A/N: After a while of hiatus, I'M BACK! It has been a while, guys, how's it going? Malaysianpro here, bringing you another chapter of Trouble In France. Just a shoutout to the first Guest review of the story, thank you so much for leaving a review! It is very much appreciated, and I see that you like the Bendora (Benjamin and Pandora) ship I've done, well, not yet shipped, just getting to that in later chapters. And I'll see what I can do about your requests about making more Bendora one-shot fics, but I can't promise that it'll be done soon. It'll be done, definitely though. So I thing that's it for now, enjoy the chapter, and I'll see ya later.

Disclaimers from previous chapters and/or stories will be applied to this chapter.


Chapter 8

Night Two: Desert

XxxXxxX

1805 hours

Geronimo had called me back up right after practice to the living room for wardrobe and briefing.

I showed myself from behind the stairs, seeing Geronimo already waiting in front of the living room, standing with his paws behind his back. "So, I'm here. What should I wear?" I asked.

Geronimo slightly widened his smile. "But first, you don't happen to have a tuxedo, do you?"

My cheerful face expression falls apart. "Does the dress code have to be formal?" I said, raising an eyebrow.

"Of course, because you'll be tonight's special surprise guest host."

"Special and a surprise guest host? I get the feeling that I've to do an entrance for this..."

"You do... How'd you guess?"

"Instinct... Follow me. We're going back underground."


Tailoring Room

I was in the capsule-shaped fitting room putting on the tuxedo while Geronimo waited outside the white, lit room filled with varieties of suits and tuxes. I was about done, I just had to tie the knot on the bow tie as I looked in the mirror.

"Are you done in there?" Geronimo squeaked.

"Almost!" I shouted from inside, having my ears to ring from the echoes. I turned around and faced the door as it slid sideways along the capsule's body. I struck a pose by putting my arms put akimbo and asked Geronimo: "So, how do I look?"

"Smart, striking, and don't take this the wrong way, you look rather charming," he complemented.

"Thanks," I replied. "Anyway, how big is the entrance am I gonna make?"

"Well, it's really big of an entrance if I say so myself. I apologize for not telling you this before, but you'll be lowered down from the second level of the Eiffel Tower by a cable."

I had my eyelids opened wide in shock, blinking thrice. "That's it?" I said without any fear. Okay, I know that is a quite a BIG entrance, but as a Jedi, I should have nothing to fear.

Geronimo's proud smirk turned into a frown. ""That's it?" What do you mean, "that's it?"" he responded after finding that I sounded unenthusiastic about it.

"No, it's not that I find it not exciting, it does, but I was hoping for something a little bit more...daring."

"Daring? What could be more daring than descending down a cable off the Eiffel Tower?"

"I don't know... Jumping off a plane and parachute down and land on Champ de Mars... Then maybe get on a motocross bike and speed there, then catching air after riding up a ramp accompanied by explosions on the launch..." I had to go overboard on this... Way to go, me.

"Well...you had me at skydiving, but I think it doesn't quite suit the theme. I mean, after all, you are the surprise guest host."

I gave a nod to acknowledge. Then a thought seeded into my mind. "And speaking of the entrance, don't I have to do rehearsals for this?"

"I don't think you have to...after all, you are a Jedi. What could go wrong?"

"I...suppose that you're right. Anyway, what now?"

"Wait for me to suit up. We'll leave for the tower at half an hour early than the others for the briefing from the stunt coordinator."

"I'll be in the armory to fetch a gun," I said.


Eiffel Tower

1915 hours

We've arrived at the venue half an hour early by riding in Terra. By the time we were there, only the technical crew of the event were scattered under the tower and on the second level.

Right at the moment, I was already standing on top do the platforms at the second level. I was briefed five minutes earlier by the stunt coordinator, and the stunt crew were still attaching some cables by steal d-links onto some hooks connected to the stunt harness they fitted on me. My headset was already attached to my ear, receiving signals and chatter from others. The guests were also starting to arrive and are taking their seats.

"Are you feeling okay up there, Danny?" Geronimo wondered from at the bottom.

"A little nervous, but exited," I stated as the stunt crew tested the strength of the cables by yanking them hard. "I took an elevator ride to the top of the tower, and the view was breath-taking! I could see the city in a 360-degree view. Makes you wish you were up there with me, huh?"

"Believe me, I wish I wasn't and I'm GLAD I wasn't," he denied.

"Whatever, your loss. You said that the others are on their way. Have they arrived?"

"Yup, we're already here," Thea interrupted.

I peered down the railing to the bottom at the broadcasting booth. Thea was seen waving up to me, so I waved back. "Wow, you girls look so gorgeous tonight," I complimented, including the Thea Sisters. "Who's gonna be hosting the event from up here tonight?"

"I am," Paulina told. "Hang tight, I'll be right up."

"Roger that," I replied. "Antoine, time now?" Antoine was the producer from the French broadcasters replacing me for tonight.

"Seven-sixteen. We will go live in about forty-five minutes," he answered.


1958 hours

2 minutes till live broadcast

"One minute left, everyone! Standby for countdown," Antoine alerted, before translating it to French.

"Are you ready for this, Danny?" Thea asked from below, on the stage with Geronimo.

"I'm a Jedi, I'm always ready," I stated.

"Just be careful up there," Geronimo advised. "That's a hundred-meter drop."

"Thanks for your concern, but considering that I don't feel any disturbances in the Force, everything should be fine."

"We hope so," said Benjamin.

"Monsieur Arif, time for you to be hoisted down," Antoine signaled.

The stunt coordinator handed me a small clip-on microphone which I clipped on to the collar of my tux's jacket, and some cue cards with the event logo at the back which I slipped into the tux's jacket pocket. "Wish me luck everyone," I said.

There was a cable on top of me, stretching across the second level for the zip line to get me to the center. Without a reply from anyone, the motorized remote-controlled reeling device integrated to the zip line pulled me off my feet on four points of the harness until I was above the railing height. The cables connected to my thighs were pulled so my body was hanging horizontally. "Moving you to ze center in three, two, one," said the stunt coordinator.

He moved the joystick on his remote forwards, and the zip line started to carry me over the railing, exposing my view of the spectators above. "Oh boy..." I muttered in nervousness.

The zip line continued to carry me until I reached the center of the tower. "How's the view up there?" Thea asked. She was probably looking up.

"You all look like tiny ants," I replied as the reeling device lowered me down.

I was halfway to the first level. "Sixty seconds to broadcast!" Antoine alerted.

50 seconds went by. "We are live in five, four, three, two!"

I could only imagine how the broadcast would look like...by receiving the signal from the sampling television in the booth and displaying the feed on a little window on the heads-up display of my vision. As usual, the montage rolled as music played. After the event's logo flashed and faded away, the crane camera focused on Geronimo and Thea.

Geronimo: (Crowd applauding) Good evening and welcome ladies and gentleman! This broadcast is brought to you live from the Eiffel Tower by the Stilton Media Group. I'm your host, Geronimo Stilton...

Thea: As well as I, Thea Stilton...

Geronimo: Welcome to the second night of the Interpol Women's Tactical Fashion Week! Before we go on, I just wanted to say that last night, the competitors have designed some of the most amazing tactical wear for women using the latest 21st century technology.

Thea: In case you missed them, don't remember what they looked like or just simply want to relive what happened last night, lets take a look at the recap.

(Visuals rolled) Geronimo: US Marine Melanie Johnson came up with an exclusive camouflage design, combining digital and classic urban which gained Judge Schwartz's attention, and made off with an overall score of 8...

Thea: FBI agent Charlene Evans scored 8.4 after presenting her lightweight bulletproof plates which could stop .308 caliber armor-piercing incendiary rounds at point blank...

Geronimo: Patricia Hart was given 8.9 overall for her thermal hybrid scope on her assault weapons, which can be activated by a switch...

Thea: Commander Lily MacArthur presented a sniper scope on an FN SCAR-H rifle which could be folded to the side, instantly converting the marksman rifle to an assault rifle, and earned herself an overall 9.3...

Geronimo: FSB agent Natalia Lemkova scored a 9.6 when she presented the judges with a combination of Russian red urban camo with regular urban, infrared holographic sights on her loadout, and throwing knife.

Thea: And Julie presented lots of new gadgets on her designs. Of all the tech she implemented into her design, the most impressive ones were the Scout Drone, the tactical specs with infrared, thermal and night vision along with Smart Faction Identification and Enemy Highlighting System and a balanced ammunition count to mobility ratio. These made her gain the highest score with 9.8 points, taking the top spot in the competition so far.

(Visuals end, cuts back to Geronimo and Thea)

Geronimo: There you have it, tactical fashionistas! The fabulous designs from last night by our competitors. In case if you want to check out the full event, you can go to our website. (Website address flashes at the bottom of screen)

Thea: Moving on... So Geronimo, I was informed by the organizers that we have a special guest host this evening...

"Get ready," said Antoine.

Geronimo: (sarcasm) We do? Why didn't I know?

Thea: I don't know...

Geronimo: Well, where is he then?

Thea: I don't know... I spoke to him a while ago before the event started then he disappeared.

Me: Looking for me? (James Bond theme plays, camera switches to hanging person)

Thea: There he is! Ladies and gentleman, please give a big hand for teenage ex-video game developer and Interpol's latest Junior Special Agent, Danial Arif!

(On first level) Me: (Nameplate flashes) Good evening everyone! It's great to see you all! Geronimo! Thea! Hi!

Thea: I was wondering where you went.

Me: Sorry to disappear and pop in unannounced.

Geronimo: Nonetheless, it's a pleasure for you to join us tonight.

Me: Likewise, my furry friend. And it is also an honor for me to be tonight's special guest host. (Lands on feet next to Geronimo)

Geronimo: Quite an entrance you've done...

Me: Thank the organizers and stunt coordinators, they were the ones who planned it. (Takes off harness) The only thing I don't like about it is the pain it's causing me.

Thea: What part of it physically hurt you?

Me: (Bends down) It gave me a major harness wedgie... (audience laughs) But I'm fine now. So, (takes out cards from jacket pocket) lets continue. (Bond theme ends, plays normal music)

Geronimo: (Looks at cards) Tonight is the second night of the fashion week as I mentioned earlier, and the camouflage for tonight is...

Me: Desert! This camouflage is widely used by soldiers currently deployed in the battlefields in yellow, sandy terrain where there is no cover such as the ones in the Middle East.

Thea: That's right, Dan. Tonight, competitors will have to present their best designs to the judges, and possibly get their chance to get them accepted into Interpol.

Geronimo: But before we start the presentations, we have a special performance by U2. We will see them perform live... right after this break.

Me: Stay tuned and don't go anywhere.


1 half hour later

2237 hours

"This is Grounded Host to Level 1, is everything good up there?" Geronimo radioed the head Interpol guard at the first level.

"Level 1 to Grounded Host, everything seems clear up here, over," the agent reported.

"Grounded Host to Level 2, report in."

"Level 2 reporting in, no suspicious activity sighted."

"Roger that. Keep those eyes peeled."

It had been one and a half hours after the event started. All of the contestants have presented their designs on the catwalk worn by their models, and they all looked most impressive. In between breaks, Geronimo radioes the head Interpol guards of Level 1 and 2 and ask for a report. So far, there were no suspicious persons lurking around and doing anything suspicious, and there had been no disturbances in the Force in the span of the night.

He was off the catwalk, in front of the stage camera when I approached him. "Anything?" I began.

"Nothing unusual reported yet."

"Good news..."

"What about you? Any disturbances in the Force?"

"Haven't felt any. Looks like tonight's gonna be a good night after all."

"Lets hope it stays that way."

Antoine contacted us again. "Be alert, everyone! 2 minutes remaining!"

Thea who went for a bathroom break, was still not on scene. "You heard him, Thea. Where are you?" Geronimo said into his mouthpiece.

"I just got out. I'll be right over," she said.

"So G, whose designs do you think is the best tonight?" I asked.

"To show that I'm not choosing sides, I think Natalia Lemkova's is tonight's best."

"Why so?"

"That Milkor MGL grenade launcher... capable of taking out a large area of militants."

"Maybe true...but... I beg to differ. Melanie Johnson's M202 FLASH launcher could take out an even bigger hoard. Plus, it fires incendiary rockets."

"And carry a load of twelve kilos on your back? To me, I think it's a major disadvantage on your mobility. And not to mention that short effective range, twenty meters can deal splash damage to your own team..."

"In that case, I'll go for Patricia Hart's FIM-92 Stinger."

"And I'll go for Lily MacArthur's RPG-7D3 paratrooper launcher."

As we looked at the audience chatting, this slipped out off my mouth. "If any one of our launchers get picked as best by the judges, the loser owes coffee for the winner."

"You're on," Geronimo replied.

Thea shows up from behind, poking her head in between mine and Geronimo's and throws both her arms around our necks. "And if both of your selected launchers don't get picked as the best, you guys owe me some help."

Help? "With what?" I said, turning my head around.

"You guys are helping me make my first move on Marco."

"What?" Geronimo squeaked in disbelief.

"You heard me..."

"Yeeeaaaa... We'll think about it..." I honestly didn't want to, but what to do? She's my sister, how can't I? So I started writing down a mind-memo labeled: 'Operation First Move'.

"Everyone into positions! 20 seconds until broadcast!" Antoine signaled.

As it was our turn to show ourselves around the world, we put our camera faces on. Thea squeezed in between us, Geronimo adjusted his bow tie, I refined the collar of my jacket, and we stood side by side each other, looking into the lens of the camera pointed at us.

The countdown began. "We are going back live in five, four, three, two!"

Geronimo: Welcome back ladies and gentlemen! Thanks for still being here with us.

Thea: Before the break, we've seen the designs from Australian Army commander, Lily MacArthur.

Me: And if you just tuned in, we have already witnessed the designs from all the contestants. If you want to take a quick look at them, here's the recap from what we had earlier.

(Visual effects roll, cuts to recap)

Thea: FSB agent Natalia Lemkova amazed us with her desert wear, with the biggest feature being a set of lightweight bulletproof plates that can withstand the impact of a .50 cal armor piercing incendiary round in all her designs...

Geronimo (cuts to another recap): Newcomer Julie stunned us when she explained that the Barrett XM109 she opted for her Sniper class fires a special type of ammunition which explodes on impact with hard and solid surfaces which deals damage in a 10-meter radius and acts as a normal round when hit on a soft, organic target...

Me: US Army soldier Melanie Johnson presented a special 4x zoom telescopic sight attached to an assault rifle which suggests where the weapon users should shoot on its LCD interface to compensate wind and bullet drop after calculating...

Geronimo: And Lily MacArthur introduces a handheld device which soldiers could use to sweep mines and avoid them...

Thea: Former FBI agent Charlene Evans showed off her heavy armament on her Heavy class which was her SMAW launcher that launches high-explosive anti-tank rockets, or HEAT rockets that could annihilate a full-sized main battle tank along with the people caught within a 15-meter blast radius...

Me: And finally, ex-MI6 agent Patricia Hart presented a smart compact EMP generator which jams and disables only enemy com-links and electronic artillery in a radius of 90 meters.

(Cuts to hosts)

Geronimo: Like we said, we've seen some mind-blowing stuff tonight here in Paris, from handheld minesweepers to lightweight indestructible bulletproof plates.

Thea: But, that's only our opinion. We have yet to see what the professionals have to say about them.

Me: It's time for the judgement segment of the event, all competitors are to step up to the stage. (Cuts to contestants rising onto stage) Our first judge to comment will be Agent Kamal Hussein, our Weapons Expert. (Cuts to Hussein) Agent Hussein, take it away.

Hussein: Right, thank you, Danny. Alright, let's get down to business... Charlene, what I can say about your loadout that there is so much variety that you put into the weapons you equipped your models, and I like that...because we don't really know what weapon suits the users best, so giving a few choices is a good thing. There's one thing I'd like to point out by the way, I think you could equip some more frag grenades to your Assault class, because in the desert, you need to wipe out a large area of enemies in far ranges so there won't be any one in your squad to get splash damage from that. And your SMAW, great selection from amongst launchers along with its warhead's strong blast power and wide radius. Nonetheless, everything is wonderful overall... 9.0 loadout score. (Crowd applauds) Melanie... Your loadouts are quite creative, using a handful of combinations for attachments even for the pistols, and the Sniper's is impressive... BUT, there's one thing wrong with it. I'm not sure how you would spot a target with a thermal LCD scope in the middle of the desert. The battlefield is pretty much all heat, and often rises over human body temperature, so I think targets would just hide in the sand and the sniper wouldn't know its there. Unless there's a spotter aiding the sniper, and the battlefield was during the nighttime. And another thing, the M202 is an okay launcher, but the effective range is extremely short for long-ranged battles. But anyhow, because the rest of your loadouts are acceptable, you get 8.9 for loadout. (Crowd applauds)

Geronimo leaned close to my ear and said : "Strike one, Danny."

Okay... Next up, Natalia. Your most impressive loadout was the Support class. The M240B LMG is the most suitable I think for long-ranged support fire, extra useful equipped with hybrid sights. But, that Milkor MGL isn't best suited for the Support. Supports operates behind teammates and provide cover fire in long ranges and in this case, the Milkor is best used head on where ranges are mild to short. Might as well give it to the Scout. So, overall... 8.8 loadout score.

"Strike one, G," I whispered.

Hussein: Right, next is Patricia. I'm not meaning to turn you down, but I think the Stinger is a little bit to overkill for desert battles. The launcher itself is heavy, about 15 kilograms and that could affect your Supports movement speed entirely. And just two spare warheads in supply that weighs three kilos EACH, I think it's not practical for this situation. I mean... We're talking about wiping out just an infantry of terrorist! Not shooting down an airborne F-22 Raptor. Not to mention the cost of the launcher itself, the agency's annual budget is only $78 million. We can't afford many of those Stingers. So anyway, that's all I have to say, the loadouts of other classes are absolutely perfect which saves you some marks... 7.7 for loadout. (Audience applauds) I'm sorry, but that's all I can give.

"Hard strike two for you...you're out," he whispered back. I only rolled my eyes in response.

Hussein: Lily... You've done quite a good job on the loadout of the Scout. Combining the compactness of the FN SCAR PDW and attached a 12x zoom scope to it... Who knew the Scout could be a second marksman? And I think that deserves some marks. Secondly, the RPG-7D3 on the Support is an ideal choice for a rocket launcher packed with 4 extra warheads... Light, short, therefore easy to carry... I'm not saying that it's the best launcher, I'm just saying that it's a good choice you've made. The others are pretty fine... 9.1 loadout score for you. (Audience applauds) Last but not least, Julie. Your choice of sniper rifle was precise! The Barrett XM109 is long-ranged, accurate, has mediocre weight to be carried around... Plus, you don't even need to be mobile that much because...you're a sniper! The Assault's was the boss...equipping an M203 grenade launcher with the M4... Your Scout's was acceptional, the H&K UMP45 is accurate, heavy caliber, and with that high-capacity 50-round extended magazine, it can pack a strong punch. The Support is also good, an M60 LMG with an ACOG scope, 200 rounds, and a heat-resistant carbon fiber barrel! Who knew? And finally, the AT4 launcher is a good choice. You implemented a target-locking system into the sights which programs the warhead, also its spare warhead count is plentiful... And I think it's the best launcher tonight.

"Strike three, Geronimo. You both are out!" Thea whispered to us loudly.

I got a say, you are really good at this despite being a newbie. Your score is 9.0 for loadout, you're tied up with Charlene. Congrats. (Audience applauds)

Thea: Thank you, Agent Hussein. Mrs Schwartz, your comment? (Cuts to Schwartz)

Schwartz: Alright... Now, Charlene, I think I just have one word to describe your design. Absolutely SUPERFLUOUS! (Crowd applauds) That desert tan on that camo is exactly the same as the color of the sand, nicely done... And I'd also like to talk about those vests...

A few critiques given by Schwartz and Bordelon in 15 minutes later, it was time for Hussein to announce the overall score of the competitors for Desert Night.

Hussein: Alright, time to get down to business. Lily, your designs were beautiful, stylish, and in this same time, it made the girls look furious and battle ready...your combat technology was mesmerizing, and your loadouts were carefully selected. Congratulations, we give you 9.0 overall. (Audience applauds, camera cuts to Lily who shook her fist in victory) (Cuts back to Hussein) Melanie, what we could say is that your loadout was practical, it was a good save that the thermal LCD scope could be used during night battles...excellent survival probability with the helmets, pure good looks with clothing and they camouflage well... I think that's all there is to say. 9.0 overall, you're tied up with Lily. (Applause by audience, camera cuts to Melanie saying her thanks) (Cuts back to Hussein) Patricia, your launcher was the only flaw in your design. The rest of your loadout was greatly chosen, combat tech and protection level impressive, and the combat clothing is somewhat attractive. But...what to do, I already have a girlfriend. (Audience chuckles) Congrats, you just acquired an agreeable 8.5 overall, you're in the safe zone. (Camera cuts to Patricia, crying years of joy) (Cuts back to Hussein) Natalia, your designs were good-looking, practical, and compatible with the current combat situation. Should have gave that Milkor MGL to the Scout though... But, you've done quite well tonight. Therefore, 9.1 for you. Well done. (Cuts to Natalia nodding slightly in agreement) (Cuts back to Hussein) Julie and Charlene... Tisk, tisk, tisk... you both have the best designs for tonight, but with one better than the other. Charlene, your designs were complete, everything was compatible with the situation of combat, clothing was in theme, technology applied was useful... Protection level was as high as ever for an infantry unit, and technology was surprising. I have the same to comment to Julie, but she had the specs from yesterday which could be useful during sandstorms. (Suspense music starts playing) ...The decision was hard to make, but it has been decided. The winner of the tonight will be mentioned first, which in default makes the unmentioned the runner-up. The winner for tonight is...(music intensifies)... Job greatly done, Charlene! You are the winner for tonight with a score of 9.6! (Audience applauds, victory music plays, camera cuts to Charlene on stage taking a short bow)...and Julie in second with a 9.5, congratulations to you all...(contestants on stage give each other a friendly hug)

(Camera cuts to) Thea: There you have it, ladies and gents! Our first place winner for Night Two.

Geronimo: Congratulations our contestant, Charlene for being tonight's round winner.

Me: (Looks back at stage)

Thea: Danny, what're you looking at?

Me: I wish I was up there, celebrating...

Geronimo: With them?

Me: Yeah, they all look so happy - wait...(looks at Geronimo) you're not getting a different kinda thought, are you? (Audience giggles)

Geronimo: Well, anyway, we've reached the end of tonight's event. In case you've missed the whole broadcast, we have a recap uploaded at our website, link is at the bottom of your TV screens, right now. (Link flashes)

Thea: With everything said, for our colleagues, Nicky, Pamela, Violet, Paulina, and Colette, I'm your host, Thea Stilton...

Geronimo: With me, Geronimo Stilton...

Me: Along with me, the special guest host, Danial Arif...

Geronimo: We will see you all in the following night...

Me: But probably without me...

Geronimo: ...for the next camouflage theme. From Paris, France...goodnight.

(Background blurs, music plays, credits roll)

"...aaaannnnddd...CUT! Great job, everyone! That's a wrap, I will see you all tomorrow night," Antoine radioed.

"You to, Antoine. Over and out," Geronimo replied.

I laid two fingers on my right temple to activate my comm. "Alright, Crew. Our job's done for the night. Rendezvous back at the van for to take a half an hour break and coffee," I spoke to everyone of The Crew.

25 minutes later

Basically, the Eiffel Tower was a ghost town as the time ticked on. The only ones there were The Crew, Roux, and a few people from the French broadcasting network. We grabbed a couple of chairs from the booth about half an hour ago, made coffee in the van, and sat and gathered outside to enjoy the hot beverage while chilling in the cold night atmosphere of Paris. We had a guest that joined us; Hussein.

"But I really gotta hand it to ya, if I was at that height...I don't really know what to say that won't humiliate me here," Hussein stated, talking about the stunt. Everyone giggled.

"But seriously though, my mind raced with worried thoughts. I was thinking that the zip line or the cables attached to my harness would snap, the motors on the motorized zip line would burn in the middle of my decent... To be honest, it was scary, " I told.

"But you handled it," Benjamin added. "Plus, you're a Jedi! Even if the cables snapped, you'd fall on your feet without a single injury."

"Yeah... Must've been an adrenaline rush for you," said Hussein. "If I was me up there, the adrenaline rush would be as much... as the first time I laid my eyes on you, Pam," he flirted. Pam could only blush away.

I recalled the event of our first adventure... The first time all members of The Crew were together in an attempt to run for the hills from The Technologists. "Ah... Great times," I muttered.

"Speaking of time, what time is it?" Geronimo wondered.

Benjamin who was the only one with a watch took a glance at his wrist. "Ten-twenty-six..."

Hussein got off his chair. "Welp, it's getting late. Gotta head back to the hotel."

"Whatcha driving?" Thea asked.

"I rented a DBS... It's parked at Quai Brainly."

"That silver Aston Martin? The one parked in front of our cars?" I interjected.

"Assuming that the limo was yours, yes."

"Have a safe drive then..."

Hussein waved at us and gave Pamela a hug goodbye, then went on his way to his car at the opposite side of the tower. We stayed for a while to close up shop for the night, then climbed into our cars and headed home.


3.1 kilometers away from home

I got some shut eye in the car on the way home. In fact, it seemed like everyone was silently catching Zs except for the drivers who dealt with the typical Paris traffic, Geronimo and Trap. Sonder drove Thea and her students home, while Benjamin and Pandora rode with Trap in my Maserati Quattroporte S.

A few minutes gone with my body in a comfortable sleeping position with the seat folded down, I started to drift away into a deep sleep. I was entering some sort of dream, but it wasn't a pleasant one.

Brief images began flashing as I entered that dream. I could make out the location, a hotel room, no, two different rooms. The dream blacked out, then flashed the images of from what I could see were two of the designers of the competition; Melanie and Charlene, sleeping on their beds with their covers all the way up their necks. The image flickers before blacking out again, then I briefly saw two men, masked, in each room. One of them each had a syringe, and they both injected some kind of liquid drug into the contestants. After a second of blankness, the two women were lifted and carried away to the balcony door, where the men started to climb down from.

The dream, or rather, a vision, ended just there. I woke up in shock, gasping for air, horrified by the vision. Geronimo got worried immediately.

I breathed heavily and panted as my heart started to pump at a faster rate, adrenaline injected into my bloodstream, and a layer of sweat started to coat up my forehead. "Danny? Danny, are you okay? What's wrong?" Geronimo asked in concern. Good thing we were in the middle of a red light.

Still traumatized, I still managed to speak. "Pant...I had...pant... I-I-I had a vision..." I stammered.

"About what?"

"Melanie and Charlene...are in danger. We have to turn back!"

Geronimo activated the comm on his holographic interface. "Trap, we have a Code 3 emergency. We need to get to Hotel Shangri-La ASAP!" he told the cousin, turning on the lights and sirens.

"What? I didn't get anything on the radio scanners," he pointed out.

"Just do it!" Geronimo proceeded by turning on Terra's Sport Mode, shifted into first and slammed on the gas, unleashing 1000 horsepower from the bi-turbo V8 as he pulled an instant u-turn, nearly missing an oncoming car. Trap did the same after Geronimo and I passed him and went on our way to the hotel.

I left a message to Sonder on the way. "Sonder, make sure you get the girls straight home. If they ask when you drop them off, tell the I had a vision and had to check something out."


Hotel Shangri-La

2245 hours

We arrived at the hotel in a matter of minutes, stopping with a short tire squeal. With guns strapped to our thighs and Interpol badges supplied by our cars, we hurried through the lobby and straight towards the reception and check-in counter.

"Welcome to Hotel Shangri-La, how may I help you?" The female French receptionist greeted.

All of us flashed our badges at her. "Quick, we need the suites of Melanie Johnson and Charlene Evans, it's an emergency," Geronimo began.

The woman promptly type their names on the keyboard and pressed enter. "Melanie Johnson is in suite 2334 and Charlene Evans in suite 2336. Both suites are in the fourth floor."

"Great. Can I have the building's schematics?"

"I'm sorry, I can't access the schematics. But we have a map-"

"No need, I've downloaded the schematics. It's all in the chip," I interrupted.

"Good job, Danny," Geronimo praised. We started to head to the elevators. "Merci, mademoiselle!"

We climbed into an empty elevator nearby the check-in desk, punched the button to the fourth floor, waited the doors to close, then ascended to our destination.

"Dan, what was the vision about?" Benjamin squeaked.

I took a deep breath. "Brief images, flashing in my eyesight. It was dark. Two separate locations, Charlene's suite and Melanie's suite. They were both sleeping. Then two men, in each suite, masked, they injected some drug from a syringe into both women's bloodstream. They were knocked out, then the men took the women away."

The whole group went silent. "We're talking about a kidnapping," Trap said, which is quite odd because he actually made sense.

"We have to check if they're still there before we take any action," Geronimo proposed.

We arrived at the fourth floor. As the elevator doors slid open, Geronimo lead the way as we jogged the hallways to get to the suites. "How much further, Danny?" Geronimo said.

"Further down, at the other side of the building," I answered, checking the schematics in the HUD.

We veered right at the edge at the edge of the floor, and sprinted at the straight while not making a sound as the red velvet carpet suppressed our foot and pawsteps. We scanned the doors, looking for the numbers mentioned. 2319, 2320, 2321, 2322... We were close.

By the time we got to 2326, my vision flashed with the images I saw in the vision. Each time, my head was attacked with throbbing headaches, though I fought it and continued running for it.

Then it got frequent. That was the sign that we were close to the endangered. As the headache struck, the more painful it became. At one level, until I uttered out a grunt that was audible to Geronimo's ears.

"Danny...!" he said, turning back towards me.

"I'm fine...pant...keep going!" I told, denying that my condition was not okay.

2328, 2329... That was it. By the time my foot was set near 2331, my limit was in reach, I couldn't take it anymore. The headache throbs were so frequent, and it hurt really bad. I collapsed to the soft, carpeted ground at running speed on my right upper arm, in front of the two mouselings, dragged on the carpet by the back for a few meters by inertia.

I blacked out for a second, having my eyes closed. They cried out my name, and stopped to aid me.

I was surrounded by my friend and family, all of them repeatedly asking if I was fine and calling my name. I was panting, sweating lightly, and felt weakened. My ears ringed, the flashes were gone, but the headache still remained.

I managed to open my eyes very narrowly, seeing all of them bending down to check on me. The ringing slowly went away, enough for me to able to make out what they were trying to say in sunken voices. I ignored answering, but told them; "Go check on them...they're in danger..."

"But are you okay?" said Geronimo.

"Pandora and I'll stay to help him," Benjamin suggested. "You and Uncle Trap go check on Melanie and Charlene."

I saw both nod, and left us three behind. Benjamin grabbed both undersides of my arm, dragging me to the side and set me to a sitting position against the wall.

Meanwhile, Geronimo and Trap knocked on Charlene and Melanie's door respectively. "Melanie Johnson! This is Interpol Special Agent Geronimo Stilton, if you're in there, would you please be kind enough to answer the door?" said Geronimo, being well-mannered like he always is.

"Charlene Evans! Special Agent Trap Stilton from Interpol, I need you to answer the door for me so I can know you're in there," Trap demanded.

Not a few moments late, they both answered. "Yes, I'm in here. What seems to be the trouble, Agent Stilton?" Melanie began.

"Oh, thank Gouda..." Geronimo sighed in relief.

"I'm here. What's going on?" Charlene asked.

After a sigh, Trap replies; "Nothing, it's just that..."

"...our sources told us that you are in possible danger," Geronimo explained.

Melanie repelled. "Danger?"

"Of what?" Charlene wondered.

Trap answered: "The intel and secrets you may know about the FBI..."

"...about the US military make you a vulnerable victim of terrorist kidnappings," Geronimo stated.

"My goodness... That sounds horrible!"

"Meh... I've been there. It was unpleasant," Charlene told.

"I'll consult my supervisory agent for further mesures..." Trap informed.

"I will update the security details on the hotel for your safety," Geronimo assured.

"That's good to know..." Melanie muttered.

"By the way, have you seen anything suspicious during your stay?"

"Not that I know of..."

"Nope," replied Charlene to Trap. "But now that you've mentioned it, I'll be sure to keep on a lookout."

"Great. You didn't come to France alone, did you?"

"As a matter of fact, I did. Why?"

"If that's the case, I advise you to be extra cautious," Geronimo said to Melanie.

"Don't worry, I will," she replied.

"Well... I think that's all. I'm sorry for bothering you and thank you for your time... Goodnight, and take care, Mrs Johnson."

"Goodnight..." Melanie shuts the door.

"I won't worry that much... These bionic legs? They've got knives and hydraulics for power kicks," Charlene boasted.

"Whoa, some legs. Anyway, if that's all, take care, Mrs-"

"I'm divorced."

"...Ms Evans."

"Okay. Goodnight, Agent Stilton," Charlene wished. She closed the door.

The two agents met up back at my location. By then, I was able to get back up on my feet. "How'd it go?" I asked them.

"It was...fine," Geronimo said.

"A little awkward..." Trap answered.

"How's your head?" Geronimo continued.

"A lot better, though minor headaches sustain. What security details are you gonna implement here?"

"Well, undercover Interpol agents are already on patrol duty twenty-four-seven, so I suppose that armed guards with M4 carbines stationed outside their suites should suffice." He took out his iPhone and began dialing a number and placed it on his ear. "If you want to go home first, go ahead. I'll catch up."

"I'm staying," I replied immediately.

"We're staying," said Benjamin and Pandora simultaneously.

"I'm gonna stay," Trap said.

"As you wish..." His callee, the General Secretariat, finally picked up. "Hello, sir. Yes, I know that the broadcast went well, thank you for the compliment. Listen, um...I have a request to make. It regards the safety of the event's contestants. I need four armed agents to guard them-"

"Make that twelve..." I interrupted.

"Make that twelve. Yes, that would be all. Yes...the boy is having visions again. Yes, he's doing - actually recovering from a major disturbance. And he's doing every well, by the way." Yes, the General Secretariat knows my Jedi status. "I will. Affirmative, 30 minutes from the National Central Bureau. Thank you, sir."

Half an hour later, we finally got to go home after the guards arrived at the hotel and stationed themselves at all six contestants' suites. Straight to bed we went, get up early at the next day, we have.