This Side of the sky

Prologue 

Earth filled the viewport, a vortex of green and blue set against the blackness. The sun blazed beyond the planet, casting a halo that left their ship in shadow. Personnel scrambled to secure the craft like rats scurrying from light, cutting lit power strips and minimizing sound. 

“Captain, entering Earth’s atmosphere. Cloaking engaged. Hovering five hundred clicks above the surface. I’ve notified the crew of our arrival.”

“Good, Lieutenant. Hold our current position,” Captain Ixar ordered, her tone even but clipped. “Keep watch and scan all frequencies. Our location can’t be compromised. And report any anomalies immediately.”

The large X-class vessel, holding a skeleton crew, floated within a low orbit. In the command center, the ship’s cold gray plating gleamed, illuminated by bands that blazed from floor to ceiling. Shadows congregated in the corners like eavesdroppers. Two imposing consoles stood opposite the sweeping viewport. Crew members at their desks filtered data on tablets spewing information. The displays cast ominous red and green glows over their faces. Every movement in the space carried out orders in organized chaos.

Captain Ixar retreated from the panoramic windows along the front of the bridge. She glided to her chair and dropped into the seat, then snatched the data display from its holster. Her lips pressed into a thin line and her eyes narrowed in focused concentration as she read the flow of intelligence. Weary hands rubbed down her face with a heavy sigh. This mission was beneath her; irritation seethed under her skin.

What could this mudball possibly offer us? The inhabitants of this planet hadn’t even explored beyond their own moon yet, unlike her race, which had traversed many galaxies. Her ship, the Vorathex, was designed for deep-space diplomacy and high-risk reconnaissance, not fishing this archaic backwater. And for what? False hope was a dangerous thing. She knew better.

The door hissed open. A man strode in with the kind of cockiness that made her teeth ache. Only one person walked like the ship owed him tribute. She didn’t bother to glance up.

Lieutenant Xavien.

“To what do I owe this disruption?” Ixar communicated to his mind, her tone as cold as ice.

“We’ve arrived.” Xavien slapped down a data folder on her console. “I’d like to begin surface reconnaissance right away.”

Ixar furrowed her brow and massaged her temples as a headache threatened to build. “We just entered orbit. To send you down without current terrain or threat scans would be reckless.”

Only then did she look at him and notice he had already changed out of his uniform and wore a ghastly interpretation of what the surface crawlers wore: fitted blue jeans, a loose t-shirt, and shoes Ixar figured were probably made from some poor animal. Disgusting. Even his stark white hair grew longer than a soldier’s should, the top coiffed in an earthly imitation.

“I’ve studied Earth.” He opened the folder. “I speak two of their most prevalent languages and am intimate with their customs. I’m requesting twelve hours to scout potential choices.” 

She didn’t hide her scowl. His dad may run their planet, but this was her ship, and his attitude needed to be checked. “You think I haven’t already prepared for this unrefined planet and its primitive people?”

“I’m aware that you’ve followed your orders, Captain,” Xavien replied, gaze intense, voice direct. “But your assignment is to run the experiments, not find the subjects and do reconnaissance. Command was specific for me. Subjects must be above the age of thirty-five, all racial backgrounds, both sexes. Diversity, not convenience.”

Ixar’s face tightened. The implication that she was either careless or biased was not lost on her. Nor the switch to speaking out loud, theatrics for the crew.

“You have eight hours,” she snapped, fingertips brushing the tablet full of coordinates. “Command located the region to begin. New York. You need to look for individuals with higher energy frequency levels.”

“New York. I know the parameters. Send me down.” He did not wait for dismissal, but turned and strode toward the portal chambers two decks below.

Ixar stood, watching him go, her fingers curling into a fist. “Teleport him to upstate New York,” she ordered the bridge crew, her voice low. “Dense forest. Close to a population center but… indirect.”

Perhaps if she were lucky, he’d be eaten by a large, starved beast. Command had been firm on her orders. Find a possible cure, get back before more get sick, stick to protocols. But she would do what she had to with this planet. A failure here was a failure overall.

#

Xavien’s body materialized on an unfamiliar pine-strewn trail. Sunbeams crested the trees, warming his skin in golds and yellows. As he stepped forward into the fresh air of the forest, the blue energy field withdrew, leaving him alone. Large pine trees loomed over the scene with a strong, pungent, and strange smell. Unaccustomed to spiky green leaves, he took a few moments to appreciate the sticklike appendages. Used to purples and clear iridescent foliage that shimmered throughout his home planet, he was captivated by these new blues and greens of Earth. Carefully, Xavien ran his fingers through the needles, feeling the prickle and releasing more of the fragrant scent.

The weather was colder than he was used to, the brisk breeze invigorating. He inhaled deeply, appreciating the stillness and low buzzing of nature. The world was raw and unrefined, yet something about the newness stirred his curiosity. Slowly, nature came back to life, birds singing melodies and faraway creatures’ footsteps puncturing the air.

He confidently stepped through the trees toward the distant outline of a town, steps muted on the bed of loose needles. Proving himself was vital. This was a recon mission. A test. And a distant hope for survival. Xavien savored the challenge more than he cared to admit.

Chapter One - Ava

“Wait up, V!”

“Steph, what’s up?” Ava drew her backpack higher, glancing over her shoulder as her best friend jogged toward her. The crowded hallway filled with students, making it challenging to move through. Ava slowed her stride to let her catch up, still holding the coffee from their morning stop at Jake’s Coffee Depot. Faint smells of some new body spray the football team was wearing that week hit her nose.

“I heard you had ‘hot sub’ in Spanish. How was that?” Steph wiggled her eyebrows. 

Ava always marveled when Steph knew the good-looking sub showed up on campus, or anywhere, really. It was her friend’s superpower. “Ugh, same old. Sure, he was hot, but more importantly, I still need to work on conjugations. They’re not my strength.”

“Well, it’s a good thing you’re amazing at everything else, then!” Steph winked.

They passed rows of lockers, each one plastered with glittery prom flyers: “A Night Under the Stars.” Ava tried not to look at them. She and John had planned to go. Now the thought made her stomach churn. Instead of dancing, she’d be at home with her brother and parents. Her dad would make his famous tacos, her mom would pull out the games. Ava would naturally roll her eyes, but she’d be grateful for the distraction. Grateful for something to fill the space while everyone else lived the night she was supposed to have. No one else had asked her to the dance. That part hurt more than she let herself think about. Her eyes flickered back to the poster despite herself, resentment expanding in her chest. She wanted to rip the glittery sheets off the wall, but instead she stuffed her hands into her pockets.

“What’s for lunch today?” Ava turned into the lunchroom. High ceilings and long windows made the space bright; laughter and chatter bounced from every table. Smells from the kitchen made its way to the pair. “Mmm… nothing says fine dining like reconstituted chicken and cafeteria glue.” Ava piled mashed potatoes and chicken nuggets onto her plate.

Steph added, “This pizza looked like it gave up on life halfway through baking.” Her disgusted face made Ava laugh.

They navigated to their usual quieter table near the back, friends already in familiar seats. Jas and Caroline spoke in a private conversation, but Caroline looked up as they approached.

“You guys got Thursday’s gruel as well?” Caroline’s curly brown hair bounced as she talked.

“Gruel is generous.” Jas held up a rubbery nugget. “Pretty sure this is a rock dipped in breadcrumbs.” He smacked the nugget on the table.

Caroline rolled her eyes. “It’s protein-adjacent. That’s good enough, right?”

“At this point, I think it’s preparing to evolve into something else entirely.” Jas poked the lump like it might move.

Steph snorted. “Careful, Jas. Last time you insulted the lunch lady’s food, she gave you double portions.”

“That was a threat, not a gift.” Jas dramatically speared his mashed potatoes.

Ava chuckled as everyone settled into their regular cadences. Jas continued to play with his chicken nugget, leaning into Caroline whenever she spoke. His flaming red hair disappeared in the soft tangle of her brown curls.

“How were your classes?” Ava asked Steph between bites.

“Pretty good. We got a new kid. Wanna hear about him?” Steph’s tone turned conspiratorial, and her eyebrows did their jumping act.

Ava hesitated. The hurt from her break up with John still plagued her like an open wound she tried to ignore. Ava tried to steer clear of boy talk, but it seemed Steph planned to suck her in. “Let me guess, tall, dark, and handsome?” she sighed.

“Tall, yes. Dark? Not even close. But absolutely stunning.”

“Not dark, huh? Albino?” Ava laughed.

“He has super white hair. And his skin is so white it is almost blue. But his eyes… mi amor! Like deep, glowing oceans. Huge and bright. I could swim in them.” Steph fanned her face.

“Don’t let Chris hear you. He might be jealous.” Ava dug into her mashed potatoes, thankful for the distraction.

“He knows he doesn’t need to worry. It’s you we need to find a guy for.” Steph changed the subject. “What are you doing this weekend?”

“Watching X as usual. My parents are gone again. Maybe we’ll do a movie night.” Ava looked forward to spending time with her brother. Most people her age would think it was a drag to have to babysit so frequently, but Ava didn’t mind. He was all she had.

Steph nodded, watching Ava peek through the curtain of her long chestnut hair. “He’s not here today.”

“What?” Ava tried to play dumb.

“John. You were looking for him. Don’t bother.”

Caught, Ava sighed. “I wasn’t looking looking. Just making sure I didn’t have to see his smug face.” Her deep brown eyes flashed the hurt she still bore.

“Uh-huh. Sure.” Steph stood, tossing her trash. “Call me later. We can talk more about New Guy… or not.” Steph put her hands up in surrender to Ava’s grimace.

“Yeah. Sure.”

Steph gazed into her eyes. “John’s a jerk. But there are still plenty of fish in this high school sea.” After a small hug, she left.

As Steph disappeared, Caroline leaned across the table. “She’s not wrong, you know. You’re, like, the most amazing person I’ve ever met. If he couldn’t see that, it’s his loss.”

Ava gave her a small smile. “Thanks. I just wish it didn’t still hurt.” Ava thought she had moved on many times in the last couple months. She hated feeling broken, especially by a boy. John’s attention made her feel wanted. He told her she was beautiful and special. But once his honesty was obliterated, were all those platitudes just lies? She knew her self-worth should have overridden his stupidity. He had gotten into her head, and the dark hole of sadness she fell into seemed unscalable. Ava sighed into her potatoes. Loneliness had been a companion for as long as she could remember.

“Heartbreak sucks,” Jas chimed in. “But you’ll survive. And in the meantime, you’ve got us and cafeteria pizza to distract you.”

“Wow, comforting and gross. Classic Jas,” Caroline teased.

“I do my best.” He winked.

The final bell rang. Ava stuffed her science notes into her bag and beelined to her locker, trying to avoid other kids who blocked the hallway. She grabbed her extra books and threw them in her bag, slamming the locker shut. Then she froze.

Down the hallway, John stood with a new girl clinging to his arm. They laughed at something, and Ava’s heart gave a sharp twist. She turned, willing the sting in her chest to disappear. The exit sign burned at the end of the corridor, a red beacon promising the escape she desperately needed. 

Crisp spring air slammed into her as she headed out to the parking lot, easily finding her slightly dented Honda Accord. The “practical” gift from her parents held memories, both good and bad. Betty White was nothing if not reliable, and she loved playing off the color to name her. She was grateful to have wheels at all. Ava received special permission to drive since it was her job to pick up her brother from school. Her parents’ erratic work schedules often kept them away. Most juniors still had to take the bus, so she counted herself lucky. After pulling out of her usual spot, she cruised down the road to the nearby elementary school, blasting her favorite song.

Adjusting the volume, Ava neared the pickup area. She scanned the kids, looking for Alex. His light brown hair contrasted with the navy building behind him, a worried expression clouded his face.

“X! Over here!” she shouted as her younger brother crossed the courtyard to the car, relief replacing the worry.

“Hey, V!” He climbed into the front seat.

“How was your day?” Ava reached over to muss his hair. His red t-shirt was getting short, and his jeans seemed tighter. With their parents gone, again, she made a mental note to grab some new clothes. Even if she told her mom, the responsibility would probably fall on Ava’s shoulders.

Ava turned onto Main Street, where rows of historic brick buildings stood proudly, their faded reds, soft blues, and muted greens announced their age. The quiet town felt like something from a storybook fairytale. Tree-lined streets, flower-box-decorated windows, and a stone church rising in the distance made the fable complete. Church spires stretched reverently toward the sky.

Signs for local boutiques and takeout shops dotted the storefronts. The stores were in different stages of needing repair. The corners peeled or hung just a bit to the side. Ava’s attention turned to Alex, sensing his mood shift. “What’s wrong, X?”

“Nothing.” He stared out the window, shrugging.

She arched an eyebrow. “Out with it, or no ice cream.”

He huffed. “Fine. Lame threat though, you like to spoil me when Mom and Dad are gone.” He sighed. “Those two boys are still picking on me at school,” he sputtered, hurt flickering across his face.

Ava gripped the wheel harder. “I’m going to kill them. I will turn this car around right now and give them the biggest wedgie they’ve ever seen!” Ava started to slow the car.

Alex knew she’d never hurt anyone, and her silliness made him smile, relieving some of the tension he held. She always stood up for him, shielding him from the kids who couldn’t seem to leave him alone. He didn’t say much, but Ava had seen bruises on other kids, ones they had gotten from broken homes. She made sure Alex never knew pain like that. When he let out a small sigh, Ava hoped it meant he felt better.

“You shouldn’t have to deal with bullies. You’re smart and kind. That should be what matters.”

“It’s okay, V. Mom says people hurt other people because they’re hurting. I don’t want to add to their pain.” Alex looked out the window and grinned at the spring flowers that had started to bloom.

Ava softened. She reached over and squeezed his shoulder. “You’re a better person than I am.”

“But you can still glare at them menacingly if we see them.”

“Deal.” They sealed it with a pinky promise. Ava turned up the radio, blasting “Life Is a Highway,” a song their dad played on repeat. They rolled the windows down and sang their hearts out the whole way home.

Ava pulled up to their two-story white colonial with faded black shutters and a squeaky porch swing. A wreath hung on the forest green door. Ava’s mom loved the little garden in the backyard where she grew flowers and vegetables. Ava parked in the gravel driveway next to her dad’s unused motorcycle.

“Wash your hands and do your homework!” Ava grabbed her backpack from the back seat.

“It’s Friday! No homework!” Alex grinned, leaping up the wooden steps.

Inside, the house smelled like cinnamon and something floral from a diffuser Ava had finally figured out how to refill. Blankets, board games, and school projects lay scattered throughout the living room. Ava set her bag next to the locked basement door. Her mom promised it was for storage and old lab gear. Ava never pushed it; it always smelled like bleach and metal. Ava followed a backpack in the hall, socks by the stairs, and a sweater halfway to the kitchen until she found Alex. The path looked like a tornado had spun through, leaving only Alex-shaped debris behind.

She cooked pasta, and they ate at the old wooden table while watching the sunset out the back windows, discussing their days. “So no homework for you this weekend?” Ava asked between bites. The pasta slipped through her fork and splattered red sauce on the table.

“Nope! You?”

“I have to come up with a topic for history class. It’s supposed to be about how institutions affect people’s lives.” She reached for the napkins, cleaned the mess, and wiped a smear off Alex’s face.

Alex scrunched his nose. “Sounds boring.”

“It kind of is. But I thought maybe something like the space race or surveillance laws would be cool.” Ava had always loved space and often found herself staring at the stars at night.

Alex perked up. “You should do that one story Dad always talks about. About how the government faked the moon landing.” He giggled conspiratorially.

Ava laughed. “He only says that to mess with people.” She pushed Alex on the shoulder.

“Yeah, but he always ends it the same way: ‘Never trust the government.’”

They said it in unison, stern like their dad, then cracked up. Ava rinsed the last plate, the sound of the running water faded as she switched off the faucet. 

“Ready for a movie?” She dried her hands and tucked the dish into the cabinet.

“Yep!” Alex was already running to the family room and jumping on the worn leather sofa. Ava joined him, pulling the crocheted blanket their mom made over their laps.

As Ava settled in, her fingers brushed one of the ridged corners of the blanket, worn from years of use. She remembered her mom curled up on the couch one winter night, crochet hook in hand, muttering about dropped stitches and yarn tension. Ava had sat beside her, watching the loops form and grow, fascinated by how something so comforting could come from a single string and a bit of patience.

“What movie are we watching?” Ava asked, back in the present.

“Something scary!” Alex wiggled next to her.

“You just want to sleep on my floor again. How about a cartoon?” Many nights, Alex had found his way to her room after watching a scary movie. Sometimes, he woke her; other times, she’d find him in the morning curled up on the floor next to her bed.

“Booooring.”

“Fine. KPop Demon Hunters?”

Alex considered. “No way. You screech at the top of your lungs. My ears can’t take it. How about How to Train Your Dragon?”

“It’s settled then.” Ava cued up the movie, and they watched until Alex fell asleep on her shoulder. She carried him upstairs and placed him in his bed. Then she pulled his Star Wars blanket tight around his shoulders. She left his lightsaber lamp glowing faintly.

Ava tiptoed to her room and closed the door behind her. Leaning on the door, she took in her room; posters of her favorite bands covered the ceiling, and Christmas lights twinkled behind her white wooden bed frame. Her beige comforter hung slightly off the bed, revealing pastel pink sheets underneath. Pictures covered her wall with friends smiling back.

Ugh, I completely forgot to text Steph.

She promised herself she would tomorrow. For now, she just wanted to brush her teeth and snuggle into her bed, which she called Marshmallow. It was the most comfortable place in the house and the one large item she was able to bring in the move. She spent nights jumping on it with friends during slumber parties and other nights, more recently, crying when a boy broke her heart. She almost considered Marshmallow a part of her family.

Nestled beneath the covers, Ava stared at the twinkling lights reflected on her ceiling. One flickered faintly, then steadied again. Odd.

Chapter Two - Ava

Ava jolted awake, startled and confused. Where am I?

It was freezing, and muffled screams echoed around her. Her skin prickled as if thousands of tiny needles were scraping across it. She couldn’t move. Her head was locked into place, and her limbs were restrained with tight bars. The metal beneath her was frigid, and the air had a faint antiseptic scent of alcohol and bleach. A single bright light shone onto her body; the rest of the room was cloaked in shadows. Panic surged through her. Her heart slammed against her rib cage.

What is going on? Am I dreaming? Her breathing grew shallow, and fear fogged her thoughts. Breathe… just breathe… She inhaled deeply, her eyes focused on one point in front of her. Slowly, her mind began to process her surroundings. Okay. What is this place? Why am I strapped down? It’s so cold. Am I wearing my pajamas?

Her thoughts flashed back to earlier that night. She had cuddled on the couch with Alex, wrapped in their favorite blanket. Flickering light from the TV had cast shadows across the living room as they watched a movie. Halfway through the movie, he’d fallen asleep with his head resting on her shoulder. She remembered tucking him in and his lightsaber lamp still shining as she walked away. It had been a peaceful night. This didn’t make sense.

A muffled noise pulled her from her thoughts. She searched for the sound. “Hello?” she managed to squeak. Her small voice echoed off the metal walls, sounding foreign.

“Mmmhhmm!! Aaaaaarrraaa!” The stifled wail came from her right.

“Alex! Is that you?” Shock rolled through her body, sending a spike of adrenaline through her frightened system.

“Mmmmhhhhmmm!”

“It’s okay! It’s going to be okay.” Ava tried to sound reassuring, but her heart pounded, her body trembling. Straining her neck, she managed to turn her head enough to glimpse her brother. Her blood ran cold. He, too, was strapped down, still in his pajamas, with a clamp over his mouth. A harsh light shone over him as well. Ava could hardly breathe. Numbness spread through her.

Swiveling her head the other direction, Ava stared into the blackness, trying to understand where they were. Low pulsing hums vibrated around them, but otherwise, silence pressed in. Coldness seeped into her bones, and goose bumps covered her flesh.

“Alex, do you know how we got here?”

“Nnn-nnn.”

Suddenly, a door whooshed open somewhere in the darkness. A figure entered, human-looking, but not quite. Large dark eyes contrasted with the pallid, bluish tint of her skin. She wore a simple white shirt and long pants. The seam ran down the left side of her shirt, almost like a lab coat or uniform. From farther away, Ava had categorized her as human, but up close, something was off. As she glided forward in eerie silence, her fingers flew over a screen filled with symbols Ava couldn’t read. With a slender finger, she pressed a glowing button on the side of the table Ava lay on. A blue pulse of energy shot through the bands holding Ava down, flooding her with adrenaline and terror. She tried to call for help, but no sound came. The plea died somewhere inside her, trapped behind the clamp of fear in her throat.

“You’re awake. Finally. I realize you don’t know where you are. That is irrelevant. You can stop trying to scream. You’ll be fine when this is over,” the female said, but not with her mouth. The words echoed inside Ava’s mind.

Ava thought, What the… how can she speak without talking? Definitely NOT human.

The being spoke again. “Please try to stay calm. We will perform a few experiments and send you back to your planet. You will not remember anything, especially the pain.” Her voice inside Ava’s head was sharp, metallic, like static on a bad speaker. The being’s face was beautiful in an alien, unnatural way, expressionless and efficient.

She pushed a few more buttons on the tablet and then spoke into the silence.

“Subject 1: Female, approximately 17 Earth years. Elevated heart rate. Emotional distress evident. Subject 2: Male, approximately 8 Earth years. Undetected matching bonding markers. Begin synchronous testing.”

The female moved closer to the table to look at Ava’s eyes. She pushed Ava’s hair to the side and scanned her face with the tablet. After checking the restraint on Ava’s forehead, she moved down to the abdomen and leg restraints. Evidently impressed with the contraption, she crossed to Alex’s table, checking his restraints as well.

An alarm blared from the screen beside the woman, red lights pulsing. Ava jerked at the sound.

“Anomalous response? That’s odd,” the female murmured.

She tapped rapidly on her screen. Information scrolled on the tablet. A compartment slid open beside Ava. Mechanical arms unfolded. Several tools emerged, long silver needles, scalpel blades that glinted under the light, and a pair of forceps that clicked as they flexed. The instruments hovered above her like curious insects. Ava’s eyes widened, and just when she thought she’d found fears limit, terror blew past it.

Buzzing intensified around her. Similar arms moved toward Alex’s table.

“No! No! Please don’t!” Ava writhed, her voice raw, but the restraints held firm.

A needle slid into her wrist. A piercing, electric burn raced up her arm.

Another stabbed her abdomen. Burning sensations flared through her body. Pain exploded behind her eyes. She dry-heaved, unable to scream loud enough to match the agony. Blood dripped to the floor with a soft patter.

Through blurry tears, she noticed another being enter the room: a male, similar in appearance to the female, tall, white-haired, and pale. His blue turquoise eyes widened as he took in the scene. He looked at the monitors on the wall, watching as Ava and Alex’s bodies writhed and convulsed under the restraints.

“Ixar.” A whisper escaped his mouth. Storming over to the female, he hissed harshly in a language Ava couldn’t understand. He pointed at the screen. For what seemed like a century, the two aliens stared at each other, not uttering words, but it was evident they still were speaking. Ava wanted to understand the interaction but couldn’t focus on anything except every nerve in her body shrieking at once.

The female pointed at the man’s chest, then toward the door, signaling him to leave. He resisted, his furious gaze darting to Ava, the instruments, and the data. Anger simmered on his face, though she couldn’t tell if it was for her or something else.

Then, the female grabbed his arm and dragged him into the shadows. The door swished shut behind them.

Ava didn’t have time to wonder more about the exchange. A new jolt of electricity pulsed down her spine. Her body seized as she tried to scream, but no sound escaped. Tears poured down her cheeks as she heard Alex’s muffled whimpers. The electric shocks continued with short pulses that built in strength. Darkness crept around the edges of her vision. The room wobbled, tilting sideways. Her fingertips tingled, then went numb. Somewhere in the electric buzz, another alarm went off. The needle twisted again, adding a new burning sensation to the torture.

Alex screamed from the other side of the room. The instruments dragged along his body, pulling tissue and pushing fluids Ava couldn’t name. The pain on his face matched her own. A screen lit up on her left, and she could make out the image of an internal scan of a body. It glowed white on a blue background. Several places, including the stomach, neck, wrist, and thigh, blinked red. Ava tried to focus, but the electric shock pushed her head forward against the restraint, and she tried not to bite her tongue.

Just before everything went black, she felt a biting, icy sensation flood her veins. Her mind reeled as swirls of color danced before her eyes. Her last clear thought was a silent prayer for Alex.

“You’re going to be okay, X. Yourrrr… gooing…”

And then she was gone.

Chapter Three - Xavien

Xavien plucked a cheery pink flower from the church’s garden bed. Velvety petals spiraled into confetti, dropping from his fingers along the winding path towards town. He reveled in the softness, comparing it to the stiffer, waxy leaves shed by the trees back home. A light scent of clover lingered on his fingertips, and he brushed the residue on his pants, picking his pace back up. He only had until sundown. 

Streaks of sunlight cut across the horizon, shining through the town’s squat buildings like warm fingers intermixed with cold stone. He ground his teeth at the short scouting window. Ixar ordered his return before retrieving participants from their homes, if he could find any, of course. She was a constant thorn in his side, speaking in a condescending tone and treating him as if he were personally responsible for her assignment to the Vorathex. His father made that call, but he was the one close enough to blame. She’d decided who he was before she’d even met him.

Xavien absently twisted the thin silver bracelet circling his wrist. The band pulsed slowly against his warm skin. As humans neared, he discreetly lifted his arm, waiting for any signs of increased vibrations. The metal band detected enhanced bio-resonant energy fields, markers that, according to Command, indicated a greater potential match for the cure. Xavien didn’t understand the mechanics. He didn’t need to. His primary orders were simple and absolute: scan, identify, retrieve. 

A smell of unknown origin wafted past him. The rich, earthy aroma drew him further down the main road. Small shops dotted the street, their doors chiming as humans drifted in and out. A couple glided near, gloved hands clasped together. Xavien adjusted his gait, subtly brushing the man’s coat. Nothing. Xavien huffed, keeping his stride even as he trekked toward the main square, scanning everyone close to the required age. Men and women dashed around him in the chaotic bustle of morning routines, yet his detector remained annoyingly silent.

 A tall man with glasses swept, by sending his detector into a frenzy, buzzing hard against his wrist. Xavien’s gaze snapped to him. He pivoted, trailing the subject into the nearby coffee shop. The man appeared to be in his late thirties, topped with tousled brown hair and dressed in a long, dark coat. His brown-and-red argyle socks looked as if a kid had colored them with crayon. 

Xavien hugged the beige-hued wall, passing the front windows painted with spring flowers and lists of new brews. Small round tables freckled the space, each surrounded by wire-framed chairs. Behind the counter, tiny plastic ducks crowded the shelves in every possible shade and pattern. They peeked from behind coffee canisters and perched on cups. Frivolous, cluttered, and nonsensical.

The man ordered and leaned against the wall at the far end. Xavien slid into a chair in the corner, watching and waiting. A feral smile stretched across his lips. The man was a perfect specimen; mid-thirties, elevated energy, no wedding ring or visible attachments. Minimal collateral.

“Collins.” The short barista called in a high voice. 

Xavien noted his name. Collins grabbed his cup with a nod of thanks and pushed his glasses further up his nose. He reached the door just as two girls entered, laughing with their arms linked.

“Oh! Hey, Mr. Collins,” the one with long, dark chestnut hair said. “See you at school.”

“See you there, Ava.”

Xavien barely registered the females. His target was already stepping outside. The girls turned toward the counter as Xavien moved past, his focus on Collins. Long brown locks swept past, her eyes focused on the menu above the counter. Xavien caught a beautiful profile, then his wrist jolted, as the silver band burned his skin. Not pulsed or vibrated, but seared the flesh beneath. Xavien’s hand closed over his wrist, stifling a gasp. The pain vanished as quickly as it came, leaving a sharp trail of heat beneath the silver. He looked back. The girls were already at the counter, oblivious. 

Xavien stared. Young. Nowhere near thirty-five. Much too young for protocol. Pity and odd. With their backs to him, he sighed and headed for the door. He recorded the anomaly with a quick tap to his wrist tablet. 

Earth date: Thursday. Female adolescent. Dark hair. High-energy response beyond standard threshold. Excluded from trial: Age protocol. Subject name: Ava. 

With a look back, he shook his head, dismissing her. He hated that he'd noticed her profile at all, let alone thought her pretty. A vile thing to think, a rogue impulse. A grimace tightened his features. No, a saving cure would not come from an Earthen schoolgirl. The bell chimed as the door closed, and Xavien spun, hoping to catch up with Collins. 

Signs for the high school loomed ahead. Xavien walked between two groups of students, keeping Collins a few paces in front. A few kids glanced his way, but most ignored him. Their thoughts and emotions were whirlwinds battering against his mind like a physical storm. 

Does my hair look stupid? 

If she posts that picture, I’m dead.

I forgot the quiz. I forgot the quiz. I forgot the quiz.

He pushed the voices back behind his mental wall, irritated by how easily they spilled into the open. On Phyllos, everyone learned restraint at a young age. Even children were taught to shutter their thoughts. These humans had no walls at all, leaking every insecurity, lust, and petty resentment into the air. By their age, Xavien had already traveled to distant planets. He’d learned the art of interrogation and how to cut the fear out of his voice before a superior officer could hear it. These kids worried about their reflections. They wouldn’t last a second on his ship or his planet. Maybe Ixar was right about this species. Perhaps this was a waste of time.

Xavien strode through the doors of the school, several steps behind his prey. Students started to pull badges from their satchels. His heart rate spiked at the tactical oversight. This was not something depicted in the movies he had studied or the reconnaissance reports he read through. A bead of sweat trickled down his back. He couldn’t fail this early.

Collins strode through the security line, and Xavien lost sight of him. The line shortened, bringing the officer ever closer. Soon, he would be asking for his credentials. He heard the man’s thoughts; grumbling about the lack of respect and the restless night’s sleep he got with a new baby at home. Xavien closed his mental wall tighter, trying to focus without so many voices in his head. 

“Officer Gray,” Xavien said, reading the man’s tag, and stepping closer. He softened his voice, curving his shoulders to diminish his height. It was a classic interrogation tactic to make the subject feel superior and lower their guard. “I’m new here. Can you please point me in the direction of the office?”

The guard narrowed his stare, assessing the threat. Finally, the officer shrugged. “Sure. To the left.” The man yawned into his hand and pointed in that direction.

Xavien nodded, lifting his band toward the officer as he passed. Nothing. He craned his head around, looking for Collins while he walked to the registrar. He had no intention of attending school, but he needed access to the teacher. Integration was a part of the mission as well, so he resigned himself to spending a day scouting the place.

He reached the registrar’s office, where a portly woman reigned behind the desk. A name plate read, Mrs. Smith. Her white hair almost matched his own, though a few darker grays streaked along her temples. Xavien felt warmth and love emanating from her in waves, like tender caresses on his cheeks. The sensation was new and inviting. Love was not an emotion shared easily between his people. It was private and reserved.

Mrs. Smith smiled kindly. “Hello. How can I help you, dear?”

“I’m new. I was wondering if I could start today.” Xavien offered his most winning smile. The one with dimples that his mom said would someday snag a girl.

“Oh! Well, we have paperwork, records… How old are you? Are your parents here?” She reached for papers and glanced around, searching for his guardians.

“My parents sent me ahead. I’m a senior, Ma’am. Of course, you need my ID and records. However, they won’t be here for a few days. I was hoping to start and then get you the required documents when they arrive. It would really help me.” Xavien projected compliance and acceptance toward her, emotions he’d perfected in interrogations. He could almost physically see the emotion crashing into the poor woman, overwhelming her senses. As an empath, he couldn’t force her mind, but he nudged her mood. Humans sensed the heightened sensation like a feather tickling their mind. 

Mrs. Smith looked around, wavering. “I’m really not supposed to do that.” She wrung her hands. 

Xavien waited patiently. “I totally understand, and I wouldn’t want a sweet woman like you to get into trouble. It would mean a lot to my parents though. They’d hate for me to miss more school.” He pouted his lip and widened his eyes with practiced innocence.

His compliments settled over her like a thick blanket, nudging her concern into sympathy. Mrs. Smith caved. “If you fill out this paperwork, I could give you a visitor's pass for today. But your parents would need to bring the completed registration packet by Monday. Here are some classes you can visit. A few are junior courses since the senior ones are full. We can shift things once your parents come by.” She printed a paper and handed it to him. He thanked her with more compliments and left.

A schedule of classes denoted his next stops. Mr. Collins’ class was not one of them. That needs to be fixed. He turned back, but through the window, he could see Mrs. Smith had a line of new students waiting for her attention. He sighed; it could wait. He’d follow the schedule and check the other teachers and staff for matches. Integrating into society was also a mandate of the mission, though more of a secondary objective. Xavien took a deep breath, glancing at the schedule in his hand, and walked to Physics.

Classes blurred. Xavien was ready to burn the building down and it wasn’t even lunch. The students' incessant yammering against his mental wall set him on edge. Even on ships with three times the population, he could think more easily. Humans were telepathically deaf and utterly oblivious to the necessity of mental shielding. For Xavien, who spent over a decade building high, thick walls, the school was a sensory assault. Their unrefined thoughts and emotions were a sledgehammer, bludgeoning his mind until his teeth ached.

Third-period English started with a teacher who wasn’t qualified to teach kindergarten. She rambled about The Great Gatsby, linking it to female anatomy and other ridiculous interpretations. He rolled his eyes. The blond girl from the coffee shop took the seat next to him, smelling fruity and bright. Words poured from her mouth like an avalanche. She was marginally less repulsive than the others, and her boyfriend, though dull at physics, provided a calmer space. He worked hard not to lump every person into the same abysmal category. 

His first day with humans tested his fortitude. Xavien winced at the pathetically brief notes he would send to command. There were no other elevated signatures at the school. Leaving Collins as the only subject to follow. The mission of integration proved both miserable and pointless. As far as he was concerned, he could check that off his list.

Xavien waited at the edge of the school property for Collins to emerge. It didn’t take long. Collins walked nearly a mile from the school before turning onto a long dirt pathway. Xavien kept far enough behind to avoid notice. A one-story faded gray home with a green roof appeared, flanked by mature evergreens. Only the bright yellow door added happiness to the drab scene. Xavien watched the teacher disappear inside.

He waited a moment longer before contacting the Vorathex. They had their first subject.