.’
‘I am not so sure. We received an alert from one of our surveillance agents that there were known SHADOW agents in Christmas Wonderland, next to Delia Stones. I knew GM80 was there so I asked her to check on the situation. She was on her way to investigate when she fell.’
That made EJ feel sad again. She really hoped Grandma was okay.
‘Your grandma will be fine,’ said A1. ‘She was one of our best agents, and my favourite spy-buddy. It will take more than a little fall to stop her.’
How did A1 know what I was thinking? wondered EJ. And, more importantly, did she just say that she and Grandma were spy buddies? How cool is that!
‘Oh yes, pretty cool,’ said A1. ‘One year we even tied for Spy of the Year! Ask her to show you her medal one day. But now, EJ, we have work to do. What else do we know?’
‘The cracker,’ said EJ. ‘That came from Christmas Wonderland!’
‘Indeed. Christmas Wonderland may not be all it seems. We will need to investigate. I am desp
atching surveillance agents JL10, TB12 and NF12 to back up CC12. I may need to send more. Meanwhile we need you to check on those diamonds. Let’s take a look at the area. Light Screen, lower.’
As A1 spoke, the Light Screen, the access screen to the whole SHINE computer system, including all SHINE intelligence files and the Internet, came down from the ceiling. It could be voice or touch activated. EJ smiled when she saw there was a string of gold stars around it.
‘Well, it is Christmas,’ said A1. ‘Light Screen,’ commanded A1, ‘show city map.’ A map appeared on the screen. ‘Zoom to show block of Delia Stones Department Store.’ The map zoomed in. ‘Show 3D.’
‘Wow, that’s cool!’ said EJ. ‘I can see the mall and the Christmas windows! And there is the gate to Christmas Wonderland.’
‘Zoom Christmas Wonderland,’ said A1.
The screen zoomed in on a huge warehouse right next to Delia Stones. The whole warehouse building had been painted white to make it look like it was in the snow and there were Christmas trees in pots all around the front. There was an enormous red archway with holly and a long queue of people outside.
‘Light Screen, show all the data on Christmas Wonderland,’ instructed A1.
The Light Screen began to stream images of balloon stalls and amusement rides, Christmas trees and crowds.
A digital voice began to talk. ‘Brand new this year, Christmas Wonderland is part of the Delia Stones’ Sparkle of Christmas celebrations. Completely indoors, it recreates a wintery wonderland in the middle of the city, filled with festive funfair amusements.’
‘I’d love to go,’ said EJ wistfully, for a moment forgetting where she was.
‘It does look fun,’ said A1. ‘But if the cracker came from there, that makes me suspicious. Now, EJ12, let’s take a closer look at those windows. Zoom Delia Stones’ windows. Show diamond display window.’
The camera zoomed in but there was a blind pulled down over the window.
‘It’s too early,’ said A1. ‘The shop is not open yet. X-ray view,’ instructed A1.
There was an empty display table.
‘They’re not there!’ exclaimed EJ.
‘Don’t worry, that’s okay,’ said A1. ‘The diamonds are wheeled from the display in their protective glass and metal case to a vault room just behind the window at the end of each day. The case is then locked to the floor and roof and the diamonds are stored in the high-security vault overnight. Each morning they are checked, then cleaned and put back on display. We need you to check them before the store opens this morning.’
‘But why doesn’t the Delia Stones’ security department just check themselves?’ asked EJ.
‘They believe one of their staff might be involved but they can’t find out who it might be. We have run checks on all their staff and we can’t work it out either. If one of them is a SHADOW agent, she is new and we know nothing about her.’
‘A new SHADOW agent?’ asked EJ.
‘Quite possibly,’ replied A1. ‘We had heard that SHADOW has been doing quite a bit of recruiting lately. If the store security began investigating, that may tip SHADOW off and we don’t want that.’
That made sense to EJ. ‘So what do we do?’
‘We need to get you into the vault room.’
‘How are we going to get in?’
‘You are going to break in.’
‘I am?’
‘It is the only way,’ said A1. ‘You will, however, have the building plan and an access card to deactivate the laser security around the diamonds.’
Well that will be easy then, thought EJ.
‘However, it won’t be quite as as easy as you might think, EJ,’ said A1.
‘Oh,’ said EJ. ‘Won’t it?’
‘No,’ continued A1. ‘You will need to access the vault room from the roof. You need to enter the ventilation system and using the building plan make your way to the access point above the vault room. Then you must lower yourself down into the room. Once there, you can swipe the security card to turn off the laser beams that guard the diamonds. But you will then have just fifteen minutes to check the diamonds and get out of there. After fifteen minutes, the lasers will turn back on automatically. If you are still there when that happens, you will trigger the alarms and our cover will be blown. If you finish before the fifteen minutes, you can swipe the card again to re-set the security.’
‘Okay,’ said EJ, a little uncertainly. ‘But how will I test the diamonds to see if they are real?’
‘There is a test app on your phone. You can use that,’ said A1. ‘Now let’s get you mission-ready. The store opens in less than two hours. You need to get on your way. Your spy gear is in the change rooms, as always. Please go and change while I prepare your mission charms.’
‘Okay, A1,’ said EJ as she headed for the cubicles at the end of the Operations Room. Inside, her gear was laid out. EJ saw it was SHINE-issue summer gear: black three-quarter mission shorts, SHINE-issue black t-shirt and black runners. There was a backpack with both a head torch and a hand torch, spy-talkers and a small tool kit. EJ quickly changed, took the backpack and returned to A1.
‘That’s what I like to see,’ said A1. ‘You know our motto “A quick change is a good change”.’
EJ didn’t know that one but then SHINE did have rather a lot of mottoes and it was hard to keep up with them all.
‘Well, try to keep up, EJ,’ said A1 kindly. ‘And note that your runners work the same way as the SHINE boots. They are simply our summer style. Now, I think you will be pleased with these charms.’
EJ saw that four silver charms were lying on the bench. There was a Christmas bauble, a diamond, a snowman and a heart.
A1 picked up the bauble charm. ‘As you know,’ she said, ‘IQ400 has been working on her spy-camera range. You have used the very successful cupcake-cam and ball-cam and now she has come up with an even better spy-camera and added a festive touch, just the thing for where you’re heading.’
‘So it’s a bauble-cam,’ said EJ, smiling. She was glad her mum didn’t have one on the Christmas tree to catch her checking the presents.
‘Correct,’ replied A1. ‘Your mother asked to trial one and she has reported excellent results.’
Now Emma knew how her mum knew when-ever she was near the Christmas tree.
‘But there is an added function to this spy-cam,’ said A1. ‘It is a multi-use charm. You can twist it any number of times and it will produce more mini-cameras. This means you can put cameras in different locations. You then use a new app we have downloaded to your phone to monitor what all the cameras are filming.’
‘Okay,’ said EJ. ‘And the diamond charm is a diamond? How do I use it?’
‘Diamonds are the hardest substance in the world and are excellent cutting tools,’ explained A1. ‘This charm will allow you to cut your way through anything.’
‘And the snowman?’ asked EJ. ‘I suppose that will turn into a snowman,’ she said, laughing at her own joke.
A1’s face remained completely serious. ‘Correct again,’ she replied. ‘At least it will let you turn into a snowman. It’s a disguise charm and I have a hunch that …’
Beeep!
‘Excuse me, EJ,’ said A1 as she checked her phone. ‘KM12 is waiting for you in the agent despatch area. She will take you into the city on her bike.’
EJ smiled. She knew KM12’s bike. She’d be at Delia Stones’ in no time.
EJ walked out to the SHINE agent despatch area and smiled broadly when she saw her spy-buddy KM12 standing next to a tandem bike. EJ knew the bike was also a mini-helicopter. It seemed to have had a few extra accessories added to it.
‘Wow, KM,’ she said. ‘Your bike seems to have even more things on it now.’ KM12 was in the SHINE transport division and they were responsible for deploying agents to missions. It was perfect for KM because she loved speed. EJ often thought her fast-running friend Elle would be good as that kind of agent.
‘Just a few,’ grinned KM. ‘As well as
flight mode, I’m now carrying animal agent capsules which fit over the tandem seat. I love transporting the animal agents. They’re all so cute! But climb on and grab a helmet. We need to get you to Delia Stones.’
EJ put on her helmet and climbed on to the back seat. The two girls pedalled down through the SHINE garage. As they approached a wall, KM hit a button on the bike’s bell and a door slid open. The girls rode out into a narrow laneway. Even though it was early, it was already warm; it would be another hot day.
‘Hold on,’ cried KM. ‘I’m taking her up!’ KM flicked the bike’s gears and mini-helicopter blades shot up. KM switched gears again and the blades began to whirr, lifting the bike up into the air. ‘Next stop Delia Stones,’ cried KM12.
For EJ the ride was unbelievable. Everything was so quiet, almost magical in the still of morning before the city started waking up. EJ looked down. The roads were almost empty except for a single bus.
‘I can see the city bus,’ she cried to KM.
‘Yes, but look up,’ said KM.
EJ did and, in the distance, saw a group of hot air balloons on their dawn tours of the city.
‘We’ll steer clear of the balloons so we are not seen but we can follow the bus route to the city,’ said KM. ‘Our stop will just be a little higher up!’
EJ looked down again as they followed the bus. She felt like a bird swooping above it. Just yesterday she was sitting on that bus with her mum and today she was up here—EJ loved being an agent! But the ride was a short one and KM was soon taking them down on to the roof of the department store.
‘There you go, EJ,’ said KM. ‘The vent is just over to your right and from there you can follow the ventilation shaft to the vault room.’
There was a ping. EJ went for her phone but this time it was KM12’s. It was flashing orange, which was KM’s favourite colour.
‘I’ve got to go,’ said KM. ‘I’m needed back at HQ. It seems there are a lot of agents on the move today. A1 must really think SHADOW is up to something big. Good luck, EJ!’
Christmas Countdown Page 2