The Earth farmhouse was unusually quiet, the hum of Galiexian projections the only sound breaking the silence. Grandma Shay stood at the head of the table with her eyes fixed on the hologram.
The faint blue glow of the projections illuminated the faces gathered around the command room table.
"We've intercepted new intel," said Grandma Shay. "John Force isn't just experimenting with dimensional transport; he's using advanced alien technology to open rifts. If he succeeds, he could not only spy on Htrae but send the Slenvexials directly there."
The room grew quiet as her words sank in.
"What kind of tech are we talking about?" asked Aunt Martha, leaning closer to examine the schematics.
Grandma Shay waved her hand through the hologram, shifting the display to reveal intricate designs. "These were recovered from the warehouse raid. It's a prototype for a dimensional transport device. The Masksilians are behind it."
"We should strike now. Take Force out before he has a chance to escalate," said Uncle Ted.
Grandpa Mitch shook his head. "That's premature. We'd risk exposing our strategy and losing the element of surprise."
"And if we wait too long, he'll finish whatever he's building," countered Uncle Ted. "We can't afford to play it safe."
The tension in the room mounted as the debate continued. Aunt Martha continued studying the schematics. "This design... it's incomplete. If we can find the missing pieces, we might be able to reverse-engineer it and shut it down remotely."
"Exactly why we need, more time. Force thinks we're on the defensive. Let him believe that while we gather what we need," said Grandma Shay.
The lights in the command room went out briefly, drawing startled looks from the group. A faint energy surge rippled through the air, leaving a subtle static charge behind.
"What's going on?" said Uncle Ted, concerned, and took out a rod, ready to defend.
"That's Force, testing his options," said Grandma Shay, never looking away from the hologram. "Force's experiments are already affecting Earth. This was a warning shot. If we don't stop him, it'll get worse."
"Force is moving faster than anticipated," said Aunt Martha.
"We'll figure this out. One step at a time.," said Grandpa Mitch.
Grandma Shay's focus didn't leave the projection. "Htrae isn't just another dimension. If Force gets his way, it might become the battlefield that decides everything. And that is not acceptable, not when we have new technology."
"What do you have in mind?" asked Aunt Mary.
"We obviously need to send a message to the Galiexians. I know it is risky and could be intercepted. We'll have to write it in a way Force, Milly, or any other instigator can't decipher it, except the Galiexians; They will understand."
A heavy silence fell over the room, each person's thoughts adding pressure to the situation.
The faint hum of the Galiexian projections continued, a subtle but persistent reminder of the challenges ahead.
As the group began dispersing, Grandma Shay stayed by the table, her fingers brushing the edge of the holographic schematics. Her mind was already calculating the risks. She glanced at Mitch, her voice low and reflective.
"We have to be ready for the worst."
"And hope for the best," Mitch replied."
The memory came uninvited, pulling Drake back to the dimly lit command room of the Earth farmhouse. Grandma Shay sat at the head of the table, her gaze unwavering, while Grandpa Mitch leaned against the wall.
Drake sat across from them, the faint hum of the projections filling the silence between them.
"We need to talk about what you'll face on Htrae," said Grandma Shay.
Drake sat up straight in his chair. "I'm listening."
"You're walking into a situation we don't fully understand. The Masksilians are known for their ability to infiltrate and manipulate. They exploit weaknesses and turn allies against each other. Your counterparts might already be under their influence," said Grandpa Mitch.
"So, you're saying we can't trust them?" asked Drake.
"We're saying you need to find out," said Grandma Shay. Her hand moved deliberately to a concealed compartment beneath the table, retrieving a green metallic device. She placed it on the table in front of Drake.
"What's this?" he asked, picking it up to examine the smooth, reflective surface.
"The Galiexian Truth-Detection Device," said Grandma Shay. "It's designed to read brainwave patterns and physical responses. If someone's being truthful, the device will confirm it. If they're compromised—controlled by external forces—it might fail entirely."
Drake turned the device over. "And if it doesn't work at all?"
"Then you assume the worst," said Grandpa Mitch.
"If the device fails, it's not because it's broken. It means their mind is no longer their own."
Drake's grip tightened on the device. "And if they figure out what I'm doing?"
"They won't," said Grandma Shay. "The device is discreet enough to go unnoticed, but you must exercise caution. If they're innocent, the accusation could destroy any trust you build."
The silence that followed was punctuated only by the low hum. Drake placed the device back on the table.
"What if the Masks have done more than compromise them? What if they've... changed them?"
Grandpa Mitch exchanged a glance with Grandma Shay. "That's a possibility we can't ignore," said Mitch. "But that's why we're sending you. You'll need to tread carefully, but you have to find the truth."
This device is experimental. It still needs a lot more testing, and there's a chance it might not give you all the answers. But it's the best tool we have right now," said Grandma Shay while looking straight into his eyes.
"I understand… If I don't like the answers I find?"
Grandma Shay's gaze was unwavering. "Then you'll have to decide what to do with them. Remember, this isn't just about Htrae. What happens there will ripple through dimensions, affecting all of us."
Drake slipped the device into his pocket, a constant reminder of the responsibility he was trusted with. "I'll do what I have to," he said.
Grandma Shay offered a small nod of approval. "We trust you, Drake. That's why we're giving this to you. You need to trust Shay; she is your partner, your wife. You know her importance of how her mind will eventually figure out how to resolve this Cosmos mess. You know Alena's connection is just as important. You and Marcus are their protectors."
Grandpa Mitch put his hand on Drake's shoulder. "You've faced impossible odds before, and you've succeeded. Trust your instincts, but remember, this is bigger than all of us."
"I won't let you down," said Drake, looking at both of them. They knew that look on his face; it was the face of determination. He has always completed his missions as promised and sometimes with greater results than asked for.
He could still feel the weight of the moment... the gravity of what they were asking him to do.
As the memory faded, Drake found himself back in the barn on Htrae, the truth-detection device still in his hand. Shay's sharp gaze met his. Grandma Shay's warning echoed in his mind: If it doesn't work, assume the worst. So, this was the purpose of last week's warehouse break-in, this device.
The barn's interior was dim, illuminated only by slivers of light slipping through the cracks in the aged wooden walls. The Earth team was quiet as they looked at the scene. Tools, mechanical devices, and rusted equipment hung in clusters with their arrangement almost haphazard. A faint hum pulsed in the background, coming from somewhere unseen.
Shay spoke first, breaking the silence. "This setup... it's not just functional. It's intentional. They're using these systems to maintain a balance between necessity and strategy." She traced her notebook with her fingers, jotting down the abstract thoughts firing in her mind.
Htrae four alternatives appeared at the barn entrance. "Find what you were looking for?" asked Shay2.
"It's a fascinating setup. The systems you've built here, efficient and resourceful," said Drake.
"They've kept us alive this long," said Drake2, stepping closer. "That's what matters."
Drake subtly reached into his pocket, activating the truth-detection device. Its faint pulse ran up his arm, but he kept his expression composed. He directed his next question at Marcus2.
"What's been the most difficult part of maintaining all of this?"
Marcus2 didn't hesitate. "Resources. The Masks have cut us off from most supplies and repurposing what we can find."
Drake glanced down briefly. The device's reading was consistent, showing no deception.
"Do you think their attacks are random, or do you feel targeted?" asked Shay.
"They're strategic, no doubt. They adapt quickly, making it hard to anticipate their next move," said Shay2.
Drake's device blinked green again, confirming honesty. Still, something made him uneasy. He decided to press further. "Do you ever think the Masks are focusing on you specifically, testing your weaknesses?" asked Drake, looking straight at Alena2.
"We've wondered. But there's no clear evidence to support it," said Alena2.
Drake frowned slightly as the device showed the reading wasn't clear, neither fully green nor red. He resisted the urge to glance at Shay, instead taking a mental note of the discrepancy.
As the conversation continued, Marcus observed the body language of their counterparts. Shay2's gaze lingered too long on her Earth counterpart. Drake2 is neutral, while Marcus2 avoided direct eye contact altogether.
Shay broke the silence. "We appreciate your time. This has been enlightening. We'll head back to the farmhouse."
"Of course. Let me know if you need anything else," said Shay2.
As the Earth team walked away from the barn, Shay looked at Drake. "Did you see it? Something's not right with them," whispered Shay.
Drake nodded, keeping his voice low. "The device showed inconsistencies. Not lies exactly, but something else. I need to test it further."
Marcus added quietly, "Their answers felt rehearsed. Like they're sticking to a script."
Alena sighed. "Whatever's going on, we need to figure it out fast. This can't be a coincidence."
"We can't trust them… not completely," said Marcus.
Drake slipped the device back into his pocket, its faint hum still echoing in his thoughts. "Then we keep our guard up and watch every move they make."
They reached the farmhouse steps, pausing before entering. Shay glanced back at the barn, her mind strategizing with unanswered questions. Something is not right. Whatever was unfolding here, she knew it wasn't simple, and it was only just beginning.
Whatever they were hiding, Shay knew one thing: it was dangerous, and time was running out.
Wait a minute, I remember…