20,000 Nerds Under the Sea by Jeff Miller Read Free Book Online

recycling police!”
    â€œWhat?” screamed Sam.
    â€œI threw an aluminum can away in the regular trash at that convention,” Biggs explained. “They must’ve got me on video. I’ve let Earth down!”
    Neil, however, was unsure that the recycling police wasan official arm of the government. . . . It could only be . . .
    Stuck in a burlap sack, Neil stopped fighting. He felt overwhelmingly calm .
    â€œWait, guys. I know who it is!” Neil said, smiling. “We’re back to burlap bags now, Jonesy? Wanna keep the mission a secret this time?”
    â€œWait, you really think this is Jones?” asked Biggs.
    â€œOf course! Who else would it be?”
    â€œNeil, I’m not so sure. I’ve got a weird feeling about this,” said Sam.
    â€œGuys, trust me,” Neil replied. Neil heard the sound of crashing waves grow closer as he was carried back to the ocean. “Now take us away, Jones. Let’s see what you’ve got in store for us this time.”
    A loud grunt replied, and Neil was thrown from someone’s broad shoulder onto a boat. Neil heard the creak of a door, and he was picked up again and brought belowdecks. Biggs was just to his right, Sam at his left. It was completely dark.
    â€œYou guys doing OK?” Neil asked.
    â€œWell, we’re in burlap bags on a boat. Not sure if ‘OK’ would describe what’s really happening,” said Sam. “But I’m alive, yes.”
    â€œDon’t worry,” Neil reassured her. “I’m sure Jones has another mission that needs saving—and we’re the only ones to do it.”
    â€œIf you say so,” said Biggs. “But you have to help me with my composting if we get put in recycling jail.”
    â€œI’ll be your cell mate,” Neil said. “The rest of the group must be waiting for us. Jones wouldn’t have known where to find us on Reboot’s yacht. Nobody can find that thing by design.”
    With a jolt, the boat headed out to sea. Neil Andertol was excited.
    â€œJust you wait, guys—our most amazing mission is about to start.”

AFTER TWENTY MINUTES OF LYING ON AN UNFORGIVING metal floor, Neil had lost feeling in his feet and hands. Unlike in previous kidnappings, Neil, Sam, and Biggs were lashed together, and the metal floor was cold and wet, and smelled a bit like fish guts, even through the burlap sack. It was difficult to move, and Neil had already tried to escape unsuccessfully. He was dripping sweat.
    â€œOK, so maybe I was wrong about the mission thing,” admitted Neil. “I’m starting to get a weird feeling about this—beyond seasickness, that is.”
    â€œYa think?” said Sam. “I’ve been trying to get a hand free for the last twenty minutes.”
    â€œYeah, I don’t know if this is Jones,” said Biggs. “Also, does anybody else smell ketchup?”
    â€œI only smell trout guts,” said Neil. “Let’s work together to get these things off us so we can see where we are, at least.”
    â€œSounds like a plan,” said Sam.
    â€œI have a couple fingers and half a foot free,” said Biggs. “Maybe we can untie one another.”
    The three friends scrunched together. Neil could feel Sam’s wrists and the fraying cord. He searched for the end of the knot.
    â€œDo we have anything sharp to try to cut us free?” asked Neil.
    â€œYeah, sure thing. Let me just reach into my knife supply,” Sam said sarcastically.
    â€œIt was worth a shot!” defended Neil.
    â€œWait, I might have something!” said Biggs. “Can anybody reach my right pocket?”
    â€œWait, do you seriously have a knife?” Sam asked.
    â€œGimme a second. I think I can reach you, Biggs,” said Neil. He twisted his body. “What is this?”
    â€œLast night Reboot gave me this candy from Singapore. It’s like goo,” said Biggs. “I