The Zetta Sonic
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Alex drove home. He went through the streets that he usually went through even though it didn't feel the same. Some of the mansions he passed by belonged to his friends. Alex doesn't know what happened to them. Did they manage to escape the explosion because they were not present at school? Were they hit by an explosion? Are they hurt or worse.

As Alex's eyes wet again, White spoke.

[I can play music if you want.]

“No.” Alex doesn't want to hear any songs. Leta has a beautiful voice. It is a talent that all members of his family have. Alex doesn't know if they can still sing after this tragedy.

Alex shakes. He tried to get rid of all his memories on Leta but that was definitely impossible. For him, it would be easier to choose not to feel. Pretending to be invulnerable and not hurt by the explosion that occurred not until twenty-four hours ago. He needs a distraction.

“White.”

[What can I do for you, Alex?]

“Connect me to Jayden.”

[He's already opened a communication connection with several people at once. There's Nadira, Fergus, and some other agents. Are you sure you want to connect too?]

“Ya.” Alex reactivates the combat uniform he once switched off. He didn't want to until someone outside the Special Force saw his face.

[Sonic?] Jayden says hello.

White's screen panel lit up and Alex could see Jayden there. His eyes did not look straight at him. Jayden was busy typing something. He also did it while looking at some point. It seemed that there were indeed many communication screens that were being opened by him.

[Hey, how? Is everything okay? Or is there something going on there?] Jayden looked toward Alex, waiting for an answer. Because Alex never answered, Jayden turned his attention again.

Before the split, Jayden supported Alex checking out his house first. It was one of the good targets for the Baron. Regardless if there is a Mark Hill in it or not and regardless if the house is guarded by another ICPA agent.

“No. I just want..” Alex was silent for a moment looking for words. His heart was agitated and his mind could not find the word mufakat to lie. Alex continued with honesty. “Here deserted. I think I need a friend.” His voice almost shook.

Jayden paused for a moment. [By calling me right now, you'll be listening to Nadira's nagging, lots of guilt presumptions from Fergus, Nadira's nagging again, the movement of the bomb squad, and a lot of Nadira's nagging. Hugely. Many.]

[I hear you, Jayden!] Nadira interrupted.

[I hope you're okay there, Zetta Sonic.] Fergus keeps himself from mentioning the name ‘Alex’.

“Very good, thank you.” Alex issued an answer that he had trained for many years. He did not want people to focus on his presence, so he instead offered help. [So, what can I do for you after checking out, um, one of the Wood Peak student mansions. You guys have other goals?]

[Many.] There was an answer from the foreign voice that Nadira immediately cut.

[Zetta Sonic shouldn't have taken care of this bomb. He should have focused more on fighting off the gorilla robots Jayden failed to take care of. So, Sonic, after you finish inspecting the mansion, return to the Special Force headquarters. Immediately. Understood?]

“Very understand.”

Nadira apparently also cooperated with several other parties, including — police officials because ordinary police should not know the existence of ICPA —, and also other continental ICPA agents. Gavin must have been involved in it, too. Again, Alex remembers Cody.

If only Nadira had allowed Cody to be released, Cody could have given them a lot of help. He has small insects that until now have not been able to be remade exactly by the ICPA. Even so, Alex knows this is not the right time to argue with Nadira. Especially witnessed by many parties. Hopefully after making sure his house is safe, he can contact Nadira personally for that.

Alex finally got home. He saw the fence of his house, the same plant, and the same guard. But again, it doesn't feel the same.

[I'm integrated with Zet-Arm. You can call me through it.]

Alex just nodded. He got down in front of the fence and let White drive away. He doesn't know how long he'll be home. He had no idea what his father and mother would react to when they saw him coming home. He doesn't even know when he'll be needed. Nadira could call him anytime. The bomb could be found immediately or not found at all. Whatever the choice, Alex is scared.

The boy slowly entered his house. Preston ran from the house to greet him. The old man looked relieved to see his master coming.

“I'm afraid your name is on the news, Alex,” he said softly.

“I'm at Willy's house, waiting until the conditions will be home.” That's the answer the ICPA has compiled for Alex. Whether since when to lie so much easier to do along with the help of ICPA. The call from his house to Willy's house will be diverted to the operator.  “Where is father and mother?”

“They're in your father's den. They will be very happy to see you.”

Alex terseum's. What's more fun than seeing mom and dad smile at her arrival. Dad would hug her warm and mom would give her a sweet kiss. It was a simple pleasure on this pretty shitty day. However, it was too beautiful to be true for Alex. What happened in my study was far from his shadow.

His mother and father had a big fight. They are unaware of Alex's presence. Their child is peeking out of the open door.

“You never cared about me or Alex. You even let him be at his friend's house. He should be here!” Alicia screaming.

No less loud, Mark also shouted. “Try to see who's talking about caring. You never cared about Alex or about me. Otherwise, you might even sleep in the room with another man. I know what you're doing behind our back, Alicia!”

“Really? Ye know? From where? Infotainment?”

“It doesn't matter where I know from. You cheated when Alex needed you.”

“Alex needs me? The boy needs you. He needs his father's guidance. You know what's going on? You are not there when he needs you. What kind of dad only comes home a few times a year? It was only a few days.”

“I can say the same to you.”

“I work in front of the screen. You can see me in magazines, on television, on the internet. I even always give you my schedule.”

“Most of that schedule are fake!”

“It's still a lot better than not giving any news at all. You are very difficult to contact. I don't know where you are. You make me lie every time Alex asks where you are!”

Alex expects too much. No one expected his return. Mom and Dad are busy with their own world. Why go home when you just bring trouble?