Not Your Villain (Sidekick Squad #2)(37)

“We’re adults; we know what we’re doing,” Collette says.

Samantha nods. “This is an adult mission. You kids should just focus on school. Don’t worry. I’m going let the Council know about the corruption in the League, and we can dismantle this system from the inside.”

Li Hua nods at Jess. “Watch over your little brother. I left extra fire extinguishers in case anything happens. There’s plenty of food in the freezer, and I’ve put more credits in your account if you want to order anything.”

“Mom!” Jess says, shaking.

There are more hugs and goodbyes, and then Nick taps Bells on the shoulder. “Why don’t you help me with these last two coolers, son.”

Bells follows his dad outside. “Looks like you’re doing a lot of Grassroots stuff on the way,” Bells comments.

“Just a little. Might as well, if we head out that way. Plus, fresh vegetables open a lot of doors,” Nick says. “Well?”

“Well, what?” Bells folds his arms crossly. “You want me to say good luck and be careful and all that? Good luck!” He tosses the words out, sharp and biting. “Be careful!”

“How long are you gonna be mad at me?” Nick folds his arms, mirroring Bells.

“Why can’t you leave it to Genevieve and Jess’ parents? Why do you and Ma have to go?” Bells realizes that he’s looking down on his dad; he’s taller, now. A lump rises in his throat.

“Because it’s important,” Nick says, as if it’s as simple as that. “And you know that if you were in our shoes and you had the opportunity to help, you would.

“You’re like me and you have to do something when you see something’s wrong. It’s what makes you a hero, kid.”

“Da-ad,” Bells says, intending a whine, but he can’t help but smile. “Thanks.”

“I’m so proud of you, Bells.” Nick pulls Bells into his arms. “I know you feel terrible about working for the League before you knew they lied about, well, everything, but your heart is in the right place.”

Bells closes his eyes and hugs his father. “Good luck. Be careful.”

“A-ha, my son does care about me.”

“Shut up.”

“Look.” Nick steps back and holds Bells by the shoulders. He squares his jaw. “I know you, Bells. I know even if your mother and I both tell you to stay in Andover and go to school and be a good boy and let us handle it, that you won’t. You’ll either find a way around it or come right after us.”

He’s not wrong. Is it worth it to deny it?

His dad holds him steady. “Be careful. Finish as much schoolwork as you can, and there’s a signed request for independent study at the house. Use it only in case of emergency. You hear me?”

“Of course,” Bells says.

The Smashmobile is packed, except for one last suitcase Ch? carries into the garage.

“Yeah, we really need to go.” Li Hua picks up the luggage and puts it in the trunk.

“Ch? was trying its best,” Jess says, picking up the little robot and clutching it to her chest. “There, there.”

After more hugs and kisses and goodbyes, the Smashmobile flickers as its camouflage activates. The bright colors fade to a mundane teal, and Smasher’s fist logo disappears into the paintwork. The adults wave cheerfully at the teens, and then the car pulls out of the driveway and down the street.

“Okay,” Bells says. “What do you bet that we find Master Mischief before they do?”

*

Later that weekend, after exhausting efforts to find any mention of the Resistance or Master Mischief’s whereabouts on the Net, the newly formed Sidekick Squad hunkers down to form a plan.

“What we should do is list our assets and figure out what we can do to improve as a team. What we can teach each other,” Emma says.

“Great idea!” Brendan says.

Bells laughs. Despite Emma and Brendan butting heads at the first of their team meetings, they’re the ones most enthusiastic about details. Getting started is simple. They put down a few things as they come to mind, and then Emma goes off on a tangent, rattling off her own skills. Brendan takes careful notes, while Bells and Jess give each other knowing glances.

“Oh, and I’m really good at driving. I passed my test with flying colors. The Manual Driving Authority said no one in Andover has ever had higher marks… and I’m brilliant, of course, going to be the first person to get us back on track to go to Mars…”

Bells laughs. “Did you guys ever hear how Emma got detention because Mr. Palm just didn’t understand her theory?”

“No, what?” Brendan pauses his typing.

“Well, it was on space travel in general, and how not pursuing it wasn’t due to the lack of fossil fuels, since most ships used nuclear power,” Emma starts.

Bells grins. He loves it when she gets into science-mode.

“Mostly the essay was about how the United Federation was more focused on bringing us out of the Disasters, and how the general public was scared of nuclear energy, so the space program was seen as huge waste of time.” Emma’s eyes glitter.

This is his favorite part, and he leans forward, resting on his elbows.

“But it wasn’t. I mean, we can’t really afford to go into space right now, but eventually we’ll need to repair satellites or send up more. And lots of technological advances were in the pursuit of space travel, and we use that tech all the time.”