Chapter 10

The day was still fairly early. The sun shone it's rays down on all of us. Tobias, Sam and I. We were sitting beside a tree outside our house.

{Pretty cool guys. How did you learn to do that? All that matrix stuff?} Tobias asked.

"Simple." I replied. "Lot's of practice. Don't forget. That was all I did for about three years. I could beat up a black belt when I just started. All I ever got was first place in any tournament I was in. I was a master. Then, I had to give it up due to lack of money."

{Don't you get money for those tournaments?} Tobias asked.

"Nope, just respect. You actually have to pay to enter the tournament." I told him.

{What about you?} Tobias asked Sam.

Sam shrugged his shoulders. "I just kind of learned gradually over time. I taught myself. The internet has many uses. I know plenty other tricks. I can make a bomb out of household chemicals."

{Where did you learn that?}

"Once again, the internet has many uses. It's called 'The Anarchist's Cookbook.' That's where I got most of my recipes. Some I found otherwise or made up."

{You are a deadly guy. I would hate to be your enemy.} Tobias said. {Oh, and by the way, I would personally appreciate it if you guys didn't try to get involved with the mission this Friday. It means a lot to Rachel that she does it. You know that.}

"I know, but there's no harm in doing a bit of reconnaissance beforehand. All I want to do is check things out before we go in. I need to be a part of this war, you know I am a valuable asset to your cause." Sam said. "Did you know that Visser one and Visser three are mortal enemies? Bet you didn't. Did you know of something the yeerks call the council of thirteen?" He looked at us and I shrugged. "Didn't think so. Do you know of any places to enter the yeerk pool?"

"No, and I don't want to either. That place was hell and I never plan on going back again. No matter the cost." I told him.

He raised a finger and shook it in my general direction. "Ah, ah, ahhhhh. That's what you think. Most of the yeerk operations take place in that hell hole. If you want to fight for humanity, you will have to go down there. Get used to it."

{Actually, I do know a few locations.} Tobias said. {What do you think I do when I'm not here? I track down known controllers and see where they enter and where they exit. I don't know the exact locations, but I can tell which building they are in. It's pretty simple.}

"Congratulations. That is pretty smart. I guess we will have to help you out some time. I think that would be great. And a way to occupy our time. Otherwise, we have nothing to do."

"Actually, that sounds like fun. We have nothing better to do." I agreed.

{I know, but I guess there is a risk involved in it. You two could always be caught. But I guess we need the practice in hiding. At least you two do.}

"Sounds like fun. Let's do it!" I said.

{That's Rachel's line.} Tobias said grumpily.

"Oh well. We got's some stuff to do."

{Like what?}

"Scope out a house." Sam said. With that, we all got up and left. Tobias didn't seem too impressed, but there was nothing he could do. We had mad up our mind and we were determined. We walked across town in the daylight. Sam and I had our little shaggy uniforms on. He had his denim, and I had my track suit. It was an interesting scene. Two bums walking downtown with a bird flitting from tree to rooftop to tree.

By the time we had got to the suburbs, I was genuinely tired. It was a long walk from one end of town to the middle, straight on to the other side. It was a big town, and it wasn't like I could morph or take a bus. No money and I needed Sam there too.

"God I hate the suburbs." I heard Sam mutter.

{Oh, come on, I love the unyielding gridiron effect of the suburbs.} I heard Tobias say from above us, not that you could tell that he was above us. Thought speak only measures distance, not direction.

"That is exactly why I hate it. It is the same thing over and over again. No room for individuality." Sam shook his head under the cloak.

I nudged him. "Come on, gotta love the gridlock." He just shook his head again.

{Well, if we are going to disobey Jake, we might as well get it over with.}

I looked up to the sky. In the tree above me I could see Tobias in the higher branches. "Can you look for Fluffer McKitty for us? I want to acquire it. You know, just in case."

Sam looked at me funny. "Why would you want to get yourself in trouble?" He asked.

"Same reason I am fighting here. I want to help. Besides, wasn't it your idea to come here and scope things out?" I asked accusingly.

"Well, Yes and no." He answered. "I wanted to come here and scope out the house itself. I want to see every escape route and access. That is all I care about. I didn't want you to acquire the damn cat."

I dismissed him. "I am just being prepared." I told him.

{I can see him.} Tobias said. {He isn't too far away from you.}

"Can we catch him?" I asked.

{I don't know, he is busy chasing down a rat right now. And from what I understand, this cat is a tomcat.}

"So what?" Sam asked.

{Well, that means it will be very defensive of it's territory and itself.} Tobias explained. {It will be a hard catch.}