Cats vs. Robots #2 Read online

  Pants, annoyed and distracted, removed a handkerchief from his pocket and wiped imaginary germs off his suit. “You need to realize that you’re in over your head with this,” he said, cross. “You can’t play with the safety of the world. Leave that to the professionals. Like me.”

  “What exactly is your plan?” Javi asked, curious.

  “Can’t tell you,” Pants said, shaking his head. “Top secret, need-to-know only.”

  Min couldn’t help herself. “How can we help if you don’t know what you’re planning?”

  Pants sighed.

  “Fine. I can tell you this. I have arranged a meeting on Earth when the Binars and Felines arrive. Both sides agreed to hold off attacking until after the meeting. Before the fleets arrive, you must finish your work on the engine”—he looked at Mom and Dad—“and build two.”

  “Two?” Mom said.

  “And,” Pants continued, “deliver them both to the meeting. I will tell you the time and place when we are closer to their arrival.”

  Portillo, Mom, and Dad looked at each other, then shook their heads and shrugged. “We’ll do our best.”

  “Do better than your best.” Pants said with a stern look. “And remember, you must follow my instructions to the letter. Two engines. Delivered. On time. Anything less could put you all in danger.”

  “Danger from whom?” Mom asked, arms folded. Min could tell she was mad about being lectured by a smooth-talking fake smiler, and even more angry about anyone threatening her family.

  Pants looked at her with an innocent smile, held out his arms, and shrugged. “Does it matter? Just do your part and everything will be fine. And”—he looked around to emphasize the point—“understand that I will do whatever it takes to keep our country and the world safe.” Pants turned and opened the door to leave. “I’ll be in touch,” he said as he walked out, slamming the door behind him.

  Min sat down on the floor, exhausted. “Whoa. Did I really just sneeze-attack the vice president?”

  “You really did,” Javi said, smiling.

  A smile grew on Min’s face.

  She had stood up to someone to protect something important to her.

  It felt good.

  28

  Pleas with Fleas

  After the excitement, Max sat on the couch with Scout in his lap while everybody around him buzzed with activity.

  Mom, Dad, and Portillo sat in the kitchen and looked through plans for the engine. Min worked on Elmer in the lab. Javi rolled the whiteboard into the living room and stared at it, scratching their head, dry-erase marker in hand.

  “Everybody has something to do but me,” Max said to Javi. “Well, me and Scout,” He gave her a two-handed under-chin scratch as she purred loudly. “I feel useless.”

  “Are you serious?” Javi said. “You’ve been super critical, Max.” Javi pointed at the INSECTAGONS™ action scene, preserved in the corner of the whiteboard, and wrote in capital letters FLEABOTS = MAX. “Because of you, we have a way to slow down, maybe even stop an entire war between two planets!”

  “Maybe,” Max said, looking down. “Maybe not, if we can’t get close enough to SLAYAR and Meow.”

  “Oh!” Max felt the medallion in his pocket buzz. “Incoming!” He ran into the center of the room and set down the glowing pyramid. “Everybody, it’s Pounce!” he shouted.

  The room grew quiet as the medallion vibrated. “Pounce here, can you hear me?”

  “Yes!” Max shouted, but immediately stopped and lowered his voice. “Yes, we hear you, Pounce,” he said at a perfectly normal volume. He turned back to the group with a grin of success.

  “Good,” Pounce said, sounding on edge. “I have Obi and Beeps linked in this conversation. We have new developments to report that require all of our input.”

  “What developments?” Javi asked.

  “Beeps and I were both contacted by someone claiming to be Earth’s leader. Name of Trousers I believe?” Pounce wasn’t too clear on the name. “Some type of human clothing.”

  “You mean Pants? He was just here!” Max said.

  “Also, he’s definitely not the leader of the Earth,” Javi added.

  Obi spoke up. “Stranger still, contact with Beeps was initiated by House.”

  “House House? The AI?” Mom did not look happy at hearing that name. “It’s still involved in this?”

  Portillo sat up. “This means that GloboTech is involved. And Huggs.”

  “I don’t know about them,” Pounce said. “What we know is that Pants spoke with both of our leaders and made some kind of deal with them.”

  “What deal?” Javi asked.

  “They aren’t giving us the details,” Pounce said, “but Pants somehow convinced the leaders to not attack when they arrive at Earth.”

  “That’s good, right?” Min said.

  “Yes, although something seems wrong,” Beeps commented. “Both leaders were told that if they go down to Earth, they would be given the Infinity Engine.”

  “But not the other side?” Javi looked confused.

  “Correct,” Beeps said.

  “What did the Pants man tell you?” Pounce asked.

  “He told us about the meeting,” Mom said, “but wouldn’t say more. He also ordered us to build two engines, which doesn’t make sense if he is only planning on helping one side.”

  “We also don’t know why GloboTech is involved,” Portillo said. “That could be a major complication.”

  Javi was writing notes on the whiteboard as they talked. “Let’s focus on the positives. We know that Meow and SLAYAR are coming to Earth to meet with Pants, rather than flying in guns blazing. That buys us time.”

  Max perked up. “Hey, since they’re coming to Earth, that means we will have a chance to use the robo-fleas, right?”

  “It does,” Dad said. “We don’t know that we’ll be able to get close enough to them, but at least they’ll be on Earth.”

  “We’re bringing the engines to Pants. that might give us an opportunity,” Mom said.

  “We need a way to get to Meow and SLAYAR before they come to Earth.” Max was getting frustrated. “If only we could just fly out there and talk to them on their ships.”

  “Max, you’ve just given me an idea,” Pounce said. “Hold on a moment.” After a pause, he returned. “Max’s suggestion could work. I’m ashamed that I didn’t think of it,” Pounce said. “We have scout ships in the fleet that are fast enough to fly ahead, pick you up, and bring you to the Tasty Treat before we arrive at Earth.”

  “We have fast ships too,” Beeps said, sounding competitive. “Probably faster. Yes, I just checked. We can definitely bring you to the Heavy Metal just as fast.

  “That’s incredible!” Portillo said. “We could meet with them directly, before you arrive at Earth?”

  “No guarantees that they would listen, but yes.”

  Max jumped up. “If they are still being stubborn, we’ll be right there with them. We can use the fleas!”

  “It makes sense.” Dad smiled at Max. “I think you’ve given us a chance to stop the war before it starts.”

  “We are not ready to declare victory yet,” Beeps said. “Convincing SLAYAR will be a challenge. I recommend you bring one of your Earth robots along. It might help him understand that Humans and Robots can cooperate.”

  “Excellent idea,” Pounce said, sounding slightly uncomfortable about complimenting a Binar. “You should bring the two Earth kittens to the Tasty Treat. They might help show Meow that humans care about cats.”

  “Who should we send?” Min asked. “Probably Javi and Portillo, right?”

  “One complication,” Beeps interrupted. “I reviewed the design specifications of our high-speed scout ships and there are some limitations.” Beeps paused. “Unfortunately, the ship won’t be able to accommodate an adult-sized human. Maximum speed would be severely compromised. It would take too long.”

  Javi slumped. “So close.”

  “I’m afraid we have t
he same limitation,” Pounce said. “Adult Furless will be both too large and too heavy for our scout ships.”

  “Now what are we going to do?” Max said. “You’re all too big!”

  Everyone turned to look at Max.

  Then Min.

  Then Max again.

  “Oh no!” Max said, backing up.

  “Oh yes!” Min said, jumping forward.

  “We can’t send our children into space! Can we?” Mom said to Dad.

  “You will be perfectly safe on our ships,” Pounce added. “We haven’t had a safety incident in many lifetimes.”

  “We never have safety incidents,” Beeps boasted.

  “It’s either this or we rely on Pants and Huggs to stop the war,” Portillo said, concerned. “What we’ve seen so far from them does not inspire confidence.”

  “It really is safe?” Dad asked again.

  “Without a doubt,” Pounce said.

  “Safer than anywhere on Earth,” Beeps claimed.

  Mom shook her head, resigned. “If it weren’t to save the world, the answer would be no, but I don’t see another way around it.”

  Max fell to the floor and rolled facedown. “No, no, no,” he muttered.

  “Come on, Max.” Min ran over to sit next to him. “We get to go to space! It will be a-mazing!”

  “I believe in you two,” Javi said. “I can help figure out what to say. We can write up some notes so you don’t have to memorize anything.”

  Max looked up, the color drained from his face. “Are you kidding me? This is worse than school! I have to give a speech? To a mean old cat? During summer vacation?”

  “Max, I can’t think of anyone better with cats,” Mom said. “I’m not happy about it either, but I believe in you.”

  “Same for you, Min,” Dad said. “You understand what makes robots work. Binars can’t be that different. You know how robots think.”

  The twins looked at each other.

  “I guess we’re doing this,” Max said.

  “We can do it, brother,” Min said. “I know we can.” She held out a fist.

  Max sat up, shaking his head. “If you say so,” he said, and reached out his fist for a rare Wengrod-twin fist bump.

  Nobody said they were dorky either.

  29

  Max and Min Go to Space

  Under dark, cloudy skies, a light rain fell as CAR rolled into the empty parking lot of Bayside Elementary School. Max and Min got out, put on their backpacks, and looked around. “It’s weird to be here at night,” Max said.

  Mom, Dad, and Javi followed the twins out of the car, and they all walked to the open grassy field where they had agreed to meet Pounce and Beeps. Mom carried two canisters of robo-fleas, one for the Binars, the other for the Felines. Javi held a kitty carrier with Stu and Scout sleeping inside. Dad carried Elmer.

  At the edge of the field, they gathered. Mom handed the canisters to Max and Min. “Remember, don’t open them unless you’re close.” She gave them each a kiss and hug, sniffing. “I also put a spare sandwich in your bag, in case you get hungry.”

  “Thanks, Mom,” Max said as he hugged her.

  Javi set the kittens down next to Max. “They’re all fed and they just visited the litter box, so they should be good.” Javi took a bag of treats and put it into Max’s backpack with a wink. “Just in case they get hungry, or if you need to bribe any unruly Felines.”

  Dad set Elmer down by Min. “He’s all charged up, kiddo,” he said, and gave her a hug. “You’re going to be great, I know it.”

  Javi handed notecards to Max and Min. “Just say it like we practiced. It’s all there in case you forget. You two are going to crush it!” They pulled the twins in for a group hug. “I’m proud of you.” Javi stood up and wiped away a tear.

  “Everyone stop crying, please,” Min said. “We’ll be fine.” She quickly turned around, pretending to look for Pounce and Beeps as tears gathered in her eyes. “We got this.”

  A light flashed in the clouds, then a second. A crack ripped through the air as the two ships raced downward through the growing rain, and landed side by side in the field. Smoke and steam swirled as the ships opened and extended ramps down to the grass below.

  “Greetings again,” Pounce said, trotting down quickly. “I would love to chat, but we don’t have much time, please come on board now, Max.”

  Beeps rolled forward briskly alongside Pounce. “Yes. Same,” he said. “Come quickly, Human child Min.”

  Max picked up the carrier and followed Pounce up the ramp, bent over, and stepped inside the Feline scout ship. Min followed Beeps and set Elmer down inside the Binar ship. They both turned and waved, looking small and nervous inside the strange craft.

  “Love you!” all three adults shouted at the same time as the ramps retracted and doors slid shut. Seconds later, both ships burst into the air and ripped through the clouds.

  The journey from Earth to the fleet went by quickly for Max, who immediately fell asleep after the ship shuddered through the atmosphere and entered open space. He woke with a heavy thump as the scout ship docked with the Feline flagship, Tasty Treat.

  Max stepped out of the shuttle wide-eyed, any nerves pushed aside by the wonder of being on the Feline flagship. “I can’t believe I’m in a spaceship.” He took out his phone. “Pounce, quick come stand next to me.”

  “What is it?” Pounce went to Max, who held out the phone and took a selfie of the two of them. “I have to show this to my friends.” He looked at his phone and frowned. “Oh. No internet. I guess that makes sense. It’s fine. I’ll show them later.”

  Max checked on Stu and Scout, safe inside the kitty carrier. They looked out nervously and gave tiny chirps and mews. “Hang in there,” Max said.

  Pounce set off cautiously, and Max followed, crouching to avoid hitting his head on the ceiling. “I feel like a giant here. I like it.”

  “Just stay close and quiet, Max.” Pounce peered around a corner, careful to avoid other Felines on board. “You’re not authorized to be here. We need to contact Meow before anyone finds out you’re on the ship.”

  They went ahead in stops and starts but were soon safe inside Pounce’s quarters. “Stay here,” Pounce said. “I’m going to the next room to contact Meow.”

  Max sat down on the floor, suddenly feeling the weight of talking to the ruler of an entire planet. “It’s okay,” he told himself. “Meow is a cat. I’m good with cats.” He checked his backpack for the treats he brought. Check. “Plus”—he leaned to look in the kitty carrier—“I’ve got you two as backup.”

  Mew!

  He checked the “F” canister strapped to the outside of the backpack. “I hope we don’t have to use you, little buddies, but I’m glad you’re here.”

  Max heard a hissing come from the next room. “That doesn’t sound good,” he said. The sounds went from Pounce’s calm voice to angry growls in response, and back again, around and around, until silence fell. Max’s heart started beating harder as Pounce came back looking angry and defeated.

  “The request for an audience with Meow was denied.” Pounce flopped down in frustration. “Meow won’t see you. Not even the kittens would change his mind.”

  Max’s heat sunk to the bottom of his stomach. “But how . . .” He paused, searching for words. “What do we do now? If we can’t get in to see him, we can’t even use the fleas! He can’t just say no, can he?”

  Pounce licked his paws and cleaned his face, trying to think. “I never imagined he would. Curiosity almost always gets the better of Meow. It must be the journey getting to him, I’m not sure.” He got up and started pacing.

  “We need to contact Obi. Perhaps they have had better luck.” Pounce hurried to a medallion set into a nearby table and gave it a tap with his claw. “Pounce here,” he said softly. “Obi, can you hear me?”

  Obi’s voice quickly answered. “Obi here. I’m glad you contacted us.” Obi spoke quickly and sounded strained. “We need to talk.”

&n
bsp; “Hi, Obi!” Max nearly yelled as he rushed closer to the medallion, so excited to finally hear from his old neighbor. “Did those robots hurt you?”

  “TSsssst!” Pounce hissed. “Not so loud, please.”

  “I am quite well, and happy to hear your voice,” Obi said. “Unfortunately, we have a problem on our paws. SLAYAR has denied an audience. We have been shut out.”

  “Oh dear. We had the same result,” Pounce said, dejected.

  “Beeps here.” The Binar’s voice came through the medallion. “I was certain SLAYAR would want to see a human, at the very least to evaluate its strengths and weaknesses, but he would not listen. Stubborn as ever. We’re not getting in.”

  “We should call home and ask what to do,” Min said through the medallion.

  “I agree,” Obi added.

  “Oh yeah, good idea,” Max said.

  “Right, wait just a moment.” Pounce reached out to the medallion in the table and gave it a second, slightly different tap with his claw. “Pounce here, can you hear me? We have an emergency.” He waited for a response, but none came, so he tapped again.

  Max felt his phone vibrate in his pocket. He reached in, confused. “How can I get a call—oh no.” His face turned pale. “Pounce,” he said weakly as he pulled a glowing medallion out of his pocket. “I forgot to leave the medallion at home.” He put his head in his hands, and the medallion clattered to the floor, continuing to vibrate.

  Pounce stared in disbelief.

  Min was furious. “Max, are you serious? You are the biggest flake!”

  “I’m sorry!” Max said, near tears.

  Pounce composed himself and shook his head. “Max, you are barely a few years into your first life. It’s not fair for you to have the weight of the galaxy on your shoulders.” He walked up to Max and gave him a friendly nudge. “Don’t take it too hard, boy. We all make mistakes.”

  “Thanks, Pounce,” Max said, absently scratching him behind his ears.

  Min was not so quick to forgive. “Well, what do we do now? We can’t talk to the leaders. The fleas are useless. Do we just give up and go back?”