Preview

First Alpha
Micah Haythornthwaite

Project ZERO
During the cold war, the CIA established a secret organization codenamed Project MINOR. The main purpose of this project was to find orphaned and abandoned children, and train them up to become undercover agents, all aged seventeen and under. The CIA appointed intelligence officers Zeth Blackford and Robyn Fortney to lead and develop the project as it grew. Five years later, they decided to rename the organization, Project ZERO. Zeth and Robyn retired in 1983, handing over the management of the project to Aaron Marshall, the Deputy supervisor. Project ZERO is an incredibly successful organization because nobody ever realises a bunch of kids could be undercover agents, therefore allowing them to infiltrate the most dangerous places without raising suspicion.

1. DETENTION

Elton Harris drove along the East Highway. His palms were wet and sticky, making it difficult for him to grip the steering wheel. Once you reach the far side, came a gravelly voice from his mobile, stop at the gas station, and you will receive further instructions. Please, don't hurt me, Elton begged. Obey me, and you will live, the voice said without a hint of emotion. Elton pulled into the gas station, and parked next to an air pump. He eyed the bomb attached to his chest, wondering if he could free himself from it. His eyes wandered to the CDs lying in a pile next to him. Don't try anything, the voice said as if reading his mind. If I get even the slightest suspicion youre playing games with me, I will detonate the device. Elton frantically looked around. He spotted a large woman filling up her car. He waited till she was facing him, then he mouthed the words, help me. The woman gave him a funny look, and continued filling up her car. He tapped on the window and mouthed the words again. This time the woman hurried into the gas station, making sure she didn't look at him again. Don't screw with me Elton, the voice said in a dangerous tone, I can hear that your car isn't moving. Are you there yet? I'm here, Elton said. He struggled not to panic, his breaths coming in short sharp gasps. Go into the gas station, and acquire three bottles of water, the voice instructed, head over to the man working at the counter and hand him the bottles of water. Once youve handed him the water, slip the CDs into a bin near the counter. Keep this line open, and tell me when you have delivered the CDs. Elton slowly hopped out of his car, tucked the phone into his pocket and then made his way over to the gas station. The weight of the bomb seemed to drag him down, pulling on his chest. He stopped and bent over, beads of perspiration rolling down his forehead. He straightened back up, sending waves of nausea crashing over him. That's when he noticed two off duty cops sitting in their police car drinking a coffee and watching him intently. He quickened his pace as the two cops jumped out of their car. Excuse me sir! one of them yelled to him, you in the coat! Elton shook his head, and then hurried towards the gas station. Sir, were talking to you! the second one yelled across to him. Elton stopped. No police, he yelled hoarsely, go away! The first cop drew his gun and pointed it straight at Elton. Get on the ground! he yelled at him. No! Please go away! Get on the ground now!

Elton ripped his coat open, exposing the hideous device attached to his chest. Ive got a bomb, he yelled, just please get away! The first cop ran back to the police car to radio for backup, while the first one continued yelling at Elton. On the ground, Get on the ground! Eltons face contorted, Please! Back off, he said desperately. Get on the ground before I shoot you, the cop said. No! Stop or Ill A ringing sound cut off his sentence. Elton flipped open his phone and pressed it to his ear. Complications have arisen, came the gravely voice, Its over. No! Elton screamed. The phone went dead. There was a loud click. And then the bomb exploded. Matthew Jones loathed school. It was a fact, and not something that could be changed. Matt went to North Head, one of the roughest schools in New York. Average behaviour consisted of bullying, smoking, truancy, drinking, and terrorising. Knives, liquor, and cigarettes were common and so were gangs. For an eleven year old Matt was pretty tough, but not so tough that he could stand against a group of teenagers armed with knives. Everyone under the age of 13 became invisible whenever a gang was near, those 15 and over manned up and joined one of the three gangs that roamed North Head. There were plenty of teachers at North Head, but none of them tried to stop the illegal activities that happened there. They all remembered a recent incident a couple months back that involved a male teacher called Mr Fingly. He had protested against the gangs that were rambling all over the school and had finally decided to put an end to it. It was not pretty. Mr Finglys body was found in his office the next day. He had numerous knife wounds in his chest and upon closer inspection, the police found a note that read, We dont like being told what to do. Matt thought about these things as he walked to school. Today was just another boring Monday morning. First period was English with Miss Gilbert, and then second and third were science with Mr Vo. Miss Gilbert could be boring, but she was nothing compared to what Mr Vo could do. Most teachers take a general interest in their subject, expressing passion and a sincere desire to see their students gain life long knowledge. Not Mr Vo, Matt didnt know whether he was underpaid, or if he just had nothing else in his small world other than science. For the entire length of two periods, every day, all he did was sit there and read a seven hundred and twenty five page book on the atom. It was incredibly boring, and the majority of the class didnt listen. Anyhow, Mr Vo made it clear that they were to be quiet when they were in a lesson with him, whether they listened or not. It was a strange philosophy with a strange man to fit it. Mr Vo was big and burly, with a short crop of black hair, and square glasses. His accent was Russian, and the kids frequently imitated how he talked and addressed the class. Luckily for Matt, Miss Gilbert and her year 7 English was first on the agenda. Well, lucky wasnt really the right word. Miss Gilbert was about as interesting as a roll of wet tissue paper. She had the tendency to go off topic and talk about her great-uncle Edward who had a vast collection of ancient English literature, and whom she went to visit on the weekend. She wasnt as bad as Mr Vo, and Matt usually survived her classes unscathed. Matt grabbed his English book and rushed to her class as the bell

rang, signalling period one and the start of the school day. He jumped into his desk just as she walked in. Good morning class, she said with a maddening cheerfulness. Good morning Miss Gilbert, the class chanted. Today were studying ancient English words, please open your book and proceed to write down everything on the white board. The whole class groaned. If I hear another complaint, she said firmly, Youre going to be writing down the first 5 pages of the English encyclopaedia during lunch. As she turned around to begin writing her words on the board, Isaac, the class clown, jumped up and started to dance. This was an entertaining performance to watch, as Isaacs dancing looked like something between the robot and a moon walk. Soon the class was in fits of laughter, and Miss Gilbert angrily turned around to see what all the noise was about. Get back in your seat Isaac, she said, or theres going to be trouble. Isaac continued dancing, knowing that Miss Gilbert had an easy temper. I dont have to listen to you Miss Gilbert, he said in a cheeky voice. The veins in Miss Gilberts neck swelled, a clear sign she was furious. Isaac Im going to give you five seconds to sit down, after that Im going for the principal. Yes go for the principal, Isaac said in a sing-song voice, it just shows how chicken you are. Your attitude is disgus Youre a cow, Isaac said with glee, Shut up. The whole room went silent. Matt could see the steam pouring from Miss Gilberts ears. Someone snickered, Miss Gilbert whirled around. Matt get up and go stand by the wall, she said. Matt looked at her in surprise, I didnt say anything. Oh yes you did, dont lie to me. I heard you. Miss Gilbert I didnt say anything! Matt said in an annoyed tone. She flew into a rage, When I tell you to do something you do it, she raved, and because youve been so cheeky, you can go see the principal right now. Isaac made a clucking sound. And as for you, Miss Gilbert said turning to Isaac, You can go see the principal with him. Just get out of my class. Matt slowly stood up, the rage curdling inside him. Isaac followed with a slightly less cheeky smile. They walked to the door and then turned around. If looks could kill, Isaac and Matt would be stone dead. Miss Gilbert pointed to the door, I want to see you both after school for a late detention, she said spitefully. But you Get out! she yelled. Isaac and Matt trudged down the corridor towards the principals office. They argued as they walked. Why do you have to be such an idiot all the time, Matt said, Now youve gotten me in trouble. I didnt know she would have a spasm as you, Isaac said coldly, She didnt even know who snickered. Its just like her to pick some random soul to blame her grief on. Well if you didnt whined her up then none of this wouldve happened. I didnt freaking get you in trouble, she picked you. Man, grow up for once in your life. Shut up! You cant talk either. Oh cant I? No you cant.

They walked up to the principals office and paused, both dreading the moment. You got us into this, Matt said, you knock. Isaac took a deep breath and knocked gently. Come in, a sharp voice instructed. Isaac gripped the handle and slowly opened the door. Inside sat Mr. Reith, staring at them with a look that would freeze larva. Why are you two here? he said, Ive got important work to do. Matt nudged Isaac, who took a step forward and said, Miss Gilbert sent us here sir. Mr. Reith stood up and slowly walked towards them. He towered over Isaac, and said in a dangerously quiet voice, What did you do? Matt spoke up, I didnt do anything sir, it was Isaac who Mr. Reith held up his hand. I dont wish to hear any excuses, he said, I was asking Isaac, and Ill ask again. What did you do? I was acting the goat sir, Isaac said weakly, I was being stupid. Matt was enjoying this moment immensely, it wasnt often Isaac admitted he was a fool. Oh were you? Mr. Reith said. He turned to face Matt. What did you do? Matt swallowed hard. To be honest sir, I didnt do anything. I was just sitting there, and suddenly Miss Gilbert turned on me and started yelling that I had snickered at her. Did you snicker? No sir. Mr. Reith turned around and walked back to his desk. Thats the biggest pile of crap Ive ever heard, Matts heart sank. Sir? he said. What, you expect me to believe she simply picked someone out of the blue to send to my office? If only you knew, Matt thought. Mr. Reith was still waiting for an answer, so Matt quickly replied, I dont know sir. No she wouldnt, he said, that was an extremely sorry excuse Matthew. Matt realised that arguing with the principal, or anyone for that matter, would be useless. He said nothing. I want to see you both after school for a detention, and then you can go apologise to Miss Gilbert for your behaviour. Do you understand? Isaac and Matt nodded, Yes sir, they said. Mr. Reith pointed to the door. Now get out of my sight, he said. Matt and Isaac quickly exited the room. When Matt was sure the principal couldnt hear them, he began laying into Isaac. What was that?! What did I just get a punishment for?! Isaac smiled sheepishly and shrugged, which made Matt angrier than ever. Say youre sorry, he said furiously, or so help me Im going to give you the worst knuckle sandwich youve ever had in your life. Isaac grinned, Calm down Matty Boy, or youre going to wake Miss Gilbert. Matt snapped. With a shout he swung his fist straight into Isaacs midriff, causing him to double over. Matt leaned over him, shouting in his face. All you do is fool around and annoy the teachers, getting other people into trouble. Im sick of it, and Im sick of you. Isaac struggled up. He was the same size as Matt, but had a lack of muscle. He darted forward and landed a punch in Matts gut. Unfortunately for him, all this succeeded in doing was making Matt madder. Isaac went to land a second punch, but Matt ducked swiftly beneath the fist and hooked him in the gut. He followed this off with a blow to Isaacs face, making his nose erupt in a gush of blood. Isaac stumbled back and collapsed to the floor.

By now, kids were hanging out of their class rooms to see what all the action was about. A couple brave souls had ventured out to get a close view of what was going on. They all retreated when they heard a shrill shout, What is going on? Miss Carlz had appeared out of nowhere and was eyeing the blood all over the floor with disgust. What happened here? she said. Matt was red faced and breathing heavily. Isaac was on the floor, groaning profusely, a puddle of blood forming under his nose and soaking into his uniform. Matthew Jones did you do this? she shrieked. Matt had had enough of this stupid school and its stupid rules. He stormed up to Miss Carlz and gave her a massive shove. She toppled over, arms flailing like windmills, and fell with a crack to the wooden floor. Matt stood there with every eye on him. As the red mist cleared, he realised what he had done. A year 7 kid sat on the ground with blood pouring from his nose, and a teacher lay on the ground groaning about her back. At that moment he heard Mr. Reith walking down the hall. Whats all the noise about? he shouted. Matt took off at a run down the hall. He ran past all the teachers and curious students out onto field. From there he raced over to a fence and jumped over it. Matt was one of the fastest sprinters in his year. Once he was over the fence he gave it his all. He wound back around his school and down a footpath which lead to the main road. From there he slowed down to a jog, occasionally stopping to catch his breath. When he came to his local dairy he stopped. His pockets were empty and so was his stomach. An idea formed in Matts head. At first he resisted it, but his stomach thought differently. It gnawed at him like a woodpecker, urging him to eat something. Matt wavered for a second, but the thought of a hot pie and a cool drink was too much for him. He justified it by telling himself that he didnt bring any lunch to school. He strolled inside and went directly to the fridge. A bell rung as he entered and a Chinese man looked up at him. Hello, he said with a heavy accent. Matt smiled to acknowledge his greeting and then turned his attention to the drinks. He chose a cream soda, and then moved over to the hot pies. The smell was incredible, causing Matts tummy to growl violently. He grabbed hold of a steak and cheese pie and then bent down to tie up his shoe lace. As he bent down he looked behind him. The shop owner was busy writing on a sheet of paper, a perfect chance to make a runner. Matt grabbed his goods, made one final check, and then ran for all he was worth. The man looked up and yelled in alarm as Matt tore out the door and out onto the street. Matt heard the shop owner grab a crowbar and run after him, spouting profanity in Chinese. He gave up at the edge of the curb, wary of other boys running into his store and pilfering his items. Matt ran three blocks before stopping to revel in his victory. He spotted a large tree which offered a considerable amount of shade, creating the perfect resting spot. Matt walked over to it and sat down. As he dug into his pie, he thought about what had happened in the past 2 hours. Hed probably been suspended from school, broken some guys nose, and given Miss Carlz a sore back. A letter would most likely be sent home, notifying Robert that his son was suspended because of his unacceptable behaviour. The thought of his father sent a shiver down Matts back. His dad would go berserk when he found out what hed done.