{If you want to read ahead go to my https://www.(p)-(a)-(t)-(r)-(e)-(o)-(n).com/easyread}
~~~(POV: Dannon Mayer)~~~
~~~(Location: Mayer Ranch, Umatilla County, Oregon)~~~
~~~(Date, Time, Year: April 26th, 1:04 PM PST, 2022)~~~
~~~(Current Age: 21 Years)~~~
The two agents sitting across from Mom and me on the couch attempt to hide their stress and fear. Using my X-ray vision is an option, but I won't. Looking at their credentials without their permission isn't my style.
Everyone's heart is racing as the seconds pass. Mom is tightly gripping his clasped hands on her lap. The blood pressure of the FBI agents is rising.
"Before we start, mind telling me who I'm talking with?"
They look confused momentarily, only to realize they haven't yet introduced themselves. When we answered the door, the girl showed her badge but covered the name with her fingers.
"I'm FBI agent Edward Celson, leading negotiator for the Oregon branch office. This is my partner, Isabella James."
This is a smoother transition into a conversation than I thought. I can hear the people outside the property and the ones talking into their earpieces.
"We've been ordered to make first contact with you. Usually, situations such as this would be a military matter. President Marshall doesn't want to instigate unneeded friction."
Coming in guns blazing wouldn't have ended in violence. If that situation were to happen, I'd ensure no one was hurt.
"Okay, you've made contact."
Instead of words coming from my mouth, it's Mom who interjects. Standing up as she does. The tone in her voice is urgent and rushed. Portraying how she feels about this.
"Now, I'd like you to leave my property."
She leaves no room for negotiation in her voice. Mom used to act like this when suspicious people came into our lives. Always on extra alert, even then.
The two FBI agents look at her, hesitating to listen. Everything I hear from the agents outside concerns finding a way to keep us talking.
I reach up and gently grab Mom's hand. The blue eyes I've seen a million times look into my hazel ones.
"It's okay, Mom. They're doing their job."
My tone is relaxing and disarming. Conveying that they're not here to cause trouble. Of course, I don't know that. But I don't want Mom going overboard here.
Her head spins in the direction of the two agents. Relenting after a second, she sits down next to me.
"If you two have anything to ask that doesn't pertain to my intentions, species, powers, or allegiances. Feel free to ask."
The open energy and level of my words seem to ease them a little, which is something.
I'm giving them a chance to talk to me. I don't want to give away information on myself. There is also a lot I don't understand about my people. Agent Isabella James lightly presses her ear, listening to the orders she's receiving.
"Just so you know, I can hear everything they're telling you to ask me. How about pulling those earpieces out, and we can have a real conversation."
They look at each other for a moment, and the barking orders not to listen to me are heard. All I see is a shrug from both. Pulling the earpieces out a second later.
"We need to know if you're a threat. That falls under the intentions subject you didn't want to discuss."
Agent Celson's voice is calm and controlled. Not demanding or arrogant. It's almost disarming in its own right. I can see why he's a negotiator for the FBI.
The answer to his question is one that can't be changed. One of a cynical point of view. An answer that no one wants to hear, but since the question has been asked. It's impossible to avoid now.
"Of course, I'm a threat."
The racing hearts of the two agents increase. Slightly aggressive moves in their bodies tell me they're ready to fight if needed.
"Care to elaborate?"
This time, it's the lovely Isabella who speaks. Her tone is probing. Looking for truth and guarding of her life.
"In the sense that I can't be stopped, then yes. I'm a threat."
The slightly confused rise of their eyebrows tells me they're not really getting what I'm trying to imply.
"Fine, simple terms it is."
Mom lightly smacks my leg. A message to stop jerking them around.
"I'm not going to conquer or harm humanity if that's what you're asking."
I try to sound as harmless as possible. Trying to coax them into understanding that I won't hurt anyone.
I can tell this is only the beginning of the questions, and that's something I don't see ending shortly. Once word gets out about Dannon Mayer, the world will ask questions.
"Can you provide any proof that you won't?"
The rushed voice of Isabella shows how much she wants to know if I'll provide said proof.
There is one way.
"The fact I haven't already."
Beads of sweat and the quickening of short breaths tell me my response has the intended impact.
"I guess we can't argue with that. But what if you change your mind?"
Such are the tactics of law enforcement. Looking for things that aren't there.
"What ifs are a running man's gambit. What if the sun sent a solar flare tomorrow? What if the moon broke apart next week? What if Ebola and Covid had a baby?"
The slightly mocking tone in my voice doesn't project the best image of my tolerance to the questioning of my morals and codes.
"Banking of what ifs are what will lead to downfall. Quit searching for motives that don't exist, and if you don't believe me..."
My arm wraps around my Mom.
"Believe in her. It's her you have to thank. If it weren't for my Mom, I'd be someone else. A weapon, an Alien conqueror, something worse. It's this woman you have to thank."
Mom has to struggle with the tears from forming and falling. The wetness of her eyes is obvious, though. Every word is true: Eloise Mayer saved the world 21 years ago.
This is the best answer I can give. The woman who raised me. The person who took me in and provided the best life imaginable.
Isabella and Edward look at my Mom, and I see they're judging her. Not in the sense of condemnation. Only in whether or not what I say is true.
"I suppose we've already stayed longer than necessary. Be ready. It's only a matter of days before the media and public find out about you. We can protect your property, but if you go out. We can't be there."
Edward has an even voice with a hint of solemness to it. Offering assistance with such a voice would work for others. Getting them to agree to terms and deals they don't know they're actually making.
FBI tactics at fine work. It'd be plainly obvious for one of lesser intelligence. They're trying to get closer to me.
We've reached the point where I discuss a deal of protection. One for me, and one for them.
That won't be necessary.
"We won't stop you if you want to protect the Mayer property. However, I won't give something in exchange. America doesn't own me, Agent Celson. That's not changing."
The finality in my voice shows this conversation is over, and I stand up. It's not hard to see them wearing miniature cameras in their suits. I've been watched and listened to the whole time.
The two FBI agents stand up as well, and I follow behind them to the door. Watching them get in their black SUV and turn around. Driving down the dirt road.
Perhaps they'll like my responses. Maybe they won't.
Time will tell.
~~~(POV: Edward Celson)~~~
~~~(Location: FBI Mobile Command Post, Umatilla County, Oregon)~~~
~~~(Date, Time, Year: April 26th, 6:25 PM PST, 2022)~~~
~~~(Current Age: 42 Years)~~~
My report on the situation is due in the next five minutes. The President and the Joint Chiefs are preparing in the Situation Room. They've already received a preliminary audio and video recordings report from our cameras.
I'm guessing they've been reviewing every word and frame. We're 25 miles away from the Mayer ranch at a mobile command center for the FBI. As time passes, higher-ranked officials keep arriving.
Some of my people are telling me General Winters himself is on the way here. Forgoing the report in the Situation Room.
"Are you hungry? Cause I'm hungry."
My partner's voice interrupts my thoughts, and I immediately shake them away. No sense in worrying about things you can't control.
"Yeah, I haven't eaten anything since yesterday. When Dannon first appeared in Australia."
When confirmed reports of the unknown Alien at the time came in, every FBI office in the United States was put into action. Workloads tripled. Going through reports, phone calls, and anything else they can think of.
The military is on standby. Not that it'd do any good. The President hasn't sent any orders for military intervention. The Governor of Oregon has been working with President Marshall instead of against him.
"I can have someone get us something after we report to the Situation Room. How do hamburgers and pizza sound?"
Isabella is a big fan of greasy food. Despite that, she's among the most fit people I've seen. The eagerness in her voice tells me she's hoping that I agree to the order of food.
Before I can answer, the ringing on the large screen takes our eyes from each other. We stand up as I press the answer button on the table. We're greeted with a room full of our military leaders and President.
"Hello, Agent Celson and James."
The one speaking is Benjamin T. Jones. The Whitehouse Chief of Staff. A man whose reputation in the military before public office stands for itself.
"We've reviewed the report and recording sent five hours ago. We'd like for you to create an opportunity. One where we can speak with Dannon."
President Marshall takes control of the talks. Way to make my job harder, guys. It's not like we can force this man to do anything.
"Excuse my candidness, sir. But how exactly are we supposed to do that? It's not like this is a typical situation where we can slap cuffs on him and bring him in for questioning."
I know it's not the best career move to have lip with the leader of the United States. What they're asking me to do is simply beyond the scope of anyone's abilities. It's not been one day since we've had contact with Dannon.
"With all due respect, sir. We don't have the relationship or authority to demand or interrupt Dannon anytime we want. I might be able to do something, but I can't do what you've asked at this time."
It's not something I like doing, but I have to argue with my superiors. On the rare occasion I do, it's because I know I'm right.
I can see the disapproving looks on some of the Joint Chiefs. The Whitehouse Chief of Staff has the sourest compared to everyone.
"That's fair, Agent Celson."
This time, President Marshall responds. Isabella and I both straighten up a little unconsciously.
"Don't rush the process. General Winters will take over the communications process when he arrives at your location within the hour. He's under orders to build a bridge, not force it up."
I'm glad the only person in that room who could fire me is on my side. This will be a long process; Dannon Mayer has become the focal point of the United States' attention. How long that'll last is not for me to say.
~~~(POV: Eloise Mayer)~~~
~~~(Location: Mayer Ranch, Umatilla County, Oregon)~~~
~~~(Date, Time, Year: April 26th, 7:24 PM PST, 2022)~~~
~~~(Current Age: 38 Years)~~~
My boy is relaxing on the couch. Watching a YouTube video. I don't know what he's explicitly watching, but it sounds like something along the lines of news updates. Ever since Agents Celson and James left, he's been watching.
I'm in the same position. I'm in the kitchen about to come out and have a hot meal with me. Whenever I'm stressed regarding my son, I can't help cooking.
Making him food calms me down. It reminds me of when he was a kid. When he had hard days, my meals would make him feel better.
"I've been getting reports from my sources that a lot of military and federal activity is occurring in Northeastern Oregon."
As I hear those words from the TV, I can't help freezing up in the kitchen. It's hard to believe they're quickly getting information and finding out where we are.
"At this time, no one I know in the public sphere of this has the identity of the Alien. More and more man hours and money is being spent trying to find him. My question is, what'll we do once we find him?"
I close my eyes as tears fall. The words from the TV haunt me... The world is closing in on my son. It's my fault for encouraging him to reveal himself to the world. I'll never regret my son helping others.
What I do regret is having to share him with the rest of the world.
I enter the living room with a plate of food and hand it to my boy. He looks at it with a smile and then at me.
"Thanks, Mom!"
His excitement for the food mimicking the same he had as a child.
He immediately digs into the plate of spaghetti. I don't waste any time either, and get a plate too. I sit down on the couch next to him.
"So, how's it looking out there?"
Knowing him, he's got a good idea of what's going on. His super hearing allows nothing to slip by when he's not filtering out everything.
"They've moved away from the property. But a command site has been made 25 miles from here. They're talking about how they can have continued conversations with me."
I don't see how they can.
A small chuckle leaves me as I watch him put a spoonful of spaghetti in his mouth. Sucking it down like it's the most delicious thing in the world.
"Are they planning anything aggressive..."
The last thing I want is violence and death to spark in our home. He looks away from the TV and directly at me.
"Don't worry, Mom. I won't let anything happen. I promise."
When Dannon makes a promise, he keeps it.
I don't have to worry, but I'm going to anyway. It's the duty of a Mother to worry.
"So, how is the news coming along? Anyone out there find out about you?"
He's been watching the news channels and reports all day. They're closing in on us from what I can see, but he'll know more from me.
"Agent Celson was right. It's only a day or two left before everyone finds out about me. I don't know what it'll mean in terms of losing our privacy."
That's something I'll miss.
"But until the government has had a long discussion with me. They won't let anyone near the property."
A silver lining. All I can do is wait now. Everything is in Dannon's hands.
What he said earlier... About me...
I hope the rest of the world sees it that way. I've come to see it's likely I'll be vilified along with my son.
The public knowing is upon us. And I'm scared.