Synopsis
Covers the whole plot, including the ending.
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Pacing
- Fast
- Mood
- Exciting, Clever, Adventurous, Team-oriented
- Read it if
- You enjoy fast-paced spy adventures with a diverse cast of clever kids, intricate plots, and a touch of boarding school charm. Perfect for fans of 'Spy Kids' or 'Alex Rider'.
- Skip it if
- You prefer gritty, realistic spy thrillers or stories without a strong emphasis on teamwork and juvenile protagonists.
City Spies Plot Summary
Covers the whole plot, including the ending.
A Hacker's Reckoning and a Mysterious Offer
Sara Martinez, a smart but rebellious orphan from Brooklyn, uses her hacking skills to expose her corrupt foster parents. She is arrested and faces a long sentence in juvenile detention and a ban from computers. During her trial, a mysterious man known as 'Mother' steps in. Mother, a high-ranking MI6 agent, sees Sara's potential and offers her an alternative to juvenile detention: join a secret MI6 program for young spies operating from a remote Scottish estate. Sara, initially cautious, accepts this as her only chance for freedom and a new life, though she must leave her cat, Coco.
Arrival at the Scottish Estate and Meeting the Team
Sara travels to a large, remote estate in Scotland, which is the City Spies' headquarters. She meets the four other team members: Brooklyn, a master of disguise; Kat, a skilled acrobat and lock-picker; Paris, a charming tech expert; and Rio, an inventor and explosives expert. Each child has a unique background and skills that brought them to Mother's program. Sara learns they live dual lives: attending a local boarding school as regular students while secretly training for spy missions. The initial interactions are tense, as the established team members are wary of the new arrival.
Training and Integration into the Team
Sara begins her intensive training, which includes physical conditioning, martial arts, observation techniques, and spycraft. She struggles at first with the physical demands but excels in areas needing intellect and problem-solving, especially with computers, despite her ban. Mother gives her the codename 'Brooklyn' after her hometown, but she later uses 'Sara' as her spy name. The team members, especially Brooklyn, test her, but Sara's resourcefulness and quick thinking slowly earn their respect. She learns about the team's past missions and their goal of using their abilities to tackle global threats that adults cannot.
The First Mission: Paris and the Youth Summit
The City Spies get their first major mission: to investigate the 'Global Youth Summit' in Paris, hosted by the billionaire, Simon Leblanc. Mother suspects Leblanc is involved in something bad, possibly using the summit to hide illegal activities. The team goes to Paris pretending to be delegates at the summit. Their goal is to gather information on Leblanc and his organization, 'Umbra,' and find any threats. Sara is tasked with using her hacking skills, discreetly, to get into the summit's digital systems, while the others use their talents for observation and infiltration.
Infiltration and Initial Discoveries
In Paris, the City Spies split up to cover different parts of the summit. Sara, despite her initial worry about breaking her computer ban, successfully hacks into the summit's network, finding encrypted files and suspicious communications. Brooklyn uses his charm and disguises to get close to Leblanc's associates, while Kat performs daring physical feats to access restricted areas. Rio uses his gadgets for surveillance, and Paris navigates the social scene. They discover that Leblanc is not just a philanthropist but is developing a powerful, potentially dangerous, new technology, and that a rival school team, led by a boy named Dimitri, seems to be a key part of his plan.
The Million Euro Competition and Dimitri's Role
The summit features a coding competition with a one-million-euro prize, which Leblanc says is for 'youth innovation.' Sara realizes that the competition is likely a cover for Leblanc to find and exploit young tech geniuses, especially Dimitri, who seems to be Leblanc's favorite participant. The City Spies decide to enter the competition to get closer to Dimitri and understand its real purpose. Sara's hacking skills are important, but she must be careful not to reveal her true identity or intentions. They suspect Dimitri is being manipulated, or is unknowingly a key part of Leblanc's larger plan.
Unmasking Umbra's True Goal
Through hacking, physical infiltration, and deduction, the City Spies uncover Leblanc's true plan. His organization, Umbra, is developing advanced mind-control technology, disguised as a 'learning enhancement' device. The coding competition is a test for this technology, and Dimitri, a smart but naive coder, is being used to perfect it. Leblanc plans to implant this technology into children worldwide, creating a generation of controlled individuals. The team realizes the stakes are much higher than they first thought, and they must act quickly to stop Leblanc before his plan cannot be undone.
The Confrontation and the Race Against Time
With Leblanc's full plan known, the City Spies act. They confront Leblanc in his hidden laboratory below the summit venue. A tense chase and confrontation follow, with each spy using their skills. Kat uses her agility to move through the facility, Rio uses his gadgets to create diversions and disable security, and Brooklyn uses his disguises to cause confusion. Sara, facing strong digital defenses, works to disable the mind-control device's main server. Paris uses his charm and quick thinking to distract guards and buy the team time, all while trying to protect Dimitri.
Dimitri's Choice and the Device's Destruction
During the confrontation, Dimitri, realizing he has been manipulated, decides to help the City Spies. His knowledge of Leblanc's system is very helpful. Together, Sara and Dimitri work to overload and permanently disable the mind-control device. In a climactic scene, the device is destroyed, stopping Leblanc's plan. Mother and other MI6 agents arrive to arrest Leblanc and his associates. The City Spies, though tired, feel a sense of accomplishment and pride in their successful mission, having saved many children from a terrifying fate.
Return to Scotland and a New Beginning
After their successful mission in Paris, the City Spies return to their Scottish headquarters. The experience has made the team members closer, and Sara, having proved herself, is now fully accepted. She has found a home and a family among the other spies and Mother. While the world does not know of their heroic actions, the City Spies celebrate their victory. Sara thinks about her journey from a troubled orphan to a vital member of a global spy team, ready for the next adventure. The ending shows that these young spies have an important role in protecting the world.
City Spies Characters
Sara Martinez
Protagonist
A brilliant hacker turned reluctant spy, seeking a place to belong.
Sara is a sharp-witted and highly intelligent orphan from Brooklyn with a natural talent for hacking. She is initially rebellious and distrustful due to her difficult past in the foster care system. Her quick thinking and technological prowess are her greatest assets, but she also possesses a strong moral compass and a desire for justice. She struggles with physical training but excels in strategic thinking and problem-solving. Throughout the story, she learns to trust others and embraces her new role as a spy, finding a sense of family and purpose.
Relationships: Mother (mentor and guardian); Brooklyn (teammate, initial rival, later friend); Kat (teammate and friend); Paris (teammate and friend); Rio (teammate and friend)
Mother
Supporting
The enigmatic MI6 agent who recruits and mentors the City Spies.
Mother is a seasoned and highly intelligent MI6 agent who runs the City Spies program. He is a stern but caring figure, dedicated to his young operatives. He sees potential in children who might otherwise be overlooked or get into trouble, providing them with a unique opportunity to use their skills for good. He is a master strategist and provides guidance, resources, and protection to his team. Despite his mysterious demeanor, he genuinely cares for the well-being and development of each spy, acting as a surrogate parent.
Relationships: Sara Martinez (mentor and guardian); Brooklyn (mentee); Kat (mentee); Paris (mentee); Rio (mentee)
Brooklyn (Sydney)
Supporting
A master of disguise and sleight of hand, initially wary of Sara.
Brooklyn, whose real name is Sydney, is a charismatic and highly skilled member of the City Spies. She is a master of disguise, mimicry, and sleight of hand, making her excellent at infiltration and observation. Initially, she is somewhat territorial and competitive with Sara, seeing her as a potential threat to the team's dynamic. However, as Sara proves her worth, Brooklyn becomes a loyal friend and teammate. She is confident, quick-witted, and often takes on leadership roles within the team during missions.
Relationships: Sara Martinez (teammate, initial rival, later friend); Kat (teammate and friend); Paris (teammate and friend); Rio (teammate and friend)
Kat (Catherine)
Supporting
An agile and acrobatic lock-picker and infiltration specialist.
Kat, whose real name is Catherine, is the team's resident acrobat and physical specialist. She is incredibly agile, flexible, and skilled in parkour and martial arts, making her adept at breaking and entering, navigating difficult terrain, and close combat. She is generally quiet and observant but fiercely loyal to her teammates. Kat often takes on the most physically demanding parts of missions, demonstrating incredible bravery and precision. She develops a strong bond with Sara, offering quiet support and friendship.
Relationships: Sara Martinez (teammate and friend); Brooklyn (teammate and friend); Paris (teammate and friend); Rio (teammate and friend)
Paris (Pierre)
Supporting
A charming and suave tech expert, skilled in social manipulation.
Paris, whose real name is Pierre, is the smooth talker and social chameleon of the group. He is charming, confident, and adept at blending into any social situation, using his wit and charisma to gather information or create diversions. He also possesses strong technical skills, complementing Sara's hacking abilities. Paris is often the one to lighten the mood with a joke or a clever remark, but he is fiercely dedicated to the mission and his teammates. He uses his social intelligence to navigate complex interpersonal dynamics during missions.
Relationships: Sara Martinez (teammate and friend); Brooklyn (teammate and friend); Kat (teammate and friend); Rio (teammate and friend)
Rio (Renato)
Supporting
A brilliant inventor and explosives expert, creating gadgets for the team.
Rio, whose real name is Renato, is the team's resident genius and inventor. He is brilliant with mechanics, electronics, and chemistry, often designing and building the gadgets and specialized equipment the City Spies use on their missions. He is a bit socially awkward but incredibly focused and intelligent, with a dry wit. Rio is responsible for the team's surveillance tech, defensive measures, and, when necessary, controlled demolitions. His inventions are often crucial to the success of their operations, providing innovative solutions to complex problems.
Relationships: Sara Martinez (teammate and friend); Brooklyn (teammate and friend); Kat (teammate and friend); Paris (teammate and friend)
Simon Leblanc
Antagonist
A seemingly philanthropic billionaire with a sinister agenda.
Simon Leblanc is the primary antagonist of the story. He presents himself as a benevolent billionaire and philanthropist, hosting the Global Youth Summit to promote innovation. However, beneath this facade, he is the head of 'Umbra,' a nefarious organization developing mind-control technology. Leblanc is cunning, manipulative, and driven by a desire to control the next generation. He uses his wealth and influence to recruit talented young individuals like Dimitri, exploiting their skills for his own dark purposes. He believes his actions are for the greater good, imposing order on the world.
Relationships: Dimitri (manipulator and victim)
Dimitri
Supporting
A talented young coder manipulated by Simon Leblanc.
Dimitri is a brilliant young coder who participates in the Global Youth Summit's competition. He is initially portrayed as a rival to Sara but quickly becomes a sympathetic character. Leblanc manipulates Dimitri, using his prodigious coding skills to develop the mind-control technology, without fully revealing its true purpose. Dimitri is intelligent but somewhat naive, caught between his desire to excel and a growing unease about Leblanc's intentions. He ultimately chooses to help the City Spies, demonstrating his inherent good nature and courage.
Relationships: Sara Martinez (initial rival, later ally); Simon Leblanc (manipulator)
City Spies Themes
Identity and Belonging
Identity and belonging are central to Sara's journey. As an orphan, she looks for a place where she can truly belong and be herself. The City Spies program gives her a second chance, a family, and a purpose. Each spy, 'rescued' by Mother, finds their identity not just as individuals but as part of a team. Sara's codename 'Brooklyn' initially connects her to her past, but her use of 'Sara' as her spy name shows her new, chosen identity within the team. Their shared experience of being different and having unique skills brings them together.
“For the first time in her life, Sara felt like she belonged somewhere. Not just a place, but with people.”
The Power of Youth and Underestimation
A main theme is the power and potential of young people, which adults often underestimate. The City Spies succeed because they are children; they can go places and do things adults cannot, blending in where grown-ups would stand out. Leblanc himself uses youth, though for bad reasons, showing the great abilities of young minds. The book celebrates the intelligence, agility, and fresh ideas that children bring, showing that age does not determine ability, especially in espionage.
“Adults see what they expect to see. Children see everything.”
Justice and Morality
The book explores justice and morality through Sara's initial actions and the City Spies' missions. Sara's hacking, though illegal, was to expose corruption and get justice for herself and other foster children. The City Spies, guided by Mother, work outside conventional legal rules but are driven by a strong moral sense to stop villains like Leblanc who exploit vulnerable people. The moral ambiguity of their methods is balanced by the clear rightness of their cause, showing that true justice is not always found within strict legal boundaries.
“Sometimes, to do what's right, you have to break a few rules.”
Technology and its Ethical Implications
Technology plays two roles in the story, as both a tool for good and a weapon for evil. Sara's hacking skills, first used for rebellion, become important for espionage. Conversely, Simon Leblanc's mind-control device shows the dangerous ethical problems of advanced technology when used by those with bad intentions. The book prompts thought on how technology can empower or control, and the responsibility that comes with its development and use. The conflict is ultimately solved by the young spies' ethical use of technology.
“Technology isn't good or evil, Sara. It's how you use it.”
Teamwork and Collaboration
The City Spies' success depends entirely on their ability to work together, despite their different personalities and skills. Each member brings a unique talent—Sara's hacking, Brooklyn's disguises, Kat's acrobatics, Paris's charm, and Rio's inventions—that is essential to the team's mission. The initial tension and rivalry among the children turn into mutual respect and reliance, showing that collaboration and using individual strengths are key to overcoming complex challenges. Their bond as a team is their greatest asset.
“You're a team, not just a collection of individuals. Your strength is in your unity.”
Plot Devices & Literary Techniques
The Secret Headquarters (Falkirk Estate)
A remote Scottish estate serving as a hidden training ground and home.
The Falkirk Estate in Scotland functions as a classic spy headquarters, complete with hidden passages, training facilities, and advanced technology. It provides a sanctuary for the City Spies, a place where they can be themselves and hone their extraordinary skills away from the prying eyes of the world. This setting reinforces the theme of belonging, as it becomes a true home for the otherwise rootless children. It also serves as a stark contrast to the bustling, public environments of their missions, creating a sense of duality in their lives.
Codename Identity
Spy codenames that reflect a character's origin or defining trait.
The use of codenames (Brooklyn, Kat, Paris, Rio, and Sara) is a common spy trope that serves multiple functions. It provides a layer of secrecy and protection for their true identities. For Sara, initially given 'Brooklyn' then choosing 'Sara,' it symbolizes her journey of self-discovery and agency within the team. The codenames also create a sense of shared identity and purpose among the young spies, reinforcing their bond as a unit operating outside normal societal rules. They are a symbolic representation of their new lives.
The 'Children as Spies' Trope
Leveraging the unique advantages of child operatives in espionage.
This is the central conceit of the book. The plot explicitly uses the fact that the protagonists are children as a strategic advantage. Children can go unnoticed, be underestimated, and access places adults cannot (like youth summits or specific school environments). This device allows for unique plot points, such as infiltrating a youth competition, and highlights the theme of the power of youth. It subverts traditional spy narratives by placing capable young agents at the forefront, creating a fresh and engaging premise for the series.
The Gadgetry and Specialized Skills
Each spy possesses a unique, highly specialized skill and access to advanced gadgets.
Each City Spy is defined by a distinct, almost superhuman skill (hacking, disguise, acrobatics, charm, invention) and utilizes advanced, often custom-built gadgets. Rio's inventions, Kat's lock-picking tools, and Sara's hacking software are crucial to mission success. This device allows for diverse problem-solving approaches and ensures each character has a vital role in the team. It adds a sense of excitement and capability to their youthful adventures, making them formidable despite their age, and is a staple of the spy thriller genre.
City Spies Quotes
“The best spies are the ones you never see coming.”
“Sometimes the most dangerous thing in the world is a kid with a smartphone and a good idea.”
“We're not just a team. We're a family. And families look out for each other.”
“In this business, the truth is often hidden in plain sight.”
“You don't have to be a grown-up to change the world.”
“Every puzzle has a solution. You just have to look at it from the right angle.”
“The city is our playground, and every corner holds a secret.”
“Trust your instincts. They're usually smarter than you think.”
“We're not breaking the rules. We're just rewriting them.”
“A good spy knows when to listen and when to act.”
“The world is full of shadows, but we're the light that finds its way through.”
“Sometimes the smallest clue can unravel the biggest mystery.”
“We don't choose our missions. They choose us.”
“In a world of secrets, the truth is our greatest weapon.”
Quiz
10 questions on the plot and the characters. Each answer comes with a short explanation.
Question 1
What specific action does Sara Martinez take at the beginning of the book that leads to her legal trouble?
- She steals money from a bank using her hacking skills
- She breaks into the New York City foster care system to expose her foster parents
- She hacks into a government database to delete her criminal record
- She helps another foster child escape from the system illegally
Show answer
B. She breaks into the New York City foster care system to expose her foster parents At the start of the book, Sara hacks into the New York City foster care system specifically to expose her foster parents as cheats and lawbreakers, which leads to her facing juvenile detention instead of being praised as a hero.
Question 2
Who is Mother and what does he offer Sara?
- A social worker who helps her find a new foster home
- A British spy who gets her released and offers her a place in a secret MI6 agency
- A hacker mentor who teaches her advanced computer skills
- A school principal who enrolls her in a special boarding program
Show answer
B. A British spy who gets her released and offers her a place in a secret MI6 agency Mother is a British spy who intervenes in Sara's legal case, securing her release from jail and recruiting her into a secret MI6 agency called the City Spies, giving her a new home and purpose.
Question 3
Where is the City Spies' base located?
- London, England
- Paris, France
- New York City, USA
- Scotland
Show answer
D. Scotland The City Spies operate from a secret base in Scotland, where they live and train when not on missions or attending the local boarding school.
Question 4
What is one of the key skills that the City Spies develop, as mentioned in the book description?
- Advanced martial arts and combat training
- Sleight of hand, breaking and entering, observation, and explosives
- Foreign language fluency and diplomatic negotiation
- Medical training and emergency first aid
Show answer
B. Sleight of hand, breaking and entering, observation, and explosives The City Spies hone unique skills like sleight of hand, breaking and entering, observation, and explosives, which allow them to go places in espionage where adults cannot.
Question 5
Why are children like Sara particularly valuable as spies according to the book's premise?
- They are cheaper to train and maintain than adult agents
- They can go places in espionage where adults can't due to their age and unassuming nature
- They have natural talents that adults lack, such as better memory
- They are less likely to be suspected because they cannot legally be spies
Show answer
B. They can go places in espionage where adults can't due to their age and unassuming nature The book emphasizes that children can access places and situations in the world of espionage that adults cannot, making them uniquely valuable as spies despite their youth.
Question 6
What mission does Sara undertake in Paris?
- She attends an international youth summit and hacks into a rival school's computer to prevent them from winning a million euros
- She steals classified documents from a French government building
- She rescues a fellow spy who has been captured by enemy agents
- She competes in a hacking competition to win prize money for the City Spies
Show answer
A. She attends an international youth summit and hacks into a rival school's computer to prevent them from winning a million euros In Paris, Sara participates in an international youth summit where she uses her hacking skills to infiltrate a rival school's computer system to stop them from winning a million euros, as part of her spy mission.
Question 7
What challenge does Sara face while on her mission in Paris, besides hacking?
- She has to learn French quickly to blend in
- She dangles thirty feet off the side of a building
Show answer
B. She dangles thirty feet off the side of a building During her Paris mission, Sara encounters physical danger, including dangling thirty feet off a building, highlighting the high-stakes and adventurous nature of her spy work.
Question 8
What is a central theme explored through Sara's recruitment into the City Spies?
- The importance of formal education over practical skills
- Finding family and belonging in unexpected places
- The ethical dilemmas of using children in espionage
- The superiority of technology over traditional spy methods
Show answer
B. Finding family and belonging in unexpected places Sara's journey from a troubled foster child to a member of the City Spies emphasizes themes of finding a new home and family within the team, as she navigates complex dynamics and builds connections.
Question 9
How does the book contrast Sara's initial punishment with her new role as a spy?
- She was banned from using computers but now uses hacking as a key skill in her missions
- She was sentenced to juvenile detention but now works as a prison guard
- She was expelled from school but now teaches other children spy techniques
- She was forced to do community service but now performs espionage for personal gain
Show answer
A. She was banned from using computers but now uses hacking as a key skill in her missions Initially, Sara faces a ban on computer use as part of her punishment, but as a City Spy, her hacking abilities become essential to her missions, turning a restriction into a valuable asset.
Question 10
What does Sara have to navigate in addition to her spy missions?
- The complex dynamics of her new team
- Legal battles to clear her name from past crimes
- A romantic relationship with a fellow spy
- Managing the finances of the City Spies organization
Show answer
A. The complex dynamics of her new team Beyond the physical dangers of missions, Sara must deal with the interpersonal challenges and relationships within her new team, adding depth to her character development.
City Spies FAQ
What is 'City Spies' about?
The book follows Sara Martinez, a teenage hacker who faces juvenile detention after exposing her corrupt foster parents. She's recruited by a British spy named Mother to join the City Spies, a secret MI6 team of five kids with unique skills. They operate from a Scottish base and undertake missions like hacking rival schools and stopping villains, culminating in a dangerous operation in Paris during an international youth summit.
Why should I read 'City Spies'?
It's a fast-paced thriller blending espionage, mystery, and teamwork with relatable young protagonists. The story combines high-stakes missions—like dangling off buildings and preventing million-euro thefts—with themes of found family and redemption, making it engaging for readers who enjoy action, technology, and character-driven plots in a global setting.
What is the background/setting of 'City Spies'?
The story starts in New York City, where Sara hacks the foster care system, but quickly shifts to a secret MI6 base in Scotland. Key missions occur in Paris during an international youth summit, with scenes set in schools, high-rise buildings, and covert locations that highlight the kids' espionage activities across different countries.
What are the most memorable quotes?
While specific quotes aren't provided in the summary, themes include Mother's recruitment line offering Sara 'a home' in MI6, and the team's motto about kids going 'places in the world of espionage where adults can't.' These capture the book's focus on second chances and youth empowerment in spycraft.
What writing style does the author use?
James Ponti employs a brisk, action-oriented style with short chapters and vivid descriptions of hacking, physical stunts, and spy tactics. The narrative balances suspenseful missions with moments of team bonding, using accessible language suitable for young adult readers while maintaining a thrilling pace.
What minor details add significant meaning?
Sara's ban from computers after her hack underscores her desperation and skill, making her recruitment by Mother more impactful. The team's training in 'sleight of hand, breaking and entering, observation, and explosives' subtly sets up their later missions, like the building climb and hacking in Paris.
What are some subtle foreshadowing moments?
Sara's initial hacking of the foster care system foreshadows her later mission to hack a rival school's computer in Paris. Mother's offer of a 'home' in MI6 hints at the team becoming a found family, which evolves as Sara navigates complex dynamics with the other City Spies during their operations.
What unexpected character connections exist?
Sara's background as a foster child connects her to the other City Spies, who come from 'various parts of the world,' suggesting shared experiences of displacement. Mother's intervention links Sara's criminal past to a legitimate spy career, creating an unexpected alliance that drives the team's missions and growth.
What are unspoken character motivations?
Sara is motivated by a desire for belonging and redemption after her foster system trauma, unspokenly seeking approval from Mother and her teammates. The other City Spies likely have hidden reasons for joining, such as escaping past troubles or proving themselves, which influence their loyalty and skills during missions.
What psychological complexities do characters exhibit?
Sara shows resilience and guilt, grappling with her criminal past while embracing her hacker identity for good. The team dynamics reveal insecurities and rivalries, as kids from diverse backgrounds must trust each other in life-threatening situations, highlighting themes of identity and cooperation under pressure.
What are the major emotional turning points?
Key moments include Sara's arrest and Mother's offer, which shifts her from despair to hope; her first mission in Paris, where she risks her life dangling off a building; and team conflicts during the summit, which test their bonds and lead to growth in trust and camaraderie.
How do relationship dynamics evolve?
Sara starts as an outsider but gradually integrates into the City Spies through shared missions, like hacking and stopping the villain. The team's dynamics shift from potential rivalry to mutual reliance, especially during the Paris summit, where their unique skills combine to overcome challenges and solidify their found family.
Which parts remain ambiguous or open-ended?
The summary leaves the villain's identity and full motives unclear, as well as the long-term impact of Sara's actions on her legal status. The outcome of the million-euro hack and the team's future missions after Paris are hinted at but not resolved, inviting speculation about sequels.
What are controversial scenes or decisions?
Sara's illegal hacking of the foster care system raises ethical questions about vigilante justice. Mother's recruitment of minors into dangerous spy work could be seen as exploitative, despite offering them a home. The team's use of skills like explosives and breaking-and-entering blurs lines between right and wrong in their missions.
'City Spies' ending explained: how it ends & what it means
The summary suggests the climax involves stopping a villain in Paris, with Sara successfully navigating team dynamics and missions. This likely ends with the City Spies proving their worth, symbolizing that misfit kids can achieve great things together, and setting up Sara's redemption and continued adventures in espionage.
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