The President’s firm words commanded the journalistic audience from behind a crested hardwood podium. He stared down the lens of the TV camera as he addressed the world.
‘Ladies and Gentlemen, members of the press, and the people of the world. Today, one of the most coveted questions in our history has been answered. No, we are not alone in the universe. Around one hour ago numerous unidentified craft entered our atmosphere, and proceeded to position themselves over many of the capital cities of the globe. As you can see from the footage that is pouring in, ships are still entering our air space as we speak.
‘At this moment in time we can’t say why they are here, but we are working on several attempts at communicating with the vessels. I ask all citizens – not just of the USA but also of the planet – to remain calm. There will be many designated buildings open for help regarding questions, safety and counselling if needed. Again, we don’t know too much yet, so please be patient. There will be further updates as soon as more information is available.’
The President shuffled the crisp papers of his hastily written speech. He buttoned his navy blue pin-striped suit jacket before directing his firm gaze towards an astonished media.
‘Mr. President, Karen Connors of the Seattle Times. How long have you known about their existence, I mean this can’t be the first that you have heard of this?’
Connors leant forward in her red pencil-thin skirt as she awaited the answer amidst a cacophony of voices.
The President looked directly into her blue eyes as he spoke. ‘Hi, Miss Connors. 24 hours ago NASA informed me that the Hubble Space Telescope detected some strange emissions that, upon closer inspection, were deemed to be worthy of serious investigation. The astronauts on the International Space Station also reported that there were many short periods of intense static, along with some electrical shortages within their equipment caused by something of unknown origin.’
Connors’ blonde hair bounced as she tilted her head, straining to hear. The constant mumblings in the room foiled her efforts.
‘Settle down, please,’ requested the President’s aide as the panicked voices grew.
There was silence in the bedroom as the TV screen flickered with the camera flashes, lighting the walls around the bed.
‘Fucking hell!’ Tom said. ‘Vincent, I’ll call you back later.’ He pressed the red phone icon, ending the call. He crawled quickly over the double bed to where his wife still slumbered. ‘Connie, Connie! Wake up.’ He continued to shake her slender arm as she grumbled in annoyance at the intrusion upon her sleep.
‘For God’s sake, Tom, you know that I’ve got an early start. What is it, what do you want?’
‘I’m sorry, love, but you’ve got to see this on the news… look,’ he replied, pointing animatedly at the TV set.
Connie grimaced as she tried to open her sticky eyes. Red hair lay across her pale freckled face as she turned from her warm and comfortable position. ‘What’s all the fuss, eh?’ she asked with irritation. ‘Why have you woken me up, what’s so important?’
Tom held her soft, 25-year-old face in his hands, and turned her head carefully towards the blinking television screen. He watched Connie’s expression change from a tired frown, to one of open-mouthed shock. This seemed to delight him in a strange way, as a nervous grin flashed wide across his good looks.
‘Tom, what’s going on, is this for real?’
He jumped into the bed next to Connie, placing his legs under the duvet. The young couple both sat staring at the screen, mesmerised as the conference continued.
‘Mike Harlowe from Fox News. Mr. President, there has been some satellite disruption coming from Antarctica lately, add to this the significant rise in sea levels due to the massive amounts of the melting ice shelf. I don’t know if you are aware of these stats, but are they linked to the ships and their arrival?’
The President patted his greying hair, checking that it was still in place. ‘That I can’t tell you, Mr. Harlowe. Probably not, though at this stage we can’t rule anything out. What I can assure you, and the people of the USA, is that we are doing everything possible within our power to get these answers. As soon as we know, you will know.’
Harlowe shifted his heavy build in the small metal chair. His thick grey eyebrows curled downwards as he lifted an index finger in an attempt to force another question.
The President picked up his papers, looking over the room as his aide approached him. The camera flashes strobed, illuminating the entire room once more. Several questions simultaneously hogged the air as the journalists fought for their leader’s attention; Harlowe seemed to drown within the middle of them. The aide placed his arm around the President’s side as he led him from the podium, and off camera.
Suddenly, there was a loud electrical crackle. The TV screen changed from the press briefing room, and into a bright white light that forced Tom and Connie to shield their eyes with the backs of their hands. As the light slowly softened, all hands dropped to the bed. Startled, they flung themselves backwards in instinctive fear, only to be met with the rigid blue-cushioned headboard that resurrected their rationality with a thump.
‘Yes, Connie, this is for real,’ said Tom in a strangely calm manner.
On the screen before them sat the head and shoulders of a bizarre, grey-skinned humanoid being. Its large round black eyes swam amongst its leathery face, along with two minuscule nasal holes that were fixed above a small, thin mouth. Behind it, a black badge made up of red lines and triangles appeared proudly on show. A deep mechanical voice spoke aloud:
‘My species have no need to communicate using vocal chords as we use telepathy. However, to convey our message to your world, we wish to make things easier for you. We will be using what you call “digital voice”; our thoughts shall be entered into a machine that will translate them into sound, exactly as you hear now.’
Connie grasped Tom’s right hand as the two of them huddled together, shoulder to shoulder. He turned up the volume using the remote control, not once taking his eyes off the intimidating creature that glared back at them as it continued.
‘We feel it is necessary to explain to you what is happening. Our species are called the Dextera Domini, though we understand that you have referred to us in the past as the “Greys”. The Domini come from a planet far beyond yours, called Dominicus, or what you perceive as Heaven. Yes, your “Heaven” exists. We have spoken with the various gods of the universe, and all have agreed that the time for your judgement has come.’
The alien’s face contorted as it paused; its smooth, yet slimy skin glistened in the white glow. The invisible machine spat out the words that threatened of the world’s impending doom.
‘Every single human being on this planet shall be judged on their lives, regardless of age or gender. We respect that your laws are only man-made, and the fact that what makes them right or wrong is down to the codes set by humanity. Every planet’s laws are different; we have to follow them accordingly as this is how each species live their moral or immoral lives by. This being said, once every single piece of a human’s life has been analysed, we shall then commence judgement – and determine which of you will be sentenced to death for your crimes.’
Tom slid a protective arm around Connie. They looked at each other, distraught as their eyes locked. This would no doubt affect them.
‘Tom, it says in the Bible that it’s a sin to engage in adultery. What’s going to happen to us?’
Connie started to cry. He held her where they sat, rocking her soothingly as he stared forlornly out of the window of the 12-storey London apartment block, of which they shared the tenth floor.
‘That is different, Connie. Your ex-husband was a cruel and violent man who, if it wasn’t for me, would probably have killed you by now.’
She lifted her head slightly, pushing her unruly hair aside from her glazed green eyes. ‘I know but –’
‘Don’t you dare feel bad – I don’t. I have loved you from the first time t
hat I met you. I had to watch that bastard treat you like shit for months. If you want to blame somebody, then blame me. I was the one who stole his wife, who took you away from him.’
She lovingly nestled her head into Tom’s broad right shoulder. Raising her eyes, she focused them back on the TV screen as the voice continued to speak on behalf of the extraterrestrials.
‘Those sinners who are executed shall have their souls transported to Hell, to have due punishments exacted on them. The others, whom we shall call the “inbetweeners”, are those who have made minute singular acts. They will be judged on the consequences that their sins have had on their victims’ lives. The good shall live, thrive on this Earth amongst each other in peace and tranquility. Only when they die naturally will they be presented with the rewards of Heaven, and the paradise that it offers.’
A loud humming shot from the crackling audio of the TV set. Connie jerked in fear at the noise, thrusting her face into Tom’s shoulder again as the alien’s mouth appeared to speak.
‘Those who have been judged as sinners must prepare themselves. We will be transporting ourselves to your living quarters, to remove you for execution and eternal punishment.’
The image of the humanoid disappeared in a static blast of black and white lines. The studio news crew looked to each other, puzzled and alarmed at what they had just witnessed as they became live on air again.
Tom and Connie hugged each other fiercely. The grim warning caused goosebumps to surface all over their skin. He took comfort as he lay his cheek on top of Connie’s head; her thick hair cushioned his cheekbones like a copper-coloured pillow, offering childlike reassurance as he closed his eyes and nuzzled his face deep.
‘What happens now?’ said Connie, her voice slightly muffled. ‘Do we run away and hide, hoping that they’ll forget about us, or do we carry on as normal? I mean, we should be okay shouldn’t we, we’re only “inbetweeners”, or whatever they called them, right?’
Let’s hope so! Tom sighed as the questions burdened his mind. ‘I don’t know. If we run away, as I imagine many will, then where do we go? If they can transport themselves into our homes, then they must know who we are.’ A shiver ran down his spine at the thought. ‘We can’t rule it out though, running is still an option. We need to wait and see what happens, to see how this plays out before we make any concrete decisions.’
They lay side by side, the duvet cover pulled up to their necks as though it offered protection. Very little sleep followed.
The morning sun was beginning to pierce through the fabric of the dark blue curtains. Its warm glow lit up the room, giving no hint of the shock that was about to hit parts of the waking world.
Tom released Connie, laying her head gently down onto the pillow. He walked barefoot towards the white sash window, pulling back the curtains as he always did, as though the events were all a horrible dream. He looked at the loving photograph of him and his wife, encased in a wooden frame, complete with shells and plastic starfish. It was taken on a holiday to Tenerife two years ago. His lips parted in a half smile as the memory resurfaced, offering a fuzzy warmth within his heart.
The TV news channels continuously replayed the video footage of the spaceships and their arrival. New pictures were sent in by the minute as the updates continued, relentlessly.
He was soon fully awake as the sun glared into his face, forcing him to turn away sharply. Once the white dots had disappeared from his dazzled eyes, he looked back out at the early morning December shine. People hung out from the windows of the adjacent buildings, staring up into the light. Others lined the streets, their eyes again were transfixed upon the cold, yet beautiful sky. As his vision gradually cleared, he inhaled in fright. Dominating the vast skyline were several one and a half mile wide dark metallic discs. Two rows of orange lights circled the crafts sides. Many smaller ships swam across the city in the distance; their quadrilateral frames glided elegantly through the air. He took several steps back from the large window. Connie watched with one eye open as he sat on the side of the bed, pointing towards the wooden window frame and what lay beyond. The giant circular shapes outside now blocked most of the chilly winter sunlight; their bright panelled bases lit the streets in a clean white luminescent glow.
‘What is it, Tom, what’s wrong?’
A look of dread passed across his dimly lit features. ‘I don’t think that we’ll be going anywhere,’ he proclaimed, defeated. ‘I’m sorry.’
The news channels broadcasted more reels of footage as the crafts hung in the skies. From Paris to Moscow, South Africa to Tokyo, alien eyes were everywhere. The chaos and panic had already started as millions flocked to the streets in mass prayer and protest. Other devout religious groups worshipped the menacing shapes that surveyed the globe with sinister intent.
‘I think it might be a better idea to stay put for a while anyway,’ Tom suggested as he looked to Connie, scratching his head.
‘Why? We’ll be sitting ducks if we stay.’
He stood and beckoned to his wife to join him at the window, now he had calmed. She obliged as she swung her smooth legs sideways out from underneath the duvet. Her matching grey cotton vest and shorts appeared washed out as flashes of alien light danced across her body. Together they hugged, looking out upon the damned world before them as the streets ran with rivers of terrified people who were already attempting to flee.
‘If there really is a God, would he let this happen to us?’ asked Connie as she held her hand up to her face, shielding her eyes. She seemed to know the answer already as Tom kissed the top of her head.
‘The Bible mentions Judgement Day, and the second coming of Jesus. I assume that the aliens’ dawn of a new era – a peaceful planet, that is – shall be the second coming.’ He shrugged his shoulders as he thought on this. ‘I dunno, maybe Jesus is just terminology for who these creatures are. That being said, there hasn’t been any proof that the aliens have actually spoken to God, if of course he even exists?!’ He stared out, watching as two men began fighting over a tartan blanket that had been dropped. ‘You’re right though, Connie. If he does exist, then why? What if this is just a case of extraterrestrials tapping into our fears, you know, masking the truth of an impending invasion?’
Tom frowned, rubbing his forehead with the palm of his right hand as he pondered these thoughts for a second. What if this is all a smokescreen, though what would be the point? Invasion is inevitable, no matter how you look at it.
‘I’d better ring work and tell them that I’m not coming in, though I think that they’ve probably guessed that by now,’ said Connie, now bathed in the white light that lit the streets.
Tom shook his head at her bizarre way of thinking. ‘I think you’ll find that nobody has gone to work today, except for maybe the emergency services.’ He relaxed his hold and turned to her. ‘I don’t think we should keep standing in this bloody light, we could be swamped in high levels of radiation for all we know.’
She glanced back at him with an immediate look of worry upon her face. Quickly stepping back from the window, she yanked the curtains shut.
Most of the day they sat in the bedroom of their apartment, watching the developments on Sky News, then BBC World News. They flitted between the television screen and the view outside their window as the night began to draw in.
‘Have you heard from Vincent since last night?’ Connie suddenly said above the noise of the TV.
Vincent was Tom’s oldest friend. They first met at primary school when they were seven years old, and became friends when Vincent had lent him some football socks. They remained close over the last 21 years.
‘No, I tried ringing him a couple of hours ago, but he didn’t pick up. Maybe he’s down there with the crowds, or done a runner to his mum’s house. I’ll try him again later. I hope everything is okay,’ said Tom as he shouted through from the small, boxed-in kitchen. He returned with some hastily made sandwiches, cutting across the room at an angle as he approached his wife.
&
nbsp; Connie turned her nose up at the offering. ‘No.’
‘You’ve got to eat, love, we need all the strength we can get. I hate to put a downer on things, but for all we know this could be our last meal for a while.’
Connie sighed. She knew he was right, she just didn’t want to think that far ahead. She stared at him for a while, her green eyes taking in the saddening expression on his face. She half smiled in gratitude as she took one of the sandwiches, only managing half before tossing it back onto the plate.
Tom picked up the plate from the bed and placed it on the bedside table. He flicked the switch on the lamp; the illumination casting long shadows upon the oceanic blue walls.
‘Are you okay, Connie?’ he asked as he adjusted the curtains, taking one last look at the black silhouettes that occupied the night. He was greeted with a nervous smile.
BREAKING NEWS! BREAKING NEWS!
He leapt onto the bed next to Connie as the black words flashed across the bottom of the screen on a yellow background. She clasped his right hand to which he responded by caressing the top of hers with his left.
The news presenter, Nick MacMillan, spoke ashen-faced. Despite his fearful tone, he tried to remain professional.
‘The process has begun. We understand that the aliens have already started to remove what they call “the sinners” from their homes and surrounding areas. Footage is being sent in from around the world as the abductions are occurring. I warn you that the images you are about to see are distressing.’
The apprehensive presenter paused. A mobile phone video recording played on the TV screen.
A brown-haired teenage boy screams as he runs into his parents’ bedroom, all the while filming on his mobile phone as four, extremely tall grey aliens stoop menacingly as they circle the boy’s father. His mother, turns to her son, shouting at him to run as she tries to pull at her portly husband. One of the creatures produces a silver pen-like device and points it at the woman. An orange burst of light instantly paralyses her where she stands. Her eyes move from left to right, her mouth dribbling as she struggles to fight the paralysis. The large man is violently attacked with cattle prod-type weapons. The aliens grab him as he falls to his knees onto the coffee-coloured carpet. They all climb out through the high apartment block window. The distraught wife begins to move as the effects wear off from the paralysis. Sobbing, and against her will, she walks straight out of the window, falling 25 floors to her death as her son cries hysterically for her. He runs to the window only to see a smaller, square shaped craft hovering powerfully outside. The woman’s crumpled and bloodied body lay – pixellated for the viewers’ benefit – on the concrete below.
Blurred Vision: Seven billion voices about to be silenced Page 7