Locked In

It was 4 days before the particular evening in which Jasper was attacked by Wardell for a second time. Halfway through Squad Zero's first week—on a wednesday—Minister Harrison called the squad's leader in for a meeting following a training session.

"Thank you for taking time out of your break to have this discussion Jasper."

"No problem at all Minister Harrison. Was there something important you wanted to discuss sir?"

"Yes. This is regarding one of your squad's members; Wardell August."

"Is there something the matter with him?" Jasper asked with concern.

"Not exactly. I just wanted to inform you of something that may be relevant down the road when working with his known attitude. I know you'd already tried dealing him some discipline the first night you all moved in, but something like that won't suppress an individual forever."

Jasper nodded in agreement. "I understand sir."

"Very well. Then listen closely. What I'm about to tell you is very private and very real, but as his leader, you deserve to understand him to his deepest depths. Especially if hoping to work cohesively on the frontline."

Jasper tuned in.

"Wardell has a very tough family situation going on. One that you may even call a burden."

Jasper was tugged with concern.

"Nine years ago, Wardell's little sister was born. But it was also at this time that Wardell's father decided to leave the family. He couldn't bear the idea of taking care of two children. So instead, Wardell was left that responsibility, at the age of 11, alongside his mother of course."

"Right…"

Growing up to be the primary male in the family, Wardell's personality hardened from his years onwards starting at a young age. You could assume he cares about both his mother and little sister tremendously since he looked after them."

Jasper continued to nod as he listened, still anticipating the worst to happen.

"Fast forward eight and a half years, we arrive to the Pactolus Airlines plane crash accident."

Jasper clutched his mouth.

"Wardell's mother and little sister… were both on that flight."

"But—!" Jasper caught his voice raising. "There were seven survivors in that crash! Were there not?"

"There were."

"Please tell me two of those seven were his mom and sister…"

Minister Harrison sighed. "One of those seven… was his little sister."

Jasper's expression filled with pain.

"His mother unfortunately died on impact with the crash, leaving both him and his sister parentless."

"God… Is his sister doing okay? Was she injured in the crash?"

"Severely. She's currently being treated at the hospital based in Jenzaya District."

"She's still being treated? But it's been nearly half a year…"

"Yes, because she's in a coma."

Jasper's eyes widened with shock.

"And her birthday was very recent too, which Wardell celebrated... alongside her vegetative body in a hospital room. You understand what that could do to a man, right?"

Jasper lowered his face. He felt ashamed, wishing he'd known this sooner before doing anything rash towards Wardell. "You say she's vegatative? Is her condition remediable still?"

"She's currently experiencing locked-in syndrome, but being kept alive on life support. Otherwise, she's not too far from a dead body."

The words disgusted Jasper. He decided he'd had enough of pitying. "Could I make a request as the leader of Squad Zero, sir?"

Minister Harrison was surprised to hear. "Let me hear your proposal."

"If Squad Zero can create success within its first month of working, promise me that Wardell doesn't only receive extra commission, but that his little sister receives advanced medical healthcare that only the Cardinal Nexus can provide."

Minister Harrison went silent hearing this.

"I know that the Cardinal Nexus' medical facility is unparalleled compared to any of the hospitals found in any district. I know what you guys are capable of doing. I'm sure that a locked-in coma would be easy to take care of."

"Assuming you're using our top notch medical technology, then yes. But access to that is limited to higher-ups like me."

"That's why I'm making this one deal, with this one consideration. I promise you unfathomable results from Squad Zero, and you promise Wardell a chance at getting his only remaining family back."

Minister Harrison took a moment to think. But within a matter of seconds, he came to his conclusion.

"Alright," he agreed. "I'm the one who brought this team into existence after all, therefore it's my responsibility to put all my faith into it. I'll go with your deal Jasper, as long as you can surprise me with what Squad Zero's got prepared."

Jasper saluted with respect. "Thank you sir!"