The Zetta Sonic
The Navy Envelope

A few days later, Alex was relaxing in his computer chair. As usual, Rover curled up quietly near his seat. I don't know how long he hasn't played the game like he used to. His hands held more guns than game controllers now. His life changed, and so did his schedule.

Alex paused for a moment after winning a few fights in the game. While twitching the temple, he pulled himself to lean. When his eyes closed, Alex could see the pieces of his memory clearly. Starting from his infiltration into the Special Force headquarters, his encounter with Jayden, the killer robots, agents from Regis, Jayden's kidnapping to his fight with Damon.

When there was a knock on the door, Alex didn't have to answer. He knows who's coming. He just needs to turn around. As he expected, Preston came up with a tray in his hand. There's fruit juice in there with a white envelope.

“You need a lot of fruit and rest,” said Preston mimicking the Hill family's personal doctor. “Actually, I'm pretty sure that the rest in question is lying in bed instead of playing.”

Alex throws a knotty smile. “I also believe a happy heart will bring faster recovery. Mrs. Bellsey's been pretty depressed because I had to rest for a whole week. He wanted me to go back to school as soon as possible so as not to be left behind. Trust me Preston, I miss school too.”

“Oh, I trust you.” Preston thrust his tray at Alex and the boy took his juice. “There was a letter addressed to you this morning. The sender is from the University of Greynia. Surprisingly, the name of the recipient is you. Though usually they send invitations to your father not you.”

“Maybe they're not interested in father.” Alex answered casually, starting to enjoy his orange juice.

“So there was something interesting about your last visit there?”

Alex was sure the fur of his horse stood up when he saw Preston's expression as he asked. His eyes were full of glance and his lips were tightly clenched. The old man seemed to know what was happening. Trying to ignore the pressure, Alex shrugged his shoulders. “Entahlah. As I recall, my visit there was no fun. I'm lucky to be home alive.”

“You're talking about mass shooting?” guess Preston.

Alex sipped his juice. The other hand picks up a white envelope on the tray. He saw his name on the front of the bottom corner. While in the upper corner, there is the emblem of the university. “Yes. That was an unpleasant experience.”

“The news was the headline for days.”

Alex nodded, agreeing. “Police have no clue as to who's the mastermind—”

“Or they already know but there is another party hiding it,” said Preston. “The shooters were fully armed and well coordinated. If they were trying to spread fear, it worked. Fortunately, the situation is quickly under control.”

“True. Precisely because of that, I offer donation help to them.”

“Donation? Very generous, Alex. Is that the reason why they invited you to the opening of the newly renovated building?”

“Can be. You also heard that from the news?”

“When something big happens, the public's attention will shift to it. Either because they just wonder how it goes or they do care. Like yourself. They must be glad there's a young man who cares like you.”

“I just did what I could.” Alex squeezed the juice out and left his empty glass in the tray. The white envelope had moved into Alex's hands. Preston walked out of the room without asking any more questions.

Alex waited until Preston vanished behind the door. After that, he brought the envelope to his computer chair for inspection. He knew full well that the contents were not an invitation to come to the opening of the renovated building. Alex never made a donation for the renovation of the building but rather for research. It was not a letter from the university, but rather a letter from one of the students there.

At first, Alex had no intention of telling Jayden about this. When Jayden is kidnapped, Alex realizes that he will not be able to complete his wish alone. He needs Jayden and his cleverness. He'll tell Jayden once his condition improves.

Inside the white envelope, Alex found another envelope of thick cardboard material in dark blue with a gold accent. Again, there is a logo of the university there. Alex figured it was supposed to be an invitation to the inauguration of the building. However, the contents are clearly different. Instead of an invitation, Alex pulls out a thin slab. A chip with a complicated stroke. No letters, just chips.

The chip came at the right time.

Alex took the box from one of the closed drawers. From the box, he pulled out a simple cell phone and typed in the number he had memorized. Jayden's new personal mobile number. Alex waited until the dial vanished in Jayden's voice.

“Hai, good afternoon. We offer some products that you might like, Mr. Garnet.” Alex welcome.

[Very funny, Alex. How many people know this number?] After his abduction, Jayden replaced the phone with a new number. He didn't throw away his old phone and old number, just in case he could use them to find the culprit.

Alex chuckles. “How are you? Already familiarized yourself with hospital food?”

[I should have gotten out of here sooner. But, Nadira thought it better to put me in the hospital for a while while waiting for me to recover. That's a silly joke. I'm ready to be behind the table.]

“Researchers have completed the shield you designed.”

[I can make another plan.]

“Good, that's what I'm waiting for.”

There was a pause just before Jayden's voice sounded again. [Now I feel like I've fallen into your trap. What are you thinking? Is this still about the robot horse in your backyard? I haven't had time to arm him as an extra layer of security. I just got kidnapped, remember?]

“I have a better.”

[You used a foreign number to call me. Let me guess, this is gonna be a secret project between us.]

“It looks exciting, ‘kan?”

[Relatedly unwilling for ICPA to get involved? Nadira will hang us both if he finds out. Secrets in secrets. It never ends well.]

“We don't have to lie to her, just don't tell her. Even if we told him, I'm sure Nadira wouldn't be interested. It's just a simple research. He won't be interested in her.”

[OKAY. So, what research are you talking about?] Jayden asked, but got no answer. [Alex? Huh hello? Alex? You there?] Still no answer. Jayden heard a slow thumping sound before their connection was cut off.