The Zetta Sonic
S18 - (Spring) The Sting

Mark knows something's wrong. His anxiety increased when he saw their cottage bright, much brighter than the surrounding conditions. He saw that there were other people inside. Two women wearing white clothes, it looks like a nurse or something. An old man who might be a healer or something. His son, Alex, was lying on a mattress covered in blankets and compresses.

“What happened?” Mark asked. He realized that his tone was quite high. He dropped his things down and went straight to Alex. “What happened?” the second time, this time it was slower and slightly vibrating.

One of the women next to Alex lay down trying to explain. That doesn't help. The old man raised his hand. The woman stopped talking. The old man looked at Tesiana and nodded. Afterwards, he and the two women stood up and left.

“She's sick,” says Tesiana fast. “Tabib and nurse here are trying to help, but no results.”

“Alex why?” Mark asked again. He did not care about the medical personnel who were cleaning their belongings. He just wants answers. His son was not only pale but did not respond at all to his touch. “What happened?”

“She played with the kids here after dinner. They are too carried away and do not pay attention to the surrounding conditions. That time there—”

“She was bitten by a scorpion?” Mark guess. He found Alex's left hand had a swollen scar with one red dot.

“Lebah,” Reply Tesiana. “He was stung by a killer bee. At first he just felt itchy. Then, suddenly, he vomited. His breathing was tight and he fainted. We immediately took her to the nurse. He was dealt with quickly but his condition declined.”

“Anaphylaxis,” Dominic says. Leaving her belongings in the corner of the room, she approached Alex. His hand touched the little neck. “It's bad. Does Alex have allergies to bees?”

This time Mark is out. “A— What? Ba— How do I know about that?”

Dominic ignores Mark's reaction. He turned to Tesiana who was already kneeling beside him. “Please let me know that these people have given him Epinephrine.”

“Already.” Tesiana nodded. “Thank you to ICPA, they have the medicine here.”

Dominic turned his head, seeing that the medics had left the cottage at this time. “They just left? Seriously?” Dominic's trying to call those guys. “Hei! There are patients they need to save here. How could you just leave? Oi! Don't go!”

Tesiana whispered, “They don't understand our language, remember?”

Mark rubbed his son's face without understanding what to do. “What will happen to Alex?”

“He will be fine as long as we take him to the hospital,” Dominic said. “I think Epinephrine alone is not enough. Alex needs further treatment. Tesiana, tell your father that we're going to get out of here now. We need a fast boat. Now also.”

Tesiana couldn't stop the protests. “Tu— Wait! You kidding? My father wouldn't let that happen. There's still a lot of things you need to finish here. After all, passing through the river last night is very dangerous. No one will drive you.”

“Then, will coach his own ship!” Mark almost shouted. “Alex is in danger. I'll do whatever it takes to get him out of this village. Either that by ship or call the ICPA.” fighter plane

Tesiana immediately pursed her lips. Mark wasn't threatening, he could have done it. With few emergency signals, the ICPA will send reinforcements there. Maybe Mark should explain the action later maybe even be punished because of it, but from the look of Mark's eyes, Tesiana knew it was a risk that was ready to be taken.

The woman gave a short sigh. “Then, pack up. Don't blame me if there's a crocodile in front of you.” Before standing up and leaving the cottage, Tesiana spoke again. “One thing you need to remember, Mark. You brought your son here. You involved him. Not us.”

Mark shook his head, not daring to stare at his interlocutor. His eyes were fixed on Alex.

“He's right. I'm the one who brought Alex in danger.” Mark pulled his son slowly. He hugged her but did not dare to hold her tight. Alex feels so weak. Alex's slow breath felt so faint that it hit Mark's neck. I don't know how much longer Alex can hold on. Mark didn't want to imagine it but his mind couldn't be prevented. At least he could hold back the water that was about to wet his cheeks.

“He will be fine,” Dominic whispered almost silently.

“It's my fault.” Mark's voice was shaking.

“It was an accident. Occupational risk. No one thought it could all be like this.”

“I am working. I should have accepted the risk, not my son. I forced Alex to come. I pushed him too hard to help. I—” Mark paused for a moment. “I'm a selfish father.”

“You encouraged Alex to help?” Dominic repeats Mark's words. “What are you doing? Tell Alex you're gonna spy in the rain forest?”

Mark did not answer.

“Oh.” At that moment, Dominic realized that his guess was right. “You want him to be like you? You prepared it so...” Dominic held his breath then spoke without a real voice this time, “agen?”

“Alex smart. He can help more people if it's in my position.”

“He's still four years old. Or, five years. I forget. Why are you doing this to her?”

Mark looked at Dominic. “I'm a bad father. Now, he's dying.”

“Maybe it's true. You're a bad father and your son is now safe.” Dominic took a deep breath. “But, it won't be long. He'll be fine.”

“Originally we arrived at the hospital on time.” Mark nodded. “Honest me. How long can Alex last?” Mark's voice was shaking again. “I,” added, “ingin prepare for the worst.”

“Then, honestly I don't know. I'm not even sure we can get there.”

“It's night. We don't know how long it can get to the hospital.” Mark let his anxiety out. Dominic's remarks made him fully aware of their possibilities that are getting thinner over time. “Maybe we should call the plane from ICPA. That way, we can faster—”

Dominic waved his hand. He forbids but remains in whispers. “Don't, it will bring us all in danger. Your mission of capturing tribal traitors should be a secret. You're jeopardizing your own career. We also bring their water. If it gets caught—”

“You only think about your research,” said Mark. “I should know!”

“What? Nope. I'm thinking about your son. I'm a doctor, remember? We'll finish everything on board.”

“What do you mean?” Mark asked, then he saw Tesiana approaching the cottage with another man.

“Trust me,” Dominic said again, “Alex will be safe.”