10:00 p.m.
JESSICA
The dim hum of the Quinjet fills the air, matching the somber mood as we cut through the night sky. The mission to recover the Alabaster box was a failure, and the weight of it sits heavily on the team. No one speaks, each agent lost in their thoughts. The silence feels oppressive—until Director Smith finally breaks it.
"Alright, listen up," his voice sharp, cutting through the quiet like a blade. "I get it. We failed. But sitting here sulking isn't going to fix anything. My father used to say, 'Failures don't define you—they teach you.' So let's learn from this. What we need is a new approach. Something bigger, stronger. I'm thinking we involve the military."
The room stirs. Daniel shifts in his seat, his skepticism clear. "The military, sir? Do you really think they'd back us for something like this?"
Smith leans forward, his eyes narrowing. "I have the authority to request their support. The General and I go way back—he'll listen. With their firepower, we can go toe-to-toe with S.K.U.L.L."
"I don't know," Ava says, her voice tentative but firm. "What if he doesn't? This isn't exactly standard protocol."
"He will," Smith insists, his tone leaving no room for doubt.
But I can't stay quiet. Rising from my seat, I speak up. "Sir, I think we're looking at this wrong. Instead of the military, why not call on the Ventures?"
All eyes shift to me. Liam arches an eyebrow. "The Ventures? Isn't that convenient, Jessica, given you're one of them?"
"It's not about me," I snap, then take a deep breath to steady myself. "Look, we couldn't handle S.K.U.L.L with our weapons. But the Ventures—Path Finder, Zetacode, Lycon Wolf—they have the powers to tip the scales. Menace and I can cover them long enough to recover the box."
Smith shakes his head, a trace of frustration in his expression. "Jessica, it's too risky. We need soldiers with weapons, not superheroes with... unpredictable powers."
"And how well did our weapons work tonight?" I counter, my voice rising. "S.K.U.L.L has tech and firepower equal to the military. If we escalate with nukes, they'll escalate too. It's a lose-lose."
A silence follows. For a moment, no one speaks—until Daniel nods slowly. "She's got a point, sir. The Ventures have the experience and the edge we need. If they're willing to help, we should take it."
Smith looks around the room, his jaw tight. "Fine. Let's vote. Military support—raise your hand."
Liam and Alexander lift their hands alongside Smith.
"Okay. Ventures?" Ava, Sophia, Daniel, and I raise ours.
Smith exhales heavily. "Majority rules. Alright, Jessica, you win."
"We don't all need to go," I say quickly. "Just one or two of us to make contact. I'll go, but I'll need backup."
"I'll come with you," Daniel offers, his tone resolute.
I nod, grateful. "Thank you."
Smith rises, signaling the end of the discussion. "You've got the green light. Be careful. We can't afford another loss."
Daniel and I head for the smaller jet, the rest of the team watching us go. As the engines roar to life, I can't help but feel the weight of what's ahead. The Ventures are our last hope. And failure isn't an option.
Next day, 7:00 a.m.
Louisiana
MORINJO
Morning sunlight streams through my window as I rise, the excitement of Lauren's birthday pulling me out of bed. After a quick shower and breakfast, I call Liam and Xender to help transform the house into a surprise-filled celebration.
They arrive promptly, arms full of balloons, flowers, and neatly wrapped gifts. The living room is soon a hive of activity as we start decorating.
"Careful with that stack!" Liam warns, laughing as I fumble with a cluster of balloons. "That balloon had dreams of greatness, and you just ended them."
Xender, holding a balloon like a sword, adds, "Don't worry! I'll defend this balloon kingdom with my life!"
The banter keeps the mood light as we scatter balloons and arrange rose petals. Liam pauses, sniffing a rose dramatically. "Ah, the smell of success in party planning," he says with mock seriousness.
"Or the smell of chaos," Xender counters, untangling a string of streamers.
Despite the occasional mishap, the house comes together beautifully. Balloons bob in clusters, the scent of roses fills the air, and gifts are carefully placed on the table. As the finishing touch, we hang a "Happy Birthday" banner across the living room wall.
Just as we finish, Lauren's door creaks open. Still in her pajamas, she rubs her eyes and freezes, taking in the decorations.
🎶 Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you... 🎶
Her face lights up as we sing, her surprise turning into a radiant smile.
"You guys did all this?" she asks, her voice soft with emotion.
"Of course," I say, stepping forward. "Happy birthday, Lauren. You deserve this and more."
Her eyes shine as she takes in the scene. "Thank you. This is... perfect."
---
**6:00 p.m. — Main Event Baton Rouge**
The arcade glows with energy, its neon lights flickering against the evening sky. Liam, Xender, and I work quickly, turning the vibrant space into a birthday wonderland.
Clusters of balloons float above the gaming floor, their bright colors contrasting with the electric ambiance. Blue flowers, delicately arranged by Liam, add a touch of elegance to the arcade tables. Xender crisscrosses streamers above us, the colorful ribbons weaving through the air like a cascade of celebration.
"This looks amazing," Xender says, stepping back to admire the scene.
"And it's about to look even better when Lauren gets here," Liam adds, snapping a photo on his phone.
The doors swing open, and there she is. Lauren steps into the arcade, her gown flowing like a dream. The intricate lace detailing shimmers under the arcade's lights, and her makeup is flawless, thanks to her mother's skilled hand.
Her eyes widen as she takes in the decorations, the room buzzing with friends and family. For a moment, the chaos of the world fades away, replaced by pure joy.
---
**Earlier — At Lauren's House**
Lauren's mother arrived just as the afternoon sun began to dip, her elegance radiating as she entered the house with a warm smile.
"Happy birthday, my darling," she said, holding out a beautifully wrapped package.
Lauren's face lit up as she unwrapped the gift—a stunning dress and a makeup set. "Oh my God, Mom! This is gorgeous. Thank you so much!"
"You're welcome, sweetheart. Let me help you get ready."
In Lauren's room, her mother carefully applies her makeup, each stroke a blend of love and precision. The gown fit her perfectly, its flowing silhouette making her look like royalty.
"You look stunning," her mother said, stepping back to admire her work.
Lauren twirled in front of the mirror, a soft laugh escaping her lips. "Remember when I used to pretend bedsheets were gowns? This feels like one of those moments, only real."
Her mother smiles, a hint of nostalgia in her eyes. "You've always been my little princess, and now you're a queen. I'm so proud of the woman you've become."
They share a hug, the moment filled with warmth and unspoken love.
MORINJO
Coming out of the Main Event Baton Rouge, I spot Lauren and her mom stepping out of their car. Lauren's presence takes my breath away—a radiant queen in an elegant gown that flows with every step. The deep blue fabric sparkles faintly under the streetlights, as though it's woven from the night sky itself.
I approach her, unable to contain my admiration. "Lauren, you look… incredible. I don't think words can do you justice tonight."
A soft blush creeps across her cheeks. "Thank you," she says with a shy smile. "I wanted tonight to be perfect."
"It already is." I gesture toward the entrance. "Shall we?"
As we step inside, Lauren stops in her tracks, her eyes widening in awe. The room is alive with color: delicate fairy lights shimmer across the ceiling, balloons and flowers weave together in perfect harmony, and the golden glow of candles casts an ethereal light on everything.
"Oh my goodness…" she breathes. "This is amazing. It's like stepping into a dream."
She spins to face me, her joy bubbling over. Without warning, she throws her arms around me in a warm embrace. "Thank you," she whispers, her voice full of emotion. "You and Liam and Xander… you've made tonight unforgettable."
I chuckle softly, trying to play it cool despite the warmth spreading through me. "I'm just glad you love it. You deserve all of this, Lauren."
The night unfolds with laughter, music, and celebration. Guests mingle and dance, their joy contagious. Lauren, glowing with happiness, raises her glass in a toast.
"Everyone," she begins, her voice clear and steady, "thank you for being here tonight. This isn't just a party; it's a celebration of love, friendship, and the people who make life so beautiful."
Her gaze sweeps the room, lingering on me, Liam, and Xander. "You three brought this night to life. Thank you for pouring your hearts into every little detail."
She turns to her mother, her voice softening. "And to my mom—my biggest supporter, my anchor—I wouldn't be who I am without you. Thank you for everything."
Her words spark a wave of applause and cheers, the room alive with energy. But amidst the celebration, I feel something shift—a faint hum at the edge of my consciousness, like a warning.
From across the room, Daniel and Jessica catch my eye. They approach me, their expressions unusually tense.
"Morinjo," Daniel says quietly, "we need to talk. Now."
I nod, the festive atmosphere fading as an inexplicable sense of urgency grips me. "Let's step outside."
---
We gather by the fountain outside, the cool night air heavy with tension. I glance between Daniel and Jessica, their seriousness unsettling.
"What's going on?" I ask.
Jessica speaks first. "It's about the Alabaster box."
My chest tightens. "I've been having… flashes," I admit, my voice barely above a whisper. "Visions of battles, agents, something about the G.A.L.A.X.Y. I didn't understand it, but now… what is this about?"
Daniel steps closer, his voice low but urgent. "The Alabaster box isn't just a relic. It's the key to maintaining balance across the G.A.L.A.X.Y. It has the power to manipulate ice—both as a shield and as a weapon. But more importantly, it holds ancient secrets, prophecies we need to decode to prevent a cosmic disaster."
Jessica nods, adding, "And we're not the only ones after it. S.K.U.L.L agents are closing in. If they get their hands on it, the consequences could be catastrophic."
I let the gravity of their words sink in. "And you think I can help?"
Daniel's expression softens. "You have a unique perspective, Morinjo. Those visions you're having… they're not random. You're connected to this somehow. And your mansion could be the safe haven we need to plan our next steps."
I pause, feeling the weight of the decision before me. "If what you're saying is true, then we can't waste time. The Alabaster box needs to be secured—at all costs."
Jessica places a hand on my arm, her eyes filled with determination. "We can't do this alone. With you on our side, we have a chance."
I nod firmly. "Then let's start now. The fate of the G.A.L.A.X.Y is too important to risk."
To be continued...