Chapter 3 - The Box
The next morning...
In his lab, Professor Utonium stood beaming over his creation. The Boys and the Girls ooh-ed and ahh-ed.
"OK, kids, this is how we're going to get you into Bolivia." Professor said. He extended his arm over the metal box that stood before him. "It's a shipping crate. You four will hide in here, and then the retaining shelves will hide you from any outside view. There's another shelf that will go over you."
The box had several air holes drilled in it, each about two inches around and covered from behind with screening. "Let's see if you all fit." Professor said.
Brick, Blossom, Butch, and Buttercup climbed into the box between the walls of retaining shelves.
"Kinda cramped." Butch complained.
"It'll do." Buttercup answered, throwing a fierce look Butch's way.
Professor fit the top shelf above their heads. He closed the lid and locked it shut.
"Now, Buttercup, there's a spring release for the lock on the outside right by your side. Pull the lever and the lock should open." Professor explained.
Buttercup found the lever, pulled it, and the lock sprung open. They pushed the lid open from the inside, top shelf and all.
"Neato, Professor!" Buttercup exclaimed.
Professor Utonium removed the top shelf to keep it from falling on the floor.
"I just wanted to make sure the inside release worked." he said. He refit the top shelf to the lid of the box and secured it, a solemn look crossing his face. He turned without a word, and headed out of the room. The Girls were concerned, but did not approach him in his thoughts. Brick scowled at them, and flew over to the Professor. He landed directly in front of him, blocking his path out of the lab.
"So, what's up?" he asked innocently.
Professor put his hands over his eyes. "I feel like the worst parent on the face of the earth. Not only has one of my girls been kidnapped and I can't do anything about it, but now I'm about to send my other two girls out, alone, to find her!" he stated. He shook his head. "This is madness."
Brick considered the Professor. "Hey, that's the game, right?" He shrugged. "Besides," he pointed to Buttercup and Blossom, "They're the superheroes, right? If they can't handle this, who else can?"
Professor Utonium smiled back. He chuckled, "Yeah, I guess..."
A growling sound filled the room. Brick grabbed his stomach and grimaced.
"What the heck was that?" Professor asked.
Brick grinned, "Just my tummy. I'm hungry!"
Professor instantly regained control. "Oh, I almost forgot! I can't send you four out with empty stomachs! I have to make breakfast, I gotta do the dishes, I have to..."
He wandered upstairs, still babbling. Blossom and Buttercup watched him go.
"OK, I think Professor has gone coo-coo." Buttercup declared.
Blossom giggled. "No, I think he's fine."