Kimono Code Read Free Page B

that’s a clue.’
    â€˜You may be right, EJ,’ said A1. ‘Now, we need to get you to Japan to find more clues.’
    â€˜But where in Japan?’ asked EJ.
    â€˜The message was intercepted in Tokyo, so I think we should start there,’ said A1. ‘Agent IJ12 is already in our lab working with Professor TR55, testing another bit of the twig that came with message. They are working with the Japanese scientists and will let you know if they discover anything. We need everyone working on this one, EJ.’
    You don’t quite have everyone, thought EJ, thinking of Hannah.
    â€˜A1,’ started EJ, ‘I thought SHINE needed more agents.’
    â€˜Yes, we are always on the lookout for more clever people,’ said A1.
    â€˜I think you might be missing someone,’ said EJ. ‘There was this writing competition and I was sure…’
    A1 smiled at EJ, but said firmly: ‘EJ, you know I can’t discuss recruitment with you. And, you know, we are very busy with our animal training at the moment. Please change into your spy gear while I prepare your CHARMs.’
    EJ walked to the cubicles at the end of the Operations Room. She changed into the standard SHINE -issue mission gear: long black pants, black top, belt and boots, cap and a backpack. She put on her SHINE CHARM bracelet, left her school uniform on the hook for SHINE to deliver home and walked back to A1. She saw four silver CHARMs set out on the bench: a sushi roll, chopsticks, a woman’s head with hair in a bun, and a chubby, little smiling man.
    â€˜Your bracelet is getting full,’ observed A1. ‘I’ll get the Invention Team to look into that. Now, maps and transport guides have been uploaded to your phone, as well as a new audio translation app,’ explained A1. ‘You also have some Japanese money in your purse and a Japanese rail card that you can use on all trains, including the high-speed Bullet Train.’
    â€˜Right,’ said EJ. ‘And the CHARMs? I hope that is a food CHARM,’ she said, looking at the sushi CHARM. ‘I love sushi!’
    â€˜So does IJ12,’ said A1, smiling. ‘This is her invention, but I’m afraid you can’t eat it. It’s the latest addition to our sci-CHARM range. When you have activated the CHARM, a small rod appears from the sushi, a little like a memory stick. You simply stick the rod into whatever you want to test, and the device takes a sample. You then connect it to your spy-phone and it will transmit the data back to the SHINE laboratories, where IJ12 will be able to work on it for you.’
    â€˜And the sushi part?’ queried EJ.
    â€˜A handy disguise. You will simply look like you’re eating. Now, this next one is also perfect for Japan,’ said A1, picking up the chopstick CHARM. ‘This is a chopstick-cam. You may not be able to use your spy-phone without attracting attention, but with chopstick-cam, you will be able to film without anyone knowing.’
    â€˜And this head?’ asked EJ.
    â€˜It’s a disguise CHARM,’ answered A1. ‘The Japanese all have black hair, so your blonde hair may make you a little conspicuous. You can also change the hair type with this dial here. There are three styles: “standard, straight, long”, “standard, straight, short” and “geisha”.’
    â€˜Geisha?’ asked EJ.
    â€˜Your in-flight briefing will explain—and about Buddhism,’ said A1, passing EJ the CHARM with the chubby, little smiling man. ‘We have some support agents already in Japan. They will contact you if they have any updates.’
    â€˜Thanks, A1,’ said EJ.
    â€˜Memorise this agent identification exchange,’ said A1, passing EJ a piece of paper. ‘And let’s get you moving. The supersonic jet is ready, and I think you will be happy to see your co-pilot.’

 
    EJ climbed aboard the SHINE supersonic