Base Camp by H. I. Larry Page A

most evil spy organisation in the business, and GIB’s greatest enemy. But Zac wasn’t worried. Thwarting BIG’s plans was what he did best.
    â€˜No worries,’ he said coolly. ‘The usual, right? 24 hours to save the world, and –’
    â€˜No,’ said Agent Big Boss, shaking his head.‘Not this time. This time we’re dealing with something much, much bigger.’

CHAPTER
TWO
    â€˜So what is it?’ Zac asked. ‘What’s BIG doing that’s so, er, big?’
    â€˜The head of BIG has just received a powerful new weapon,’ said Agent Big Boss. ‘It’s the most dangerous piece of technology they’ve ever gotten their hands on.’
    â€˜What kind of weapon is it?’ Zac asked.
    â€˜Well, we’re a bit short on details,’ Agent Big Boss admitted. ‘But it appears to be a highly advanced Tech Blaster.’
    Zac had heard about Tech Blasters. They were high-tech weapons that were harmless to humans, but would fry any nearby electrical devices. ‘So BIG wants to destroy some of our gadgets?’ he asked.
    â€˜No,’ said Agent Big Boss. ‘BIG wants to destroy all of our gadgets. If this weapon is activated, it will set off a chain reaction powerful enough to wipe out every single piece of GIB technology in the world.’
    â€˜When you say every piece,’ Zac began, ‘do you mean…’
    â€˜Everything,’ Agent Big Boss finished. ‘Every gadget, every vehicle, every SpyPad, every computer. All of it, everywhere. Gone. GIB would be completely shut down in less than three minutes.’
    Zac stared at Agent Big Boss. ‘How much time have we got?’
    â€˜Our sources tell us that BIG plans to activate the Tech Blaster this Sunday at midnight,’ Agent Big Boss answered.
    Zac did a quick calculation in his head. It was Wednesday today, so that gave him about four and a half days.
    â€˜OK,’ he said. ‘What’s the plan?’
    â€˜Well, we still don’t know where the weapon is being kept or what it looks like,’ Agent Big Boss said.‘But we do know who’s going to activate it.’
    â€˜Who?’
    â€˜Someone we’ve never met before. From what we can tell, he’s new to BIG.’
    â€˜What’s his name?’ Zac asked.
    â€˜It’s a bit strange,’ said Agent Big Boss, ‘but he doesn’t seem to have one.’
    Zac blinked. A mystery weapon and an enemy agent with no name. GIB wasn’t exactly giving him a lot to work with here. ‘So where is this mystery agent now?’
    â€˜I’ll show you,’ said Agent Big Boss, handing Zac a small electronic earpiece. ‘Here, put this on.’
    Zac slipped the earpiece over his ear.
    â€˜Six hours ago,’ Agent Big Boss went on, ‘we received this message from our remote base camp in the Black Jungle.’

    GIB 'EAR' Electronic Audio Receiver
    He hit a button on his armrest and the recording began to play through Zac’s EAR. It was full of static and kept breaking up.
    â€˜This is Agent – SHHHH – calling Headquarters!’ said a man, sounding scared.‘We are under attack by – SHHHH – enemy agent! We tried – – but he was too powerful! Situation critical!’
    A loud crash echoed in Zac’s EAR. ‘No! SHHHH –’ The recording cut out.
    â€˜There are six GIB agents stationed at that base camp,’ said Agent Big Boss. ‘Right now, they’re being held captive by BIG’s mystery agent. He’s the one who’s going to activate their Tech Blaster on Sunday.’
    â€˜How could one guy be strong enough to capture six GIB agents?’ Zac asked.
    â€˜That’s what we need you to find out,’ said Agent Big Boss. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a little silver disk. ‘Here’s phase one of your mission.’
    Zac pulled out his SpyPad, the spy communication