Chapter Eight
It was a hot day-the middle of July-but 38 couldn't feel it. Sure, she got some looks wearing her trench coat, but she could care less.
"Master has arranged for the four of us to stay at a mortal hotel as a Base of Operations during this mission. I suggest we go check in." 86 says. The four of them check in. They were posing as two married couples: Once-ler with 38 and Sylvester with 86. Eighty-six had already placed a Bindi on her forhead to give the illusion of marriage. The woman at the front desk greets them cheerfully.
"Welcome to The Hyatt Suites. I'm Kimberly. Can I have your names please?"
"Sylvester McBean, and this is my wife, Meera McBean." He introduces a confused 86. She quickly gets that she is supposed to be Meera and curtseys. Once-ler thinks quick.
"My name's weird. No way I can use it." He clears his throat. "Oliver Struthers and this is my wife Naomi." he motions to 38.
"Isn't it a little warm for such a coat, Mrs. Struthers?"
"I'm cold blooded." Is all she can think to say.
"You four are in two rooms. Mr. and Mrs. McBean, take your key and go to room 2B. Mr. and Mrs. Struthers, take your key and go to room 2C. They're right next to each other. Can't miss 'em.
"Thanks!" The four of them say, waving as they depart for their rooms.
After getting into their rooms, 86 and Sylvester meet in 38 and Once-ler's room.
"So, we've got to get to the bottom of this. Sylvester, you used to make machines that could put stars on birds' bellies and take them off. Surely you know someone in engineering who could make those chips?" Sylvester shakes his head, but Once-ler had an idea.
"A couple years ago, in Thneedville, there was someone who sold air to the people...I had polluted the air so much it was poison to breathe, and he took advantage of that. If anyone would be making artificial Operators, I'd put my money on Aloysius O'Hare."
"Didn't they kick him out of town?" Sylvester asks.
"Wouldn't someone like that be looking for a way back in, and what better than giving someone false immortality?"
"Then it's decided. We go after this O'Hare guy in the morning. You and Sylvester could use some sleep." 38 says.
The following morning, they Blink to a large building an uncertain amount of miles away. The sign reads "O'HARE LABRATORIES".
"I have a bad feeling about this." Sylvester says.
"Why so?" 86 asks him.
"This just seems too easy. Walk in and deal with him. We don't have our weapons. We'll have to go fisticuffs if things go south." Sylvester states. They enter the building together and notice the cameras trained on their every step. A young woman with blond hair sits at a desk. Once-ler strides up to her.
"Ma'am, we need to speak to Aloysius O'Hare."
"I'm sure you do, but he's a busy man. Do you have an appointment?"
"Let them in." Comes a voice over the speaker on her desk. She shrugs and lets the four of them in the office.