Code Ghostbird

It was way too early. At least that's how it felt to Kota as he sat on his bed leaning against the wall. They had made it back without being caught but with only two hours of sleep he knew today was going to be long. Furthermore, he was still trying to process what they had found.

He glanced around taking in the various forms of his brothers. They were scattered around the room. Casual conversations could be heard but for the most part it was quiet. Kota could tell he wasn't the only one feeling exhausted. Nathan was doing a pretty good job of hiding it but Victor looked like he was minutes away from falling asleep, and Luke appeared to be on some sort of a sugar rush into order to stay conscious much to North's dismay.

They had a while yet before classes started but the four of them needed to debrief with the others before. They were just waiting on the two oldest members of their family to join them. Mr. B and Doc had to get an apartment near the campus of the school since they were posing as teachers. Though, they weren't complaining.

The dorms were not the best of living conditions. Thankfully they had been able to only room with each other. North and Silas were a floor above, Victor, Kota, and Nathan who shared this room while Luke and Gabriel were across the hall. They had to pull some strings for the three of them to room together but one bunk bed later and here they were.

Kota observed his brothers making sure besides exhaustion nothing else was wrong. It was part of his responsibility. He had a good view of pretty much everyone from the top bunk. He had just finished a quick check of each person when a random knock sounded on the door. Silas opened it allowing Mr. B and Doc to enter.

"Report," Mr. B commanded once they were settled. Kota took a breath and then began describing the abandoned factory, the elevator, the super computer, and the virtual world they had found.

"I'm calling bullshit. You guys are playing a fucking prank on us right?" Gabe asked but was only met with serious looks.

"It's real. I'm currently trying to go through this code but it's complicated and will take a while," Victor said.

"You stated that you had found some code indicating that a person could be transported into this virtual world?" Mr. B asked. Victor nodded.

"I volunteer as trib-," Luke started but North's hand on his mouth forced him to stop.

"You're not getting transported to a virtual world, dumbass. Who knows what could happen to you?" North stated angrily before taking his hand away.

"Yes, that is what the code indicates."

"This some weird Sci-fi shit. This stuff doesn't fucking happen in real life!" Gabe exclaimed again having trouble comprehending how something like this could be possible.

"At least we have an explanation for the weird power surges," Silas stated finally speaking up.

Kota could see both sides of the argument. He was undeniably curious about the virtual realm but they needed to make sure it was safe. He shared his opinion with the others.

"I concur. We need to make sure it is safe before we even consider sending anyone in," Mr. Blackbourne stated.

"So what are we going to do send a piece of paper through?" Nathan asked. Kota shook his head.

"It needs to be something living."

"Why?" North asked harshly. Unfazed, Victor responded.

"To make sure the trip won't kill you."

After all was said and done it was agreed that Victor, Sean, Kota, Luke, and Nathan would be heading back to the factory that night in order to test the system. They just had to get through the day which was easier said than done.