The Zetta Sonic
In Desert

Sure do. Not all videos are boring. Some of them make Alex so happy. Call it like a video in a desert area. A group of armed men ride in an open jeep. The ICPA members are after them. There are at least two ICPA field agents, the rest are local police. Both sides shot each other.

The video was taken from the point of view of a car being driven by an ICPA agent. The picture is really wobbling. At the beginning, Alex was quite dizzy to see it.

The chase ended when one of the policemen managed to shoot the tires of the jeep. The car was also in the sand. The passengers tried to run. However, the police prevented him from firing back. Someone was shot in the leg, and someone was shot in the chest. There was only one person they did not aim at.

That person, just like his peers, was wearing a loose shirt and a cloth that covered his head. Despite also bearing a weapon, this person did not use it. One of the ICPA members jumped out of the vehicle. While Alex can see that the video is still shaking, it means that the vehicle is still moving even slowly.

The agent ran fast. He was wearing ICPA-made shoes. The shoes helped him run on sandy soil. In these conditions, technology plays an important role in the success of a mission. Alex remembers the title of the video was the first arrest on Axmetoff.

The video continues with the scene of the agent hitting his prey. Compared to the skinny hunt, the posture of the agent is much better. Deftly, this agent shackled his hands with special handcuffs. It was the first time Alex had seen such handcuffs.

Instead of the handcuffs used by police, these handcuffs look more like thick leather bracelets with lights and magnets. This bracelet forces both hands to stick together. The lights twinkle, giving a shock if the game tries to rebel. The agent pulled his quarry to his feet, pointed it at him with a pistol, forcing him to move towards the camera.

The vehicle stopped. The voice of conversation in a foreign language is clearly heard. There is also radio hissing and protest signals. Gusts of strong wind blew over when they were close enough, revealing the cloth that covered his prey face.

“Jayden?” Alex recognized that face.

Unbelieving with his own eyes, Alex accesses the tablet, re-examining the report. All videos have mission details. Starting from whom the field agent in charge, the operator, the mission objective, the following points coordinate events. Before playing the video, he was pretty sure he didn't read Jayden's name there. Alex double-checked to confirm his suspicions. There is no Jayden but Jason Garnet.

Continuing his research, Alex checks the latest mission report. He's looking for the name of the operator who was on a mission at the fish cannery. The first Zetta Sonic mission. Of course the mission was also listed even though there were no videos or pictures. Everything in the details of the mission data is locked to a specific person. At least, they left the title of the report following the agents on duty.

The name of the operator says Jayden Garnet.

Alex's right. It's an arrest mission for Jayden's younger brother, Jason, whose name is now used for his favorite drone. Alex isn't surprised that Jayden was involved with criminals, but his brother? Alex flinching. Jayden never told me anything about his family. He shouldn't be surprised either that Jason was involved with the criminals.

“Again, what bad things can they do?” Alex lets his mind incarnate into words. He pressed a button, continuing the video.

Curious, Alex continued. Not only that, he sped up some parts of the video. He replaced the search option with the name Jason Garnet. Surprisingly enough for Alex, there are plenty of videos and mission reports about Jason. Everything makes Jason the objective of the mission. Find and capture Jason alive.

Until finally, Alex finds the last report. No video, no photos. There's only a long series of mission reports. The deeper Alex studied it, the more her forehead wrinkled and the worries mixed with curiosity jumped into her mind. The report closes with a sentence Alex can't forget.

“Alex?”

Alex tiptoed when his name was called. Doctor Vanessa stood next to him with a gentle look. In his hand were two cans of juice. For a moment, silence was between the two.

Doctor Vanessa daubed a gentle smile, “I think that's a good case study for you. I suggest you agent Oscar Robin or Greg Arson. They'll give you a different side of the ICPA mission world. And, actually, I think it's time for a break.”

“Yes. I agree.”

Alex closed the page he was opening. Tablet PC is also dark. Anything on the big screen is dead. Simultaneously, the lights of the entire room lit up. A sign that the watch is over. Alex receives his juice can while the doctor stands nearby with no intention of sitting down.

Alex smiled at himself. “I'm fine.”

“Because of that, I asked quite specific.”

Alex looked back at the doctor Vanessa who was still waiting for an answer with a smile on her face. “I,” Further Alex, “don't know.” This time, an honest answer came out of his mouth. “I feel like I found a part of myself I've never met. Sometimes I don't think I know myself. Something very different than usual.”

“What are you afraid of?”

Alex did not answer that question. He was silent for a moment. It's hard to admit that he's a little scared of everything. On Jayden's disappearance, on a mission that will appear sooner or later, also changes itself. “Maybe,” replied Alex with an ambiguous answer.

“You don't have to force it.”

“I try not to force myself.”

“Not, Alex. Do not force yourself to dare to overcome everything. Sometimes fear is necessary. For a doctor like me, for example. I need fear when treating patients, otherwise I will behave recklessly. It could end very badly. There are times when you need to admit you are afraid to tread carefully.”

“I know.”

“If there is anything you want to talk about, you can always talk to me. Okay?”

“What?”

“Anything.” Doctor Vanessa repeated her words.

“Actually, there is indeed something that worries me. It's about Jayden. Have you ever thought if he never came back?” Alex felt like he had to face his own fears. The first step obviously makes that feeling a concrete question. It made a bitter taste in his mouth.

Doctor Vanessa fell silent. He took a long breath. It is not the answer that comes out in the end but rather the hope. “We all want him back.”

“How about not?”

“You mean, if he dies?” Tiger had just entered the room, cutting off their conversation, with a sullen face. He is in charge of keeping an eye on Alex during his sentencing, including making sure he gets home on time to avoid unnecessary suspicion. “Maybe it's better”

“What do you mean?” reply Alex quickly.

“Think of this boy. Which is easier for you? Find Jayden dead or see him act against us?”

“Jayden will not betray ICPA.”

“Maybe not. But there is always a possibility. You have to be prepared for any eventuality, Alex. Zetta Sonic is made for the world, not Jayden.”