To Survive a Test from the Stars ✍
Agent Olatunji stood in the center of the alien ship's bridge, his sharp gaze scanning the intricate panels and holographic displays around him. The alien technology hummed softly, its lights flickering in rhythmic patterns that seemed almost alive. Other agents from his squad moved cautiously around the vessel, their faces a mixture of awe and disbelief.
One agent, kneeling before what appeared to be a console, muttered, "Oluwa o. Wetin be this thing? It's like the controls are reading my hand movements!"
Another agent replied, her voice trembling, "I don't even see buttons. The thing just dey respond to my eyes as if e sabi wetin I dey think."
A third agent, visibly older and more skeptical, chuckled nervously as he ran his fingers across a sleek metallic surface. "If dem wan do juju with all this, dem fit turn person to air. This na beyond wetin human hand fit build."
Agent Olatunji ignored their chatter for the most part. His mind was busy cataloging what he saw—recording every detail for his report. The ship was unlike anything Earth had ever encountered. Instruments floated midair, responding not to touch but to thought and motion. Displays showed unfamiliar symbols, maps of the galaxy, and streams of data that no Earth-bound scientist could decode in a lifetime.
"Agent Olatunji," a younger colleague called out, snapping him from his thoughts. "How did the transfer go? Dr. Hassan—did you deliver her safely to the squad?"
Olatunji turned toward the agent, his expression unreadable. "She's with Squad E now," he said flatly. "Being processed for her crimes. The mission proceeds as planned."
But even as he spoke, his mind drifted into a memory.
---
The National Intelligence Agency's Headquarters in Abuja was a towering structure of glass and steel, its exterior gleaming in the harsh sunlight. Inside, the building was a labyrinth of high-tech security measures and sophisticated operational centers. Agents hurried through pristine hallways lined with interactive screens displaying intelligence reports and live feeds from operations around the world. The hum of servers in secured rooms was ever-present, a constant reminder of the digital power housed within.
Agent Olatunji strode through the main corridor, his black tactical boots echoing on the polished floors. As he entered the briefing room, he noticed its imposing atmosphere. A holographic map of Nigeria hovered in the air at the center, glowing red over the Maiduguri region. Seated around the table were senior agents, including the enigmatic Agent Olivia, who glanced at him briefly before returning her focus to the hologram.
At the head of the table stood General Aina Adekunle, a man whose very presence demanded respect. His piercing eyes swept across the room as he spoke.
"This operation is classified as Top Secret, Tier One. Any breach of protocol will be met with the severest of consequences," Adekunle began, his voice a deep baritone that carried authority.
He gestured toward the holographic map, which now displayed an image of the alien ship. "This is the target. Our intelligence confirms its existence, thanks to the work of Dr. Modupe Hassan. She claims it is alien in origin, but we must confirm its authenticity. If it is real, the potential applications for Nigeria's defense and technology sectors are limitless."
The agents exchanged uneasy glances, but no one spoke.
Adekunle's tone grew sharper. "Your mission is threefold. First, accompany Dr. Hassan to the site and ensure her safety while she verifies the discovery. Second, secure the ship for analysis and transport. And third…" He paused, his gaze locking onto Olatunji and Olivia.
"Arrest Dr. Hassan immediately after the verification. She is to be charged with terrorism and conspiracy to overthrow the government. Evidence has been planted to corroborate these charges. You will transfer her to the designated squad for detainment."
Olatunji felt a flicker of unease. Arresting Dr. Hassan seemed unnecessary, especially considering her brilliance and contributions. But he knew better than to question the General. Orders were orders.
Adekunle's eyes narrowed. "Agent Olivia, Agent Olatunji—this operation depends on you. Do not fail me."
"Yes, sir," they responded in unison, their voices steady.
As the briefing ended, Olatunji and Olivia exchanged a brief glance, understanding the weight of their task. This wasn't just about national security—it was a play for power, and they were pawns in Adekunle's game.
---
The memory faded, and Olatunji found himself back on the alien ship's bridge. His fingers traced the edge of a console, the cold metal sending a chill through him. He couldn't shake the feeling that the mission was spiraling beyond their control.
The agents around him continued their inspections, their voices filled with a mixture of fear and excitement.
"Sir, you need to see this!" one of them called out, pointing at a hovering hologram that seemed to display a map of Earth, overlaid with alien symbols.
Olatunji approached, his eyes narrowing as he studied the projection. The symbols glowed faintly, shifting as if alive. Was this ship capable of navigation across galaxies? What secrets did it hold?
Before he could ponder further, a voice echoed from the ship's speakers—calm, melodic, and unsettling.
"Again,Trespassers, Your curiosity will be your undoing."
Olatunji froze, his hand instinctively reaching for the weapon at his side. The agents exchanged panicked looks, their earlier excitement replaced by dread.
Suddenly,The temperature of the ship dropped so rapidly even the NIA agents poking around within it did not notice until columns of white gas began billowing in from hidden vents.
The gas was unlike anything the agents had encountered. It wasn't just cold—it was chillingly suffocating, creeping like a living entity, tendrils snaking across the floor and rising like a ghostly fog. It clung to their skin, its icy tendrils biting deep into their flesh and numbing their senses. Each breath felt like inhaling shards of ice, slicing through their throats and lungs.
"Ki ni ele yii oooo?"
"All of una, use your gas masks ooo," ordered the Squad E leader, Agent Olatunji.
The agents fumbled for their masks, their hands trembling as the temperature continued to plummet. They jammed the masks over their faces, gasping desperately for air, but it was futile. This was no ordinary gas. It seeped into every crevice, bypassing the filters as if mocking their efforts.
The cryogenic effect took hold swiftly, stiffening their muscles and slowing their movements. Fingers that once gripped weapons fell limp. Their bodies betrayed them as shivers turned into uncontrollable convulsions. Frost began to form on their clothes and hair, a silent testament to the ship's unrelenting efficiency.
Divulging a strange fluid from unknown crevices.....the fluid washed over the bodies..and somehow dissolved them, leaving the deck as clean and as spotless as ever..Then disappearing as easily as it has come...
All evidence cleared.
The ship resumed it's murderous silence