"Sharing our location with them poses a significant risk to their safety," Djuma warned, his voice laced with caution as he flew alongside Mike.
Mike's response was resolute. "Withholding this information from them would be even more perilous, trust me. They won't stay still, knowing the weight of the situation."
Djuma's gaze scanned the horizon, his senses on high alert. "I think our guests are nearby," he said, his tone low and urgent.
Mike nodded in agreement. "I sense their presence too. Let's hope they haven't caused any trouble yet."
Djuma's concern deepened. "We need to locate them quickly. If the colony has already landed, the consequences could be catastrophic."
With renewed determination, they increased their aerial speed, soaring through the skies with swift and synchronized movements.
*****
The NASA building's rooftop, a sprawling expanse of concrete and steel, stretched out like a fortress against the night sky.
Dozens of heavily armed NPS agents, led by Dr. Idris and John, stood vigilant, forming a perimeter around the rooftop's edges, anticipating the imminent arrival of the extraterrestrial beings.
The area was transformed into a temporary command center, with tactical equipment and communication arrays set up to monitor the impending arrival.
Strategically positioned light poles, equipped with high-intensity floodlights, cast a warm orange glow across the rooftop. The illumination created deep shadows, accentuating the agents' determined expressions.
Softly swaying light bulbs, suspended from the rooftop's overhead structures, danced in the gentle breeze, casting an eerie yet mesmerizing spectacle.
To the north, a makeshift control station hummed with activity, its banks of screens and consoles monitoring real-time data feeds from satellite surveillance and radar systems. Technicians and analysts worked tirelessly, their faces bathed in the soft glow of computer screens.
The rooftop's western edge was lined with reinforced barriers, providing cover for the agents. Snipers lay prone, their rifles trained on the horizon, scanning for any sign of the approaching alien entities.
As the agents waited, the atmosphere was heavy with anticipation, the air thick with tension. Suddenly, Carla's urgent shout pierced the air. "Reporting, sir! They've arrived!"
As Carla's words faded, the wind surged, whipping the light bulbs into a frenzied dance, and the sky darkened. A chilling spectacle unfolded before their eyes: approximately a hundred terrifying Anthropters materialized in mid-air, their colossal wings flapping menacingly.
The NPS agents trembled, paralyzed by fear.
"What do you want?" Dr. Idris, mustering his courage, shouted at the ominous creatures, uncertain if they could comprehend his words.
From within the swarm of Anthropters, a commanding figure emerged. Domra, an imposing Anthropter, floated forward.
"I am Domra, an Anthropter," he declared, his piercing gaze sweeping across the rooftop, scrutinizing the assembled forces. "We have traversed vast distances from our planet to reclaim one of our own, presently residing on your planet."
Domra's assertive tone sent shivers down the spines of the agents, heightening the tension and foreboding that gripped the rooftop.
Dr. Idris's eyes widened in astonishment, his mind reeling from the unexpected revelation that the aliens communicated in perfect English.
The sound of John's gun being drawn echoed through the rooftop, followed by his angry outburst. "You should have extended this courtesy before attacking our ship and slaughtering our crew!" he exclaimed, his voice trembling with rage, finger poised on the trigger.
Dr. Idris swiftly intervened, his firm whisper a stark contrast to John's fervor. "Control yourself, John! We're aware of their capabilities. We can't afford to provoke them further."
John's gaze lingered on Domra, his anger simmering, but he reluctantly holstered his gun.
Domra's expression turned conciliatory, his voice measured. "I offer my sincerest apologies for your loss. The Anthropter responsible for the attack has been brought to justice, punished according to our laws."
With a slight bow, Domra continued, "Now, may I request your cooperation in locating one of our own?"
Dr. Idris hesitated, choosing his words carefully. "I apologize, but we're unaware of any of yours in our midst. We've had no encounters or reports suggesting otherwise."
Domra's piercing gaze locked onto Dr. Idris, as if searching for hidden truths. A sly grin spread across his face, his eyes glinting with amusement.
"I sense you recognize who we seek, but doubt its possibility," he said, his voice dripping with persuasion. "Perhaps you've encountered someone with... unusual abilities?"
Dr. Idris's composure faltered, his mind racing with the implications of Domra's words. "I-I don't know who you're referring to... I truly don't," he stammered.
Domra's smile intensified, his eyes seeming to bore into Dr. Idris's very soul. "Dr. Roland Idris, there's someone on your mind. I can discern your thoughts, rendering deception futile."
Dr. Idris's eyes widened in horror. "Oh my God!" he whispered, his voice barely audible, his heart pounding in his chest as he struggled to comprehend the gravity of Domra's words.
Summoning a deep well of courage, Dr. Idris squared his shoulders and continued, "The boy I'm thinking of is a human being, one of us. We can't let you take him away."
The Anthropter colony erupted into a chilling, unified laughter, their amusement echoing across the rooftop.
Domra's expression turned cold, his voice dripping with an unsettling intensity. "Although he may share your humanity, the power he possesses is inherently ours," he declared.
"That power, meant to be wielded within our kingdom, could annihilate your planet if left uncontrolled."
His gaze bore into Dr. Idris, his words laced with a veiled threat. "You have two options: surrender him peacefully, or we'll extract him by force, leaving your world in ruins."
The Anthropters' menacing laughter faded, replaced by an ominous silence. Dr. Idris felt the weight of Domra's ultimatum, his mind reeling with the devastating consequences.
*****
Christina's frustration boiled over as she glared at Raymond. "Dammit, Raymond! You're moving at a snail's pace!" she exclaimed, her voice laced with exasperation. "A tricycle would get us there faster than you're driving!"
Raymond's face flushed under the pressure. He floored the accelerator, and the car surged forward, narrowly avoiding a collision with oncoming traffic. The close call left him breathless.
"Yeah!" Stefan and Christina erupted into simultaneous whoops of excitement.
Raymond's eyes darted to the rearview mirror, his expression incredulous. "Yeah?! Are you kidding me? We almost became roadkill! Do you two have an extra life or something?"
"Go left, now!" Christina's urgent shout pierced the air once more. Raymond's reflexes kicked in, and the car screeched into a sharp turn, veering onto the opposite lane.
"At this rate, we'll all meet our maker before we even reach our destination." Rachael muttered under her breath, her anxiety palpable.
*****
"You want me? Here I am!" a defiant voice echoed from behind.
Everyone turned to face the newcomer. Domra and his Anthropter colony swiveled, their piercing gazes locking onto Mike and Djuma. The two stood resolute, their massive wings beating powerfully to maintain altitude.
"Come get me yourself!" Mike taunted, charging clumsily at Domra, who dodged with ease.
Dr. Idris stepped forward, his NPS forces at the ready, guns loaded and poised. "Surrender yourself, Mike! Don't make this worse," he shouted.
Mike spun around, his eyes flashing with warning. "Don't interfere! Evacuate the building, now! This doesn't concern you."
With a fierce battle cry, Mike launched himself at Domra once more. The Anthropter leader dodged effortlessly, his expression unruffled.
The Anthropter army tensed, weapons at the ready, but Domra halted them with a raised hand. He turned to Mike, who was preparing to attack again.
"We're not here to fight with you, Jyuran," he said, his voice calm and persuasive. "We've come to escort you back to Perebia, where you belong, and to your beloved son."
Mike's expression hardened, his voice resolute. "I have no monster son. Leave now, and I'll come when I'm ready."
Domra's gaze lingered on Mike, searching for a glimmer of understanding. "You know the truth, Jyuran. Your son awaits, and departure without you isn't an option." he declared, his measured tone unwavering. "Our orders are clear: bring you with us, no matter the cost."
His gaze drifted past Mike, his eyes narrowing as he took in Djuma's imposing figure. Unfamiliar with this newcomer, Domra's curiosity remained unspoken.
"Then you'll have to take me down yourself!" Mike shouted, fists clenched. He lurched at Domra, hurling him in one brisk punch on the chest and sending him crashing against the nearby building.
The impact reverberated through the air as Dr. Idris' urgent voice cut through the tension. "Fire at will! Take him down, now!"
A barrage of gunfire erupted, illuminating the darkening sky. Bullets ripped through the air, only to be deflected by an ethereal shield enveloping Mike.
Astonished, Mike spun around to face Djuma, who stood resolute, maintaining the magical barrier with one hand while repelling the advancing Anthropter colony with the other.
The shield shimmered, radiating warmth, like the gentle caress of sunrise. Mike's eyes widened in awe.
"Wow, Djuma, you're incredible!" He exclaimed, stunned.
Djuma's expression remained focused, his concentration fixed on sustaining the shield.
"A witch?" an Anthropter exclaimed, stunned, as Djuma's magical shield repelled him.
"How can a witch still be alive?" another Anthropter squealed, horror etched on his face.
Dr. Idris, John, Mrs. Mary, and Lara hastily retreated from the escalating chaos, seeking safety.
"How is he doing that?" Mrs. Mary shouted above the gunfire, her eyes wide with astonishment.
"It's magic!" Lara yelled, clinging to the exit door handle. "They possess magic! This is unbelievable!"
Dr. Idris's worried expression turned to John. "Is the countermeasure ready?" he asked urgently.
John nodded, his back against the wall beside Lara and Mrs. Mary. "Yes, sir!"
Just then, a familiar voice pierced the din. "Mike!"
Mike's gaze shifted to the ground below, and he spotted Rachael, Stefan, and Christina leaping from a black vehicle.
"Dammit, I'm in trouble," he muttered under his breath.