The Zetta Sonic
S19 - (Spring) Not Ready

No one from the Kloster tribe actually accompanied Mark and Dominic leaving the village. They give the boat their fastest engine. In addition, Tesiana also did not mess around when saying that the conditions at night are very different from the conditions during the day. The night was not only pitch black but also misleading. Everything looks the same. The trees were not clearly visible, all only visible as black shadows in the shape of a muddle. Although the lighting of their boat was quite bright, it was unable to hit the haunting thin fog. Not to mention the cold air and the threat from the wild animals of the river. No one knows the sound of their boat teasing and scaring the animals or vice versa.

The only thing that keeps Mark focused on driving is the safety of his son. And, the only thing that kept Dominic from nagging since they left the village all of a sudden was Alex's safety.

Mark sometimes looks back even though he cannot see Dominic clearly. The man was half covered by the passenger seat. Mark himself knew it was clearly unwise to keep looking back. He had to divide his attention on the radar and the scene ahead.

Every precious minute of it made Mark tense. Especially when the professor swore behind him. Mark tiptoed. “Professor, what's wrong? Is everything okay?”

There was a pause before the professor replied. “Ya, yes. I just dropped the bottle cap.”

Mark doesn't like to hear that. “Close what bottle?”

“What else?”

Mark would rather not hear the professor's answer sound more like a question. “You want to do some research? Here?” Mark didn't know what he expected of Dominic when he asked.

“No,” replied Dominic. “I've got enough data to do an experiment. On here. Now.”

“What are you talking about?” Mark's tone of voice rose, there was confusion as well as resentment in it. His voice was also getting louder, half to overcome the sound of the boat engine, the other half was an overflow of emotions. “I don't know if you are a mad scientist in the ranks of ICPA. Experimenting on a moving ship?”

“Wow. I'm crazy enough to come here and look for Kloster's springs. But I'm not a mad scientist. I'm a crazy doctor trying to save your son.”

Mark flinched, aware of the professor's intentions. “Hei! Don't use Alex for your guinea pig!” This time, Mark shouted while looking back. He could see in the light. Dominic is holding a syringe and a tube filled with fluid. The color reflects a sparkling greenish-blue light.

“I tried to save Alex—”

“Stop!”

“Quiet, this will work. I'm sure—”

“Do not dare touch it or I shoot!” Mark earnestly. He's turned off the boat's engine. His one hand had been holding a gun that pointed right at Dominic. “I'm serious! Drop it!”

Professor Dominic is shaking with the tube and the syringe still in his grasp. Tension swept in silence. Finally, Dominic sighed softly. He lowered his voice. “Listen, Alex's condition is critical. We both know that. Our equipment is limited. We don't know how far the nearest hospital is and what facilities they have. No one knows when Alex will stay. Until morning? Until tomorrow? Or, just an hour ahead? Who knows? I just want to help.”

“You made Alex a guinea pig.”

“The choice is yours, not mine. We can wait or try this drug. Both are not easy choices. Both have risks. Nothing is certain. Only one thing is certain.” Dominic continued, “As we argue, Alex's condition continues to decline. Consider carefully, Mark.”

Mark remained silent. Slowly, his hand moved down. “I don't want anyone killed tonight. Not Alex, not you either.” Lips vibrate. He throws the gun over the chair before stepping on Dominic. “I also don't know which option is best. I just want Alex safe.”

“I also want Alex congratulations.”

Dominic.

Mark held his son while the blue liquid flowing from the syringe entered his son's body. Alex did not react. Mark waited long enough to hug her even tighter. When Alex's cheek touched her skin, she could feel that it was not only moist but cold. Fear filled his mind faster than the experience of being held in a gun.

“Mark,” Dominic said as he patted her on the shoulder. “She's thirsty.”

Mark pulled Alex away from him. He saw Alex's lips move, it was closed now open. Shortly after, his son's eyelids shook. The sight left him speechless.

“Hey, how about we split the task only?” ask Dominic. “You are steering this ship as soon as possible to the hospital and I will take care of it?”

“That's a very good idea.” Mark nodded quickly, realising he would be a glimmer of hope that Alex would indeed be fine. He laid Alex back into position on the boat seat covered in thick cloth. “Thank you, prof.”

“Doctor. That's a more convenient call for me.” Dominic then quickly corrected. “But, Dominic, it's much more convenient.”

Mark smiled a faint smile and stepped back to the helm of the ship. He turned on the engine and their boat drove back over the river. It was still dark but Mark was calmer. He occasionally glanced back, making sure Alex was okay. Dominic has helped feed the water little by little to Alex. Meanwhile, their journey has also arrived. Mark found out from the ICPA radar. They are getting closer to modern civilization.

“Hey, I think you better save this.” Dominic called from the side. The man was sitting in the nearest chair. He held out Mark's gun.

Mark nodded. “Thank you again, prof— I mean, Dominic.”

“Say that after Alex's condition is completely healthy. I think he needs a few nights in the hospital. For observation.” Dominic took a deep breath.  His eyes were watching the darkness that was in front of them. “Before we land, we must agree first.”

“What's the problem?”

“Water eyes.”

“Nobody should know except ICPA Regis leader, you, and I—”

“No,” Dominic says. “I know maybe our leader told you to take the water secretly. That's an order, I get it. I also understand that the world may not be ready for its secrets.”

“What do you mean?” Mark frowning.

“There is a slightly different content. With a little engineering, the water could be a potent drug or deadly poison. I want the first one, but we don't know who wants the second option. So, I think it's better this is a secret between us. Tell me you don't have a chance to take it. The leader won't mind about it.”

“What? But—”

“Let this be a secret between you and me. Trust me, Mark, like you believed I could save your son. The world is not ready for this.”