LITERARY CRAFT

THE SCARIEST HAUNTED HOUSE    POEM by MAANYA GOEL, 9-F

THE TRIP TO FOREST Story by Anshika Jain 

MISTRESS OF DEATH      Story by Saanvi Jaiswal

OUR BUDDING POETS

A poem by Shubham Sarkar, V-E 

Published in ASSAM TRIBUNE

THE SUNSHINE - MY CONSTANT COMPANION

I wake up in the morning of joy,

And I see outside through the wide window.

Then I look at myself,

And I see something strange.

A path of sunshine crawling into my bedroom,

And flashing upon me –

How beautiful it shines!

When I am in the school,

I see the sunshine holding my hand

I wonder what it is doing!

Again when I study,

I see yellow rays on my notebook.

The bright sunshine arrives

And makes it a golden plate.

Can anyone answer me?

Why does it follow me everywhere?

No one, but me and the sunshine –

Are always together in my life.

It seems to be my constant companion.

Shubham Sarkar,

Class IV E,

DAV Public School,

Sector – 14, Gurgaon

STORIES

FROM THE PRESENT TO THE FUTURE

                                   BY ARYAN ERRY

“In the six thousand years of existence, humanity has made great discoveries, including making contact with extraterrestrial civilisations and creating hybrid species. However, one problem of old continues: Knowing the Origin of the Universe.

“To elaborate further on this topic, we have the assistant director of ISRO- Dr. Aditya Sharma.”

As Aditya heard his name being called out by the announcer, James Taylor, his friend in the NASA, he stood up and walked to the podium to address the audience of the General Humans Conference (GHC) in Puerto Rico. It was held once a year, and the speakers were selected to address the people of Earth and Mars on  the general problems and important information that was required to be known by the general public.

“Imagine that the whole universe that we live in, is merely a point. It is smaller than an atom, smaller than the constituents of the constituents of an atom, and is unimaginably tiny, dense, hot and curved. This point is what the universe was approximately 14 billion years ago, before all our concepts of space and time finally began to seem to be consistent throughout.

It is impossible to imagine such a point in space-time. So, at this point all our physics breaks down. This is called the Big Bang-the point before which nothing is known or can be known. A fraction of a second after the big bang, the universe entered in a state known as inflation. It multiplied in size so much that the temperature reduced to ten billion degrees Celsius, which is a thousand times the temperature of the sun. One second after the big bang, the universe mostly contained all the elementary particles. As the universe expanded, these particles got further and further away from each other.

One hundred seconds after the big bang, the temperature of the universe would now be one billion degrees and the inter-particle forces would start attracting particles to form nuclei of atoms such as hydrogen and helium. After a few hours of the big bang, the production of nuclei of hydrogen, helium and other elements would have stopped and then, there will be nothing happening for the next 150 million years. When the temperature of the universe would have dropped down to to a few thousand degrees, the electrons which were separated from the nuclei of atoms would combine to form atoms. The universe would continue expanding and cooling, but in denser regions the expansion would be slower. This expansion would eventually stop in these dense regions due to gravitational attraction of the matter in these regions and these regions would start collapsing. As they were collapsing, the gravitational pull of matter outside these regions might start rotating, causing the formation of galaxies. As time went on, the hydrogen and helium in these galaxies would form stars, and these stars would have their own planetary systems. About 5 billion years ago, one such star, called Sol, was formed with eight planets and the debris of it’s formation made two rocky belts- an asteroid belt and a Kuiper belt. I am, of course, talking about our own solar system. 5 billion years later, a person called Aditya Sharma would be saying all this to you, and would thank you for listening to him. That time has come, so thanks a lot for listening to me, and I hope you would have understood about how our universe originated and how it behaves. However, I would like to point out that this is merely a theory; it has not been proved. But, most likely, it is the Big Bang that led to the creation of our universe.”

The audience applauded, and Aditya returned to his seat. Once the conference was over, he met James.

“How was it?” asked Aditya.

“Nice,” replied James. “Though you could’ve included a little less technicalities. I think the audience would be leaving with a headache.”

Half an hour later, Aditya boarded the official plane of the ISRO, capable of travelling 17 times faster than the speed of sound. He would’ve reached the ISRO headquarters in Bengaluru, India in 55 minutes, had he not been interrupted just before their flight began. He received a call on his cell phone from Ravi Patel, the director of the ISRO.

“Good, um, evening sir,” said Aditya as he converted Puerto Rican Time to Indian Standard Time.

“Good evening Aditya,” he replied. “Your speech is over, right?”

“Yes sir.”

“Good. Now come to Ladakh, to the site of the Large Indian Radio Telescope.”

“Roger, sir.”

Aditya was confused. He couldn’t think why he would be called to the site of the Radio Telescope.

Soon, Aditya landed in Ladakh. He was met by two subordinate officers, who took him to the Radio Telescope. The plane in which he travelled was an official ISRO craft, so it was allowed to land just a few kilometres away from the Telescope site. Otherwise, commercial airplanes had their nearest airport to the Telescope hundreds of kilometres away.

At the site, Aditya was rushed to the director. He was sitting with the head of the observatory, Amitav Kapoor.

“Aditya!” exclaimed Ravi. “How was your speech?”

Before Aditya could reply, Ravi continued saying, “Guess what? Amitav has discovered a wormhole!”

Aditya’s jaw dropped.

“A wormhole?” stammered Aditya.

“Yes!” shouted Amitav. “Since wormholes have never been seen before, it was a very tough to attempt to discover them. But, a couple of weeks ago, our team here has discovered a gravitational anomaly. As George Stevensonian, the pioneer of quantum gravity physics, predicted 2876 years ago that wormholes exist, and that they are just like underpasses. On a normal road, an underpass is constructed where we make a road below the already existing road to reduce our travel time. A wormhole is just the same. In our four dimensional space-time continuum, a wormhole uses another dimension from our three spatial dimensions to allow us to travel long distances in a shorter time. According to Stevensonian’s calculations, a wormhole would be a sphere.”

Aditya was overjoyed and extremely happy. This meant that India had made the first major discovery of the 7th millennium.

“So, who gets to go through the wormhole?”

Ravi shrugged. “I feel that since ISRO discovered the wormhole, it should be Indians who get to explore it first. But, we can’t be sure that the NASA, ESA, Roscosmos, CNSA or JAXA haven’t detected it. So, it is absolutely essential that we hold a press conference to announce this discovery. But, there is also the issue of the stability of the wormhole. Stevensonian predicted two types of wormholes- the Singularity wormhole, which has it’s roots from the 2nd millennium and the Relative wormhole. If it is a Singularity wormhole, then it is very unstable, as it will collapse even on the smallest disturbance. I don’t think it’s a Singularity wormhole, for the Zhang Equation prevents their continued existence for more than two hours, but we have been observing it for over two weeks.It might be a Relative wormhole, formed by a huge negative energy density relative to the vacuum energy, which might have created it. I do hope it is a relative wormhole so that we can travel through it.”

Aditya nodded. He understood the different types of wormholes very well, and wanted their exploration.

“So, when will we hold the press conference?”

          *             *             *             *     

The press conference was held at New Delhi. After Ravi, Amitav and Aditya had returned from Ladakh, Ravi immediately announced to the whole world that they had detected a wormhole approximately three and onesixteenths of a light year away from the Sun. The ISRO was the first to detect this wormhole, and requested all scientists of the Earth to come together in exploration of the wormhole.

This announcement shocked the world. On one hand, while the American, European and Japanese space agencies congratulated India on this discovery, the Russian, the Chinese and even the American White House officials were questioning their space agencies, as to why they had failed to detect the wormhole before the Indians given the resources at their command. Aditya, who was now travelling the world with Amitav, meeting different scientists, wondering how to explore the wormhole, had becoming India’s official spokesperson in this field.

Three weeks later, the top officials of all space agencies of the world met together in Mumbai, India, to discuss who should explore the wormhole and how. Aditya, being the assistant director of ISRO, had many close friends in other space agencies.

“I believe there should be seven members on the crew of the spaceship,” said James Taylor. “One from ISRO, as thanks for them discovering the wormhole, one each from the leading space agencies of the world, namely, NASA, Roscosmos, CNSA, ESA and JAXA, and one from the nations whose cosmological might is still developing. I think that this ought to represent the world quite well, as right now, the chosen crew would be a representative of the Earth, not nations like the United States or India or China.”

This motion was accepted by an absolute majority, with a few changes recommended by the chairman of the Wormhole Exploration Corporation, Ravi. At the end of the first two meetings of the Corporation, the 7 chosen crew members would be one from India, one from China and Japan, one from USA, one from Russia, one from the ESA member nations, one from the United Kingdom’s Royal Astronomy and Aeronautical Division (RAD) and one from Mars’s Martian Space Science Institute (MSSI).

However, Aditya and Amitav had to return soon back to India, as they were the ones in contention for getting the chance to travel aboard the Starship Ulysses, whose construction had already started. The construction of the Ulysses was mainly in the hands of the NASA, who were trying to redeem themselves to their government after failing to locate something as major as the wormhole.

After much deliberation, including interviews with the President and the Prime Minister of India, it was finally Aditya who was chosen to go through the wormhole. Aditya, who had also been the leader of several major Indian space missions such as the one to the Alpha Centauri star system, which was a devoid of life, was much more experienced in interstellar travel than Amitav, who had not gone further than Mars.

The construction of the Starship Ulysses was completed within six months, which was the fastest ever. On 3rd September, 6083, the Starship Ulysses was scheduled to be launched. It had a double propulsion system, using an ion drive and a laser-solar sail to propel the spacecraft to the Kuiper belt. The spacecraft would therefore, be able to generate enough thrust and have a huge initial velocity due to using a Pulsed Fusion Engine for liftoff. The Starship Ulysses was estimated to reach it’s destination in one year and five months. However, MSSI’s Poseidon probe, in orbit around Neptune, had been diverted to examine the wormhole. Using it’s observations, it had been concluded that this wormhole was a Relative Wormhole as it’s gravitational field matched Stevensonian’s calculations. A day before liftoff, Aditya and the entire team of ISRO related to the wormhole went to Cape Canaveral, the launch site.

On the day before liftoff, Aditya was pleased to see that James had been chosen by NASA to traverse the wormhole. The other five crew members were William Maxwell of the United Kingdom, Anton Ivanov of Russia, Ryo Suzuki of Japan, Elsa Andersson of Sweden and Olivia Byrne of Mars. Apart from James, he had met with William, Ryo and Elsa previously on many meetings between their space agencies.

The day of liftoff was finally here. It was scheduled for 8:45 am, and the whole world was watching through the media. At 8:45, when the Starship Ulysses blasted off, the whole world prayed for their mission to succeed.

The coming one year and five months came and went very quickly for the crew members. They had enough stuff onboard for their entertainment, and when they approached the wormhole, they were very excited when they were given the order to decelerate.

It was 27th December when the wormhole was in sight of the crew. They were just three thousand kilometres away from it’s event horizon, which is the point of no return. If somebody crossed the event horizon, they would have no choice but to fall through. Back from Earth and Mars, the space agencies told the crew to proceed into the wormhole.

“Well guys,” said Anton. “Guess we can say goodbye to our civilisation now.”

The next day was the most historic day in the history of existence. The Starship Ulysses fell into wormhole, and while they were about to cross the event horizon, Aditya wondered what would be on the other side of the wormhole.

When they entered it, they saw a whole new view of the universe. They could see all the clusters of galaxies present in the observable as well as of the universe beyond the cosmological horizon. While everyone gazed in awe, Elsa, being a firm believer in the multiverse theory, stated, “These are different universes. You can’t count them, for they are 10⁵⁰⁰ in number.”

But it was impossible to hear Elsa. Since they had crossed the event horizon of the wormhole, they were travelling faster than light, and sound. Therefore, nobody could comment any further. In fact, it was impossible for anybody to even see each other inside the Starship. They could only look outside at the wormhole because of the warped space-time and the humongous distances between them, the edge of the wormhole and the actual position of the objects. In a few minutes according to them, they managed to exit the wormhole. However, this journey was incomprehensible to the human mind, as they experienced many strange things.

Olivia was the first to recover. She said, “So this is another corner of the universe.”

James was next. He removed his seat belt and moved towards another end of the Starship Ulyssesto look outside. “Sure seems like the outer rim of our solar system.”

“Yeah, but it doesn’t have to be our solar system. Millions of star systems have such debris outside their planetary area.”

Aditya finally felt the numbness that had gripped him while in the wormhole loosen up. He sat upright and said, “So what is it? Have we only travelled through space or space-time?”

“No idea,” responded James. “I just hope we find the answer to that question that suits our needs completely.”

Slowly, the rest of he crew was shaken awake. The Starship Ulysseshadseveral telescopes which could observe the sky at different frequencies. Each crew member chose one and explored the universe around them.

“I’m pretty sure we have travelled into the future,” said William. “The position where we are right now is exactly like our solar system, billions and trillions of years into the future. The closest star to us is a white dwarf just three and one-sixteenths of a light year away. The sun was also predicted to become a white dwarf after it’s death. The wormhole was also the same distance away from the sun. Don’t you think that it is too much of a coincidence?”

“There is one thing I feel is necessary to mention,” said Ryo. “Did it ever occur to you the extra dimension the wormhole took us through was a time dimension? It may be possible that this extra time dimension travels hundred thousand years per every one second that our universe’s time travels. In this case, this wormhole is a time machine into the future, and we haven’t moved in space at all. Therefore, we have cracked the mystery of time travel.”

Aditya agreed with Ryo. He looked at James, who was unsure of who was right; Anton, who was now checking the radio telescope, Elsa, who was clearly in disagreement, William, who was smiling, and Olivia, who was looking through the visible light telescope. She suddenly exclaimed. “Whoa! Look through here! A spacecraft is approaching!”

Everyone huddled behind her. True, a spacecraft was approaching the Starship Ulysses, and through the telescope, Olivia was able to see three humanoid creatures. Anton checked the telescope with the x-Ray frequency and said, “Their body structure is so similar to humans that it’s shocking. My colleagues told me that this may be potential clues to the evolved human species. This means we may be in the same universe.”

They waited for the spaceship, but suddenly it disappeared. And almost immediately it reappeared, but closer, and did so many more times.

“They have finally managed a warp drive or the hyperspace drive, which we had declared as science fiction,” said Aditya.

The spaceship was almost upon the Starship Ulysses. It was less than a kilometre away from the Starship when a message was broadcast inside the Starship.

“Foxtrot Dodeca Upsilon here. Unidentified spaceship state origin, destination and cargo, over.”

Elsa said, “What do we do?”

William tried to broadcast a message to the spaceship in the ultrasound frequency. But apparently, they could not read the message.

“UIDS, state origin, destination, and cargo immediately, over.”

But the crew could do nothing but wait. They tried to devise methods to contact them, but failed.

“UIDS, is there a problem in your ship? If so, kindly broadcast the SOS message which you should have done when you first detected us. Respond immediately or we will force our entry into your ship, over.”

Ryo looked happy. “This is good, right? We will get to meet them and explain our jeopardy to them, not knowing which universe we are in. And we have the wormhole as proof.”

They waited for three minutes, and then the doorway of their Starship was blasted open. They were in their spacesuits, so that the vacuum of outer space could not kill them.

The beings looked completely like a human being. The only odd thing was that they were not wearing spacesuits. One of them laughed loudly.

“Spacesuits, is that a joke? Come in, people. You are already under arrest for not responding to an Intergalactic Cosmopolice Officer’s orders, so don’t increase your penalty by not responding to us.”

James said, “Listen, they talk like us, in our language. So we can use the speakers in our ship to communicate with these officers. William, you type a message into the computer and get the speakers to broadcast it. Then they will know our plight.”

The police officers were too impatient. They said, “Put an end to this, you people. If you don’t we’ll render you immobile with our magnetic tasers.”

William continued typing. Soon the speakers announced, “The seven of us are from the year 6084. We are the seven who were chosen to traverse a wormhole which opened up near our solar system back then. The name of our planet was Earth. You both look like our species, so we assume that we have travelled into the future through that wormhole. Can you please verify?”

The police officers looked angry. “Look, enough of your joking. You have already wasted so much of our time. Now take off your spacesuits and quietly come with us to the Spovart Cosmopolice Station.”

William typed, “Is it safe?”

“Of course it is! Look at us!” replied the police officers.

 While everyone was a bit hesitant, William trusted these police officers, and took off his helmet. He immediately died in front of the police officers.

“Alsitar,” said one of the officers. “Their condition is seriously bad.”

Alsitar asked the remaining six, “Is it okay if we throw his body away? I mean, he is redundant now.”

Everyone said yes. This was the most basic instruction each astronaut was given-If your crew member dies, throw him overboard.

“Rawling, throw him away.” While Rawling did so, Alsitar said, “Okay, so you have given me enough proof to show that you six are seriously under evolved. I mean, we started respiring anaerobically hundred million years ago. I just need a bit more proof to be sure that you were the WWs.”

Aditya asked, “What’s WW?”

Alsitar replied, “I can’t tell you until you tell me what type of Stevensonian wormhole you travelled in.”

“Stevensonian?” asked Olivia.

“Just say Singularity or Relative. Judging from your travel inside the wormhole, you should know this. Only few people know this fact now.”

All six shouted at once. “Relative!”

Rawling had returned from disposing William off. “Are they authentic?” he asked.

“Most likely, unless they are criminal cosmophysicists,” replied Alsitar.

“Do you mean astrophysicists?” asked Anton.

“Cosmo, astro, both are synonyms,” replied Rawling. “But the Local Cluster prefers cosmophysicists.”

“What is WW?” asked Aditya.                                           “Wormhole Wanderers,” replied Alsitar. “Since you seven were the first people to venture into a wormhole, you became the best celebrities for 50,000 years, until Enid Brighton managed to generate a singularity wormhole on Mars’s particle accelerator facility. But the wormhole was very unstable. It had a black hole at one end, a white hole at another. The wormhole she created consumed thirteen physicists there. She was given a Martian Medal of Divine Achievement and got it snatched on the same day for her discovery and destruction. Since then, we generally have started using relative wormholes for travel in our universe as well as in the past, depending on the negative energy used to create it. We got this technology from our future generations, who came back in time to inform us that you seven have not appeared anywhere, anytime and most probably have been killed on your voyage. They decided to share the technology of making wormholes at will as they learnt it from the future as well. But something is strange, since they said that they didn’t appear in their universe at all. But you have now.”

James grinned and said, “Probably a lesson for you all not to meddle with time.”

“Well, maybe,” replied Rawling.

“I have a question,” asked Ryo. “How are you the police if you know so much about wormhole physics?”

“We are not just the police. We are the Cosmopolice. We are the police in matters of cosmology, or astronomy to you folks. We manage all the spaceships, and since they use the Wormhole drive, we need to know about the wormholes in quite detail.

“Now, we’re going to the Spovart system. Since we are on patrol, we don’t have enough negative energy to create a relative wormhole to travel to Vogak, the capital of the Local Galactic Cluster. From Spovart, we will generate a wormhole and will go and meet the governor. But remember, never leave your spacesuits. We all do not need oxygen-but you do. So, take care.”

     *             *             *             *       

They reached Vogak in ten minutes according to Aditya’s watch. He, like James, Anton, Elsa, Ryo and Olivia, was shocked when he found out that negative energy has been discovered and harnessed by people. Negative energy was supposed to be theoretical. But here they were, where creating wormholes was child’s play.

At Vogak, the crew of the Starship Ulysses-which had been abandoned at Spovart-was given a very warm welcome by the Governor of the Galactic Cluster. They were the first six people to receive the Honorary Award for the welfare of the Galaxy within ten minutes of their arrival.

“So tell us,” asked Aditya. “How big is the universe? Has it slowed down in expansion? Or will it continue expanding forever until the universe freezes out?”

The Governor felt uneasy. “Well, my friends, you have come at the worst possible time. Cosmophysicists in the Queb Galactic Cluster have found conclusive evidence that the universe is ending. They say that the expansion of the universe is not stopping at all, but increasing. The dark energy in the universe, which was detected billions of years ago is the cause. This dark energy has made it such that tomorrow, the world will end. The universe will shrink into a singularity, all matter will be broken and ripped apart and the whole universe will become infinite. There will be nothing left but a singularity. This is all I could understand. I’m not a physics person at all, so I still haven’t fully got it but all I know is that the end of the universe is here as we know it. But, the people can’t find out. If they do, the last day of our lives will be spoilt. All the government officials who know about this have gone on holidays, but not the Governors-they have to ensure peace so that the senior officials can have their fun. Now, is there anything else you want to know?”

Aditya was horrorstruck. “Excuse me, can we have a moment?” said Ryo, and the six of them went to one corner.

“The Big Rip Theory? Is this it?” asked Ryo.

“I think so,” said James. “From what the Governor said, the dark energy is expanding the universe so exponentially that the observable universe is shrinking as the distance to the edge of the observable universe which is moving away at the speed of light from any point moves closer. When the size of the observable universe becomes smaller than any particular structure, no interaction by any of the fundamental forces-Gravity, Electromagnetism, or the Nuclear Forces-can occur between the most remote parts of the structure. Since these interactions become impossible, the whole space-time continuum and everything in it is ripped apart, resulting in a singularity and the end of the universe.”

“That’s right,” said Aditya. “Even though the Governor might not know it, the Universe is in a precarious position, but can be saved.”

“How?” asked Olivia. “Unless we generate a huge amount of anti-dark energy and force all the dark energy of the universe to annihilate itself with the anti dark energy like antimatter does with normal matter. The probability of this happening is less than 0.00000515 %.”

Aditya smiled. “Elsa, I think you would like to tell the solution. How about your inter-universal wormhole?”

Elsa’s face lit up. “You think they can create one of them?”

“Why not? They themselves stated that they use relative wormholes for travel through space and time. This means that a Relative wormhole has two kinds of pathway dimensions- either a space one or a time one. Surely the singularity wormhole will use an inter-universal medium. Stanislav Ivanov, the great Russian singularity physicist, proved that if one could stabilise a singularity wormhole, it should be an inter-universal wormhole.”

Anton nodded. “That’s right. I am well versed with Ivanov’s theory and the math behind it. It is correct. The wormhole that was created by that Martian physicist Brighton was an inter-universal wormhole, as Alsitar explicitly said that it was a singularity wormhole.”

“So should we tell the Governor?” asked James.

“Yes,” said Ryo. “We should ask him to get us in contact with one of the leading physicists of this time. Then, together we can plan a solution for the future of our universe, before we return back to our time.”

So when they returned to the Governor, Olivia said, “Sir, please allow us to get in touch with the top physicists of the universe. We may know a solution to prevent the universe ending, and may be able to save it.”

The Governor told them, “Look, I can’t contact them, but I can send you to the main planet where these physicists work. It’s Iponet, 370 gigaparsecs away, just a little hop for us. A small wormhole will easily take you there”

Seven minutes (according to Aditya) later, they were in Iponet, where the Governor had already found that Frank Dinxdon, the leading physicist of the world, was still here. He took the six to meet Frank.

“Everyone, this is Frank Dinxdon, the smartest person alive in this universe. Frank, these are the Wormhole Wanderers, minus 1. One of them, William Maxwell, died of suffocation in the vacuum of space. It shames me to say that one of the members of the Cosmopolice Force was the cause of his death.”

Frank shook hands with everyone. “So, you have a way to save the universe?”

Anton explained to him the theory of Ivanov, but Frank merely nodded his head. “This theory is true, but don’t you believe that if we evacuate, we are not even sure whether they would survive the trip. You know, Ivanov, Hikaru Zhang, George Stevensonian, Albert Einstein and Stephen Hawking are some of the only few people of the 10 Millennium Years, which is a significant point in history signifying the first 10,000 years of humanity, whose theories were actually accurate, as said by the Future People, people who gave us wormhole technology to help in establishing this intergalactic empire. If you remember, Stevensonian himself stated that Singularity wormholes are very unstable, and cannot be used for travel. If you thought that we would have learnt know to stabilise that wormhole, you are wrong. It is impossible and can never be done. As calculated by Rick Roordan, another famous physicist of old, a singularity wormhole can only be stable if it’s event horizon is very, very, very big. The size he gave is so huge that it would bend space-time so much that even the whole fabric of the universe will get absorbed by the wormhole. This destroys our destination, as two universes would now lay on top of each other. Unless just a singularity lands in that universe where we go to and causes the fabric of that universe to be attracted to the singularity, it would be completely unordered and chaotic.”

Everyone became silent and solemn. “Is there nothing we can try?” asked Ryo.

“Well, no,” replied Frank. “The universe is ending. We cannot stop it indefinitely. If somehow we save the universe, eventually it would die due to heat death of the universe, which would mean the universe will become so cold that no work can be done. So, it is better that it happens today.”

But nobody was ready to accept it. “Look, Frank,” said James. “If we had said that Oh, the universe will end in a 100 billion years. Let’s destroy it now, it has to end anyway, you would not be alive, and would never have been able to create such a galactic empire. So, help us save the universe.”

But Frank was adamant, and finally they decided to leave him.

“Anything I can do for you? Or would you like to go back home?” he said as they were leaving the planet.

Aditya said, “Take us to the Spovart system.”

As everyone looked at him in surprise, Aditya smiled. He trusted only two people in this universe, apart from James, Anton, Ryo, Elsa and Olivia. Perhaps the time had come for those people to work to save their own universe.

As they travelled to Spovart, which took 16 minutes according to Aditya’s watch, he explained to everybody that Alsitar and Rawling were the only ones who could help them. They did not know about the coming Big Rip, but they were the only ones who could help them in creating a Singularity wormhole.

“Look, that Brighton girl’s wormhole was pretty small, but still the scientists who were in it’s even horizon died. So, we just need to create many wormholes of that size, which absorb ten to twenty people each time. We might try creating bigger wormholes, but we don’t know the limit that Dinxdon was talking about. Possibly they might know, and if we are able to save even an eighth of the human population living in the galaxy, at least we can be certain our species will last for twice as long than it was supposed to.”

Apart from Anton, everyone agreed. Anton said, “Let’s leave these people to their fate. Why don’t we just return to our own universe?” But he agreed to help anyway.

In Spovart, the six waited for Alsitar and Rawling. When they returned from their patrol, the two were surprised to see them back.

“Whoa!” said Rawling. “We were not expecting you to return here. What brings you here?”

“Rawling, Alsitar, can you help us? This is a matter of life and death of the universe.”” asked Elsa.

And so Alsitar and Rawling got to know about the oncoming end of the universe. They were very scared.

“What will we do now?” asked Alsitar. “Can anything be done?”

Olivia told them about their plan to transport the people to another universe using a singularity wormhole.

“So we need you to tell us, how did Enid Brighton create a singularity wormhole?” asked Ryo.

Alsitar told explained to them, how she, while trying to generate gravitational waves, ended up doing the converse- she, trying to create two microscopic black holes merging, created a singularity merger, which caused the gravitational field of both black holes to be multiplied exponentially. Hence, the physicists near the black hole got sucked in and expelled through a white hole in another corner of another universe.

While Alsitar was explaining this phenomenon to the six, Rawling recreated the experiment. When the explanation was over, Alsitar asked, “Are you done, Rawling?”

Rawling replied, “In another ten minutes, the first wormhole will be created.”

Aditya knew what to do now. “James, Olivia and Ryo- go with Alsitar and ask everyone in Spovart and near it to come here. We will transport them to another universe. Meanwhile I, Anton, Elsa and Rawling will create more wormholes.”

In seven minutes Ryo returned with about 50, 000 people. “This is the complete population of Spovart,” he said. “James, Olivia and Alsitar are coming with people of nearby start systems.”

Ryo joined the four in making the wormholes. This was a very easy task. When the first wormhole came into existence, Rawling and Aditya ensured that nobody was near the event horizon.

“Now, are you sure you want to save humanity and your lives?” they asked. Those who said yes (49, 978 did), were permitted to sit in a spacecraft and jump beyond the event horizon. They were instructed to find a habitable planet and settle there, and wait for more people to join them. If nobody else joined them, they were to continue developing like normal civilisations, and when they had the resources to travel the length and breadth of the universe, they were to find the other survivors and re-establish the inter-galactic empire.

They solved the problem of ensuring that the wormhole they created entered into the same universe each time. This was solved by Rawling and Alsitar, who used a theorem which they called the “Jaff Archer” theorem to calculate the amount of negative energy that would be required to stabilise the two miniature black holes.

Every other wormhole that they created, they increased the size of the wormhole. This created a bigger event horizon, and eventually as more people entered wormholes, the event horizon became as big as the circumference of the planet Spovart.

It took about 8 hours according to Aditya, but around one whole quadrant of the galaxy had been transported to another universe. Now, only six hours were left and just one group of humans was left to be transported, with them being Rawling and Alsitar. They had become as somewhat leaders of the future human civilisation in another universe, and both thanked the six on helping them save their lives as well as their species.

“So, now you will go back to the past?” asked Alsitar.

“No,” replied Elsa. “We have realised that why the future beings could not tell you that we had survived. Only the ones going into the new universe, the Governor and Frank Dinxdon know that we survived, and now that the universe is ending, it seems impossible for them to send a message to the past that we survived the wormhole journey. Therefore, in order not to create a paradox, we are going to witness the end of the universe.” This was a collective decision, and the whole team had made this decision for the greater good.

“Alright,” said Rawling. “Goodbye.”

As Alsitar and Rawling entered their spaceship, James created the wormhole. They were now 360,000 light years away from the wormhole creator, and using a relative wormhole, broadcast instructions to the creator. They had expected the radius of the event horizon to be 345,000 light years. But when the wormhole was created this time, it had crossed the limit that Dinxdon was talking about. According to the Jaff Archer theorem, the negative energy used to stabilise this wormhole was directly proportional to the mass of the wormhole and a few other things. But, since the mass of the wormhole was very high, the negative energy was also very high. Rick Roordan’s formula stated that the more the negative energy used to stabilise the wormhole, the bigger the event horizon of the wormhole and the event horizon crossed the universal limit and the universe could not resist the pull of this singularity.

The gravitational force of the singularity had become infinitely higher than infinite, causing the entire fabric of space-time to be ruptured and contracted. Everyone felt it instantaneously; the gravity was so strong that it travelled millions of quintillions of light years within one milli-milli-milli-milli-millisecond. Slowly, everyone entered the wormhole, and due to a whole universe being inside a wormhole, the wormhole itself became unstable, and ejected the whole universe into it’s destination- the universe where all the other human survivors had been sent to. As a result of one universe covering another, the whole universe there was destroyed as well.

But then the Big Rip happened, tearing apart the doomed universe and creating a singularity, the biggest singularity of all time and space. This singularity, being without any limit of an event horizon, attracted the second universe and destroyed that one as well. All that this universe now was a point smaller than the constituents of the constituents of an atom, and was unimaginably hot, dense and curved.

THE TRUE FRIEND’S SECRET

BY ARYAN ERRY 

Being the son of the President, Charlie always was treated like the King of the Universe everywhere- in school, at the shopping mall, even in other countries. This always bugged Charlie. Charlie was very angry when his Dad won the elections for the second time. When Charlie was only six, his father became the president of the United States of America. Then, when Charlie was ten, his father became the President again. Charlie was waiting when the next three years of his father’s term would end and another worthy candidate would replace him.

Charlie loved reading. That was one of the only things he could enjoy alone, without anyone bothering or treating him with respect. A few years ago Charlie included playing video games also in that, but one day he realised that others let him win deliberately.

Charlie had no best friend. He always sat alone at lunchtime, with everyone staring at him from all around. Sometimes, Charlie’s father offered a home tutor, but Charlie liked school, and did not want to leave  school.

Then, one day, Charlie was returning home from school. School was 5 miles away from the White House, and Charlie didn’t want an escort to go home. Charlie heard someone screaming. It was the sound of a man, a grown up man. Charlie decided to investigate. He reached the place where the man was. Charlie saw the man on the roof of his house.

“Save me!” the man shouted. “Please, kid, help!”

Charlie rushed towards the man. A ladder was kept leading from the ground to the roof. Charlie thought it was just luck it was here.

Charlie began to climb. Charlie felt that it was a very high roof, about 6 metres high, way above normal for a one storey house. Charlie finished climbing and pulled the man from the leg.

“I got you,” said Charlie.

Then Charlie applied a huge amount of force to pull the big man down. Finally, the man was very close to the ladder. Charlie went down first, followed by the man.

“Thanks, kid,” said the man. “I’m Brown, Jango, age 33. You?”

“Charlie, age 11,” said Charlie. “You owe me one now, big time.”

“Yeah. I was just fixing the roof, and when I finished I was too far from the ladder and began to fall. Now, what can I do to repay your favour?”

“Nothing. Just let me in your house. I’m a newbie in Washington D.C., and I want any friend, be it a small baby or an almost dead old man. You come in between both.” Charlie lied the middle part, but the rest was completely true.

“Yeah. You going home from school, eh?”

“That’s right. My school is just around the corner.”

“Alright. Well, see you later.”

“Bye Jango.”

“Bye, Charlie.”

The rest of the day passed uneventfully for Charlie. The same normal routine: back from home, eating food, rest, homework, discussing the day with mom and dad, reading, dinner, T.V., sleeping.

The next day at school, Charlie was in the middle of a boring History lesson when a message came for Charlie to come in the reception of the school. Charlie was happy to leave the classroom and surprised, wondering for what had he been called.

“Parcel for you, Mr. Smith,” the peon said.

The parcel for Charlie was a golden amulet, which was small enough to be concealed and attractive enough to be spotted right away. It was beautifully mysterious. Charlie wondered who had sent it. His brain searched for someone who might have- and stopped on Jango. Maybe he had sent it. But Charlie thought it was unlikely.

“Thanks,” Charlie told the peon. “Also, Mr. Johnson, tell mom that I’ll be hanging out with my friend and will come home in the evening. I’ll have food there only.”

After school, Charlie visited Jango. They both talked about several different things, like the infrastructure of the city, which, in comparison to Jango’s previous home is pretty much different, the Major League Baseball and NBA matches, and the President of the United States. Charlie feared that if he told that the President was his father, Jango’ll desert him too, so Charlie hid that fact.

They talked about books too. From The Old Man and the Sea to 1984, Jango had a huge collection of books. Charlie borrowed A Farewell to Arms and Great Expectations from Jango, and promised to return both within a week.

And so, many days followed when Charlie spent time with his first best friend, Jango. And it was the best Charlie ever felt in a long, long time. Now Charlie never felt lonely. Jango agreed with Charlie most of the time about everything. Sometimes, Charlie felt that it would be better if he never returned to his normal life. Jango’s house was the only place Charlie had been pleased since the last 5 years.

But that was not all. Things changed in school, too. Charlie had many more friends now. There was Owen, of Charlie’s class. David, Michael, Luke, Hans, Sam, Chris and Jim. Then there was Carter, the bully of the school. Charlie was glad not to be Carter’s enemy.

Charlie sometimes wondered what had changed. He clearly remembered how Owen, Carter and Luke had approached him at lunchtime. They ate together, and then roamed the school until time for the next class. Then, the next day, along with Owen came David and Michael, Hans and Sam with Luke and Chris and Jim with Carter. They all were part of a huge group now.

Then, one day, while at Jango’s, Charlie mentioned the amulet. After telling Jango how he received the amulet in that parcel at school, he asked, “I wonder what it does, and who sent it.”

Jango replied, “I can’t answer the second part, but I sure recognise the amulet. It’s a good luck amulet, made of complete gold. I was a jeweller before, and remember selling it to a strange man. He paid me $ 330. It was a long time ago. So, has the good luck worked?”

“Sure,” replied Charlie. “Way better than I expected.”

Then, a few weeks later, Jango told Charlie that he was going away for a month. “I’ll be back, I promise,” he had sworn. “You know, you’re not a bad friend at all.”

“Thanks,” said Charlie. “Well, come back soon. You’re one of my only friends.”

Two weeks had passed since Jango’s departure. It was the winter break, and many people had gone for the holidays. Jango’s leave was expected. But Charlie’s father had decided to stay in the city.

Just a week was left for Jango’s return and the school to reopen. Charlie had finished all of the six books he had borrowed from Jango, and had issued a few books from his school library. It was Heroes of Olympus: The Blood of Olympus by Rick Riordan. He was reaching the end part of the story when he heard something.

BANG.

Charlie put the book down, heard for some more noise, and began reading again.

BANG.

Charlie called out, “Dad! What’s that noise?”

BANG.

Now Charlie was really fed up. He stormed out of his room, and began to search for his parents. He could not find them anywhere. They hadn’t gone out, that was sure. Charlie continued searching until he heard another sound.

BANG.

Charlie screamed at the top of his voice, “What the hell is going on?”

He was replied by an unknown person, “This will soon end, boy. Once your dad is gone, you’ll be sent to an orphanage far away from D.C. You’ll be happy there.”

Charlie turned and saw a masked man. He was wearing an air mask with space to speak on his face, with an oxygen tank on his back. He was wearing olive green army uniform, with blue jeans. A strange combination, but there was something more dangerous. He was holding a grenade.

Charlie gulped. “You’re gonna kill my dad, aren’t you?”

The masked man nodded.

“What about my mom?”

“That depends on how she reacts upon seeing us.”

“Me?”

“Same as your mom.”

Charlie thought for half a second. If he had to save his, his mother’s and his father’s lives, he had to act sensibly.

“Great,” said Charlie. “I’m glad you’re here. My dad has made my life hell since he became President. Please kill him.”

“I will. Glad we’re on the same side. I’d hate to increase the death toll from the 35 guards and your dad to your mother and you. Hope your mother also co-operates.”

“Don’t worry. I’ll make her see sense. Now, kill him and leave. I have a novel to complete.”

“Fine. If your mom co-operates, you can live with her somewhere. Or else, the orphanage’s waiting.”

“She’ll co-operate. So, leave me in peace. The Half-Bloods are waiting.”

“Fine.”

Charlie waited for the man to leave. Charlie rushed to his room. No, the novel stayed where it was. But Charlie searched for other things.

First of all, he took his cell phone. He safely concealed it in his pocket. He was wearing normal housedress, pyjamas and a sweatshirt. He also had his amulet. He didn’t want to wear a formal dress.

Next, Charlie found his Springfield Armoury M6 Scout, a perfectly real firearm. Charlie didn’t want the real weapon, but his dad insisted. Charlie now thanked him.

Charlie saw the time. It was noon. Charlie would have difficulty in hiding now. Charlie picked up his cell phone, an iPhone 6s, and dialled 911.

“911 emergency,” the operator said.

“Hello,” said Charlie. “This is the President’s son speaking.”

“Oh, Mr. President’s son!”

“Listen, urgently. Terrorists have come to assassinate my dad at the White House. Please, send a SWAT team here urgently.”

“Sure, right away.”

Charlie put the phone down. He then kept it back in his pocket and looked outside. The terrorist was nowhere to be seen. Charlie stepped out. No one was in sight. With the Springfield Armoury M6 Scout with him, Charlie raced outside and began searching for his mother. Suddenly Charlie heard a noise.

BANG!
Someone has been shot! thought Charlie. Not dad. Not dad. Charlie kept repeating that phrase again and again till he saw one of the terrorists leaving the room. Charlie’s mother was away from home. He waited for the terrorist to leave, and he rushed in. He saw the Cook dead.

Charlie felt sorry for him. How appetising were the meals the Cook used to prepare! But Charlie had no time to worry now. His parents were in danger.

Charlie counted the shots he had heard. 5 of them, and the Cook. That meant the terrorists might have killed the remaining guards using stealth, or the masked terrorist was saying he would have to kill the rest later.

Charlie sneaked up behind the terrorist. At once he heard some footsteps. He ran into the nearest room- which was full of terrorists.

“He’s armed!” one of the terrorists said.

“We’re three and are armed,” another one said. “He’s only one little kid.”

Sighing, Charlie hoped his shooting was good, and he fired the terrorist who was silent at his leg, the hand of another one and the foot of the third one. While Charlie fired at the three, they also replied, firing blind shots. The closest one hit the barrel of the Springfield. Charlie’s arm had started hurting, but he knew he had to keep shooting to save his parents.

“Will you stop firing like fools?” shouted one of the other terrorists.

“It wasn’t just us, it was the kid too!” screamed the one whose leg was bleeding due to the bullet.

“The kid?”

And Charlie came out and shot the one shouting from outside. He was hit on his right shoulder, and the terrorist dropped his gun. It was the same gun as Charlie’s. Charlie refilled his gun using the bullets of the terrorist’s gun, before he knocked out the shouting terrorist who Charlie had just hit. Charlie repeated this with the other three.

“Well, Charlie,” a familiar voice said. “Good shooting.”

Charlie recognised this voice perfectly. “Jango!”

“Right, ho, Charlie,” said Jango. “Unfortunately, I’m afraid we’re not on the same side.”

“What?” Charlie couldn’t believe it. His best friend, Jango Brown, is a terrorist.

“Surprised?” asked Jango. “Well, thanks for wearing the amulet right now. I wouldn’t have been able to find you right away if you had deserted it for now.”

“What do you mean?” wondered Charlie. “What role does the amulet have to play in you being a terrorist?”

“Let me start from the beginning. Remember the first day when you came to help me? It was all a trap. My spies knew that you were desperate for a friend. Your father’s profession made your classmates jealous, and it would’ve been very difficult for you to become friends with them. So, I became your friend. Part A of President Assassination complete.

“Then, the Amulet. The Amulet was sent by me. And no, it wasn’t any good luck amulet. It was a tracking camera cum mike amulet, which told me everything about your father’s plans. So I made a plan to kill him in that fake leave I took of a month. I promised to return. And I never break my promises.  I was forced to continue my friendship with you, but I really began to like you as a friend later on. I’ll be sorry to kill you.”

“Why do you want to kill my dad?” asked Charlie.

“We were hired by someone who I cannot tell. But I can tell you that we’re being paid $ 5,000,000,000 for this assassination. All the dirty work of any country, we’re hired to do all the dirty work of any country. Thefts for $ 500,000,000, assassinations for the cost I just mentioned and spying for $ 500,000. Sometimes our work is more difficult, in which we use bribery, so we ask for more. This assassination, was too easy.

“Well, Charlie, now you have two choices. Either you can come with me and we’ll live happily ever after, or you can die like your already dead dad.”

“What! Dad died?”

“Yes. I shot him in the heart. Just at the right spot. But I didn’t tell anyone about the truth. I wanted to make a quick getaway. A crowd of people leaving would have attracted too much attention. Because, I knew you’ll be calling the SWAT team. I heard your conversation with Max. I knew you won’t be reading Heroes of Olympus while someone kills your family. Luckily for you your mom is away. Now, with me or with your dad in heaven or hell?”

Before Charlie could speak anything, he heard noises.

BANG.

The front door was broken down. A lot of people entered the house. Jango shot Charlie in the hand. “Sorry,” he said. “But you need to faint. By the time you tell anyone about me, I’ll be in some faraway country.”

Charlie shouted, “The criminal’s here! He’s getting away! Here!”

Jango hit Charlie and Charlie fell on the ground. He smiled as the SWAT fighters entered the room and caught Jango. Charlie fainted.

“Dad!” said Charlie. Charlie looked around and saw his father completely alive. “Dad! You survived! But Jango had shot you in the heart!”

“Wait, Charlie,” his father replied. “That wasn’t me. It was my decoy. He was wearing my mask and pretended to be me. I was out with your mother. I was safe all along.”

“Were Jango and his gang caught?”

“Oh, you mean the Nations’ Evil Workers? Yeah, they’re arrested. They’re gonna give the confession tomorrow. You wanna see it?”

“Sure!”

“Great, then we’re going to the prison tomorrow to witness it. I hear he pretended to be your friend, right? Well, I’m sorry. But hey, you’ve other friends too, right? They are your true friends. They’ll always be with you. Now, you rest. We’ve got a big day tomorrow.”

“Yeah.”

The next day, Charlie and the President visited the prison.

“Hello, Mr. President,” the prison officer said. “They’ll confess now.”

“We were hired, but I won’t reveal by whom,” said Jango. “We entered the White House pretending to be visiting Charlie. It was mainly me, and I was allowed in. Then, we shot all of them. It was first planned that we’ll kill Charlie too, but I didn’t want him to die. He had been a good real true friend. Then we went inside. Max met Charlie. We separated. I killed the decoy President. Charlie knocked out Max, James, Samuel and Frank. I met Charlie. I told him how I knew of his plans, the amulet which I had sent him. Then SWAT came. I hit Charlie. He fainted. We were caught. That’s all. The remaining 495 men, they stayed on guard outside. They must’ve escaped when the SWAT team ran into the White House.”

After all he had been through, Charlie decided that Jango was not a good person he had pretended to be. Charlie wondered if he would ever find a true friend like the one Jango pretended to be.

THE BULLETIN BROTHERS # 1 - THE MYSTERY OF THE CLEAN - THIEF GETAWAY

“Wait for me, Jack!” shouted Gary, his elder brother who was racing to Jack at top speed on his bike. “You can’t catch me on my skateboard! I am way to fast for you!” replied Jack, the younger one as he slid down the hill. “Jack, watch out for the electric pole,” warned Gary. “You are heading straight towards it.” “Alright,” said Jack, who had understood a few words only. “Electric, you, straight? Gary, you want to see my straight electric jump? Well, here is it!”

 BAM!!!!! Gary came down on his bike and saw his athletic brother, who was hurt very badly.

Jack had a sprained wrist, and an injured knee. But his skateboard was much worse. “Oh No!” shouted Jack. “My skateboard! It’s broken! My electric jolt skateboard! Gary, you knew I would crash with the pole, so why did you tell me to do my straight electric jump?”

“Jack, because you were racing faster than me, and the distance was large, only a few words reached you, and a few reached me,” replied Gary “I warned you about the electric pole.” So they went to their home, and their mother was shocked to see Jack’s condition. “What have you done to yourself?” asked his mother in shock. “Crashed from a pole,” answered Gary. “He crashed from an electric pole, broke his skateboard, sprained his wrist and injured his knee.” “Gary, immediately take him to the doctor,” ordered his father in a stern voice. “Yes Dad,” replied Gary and hurried at once. Gary and Jack returned in an hour. “The doctor said that I am okay,” told Jack, who looked sad and was in a better condition from last time. “But I am not allowed to skate for a week.” A sudden thought came to Gary. Jack had his birthday right next week.

Gary, the 21-year-old brother was an excellent champion in science, and had done a course in it so that’s why he could give Jack a special gift. Jack, the 18-year-old brother had already decided to be an athlete, as he is extreme in sports and loves to race just like Gary. Both the Bulletin brothers have something same they like, only in a few categories. Their father, Lewis Bulletin, a detective who once belonged to the American army, is good in science, and loves sports. Their mother, Kate Bulletin, a teacher in the San Francisco University High School, who teaches Physics. Their elder sister, Katrina Bulletin, is a lawyer in the city.  She was in her office that time because she was practicing corporate law. Gary’s idea to surprise Jack was.  .  . Sorry, cannot tell you now. Just wait for Jack’s birthday! Gary went to sleep over the following week. He was in William Smith’s house, their best friend. “You’re sure Jack’s not around,” asked William. “120% sure,” replied Gary at once. Finally, It was 20^th November, meaning Jack’s birthday! Gary had carefully packed the gift, tested it and written an instruction booklet. Jack wasn’t a morning person, so it was definite for him to sleep till late. 4 gifts were lying, all packed into one big wrapping paper. When Jack woke up, the gifts were opened in just a minute. Mr. Bulletin gave him a new soccer ball, Mrs. Bulletin gave a video game and Katrina gave him a basketball net. But to Jack, Gary’s gift was the best. “A SUPER-DUPER-SAFE-DANGER-DODGER-TECHSKATEBOARD!!!!!!!!!” shouted Jack, with two more words to say, “FROM GARY!!!!” Jack carefully read the instruction booklet, and a skateboard tutorial from Gary. “Wear this brain-skateboard-nerve-relation-maker-headset. Now, this headset will allow the skateboard to give messages to you, note it only you. If a danger is approaching, this will alarm you, because of your recent accident.” explained Gary, very cautiously. “Your speed will be alerted to you as soon as the speed increases/decreases from any number with a 0. And remember that your headset becomes your helmet.” “Wow!” exclaimed Jack. “This trick is the same as my straight-electric-jump.” Then, after doctor’s permission he tried and practiced the new tricks. Soon it was sunset and Jack went back home. Jack, although liked all gifts, but Gary, who usually gave him books, turned out “extremely surprising”.

It was the beginning of December and it was Gary’s birthday when Jack got into big trouble. He had been skating on his new skateboard and when he neared to the park, where the hedges begin, he fell down! The system didn’t warn him. Jack thought that something was wrong. While he thought that, he saw that the skateboard was stolen! Jack could hardly believe that. Gary would be very angry, thought Jack. And that was to be certain. “HOW COULD YOU LOSE SUCH THING WHICH IS ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO BE MADE AGAIN?” yelled Gary that evening. Jack stood there quieter than a mouse. The whole voice in the house echoed, making everyone to come in the hall. Katrina, who had just come from the office looked at Gary and asked, “What happened? Why are you so angry and Jack so scared? Why are you so angry on your birthday?” Gary responded in a stern voice, “KATRINA, DON’T INTERFERE WHILE OUR TALK IS GOING ON!” Mr. Bulletin called Katrina back and told her the whole story, as the whole house got to know it. Jack answered Gary’s question “It happened automatically. I was skating merrily when I suddenly slipped out of it. It didn’t warn me. But the B.S.N.R.M.H. helmet is with me.” Gary’s temper vanished automatically. “Oh, only if I had added an ABD this day wouldn’t have turned out to be like this. Sorry to shout at you Jack, I was just shocked after I heard this news. Actually, I can make it again,” said Gary. “But first, dad will help us in locating it, because he’s a perfect detective.” Their father nodded at once. “Yes, but tomorrow!” said Mr. Bulletin. Then at the time of dinner, dad told all of them something from the evening newspaper: “CALIFORNIA: VICTIM OF BURGLARS,” Jack’s and Gary’s spoon slipped from their hand and onto the plate. “Los Angeles: The California central prison had been broken and 16 burglars escaped. Most of them were a part of the gang, which was known as Clean-Thieves, as they always escaped without leaving any trace, before they were arrested trying to rob a bank. They were last seen boarding a train to San Francisco at 11:13 am, while few of them were boarding a plane to Boston. The guards stopped the others from escaping.” Jack stood up. “It means that my skateboard was stolen by them! What a pity they can’t use this awesome skateboard!” Everyone laughed. “But this mystery isn’t solved. We must start hunting clues for it,” said Gary. The next day, Mr. Bulletin again read an article: “BURGLARS STEAL, CALIFORNIAN CITIZENS LOSE,” “San Francisco: Burglars start to steal in San Francisco by stealing a car at midnight. The place from where the tire prints begin is House no. 835, Lake Street, San Francisco, which is likely reported to be the famous private detective Mr. Bulletin’s house.” Everyone on the table jumped at once. They soon rushed to the garage. Everyone stood in shock.

A car was stolen! They had three cars, 1 for Katrina, 1 for Mrs. Bulletin and the 3^rd one was if Mr. Bulletin had an emergency and really had no time to waste! Now, how will they do? This was Sunday, so, no school, but on weekdays, what will happen? Something had to be done-really fast. “Listen, now. Jack, come with me to the police station. Kate and Katrina arrange a vehicle for a few days so that everything is okay. Gary, you, all alone made that skateboard, did you?” asked Mr. Bulletin. “Yes dad,” replied Gary. “Well, then make a print tracer. Make it fast and best,” ordered Mr. Bulletin. Gary quickly rushed inside the house and got to work. Mrs. Bulletin and Katrina went in one car while Mr. Bulletin and Jack went in another. Gary was busy examining the tire prints. “Hmm. These look like that they are made by a tow truck,” muttered Gary. “Well, I think I should take them as “evidence”.” He carefully made the same tire prints in the snow hence it had been snowing. Then, he carefully took the evidence and carried it to home. Mrs. Bulletin and Katrina had gone to all neighbors, asking for a car in rent. To their good luck, they had found one, but the rent was too much. Now they only thought of going to the Smith’s. The Smith’s agreed to give their car, on rent, whose price was really low. In the police station, the Bulletins reported two robberies. “Good Morning, Inspector Laden. Our car and my son’s skateboard are stolen. We are trying to locate them, but we would need you and some of your men’s help. Will you please give me some?” asked Mr. Bulletin. “Alright,” said the Inspector. “If the California Central Jail would not have been broken, none of this would have happened.” Suddenly the phone in the police station started ringing. “Hello? Yes this is the San Francisco Police Station. Yes. What! Another robbery! It cannot happen! What is stolen? A TV? Why? Who would steal a skateboard, a car and a TV? This is the worst day ever!” shouted the Inspector, not allowing the caller to speak. “We are coming right away!” continued the Inspector and put the phone down. “What happened?” asked Jack, who was surprised to see the Inspector talking like this. “Another robbery,” answered the Inspector. “Mr. George Jefferson’s TV is stolen. Come on, let’s go.” Then Jack asked, “Dad, I am calling Gary. He might have made a prototype version of the tire print tracer. We may test it. If there are tire prints, then only.” His father instantly replied, “Okay. But also tell him when mom and Katrina return then only he should come.” They soon reached Mr. Jefferson’s house. As soon as Jack got off the car, he noticed two things, tire prints and footprints. He called Gary and asked that if the prototype version was ready. “No, but will be ready till tomorrow,” answered Gary. “It will need one test. The problems would be filled in the next test. The same will continue till there is no mistake.” “Has Katrina and mom arrived?” asked Jack. “Yeah. They arrived at 21 past 10,” replied Gary. Then Jack asked him to come to Mr. George Jefferson, House No. 34 Fulton Street. Then he told Mr. Bulletin what Gary had said, and told him to come and help them investigate. Mr. Bulletin and the Inspector went inside the house, while Jack waited for Gary outside. Gary arrived in 10 minutes, in William Smith’s car. Gary explained how Katrina and mom had bought the car. Then, Jack and Gary entered in the house. “Wow. This house really doesn’t look that something had been stolen here,” whispered Gary quietly to Jack. “Look. There are more than 4 computers here, because we saw 4 on the way. And what was stolen?” “A television,” replied Jack. “That’s why we saw no TV before. It means there was only 1 TV in this big house,” explained Gary as they reached their father. “Dad, where did the robbery take place?” asked Gary taking out a notepad and a pencil. “And can I also look around the house?” Gary and Jack had a dream to solve mysteries. Their father had solved many cases, and they wanted to be like him. Gary had a tour given by Mr. Jefferson and he drew a map of the house. Then he again asked his first question. “Where did the robbery take place?” “In the same room, but 1 floor above,” replied Mr. Jefferson. Jack and Gary came to that room and examined it carefully. This room really looks like something had been stolen, not like the other parts of a house,” said Gary to Jack. “Look Jack! A white colored handprint!” exclaimed Gary. Gary then again carefully took it, but this time by putting a mold around it. “Well, now we have the burglar’s hand print,” said Gary. He took it and told Mr. Bulletin that Jack and him are going home. “This is very interesting. Hey! Gary, thank me!” shouted Jack. “Why?” asked Gary, who was driving the car. “Because if I didn’t brake my skateboard and my birthday wasn’t there, you would not have made this skateboard.” replied Jack. “This is really cool!” “But Jack, if we need to continue to solve mysteries, we must solve this one also!                           

The next morning, Gary did the finishing touches of the prototype version. Then Mr. Bulletin, he and Jack started to test it. “Dad, please make tire prints around somewhere here,” said Gary. “This will help me test it.” Mr. Bulletin sat into the car, rode of a few miles ahead, and returned. Gary then carefully put a big tire shaped mold around the tire print and then a compass jumped up. “It points towards north,” said Gary. “Let’s follow it.” They walked a few miles towards north, and then the compass’s hand turned towards east. “Now let’s turn east,” said Jack, who had understood how the machine worked. Then the compass’s hand again turned east. They turned again. Then it headed straight and then another turn to east. Then they reached the car, which Mr. Bulletin had used to make tire prints. “Okay,” said Gary at last. “I will make it to scan only one piece of tire prints and then it will make us follow. It will be done in 1 or 2 weeks.” “What!” shouted Mr. Jefferson, who was strolling around their street. “This is unacceptable. Totally UNACCEPTABLE!” The furious Mr. Jefferson walked back to his street, muttering something under his breath. “Calm down, George,” Mr. Jefferson told himself. “At least, they will find your TV” Later when the Bulletins were watching TV, they saw that the president was speaking a speech. “The California Central Jail was not broken,” said the president. “It was under a sort of technical problem so that’s why the jail gates were open. William Williamson, Colin Dale, Albert Stale and Steve Frey etc. escaped. Their main target cities are reported to be San Francisco and Boston. These cities are in danger so the army is putting soldiers around each house.” The speech was quite interesting. “We learned a quite of few things from them,” said Jack. “Gary, remember the handprints we found in Mr. Jefferson’s house? Please make one more gadget to scan those snow prints and their all details and to whom does it belong to.” “Okay,” said Gary. “I will certainly start making it up and both of the gadgets would be finished within 2 weeks and 3 days.” Gary got up and went to his room. He returned in about 13 minutes. “I need an ant,” he told. “And a scanner.” “Go,” said his father, handing him the keys. “But come fast.” Gary drove the car and reached the market. He bought a scanner and then went to his garden. He caught an ant and put it in a small container. “I’m home!” said Gary as he entered and gave the keys to his father. Then he rushed back in his room and saw Jack playing video games. “Please turn off the volume, Jack or I won’t be able to make the machines,” told Gary. Jack without saying a word switched the volume off. Then Gary installed a video camera in the ant. Then Gary again went out off the house and brought a dog. Mrs. Bulletin almost fainted on seeing a big Doberman in the house. Gary then made a prototype of the dog’s nose and let the dog go. Then he made a remote on the tire print tracer and left it because it was time for dinner. “It’s almost done. Both the gadgets will be ready in a week,” explained Gary. “The testing will take place on 10 December.” Then, a startling sound, like a person’s shout came. “AAAAOOOOUUUU!!!!!!!!” then the sound of someone running came. “After him!” said Jack and the both brothers ran and brought their vehicles. “Jack, go down that path and counter him face-to-face. I will follow him from behind,” commanded Gary. “Go now, quick!” Jack rushed to the other path and got more speed on his old skateboard. Jack soon sped up and caught the sight of the spy. Then after speeding up more a little bit, he lost sight of him. “Hey Gary,” shouted Jack. “Is he after or before 22 Fulton Street?” “Near 11 Fulton Street!” replied Gary. Then Jack turned, and headed straight towards the Fulton Street bus stop. Then, as soon as he saw the man on his bike, he sped up more quickly, and jumped and... WHAM! The skateboard crashed with the bike, and Jack jumped on the intruder! But then, a shout told Jack to get aside a bit. And BAM! Gary landed on the intruder. Jack, who was standing, then asked him, “Who are you and why did try to spy us?” “I-I am Ro-robin F-Fields,” stammered the intruder. “Mr. Jefferson sent me.” Both the brothers looked at each other. The thought of Mr. George Jefferson sending a spy had shocked the brothers!

“Come on,” said Gary. “To Mr. Jefferson’s house.” Both the brothers were sure that it was the thief, but just to be exactly sure, they were going. The brothers came and knocked at the door. Mr. Jefferson opened and was shocked to see the brothers with Robin. “Robin,” scolded Mr. Jefferson. “I warned you not to let anyone know you were spying. Then, why?” “I am sorry to interrupt between,” interrupted Jack. “But first Mr. Jefferson, is he your servant?” “Yes, yes,” came the instant reply. “I hired him last month only.” The Bulletins said sorry to the servant about the bike. “What!” shouted Mr. Jefferson. “You broke the bike?” “Actually we did that,” spoke Jack. “Because we thought he was the thief.” “We will pay for it,” said Gary, and of the brothers went. “Gary,” said Jack, but then Gary spoke up. “Something is strange about Mr. Jefferson’s servant.” The brothers often complete each other’s sentences, and then laugh out loud. But not this time. The brothers reached home and narrated the story. “Oh,” said Katrina, then did a long yawn. “Bad you suspected someone else as the intruder. But first let’s have a fine sleep everyone.” Then she went upstairs in her room. Then next morning when the brothers were going past the Fulton Street near Mr. Jefferson’s house, a loud shout came. “AAAAAAAAA!!!” The brothers were shocked to see that another robbery took place. “How could that happen? The robbery took place again-in my house!” “Mr. Jefferson,” began Jack but Mr. Jefferson furiously shouted, “JUST INVESTIGATE AND FIND MY TV AND COMPUTER!” The brothers as quite as a mouse called Mr. Bulletin and told him what had happened. “What! I am bringing Inspector Laden also!” Their father arrived and he and the Inspector started noting down what happened. The brothers saw the servant, and started spying on him. He was painting down a car, as they saw and thought of Mr. Jefferson’s automobile service. He maybe works for it. When the investigation was over and the Bulletins were going home, they spotted William Smith, Albert Lew, George Laden and Jimmy Stephenson coming towards their house. “Hey, William, Albert and Jimmy! We are over here!” shouted Jack. Albert and Jimmy had gone to Malaysia with their parents who were on a business trip. “Nice to see you again!” exclaimed Gary. Everyone looked happy, but Jimmy didn’t. “What happened, Jimmy?” asked Gary thinking something was wrong. “His car is stolen with a computer,” whispered Albert. “It’s true that the city is stealing.” “Cities can’t steal, Albert,” said William with a giggle. “Thieves are robbing the residents of this city.” “That is true what you said William, but mine one was like an example only,” replied Albert. “Almost like an example, Albert!” said Jack, and all of them started laughing. “But,” spoke Jimmy. “I need to find them.” “My new skateboard and dad’s car is stolen,” said Jack. “We need to find that also.” Gary had a sudden idea. “What is very, very much valuable? The things which thieves steal!” “But,” said Albert. “Skateboard is not a very, very valuable thing. Why did the thieves steal it?” “It maybe two things,” replied Gary thinking hard. “First, if he/she was a good skateboarder, it would help them as a quick getaway. Second, but for it I would give you an example. Why did I build Jack’s skateboard on my own?” George spoke up, “To give him the best skateboard which is very, very safe!” “Yes, but it’s wrong. There is another reason which I built it for, and it’s the things thieves usually do,” said Gary. “Because skateboards had a price hike! A month earlier, it was $559. Now, it is $969!” said Jimmy. “Correct Jimmy, but it is $1299. It had another hike a week ago. But, you were correct.” said Gary. “Come on, time to report Inspector Laden!” The six friends reached the police station and reported what they had observed. “You all have good observation. By the way, Mr. Jefferson is growing impatient and has sent his servant as a spy on you. Is it okay?” “Yes, we caught him yesterday evening only, sir. Have you got any trace of the thefts?” Jack told Inspector Laden. “No, but soon we must find it. Mr. Bulletin is on the case. You all can help him. If you’re good at sleuthing,” remarked the Inspector. The friends went back to their homes.

The next morning, Mr. Bulletin called his sons. “Listen,” said Mr. Bulletin. “I am taking Tom Meyer and with you, we are going to Los Angeles. We will take the escaped thieves’ description and Gary; bring your scanner, if it is ready. In that way, we may figure out who stole the things-” “And let him extend his prison term!” said Jack, making everyone laugh. They started packing their bags and when their friends heard Jack’s joke, they all couldn’t stop laughing. “Till you are in LA, we will surely keep our eyes open,” said William. “After Albert has a tasty supper!” In late night, Tom Meyer took his passengers overboard and soon they were airborne. “We should reach there by 01: 42,” said Tom and checked with the weather department. “Make it 2 hours later, because a snowstorm’s approaching!” The Bulletins took a look from the window. Dark snow clouds were approaching. Within minutes snowfall started! “If there is not a heavy snow storm, we will certainly be there in time,” said Gary. At midnight, a few drops of water started falling. “Tom, whenever you or we go to LA, does the weather become evil?” asked Jack with a chuckle. “I think yes,” replied Tom. At 01: 16, the whole front window was covered with snow! “We are going to crash,” said Tom with a worry on his face. “But no guess where.” The plane was going straight, and they did not try to stop in a bad thought they will crash. But the wind had other ideas. It started dragging the plane towards Hawaii, where, when Tom checked, a bigger snowstorm had taken place! The plane struggled and struggled till it engines stopped working. The plane tilted and the plane began to stall. Tom had given up, but Jack came and took the controls. By dipping it’s nose towards the ground, the plane safely landed in Hawaii, and the had fallen from the window. “Whew, now we wait till tomorrow morning,” said Mr. Bulletin. “This is our only option.” “Dad,” said Gary. “We wait for a few hours!” Everyone started to laugh. When dawn had come, Jack noticed that they were in the Honolulu International Airport! “Wow!” said Jack. “No trouble in going back!” At 11: 30 they took off like a normal plane, after telling their story to the air traffic controller, only with the Bulletins. At 4 pm, they safely landed in Los Angeles. “Come on let’s go to our hotel!” exclaimed Jack and hurried off. “No need to hurry, Jack! Take your luggage first!” said Gary as he tossed Jack his bag. Jack caught it and called a taxi. Within an hour, they were in the hotel. “Tomorrow we’ll go to the prison,” said Mr. Bulletin. “But today we are resting.” Nor Jack or Gary heard his words. They both dozed on a bed. The next morning, after having a hearty breakfast, they took a taxi and went off to the prison. There they met a guard. Mr. Bulletin introduced himself and his sons, and went in to investigate. Gary had his print analyzer ready, and bought the handprint found in Mr. Jefferson’s house. While Mr. Bulletin talked with Inspector Henry, the boys scanned the print. Then they asked their father to see the finger print list. A thief named John Clark had the same fingerprints! “That’s right,” said Inspector Henry. “John Clark and Jim Taylor also have the same fingerprints.” “Gary,” said Jack. “Our snow print has five fingers. But John Clark’s has no thumb!” “That is also right,” said Inspector Henry. “John has four fingers, and we have him right here, in the prison!” “Has Jim Taylor escaped?” asked Gary. “Yes he has,” said the Inspector. Tell us how that happened,” demanded Mr. Bulletin. “Well, it was the time when everyone ate their breakfast and then a guard came to look at the prison doors. Well, they were locked. I was around there. Then the guard went away. I saw Manuel Cooper out of the door. Then I thought it was just my imagination. But then Jim Taylor was out, again my imagination. Jerry Smith out and then Jeff Jefferson and then I fainted! When I came to, I saw the prison doors broken, all of them then I got into action, closed all the doors, but 16 of them escaped and off to their own work,” explained Inspector Henry briefly. ‘Thanks, Henry; we are glad to meet you. We may come again soon,” said Mr. Bulletin. Then Gary told his father, “We will have to come, dad; as more thefts may take place and maybe with Jim Taylor, more burglars might help him, right?” “Yes son, you are absolutely right,” replied his father as he called a taxi. They went to the hotel. “Tomorrow we will return back to San Francisco. I am calling Tom and Kate to inform them,” told Mr. Bulletin to his sons. They started packing their suitcases, rested for sometime and had a meal. The next afternoon they took off and at half past 2, they were airborne. “Good thing for now this is like a commercial aircraft,” commented Jack, as the control tower had requested Tom to take a few people to Bakersfield and a few to Modesto. At suppertime, the Bulletins returned and had a tasty supper. “We could have reached earlier if we did not have to stay in the Modesto airport for half an hour, because the fuel emptied, because-” said Jack, but he couldn’t complete his sentence as Katrina stopped him. “Oh, tell everything tomorrow because it’s a holiday, and you all forgot that it is New Year’s Eve today.” “Oh New Year’s Eve, it means mom, have you made your New Year Monthly Cookie Pie?” asked Gary, as his mouth watered. “Yes, and I have detective puzzle cookies also, just for you three.” answered his mother and smiled. “Come on and finish your supper now. Then we all will eat it. In 5 minutes the pie was started. Then the cookies in another 5 minutes. “I cannot understand the answer to this puzzling cookies, Mom!” commented Gary. “The puzzle is the most important ingredient of it,” replied his mother. Jack and Gary looked at each other. “Chocolate and Vanilla!” “That is right!” Mrs. Bulletin said. “Come on, let’s see the New Year’s Eve special program,” said Katrina as she stood up. “No Katrina. Today me and Gary are sleeping early to begin the investigation early tomorrow,” said Jack. They were going on the stairs when Mr. Bulletin spoke up. “Same here!” and he went to his bedroom.

Then next morning Inspector Laden called the Bulletins. He told that Mr. Hopkins’s son’s bicycles were stolen. When Mr. Bulletin told the news to Gary and Jack, they were startled. “Jack, remember, Ben Hopkins?” asked Gary. “Oh, yes, a friend of hours when we were in high school. Is his bicycle stolen?” Jack asked his father. “I don’t know how many sons does Mr. Hopkins has, nor which one’s is stolen,” came a reply to Jack. The following afternoon Ben Hopkins came to meet the Bulletins and asked their father to investigate. “Yes I will, Ben,” said Mr. Bulletin. “But first tell us how it was stolen.” Gary hurried away to his room as Mrs. Bulletin gave the snacks. Gary returned with a notepad as Ben started his story. “The first thing is, it happened at midnight, like all other robberies,” told Ben. “My brother Joe and I were having a cycle race in the evening. We parked our cycles in the garage and went off to see the New Year’s Eve special program on the television. During that, I thought I heard some twigs break under someone’s leg, but my thought was I was wondering things. Then, the next morning, which means today, Joe and I went in the garage to get the toolbox as my baby brother Jeffery threw his baby chair. That time we shouted as we saw that our bicycles are stolen.” “It maybe the thieves are good cyclists,” said Mr. Bulletin. “Just like being good skateboarders.” “Dad means that three vehicles are stolen, it means there are at least 3 thieves together,” explained Gary. Ben then asked “How 3?” Jack replied for Gary. “Because my new skateboard was also stolen!” Then William entered the room. He had heard Ben ask “How 3?” and when Jack said, “My new skateboard is also stolen”, he understood what were they talking about. He therefore spoke, “Jack and Gary, have you forgotten that Jimmy’s father’s car is also stolen!” “Oh, Oh, yes you are right. 4 vehicles are stolen,” said Gary. “But now we cannot track down how many thieves were there, as Jimmy had an Audi R8. It’s very long, you know.” Then entered George and his father. The room was being so much crowded that there was no place for another else person to stand there! “Well, my bicycle was about to have it’s handle broken, and maybe during the robbery it broke. I found it behind the garage door. And it’s with me,” told Ben as he handed over the handle. Mr. Bulletin wore gloves and then touched it. Then he asked, “Who touched the handle?’ Ben replied, “Me, my dad the factory maker and the shopkeeper.” “Can you give the address of that shop with the bicycles’ name?” asked Mr. Bulletin. “Of course,” replied Ben. “Huckleberry Bicycles, 1073 Market Street in this city. The bicycle names are the Thunderbolt 6X and the Thunderbolt Racer 4.  I have to go now. Bye. See you again soon!” Mrs. Bulletin, who had been spying on them, came and said, “Then you are lucky. Go to the Safeway grocer’s shop in 2020 Market Street. Usually I go, but you are going to the street, so I think you should go there. Here’s the list.” Then in the other half hour they took off for Market Street. “Hello,” said Mr. Bulletin. “Have you sold two Thunderbolt bicycles to the Hopkins?” The shopkeeper replied, “Yes. Are those Thunderbolt 6X and the Thunderbolt Racer 4?” “Yes, Yes,” Jack replied. “Was someone else there bargaining to get the two of them?” Gary and Mr. Bulletin stared at him. The shopkeeper didn’t notice. “No one. But why are you asking?” Mr. Bulletin introduced them and laid the whole story, only not-so-much-important parts. Then the shopkeeper asked them to do a favor. “Can you find my Firefighter bicycles? All of them are stolen!” Mr. Bulletin said yes and told him not to worry much. They then took what Mrs. Bulletin had told them to bring and went back home. When they were going through the Presidio Avenue, Then Jack suddenly pointed out, “My skateboard!” They ran towards him in a very fast speed. “Dad,” said Gary. “You go back to the car and tell Inspector Laden. Jack and me will handle him.” Mr. Bulletin went back while Gary and Jack continued the chase. Jack saw the man going into the Presidio. After a long time, they reached the higher areas of Presidio. Jack thought that Presidio was closed for winters, so that would be a good place to hide all the stolen items. Then after a long chase, the man was caught. They took it to their home as he struggled to escape. Mr. Bulletin and Inspector Laden together exclaimed, “Harrison Watkins!” As Inspector Laden put the handcuffs, Mr. Bulletin asked, “Where is Jim Taylor, and your gang?” Harrison kept quite. “He won’t speak now, Lewis,” said Inspector Laden. “He want’s the prison air. Nah, nah, not of Los Angeles’ prison. They are transferring prisoners. You will stay in our prison.” They went to the police headquarters with Harrison. Mr. Bulletin congratulated the boys. “Well done, my boys. Jack is lucky to have recovered his stolen skateboard. Now your chases will be faster.”

The next day it rained heavily for the whole day. Gary was busy but Jack was bored. In the evening Gary came from the garage. “Like your skateboard, Jack, my bike is also hi-tech!” he exclaimed. Then he explained how he first checked Jack’s skateboard to know has it been sabotaged or not. Then he said that he used the same power and things to make the bike more hi-tech, with the same details. Then Jack spoke up. “Gary, tomorrow we are going back to Presidio and camp there. I-” Gary interrupted. “I want to know have they hidden the stolen things there or not.” Then next morning the boys packed their camp bags and went off to Presidio. The boys had thought that the snow would be there as they saw it as they entered the area, but as they reached the higher areas of Presidio, there was no sign of snow. “Great!” Jack exclaimed. “A great place to camp in the city!” They kept the load they had been carrying down, and ate their lunch. Then they looked for some clues around the area before it got dark. Nothing was found before Gary exclaimed. “Jack! Look here! See what I have found!” Jack came running and was surprised to see a bicycle’s wheel emerging from the soil. “It’s fresh!” announced Jack. “Call dad and ask if another bicycle’s been stolen or not!” Gary called his father and asked while Jack took the bicycle out with the spades. When Jack had finished, Gary told him, “Yes! This time it is Albert! The thieves are hiding the stolen things here only!” But Jack did not agree. “Then how are they transporting the stolen goods? The TVs are very heavy.” “Jack,” said Gary. “Maybe they are using the cars! Others, like your skateboard are just for selling. That day he might have been searching for a good shop to sell the skateboard. Come on. It’s dark. I will go and take the bicycle to dad. You set the bonfire.” Gary went off with the bicycle and

Jack’s skateboard. In 2 hours they were putting the fire off before going to sleep. The next morning they were awake early. After a quick breakfast, they started hunting again. At noon before lunch, Jack exclaimed. “Gary! Mr. Jefferson’s TV!” Gary came rushing to Jack. “This is not fresh,” he commented. Then this time Jack went, and it was funny seeing Mr. Jefferson when he heard about his recovered TV “Great work!” he said. Then his expression changed. “NOW JUST FIND MY COMPUTER!” Jack rushed away back to Presidio. “Let’s have lunch, Gary. I’m tired and hungry,” Jack said as he reached back. They ate their lunch. At 3:00 pm, they were off hunting for clues again. When dusk took place the boys came back to the camp. The next day they woke up late. “Oh no Gary!” exclaimed Jack. “It’s 10 am! Come on let’s have a quick breakfast!” For the remaining 1 hour 50 minutes the boys had no luck. After lunch at 1 they set off again at 1:30 pm. At 5 pm they returned as Gary said, “This is a bad day. Tomorrow we might be lucky.” Then next day they woke up early. After a quick breakfast, they went searching. The way they were searching might help them if they had to live in a forest! At 10 am, Gary shouted, “Who would like to bury 2 Apple computers? Jack! Mr. Jefferson’s and Jimmy’s computers!” Jack, who was in the other corner of the forest, easily heard him scream. He came rushing to Gary. “Wow!” said Jack. “Now only the cars and 2 bicycles are left! I am tired of Presidio. Tomorrow we will leave.” The next day they were warmly welcomed back, but to their surprise Mr. Jefferson and Jimmy were happy too. Then Inspector Laden came running. “Another robbery,” he said. “This time the victim is Mr. Anderson. His giant grandfather clock is stolen.” “Please catch the thieves!” a voice came from behind. It was Harry Anderson, Harold Anderson’s 21 year-old son. “Mr. Bulletin, you are an awesome detective. Inspector Laden, you are an incredible cop,” he continued. “Please find my father’s grandfather clock!” Then Gary silently whispered to Jack. “The thieves have found another hiding place. The grandfather clock maybe hidden there.” Then Mr. Lopez came rushing up. “Help!” he said. “My bed is stolen! There is no place for me to sleep! Please find it!” Everyone in the room started laughing when Mr. Lopez said there is no place for him to sleep. Mr. Lopez looked ashamed that time, but he didn’t leave. He continued, “And yes, I saw it being stolen. I chased the guys, but they had your car, Mr. Bulletin. Please arrest him!” Then Inspector Laden told Mr. Lopez about what had happened. Then William Smith’s shout came. “AAAAAHHHHHH! MY LAPTOP! IT’S STOLEN!” All of them rushed off to the place from where William’s voice had come. But, he wasn’t there. “He might’ve gone to catch the thieves,” suggested Gary. So they all went back to the house, and soon they were in their own houses.                          
Gary. “I will go towards the other.” “But what about the 3^rd exit?” asked Jack. “We will block it. When a sound comes, we will catch them from the either exits. We will cover the exit with this junk,” Gary told. As quiet as mice they covered the 3^rd exit. They waited till 7:00 am in the morning when a sound from the 3^rd exit came. DASH! “To the 3^rd exit!” shouted Jack. They jumped on the junk. The thieves were trapped there. Almost all the thieves were caught. “Albert Sven and Jim Taylor escaped,” Jack told Gary. “They must have escaped from the other exits. Gary, go and call the police. I will tie them to these trees and stand guard.” In an hour Gary returned. “Here, officer,” said Gary to one of the inspectors. “Please arrest them.” “Well done, children,” said the inspector. “Your works tell that you are the Bulletins. Now, hop in. We are leaving for San Francisco.” The following afternoon the brothers reached home. “Sorry, dad,” said Jack, miserably. “We let Jim Taylor and Albert Sven go.” “No worries, children,” said their father. “They will be caught later. You caught their henchmen, that’s the best!” “Come on, now Jack and Gary,” called Katrina. “A delicious chocolate cake, tasty waffles and an apple pie are ready to be eaten!” “Yummy! Thanks, Katrina! You are the best sister!” both the brothers shouted together. After an hour the children went to meet their friends. After telling them what happened last night, Jack assured Eric, “We are doing the best to capture Jim Taylor and Albert Sven.” “I do not know how to thank you,” said Eric. “Just be our best friend,” told Gary. Then the friends returned to their homes. The next morning Gary told his father and Jack that they can go to Oakland and hunt for the remaining items. “That’s a great idea, Gary,” remarked Mr. Bulletin. “But first, tell me is your print tracer ready?” “Yes, dad,” replied Gary. “We might test it.” So they went outside. Gary brought the first evidence and the tracer analyzed it. “BZZKT! STRR! BZZZRR!” The machine made several sounds. “TRR! JHHH!” Then at last the compass came to life. “Kate!” called Mr. Bulletin. “We’re going somewhere!” They quickly packed their suitcases and sat in one of the cars, which was not stolen. Well, they were not surprised when they reached Oakland. “As we suspected,” said Mr. Bulletin. “The car prints finish in Oakland.” “But what about William’s laptop and Mr. Anderson’s grandfather clock?” asked Gary. “According to me, they might be hidden with the cars, too,” replied their father. They drove till they reached the northern part of Oakland. Then the machine made very bad noises. THATACHA! JADAGU! And then Gary said, “The car is hidden below the soil!” Luckily, Jack had 3 shovels. They began to dig and dig till they saw 2 cars. “Wait!” exclaimed Jack. “Listen!” Tick-Tock! Tick-Tock! Tick-Tock! The grandfather clock! Then when they had recovered the cars and the clock, Mr. Bulletin said, “Look! The laptop!” Every stolen item was recovered! That was a big victory for the Bulletins! Then they returned back home. “Now,” said Mr. Bulletin. “We have to catch Jim Taylor and Albert Sven only. We will catch them, and that’s guaranteed!”    

The next morning after eating their breakfast the boys went to see William. There they saw William, making his worst expression. “He is like this because of his stolen laptop,” whispered Mrs. Smith into Jack’s ear as they entered, and told the same thing to Gary. “Hi, William!” said Gary. “Why are you looking so sad?” “MY LAPTOP!” said William, as he burst into tears. “It’s stolen. Yesterday a thief took it, and he looked like this one.” William gave a page where he had made the drawing.  “Gary,” said Jack. “That looks like Robin Fields! Mr. Jefferson’s servant!” “Exactly,” said Gary, who totally agreed with Jack. “The thing is he needs to confess that on his own.” “Well, he might not look like that,” interrupted William, as he stopped crying. “I went chasing him and he tripped from a stone and fell. His mask also fell, but he wore it quickly. I tried to remember the most I could, so I drew that up.” “Come on, Jack,” said Gary. “Robin Fields will confess that, and if that doesn’t happen, my name is not Gary Bulletin!” They went back home. Their father was most surprised to know that. “Thanks to William,” said Mr. Bulletin. “He did the best he could do.” Then Gary and Jack went to Mr. Jefferson’s house. There they saw a child around their age. The thing that attracted attention was that the child was about to fall in a manhole! Jack and Gary raced towards the child. Jack jumped in front of the child while Gary went on the backside to pull the child. The child was safe, for now, but the danger was not over. A car came right towards the 3 children! The children leapt up as fast as they could. Gary’s leg was almost safe but the car whizzed away. Gary fell on the ground. “Are you both okay?” asked the strange boy. “Thank you a lot for saving me. My name is Eric Müller. My mother’s name is Sarah Müller and my father’s name was Ralph Müller. My father used to work at many places, and used lot of different names and disguises. Till yesterday he worked at house no. 34 Fulton Street. And I am from Germany.” “Do you, your father or mother knows Tom Meyer?” asked Jack. “Tom Meyer?” said Eric, strangely. “My best friend’s father is Tom Meyer! He works for the Bulletins. Are you the Bulletins?” “Yes, we are,” said Gary in a hurry. “But your father is a thief! And what do you mean by ‘he worked till yesterday’?” “What! How could he? He died yesterday! He was forced to do a robbery! A man called Albert Sven forced him. He also said his leader and his team with him would kill him if he won’t. And do you know what happened? He did the robbery and was killed!” Then Eric burst into tears. The Bulletins did not utter any word. They also felt sad for him. “My mother, who owns a flower shop in Germany, is the only one to feed us,” said Eric, after he stopped crying. “I came to this city to look for a job. My mother said that I could work for Mr. Jefferson if I want, because he wants a worker. I was going there only.” Then the brothers went back and Eric went to Mr. Jefferson’s place. They first went to the doctor to see Gary’s leg. He got a bandage, and then they went back home and narrated the incident to their parents. After lunch they went to William’s house to tell what had happened. “What!” shouted William when he heard the story. “Albert Sven and Jim Taylor is such a nuisance! Poor Eric and his mother. Come on, we are going to see Eric!” They went to Mr. Jefferson’s place. “Eric! Yes, he is here. He will be back in about a few minutes,” told Mr. Jefferson. “Look, he’s coming!” Eric was running and coming. He was also holding a few cans of paints. “Sir, these paint cans are extra,” said Eric as he came. “Hello, Jack and Gary. But who is he?” “He is William Smith, our friend,” told Gary. “William wanted to meet you.” “Eric, I want to ask you something,” said William. They went to Mr. Jefferson’s backyard. They then returned in 5 minutes. “Eric,” said Jack. “If you are free on 22^nd of February, can you come to the Golden Gate Park? There is a city race. Albert Lew is bringing his bicycle. Jimmy Stephenson is bringing a skateboard, Just like me. And William is bringing his bike, jut like Gary. All our friends are coming. Please you also come.” “Eric, you are free that day,” said Mr. Jefferson. “You can go with your bicycle.” “Thank you, Mr. Jefferson,” said Eric. “Thank you very much."

Then on 22^nd February, the children met in the Park. The friends warmed up and waited for the other racers. They all saw the route. The children’s family was also there with Mr. Jefferson. Then the audience got aside. Then the children talked about what might happen in the race. Eric declared first, “I would not win. I know I would not.” “Why do you say so?” asked Albert. “We all are wanting to get that trophy with that secret prize.” “Yes, the 3 winners would get the trophy and the secret prizes with the medals,” said Gary. “Some were saying that the 3^rd prize is a trip to Germany. The whole country tour.” At that time the referees and the chief guest came. The racers took their positions. Then the race started. The bikes were in the first place. But a bicycle having Eric and a skateboard having Jack were ahead of all. Albert was the last among that group of friends. Actually, he was at the last place! Jimmy was racing before William. Gary was just behind Eric. There was another German child, named Paul Weber on a bike. He introduced himself, and asked Eric, “Is your mother Sarah Müller? The one who runs the Müller Flower Shop And Catering?” Eric replied, “Yes, but how do you know I am her son?” “I saw you in that shop two years ago. Your father was off with a suitcase, why?” asked Paul. “He was coming to this continent. First he went to New York. Then Los Angeles. Then Boston. Then he went to Honolulu in Hawaii! Then he went to Dawson in Alaska. Then he went to Mexico City in Mexico. Then he went to Calgary in Canada. Then at last, he came to San Francisco. But-” He was interrupted by Gary. “Watch out, Eric and Paul!” A bullet whizzed past their heads! They fell down on purpose. “We will have to tell the referee, fast,” said Gary. Then they realized they were at the last position! “Too late,” said Paul. “Hey! Someone’s coming!” And, if you guessed Albert, you are correct. He was very tired. Gary smiled. “Albert!” called Eric, who understood why was Gary smiling. Albert came running and asked, “What happened?” Gary told Paul, Eric and Albert what to do. Then they went to do what Gary had said. “Come on,” whispered Paul. “We have to be very quite.” They entered into the bushes. They saw a few footprints. “Let’s follow them,” suggested Albert. They kept following the prints. Then they heard a sound. THATCH! “Aah,” said someone. It looked like someone had been shot! “Now run!” commanded Albert. They reached the place. There they saw a child lying there. They took the child to the bushes. There they put him first aid. Luckily, Paul was going to become a doctor. He had his safety kit, which helped save the child. “Who are you?” asked Albert when the child gained consciousness. “My name is Jerome Hutchins. Thanks for saving my life. Now I should go,” “Wait!” exclaimed Paul. “Wait. We will take you.” Meanwhile, Gary and Eric told the story to the referee. “We think it’s somehow related with the robberies,” told Gary. As the referee made the race stop Paul and Albert returned with Jerome on their backs. Jack also came on his skateboard. He was about to be the first, but could not. “The race would be again next week,” the referee announced. Gary explained everything to Jack, Jimmy and William. “Come on,” Gary ordered. “We will investigate that area. And Paul, you go to Jerome’s house. Take him with Jimmy. And then Paul you go to your house or come with Jimmy to that place.” “I will come,” told Paul as he left. Then Albert guided the others where they heard Jerome being shot. “Thanks to Paul,” said Albert. “And that we were in time to save Jerome.” There they all investigated the area carefully. “Hey!” exclaimed William. “See. Gun cartridges!” “And here!” exclaimed Jack. “A gun!” “And here, too!” exclaimed Gary. “A flat car tire!” “And here, once again!” exclaimed Albert. “A steering wheel cover!” “And here, once more!” exclaimed Eric. “A bullet stuck in that tree trunk!” “These are such great evidences!” told Gary, happily. “Do not touch them!” Then Gary called Jimmy and asked him to bring gloves for everyone and the evidence packets from Jack and Gary’s detective kit. Then they all waited for Paul and Jimmy. They came half an hour later. “Sorry,” said Jimmy as they came. “Mrs. Hutchins made us to eat her cookies.” Then they both licked their lips. “Come on, time to work,” said Jack. Everyone wore the gloves and took what they had found. “Jack and I will give this to our father,” said Gary. “And thank you very much.” They went home and met Katrina on the way. “How was the race?” she asked excitedly. “And why are you holding these things in these evidence packets?” “We will tell you at home with mom and dad, Katrina,” Jack told her. “Just think the thieves are going from bad to worse.” “And are on the ‘t’ of ‘to’ which means they are going to be worse in... Um,” Gary joked. “2 weeks.” At home their father, mother and sister listened everything carefully. “Good thing you were in the race,” said Mr. Bulletin. At that time Mrs. Bulletin frowned at Mr. Bulletin. “Um, and are safe.” The children could not control not to laugh. Even Mrs. Bulletin and Mr. Bulletin started laughing. “That was a good one, mom!” commented Jack, who could not stop laughing. But they did not know that someone was spying on them till, “Hey!” said Katrina. That made everyone stop laughing. “Someone is spying on us!” At that time Jack and Gary decided to have a chase!

“Do not forget to where the B.S.N.R.M.H. helmet,” told Gary to Jack as they ran into the garage. “And my new bike will have it’s first test.” They charged onto the intruder, hoping it would be Albert Sven or Jim Taylor. Jack raced forward, getting to the masked intruders side. Gary was just an inch behind Jack. He then got to the other side. Jack and Gary tried to squeeze him, but the intruder raced away. Instead of gaining on him, they were losing him. “Jack!” shouted Gary. “The speed boost! Use it! I am using it!” Jack ordered to the helmet. Then his speed increased. Gary also came to Jack’s side. “We’re heading out of San Francisco,” told Gary. “We are heading towards Oakland.” “Gary,” said Jack, nervously. “Is Jim Taylor’s base there?” “That’s a thought bothering me also,” Gary replied back. “In Oakland we’ll inform mom and dad.” After a few hours at 1:30 am, the man stopped. He entered a strange shack and disappeared. Back in San Francisco, none of the Bulletins could sleep. All were worried till Gary called. “Hello,” said Mrs. Bulletin. “Is it Gary?” “Yes mom, it’s Gary,” Gary replied. “There is nothing to worry about. We are in Oakland. In the morning we will inform the police about their hideout. No need for you or dad to come and take us. The police will take us. Tell dad we will see if they escape. Okay now goodbye and sleep. Do not be worried.” “Gary!” exclaimed Jack in a low voice. “There are 3 exits here!” “You go towards the other exit,” ordered

Then next morning Gary asked his father, “Dad, can you please trace this bullet’s gun?” “Of, course,” his father replied. He went aside and talked to someone. By the time Jack had woken up and came to Gary. Gary told Jack what had happened. Then their father came and told, “This bullet’s gun would be traced in 3 days. Till that time, Gary and Jack, trace that handprint you found at Mr. Jefferson’s place.” After breakfast, Jack and Gary went to Gary’s room and searched for the tracer. “I should have kept the tracer in my cupboard yesterday when we returned. Too bad I was so tired,” Gary said after he checked the cupboard. “Here it is. Jack, you had the handprint, right?” “Yes, and here it is!” Jack replied. Again the machine made several sounds. “BZZKT! STRR! BZZZRR! TRR! JHHH!” Then a map of USA popped into the screen. And below the map in a box it said, ‘THIS HANDPRINT’S REAL VERSION CURRENTLY IS IN MIAMI’ “Whoa!” exclaimed Jack. “Now we’ll go to Miami!” “Nothing’s sure, Jack,” his brother told him. “Let’s tell dad. He will know what to do.” They went to their father downstairs and told him about their discovery. “Let’s wait till the bullet results. Then we will go,” Mr. Bulletin said with a smile. The results reached home in time. “The gun currently is in Miami,” Mr. Bulletin told his children. “And it’s registration number is 8234591670. Let’s go for a vacation.”  The boys told Katrina and their mother about the trip. “I will have to ask the principal,” Mrs. Bulletin told. The next evening, they landed in Miami. “Woo Hoo!” Jack shouted when they were out of the airport. “First time in Miami!” “Come on, our taxi’s here,” Mr. Bulletin told. The hotel was near the seashore. “Are we going to the beach?” Katrina asked. “Of Course!” her mother replied. The next day they went to the beach. “Yay!” everyone shouted. Later, Gary went to Jack. “Hey, Jack,” Gary whispered. “See. That man looks like Jim Taylor!” “Yes,” replied his brother. “Let’s tell dad.” They went to their father. “Dad,” Jack said. “That man. We think he is Jim Taylor.” “Yes. Come on,” their father said. “You go and follow him. I will call the police.” The brothers ran towards the man. The man ran to another. “The other man might be Albert Sven,” Jack told Gary. “Come on. They are escaping from us!” They ran for many miles. Then they saw the men entering a Sub-Tropical rainforest. “They might hide themselves in the bushes or on the trees,” Gary told Jack. “Wait!” Jack exclaimed. “Look! This is the gun’s registration number is 8234591670! Let’s call dad.” They called their father. “Hello, dad,” Gary said. “We are in the farthest Sub-Tropical rainforest. Albert Sven and Jim Taylor came here. And we have evidence. The gun from where the bullet we found in the park came. Jim dropped it. Now we are searching for them. Come fast.” Then Gary put the gun in his pocket and off they went to search for Jim and Albert. “Look!” Jack shouted again. “That bush! It’s moving!” Gary took out the gun and threw it in the bush. “Ouch!” the bush shouted. “Jump!” Jack and Gary both shouted. BAM! Jim Taylor and Albert Sven were hiding there! “The cops are coming!” Gary told. “Now you both will go to the jail with your friends. The cops came and took away Jim and Albert. “Great job, sons,” Mr. Bulletin said. “You helped me to stop more robberies from taking place.” “Dad, we enjoyed solving the mystery,” Gary told. “No need for thanks.” “Dad,” Jack asked. “Can we get our own detective lab? Like you have for solving mysteries?” “Of course,” his father answered. “Now come on,” Katrina called. “Let’s enjoy the vacation!” 

Next week, back in San Francisco, the phone was ringing in the Bulletin house. Gary picked up the phone. “Hello, who is it?” he asked. “Hello, Gary,” Inspector Henry replied. “It’s Inspector Henry. Guess what happened? Jim has decided to confess all his robberies. Please come at 5:00 pm tomorrow in the central prison.” “That’s great, Inspector,” Gary replied happily. “Dad has gone to the market and Jack is in our detective lab. I will tell them and we all will come to see Jim confessing.” The next day, in Los Angeles, the Bulletins went to the prison. “Come on, Jim,” Inspector Henry said. “Now confess all the robberies you have done.” “Okay,” Jim replied. “I admit that I only stole that skateboard. I also stole the cars and the TV. My henchmen and me also stole the computers, the grandfather clock and the laptop.” “How did you steal every thing?” Inspector Henry asked. “I sent my men to different places, such as houses of different people, public places etc. They created tunnels from there at night and dug them right to our base in Oakland. We used Ralph Muller to do some of our work.” “And?” Jack asked.

“Muller was shot by Albert. Not me,” Jim replied. Jack and Gary told all their friends what had happened. Eric was the happiest. “Thank you,” he said. “You both really are my true friends.” “And yes,” William said. “We all now know the real thing which is ranked minus infinity point infinity for Albert. Races!”

The Imaginary Nation

by Deeksha Sindhu

Believe it or not a mystery led to a discovery! How? You might be asking.Well it started like this.

Me: The best way to cheer yourself up is to try to cheer somebody else up and I can seem dear little sister sitting with a gloomy face.Hey!What happened my little cupcake?

Sister: Oh didi.I have lost that red and golden bracelet. You know it was my favouritebecause you gave that to me on my birthday.

Me: That's the matter. Nevermind. I would get you another one.

Sister: No I want that only. Can you please go and find it?

Time to be Sherlock Holmes I suppose. I got up to get my Coat and Cap.

Me: Hey Manu! Do you want to accompany me and become Dr. Watson? I asked my little brother.

Manu: Accompany?For What?

Me: Chikki Didi has lost her favoritebracelet. She wants it back and has asked me to find it.

Manu: Wow! That would be a thrill...

We started our search operations from the street and headed towards park. As we were walking by a bush, I got a glimpse of something shiny. Going closer I found that it was my dearie's bracelet only. AsI bent to pick it up I noticed a shiny object lying beside her bracelet. I became curious and picked it.Within a fraction of a second, a strong light filled the entire area around and we were blinded by it...When we recovered we were somewhere else...

Me: Where on Earth are we? It does not seem our locality!!

Manu (cryingly): It all happened because of you. What would we do now?

Me: I think we are on a foreign land. Let us ask some native of this strange land.

We tried to stop some passersby but they looked either astonished or glared and went by. We were just about to give up hope. Suddenly...

Man 1: Hey!You seem to be strangers. Where have you come from?

Me: We are from India. I am Desha and he is Manu, my little brother. But where have we arrived and who are you?

Man 1: My name is Zubas and you are in Gorana...

Zubas had a queer figure. His height was smaller than me though he seemed like a grownup. He had snowy white hair and a skin with shades of black,grey and brown. I looked around and found all people like him...

Me: Thank You Zubas. You seem interesting and I am becoming more curious to know about you and your Country...

Zubas: Alright... So shall we start our tour?

We started wandering in the streets of Ambica-capital of Gorana as told to us by Zubas. Ambica was a beautiful city...

Zubas: See that dress. It’s the national costume for women and we call it Zazuki.

Zazuki was a beautiful tunic with stripes and a sash in the middle of it...

Me (astonishingly): And what do men wear?

Zubas: That is called Zubara-long kurta with frilly pyjamas.

Suddenly my eyes went up in the sky to see a flag flying up on a building which had a beautiful scene of Sun setting amidst the mountains. With a red base and white drawing it looked simply gorgeous. I could not take my eyes off it... I enquired Zubas.

Zubas: OH. That is our national flag and there is a story behind its creation...

Me: Go on Zubas. We want to hear the story...

Zubas: Our greatest king ever- King Rodrich IV Once went for hunting in the woods with his ministers. He saw this view of Sun setting in the mountains. He was so mesmerized by it that he instructed his ministers to create a flag with the view and declared it to be our National Flag.

Zubas put his hand on his heart and saluted the flag.

Manu: Great. But didi I am feeling hungry.

Me: OHyes. Even I have got hunger pangs. What can we get to eat Zubas?

Zubas: I would offer you the traditional food of Gorana...

Zubas took us to the best restaurant in Gorana by the name of “Cafe ".A waiter dressed in Zubara welcomed us in...

As we sat on little funny looking stools, Zubas ordered for three traditional platters...

Within a short span of time we were served with stir veg- a starter that is first stirred and then roasted. In the main course we were served cheesy spring onion cutlets and dessert called for coffee cupcakes with chocolate ganache inside. We could not help licking our fingers...

When we filled our stomachs,Zubas took out a wad of notes which were neon orange in colourand picture of King Rodrich IV printed on it and gave them to waiter...

Me: Hey Zubas. Is this what you use as currency here?

Zubas: Yes, It’s our national currency and we call it Ambician Zerol.Do you know why we have the image of King Rodrich IV?

Manu: Because he was the greatest king of your land...

Zubas: Yes but that is not all. It means that the king loves his people and treats them with respect and equality. Any citizen whether belonging to high, medium or low strata of society would get equal respect in Ambica...

Me: Hey even we have this provision written by constitution makers in Preamble of our Country but sadly it is not followed across the length and breadth of our great land...

We stepped out of Cafe and started wandering again in the streets of Gorana. Suddenly a procession of dancers and musicians arrived from the thin air...

Zubas: Hey, That's our national dance called Azbeka.

Azbeka was a beautiful dance with dancers dancing on beats of afrojazz wearing their national and colourful costumes.

Suddenly I felt more curious and asked Zubas about the length of Ambica and its population...

Zubas: Let us go to the Census office then. It’s nearby only.

Manu (quizzing): Didi what is Census?

Me:Hey, it’s a way of calculating the number of people living in a country...

We entered a tall building. Zubas whispered something to the receptionist there. Soon we were led to a big room where a man with thick spectacles was carefully looking at some papers. As we entered he looked up and heaved a sigh of joy...

Man 2: Zubas!!Glad to see you. What made you visit your old friend?

Zubas narrated everything to him and briefed our purpose of visit...

Man 2: Oh I see. Well we do not tell important data to strangers but since Zubas brought you here I would tell you that Ambica is spread over 799830 sq. kms and it has a population of around 19.79 million people.

We thanked him and stepped out. Whilewalking Zubas suddenly got a serious tone and asked...

Zubas: Do you know what is the most important rule of Ambica?

We shook our head as we were not aware of that..

Zubas: Well. Here  no citizen should sleep empty stomach. We distribute food to the poor and needy citizens every night..

Me:Aha!!That is a philanthropic thought and a noble deed..

I wish even we had such a rule in our land..Every night there are thousands of people in our country who sleep withot food in their stomachs..It'sdreadful  to even think about it..

Suddenly Manu started feeling homesick and begged me to take him back home.We bid adieu to Zubas and took out that shiny object from my pocket.There was a flash of blinding light again.By the time we could see from our eyes we found ourselves standing next to the bush.To my astonishment ,I found the bracelet clutched in my hand..We ran like Hema Das to our house..Mumma-Papa n Chikki were standing outside with worrying faces.We told that we were searching Chikki's bracelet and handed the same to her..Chikki asked from where did we find it..

I sheepingly smiled and winked at Manu!!!Well that is a secret dear Chikki.......

COLLECTION OF POEMS 

• Poems by Priyanshu Talwar

My Dear Mother

Thank you mom for everything.

You’ve made my live a beautiful gold ring,

And filled it with courage and fun.

You’ve loved me like none.

Day and night you care for me.

You are my success’s golden key.

Your heart is warm and pure.

For me, you’re not just my mom but way more.

You act as a shield,

And help me in every field.

This is your love which makes you special.

All your efforts are worth a gold medal.

Oh! Thank you God, for this precious gift you’ve given me,

Which has forever made me glee.

Beauty of Nature

Look at the trees,

Feel those beautiful seas.

But, we have no time to realize,

And get this beautiful scenery in our eyes.

Wait and hear the music of rain,

Which we never enjoy and let it drain.

Have a look at the seas,

And enjoy the calm and cool breeze.

Enjoy the rusting of leaves.

These are the wonders this nature achieves.

Peace and knowledge, this nature preaches.

Anger and sorrow, nature cleans and bleaches.

Time by time nature shows us wonders,

Ignoring them, is what one does.

Poem by Sreya Indu, IX C

MIRAGE…

Life is a mirage…

An illusion… that drives us towards itself

And we chase it in the glare of

Our never-ending desire…

But, it is a trick played with our innocent mind…

It betrays us just as we approach it…

We feel it coming closer

Merely realizing that its just another chicanery being played…

Far away in a land…

Travelling in desert sand, a defiant man…

Fearless and unknown of the struggles ahead…

Yet he chose the path he had known

He shouldn’t have…

Now, here he is…

Under the blistering heat of the desert Sun…

The incandescence of the Sun… which

Had once been a bliss…is slowly turning into

The reason of his misery…

The blazing sand

Baked in the scorching sunrays

Is burning his feet…

Should he retreat?

The winds are being his foe… shrieking

Like banshees…

His eyes are dry, he can merely see

All his heart wants

Is to find a mate

Who can lead him through this desert

At this lonely state…

He needs someone, he needs something…

He is stuck in a sand storm

He pleads emancipation

He is searching for shelter…

In this vast desert, he has nowhere to go…

He can see the horizon, but it’s far out of reach

But he is travelling…travelling like brave man…

But how long…can you bear the heat of the

desert sand…

He is thirsty, desperate to find a little

Drop of water in this huge ocean of sand.

He needs to quench his thirst…

But how! How will he get aqua

In this deadly Arabian land.

Looks as if it’s a nightmare…

Oh! But, but it isn’t really.

He has to accept this realism.

Cracked lips…

Bleeding and his head spinning

Wondering if he is still alive…

What has this desert done to him…

Finally at the horizon

He could see a silver lining

Was it a mirage or was it real?

Then began the conflict between his heart and his mind…

Heart: “You should go far man, for it is true,

There is aqua down the horizon…

Mind: “Where horizons meet, we can merely reach…

Out of reach it is for a man like you”

Heart: “Believe fair man, believe in all that can be…

You have to be optimistic, you have to fight…

Mind: “Can you defy Nature…

Oh, no! you can’t…

Mirage and reality merely twine and blend”

Heart: “You have to fight…you have to be a believer…

After darkness there’s always light”

Mind: “Don’t you listen to your heart...

Heart: “Mind…does not understand

And never will…

What is the power you have when you believe…

You are scared, scared of the what ifs

If… you are deceived by the desert sand…

But the true illusion is not the mirage…

But the limits you have bound yourself into…

Like the fear of the treacherous desert sands.”

Faith is the subtle chain,

That binds you to the infinite…

He travelled with the faith, that he will find what he seeks.

Down he rode to the horizon…

As he approached nearer and nearer…

The mirage… faded away…

It was there, waiting for the one