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did, so it hadn’t been surprising to Albert when Petra ended up discovering what the Master Tile really did. Last term, Petra had been a die-hard supporter of team Hydra during the Pit competitions. Eventually, Albert had come to think of Petra as a part of the Hydra team.
    And by the looks of it, the Core had recognized Petra’s value, too.
    â€œI’m a Messenger now,” Petra said as Albert, Leroy, and Birdie followed him across the Main Chamber and into one of the tunnels. “Basically, I do runs for every Professor. Not just Bigglesby. And that’s good, because that man enjoys handing out detentions, even if I’m just a second late!”
    Albert loved listening to Petra talk. Sure, he usually said too much, but the guy had a certain awkward charm. He was a Pure, someone born and raised here. And he was a great friend.
    â€œSo where are we going?” Albert asked, sidestepping a giant black cat the size of a horse, with three eyes and six legs.
    Petra smiled. “To see your dad, of course!”
    Albert’s heart felt instantly lighter. He was so happy to be back in the Core, but with all the weird warnings they’d gotten so far, he just felt a little off. Professor Flynn almost always had the answers Albert needed.
    The four of them entered the familiar tunnel that led to Professor Flynn’s office. Blue flames lit the way, flickering on the rounded walls. When they were almost to the end, Farnsworth took off, sprinting as fast as his paws could carry him.
    â€œIs there something going on lately? I mean, besides the tremors off the California coast?” Albert asked.
    Petra nodded as they came to a stop at ProfessorFlynn’s door. “Unprecedented things. I’m sure your dad will explain it all. This is one of the first emergency sessions we’ve had in a long time.”
    He lifted his hand to knock, but suddenly the door swung open.
    It was Trey, Professor Flynn’s Apprentice. He was tall and thin, with an English accent that most girls in the Core adored.
    â€œI see you’ve made it back,” Trey said, looking down his nose at the three of them. He nodded once at Petra.
    â€œYeah, right on time,” Albert said, grinning. Trey was intimidating to most of the Balance Keepers, but not to Hydra. They’d learned that while he was mostly about business and rules, he also had a soft spot for those who loved the Core. After a while, he wasn’t so bad.
    â€œDid you miss us?” Birdie popped her hip.
    Trey nodded. “The Core needs every Balance Keeper it can get right now.” He had a file of notes in his arms, and he shifted the papers as if he was eager to move along. “I do have to get going, though.”
    Albert wasn’t ready to let Trey go yet. He needed answers, and he needed them now. “Can you please just tell us what’s happening around here?”
    â€œI’m afraid my duties have called me elsewhere right now. No time to explain,” Trey said. “I’ve got to be on my way. But good luck, and please, Hydra. If you’ve learned anything since I saw you last, remember to stay out of trouble.”
    â€œAye, aye, Captain,” Leroy called after Trey’s retreating figure.
    Albert turned to his friends as soon as Trey rounded the corner. “What was that about?”
    Birdie’s face was bright red. “Is he mad at us?”
    Leroy just held his palms out as if to say, I don’t know. Farnsworth simply scratched at his collar and let out a burp.
    â€œHe’s been very busy lately,” Petra explained. “Professor Flynn has had him doing work all over the Core, all hours. He’s probably exhausted. I wouldn’t worry.”
    But Albert was beyond worrying. He felt nervous from his head to his toes. There was definitely something off about the way everyone here was acting. Emergency or not, it was still the holidays. He’d expected bright lights and trees