Free Einstein's Underpants--And How They Saved the World by Anthony McGowan Page B

angel? That’s a good one. Yes, it’s an angel. The Angel of Death.’
    And again, as he gazed at the shape in the numbers, Alexander felt the cold hand of fear grip his entrails.
    â€˜They are coming. That is their ship.’
    Alexander nodded numbly.
    â€˜Right, now tell me, Alexander, have you begun?’
    â€˜Begun?’
    â€˜Your mission. The fightback.’
    â€˜Well, yes. Today we began – we more than began. I found my heroes, the guys who are going to save the world.’
    â€˜Excellent, excellent. I knew you wouldn’t let me down.’
    â€˜But I’m not sure what exactly we’re supposed to be doing . . .’
    â€˜Then I shall tell you. You must—’
    But then the picture on the laptop beganto break up, and the sound of Otto’s voice was obscured by static.
    â€˜Uncle! Uncle!’ yelled Alexander. But it was too late. The weblink was down. But just before the picture of Otto in his crazy silver mask disappeared, Alexander saw – or thought he saw – another image take its place. It looked like this:

    Twelve million kilometres away, on the intelligence deck of the Borgia ship, a young officer sent in her report:
Elderflower, pork chop, pickled onion, old trainer, rotting octopus, new-mown hay, monkeysick.
    Or: ‘The human has been located. Electronic countermeasures initiated. Recommend the despatch of a surveillance operative with assassination expertise.’

CHAPTER 24
    THE NAMING
    â€˜ THE FREAKS IT is then!’
    It was the very first meeting of the group, and they had spent nearly an hour talking about what they should call themselves. They had gathered together in Melvyn’s garage. It was a good place to meet, as Melvyn’s parents didn’t have a car and the garage was filled up with interesting junk. There was a fridge, a tumble dryer and a washing machine, all quite dead. There were racks of ancient stereo equipment, wires splaying out in all directions like a mad scientist’s hair. There were piles of magazines from decades ago, full of smiling housewives and men smoking cigarettes while playing tennis. There were bicycle wheels. Therewere mousetraps. There was a box of broken and twisted spectacles. There were two sets of false teeth. There was a dartboard on the wall – although, of course, the darts were long lost. Best of all, there were a couple of wobbly chairs, and a sofa that looked like it had been dive-bombed during the Blitz, so everyone had somewhere to sit.
    It also contained a blackboard, in front of which Alexander was standing.
    Various other possible names were chalked on the blackboard. Each had a number beside it.
Name Idea
Votes
The Mighty Warriors of Destiny
1
The Justice Kids
1
JERK (Junior Emergency Rescue Kids)
1
KWRAP (Kids With Really Awesome Powers)
1
FREAK (Federation of Really Awesome Kids)
2
    SUPERSTRONG! SUPERSTRONG! 1
    There was a general groaning from the assembled superheroes, but they couldn’t complain. They had all voted for their own suggestion, except for Melvyn, who had voted for Alexander’s idea, and that was why FREAK had won.
    Just then the garage door screeched open, making everyone jump. Melvyn’s mother appeared, carrying a tray with some glasses. ‘I’ve brought you some lemonade,’ she said, smiling.
    Melvyn hid his face in his hands.
    â€˜Thank you very much,’ said Alexander.
    â€˜I told you not to disturb us, Mum,’ Melvyn said from between his fingers. He had told his mother they were rehearsing a play for school.
    â€˜I just thought . . . Oh, well, I’ll leave this here for you then.’
    Most of the gang were pleased by the arrival of the lemonade, and there was apause while they all sucked on their straws.
    When he thought they’d finished, Alexander cleared his throat loudly. ‘OK, now we’re getting somewhere. But I guess you actually want to know what this is all about, what