One of the guards nodded at Gordy's mom. She held up her security badge. "This badge does more than let someone onto the property. This is an all-access pass. It is linked to my body signature. Anyone trying to enter B.R.E.W. without security clearance, will be arrested and possibly imprisoned. That's why I had to file paperwork to have you cleared to accompany me today." Wanda nodded toward the glass room. "Anyone trying to enter there without this pass, could face something much, much worse." "Like what?" Gordy whispered. "Death for starters. If you're lucky." His mom grinned and Gordy couldn't tell if she was being serious or not. Something told him that she was only half joking. "What's in there?" "That room contains the Vessel." His mom pointed to a glowing chalice behind the glass. Resting on a crystal pedestal, the chalice looked like a large golfing trophy, with handles on either side, and a wide mouth filled with some sort of liquid. It was the liquid producing the silver light and Gordy marveled at its surprising brilliance. "It is the source of our power here at B.R.E.W. The Vessel grants authority to all members of the Board, including me." She clasped a hand on Gordy's shoulder. "It's how we've been able to make such impressive developments in society. All of our medical findings, our weapons, and technological advancements. Even Bolter's lonely floor of automotive improvements can be linked to the Vessel." From inside the room, the potion remained in a state of constant activity. Gordy wondered what made it move so much. It wasn't resting atop a cauldron or any source of heat, nor was it hooked to a centrifuge. And yet the Vessel's contents never settled. The surface ceaselessly rippling. "That mixture is the most important potion ever invented," Gordy's mom said. "Thus the reason for such heightened security. It needs to be protected." "From who?" Gordy wondered. Wanda licked her lips and sighed. "Unfortunately, B.R.E.W. has its share of enemies." Excerpted from Potion Masters: The Eternity Elixir by Frank L. Cole All rights reserved by the original copyright owners. Excerpts are provided for display purposes only and may not be reproduced, reprinted or distributed without the written permission of the publisher.
