A Visit to the Cannon HeadQuarters
When Zsadin drove inside the lawn of the HQ, the boys gasped in surprise and awe. They had been to many places which were beautiful and eye-catching. But the Cannon Headquarters was truly a beautiful and magnificent piece of architecture. It gave a sense of security. The lawn covered with grass and many trees formed a very peaceful environment. As they entered the main building, the boys could see many people clad in black coloured uniforms going around doing their duties. They bowed in respect greeting Zsadin as they came in contact with her. She was truly respected as a commander. Some enquired about Nancy but none gave them any awkward looks. Some even scolded her for giving the boys too much freedom, earning faint smiles from her. Zsadin was about to knock at Chief Lee's office when she turned giving a warned look, "Remember, speak only if asked to. Do not blabber, say the truth, he already knows everything". The team nodded and stood in alert position. Zsadin knocked and entered. "She is not capable enough, she doesn't control her team. Also, the band members do not listen to her. How could you give her this task when it should be mine? I-",
"Ahem....good afternoon, Chief. Officer Zsadin, central command reporting Sir. My batch and the members have arrived."
"Hey, brat, even I am an elder here. Wish me too!", an annoyed voice ran through the cabin. Zsadin turned towards him and just smirked. "Well, senior. You are from the left wing medical department and in absolutely no acquaintance with me except that you saved Nancy, which I presume is your duty!"
"You, you....have the nerve to speak like this-"
"Father, leave it. Save your energy. And you hand over this mission to me. You are not eligible-"
"Chief, my team and the others have arrived. Should I call them inside?"
Chief Lee who was waiting for the nonsense to end finally sighed in relief. He nodded and glanced at the father-son duo, indicating that they should leave.
Outside the cabin, the batch was restless.
'Is she alright?'
'Are those idiots still pestering her?'
'Should we just rush inside or wait outside?', amidst this chaos, they saw the door opening and the grumpy duo coming outside. "Good afternoon, Chief James and Mr. Cooper", the batch greeted them. They ignored them and moved ahead. Soon, Zsadin's voice beckoned them to come in along with the boys.
Facing the senior chief always filled them with fear. Though the senior's face was full of wrinkles, the dominating aura he gave out shook them to their core. If there was a person who truly intimidated them after Zsadin, than it was this old man. Not only the batch, even the boys couldn't help but feel a pressure rising. They couldn't even look at the senior in his eyes.
"Zsadin, when I got the report that Nancy was injured, I was not able to believe it but since I got another report which said you rushed her to the left wing's hospital, I was convinced. You do not have any failed missions, do you want this to be your first? Elder Cooper already despises you, you gave them a chance to criticize you further. How am I supposed to defend you?"
"Chief, I apologize for being irresponsible but I can assure you that my batch is not at fault. They have been truly giving their all. Also, Mr. Vell wants to speak to you about my behaviour, I will leave the band members. Please consider their thoughts", saying this, Zsadin and her batch turned to go outwards. Raanz looked at Zsadin with puppy eyes, but she just ignored him.
After the rendezvous, Zsadin dismissed her batch and went straight towards Lily.
"Oh, look! Who do we have in here?"
"If it isn't Zsadin!" Mary chirped.
There were a few people who took Zsadin as their friend, but she never went beyond a slight smile. "Yeah, how is everything?"
"Drop the act, Z. Be careful. You know, James is obsessed with your mission". And Zsadin just smirked. Mary wasn't hostile but she was James' cousin, hence Zsadin didn't trust her.
"Hey Lily! How are you?"
"Hey, Zsadin, honey, I was so worried, how is Nancy? We were so anxious all this time".
"She is fine", and Zsadin smiled. Lily spoke about some other topics and then suddenly said, " I have got a lead....on Brandon. But the key information lies with Senior Cooper, also remember this, a zebra is never wanders without its group. And the crucial time to attack is....",
"When it is alone!" And Zsadin smirked.
On her way to Chief's office, she saw the boys coming out with different expressions. D was as usual calm, Raanz and Fobi seemed intimidated while Vell and Sean seemed frightened to death. They were in their own world when they suddenly heard Zsadin speaking, "Batch, back to the lawn, now!" They turned towards her, but she didn't smirk or gave them any remarks,just accompanied them to the lawn and quietly ushered them in the car.
"Ahem...Officer. I am truly sorry for being rude towards you and I promise to follow every procedure and co-operate with you. Please accept my apology", Vell said in an aggrieved voice.
"Yeah...I am also sorry and apologize for my irreasonable behaviour", Raanz, Fobi and D just kept quiet and didn't say anything.
Soon the batch arrived and got in their cars. Zsadin again showed off her extreme talents, scaring away the boys. It was already 6 pm, so instead of going to the studio the boys went directly to the villa.
After dinner, everybody retired to their rooms. Zsadin was about to doze off when she heard a knock at her door. She glanced at the time. 11 pm. Her batch always contacted her through the cell phone. Also, the boys didn't knew her room. She never showed them. Even though the villa had top-notch security, Zsadin couldn't help but look for her gun. Holding the gun in one hand, and opening the door with the other hand, she directly pointed it at the person on the other side, but was slightly surprised.
"You, what are you doing here?"