The Command Console, a sleek and stylish rectangular device with buttons and a keyboard, emerges into view.
A true-to-life hologram that projects a vivid image of a familiar blue globe from all directions flickers to life.
My eyes narrow as my memory drifts.
Earth, huh? My mission is taking me back there again already, huh? Frack me.
As the spacecraft is plotted on a course to the blue planet, I am set on my task. I study the hologram's mugshot, which shows a young man with soft, almost human features. However, the wings that grew from his back, long drooping ears, and animalistic nose reveal that he is an interstellar being.
“Ezekial Armstrong. Avian. Wanted for illegal use of black magic. Gathering human followers and exposing them to its dangers, killing those who oppose him,” I read aloud, my deep voice tinged with disdain.
Just another fanatic preying on the weaker species. Pathetic.
As I settle into the pilot’s seat, the console blinks, signaling my approach to Earth. A massive space station looms over the planet, prompting me to activate my special cloaking feature on my ship—one that can mask my electromagnetic signal and even render my ship naked to the human eye.
Gripping the steering controls, I guide the ship into Earth's orbit, my eyes flitting between the map projection and the planet below.
Taking in the scape of the terrain, I find a rural city amidst the scattered trees and ample farmland within the region. Scanning the area for life signs, I find none for kilometers, despite being on the outskirts past several buildings and a stretch of highway.
Stepping off the ship, I scan the horizon. The landscape is deserted, save for a few abandoned cars scattered along the highway. I spot a diner across the way and quickly notice something in particular that catches my eye. I hide my ship under the cloak and head toward the building, straight for the vehicle in my field of view.
My eyes dart to the vehicle that stood out. A red Charger.
It’s been ages but I still remember the thrill of driving so fast in an old-world vehicle.
A grin spreads across my face as I place my organic hand on the car's handle, a pulse of energy emanating from my palm. The door unlocks, gaining me entry into the driver’s seat. Another pulse brings the car to life when I grasp the steering wheel. I back out of the parking spot, shift into drive, and speed down the highway at an almost reckless pace.
As I drive, I can't help but notice more empty cars abandoned along the side of the road, a foreboding sign of my target’s presence.
Frack, this guy has been busy….
Driving into town, slowing down as I go down the main street, scanning the area for signs of life once I see the city center where many cars congregate. Then I see several people oddly wearing white robes. There was a woman walking the closest to me as I drove up and rolled down my window.
“Where are you going dressed like that?”
She stares straight ahead. “To where he is,” she says in a monotone voice.
“Who do you mean?” I ask.
“Our savior,” she responds just as dully as before.
O-kay. Kind of weird, but it seems pretty straightforward.
I sigh, rolling up my window as I drive slowly behind her. Eventually, I make it to a large stadium, seeing hundreds of people filing in. Parking the car haphazardly over the sidewalk right at the entrance, I head inside.
Heading to the second floor, I scan the crowd for my target. My eyes dart to the stage.
There he is.
Just for clarity, I quickly take out my scanner visor and activate it to check for a match.
Never know when some asshole is in a shapeshift. I smirk. I mean, look at me, for crying out loud?
My visor beeps with a positive read.
Bingo. I put it back in my pocket and jump from the railing to the bottom floor.
Looking around, I can’t help but catch all their vacant gazes, their eyes glued to the man at the podium on stage. Waving my hand in front of one of their faces—they are unfazed.
Hmph. Guess I know why the bounty is so low. Mind control.
“My children, you have all yearned for this day—the day you will all ascend to the higher plane,” Ezekial announces with a broad smile as he raises his arms, “To the plane of the mana beings who are the gods themselves!”
The humans gasp and awe over Ezekial's words.
Pfft. What crap.
I scoff, rolling my eyes as I overhear his crappy speech as I make my way through the crowd.
“I have chosen you for this purpose, this privilege to take this journey, and we will do so toge—“ Suddenly, Ezekial notices me standing near the base of the stage.
You lost yourself to not even notice a guy all in black in a sea of white robes. Man, you are full of yourself.
“It’s over, Ezekial—you’re coming in,” I announce.
Ezekial grimaces, lifting his hands. “You will not take me anywhere!” Magical circles project to the ground and shoot forward on either side of me.
Within seconds, two shadows form behind me, towering over. I turn around just as I pull out my pistol, glimpsing the creatures long enough to see their threat.
Two horrifying abominations appear—they're humanized forms with several bodies in one. Their flesh merged together with twisted black bulging muscle, raw and without skin. They each wield blades—some of them have two blades in hand made from bone as they thrash sluggishly. The figures come skulking at me, the biggest form dragging a great sword behind. I quickly roll out of reach as they attack.
As I rise to my feet, I open fire with both pistols—shooting Ninth-Grade laser shots at the beasts. The crowd starts snapping out of their daze, taking notice of the gunshots. As soon as they see the creatures, shrieks resound in the vicinity.
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