"Sharing our location with them poses a significant risk to their safety," Djuma warned as he flew alongside Mike.
"Withholding this information from them would be even more perilous, trust me," Mike replied. "They won't stay still, knowing the weight of the situation."
Djuma's gaze scanned the horizon, his senses on high alert.
"I think the colony is nearby," he said.
Mike nodded in agreement. "I sense their presence too. Let's hope they haven't caused any trouble yet."
"That's why we must locate them quickly," said Djuma. "If they have already landed, the consequences could be catastrophic."
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 glow across the rooftop. The illumination created deep shadows, accentuating the agents' alarmed 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 foreboding. Suddenly, Carla's urgent shout pierced the air.
"Reporting, sir! They've arrived!"
As her words faded, the wind surged, whipping the light bulbs into a frenzied dance, under the darkened sky. 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 all the courage he could gather, shouted at the ominous creatures, uncertain if they could comprehend his words.
From within the swarm of Anthropters, a commanding figure emerged, floating forward.
"I am Domra," 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."
The alien'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 shouted, his voice trembling with rage, finger poised on the trigger.
"Control yourself, John!" Dr. Idris swiftly intervened, contrasting John's fervor. "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.
If Domra was shaken by his threat he didn't show it on his face. Undeterred, he continued. "I offer my sincerest apologies for your loss. The one responsible for the attack has been brought to justice and punished according to our laws."
With a slight bow, Domra concluded, "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 gaze pierced into Dr. Idris despite the distance, as though searching his mind for any deception. A sly grin spread across his face.
"I sense you recognize who we seek, but doubt its possibility," he said finally. "Perhaps you've encountered someone with... unusual abilities?"
"I-I don't know who you're referring to... I truly don't," Dr. Idris stammered, his composure faltering.
Domra's smile intensified, his eyes seeming to bore into the scientist's very soul.
"Dr. Roland Idris, there's someone on your mind. I can discern your thoughts, rendering deception futile."
"Oh my God!" Dr. Idris whispered, his eyes widening in horror.
Summoning a deep well of courage, he squared his shoulders and continued, "The boy I'm thinking of is human, 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.
But Domra's expression was cold.
"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 once more. "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.
*****
"Dammit, Raymond! You're moving at a snail's pace!" Christina exclaimed in frustration as she glared at Raymond. "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 between them. "Yeah?!" he sneered. "Are you guys 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.
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, sweat slicking down her face.
*****
"You want me? Here I am!" a defiant voice echoed from behind.
Everyone turned to face the newcomer. Domra and his Anthropter colony swiveled and their gazes met Mike and Djuma. The two floated resolutely, 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 face reddening. He expected his race to at least be on his side, not the other way around.
"Don't interfere!" he snapped. "Evacuate the building, now! This has nothing to do with you."
With a fierce battle cry, he launched himself at Domra again. 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. "We've come to escort you back to Perebia, where you belong, and to your beloved son."
"I have no monster son!" Mike said. "Leave now, and I'll come when I'm ready."
Domra scanned Mike's face, searching for a glimmer of understanding.
"You know the truth, my Jyuran. Your son awaits, and departure without you isn't an option," he said. "Our orders are clear: bring you with us, no matter the cost."
His gaze drifted past Mike and his eyes narrowed 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, his fists clenched. He lurched at Domra, hurling him in one brisk punch in 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.
Djuma remained focused, his concentration fixed on sustaining the shield.
"A witch?" an Anthropter exclaimed, stunned, as Djuma's magical shield repelled him. "This can't be!"
"How can a witch still be alive?" another 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.
"It's magic!" Lara replied, clinging to the exit door handle. "They possess magic! This is unbelievable!"
"Is the countermeasure ready?" Dr. Idris asked John urgently.
John nodded, his back against the wall beside Lara and Mrs. Mary.
And 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.
"Damn, I'm in trouble," he muttered under his breath.