by John Walker
“I’m … I’ll be there.” Dirk followed the young man in a daze and when he arrived, he could barely read the paper on his desk. He felt like he should tell someone what he saw, to relate the horror but there was nothing anyone could do. Instead, he tried to collect himself and merely looked into the camera. It comforted him, even as he had to swallow hard past the bile rising in his throat.
“We’re back from our short break, providing you with live coverage of the event happening over our planet at this very moment.” Dirk didn’t recognize his calm voice, the smooth demeanor allowing him to work through what he’d just witnessed. He downed a glass of water while the various networks offered some local news.
The recorded information played again, explaining the arrival of the large object and the discovery of the smaller ones. He watched the screen to his right with the sort of earnest expression he learned in school, the one that said he was absolutely enthralled. An intern dropped a page on his desk, distracting him.
Glancing down, he his eyes widened. The Agency wants to offer another statement. They’ll be ready in a few minutes. Read below to the camera to prepare the audience.
Before Dirk could act on it, breaking news appeared on the screen from South Africa. Their military caught up to one of the objects and were about to engage. An insane media helicopter risked their lives to gather the footage, showing the battle as it unfolded, an attempt by humanity to deal with the threat before it escaped into space.
Two fighter planes blurred by, banking hard toward the object. Another two came at it from another angle. Streams erupted from rockets as they hurtled toward the alien craft. Their explosions burst into orange and gold flames, smoke rising from a strange green aura that appeared around the sphere.
Planes flipped about, seeming to setup for a second attack run. Some kind of energy beam shot from the alien, dead center. It connected with one of the air planes, obliterating the tail. Dirk winced as the pilot ejected, the remains of his vehicle tumbling to the ground below.
The others fired again, more missiles barreling toward their target. This time, the beam shot down two of the incoming rockets before blasting another airplane. A straight shot to the nose obliterated the entire craft, likely killing the pilot instantly.
The others attempted to disengage, two fighters flying off. The object seemed to ignore them, climbing steadily toward orbit
Dirk cleared his throat as the feed went silent. “Ladies and gentlemen, I’m sure I echo your thoughts when I say that was a terrible thing to behold. I’m sorry to interrupt that tragic event but I’ve just received word that the Space Agency would like to provide another update. This press conference will begin momentarily. Thank you.”
He pursed his lips and finished off with, “later, we’ll have astrologer Ruben Lydell on the show to discuss these events and what they could mean for Earth.”
“It’s astronomer.” A voice whispered harshly from off camera.
“Forgive that mistake,” Dirk said. “Astronomer Ruben Lydell in one hour. Please stay tuned for the press conference. We’re cutting back to the summary.” When the camera pulled away from him, he glared at the person who whispered to him. They shrugged and got back to work.
More news hit Dirk’s desk, the kind he dreaded having to impart. “We’re receiving reports of rioting all over the world. Extremist groups are claiming we have reached the end times. Another suggested we are on the verge of some type of ascension and these beings have arrived to show us the way.
“Please stay in your homes. The authorities are urgently pressing people to remain calm.” Dirk struggled not to tremble. He understood the concern. After seeing the attack on the object, and the military failure to bring the thing down, he knew it would only compound the fear coursing through every single person out there.
They cut to other footage.
The course of the human race, of every single life, had been dramatically altered for all time. The possibility of aliens always existed. The advent of the Space Agency partially was meant to prove out an alien encounter. Many countries were willing to dump stupendous amounts of money into projects to explore the galaxy.
Fate had a funny way of stepping up the time table. Humanity planned on plunging into the unknown but before they could even pull back the curtain, the unknown arrived on their doorstep. As the scientists of the Agency worked to unravel the mystery of these objects, the rest of the world held their breath and wondered how much will this affect me? Then the attacks happened and they knew.
Most people likely underestimated the impact of discovering alien life. Sure, they knew things would change but so many conventions stood to be tested. The notion of divinity, of God and mythology, may well be thought of differently by these newcomers. They might even have proof, one way or another, of the existence of the Almighty.
Science might’ve been turned on its ear. What sort of technology did it take to get across the cosmos? How did they do it? Were these beings like humans or did they have some other form entirely? Hopefully, the Agency planned on answering some of those questions in their press conference but no one cared about such high-minded ideals just then.
People wanted to know if they were safe and if the worse was over.
Dirk knew there were other profound notions which would fall under scrutiny but he wasn’t clever enough to come up with them. Needless to say, much would be unraveled in the days to come. If they could find diplomacy, somehow get in contact with the beings to discuss what they had done, everyone might eventually benefit from their arrival.
“Pst!” An intern caught Dirk’s attention and he looked over at them. “The conference is starting in twenty seconds! Announce it quick!”
“Ladies and gentlemen,” Dirk spoke as he turned to the camera. “I’ve just been informed that the press conference with the Space Agency is about to begin. Let’s see what they have discovered.”
The screen to his right cut to the podium where Wyman Jacks once again took the stage. The colonel looked tired but resolute. As he set down several pieces of paper, he cleared his throat and turned his attention to the crowd.
“Thank you all for your patience as we’ve worked on this mystery,” Jacks said. “As you know, several smaller objects descended from the larger one, entering Earth’s atmosphere and seemingly, they attacked us. At this time, the majority have already broken orbit and are returning to what we’ve labeled the mothership. Some of them have already arrived.
“We’ve all seen the damage they’ve caused and know they may well have killed many people. Scientists at first thought it might’ve been a recon mission. They were wrong. Many military units around the world responded to this attack with varying degrees of failure. What I mean by that is that some lost their pilots and some did not.”
“Our first response to the mothership was not successful but those were prototype vessels that were merely to test the first iteration of our weapons. We have a far more profound response on the verge of launching. For the past several years, we have been building a flagship for our young fleet. This vessel, named Leviathan, is a fully armed battlecruiser, capable of sustaining human life for months at a time.
“We wanted to use this vessel to explore the galaxy, to defend ourselves should the need arise. It has. We wanted to make contact, we wanted to talk but it is quite clear that these visitors had another plan entirely. This does not mean we will rule out discussion should they reach out. Especially if they have not killed our people, we will negotiate to find a peaceful resolution.
“However, this is considered a dire situation. They were the aggressors. We are prepared and will meet them with every ounce of might we possess.”
“Colonel Jacks!” One of the reporters shouted. “Reports around the world show our weapons are not harming the objects and your own attempt proved fruitless. Do you know whether your battlecruiser’s weapons can even harm this thing?”
“We are hoping to gather some better scan data shortly,” Jacks replied. “We’ll
then be able to determine that but we may not have time. The goal is to confront it before it has a chance to leave.”
“Can you comment on the missing people? Do you have any idea what might have happened to them?”
“No, we are still working through the data to determine what those beams did. Were they harmful or something else? That’s what we’re working on.”
A woman shouted his name twice before being called on. “Can you confirm that your own Captain Warren Miller is missing?”
“I cannot.” Jacks stepped back from the podium. “No further questions.”
The room erupted as the colonel left the room and Dirk took back over. “There you have it, folks. The Agency has divulged the existence of a battlecruiser of human design which they intend to field soon. I hope this means they have a plan to save those people, if indeed they can be saved. We will keep you informed of any other developments as they present themselves.”
***
Jacks closed the door behind him, seething about the last question. The Agency managed to keep things quiet for years without hardly any leaks. Something getting out in the middle of a real event grated on his nerves. Who in the organization would possibly have spoken about Miller? Why would they have even brought him up? He didn’t say who commanded the Leviathan.
He stepped into the conference room where technicians and administrative staff alike chatted loudly. His presence silenced them all. Jacks closed the door behind him and leaned against it, turning a glare to each of them in turn. When he finally spoke, he kept his voice low so he wouldn’t shout.
“Someone gave information to the press,” Jacks said. “They asked about Captain Miller and whether or not he was missing. I want to know who. I’m guessing they’re working in the command center but they could be on the Leviathan, I suppose. Root them out at all costs.”
“Sir,” Madison Timmons lifted his hand. He served under Jacks as a major in the army. “Don’t you think we have bigger things to worry about than someone talking to the press? It’s a pretty minor offense in the grand scheme of things.”
“If the person we’re dealing with can talk to them,” Jacks gestured over his shoulder, “then they’re not to be trusted. They could just as easily turn spy. I don’t trust anyone that’s willing to break their oath and reveal classified information. Yes, I believe this takes priority for at least a couple investigators. Get on it. Now.”
“Yes, sir.” Madison nodded.
“Next, get with tech and find out what’s going on with our simulations. I’ll contact the Leviathan and talk to them about Miller. Everyone else, you should already have an assignment so get to work. If you need anything, I’ll be the man running around on fire. Thank you.”
Jacks stepped into the hall and pulled out his com unit. He ensured it was set to a secure connection and contacted the Leviathan, hoping they had more information about Miller. People were either dead or abducted and that changed things considerably. The Agency no longer looked toward diplomacy, regardless of what he said.
They were pretty much at war but no one was willing to admit it. Not yet at least.
***
Warren pressed himself against the wall just half a moment before the door opened. Several of the aliens burst into the room, each wearing the same uniform as those they’d dealt with. Dex and Gary opened fire, the blue beams connecting with their targets who were tossed off their feet before slamming into the ground, unmoving.
The aliens shot back, causing the two marines to scatter. Warren took aim and popped one in the head, the helmet glowing briefly before the creature screamed and hit the floor. He had to throw himself out of the way as another blast seared the wall right behind him, charring the dull metal.
Jake engaged an enemy who came close to him. They struggled for a brief moment before the thing’s weapon went off. Jake’s eyes widened and blood poured from his mouth as he collapsed to the floor.
Warren climbed to his feet and dashed for the door. “Get out of the room!” He shouted. “Get into the hall! Hurry!”
Dex and Gary burst out after him. Debra came after them, making it through the door way just as one of the energy beams caught her in the shoulder. She spun in place and collapsed to the floor, on her back, gasping like a fish out of water. Gary grabbed the collar of her shirt and dragged her away, firing blindly into the door.
Dex shouted out, “we’re down two, Captain! What now?”
“Seems like they kidnapped a lot of people,” Warren replied, aiming at the door. “We’ll pad our numbers soon enough but it won’t help if we don’t know what to do or where to go. I guess right now, our only hope is to figure out how to take the ship from them.” He shot one of the aliens as they came through the door. “We have to get out of here.”
“Can you walk?” Gary shouted at Debra. “Are you able to walk, ma’am?”
“Yes!” Debra nodded. “Just … help me up, please.”
Gary checked her over, firing again at the door as he did. “The wound isn’t bleeding. It’s a bad burn, basically.”
“Small favor,” Debra muttered. “I didn’t get a weapon.”
Warren noted they were in a hallway that stretched off into darkness in both directions. The walls were the same type of metal as the last with no seams or gaps. There were other doors impressed into the walls every thirty feet or so. We’re in some kind of prison area. How the hell do we open these doors?
“Let’s move out,” Warren said. “This direction.” He gestured to his left. “Keep an eye on that door and if anyone comes out while we’re moving, shoot them. I’ll take point.”
More buzzes from the weapons sounded behind him as the marines held their back. Warren hustled toward the darkness. Blue beams suddenly erupted before him, lighting up the hallway and revealing three enemies. He fired at them, causing one to dive for cover. He scored a hit, catching one in the chest.
The other fired again. Debra cried out and hit the ground. Warren blew him away and got his friend. He turned to his fallen comrade, noting she’d been hit in the face. Most of the skin melted away, making her completely unrecognizable. Gary slapped his arm, dragging him out of the moment.
“Hurry it up, sir! We don’t have time!”
“She’s gone!” Dex shouted. “Come on!”
Warren picked up the pace, pausing by one of the dead aliens to grab his weapon. The marines followed suit. We’ll need these if we get some help and boy do we need some. They came upon a T intersection and turned, pausing there. Gary and Dex kept an eye on the passage way, weapons aimed.
Footsteps echoed off the metal but it was hard to gauge distance in the vast structure. Warren moved closer to one of the doors and examined it. The indentation had an obvious frame. Leaning in to really study the wall, he saw a discoloration from the rest, barely visible in the odd lighting around them.
Pressing his hand against it, the door opened and he found another twenty by twenty room like where they emerged from their object. “I got in here!” Warren called to the marines. “There might be people on the other side of that wall over there. More humans, I mean … if we can figure out how to open it up.”
“No time to try!” Dex shouted. “Come on, move! Head down this hall again! They’re coming!”
They broke into a run, sprinting away from the incoming attackers. Warren cursed the situation. A little breathing room might afford them some allies but without time to study the technology, to get through the doors and walls, there was nothing they could do but keep running.
Three men held little chance of survival alone on the alien vessel. Worse, the fact they killed several of their captors probably meant they weren’t going to be taken alive. As a credible threat, capable of murder, the aliens had no reason to capture them anymore. Especially with plenty of victims in other cages.
Warren continued to lead the way, taking a hard right when he was able to. The doors on either side made him slow down. These weren’t the metal panels they saw before but a
ctual bars, revealing the insides. Most sat empty but as they got to the middle, a woman threw herself against the bars.
Jet black hair was wild, hanging to her shoulders and she peered at him with wide, jade green eyes. High cheek bones and a blade of a nose gave her a noble look and her clothes, though disheveled, held exquisite details. Her long black coat held subtle embroidery along the button bands and the sleeves were wide, ending midway over her forearm.
A white shirt underneath was smudged with something dark and her black trousers ended in tall boots just below the knees.
The suddenness of her appearance started Warren and he lifted his weapon toward her. She held her hands up defensively and took a step back. “Slow down,” she spoke in excellent English with only a subtle accent that reminded him of Welsh though not exactly. “I’m in a cell. There’s no reason to shoot me.”
“What the hell?” Dex stepped forward. “What is this place? Who are you?”
She peered at Dex through narrow eyes for a moment before replying. “Are you the one in charge of this … whatever you are?”
“I am,” Warren said. “But the questions still stand.”
“My name is Avania Nika Dilanth Keth of the Royal House of Keth.” She stood up straighter as she spoke. “I do not know what you mean when you ask what is this place. If you’re referring to this section of the vessel specifically, you can call it the prison. If, on the other hand you mean generally, then this is a collection ship.”
“Collection?” Warren shook his head. “What do you mean? Collecting what?”
“Prisoners,” Avania replied. “Of all sorts it seems. Wait …” She leaned close, lowering her voice. “You are … human? Is that right?”
“Yeah, we’re human,” Gary said. “What’s that make you, lady?”
“I am an alanta.” Avania replied in a way that made the statement obvious. “I should have known the way you’re acting after my introduction. Few of the cultures these animals collect wouldn’t know me or my royal house and since you are not dressed as guards, I can only assume they have finally broken royal decree and arrived at Earth.”