SEDUCED BY ALIEN OVERLOAD
Kayla Hartley has settled. She was taught, at the tender age of three, that she would never be good enough for anything or anyone. Life would come much simpler to her if she held her tongue and always said yes. Her mother was adamant to teach her daughter, she led by example.
When Kayla was born, her father decided he wasn’t interested in changing diapers. He left. Her mother didn’t much care from changing diapers either. Her resolution was to place Kayla in an empty room and close the door. To this day, Kayla wasn’t certain if this act was to conceal her from temporary lovers or if it was a ploy to muffle her cries. Whatever the reason, Kayla’s familiarity with abandonment and loneliness is textbook. Her only comfort is found in the misfortune of others. Reason number one why she became a journalist. Reason number two: it rendered her immortal.
Kayla’s concern with immortality spawned by the drunken hands of her boyfriend. At every given moment Kayla feared the loss of her life. Kevin was abusive and controlling. He would hand Kayla a black eye or a broken rib on a silver platter if she so much as took the long route home. Her life was a series of disappointment and abuse. Kayla was confident that her mother would be proud of this fact. Had her mother not started shooting heroine between her toes, Kayla could confirm this assumed maternal approval. Instead she would step on her mother’s grave and curse that woman’s existence in her sleep.
At first Kevin didn’t seem so bad. Even after the first broken bone, Kayla knew that Kevin lusted after her. She stayed. With each empty bottle, Kevin’s hand would fall heavier. With each empty bottle, Kayla felt inclined to settle. How would this man survive without her? Better yet, how would she survive without him? Kayla knew nothing other than control. Without someone to answer to, her life would become an abyss. She needed Kevin just as much as he needed her.
***
Kayla looked at the time, four fifty. Uncomfortably, she shifted in her seat, twirling her long brown hair between her fingers. She had exactly forty minutes to get home before Kevin would see the bottom of his first bottle.
“I’m sorry Mr. Gosbin, but I have to cut this interview short. I have prior commitments I must attend to.” Kayla outreached her fragile hand to the CEO of Industrial Cosmos Atlantic. She winced slightly at the pressure of the handshake. Her hand hadn’t quite healed from Kevin’s last escapade.
This interview was potentially the most important of Kayla’s career. Industrial Cosmos Atlantic has been making leaps into accounts of space exploration. They had been improving means of transportation via space highways for several decades now. A trip to another galaxy was becoming as simple as a weekend road-trip. With seven new galaxies uncovered in the past year, Industrial Cosmos was well spread across newspapers and tabloids across Earth. Kayla was the first journalist they had allowed past the wrought iron gates. They had granted her an exclusive insider interview. It burdened her to cut it short.
“Are you certain you have enough information Mrs. Hartley?” Mr. Gosbin glanced down at his watch.
“Ms. Hartley.” Kayla corrected, a placid smile across her pretty face. “I appreciate the time you have given me, I have exactly what I need for this article. Thank you again Mr. Gosbin.” She gathered her notebook and slung her bag over her frail shoulders.
Thirty minutes later Kayla was crossing the parking lot toward her shabby apartment door. She hesitated, inhaling, before proceeding through the entrance to her living nightmare.
“Hey babe, I’m early!” her voice echoed through the empty one bedroom apartment. She slid her bag off her shoulder onto the linoleum floor. Wincing, she massaged her shoulder from the weight of her bag. Since she dislocated her shoulder last year, it hadn’t felt the same. She learned quickly to stay clear of stairwells when Kevin was in the vicinity.
Her greeting rang unanswered through the apartment. Kayla made her way around the hallway toward the kitchen. She parted the dusty rose-colored curtains and peered into the back parking lot. Kevin’s motorcycle was in its usual space. Certain that he must be home, Kayla called out again, “Kevin, are you hungry?” Again, no response.
Assuming he had seen many empty bottles at this point, Kayla trudged toward the bedroom. Bucket in hand, prepared for the mess ahead of her. Without hesitation she leaned into the door and entered.
“What the fuck do you think you’re doing?” Kevin leapt out of the bed with a hand over his junk. A painted-up young girl clung to the stained sheets. Her breasts exposed and age concealed. Kayla estimated she would be pushing eighteen.
“I’m so sorry.” Kayla dropped the bucket and automated herself to the door. She could hear Kevin bounding across the room toward her. This was the first time Kayla had truly felt betrayed by him. Through every bruise and beating, Kayla didn’t doubt his love for her. Seeing him with someone else, in the bed that they had shared, shattered all of her hope and diminished her false securities.
Kayla reached the front door and snatched up her bag managing to bring it up to her shoulder. As Kayla’s hand brushed the brass door-knob, a bottle of Jack Daniel’s smashed into a thousand pieces two inches above her head. Kayla braced herself for what might happen next.
“Look what you made me do!” Kevin shouted, fumbling down the hallway toward her. His words slurred under the wash of whiskey.
Kayla knew better than to respond.
“Thanks to your fucking job, I’m stuck in this dump alone every day.” Kevin took a swig of something that resembled burnt motor oil.
What’s holding you back from finding your own job? Kayla withheld. She wouldn’t dare breath those words to him. The last time she mentioned finding him a job, he handed her a broken jaw.
“Because of you I have to find a good fuck on the side of the road. Does that make you happy?” His hand wrapped around the back of her neck. He applied pressure forcing her cheek against the cold metal door.
Kayla’s heart was broken. Not only for herself but also for the minor cowering under the sheets in the next room. She couldn’t remain silent any longer. Her next words were chosen carefully. “You could go to jail for even thinking about touching her. She’s a child, Kevin.”
Kevin wound his fist back, ready to bring it down hard against Kayla’s vulnerable flesh. “I could fucking kill you right now.” He spat in her face.
Kayla gathered what strength she had. “Let me go and I won’t lock you up.”
She squeezed her eyes shut as Kevin slammed his fist through the drywall beside her. Adrenaline pumped through her veins forcing her to make a decision that might change everything she knew. There was no better opportunity, she slipped through the door and ran. For the first time in her life, Kayla didn’t look back.
***
Sipping her café latte, Kayla tapped her foot impatiently waiting for something to happen. Feeling her heartbeat in her throat was not a sensation Kayla was unfamiliar with. However, this time it was different. It was a sensation of excitement and rejuvenation. Finally freedom greeted her without waving a choice finger.
“Kay, girl, what did I miss?” Lonnie slumped down beside Kayla stealing a sip of her latte. He winced at the bitterness and slid the cup back toward her. “What happened to drinking macchiato and double whips?”
Kayla could only taste the bitterness of blood, she was biting her tongue so hard. Where would she begin? “I missed you, Lon.”
Lonnie waived a passive hand in her direction. “Girl, you know I’m always here. Don’t be such a stranger.”
“What have you been up to?” Kayla decided to shift the spotlight toward Lonnie while she gathered her own thoughts.
“What have I been up to recently? Or what have I been up to over the past eighteen months?” Lonnie pursed his lips and turned his nose up.
Heat reached Kayla’s cheeks. She hadn’t spoken to Lonnie since the first incident with Kevin. Lonnie begged her to press charges but Kayla argued it wouldn’t happen again, she loved Kevin. Even though, deep down, she always knew Lonnie was right.
“I’m so sorry Lonnie.” The apology stained her lips. Kayla reached for her friend’s hand. “Tell me everything.”
He bounced up with a forgiving smile wiped across his face. “I met someone.” He started, coyly.
She was uncertain why, but Kayla felt a pang of guilt and envy strike her. Through a forced smile, “Tell me all about him! How did you meet?”
“Oh Kay, baby girl, he is an absolute diva. I am so in love. You must meet him.” Lonnie took another hesitant sip of Kayla’s latte. “We met online sweetie! It’s unbelievable how many people there are in the universe just waiting to meet you. Rin is from Yeba.” His amusement captured Kayla’s full attention.
“Yeba? That’s the new galaxy uncovered by Industrial Cosmos isn’t it?” Kayla recalled her previous interview with Mr. Gosbin.
“Not only did they discover it but they have secured a truce. The solar highway passes right by Yeba. It’s strange that they hadn’t discovered it sooner.” Lonnie shook with excitement. “You’ll start seeing more and more Yebans on Earth now Kay. Rin is my soul mate. It feels like only yesterday space travel was so far beyond our reach and now it’s possible to find love in another galaxy!”
“I left Kevin.” Tears burdened Kayla’s eyes. She could sense her mother rolling over six feet below.
Lonnie’s eyes brightened but then settled when he realized his friend might need compassion prior to celebration. “Kay…” he grasped Kayla’s hands. “What happened?”
“I caught him in bed with someone else.” Kayla was resentful. Fastidiously, she admitted the words she fought for so long to harbor. “But that wasn’t all. He hit me far too many times. So hard that I finally saw a glimmer of light.” Her weak attempt to play it off coolly.
Silence surrounded them. Lonnie scrambled the words together. “I’m proud of you.”
“Sure you are.” Kayla tossed her green eyes to the side. “You always hated Kevin.”
“Truth.” He admitted confidently. “But you loved him. Leaving him makes you brave, baby-girl.”
Sucking on this information was sour. She knew that Lonnie was right but couldn’t help scolding herself for retaining this decision for so long.
“I don’t know what I am supposed to do next.” She conceded.
A longing smile escalated across Lonnie’s face. “Sweetie, let me introduce you to Infinite.”
***
Contrite, Kayla measured the lengths of Lonnie’s apartment. Escalating heartbeats and insecurities over unexplored opportunity. The computer displayed notification of Kayla’s potential future.
Infinite was the largest grossing intergalactic dating service online to-date. With ninety-eight percent match success, Kayla figured she had little to lose and a lot to gain.
“Are you going to check that?” Lonnie snuggled up to Rin on the sofa.
Warily, Kayla looked over at the smitten pair. Granted, she longed for the comfort of their relationship but feared the alien concept in more ways than one.
Her first encounter with Rin earlier today went much smoother than she would ever have imagined. He was polite and had adjusted to customs on Earth without a hitch. Kayla’s happiness for Lonnie overflowed and she couldn’t agree more with the newfound companionship.
She was still quite unsettled with Rin’s orange flesh and temporal piercings covering his body. Presumably this shouldn’t cause much distress under the consideration that a quarter of the female population graced the streets with orange spray tans. Somehow the color of orange flesh determined upon conception, didn’t sit well on Kayla’s mind.
Cautiously, Rin approached Kayla. Her nails almost chewed down to flesh. Rin placed a cold, orange hand over Kayla’s bringing them away from her face.
“I understand that you are uncomfortable meeting other life forces, Kayla. I felt the same when I received a message from Lonnie a few months ago. I was scared and unfamiliar with life outside of Yeba.” His voice fluid, this relaxed Kayla. Rin looked over at Lonnie. “I can now safely and confidently say that thanks to Infinite, my life has changed forever. I know you can do this too.”
Reluctantly, Kayla sat herself in front of the computer. With one glance back at Rin and Lonnie for encouragement, she clicked on the displayed notification.
His name is Zig with an undisclosed surname. Judging by his profile, Zig is tall, standing at six foot eight he would tower a foot over Kayla’s five foot eight stature. His skin was evenly peach, much to Kayla’s relief. He was employed through his home planet Mamugnar’s government as a peacekeeping solider. For inexplicable reasons, this fact settled Kayla. Mamugnar was located in the galaxy closest to the Milky Way. This would significantly cut down much required space travel if their relationship caught fire.
Greetings Kayla,
My name is Zig. I apologize in advance as I am new to Infinite, I am unsure that I am following proper protocol in contacting you. Your profile struck me instantly and I desired to know more about you. I have studied Earth, however, I have yet to visit. The Milky Way Galaxy homes only one habitable planet, Earth, as you are abundantly aware. Mamugnar does not see visitation to Earth necessary as you have discovered how to thrive wholeheartedly without our attempted aid.
Honestly, I have never dated anyone outside of Mamugnar. Granted, I have much experience in alien communities as I have spent much of my career visiting neighboring galaxies spreading Mamugnar’s philosophy of peace. I wish very much for that to change, as I desire greatly to meet you.
With abundant admiration and longing,
Yours,
Zig.
Kayla graced the keys lightly with her fingertips contemplating her response.
Hello Zig,
Admittedly, I am quite flattered by your message. How brave of you to try something new and to reach out to a complete stranger. I am also new to Infinite and I am unsure how to appropriately respond. Rather than overthinking this interaction I will put it quite simply, I would truly like to meet you if given the opportunity. How shall we proceed?
With existential longing and aversion,
Yours,
Kayla.
***
A few weeks later, Kayla found herself pacing the entrance of Senga Arcade awaiting Zig’s arrival. The decision was cautiously made on Kayla’s behalf. With such an unexplored opportunity she assumed it much safer to endure their first encounter in a public area with proper lighting. As much as she was anticipating this moment, her emotions were weighed down with overbearing dread.
Leaving Lonnie’s apartment this afternoon was an incredibly difficult feat. Fourteen outfit alterations later and Kayla was prepared to toss a lamp at Lonnie’s head. They settled with a casual ensemble. Kayla was wearing a plum-colored blazer over her favorite black skinny-jeans. She fidgeted nervously with the cuff of her jacket. She had no idea what she was getting herself into. Was she really ready for this?
“Kayla?” A raspy voice sounded from behind her.
She turned to see a man tower over her bearing a bundle of wild flowers. More or less bearing a bundle of wild weeds. Dandelions to be exact. Zig’s hair was tucked back into a braid at the nape of his neck. The braid fell low along his waist. In Mamugnar it was customary for men to grow their hair long. It was a symbol of status and accomplishment.
Kayla could sense that he had dressed for the occasion. Everything about him screamed human. From his brown leather boots to his paperboy bag, he looked like a clipping out of GQ magazine. Kayla’s heart quivered at the sight of him.
“For you.” His smile radiated naivety. Clueless to the obvious fact that he had ripped those ‘flowers’ out of the ground on the corner of Stanton and Weymouth Avenue.
“Thank you.” Kayla reluctantly cradled the mess of weeds in her arms.
Zig’s expression fell. “I have done something wrong haven’t I?”
Uneasily, Kayla responded “No, they’re,” she paused and smiled up at him “unconventional. I love them.”
He seemed pleased with her reaction. “I have been doing much research on Earthly customs. I have learned many interesting concepts. In this situation I know that many women expect flowers from their male suitors when on a first date.” His smile revealed many pearly white teeth sparkling upon Kayla. “I presume we are on, what they call, a date? A social appointment or engagement often intended for the purpose of romance.”
Kayla couldn’t stifle it, she erupted in laughter. Maybe it was the nerves or his robotic response, or a combination of the two. She could feel the stress escaping her allowing her to relax for the first time since Kevin was eliminated from her life. Kayla felt a sense of relief wash over her.
As though on cue, Zig started laughing with her. “May I ask what is so funny? I read that laughter often erupts when a situation has comical annotations. I’m afraid I have not picked up any comedy.” He continued to laugh.
“It’s ok, Zig. Just relax. You don’t need to act up to a certain standard for me to like you. Just be yourself and do whatever comes naturally.”
His shoulders dropped, he exhaled and closed his eyes. “I am sorry for acting so strange, Kayla. I thought you would want me to pretend I was a human from Earth.”
“If I wanted that, I wouldn’t have tried Infinite.” Kayla nudged Zig politely. Her nerves bubbled as well. However, seeing his similar discomfort released a lot of self-induced pressure on her emotions.
“So what is this place?” Zig motioned toward the entrance of the building.
“It’s an arcade.” His static response told her that he had never heard of an arcade before. “Inside they have games and prizes. It’s actually a lot of fun! I haven’t been inside since I was a kid. Kayla remembered finding lose change on the sidewalk en route to school in the mornings. She would pocket each coin carefully so that her mother would never find them. When she had saved up enough coins she would spend it on an hour of escape from her mother at the arcade.
“That sounds delightful. After you Kayla.” Zig held the door open for her.
Kayla could feel her pulse intensify. There was no denying the immediate connection between them.
Inside the arcade, lights flashed and laser gunshots sounded. Kayla couldn’t help but to notice the uneasiness in Zigs movements. “Is everything alright?” He held his tongue but Kayla could sense that something was wrong. He was skittish and on edge.
Zig flinched at the sound of arcade warfare. Having spent the entirety of his life as a Mamugnar warrior, these weren’t exactly tones he accepted naturally. Desperation seeped out of his pores and his heart rested weary. As far back as Zig could recall, there was hate and darkness surrounding him. His father and grandfather before that each fought with the Mamugnar government, creating peace and freedom for all, or so he thought.
From what information Zig could gather, his mother was a gentle being. His memories tainted only bearing his falsities based on photographic evidence of her existence. He preferred to contain fond memories of his mother but he couldn’t quite conjure up memories to store. He was certain she was intelligent and cunning. He had to have inherited those traits somewhere along the genetic line. Certainly such traits fell short upon his father who was stoic and relentless. Military school became his primal destination at the age of four. Zig was molded into a weapon, which the government concealed for many years.
A mission to Yeba separated Zig from his father for eternity. Zig managed to flee the planet unscathed and unidentified. His father was much less fortunate. He didn’t have to study common Earth etiquette to know that this conversation would be much too heavy for a first encounter. He decided it best to keep it light.
“I must tell you something Kayla.” Zig’s eyes stayed forward. “In my line of work I have seen many deaths.” He wasn’t quite sure where he was planning to go with this. “Often achieving peace resolves in death.”
Somehow this didn’t scare Kayla. “What exactly is it that you do?”
“I keep peace for Mamugnar. I am a warrior and a soldier. My entire existence dedicated to serving my people.” Zig decided he had shared enough information. “I cannot say I am at liberty to discuss further.”
Sensing his disdain, Kayla spoke up in attempt to ease the tension. “I want you to know that I too have darkness behind me.” This seemed to capture his attention and distract his tortured mind.
“How so?” Zig wondered if she also knew sorrow and guilt as he did.
“I have never known anything other than abandonment and loneliness.” This was the first time she spoke these words aloud. They tasted bitter. “When I was a baby, my father decided he wasn’t a suitable parent. He walked away. My mother only kept me because she had no one other resource to pawn me off.” Kayla fumbled around for Zig’s hand. It was electric. She held it tight. “My childhood was spent locked in a vacant room with yellow walls. I am still uncertain if they were intended to be yellow or if the paint had simply been altered by the abundance of nicotine.”
Kayla had never spoken of her childhood to anyone. With Zig, she felt relaxed. The feeling between them was inexplicable, natural. Kayla felt as though she had finally uncovered home.
“Where is your mother now?” Concern boiled in Zig’s voice.
“Nearly ten years ago, when I was fifteen, Mom died of a heroine overdose. I found her hours later,” she hesitated “but I won’t get into the details.” Kayla dug her toe into the floor. “Good riddance.” She groused inaudibly.
“What was that? I didn’t quite hear that last part.” Zig leaned his ear closer.
“I presumed it to be a turning point in my life. No more disappointment. No more false security. No more settling. The perfect chance to turn a fresh page and start my life honestly.” She couldn’t believe she was actually telling him all of this. “Instead I fell into the trap of abusive relationships and exceeding disappointment at my own hands. Even though I knew better.” Kayla glued her eyes to the floor avoiding eye contact with Zig at all cost. “I was nearly killed in my previous relationship.”
Zig got down on his knee collecting her hands in his. “Kayla,” he brought her chin up and looked into her eyes. “I am saddened to hear about this but I promise you I will do everything in my power to protect you. From the moment I saw you outside I felt a powerful connection. I believe you did too. No matter our differences this life has brought us together purposefully.” Zig brought his lips to Kayla’s. She eased into his embrace. For once, she truly felt safe.
***
Weeks transpired and life with Zig continued to surprise Kayla. There were times where she thought their relationship may have been moving too fast but she was ultimately happy for potentially the first time.
Zig reached for his coffee across the table from Kayla, newspaper in hand. He was certainly growing accustom to the norms of inhabiting Earth. Kayla draped her legs over his lap taking in the morning sun. Temporarily, Kayla and Zig were residing in the spare room in Lonnie’s apartment. Having Rin around eased the tension and aided Zig’s adjustment to his stay Earth. The transition became much smoother than originally anticipated.
“Oh you two!” Lonnie sang out, entering the room in a terry cloth bathrobe and slippers. He leaned against the counter and tucked himself under Rin’s arm. “Aren’t they beautiful?” Lonnie directed at Rin.
“Oh, stop.” Kayla blushed. Her feelings reminded her of being a schoolgirl again, falling in love for the first time. She placed a gentle kiss on Zig’s cheek.
“I have been meaning to talk to you both about something.” Lonnie shifted uncomfortably. He glanced up at Rin for support. Rin politely bowed out of the conversation. “This living situation is temporary. Right? I mean, I love having your company but Rin and I value our privacy. You know?” He muttered.
Kayla instantly felt uncomfortable. Where would she go?
“Could you give us a minute?” Zig winked at Lonnie who politely excused himself out of the kitchen. “Kayla, I have been meaning to ask you something. I was going to give it more time but I presume that there is no better time than the present.” Zig reached for Kayla’s hand. It was cool and smooth to the touch. “I hadn’t expected to have feelings of such intensity toward you. I understand on Earth you call it love.”
Kayla’s heart raced in her chest. Zig was speaking the words she was containing in her mind.
“Kayla, I truly have strong feelings of love for you. However, this should not come to you as a surprise.” Zig leaned in and kissed her. “What I was hoping to speak to you about was the opportunity to obtain residence with you.”
It took a moment for Kayla to swallow this information. “What are you saying? You want to move out with me?”
“Unquestionably.”
“Is that a yes?” Her pulse quickened, she couldn’t imagine anything she would want more than to wake up everyday to see Zig’s face.
Zig laughed. “Yes. Kayla, will you move out with me?”
“Of course I will! But what will you do about your job? Your home is in Mamugnar. I can’t take you away from your family.” Kayla’s excitement fizzled.
“I have not told you everything Kayla. I have no remaining family in Mamugnar. As for my job, I will speak to my agency about a transfer.”
“A transfer? There are Mamugnar warriors stationed on Earth?” Her nerves pulsed. This didn’t sit well on her mind.
“Not yet. I will propose terms to unify Mamugnar with Earth. We have much to learn from your people and it would satisfy me to be the one mediating. I will propose the terms by the end of the month.”
Kayla squealed and threw her arms around his neck, planting kisses around his face. “I love you, Zig.”
***
“How close are you to securing the mission?”
Zig held the device closely against his ear. “Commander, I am uncertain that our motives are justified.”
Silence rang hollow on the other end.
“This planet thrives peacefully on its own. These inhabitants offer no harm to the people of Mamugnar. In fact I have a proposition.” Zig bit his lip nervously. A habit adopted by observing daily interactions on Earth.
“Proceed.”
“I propose unification between the people of Earth and Mamugnar. I believe there is opportunity for greater knowledge among the inhabitants of this planet.” Earthly emotions were starting to resin through him. His palms began to sweat and nerves were teased.
“Denied.”
“You have not given a fair evaluation of my request—“ Zig started.
“Explain why you assume it to be appropriate to question the Higher Order?”
“It’s simply an observation, Commander. I presume the Higher Order would prefer a collective base of intelligence before we eliminate the entire human race on a whim.” Zig stood his ground.
“What is this you speak of whim?”
“We must review the consequences before making unenlightened decisions, sir.” Not to mention Zig had fallen in love with Kayla. He couldn’t allow Mamugnar warriors to obliterate her home. Had he known about this mission prior to arriving on Earth he never would have come. He could never betray Kayla.
“Private, consider your mission on Earth expired. You have questioned the Higher Order. The penalty for treason is exile.”
Zig’s heartbeat found his throat. What had he done now? He could not return to Mamugnar, if he did he would certainly be destroyed. Processing the conversation proved incapacitating. For the first time in Zig’s existence, he had chosen love over his duty to his home planet. It seemed simple, a life without Kayla wouldn’t be a living at all. This affirmed Zig’s decision.
“Who was on the phone?” Kayla rounded the corner into the kitchen. Zig jumped at the sound of her voice and slammed the phone down.
One week had passed since they had moved out of Lonnie’s apartment. So far, it couldn’t have been more perfect. Until now.
“Kayla, pack your bags. We have to go.” Zig scurried around the apartment throwing necessities into a brown, tattered duffle bag.
“What are you talking about? Where are we going?” Kayla hugged herself. It always seemed when life was looking up, darkness loomed heavy overhead. A tear found its way down her cheek.
Taking a deep breath in, Zig stopped in his tracks. He had to tell Kayla the truth. “When I discovered your profile through Infinite, I knew I had to meet you. You are my destiny.”
Kayla wiped away the tears that were escaping her eyes.
“I decided my next move was to visit Earth. I was granted three weeks absence from the agency.”
“But you have been here for months now. I don’t understand Zig.” Kayla pulled away from his embrace.
“In my third week I received communication from the Higher Order about a mission on Earth. It was the first mission with Earth as the destination. As the information disclosed in the agreement is confidential, the sole details provided to me were the term and location. I eagerly accepted. Automatically I would gain two more months with you Kayla.” Zig paced the length of the small apartment.
“Zig, spit it out. Tell me what is going on.” Kayla’s voice bit into his confidence making him flinch.
“That phone call was my Commander. I have failed to fulfill the details of my mission. We cannot stay here any longer, we have to go.” Zig grabbed for Kayla’s arm. This was urgent. Kayla pulled away from his reach.
“No.” She planted her feet firm to the linoleum floor. “I am not going anywhere until you tell me what the mission was.”
“Kayla it is confidential information. All I can divulge is that this planet is no longer safe for us. We need to leave. Now.”
“Whoa. What do you mean this planet is no longer safe? Zig what did you do?”
“Kayla, my mission was to eradicate Earth. I proposed different action however the Higher Order is not interested in hearing one warrior’s opinion. They have terminated my employment. I presume matters will be taken into their own hands now.” Zig continued packing the duffle bag.
“It will take them days before they arrive in our galaxy. We have time to warn everyone!” Kayla ran for the door.
“Our transportation is much more efficient than that of Earth. They will be here in minutes. We must leave now.”
“But where will we go?” Kayla was terrified.
“We cannot return to Mamugnar. If I was to step foot on Mamugnar I would be eliminated.” Zig’s mind spun searching for resolution. “We will have to seek refuge in a neighboring galaxy. I am truly sorry Kayla. I never intended for this to happen.”
Kayla could sense the sincerity in Zig’s voice. Without hesitation she began gathering her belongings and prepared to leave this life behind.
“What about Lonnie and Rin? We can’t just leave them behind!” The sudden realization of her best friends’ safety struck her.
“Kayla, we are running out of time.” Zig stopped and caught the tortured look in Kayla’s eyes.
“They would never leave me behind.” Kayla headed toward the door. “I am not leaving them to die.”
Furiously, Zig followed. Their window for escape was coming to a close. He understood Kayla’s love for her friends but in a situation like this, such a sacrifice could leave them all covered in ash.
“We must move quickly.” Zig ushered Kayla out the door.
Outside, people carried on their daily lives. Mothers pushed their babies in strollers and children ran through parks. Construction sites buzzed with activity and taxis were available for hire.
From a distance, Zig could hear the hum of Mamugnar drones nearing. The sound was all too familiar. After piloting the drones since childhood, he could identify their constant hum in his sleep. However out of sight, the drones sounded as though there were merely five minutes away. They would have to act quickly.
Lonnie and Rin’s was only a two-minute walk from Kayla and Zig’s apartment. Kayla pounded incessantly on the painted green door.
“Lonnie!” she screamed at the top of her lungs. “Rin! Open up the door! Hurry, please!”
Inside there was shuffling and stifled laughter. “Kay, baby girl. What is the hurry?” Lonnie greeted them at the door.
Exasperated, Kayla fell into the apartment. She hadn’t realized that she had been leaning on the door this entire time. Scrambling to her feet Kayla blurted “No time to explain. Go pack a bag. We need to leave. Now.”
“Sweet girl, what has gotten into you?” Lonnie’s voice was fearful. Rin remained silent, weary.
“I think we need to listen to her.” Rin fished a backpack out of the closet.
Zig made his way across the apartment to the window overlooking the kitchen sink. Overhead, clouds were forming as Mamugnar drones were nearing. “They are almost here.” Zig narrated.
“We will explain later.” Kayla helped Rin gather a few choice belongings. Lonnie’s feet remained intact with the floor.
“They’re here.” Zig pressed his nose against the window.
Three large drones had arrived. Each was grey and could span the length of a dozen football fields. They hovered over the city casting shadows masking the appearance of daylight and bringing night up them. The darkness had returned to Kayla’s life.
The largest drone readied its weaponry and unleashed a powerful blast toward the Earth. Zig was certain there would be thousands of casualties from this one blow. Unlike his encountered previous warfare, Zig noticed the orb ricochet off the ground and shoot back in the direction of the drones wavering above them.
“Has Earth ever seen such an attack?” Zig’s voice held calm as he turned toward Kayla.
“Of course not!” Kayla shrieked. “Let’s go!” The three were gathered at the door waiting for Zig to join them.
“Come here for a minute. I need you to see something.” Zig turned back toward the window. Rin was the first and only to join him. Another blast impaled the Earth’s surface and ricocheted out of sight.
“I saw it.” Rin concluded. “The energy contained in the Earth’s core is unparalleled to any other planet rendering the attacks ultimately useless. The drones do not possess enough power because they have simply never required it.”
“Precisely. As Earth has never been exposed to intergalactic warfare the energy has been contained. It has been expanding and intensifying for eons. With each blow to the surface, the energy is agitated and the gunfire rebounds.”
No later than the words escaped Zig’s mouth, a blow rebounded back making direct contact with the wing of the largest drone. It spiraled uncontrollably until it made contact with the ocean hundreds of miles away. Zig and Rin watched in amazement.
“The drones are ultimately taking themselves down with each shot.” Rin smiled and turned back toward Lonnie and Kayla cowering together against the door.
“In English please.” Lonnie was choking back tears.
“I think they are trying to tell us that Earth, as a planet, has built up its own defense mechanism.” Kayla gathered. She was growing accustom to deciphering Zig’s robotic rants.
“With all of the unused energy Earth has ultimately created a force field to protect itself from encounters such as this one.” Zig expanded. His mind was churning.
“The drones are retreating. Do you think they are planning to return with more force?” Rin’s wary expression awaited response from Zig.
“Mamugnar warriors never flee from combat.” Zig watched the two drones disappear along the horizon.
“If they never flee, where are they going now?” Kayla coaxed herself across the room and slid under Zig’s arm. “What is going on?”
Silence filled the room. Kayla could swear she could feel it weighing heavy on her small shoulders. Zig hugged her closely and Rin waited impatiently with his eyes glued to the window.
“It means they have surrendered.” Zig grinned but sadness flooded his mind bringing back memories of the past. Only once had he heard of similar events surpassing.. When Zig and his father had fought side by side along with the Mamugnar warriors, one planet had stumped them causing the Higher Order to question their action and reason for combat. Before irreversible damage was caused, the Mamugnar warriors retreated. From their surrender the Higher Order was later able to secure a truce with Yeba. They Yebans respected Mamugnar for acknowledging their mistake and joined in unity to strengthen ties between the galaxies. After this event, Zig never saw his father again.
“Why would they surrender?” Lonnie remained in a pile on the floor. He hugged his body close to the door, trembling. “Am I the only one still freaking out over here?”
Rim smiled from the sight outside of the window. He understood what Zig was saying. “They know they will only inflict danger upon themselves if they continued their attack. They are accepting defeat Lonnie. They are returning to Mamugnar. Earth is no longer unsafe.” Rin walked across the living room over to Lonnie. He crouched down onto the floor draping his arm over Lonnie’s shoulder in attempt to console him.
“Is this true?” Kayla clarified, looking up into Zig’s eyes. Kayla could feel the darkness lifting. Maybe this time the darkness was gone for good.
Zig gazed deep into Kayla’s green eyes. They were sparkling with hope. He reached down and brought his lips to hers. When the kiss broke, Zig rested his forehead against hers. “You are completely safe my love. I promise you this now and forever. I will never put you in harms way ever again.” He whispered into her ear shooting chills down her spine.
***
Kayla, Zig, Lonnie, and Rin cautiously ventured their way outside to assess the damage. The drones had managed to fire half a dozen shots before retreating. There was certain to be casualties. Zig felt personally responsible and inclined to help.
The sun had resettled back into its position overhead. The sky shone sapphire blue as though these events hadn’t just transpired. In the distance, smoke bubbled amidst the forest. It appeared that the majority of the enemy fire landed in remote areas, miles away from civilization. Relief washed over Zig’s conscience.
To the contrary of the groups’ calmness, outside others were panicked. Cars had crashed into fire hydrants. Babies cried along with their mothers. In every direction, people were attempting to flee the planet. This was the first time that Earth had been exposed to such devastation. Confusion of the unknown was causing the habitants of Earth to engage their fight of flight instincts.
“Zig, we have to do something. We have to tell these people that everything is alright!” Kayla begged her boyfriend. If something wasn’t done, poor human reaction may be the cause of Earth’s demise.
Zig’s mind soared. “How will I engage so many people at once?” He thought aloud. Rhetorical question. His cognitive gears spun trying to fabricate a plan. Zig surveyed his surroundings. In the distance a tattered radio tower cast a shadow over them making the light shine brighter in his mind. “I have an idea.” He started walking toward the tower.
Kayla, Lonnie and Rin struggled to match his pace. “What is your idea? Where are we going?” Kayla managed to catch up with Zig.
“Does Earth still harness the use of radio signal?” Zig’s eyes were focused forward. “It is prehistoric technology in Mamugnar however it is timeless. Radio transmission are frequently intercepted by the agency and translated for service announcements. Such old technology has aided in our avoidance of unnecessary warfare.”
“If you’re asking if we still listen to the radio on Earth, the answer is yes.” Sometimes Zig’s robotic ranting soared way over her head.
“Then this plan may work.”
“Now you’re talking!” Kayla bounced excitedly beside Zig.
The tower was decrepit however Zig was able to pick up frequency. With what little resources and supplies he had on hand, Zig rigged up a device to tap into the radio waves. It is amazing what can be accomplished with copper wire and duct tape.
“Attention.” Zig began, the kickback soured his ears and the sound rang through his body. When it settled he adjusted the wire and spoke softly, “Attention all inhabitants of Earth. Attention.” He paused, envisioning the human race reaching for their radios to increase the volume. When he was certain he had gained attention he continued. “My name is Zig and I have arrived on Earth from Mamugnar. I am a peacekeeping warrior in my home planet. Please, remain calm. Earth is no longer in harm’s way. I repeat, Earth is no longer in harm’s way. The enemy has retreated and your families are safe.” Zig hoped that someone, anyone was listening. “Mamugnar warriors have offered surrender and have peacefully retreated. Please, continue with your day. Your homes are safe another day.” Zig stepped away from the tower and breathed a sigh of relief.
Kayla slipped her hand into Zig’s and squeezed it reassuringly. “Let’s go home Zig.” She smiled up at him.
They directed themselves back toward the town with the radio tower still looming overhead. Already a sense of tranquility had fallen over the townspeople. Eagerly they buzzed, sharing the news with their neighbors. Spreading the word that Earth was no longer under attack.
Across the street couples continued strolling through the parks hand in hand. Cars were no longer fleeing and racing down the roads. Things seemed to be falling back into stride.
Zig was thrilled with the response. He felt personally accountable. This planet had become a second home to him and he found himself willing to do anything to protect Earth and all of its inhabitants. Zig realized that the previous events could certainly be used as evidence to support his proposal of unification between Earth and Mamugnar. His ties with this planet were embedded in his heart and soul. Maybe now the Higher Order would see that Earth was not a defenseless planet. It was a planet full of potential and opportunity. The people on Earth are closely unified showing sign of promise. So badly Zig wanted to contact the agency to share his experience but who would listen if he tried? To the people of Mamugnar, Zig was as good as dead. But ultimately, he felt as though had nothing to lose. He stepped aside leaving Kayla, Lonnie, and Rin to collect themselves. With a nervous hand, Zig brought the phone to his ear.
“Commander, patch me through to the Higher Order.” Zig demanded.
“Private, attempted communication as such bodes against the charges of treason. I am denying your access.”
“Wait.” Zig begged. “As you are obviously aware, one of your drones has been compromised. I witnessed the event and I believe the Higher Order would be interested in hearing what I have to say.”
Silence echoed.
“Private, this is the Higher Order. You have my attention.”
“I am not new to this variety of combat and I understand your reasoning for retreat. Immediately after losing a drone, your men were called back to safety. You have lost one ship and you were not prepared to lose another. Your mission to incinerate Earth is without resource. You have calculated the probability of succeeding in this mission and you surrendered.” Zig explained.
Silence.
“I have been on the ground and in the air as a warrior. I know all of the ins and outs of the agency. I am your best hope. So now, I propose unification between Mamugnar and Earth. The people of Earth mean us no harm. They have resided peacefully for thousands of years prior to any foreign contact. We have much knowledge to absorb from there kind. Not to mention the power of their planet is unlike anything I have ever seen before.”
“Intriguing. Go on, Private.”
“For eons, Earth has existed without intergalactic conflict and warfare allowing it to build immunity. The planet has withheld all energy within its core. It has strengthened and intensified this unused energy which in turn has expelled a field-like force deflecting all incoming attacks.” Zig smiled to himself. “Your drones have zero effect on its stability.”
“Why was this not brought to my attention earlier?”
“I would be lying if I did not say that I tried. I was denied privilege and exiled from Mamugnar as result of treason.” Admitting this fact didn’t make swallowing the information much easier. He had spent the entirety of his life living on Mamugnar. The inability to ever return weighed heavy on his heart. As much as he had fallen in love with his life on Earth, he would be lying if he didn’t admit his dreams of taking his future children to Mamugnar. To show them the place that he so recently called his home.
“I will personally see to it that the charges are expunged. Your proposal will be processed and discussed. We will need ground intelligence for this unification. Continue your observations, Private.”
Zig cautiously brought the phone down to its cradle. He was still trying to process it all. This was an information and sensory overload.
“Is everything alright?” Kayla approached Zig from across the room.
He kept his eyes glued to the ground, daylight was pouring out around him. He felt as though he was radiating but did his best to contain this newfound sensation of excitement.
“I just spoke to the Higher Order.” Zig was in shock. Privates were never granted access to directly speak to the Higher Order unless it was through punishment. When he was in military school in Mamugnar, Zig had heard war stories about warriors entering the office of the Higher Order and never returning. Seldom would a positive story arise regarding the Higher Order back home. Until now, he had his own story to share.
“You did? What did they say?” Kayla couldn’t hold back as much as she tried.
“Well,” Zig paused, still processing the previous events, “they have agreed to review my proposal to unify Earth and Mamugnar.” He was evidently still in shock.
“Does that mean you will be staying here? On Earth?” Kayla attempted to contain her excitement but her heart was overflowing with joy. She bounced up and down in amusement at the news.
“For now at least. I have been asked to gain further intelligence on ground. I believe that means that I have been reinstated through the agency in Mamugnar.” Zig scanned the ground in front of him.
Kayla threw herself into his arms with no intention of letting go. For the first time, in both of their lives, their future was bright. They had found one another and in each other’s arms, they had found home. The dust had finally settled.
THE END