7 The Idiot box

They arrive to the desert. It was really hot and humid, with little to no shade for miles. Barret wipes his head a little, and looks back to Issac and Sandra. "Hmm, I suppose we should have checked the weather earlier. Come on Sandra, we'll get you inside and set you up."

The entrance to the base opened from under the sand, showing a hanger bay for the cruiser to enter, as it automatically landed inside, with the shaft entrance closing behind them. They all step out from the cruiser, following Barret.

"It's like SOOOO hot... like Barry, why are we in a desert? Please like tell me there's air conditioning." Sandra whined.

Issac seemed fine with the hot weather, carrying the suitcases behind them. "(I don't see why they're complaining about the heat so much. It's nice out... man... I hope he knocks off the jerk attitude soon though...)"

"Oh yes, in base we have the entire place cooled down. That would be terrible if we just had tents outside. We're nearly there." Barret says, stopping by a door. It opens as cool air blows out hitting them all. Barret cracks a smile stepping ahead.

"That's like fabulous. Ah." Sandra smiled, following after her brother.

Issac kept behind them, shivering briefly from the air as he kept silent. "..."

They reach the reception desk and get Sandra checked in. After, they were walking down a hall to Sandra's new living space. Barret was pointing out different areas they walked by. "That would be where the Cafe is, Issac and myself stay in an upper level, though you should be fine down here." Barret says, approaching a door labeled 'guest living quarters'.

"Like, why can't we share a room, Barry? I mean, like wouldn't it like make sense?" Sandra pouted.

Barret shakes his head. "Though you're visiting, there are protocols that must be met. So this is for the best. You wouldn't want to deal with all the chaos we'd be have to put up with. " Barret says, adding in a laugh.

"For sure. I like need to get my make up fixed like soon." Sandra replied. "I'm totally like melting."

"Well, I'm sure you've got just the stuff in here to fix it for you." Barret says, opening the door.

"(Not sure what's worse, getting ignored, or getting picked on... So much for that...)" Issac groaned a bit.

Inside was a hall, with two door with genders labeled on each. Sandra was left to go in on her own, to the girl's condo area where rooms were fitted with up to six people. She had to get adjusted on her own, leaving Barret and Issac to return to their duties.

"Alright, guess we can head to our room and rest a little. You've earned it. Overall testing score by the way, you got about a fifty percent." Barret says, placing a hand in his pocket.

"A fifty percent? That's like a failing grade." Issac crossed his arms, following Barret into the main hall. "You made me carry all those things, had us walk the longer path, and then acted like a jerk for that?"

"Well, you did complain about carrying my sister there. Failed to ask me for help at the last minute." Barret shakes his head. "I told you, I was grading on everything, my friend." Barret says taking out a stick of gum.

A dark cloud hung over Issac's head, "Dude... you're as hard to please as my parents... You were the one being a douche back there..." Issac mentioned, quietly walking ahead of Barret. "Whatever... Things never change."

"Hm? Hey, I'm kidding around, I'm sorry..." Barret says, putting a hand on Issac's shoulder. "If it helps you however. I am still considering you and her. I'm an older brother so... I may come off a bit harsh. I'm sorry again Issac, I don't want to make you feel worthless."

Issac shoved Barret's hand off his shoulder, "Don't apologize to me, apologize to Sandra." Issac didn't even bother glancing back to Barret. "I'm used to being treated like trash, but you can't treat her that way. (None of this matters anyway, he's already got his mind set. Doubt things would work out anyway... nothing ever does...)"

"To Sandra for what?" Barret says, rubbing his head. "I play with her a lot that way. She's tough as nails, believe it or not, Issac. You get an extra forty points, caring about her feelings is top priority on my list of things."

"Points or no points man, you made her walk all that way. I could care less about you punishing me that way, but not to a girl. Especially your own sister. I carried her things, because that's what guys are supposed to do. You made us go the long way, not me." Issac said, glancing back to Barret. "Forget it..." Issac turned off from the older boy.

"You just might win her after all." Barret says, laughing to himself.

"Dude, do I need to spell it out for you? You're the reason Sandra's feet were hurting in the first place. You waited until the last minute to help her. You may be testing me, but honestly, if it came down to it. You wouldn't be able to get a girl, not with how you treated your sister." Issac stated.

Barret nods, "Are you quite done venting? I get where your coming from, but my earlier statements still stands, Issac. I've already told you my point about Sandra as well, but you're proving to me even more how well you'll be with her. I won't have to worry."

Issac kept his eyes averted, "I'm not sure if you're being a douche, or if you're actually serious right now... You can't act like a friend, and a bully at the same time. It doesn't work like that.... so make up your mind. Either way. I still think you need to go tell her that you're sorry. (No sense getting close to people... they're always so two faced... I hate it...)"

Barret sighs to himself. "Fine,fine if you're going to keep hounding me about it." Barret says turning away from Issac. "I guess I'll see you back in the room."

Before anything else occurred, an intercom clicked on. "Barret and Issac. Report to Director Xiao's office. Immediately." Spoke Cravic's voice.

Issac glanced up, "Some timing. (So much for that idea...)"

"I suppose more pressing matters have come up. Come along Issac." Barret says turning, to head to Xiao's office.

Issac sighed, "Right. (It never ends...)"

The two made their way over, entering upon arrival. Xiao was sitting at her desk.

"Took you two long enough. We've got a lead on the next potential kidnapping. Sit." Xiao instructed.

Issac sits down begrudgingly, with Barret taking a seat beside him in front of Xiao's desk.

"It appears an outside informant, perhaps the same as the last one, forwarded us some interesting feed. We're still unsure to whom they are, but we have more imperative matters to think about with this present situation." Xiao explained.

She turned on a video feed, from the Bryce Geist show from earlier that morning.

"We have reasons to believe, the television host, Bryce Geist, may be in danger with Kaos. Not only is he spreading potential propaganda, but with his recent guest, a so-called 'former' employee of said corporation." Xiao went on. A frame froze over Nyeyomi. "This girl, according to speculation, is in fact an active worker of Kaos. I know this may come off preposterous."

"(All the hot ones always have a bad side. I know that all too well... I bet Xiao's onto something with this.)" Issac crossed his arms.

Barret ponders to himself. "A Kaos worker, after Bryce, that would cause quite a stir. What would the initial plan detail?"

"For the mission, the two of you will be going to have a private conference with the man. The goal is to get him to stay off air, until we can get Kaos taken care of. Any further questions?" Xiao explained, looking to the guys.

"Question. What if he refuses? I watch all his show's episodes. I don't think he'd agree to those terms. He's too proud." Issac spoke up. "Trust me. This isn't going to go over well."

"Erm..." Xiao hesitated, "I haven't planned for that. Perhaps offer better security." Xiao pondered, adjusting her glasses.

"That could work, though I find I'm pretty good when it comes to persuasion." Barret states proudly, "Issac can put on a good act himself. I think keeping him off the air shouldn't be too hard."

"Don't get too overconfident now. Remember the previous mission. I would be sending Creed again, but he doesn't wish to... 'babysit'. I suppose less people will be better, we don't need to draw too much attention. It will already be challenging with how well known Bryce is." Xiao mentioned.

Barret nods, "Without Creed, we'll have a much better chance at fixing things correctly. You can count on us, we'll get this mission done." Barret says standing from his seat.

"(Good, I don't want to be around that jerk anyway.)" Issac stood up as well, "We'll see what we can do, but I don't know how well this plan will work."

Xiao rubbed her temple, "Cravic will fill you in on the meeting time, and rendezvous location. Please mind yourselves this time. Dismissed."

The boys left her office, heading to find Cravic.

"Okay Issac, this time we'll do anything necessary to finish this mission. We can't let another person fall under Kaos." Barret says looking ahead.

"This time we don't have Creed getting in our way at least." Issac tugged his glove up. "Still, Bryce isn't going to step down so easily."

Barret nods, "Very true. I suppose we'll go get the information from Cravic and get to work."

They soon arrive at Cravic's workroom. Inside was surveillance camera screens on one of the entire walls, as well as a desk in the corner, were Cravic was on a virtual computer. He glanced over, standing up as he looked to them.

Cravic crossed his arms, "Assuming you're ready, I have the mission details for you two. I've booked a private meeting with Bryce, at his studio building. Take the cruiser, and head over. When you get there, give the secretary at the front desk this." Cravic said, handing Barret a card. "This should get you access."

"How on Terra did you get us a private meet and greet with Bryce anyway?" Issac spoke up.

"Contacts. Don't ask questions, just do the mission." Cravic looked to Issac in annoyance, before glancing to Barret. "If you had convinced my mom, you could have had an extra hand on this mission."

"Oh yes, hmm. Perhaps I should run this by her really quick. Issac? Go wait for me at the exit. I'll be with you shortly." Barret says, turning to go speak with Xiao.

"Um, alright. Don't take too long. This IS Bryce Geist we're seeing here." Issac said, nodding.

Barret nods, as he walked from them. He arrives at Xiao's room . "Ms. Xiao? I had have a question, it's regarding Cravic."

Xiao glanced over from her papers. "Is he giving you grief about the mission now?"

Barret rubs the back of his head. "Well... I had promised I'd talk with you about it. He does seem pretty trained for field work. Though, knowing he's your son, I'm not sure if it would be alright for us to take him on a mission."

"He's trying to get you to convince me now? When will he learn?" Xiao sighed.

"Well, you did want us to bond a little." Barret says, nervously.

"Here in the base yes, not out on life threatening missions. Just because Asuna caved in and gave him a power glove, doesn't mean he can handle REAL battles. He may act tough, but he's not fit for the field." Xiao replied, sternly.

Barret sighs, "Well you are the boss. I suppose I will let him know. He's not going to like it. Though you should give him a chance. He really seems as if he wants to be more than security."

"What he wants, is different then what he can handle. He's going to get hurt, or even hurt others, and I will not abide by that." Xiao insisted. "Get to your mission." She huffed, turning back to her papers.

Barret nods quickly and heads out of the office fast. He later meets up with Issac and Cravic near the exit. "Well...That could have gone over better." Barret says, nervously.

"Figures as much." Cravic said, leaning to the wall.

"I'm sorry about that. We perhaps might be able to work something out in the future. For now however, we need to get to the city. Stay strong Cravic, alright? I promised to get your out of here and I'll keep to my word." Barret says seriously.

"We'll see about that." Cravic replied, walking off.

Issac glanced to Barret. "He's pretty crabby, isn't he?"

"Yes, but come on Issac, chop chop." Barret says heading out the door leading to the cruiser hanger.

"Coming..." Issac pocketed his hands following after Barret. "(I don't get it, why is he so hard on me?)"

They take the cruiser, and arrive New Tech city once again. They head out of the garage.

"Two times here in one day." Issac mentioned, looking around. "Hope you know where Bryce's studio is. I'm so lost."

Barret nods, "It's a couple miles from Serenity Tech. We were close when we were by my house, earlier."

"More exercise, well, we should hurry then." Issac replied. "(I can't catch a freak'n break.)"

They head off to the entertainment district. When they arrive they spot signs of the Bryce Geist Show plastered all over nearby signs. "Well here we are." Barret says, stopping ahead of Issac.

Issac was staring at the signs. "Whoa." He then glanced up to the towering building.

"Well let's see, we need to go to the receptionist and give them the card. Then we can have our little star interview." Barret says, proudly.

"You sound pretty excited about this." Issac mentioned. "Don't tell me you're some celeb fan boy now, too?"

"Well, it is cool meeting a star this way, who wouldn't be? I'm surprised you're not to stoked about this." Barret says, to Issac.

"Trust me, I'm a huge fan of Bryce's show. I'm just not the 'hero worshiping' type..." Issac replied, looking to the front door.

"Oh good plan there, yeah keep your ears sharp, we can learn a lot from him, I think." Barret says, walking ahead of Issac.

They get inside and spot the secretary.

"Hello there, I'm Zobel and this is my friend Ricken. We're here to see Bryce." Barret says, handing the secretary the card.

The secretary looks over the card and enters the information. "Okay, he should be in the last room on the left. Please show this to security, and you should be good to go. Do note, all visitations are recorded." The secretary says, adjusting her glasses.

Barret nods, "Thank you. Come along Ricken." Barret says, walking ahead of Issac.

"Coming." Issac said, following Barret. "(Alias's are so stupid...)"

They get to the room showing the badges, and they enter Bryce's quarters. He was having a talk with a younger boy. He had spiky orange hair just like Bryce, and appeared to be about eleven years old. He was wearing a jacket with a furry hoodie, and board shorts with high tops on.

"You shouldn't worry about your bro. I got this place secured. I know they may not like me talking, but they can't silence the truth." Bryce says, proudly.

"I may be a kid, but I can tell something's not right. Fuck, I mean you're dabbling with dangerous shit, Bryce." The younger boy crossed his arms.

"Oh man where's your filter? But it's okay, Imogen. If Kaos has a problem, they'll have me and the entire fan base to deal with." Bryce says, checking his hair in the mirror, he spots Barret and Issac. Bryce panics, and jumps out of his seat. "A-ARE YOU FROM KAOS!? WHO ARE YOU TWO!? HOW DID YOU GET IN HERE?!"

"(Figures he'd get paranoid... Smooth one dude...)" Issac sighed behind Barret.

Barret laughs, "No no, nothing like that. We have come to talk about some important issues." Barret says, looking to Imogen. "Your little brother, I take it, has a really good grasp on the current situation."

"No shit Sherlock." Imogen rolled his eyes.

Bryce ponders to himself, "Situation?"

"Your dilemma with Kaos happenings, might have put you on their bad list." Issac explained.

"Put me on a list?" Bryce says, nervously.

"Yes, we're here to make sure you stay safe. Recently, another girl was abducted, right in front of us. Bryce, your protest are real. To make matters worse, they know about it." Barret says, seriously.

"W-What? Urgh, I wonder if I should get out of town..." Bryce looks to Imogen. " Then...What can I do? I can't leave my little brother...."

"Again, no shit Sherlock." Imogen looked to Bryce.

"Staying off the air, and keeping a low profile would be a start." Issac mentioned. "(We jsut need him to understand, and we should be golden. Come on Bryce, common sense...)"

"Urgh." Bryce says, holding a hand to his head. "I have to announce this in some way...Tell the world WHY THEY ARE EVIL!"

"(Here we go... I knew this was bound to happen...)" Issac groaned a bit.

Barret panics, "Hey! Wait, that's not smart! You're opening a bad can of worms, they will swarm this studio!"

"I'd rather go down with the people knowing, than waiting for my voice to be silenced." Bryce looks to Imogen. "I know it sounds tough, but I want you to stay with these two, okay?"

"Bro. One, you're crazy. Two, We don't even know who these fucks are. Sure they have some good points, but they could be trouble." Imogen disagreed.

Bryce growls, "IMOGEN! I was sent a good couple of threats, they're not lying...I hid it, but they are coming for me... So far, these two haven't tried anything funny, but...Hmm, I hear you... I want you to leave, run away, and keep out of sight of any cameras."

"You just expect me to abandon you like our father did to us? Not fucking happening!" Imogen exclaimed.

"THIS ISN'T A MATTER OF CHOICE! You HAVE to do this Imogen. I don't want to see you turned into some mindless zombie, walking robot. Do you have any idea of the type of things they stated? They are going to maim me, take out my brain do terrible things... It was so detailed... I-I can't tell you this stuff..." Bryce shot back to Imogen.

"That's EXACTLY why you're being a stupid ass! You need to be safe. I'm not going to stand idly by, and let you get killed. It's hard enough for halfers out there." Imogen looked sharply to Bryce.

Bryce gets up. "Imogen..." Bryce grabs Imogen by his arm, and pulls him to the door and pushes him out. "Go! I MEAN IT IMOGEN! Don't say a word about this! I want to keep you safe, but your too young... You don't understand. "

Imogen looked pissed, but faintly had teary eyes. "NO! This isn't the only option! Don't be so retarded!" Imogen shouted.

Bryce grins letting out some tears. "I want you.. to go home... get some supplies.. and find Malichai." Bryce says, his voice cracking.

"...B-But..." Imogen gritted his teeth.

"Just go... Smile okay? Heh whenever things are bad. Just keep it. I'll catch you soon, okay?" Bryce says, patting Imogen's head.

Imogen hugs his brother, "I don't want to..."

"I know, it's hard for me too..." Bryce sighs, rubbing Imogen's back.

Imogen let's off, sniffling slightly. "I swear, if you get your stupid ass in trouble, I'm going to find a way to fix it."

Bryce laughs, "I count on it. You're smart, you'll figure something out.. Let's really hope it won't come to that though. Go now, and remember you keep smiling, okay?"

Imogen smiled for Bryce, "Alright..." He turned from his brother, wiping his face before heading out the door quickly.

Barret and Issac stood in silence. Bryce turns to them. "Well, we should get to ideas at hand..."

Imogen rushes out the entrance of the building, nearly bumping into a girl. "Sorry, Nari." He said, brushing passed her.

The girl turned to him, "(Hm, wonder what he's in a rush for?) That's fine, take care Imogen, hope everything is okay." Nari says, giggling to herself walking off into the studio.

Back in Bryce's dressing room.

"Well, I suppose now is the time I get ready." Bryce says, confidently.

"(There's no way he's going to listen to us...)" Issac glanced to Barret.

Barret shakes his head. "YOU'RE NOT THINKING! They will take you, and then what?" Barret asked seriously.

"My brother is going to be fine. I want to make sure this world is safe, the only way in doing so is getting word to the surface. Kaos is trying to take over this planet, and there's no way I want my brother ending up a robot." Bryce says, adjusting his clothing.

"Dude, I'm pretty sure he doesn't want you ending up as one either." Issac crossed his arms. "I get you have a big ego, but you're not thinking clearly here."

Bryce sighs to himself, "We've talked it over, how do I look?" Bryce says to them.

Barret curses under his breath. "You need to get a grip! This isn't going to work out! Think about your brother again, really hard. I mean it!"

"I have... But more than his life is at stake here. When Kaos catches me, and my life is placed on the out for all to view... My job would have been done..." Bryce says, looking to the exit of his room.

"Just how is this a good idea?" Issac scoffed. "(If he wants to die so badly, this isn't the way to go out...)"

Barret groans to himself crossing his arms. "Nothing we say will convince you otherwise, will it?"

"My man, when my mind is set on something, It's hard to back down." Bryce says, walking to the door.

Barret growls, "YOU, MY FRIEND, ARE AN IDIOT! HOW CAN YOU JUSTIFY THIS!? You're throwing away everything! Just to call out an organization?! When we can work together to do this, in a way in which you can see your brother again! Live without having to worry about Kaos messing you over."

Bryce places his hand on a wall switch opening the sliding door. "When you live in the spotlight like this, you have to keep so many secrets. Seeing I'm going out with a bang anyway, I should make sure to inform people. I know deep down this could go another way, but my life was always informing others about what they should look out for. Now that it's at my front door, more than ever, do I want to call them out on it."

Barret sighs to himself as Bryce walks out. Issac looks to Barret. "Dude. We gotta go after him. I don't know how to stop him, but we NEED to try."

Barret's eyes become sharp. "You have never been so right Issac."