It was a cold morning, but Zhu was still snug in her childhood bed, the soft sheets cocooning her like a blanket of pure comfort. Sunlight peeked through the curtains, casting the room in warm, golden hues. The familiar orange fragrance of her room mixed with the faint jasmine scent wafting in from the garden outside.
Good morning, New Eridu, she thought as she lazily stretched her limbs, still lying down. Sure, she was a hard-working officer, but that didn't mean she didn't appreciate slow mornings.
Clock in on time, clock out on time—yes, please. And no overtime, thank you very much. Last week had been a whirlwind of chaos, with barely enough time to breathe. But today? At least there were no nightmares about red-blackholes swirling ominously in her mind last night.
She stared at the ceiling, contemplating her day. Ugh, secret admirer, she remembered, her cheeks immediately heating up. Her dad's words from last night replayed in her head." Desserts are flirting?—Just like what Seth told me..." She let out a groan, sinking her hands into her face to hide the blush that was creeping up.
Desserts? Really? Then who's my mystery dessert-pusher? Elias? Nah, he's too busy with the case... She chewed on her nails absentmindedly. But maybe he's not too busy to play with my emotions! Ugh, let's just hope he's not Elias.
Her phone buzzed from the nightstand, snapping her out of her dessert-filled thoughts. She grabbed it, hoping the city didn't crumble while I slept.
There was a text from Qingyi:
"Captain, our officers found a man from the Hollows last night." Zhu's eyes widened. A man? From the Hollows?
Just as she was processing this, another message buzzed in from Qingyi: "We'll have a visit on him later, Captain."
Zhu couldn't help but amazed.
She tapped out a quick reply:"Thanks for the update, I'll clock in before 9AM today at the quarters."
She was thinking if that's the guy they were after, from the Exploding Bangboo/Bangboonapper inside the hollow case.
Setting her phone down, she allowed herself to snuggle back into the blankets. The faint hum of her family moving around in the house added a peaceful backdrop as she savored the simplicity of the morning. If only every day could start this slowly...
Eventually, Zhu found herself on the couch, coffee in hand—my daily IV drip, she thought, savoring the warmth of the cup as she took a slow, satisfying sip. The soft hum of the television filled the room, her morning ritual in full swing. The news anchor's voice caught her attention:
"In today's top story, the highly anticipated Dawn Horizon Project has entered its final testing phase, sparking both excitement and concern across New Eridu..."
Zhu's gaze shifted to the TV. On-screen, a gleaming, state-of-the-art facility stretched across the skyline, the facility is inside the Hollows with an undisclosed location. Citizens gathered outside, some cheering in support while others held signs with messages like "No to the New Dawn Horizon" and "Nature Will Fight Back!"
Great, she thought, pressing her temples. Public order's going to be a nightmare this week. Thanks, Chief. She sighed, taking another sip of coffee. Better enjoy the quiet while I can.
From across the kitchen, her dad chimed in with a teasing grin. "You see, Zhu? You could've been an artist! You'd be out there painting those protest signs!"
Zhu couldn't help but grin shaking her head. Her mom, standing in front of the stove, didn't look as amused. "Don't listen to your father," she said, waving a frying ladle in his direction. "You're doing just fine at your job, Zhu."
Zhu smirked, settling deeper into the couch. "Yeah, Dad, I think I'll stick with Public Security for now."
Her mom gave her dad a sideways look. "Don't go putting ideas in her head. Next thing you know, she'll be quitting her job to start a street art revolution."
The banter lightened her mood, but Zhu's attention drifted back to the TV. The screen now showed a government official, looking polished and confident, addressing reporters outside the cityhall.
"This is a turning point for our city," the official declared. "The Dawn Horizon Project represents our best hope for securing a future free from ether contamination. The people of New Eridu deserve peace."
From behind the counter, her dad, stirring pancake batter, raised an eyebrow at the TV. "Hope is nice, but that sounds like it could get messy."
Zhu raised an eyebrow back at him. "Why's that, Dad?"
He gave her a knowing look. "You know I consult for the Hollow Affairs & Neutralization Department, (H.A.N.D) right? I've seen projects like this before. If something goes wrong, it's not just 'messy,' it's chaos."
Zhu rolled her eyes, grinning. "Oh right, I forgot my dad's a researcher and a part-time comedian."
On-screen, a scientist in a crisp lab coat appeared, speaking to the camera with a cautious expression. "While the project offers tremendous potential, we cannot overlook the risks involved. We're treading carefully, but any missteps could have serious consequences."
Her dad pointed at the screen with his spatula. "See? Even other experts agree."
Zhu shook her head, hiding her amusement. Yeah, okay, but I'm a PUBSEC officer, not a scientist. I'll let the scientists handle the science, and I'll just worry about the public not losing their minds.
She glanced at the Dawn Horizon logo flashing on the screen—a sleek, hopeful sun rising over the city. It all seemed so polished, so perfect, but she knew better. Too good to be true, she thought. This is going to lead to chaos, isn't it?
Her fingers tightened around her coffee cup as she let the caffeine do its job. Whatever happens, I'll be ready for it... after I finish this cup.
It was quarter to 9 AM, and Seth and Qingyi were standing beside the PUBSEC Mobile outside the station, waiting. Seth fidgeted where he stands, glancing at the clock.
"I think Captain's running late. Let's head inside—the sun's getting hotter," Seth suggested, trying to escape the sweltering heat. He shot a quick look at Qingyi, who was calmly sipping her ever-present hot water.
"Go ahead if you want," Qingyi replied, unbothered by the rising temperature. "I'm fine."
Seth raised an eyebrow, half-amused. "You know it's boiling out here, right? And you're sipping hot water? That's a next-level endurance test," he said, darting his eyes toward the street, hoping to spot their captain.
Qingyi gave him a calm side-eye, as if drinking hot water under the blazing sun was the most natural thing in the world.
"So, last night... Mr. Smith—uh, Elias—he seemed fine. Do you think Captain still doesn't trust him?" Seth rubbed his chin, thinking out loud. "And why do we even call him 'Mr. Smith' if his name's Elias? He literally showed us his badge last night."
Qingyi paused, lowering her cup for a moment. "Well, maybe Captain's just protecting his real name, you know, for safety reasons," she said.
Seth furrowed his brow, clearly confused. "Should we tell her that Mr. Smith—uh, Elias—disclosed his name to us?"
Qingyi, ever the analyst, shrugged. "Captain's probably testing Elias's motives. She's good at reading people, you know that. If she kept his real name from us, it's because she's covering all angles. He's undercover—if things go sideways, the fewer people who know his real identity, the better."
Seth scratched the back of his head, looking more lost than before. "That's... a lot to think about. I wish I could read people like that. Feels like I'm always two steps behind."
Qingyi just gave him a faint smile. "You'll get there, Seth. But maybe start by not announcing every undercover agent's real name to the world."
"Right, good point." Seth nodded, chuckling awkwardly. "I'll add that to my 'Don't Do' list."
Finally, a cab pulled into the parking lot, and out stepped Zhu, her PUBSEC jacket billowing behind her like a superhero cape. "Captain, we've been waiting for you!" Seth called out, bouncing on his heels.
"It's too hot here; you guys should get inside. Don't tell me we're on patrol today?" Zhu quipped dryly, her face a mask of irritation as she fanned herself with her hand.
Qingyi, ever the mischief-maker, couldn't help but tease. "Really? Why do I keep jotting down street patrols on a day that feels like an oven?" Zhu arched an eyebrow, her slouch turning into a full-on backbend of annoyance.
"Just kidding, Captain!" Qingyi grinned, trying to suppress her laughter. "We have to visit the man at the hospital they found last night in the Hollows." The mention of their earlier conversation lit up Zhu's face.
"Ah yes, the suspect from the missing bangboo case, right?" They both nodded. "Okay, hop in the mobile."
Inside the PUBSEC Mobile, Seth was practically vibrating with excitement. Another case might be cracked today! Zhu recalled the tattoo she'd seen on the guy's arm in the footage. "Did they mention any body markings from the delivery bangboo footage?"
"Yes, Captain! It was confirmed he's our guy!" Seth exclaimed, barely able to contain his enthusiasm.
"I see..." Zhu mused, "This could be a case cracked if he talks. It might lead to something deeper."
"Captain, they told us earlier that the guy is in a coma due to corruption—barely made it out alive from our makeshift barricade on the hollow entrance," Qingyi revealed. Zhu hit the brakes at the stoplight, her eyes wide in disbelief. Seth's jaw dropped, disappointment and worry etched on his face.
"Really?" Zhu almost shouted, the concern evident in her tone.
Her heart raced as she hit the gas, turning on their siren. Seriously, how could Qingyi remain so calm in this situation? She should've told me earlier while I was at my parents' place!
Actually, you're to blame, Captain; you wanted a slow morning earlier.
"What?" She glanced back at Qingyi, who merely shrugged with an innocent smile. Yeah, I heard you!
They passed 12th Street, only to be met with a traffic jam that could put a snail to shame. Zhu squinted out the window. "What is happening at that intersection?"
Sirens blared, car horns blared louder than a chaotic orchestra, and lo and behold, a protest was unfolding against the Dawn Horizon Project.
"Why do things like this happen during crucial moments?" Zhu grumbled, rolling down the window to get a better look. Seth leaned over the passenger seat, staring wide-eyed at the chaos.
"I think we need to get there on foot, Captain," Qingyi suggested nonchalantly.
"Really? In this heat?" Seth replied incredulously, wiping sweat from his brow. Zhu just shot them both a look and switched on her radio, tuning into the 12th Street responder frequency.
A loud crackle nearly deafened her earpiece. "Officers, sit-rep at 12th Street?"
"Protest across 11th stretching through 13th; total gridlock. Code 10-44."
Zhu wiped the sweat from her forehead, eyeing the chaotic scene ahead. "It's total gridlock. We've got a protest at the intersection," she said, glancing back at Seth.
He leaned back in his seat, trying to find a comfortable position amidst the sweltering heat. "Well, at least we're not stuck handling the public order situation... right?" He flashed a slight grin, though the thought of stepping into the scorching sun made him question his sanity.
Zhu rolled her eyes playfully. "Yeah, because walking into a protest is definitely better than sitting here baking like a pancake. Hope you're ready to sweat off those morning calories!"
Seth let out a laugh, shaking his head. "If I had known being a PUBSEC officer meant cooking under the sun, I might have opted for a desk job. But then again, who could resist the allure of dodging angry crowds?"
"Ah, yes, nothing says 'job satisfaction' like sweating it out while people wave signs in our faces," Zhu replied, smirking. "Let's go before they mistake us for protesters and offer us a sign. I'd prefer not to join the 'No to the Horizon' club today."
"Good point. I'm not ready to have a philosophical debate about ether contamination while wearing a sunburn," Seth said as he opened the door, stepping out into the heat.
Qingyi, still looking relaxed as ever, followed them out. "And here I thought I'd get to enjoy a nice stroll today. Can't wait to see what slogans they've come up with. Maybe I'll snag a selfie."
Zhu chuckled, shaking her head. "Just keep your distance, or you might end up in the next viral protest video!"
With that, the trio set off toward the intersection, ready to face whatever chaos awaited them. Little did they know, today was just the beginning of a very long—and likely very hot—adventure.