TL-468

“Confirmed. You have received a TL-46A Tracking, Calling, and Communication Implant. It has three functions. The first emits a unique radio frequency allowing agents to track your whereabouts. I will test this function.”

An incredible squeal blasted in Jackson’s brain. The pain was similar to that of eating an ice cream cone too fast except, in this case, it was like eating forty pounds of ice cream too fast. Jackson’s head was filled with a teeth-rattling screech and he fell over onto the floor. The kids who were sitting nearby picked up their trays and moved to other seats.

“Adjusting volume,” the voice said as the noise faded. “The TL-46A’s secondary function is as a pager system to alert agents of a crisis. I will test this function.”

Just then, Jackson felt an incredible itch in his nose and he let out a massive sneeze. His nose was running like a river, and he wiped it on his sleeve. He had seen the same thing happen to the nerd herd.

“Secondary function working within parameters,” the computer said. “OK, Braceface—”

“All right, pal, you call me Braceface one more time and I’m going to—”

“Testing.”

Suddenly, Jackson’s nose started to tickle and he sneezed. Then he sneezed again, and again, and again.

“Lastly, the implant allows communication between agents. Testing.”

There was a horrible whine of feedback in his head that caused Jackson to slam his head on his table and hold his hands over his ears.

“Prepare to be delivered,” Benjamin’s voice continued.

“Delivered?”

Just then, the fire alarm rang and the sprinkler system came to life. Cold water poured down, causing panicked kids and staff to rush for the exits. In the chaos, Jackson felt the floor below him disappear, and he plummeted into darkness, landing in an overstuffed chair next to the computer desk in the center of the Playground. Agent Brand was waiting for him.