Chapter 7: Balancing Duties and Discoveries

7a) Alex at the Incident

Alex arrived at the accident scene, his blue lights flashing as he pulled up. It had been at least twenty-five minutes since the incident occurred, and the drivers were already out of their vehicles, looking frustrated and cold. A delivery van had swerved to avoid a dog, crashing into a lamppost, while a small hatchback had collided with the van's rear, creating a traffic jam on the town’s main road.

As Alex stepped out of his car, the first raindrops began to fall, quickly turning into a steady downpour. He approached the drivers, assessing their conditions. Both were shaken but uninjured. The van driver, a middle-aged man with a worried expression, was pacing beside his vehicle while the hatchback's driver, a young woman, frantically talked on her phone.

"Is everyone alright here?" Alex asked, raising his voice over the rain.

"Yes, Officer, just a bit shaken up," the van driver replied. "I didn't see the dog until it was too late."

"I'm okay, too," the young woman responded, putting her phone away. "But I need to try to get home. I have a babysitter waiting for me."

"We'll sort this out," Alex assured them. "I need to get your contact details."

The recovery service had already been called and was on its way. Alex set about ensuring the scene was safe. He directed the drivers to the side and set up traffic cones, ensuring the road remained safe for passing traffic. The rain was relentless, but Alex was grateful for his police waterproof jacket and hat, which kept him mostly dry.

While he worked, Alex's thoughts drifted back to the farm. He wondered how Brian was managing with the machine in this weather. He hadn't said goodbye to Tommy before leaving and hoped Tommy had checked on Brian. The rain was coming down harder now, and Alex couldn't help but picture Brian alone in the field, dealing with the high-tech machine amidst the mud and dampness.

After securing the scene and waiting for the recovery vehicles to arrive, Alex stood by the side of the road, directing traffic around the accident. The tailback slowly began to ease as vehicles were guided past the obstruction. Alex’s mind, though, remained divided between his duties here and the mysteries back at the farm.

7b) Understanding the Machine

It seemed hours since Brian had watched Alex’s car disappear down the muddy track, leaving him alone with the enigmatic machine. The rain had begun to fall steadily, creating a soft patter on the machine’s exterior and soaking the ground around it. Despite the cold and damp, Brian felt growing excitement. He was determined to make the most of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Before continuing his examination, Brian realised he needed to relieve the pressure from his bladder. It had been building for a while, but now it could wait no more. Stepping away from the machine, he found a discreet spot against one of the nearby walls, ensuring he was respectful of the surroundings. The momentary pause allowed him to gather his thoughts and refocus on the task ahead.

He climbed back into the machine, trying to carefully wipe the mud from his shoes as he stepped inside. The interior was dry and softly lit. Brian took a moment to adjust his eyes to the ambient lighting and settled into the chair in front of the control panel.

Pulling out his notepad and phone, Brian resumed his meticulous study of the user interface. Using the translation app, he methodically documented the command options, taking photos of the screens and translating the words in real-real time. The translations often required some interpretation but provided a starting point. He jotted down the results in his notepad, cross-referencing them with previous observations.

Brian's systematic approach paid off as he discovered a new set of symbols related to the machine's video system. He found a menu that allowed him to access external cameras. Intrigued, he selected the option and watched as the screens switched, displaying a panoramic view from around the machine. The cameras were incredibly well-hidden, invisible to the naked eye from the outside.

Determined to locate the cameras precisely, Brian searched for anything he could use to mark their positions. He wanted to use tape or something similar but couldn't find anything suitable. Finally, he devised a creative solution. Going outside, he began smearing mud on various parts of the machine’s surface. Eventually, he found the small, nearly imperceptible lenses. He cleaned the mud off, impressed once more by the machine’s advanced design and the seamless integration of its components.

Brian knew he had made significant progress. By the time Alex finally returned, he would have so much to tell him. He had identified several components and their functions, creating a rudimentary understanding of the machine's interface. He documented everything meticulously. As the rain continued falling outside, Brian felt a growing anticipation for where it would lead them.

7c) Hospital Visit

Meanwhile, Alex had finished at the traffic accident and had driven through the familiar streets towards the hospital, his mind spinning about the day's events and the perplexing machine. After arriving at the hospital, he went through the bustling corridors to Ry-Lan's room. The sterile smell of disinfectant filled the air.

Dr Zayn greeted him as he approached. "Sergeant Harper, good to see you again. You're here to check on our mystery patient, I assume? Do you have any information yet for us about his identity?”

“No, I’m sorry.” Alex didn’t know what to tell the doctor. “We’re still trying hard to find out who he is. But all our enquiries have drawn a blank so far.”

“OK, well, we really need something to work with."

"I understand. But it’s complicated. We think he might be a soldier or diplomat, something of that nature," Alex replied, “so we need to keep this matter confidential. Can you do that for me?”

“Of course.” Dr Zayn seemed excited by the prospect.

Alex quickly wanted to change the subject. He looked through the observation window at Ry-Lan, lying motionless but stable. "How's he doing?"

Dr Zayn sighed, looking at the monitors that displayed Ry-Lan's vital signs. "He's stable but still unconscious. We've been monitoring him closely, and some interesting developments have occurred."

Alex was intrigued. "Interesting developments?"

"Yes," Dr Zayn continued. "We've noticed REM-like eye movements, which suggest that he might be dreaming or in a deep sleep. His implants appear to be actively supporting him, too. They seem to be aiding his body in maintaining stable functions, possibly even enhancing his healing processes."

Looking away from Ry-Lan, Alex asked, "So, what's the plan?"

Dr Zayn met his gaze. "Given the unique nature of his condition and the implants, we've decided to limit our medical intervention. We're focusing on monitoring him closely, allowing his body—and whatever those implants are doing—to maintain his health. It's a cautious approach, but we believe it's the best course of action for now."

Alex appreciated the careful consideration. "Thank you, Doctor. Please keep me updated on any changes."

"Of course, Sergeant," Dr Zayn replied. "We'll let you know immediately if there's any change in his condition."

7d) Shoplifting kid

As Alex left the hospital, he felt relief and determination. Ry-Lan was stable, but so many unanswered questions remained. He strode briskly to his car, keen to return to the farm. He got into the driver's seat and had just buckled his seatbelt when his radio crackled to life.

"Control to Harper, we have a shoplifting incident at the off-licence in Lower Helmworth. Can you respond?"

Alex sighed inwardly. "Roger that, Control. I'm on my way," he replied, starting the engine and heading towards Lower Helmworth.

By the time Alex arrived at the shop, the clouds had cleared, and the sun was finally visible. It was low and cast an orange hue over the town. Alex parked his car and walked into the off-licence, where the shopkeeper, Mr Harris, greeted him with a look of recognition.

"Good to see you, Sergeant Harper," Mr Harris said, frustration and resignation in his expression. "It's that Jenkins lad again. Caught him trying to steal a bottle of vodka. When I confronted him, he ran off with it."

Alex knew exactly who Mr.Mr Harris was talking about. The “Jenkins boy”, Peter, had been in trouble several times before, but it was usually for minor pranks, not theft. "Did you see which way he went?" Alex asked.

"Down Maple Street, then he disappeared into the alley," Mr Harris replied. "I would have chased after him, but my legs aren't what they used to be."

"Thanks, Mr Harris. I'll handle it from here," Alex assured him. He left the store and walked down Maple Street towards the alley, scanning for any sign of Peter. Once through the alley, he approached the Jenkins' house. He noticed the lights were off, and there was no movement inside.

Alex knocked on the door and waited, but there was no response. He knocked again, louder this time, but still nothing. It seemed that no one was home. He made a mental note to return later and have a word with Peter and his parents.

With nothing more he could do, Alex got back into his car and headed back towards the farm. The sky was cloudy once again, suggesting rain. The day had been long and filled with distractions, but Alex’s mind had kept drifting back to the mysterious machine and Brian's ongoing investigation.

When Alex finally arrived back at the farm, he was greeted by the sight of Brian sitting by the machine, looking tired but pleased to see him. Brian stood up and stretched, smiling wearily.

"Welcome back," Brian said. "How did it go?"

"Busy with work," Alex replied, shaking his head. "Though I did manage to get to the hospital. How about you? Any new discoveries?"

"Yes.” Brian’s eyes lit up despite his fatigue. "I’ve made some progress. Let’s go over everything while it's still fresh in my mind."

Alex smiled, feeling a sense of camaraderie and renewed purpose. "I’ll tell you what. Let's head to The Plough instead and talk over a beer. I'm off duty now."

Brian’s face brightened at the suggestion. "Great. I could use a change of scenery and a drink."

They packed up their gear and headed to The Plough, back towards Helmworth. The pub was bustling with evening patrons, but Alex found a quiet corner where they could talk undisturbed. They ordered their drinks and some food and settled into a booth.

When the two men finally sat down with a drink in their hands, Alex felt relieved. Despite the long and challenging day, the familiar setting of the pub and the presence of a good friend brought him comfort. "So, what did you find out?" he asked, sipping his beer.