paa-official

[paa-official]

Recording No. 14

I looked over at Xothar and she went over to the strange lizard-man. They were both conversing in their own language and I occasionally got a few amazed and sometimes skeptical looks from him. Becka and I exchanged glances and I noticed how the other men in black suits broke their camouflage and we were surrounded by lizard-men. They made sure we didn't make any wrong moves while Xothar talked to the other.

With the last sentence she said to him, they all exchanged glances and the one next to Xothar then looked at me in surprise. He came closer to me and Becka rose from her kneeling position.

>> Why would two Grievers, as you call yourselves, betray their own people for a planet that was promised to them as a new home world? << he asked me.

I had to raise my head a little, but that had already been a habit for me, since I wasn't the tallest Griever on the ship >> We have our personal reasons. I don't know how much you can relate to this, but I can't allow an invasion where the entire human race dies out for no reason. <<

He looked down at the unconscious Eriny and began to grin. As he did, he looked to his colleagues around us and they began to chuckle quietly amongst themselves >> Then you'll need more than the two of you to make this happen. <<

>> We were hoping you could help us with that. <<

Now he chuckled himself and even turned to Xothar and Rundor >> These must be desperate times for you, aren't they? <<

>> The invasion was supposed to take place today, but we don't know anything about you yet. That's why it was postponed. <<

>> Yes, Xothar just told me all that. But today is your lucky day. I am the first General Xornud of the Phalanx Army. << he interrupted me and held out his hand.

Until then, I hadn't realized that these creatures only had three fingers with black claws. I hesitated to accept the scaly handshake. No one would have just helped a stranger with something without being persuaded or knowing the full extent of it. Then I remembered Jenny and how she had invited me to her place the first time we met.

I returned his handshake, >> I am Apath and this is Becka. We're both scouts for the Auroran army. <<

He gently squeezed my hand and Becka gave me a slightly shocked look >> Auroran? Was that your last home planet? <<

>> Yes, but we were both born a year after Aurora died. <<

>> Interesting. Then you two get in with your human with me. We're going back to the city. << he then ended the conversation and went ahead with his four people. He instructed Xothar and Rundor to drive with the others.

I and Becka grabbed Eriny by the arms and carried him after Xornud. >> What do we do if this really is a trap? We don't know what Xothar told him. << she whispered to me.

>> That's what we have the watches for. <<

>> And what if the alarm doesn't reach the ship? There may be jammers in this city. <<

>> We are shape-shifters. If the worst comes to the worst, we can sneak out. Until then, all we can do is blindly trust our hosts. <<

We arrived at three white vans. The footprints emanating from them formed three large lines that separated in different directions very early on. Xornud opened the side door for us and let us get in first before sitting in the passenger seat.

On the way to this town, I looked out of the window into the dark desert to realize that we were already driving on an interstate highway. So I finally asked Xornud >> Excuse me, but where exactly are we? <<

>> We are in New Mexico. Near the small town of Dulce, to be exact. <<

>> Are we going to Dulce? << Becka then asked.

>> The town is on the way. <<

Becka looked at me with a look that told me she knew just as much as before. But I just shrugged my shoulders and made sure the other lizards didn't attack us.

After 20 minutes we entered Dulce. The small town was empty and none of the houses still had their lights on. Then we suddenly pulled into a large garage and the engines were switched off. Silence spread between us all and it also remained dark in this garage. Xornud pressed a button on a remote control and it jerked briefly. The floor beneath us began to move downwards and moments later we found ourselves in an illuminated shaft leading downwards.

The deeper we went down that shaft, the more I believed the lunatics on the street and their conspiracies. The cloaks these lizards had could have at least explained them pretending to be human, but I still wasn't sure if they were using this technology to smuggle themselves into high places. Let alone whether they were using this opportunity to take over the earth themselves. The ground stopped and a gate opened in front of us. The engines were switched back on and we drove on slowly. The path in front of us was made of this sandstone, just like the walls around us. It had all been very tunnel-like with old lamps hanging down from the ceiling, providing just enough light.

But then we left the tunnel and found ourselves on the edge of a very large and open cave, which was dimly lit, just as it had looked outside. In the hollow of the cave was a huge city made of the same sandstone and in the middle was a dark gray pod half buried in the ground. Becka and I stared out of the window in fascination, admiring this unusual city.

>> That in the middle was the ship that our people crashed on Earth centuries ago. << Xornud said when he noticed us.

>> How long have you been here? << Becka asked.

>> More than half a millennium, perhaps. I'm not sure about that. I'm not that old. <<

>> Who lives over 500 years? << I then said jokingly.

>> Oh, that's not the problem. The problem is that I'm only 200 years old. <<

My smile slowly dissolved and I looked over at Becka, who was also looking at me in shock. Only a short time later, closer to the pod, we stopped in a hall full of more vehicles and got out. Xornud came straight to us as we were carrying Eriny again >> Leave it to my people. They'll take him to the medics and then back to where he came from. Where does he live? <<

Becka took a step forward >> He's from Washington, D.C. <<

>> Good. My people will take care of him. He'll wake up tomorrow in his own bed like nothing happened. <<

Two of the lizards came up to me and took Eriny from me to take him to a medic. Meanwhile, Becka followed behind him with a worried look.

>> Let's go. << Xornud interrupted Becka's thoughts >> We have to tell our two regents about you and the invasion. <<

We followed him and his men down several corridors and hallways until we entered the ship. The entrance was guarded by two soldiers with spears without blades, but we were all let through because Xornud had waved us all through. The ship was made of this dark gray steel, both inside and out, like parts of the Phalanx's armor. Only against my expectations, the high and wide corridors of the ship were quite well lit with ceiling lamps.

The deeper we went into the ship, the more of these Phalanx we encountered. There was much more variety among them than there was among the Grievers. There were phalanx that came up to my waist and some that were one or two heads taller than me. The color of their scales also ranged from light shades of green or red to dark shades of grey. Their eye colors were just as different and some of them had a crest on their heads that reached all the way down their backs. And they all gave us similarly confused and irritated looks when they saw me and Becka.

After a while, we probably arrived in the middle of the ship, where there was a large double door. Xornud asked us to wait outside while he spoke to the two regents. In the meantime, we got more astonished looks from passing Phalanx and Becka turned towards the door >> I don't like the way they all look at us. << she whispered to me.

I grinned a little >> I didn't know that was a problem for you. <<

>> Well, Eriny just infected me a bit. << after this sentence she fell silent and I could see her cheeks turn slightly pink.

I could have told her about Jenny because I realized that I wasn't the only one with this problem. Maybe it could even have loosened me up a bit, especially after that dream I had after the crash. But then my thoughts turned to something else. The dream I had before. What did it mean? Was this the price I would have to pay if I helped humanity? A kind of hell that people talked about. At least the strange shards and the red figure with the horns would fit the description.

But Xornud opened the door and pulled me out of my thoughts >> Come in. They want to hear what you have to say. <<

[paa-official]

Case Description - The Griever Case

Name of the interrogator: Alethia Wilson

Suspects name: Apath Wilson

Location: Lincoln County Sheriff's Department Alamo Substation

Date of interrogation start: August 15th 1969

Origin of suspect: Unclear

Physical observation: Blue skin, fiery red hair color

Reason for custody: Infiltrating Area 51

Motivation: Unknown

Methods: Unknown

Note:

Objects carried by the individual seem to have no plausible purpose, because of their strange built and origin

First attempt of talking unsuccessful

Recordings:

Dialogue / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / 9 / 10 / 11 / 12 / 13 / 14

Gathered Information through interrogation:

[paa-official]

Recording No. 13

A second blow to the body of the shuttle. This time further back, closer to the ramp, creating a hole. The nose of the shuttle pointed downwards and the number for our altitude raced downwards quickly. I held on tightly to the pilot's seat until he lifted the shuttle with all his strength and we slowly glided down.

Slowly my feet hit the ground and I let go of the seat. >> Sit back down and fasten your seatbelt, Private. << the pilot ordered me. I quickly ran back to Becka and sat down in my seat.

Everyone held on tightly to the seat belts and hoped that we would survive. At least that's how it seemed. But you couldn't say the same about the big one. >> What hit us? << Becka asked me, hoping that I could hear her despite the sound of the wind.

>> That's a very good question. How about we come back to it later, once we've gotten through this? <<

>> Sounds like a plan. <<

The two pilots tried their best to land the shuttle as quickly and safely as possible, both shouting something to each other. Then one of them unbuckled and came towards us >> We're trying our best, but I think we're going to crash land. Please hold on tight, otherwise you might end up flying out of there. <<

>> Holding on sounds good. << I said to him. Then he turned to the others and repeated to them what he had told us.

>> Should we contact the ship and tell them to get us out of here? << Becka asked me.

Before I could answer her, something hit the body again and we seemed to lose altitude again. I looked out of the big hole where the ramp had been and the sky had been dark. Below us was a desert-like landscape that was getting closer and closer. At the last moment, the shuttle was righted again, but we hit the ground. The jerking had become so strong that I could hardly hold on properly. Then everything went black for me. I went into shock. I opened my eyes and in front of me was a green meadow with a few clusters of flowers here and there. The sunset was shining on my back and the fresh wind was blowing against me from the side. Then I heard a soft laugh and someone took my hand from behind. I turned around and was immediately pulled along by the human being. A brunette woman led me through the beautiful meadow in front of a forest.

The birds chirped to themselves as we got closer to the forest. Then the woman turned to me, but the sun was blinding me, so I couldn't make out her face. But she looked very familiar. And I knew why that was. She giggled softly again >> Apath. << she said softly. I didn't know much about the religions of the earth, but many people spoke of a sacred place. A place full of love, where those whose time had run out could go. A place free of worries, where you are united with your loved ones. It felt like I had reached that place. >> Apath. << she said again in her soft voice. Then I felt someone shake me and repeat my name. Not in that gentle tone, though, but in a worried one. The meadow and the forest faded, as did the woman, until everything went black. Then the feeling of carelessness disappeared and I felt pain in my back and someone trying to shake me awake.

My eyelids slowly opened and I immediately started coughing. The sky above me was dark and stars twinkled at me. Black smoke rose upwards and soon I could make out the crackling fire of the shuttle as the beeping in my ears died down.

Becka's face suddenly appeared above me >> Apath! You're alive! << she cried out, hugging me as I tried to stand up.

>> How did we survive that now? << I asked her, coughing.

>> Ask someone else. << she replied in a slightly shaky voice.

She had a few scratches and soot stains on her face. A drop of blood had even rolled down and dried, but none of it seemed to have interested her.

I sat up straight and had a direct view of the shuttle. It had been a pile of scrap metal, burning and billowing black smoke. Behind it was a long drag mark on the sandy ground, in which I was actually lying. Burning pieces of scrap metal were also lying in the deep track and some others were even lying around it.

Then I jumped up without paying attention to any pain >> What about the others? << I asked Becka worriedly.

She leaned on her knee >> They're fine. I helped them get out of the shuttle, but Eriny is unconscious. <<

>> What about the pilots? <<

>> They didn't make it. You'd rather not have to look at them. <<

When I saw the two lizards running towards us, dragging Eriny with them, I had calmed down enough to start feeling my own pain. My left side hurt, especially my arm. It was like something was trying to rip my entire arm out with my shoulder. I grabbed my shoulder and even knelt down because I had no strength left in my legs.

>> Oh shit. Is everything alright? << Becka asked me, full of worry.

>> Why am I actually out here? <<

>> You flew out of the shuttle. Your harnesses failed and you apparently went into shock so that you couldn't react. You were lucky it happened very close to the ground. <<

>> Interesting thing, this luck I have. <<

>> At least you haven't lost your sense of humor. << the little lizard said when they finally reached us.

Becka took Eriny and carefully laid him down on the ground >> What do we do now? Do we contact the ship? <<

>> Send them a message that we have definitely arrived on Earth. And how we got here. <<

I carefully stood up again and took a deep breath. The cool autumn air smelled of smoke from the fire and my ribs ached a little as I drew in the air.

>> I think we should have warned you about this. << said the little lizard.

I looked at her in irritation >> Of what? <<

>> Human defense systems aren't nearly strong enough to penetrate force field shields like the one on your shuttle. <<

>> Were those your people? << I asked her, slightly indignant.

>> I assume so. <<

I sighed deeply, resting my hands on my hips and feeling the pain in my ribs again. Then Becka stopped me from starting to grumble >> We are supposed to continue the mission, says the sergeant. <<

>> All right. I could have guessed that. << I said and closed my eyes for a second. When I opened them again, I looked out to the side into the dark desert. There was no one to be seen far and wide. Just a few dry bushes and rocks. The ground wasn't just red sand either, but had a kind of stone layer underneath.

>> By the way, what are your names? I don't think we've had a chance to get to know each other. << I then asked the little lizard and held out my hand.

She looked at it skeptically at first and then sighed, shaking her head >> My name is Xothar. This is Rundor. << she said, but did not accept my handshake.

I slowly dropped my arm >> I am Apath and this is Becka. <<

>> Um, Apath? << Becka interrupted me as she looked in the other direction >> There's someone coming towards us. <<

I looked in the same direction as the other two. In the not-too-distant darkness, five black silhouettes were moving towards us. After that, I heard a stone being kicked on the left. As I looked around, five more black silhouettes were moving towards us. The same on the other side. They were all not far away from us and the ones from the sides had already closed the open space behind us. We had been surrounded from all sides, while all the silhouettes were only a few meters away from us.

>> That's a very pleasant way to say welcome. << I whispered to Xothar. Then one of the 15 people spoke in a threatening male voice >> What are you and what are your intentions? <<

>> We are both Grievers and our intention is to stop an invasion from our own people. << I then said with my hands raised.

The man stepped closer and I could see him better up close. He was a little taller than me and wore a black suit with sunglasses. Almost like those men in black I'd heard about. But then he turned something on his wristwatch, started flickering like a hologram and seconds later another lizard-man stood in front of me. He was wearing armor similar to ours and there were two sword hilts on his belt. His scales were a swamp green color and like Xothar and Rundor, his head was shaped like a cobra. His eyes were a piercing yellow and his fangs were slightly longer than the others. The shoulder plates of his armor covered more than the two others.

>> What kind of invasion? << he asked me coolly.

[paa-official]

Recording No. 12

After fifteen minutes, I left the lab and returned with Luke to his office. He sat down on his swivel chair and I sat opposite him on a normal one. With his arms on the table and his hands clasped together, he looked at me waiting >> So? Did they talk to you? <<

I nodded and looked down at the table to avoid looking him in the eye >> They're going to show us where their species is hiding. <<

Astonished, he blinked at me >> Just like that? What do they want for that? Half the planet? <<

I shook my head and looked at him again >> They haven't made any demands yet. And we'd probably even have to postpone the invasion until we've found out enough about them. <<

He moved his chair closer to the table >> How does that work then? <<

>> I and someone else, preferably also a shapeshifter, will return to Earth with them. To get to their hideout, we will have to take the form of lizard-people. And we need the human. <<

Luke shifted his eyebrows >> Why do you need the human? <<

It was getting harder and harder to lie to his face, but I couldn't allow him to notice. Feeling like I was being squeezed from all sides, I answered him >> The human is a kind of hostage. The lizards kidnap humans and lead them to their hiding place through special paths. We can use him to explore these paths as well and better investigate their defenses. <<

Luke leaned back in his chair and thought about it. >> Who do you want to take with you? << he then asked me.

I leaned back in my chair as well and crossed one leg over the other >> Who do you trust the most, besides me? <<

His eyes wandered around the room as he considered, but when his gaze landed on me again, it was clear he had no idea >> I don't know the scouts. You trained with them. You better tell me who you'd rather go with. <<

>> How about Becka then? I trained with her most of the time. If so, I'd trust her the most because we've also worked out signs together that we can use during a fight. <<

Luke's body froze, causing the slight, barely noticeable rocking back and forth in his chair to stop. Suddenly it had gone quiet and the only thing that broke the silence were the footsteps of soldiers and other high-ranking officers in the hallway outside the office. Then Luke broke our eye contact and rose from his chair. With his hands behind his back, he walked very slowly to the small chest of drawers on the left wall and then placed a hand on it >> Becka you say? << he tried to hide it.

He looked at me again and hesitated with the next sentence >> All right. If you trust her the most. But please don't tell her about this whole thing with our people's past. <<

>> Why would I even do that? <<

He just shrugged >> If that's all, you can go back to your barracks and fill Becka in. Meanwhile, I'll try to get the mission approved as soon as possible. <<

It was already evening when I walked back. Most of the soldiers were preparing equipment and maintaining the shuttles and their weapons. Everyone was expecting the invasion to take place the next day, which is why most of them were excited. Some of them, who had become close friends after the three years, were already planning to become neighbors on Earth. I even overheard one couple thinking about starting a life together on Earth.

The last thing I wanted to do was break the bad news to them. But I stopped after walking past them. Was it really worth it? They would all hate me. Even if I could escape the consequences, it would have been the judgment of society that could tear me apart. Someone called my name and came towards me. It had been Becka, carrying a large box of ammunition >> Hey, there you are. What did the sergeant want with you? <<

I glanced at the other soldiers before answering her. Maybe it would have been better if I had done what I had told Luke. But when I looked at Becka again, I remembered the person with the green hair. She had been worried about him. And she wasn't the only one who had looked after a particular person.

>> I'm Luke's advisor now. And we've both been given a new mission. <<

She put the box down carefully and crossed her arms >> Are we supposed to continue this propaganda? << she asked me with a critical tone.

>> No, but I want Luke and everyone else to think we're helping them. <<

Her arms loosened and she propped them on her hips >> What do you mean? <<

>> We take Eriny and the two lizards and return to Earth. Luke thinks we'll disguise ourselves as lizards and explore their lair. I want the help of these creatures to stop the invasion. And bring Eriny home, of course. <<

Her face started to light up >> Really? << she asked me excitedly.

>> Yes, but make sure no one gets wind of this. Just wait until someone calls you and lets you in on the mission. Until then, you haven't heard anything about it. <<

She nodded, trying to get rid of her smile as she did so. Then she lifted the box again and took it away.

The next morning we were both called by the sergeant and taken to a briefing room. It was a larger room with an oval table and chairs in the middle, where Luke and a few other generals were sitting. When we entered the room, all eyes fell on us and I suddenly lost my courage. These generals were just waiting to be convinced that me and Becka should go to Earth and no one else. I looked reflexively at Luke, whereupon he pointed to the chairs next to him. Still intimidated by the generals, I stood in the same spot, trying not to look stiff, until Becka suddenly walked over to Luke.

No sooner had I sat down between Becka and Luke, because Becka had left the seat next to him empty, than one of those present rose from his chair and began the meeting >> Now that everyone is present, I'd say we'll get started. General Howard presented his plan for the initiating attack to me last night and I am convinced that this attack will be a success. However, according to Howard, there is one problem with the whole thing and I think you already know what I'm talking about. <<

>> The reptiloids that one of the scouts brought in? << another one made sure.

The standing general nodded in confirmation >> Exactly. Howard's aide, Private Wilson, was able to talk to the two prisoners yesterday and convinced them to reveal their hiding place to us. << he added, looking at me at the end.

Everyone else in the room turned their attention back to me. The general next to the one standing looked at me questioningly >> How did you manage to convince them? <<

>> I tried to negotiate with them. But so far they haven't made any demands. << I said with an assumed calm.

>> Then this is a trap. << interjected another on the far left.

>> I've already thought about that. << Luke suddenly interrupted everyone >> We'll put these two on a shuttle with the lizards and the human and take them to the planet. If this is all a trap after all, we'll teleport them all back. <<

>> You want us to have the teleporter ready for the five people? Do you realize how time-consuming this will be? And you really want to bring back one human and two reptiloids? << the other protested again.

Luke looked at the standing general and he nodded at him. He rose cautiously from his chair >> The whole invasion is at stake because of this race. And aren't the lives of our own people valuable enough to you that you want to leave those two to possible death? Besides, if we leave the three of them on the planet, our cover could be blown. <<

Everyone at the table looked to the one on the far left and he slowly sank into his chair in shame. Then Luke sat back down and looked at me triumphantly and proudly. The standing general then continued >> Howard had suggested to me that these two scouts here be sent to the planet. There are no objections from my side. Does anyone else want to object? << he asked, looking around. No one objected, although I had expected the general on the far left to raise his voice again.

>> Very well. Then the sergeant will lead you two to the shuttle. I would like to explain the exact details to the rest of you so that everyone is on the same page. <<

>> Shouldn't the details have been explained before the mission was approved? << asked the one on the far left.

The one standing rolled his eyes >> It all has to happen quickly. I've already told you the most important things you needed to know in order to judge the mission. <<

He gestured to our sergeant with a glance at us so that he could lead us out of the briefing room.

We had been given replicas of the lizards' armor, which we had put on before we went to the shuttle. Eriny and the two lizards were already waiting for us there. They were strapped in and monitored by some guards until we arrived. The sergeant gave us our watches to teleport with in front of the transport shuttle's boarding ramp and saluted us goodbye.

We entered the small cargo hold and sat down opposite the three of them. They had already received their own watches and were wearing them on their wrists. Becka smiled at Eriny, embarrassed, but he avoided her gaze.

The ramp closed off the cargo hold and the shuttle's engines began to hum. The two pilots in the cockpit put on their headsets and lifted the machine off the ground.

It only took a few hours for us to reach the Earth's atmosphere and still no one had spoken of us. Just a few skeptical looks from the little lizard and a few threatening ones from the big one. The silence was interrupted when one of the pilots spoke to his colleague >> Keep the decoys ready. I'm picking up something. <<

I looked over at Becka and her look was full of concern. I unbuckled my seatbelt and ran forward to the two of them. I tapped one on the shoulder and he looked at me >> Is there a problem? << I asked him.

>> Nothing to worry about, Private. We have everything under ... <<

His sentence was interrupted by a loud bang and an alarm went off from the on-board computer. The shuttle started to shake a lot and we lost altitude very quickly.

[paa-official]

Recording No. 11

I stood facing myself with my arms crossed in front of my chest. It must have been another shapeshifter working for the telepath and spying on me. At least that's what I thought, which is why I wanted to dive into his head.

>> Your mental ability doesn't work on yourself. << he said calmly and came closer to me. And I couldn't actually feel or change his feelings. Instead, I was reaching into the void with my ability, but the telepath could have just pushed me aside.

>> Who are you anyway? << I asked with a discontented tone.

But only one corner of his mouth twitched upwards >> I am your conscience. My job is to help you when you're in trouble. <<

>> Compared to everyone else, you have good timing though. And how are you going to help me? <<

As he stood directly in front of me, he calmly leaned back against the wall and lifted one leg to rest it against the wall as well >> By sorting out your thoughts with you. Let's start with the problem itself. What's bothering you right now? <<

I also leaned against the wall and crossed my arms >> If you're really me, you'd already know that. <<

>> It's okay. << he said after a moment >> But why do you have this problem? <<

I looked over at him. He was a perfect copy of myself and yet I was looking for any sign that it might have been someone else. But the look matched mine one to one.

I sighed and looked up before answering him, >> It doesn't feel right to wipe out a species that not only strongly resembles us, but is also innocent. And then too, when my own people lied to us all to force their war propaganda through because they shit all over the previous planet. <<

My so-called conscience laughed out in amusement. I immediately looked at him again and asked irritated >> What do you find so funny? <<

>> What did you find in those people that you should feel bad about? They're nobody, I mean, the most they can do is fly to their own moon and that's it. You've seen their technology and weapons. One snap of the fingers and they're gone. We won't even notice. <<

I raised an eyebrow. The look might be true, but if it had really been me, he would have known about Jenny. It seemed like the telepath in the archive hadn't been looking into my memories, just trying to follow my thought process.

>> Are humans then worth less because their technology is less advanced than ours? <<

My counterpart simply shrugged his shoulders >> I don't know. You tell me. I'm just saying, why should we bother? <<

One corner of my mouth twitched upwards that he had given himself away. Just sit back and push all worries aside. Who had he thought I was?

I pushed away from the wall and put a hand on his shoulder >> Thank you for coming here. I had completely forgotten that I could just relax. <<

He grinned at me with complete satisfaction, even if the grin was completely fake >> You shouldn't overwork yourself either. <<

>> True. And with any luck, these lizards will get under our bullets too. <<

He nodded to that and I ran back to the barracks to lie down on my bed. I'm definitely not going to be able to fall asleep now, I thought to myself. But at least I knew what I had to do. Even if I didn't like taking advantage of Luke and his high position, it was the price I had to pay. For every action there was a reaction and I had to deal with that if I wanted to do the right thing.

I don't know how much sleep I got that night, but it definitely wasn't much. I also had a strange nightmare that I didn't understand for a long time.

The ground beneath my knees was embers and ash mixed with blood. There were soldiers around me, but they were wearing full body armor and I couldn't tell who I was there with. Their armor had many burn marks and scratches and was made of metal.

All of them suddenly pointed their weapons in one direction and held their fingers on the triggers. In my hands was a weapon like the soldiers' and my armor was the same, except I wasn't wearing a helmet. Suddenly everyone started firing and a hellish screeching noise threw me off balance.

There was a wall of black hordes in front of us, moving towards us and even flying towards us. The bodies of the creatures fell one after the other onto the blood and ash-covered ground, but the mass hardly got any smaller. There seemed to be no end to it and it was getting closer and closer to us.

But then a loud and deep rumbling sound emerged from behind the creatures. They all froze and stopped moving. The soldiers stopped firing and waited to see what would happen. My blood froze in my veins and I continued to kneel motionless on the ground. Only a harsh and warm wind blew through the air when a tremor announced itself with a quick hiss and lifted us all two meters off the ground. Countless spears flew at us from the front and pierced us.

I landed on my back on the hot ground and the thick spear pushed out of my chest a little. A sharp pain and an empty feeling in my arms set in as the black creatures marched past my body after only a short time. A figure with red, glowing skin stopped next to me and looked at me. It looked as if lava was flowing down its face and the horns on its head were steaming black soot. Its glaring eyes, which could have been made of fire, looked at me scornfully before turning away from me.

My body quickly buckled upwards and I propped myself up on my bed with my elbows. I was breathing frantically and irregularly and small beads of sweat rolled down my chest. All the other scouts in the barracks were still sleeping peacefully, so I calmed my breathing and my heart started beating more regularly again.

I was about to lie down again and go back to sleep, but then the alarm clock in the room, which was built into the ceiling, sounded. Everyone jumped up unmotivated and prepared to run to the canteen. While some had already left the barracks, I threw my blanket aside and grumpily got up from my bed. It was just a nightmare, nothing more, I thought to myself.

Becka and I sat together at a table and ate breakfast. She had been quiet most of the time, staring sadly at her food. Everyone else in the dining room was talking to each other. Most of them were talking excitedly about getting a new home that they would even fight for. But Becka didn't seem to notice them all and poked around in the plate with her spoon.

I couldn't bear to look at her any longer and was about to say something to her when the sergeant entered the canteen. Silence fell immediately as conversation ceased and all the soldiers in the room stood up and saluted him, to which he replied with a short downward gesture. Then he looked around and called into the canteen >> Private Wilson! Step up! <<

I already realized what he was there for, but Becka and the rest looked to me with sympathetic fear. I put down my spoon and walked to him while everyone else followed me with their gazes. Even though what they were thinking must have been the wrong thing, I liked getting those looks. It felt refreshing to be admired with such respect that I had survived a battle with reptiloids.

The sergeant led me out of the canteen and walked me over to his office. Luke was already there in front of the desk, looking at us as the door opened. I saluted him because the sergeant was with us and Luke grinned.

>> Private, this is General Howard. He's responsible for preparing and coordinating the initiating attack on Earth. And he wants you as his advisor. What do you have to say to that, Private? <<

I quickly thought about whether I really wanted to use him and this position to stop the invasion. But it seemed to me that I had no choice.

>> I accept this position, sir. << I replied in a disciplined voice.

The sergeant nodded and spoke to Luke >> General, good luck with the attack. <<

Luke nodded to him as well and turned to me >> Let's go, Private. We still have a lot to do. <<

[paa-official]

Recording No. 10

I stood facing myself with my arms crossed in front of my chest. It must have been another shapeshifter working for the telepath and spying on me. At least that's what I thought, which is why I wanted to dive into his head.

>> Your mental ability doesn't work on yourself. << he said calmly and came closer to me. And I couldn't actually feel or change his feelings. Instead, I was reaching into the void with my ability, but the telepath could have just pushed me aside.

>> Who are you anyway? << I asked with a discontented tone.

But only one corner of his mouth twitched upwards >> I am your conscience. My job is to help you when you're in trouble. <<

>> Compared to everyone else, you have good timing though. And how are you going to help me? <<

As he stood directly in front of me, he calmly leaned back against the wall and lifted one leg to rest it against the wall as well >> By sorting out your thoughts with you. Let's start with the problem itself. What's bothering you right now? <<

I also leaned against the wall and crossed my arms >> If you're really me, you'd already know that. <<

>> It's okay. << he said after a moment >> But why do you have this problem? <<

I looked over at him. He was a perfect copy of myself and yet I was looking for any sign that it might have been someone else. But the look matched mine one to one.

I sighed and looked up before answering him, >> It doesn't feel right to wipe out a species that not only strongly resembles us, but is also innocent. And then too, when my own people lied to us all to force their war propaganda through because they shit all over the previous planet. <<

My so-called conscience laughed out in amusement. I immediately looked at him again and asked irritated >> What do you find so funny? <<

>> What did you find in those people that you should feel bad about? They're nobody, I mean, the most they can do is fly to their own moon and that's it. You've seen their technology and weapons. One snap of the fingers and they're gone. We won't even notice. <<

I raised an eyebrow. The look might be true, but if it had really been me, he would have known about Jenny. It seemed like the telepath in the archive hadn't been looking into my memories, just trying to follow my thought process.

>> Are humans then worth less because their technology is less advanced than ours? <<

My counterpart simply shrugged his shoulders >> I don't know. You tell me. I'm just saying, why should we bother? <<

One corner of my mouth twitched upwards that he had given himself away. Just sit back and push all worries aside. Who had he thought I was?

I pushed away from the wall and put a hand on his shoulder >> Thank you for coming here. I had completely forgotten that I could just relax. <<

He grinned at me with complete satisfaction, even if the grin was completely fake >> You shouldn't overwork yourself either. <<

>> True. And with any luck, these lizards will get under our bullets too. <<

He nodded to that and I ran back to the barracks to lie down on my bed. I'm definitely not going to be able to fall asleep now, I thought to myself. But at least I knew what I had to do. Even if I didn't like taking advantage of Luke and his high position, it was the price I had to pay. For every action there was a reaction and I had to deal with that if I wanted to do the right thing.

I don't know how much sleep I got that night, but it definitely wasn't much. I also had a strange nightmare that I didn't understand for a long time.

The ground beneath my knees was embers and ash mixed with blood. There were soldiers around me, but they were wearing full body armor and I couldn't tell who I was there with. Their armor had many burn marks and scratches and was made of metal.

All of them suddenly pointed their weapons in one direction and held their fingers on the triggers. In my hands was a weapon like the soldiers' and my armor was the same, except I wasn't wearing a helmet. Suddenly everyone started firing and a hellish screeching noise threw me off balance.

There was a wall of black hordes in front of us, moving towards us and even flying towards us. The bodies of the creatures fell one after the other onto the blood and ash-covered ground, but the mass hardly got any smaller. There seemed to be no end to it and it was getting closer and closer to us.

But then a loud and deep rumbling sound emerged from behind the creatures. They all froze and stopped moving. The soldiers stopped firing and waited to see what would happen. My blood froze in my veins and I continued to kneel motionless on the ground. Only a harsh and warm wind blew through the air when a tremor announced itself with a quick hiss and lifted us all two meters off the ground. Countless spears flew at us from the front and pierced us.

I landed on my back on the hot ground and the thick spear pushed out of my chest a little. A sharp pain and an empty feeling in my arms set in as the black creatures marched past my body after only a short time. A figure with red, glowing skin stopped next to me and looked at me. It looked as if lava was flowing down its face and the horns on its head were steaming black soot. Its glaring eyes, which could have been made of fire, looked at me scornfully before turning away from me.

My body quickly buckled upwards and I propped myself up on my bed with my elbows. I was breathing frantically and irregularly and small beads of sweat rolled down my chest. All the other scouts in the barracks were still sleeping peacefully, so I calmed my breathing and my heart started beating more regularly again.

I was about to lie down again and go back to sleep, but then the alarm clock in the room, which was built into the ceiling, sounded. Everyone jumped up unmotivated and prepared to run to the canteen. While some had already left the barracks, I threw my blanket aside and grumpily got up from my bed. It was just a nightmare, nothing more, I thought to myself.

Becka and I sat together at a table and ate breakfast. She had been quiet most of the time, staring sadly at her food. Everyone else in the dining room was talking to each other. Most of them were talking excitedly about getting a new home that they would even fight for. But Becka didn't seem to notice them all and poked around in the plate with her spoon.

I couldn't bear to look at her any longer and was about to say something to her when the sergeant entered the canteen. Silence fell immediately as conversation ceased and all the soldiers in the room stood up and saluted him, to which he replied with a short downward gesture. Then he looked around and called into the canteen >> Private Wilson! Step up! <<

I already realized what he was there for, but Becka and the rest looked to me with sympathetic fear. I put down my spoon and walked to him while everyone else followed me with their gazes. Even though what they were thinking must have been the wrong thing, I liked getting those looks. It felt refreshing to be admired with such respect that I had survived a battle with reptiloids.

The sergeant led me out of the canteen and walked me over to his office. Luke was already there in front of the desk, looking at us as the door opened. I saluted him because the sergeant was with us and Luke grinned.

>> Private, this is General Howard. He's responsible for preparing and coordinating the initiating attack on Earth. And he wants you as his advisor. What do you have to say to that, Private? <<

I quickly thought about whether I really wanted to use him and this position to stop the invasion. But it seemed to me that I had no choice.

>> I accept this position, sir. << I replied in a disciplined voice.

The sergeant nodded and spoke to Luke >> General, good luck with the attack. <<

Luke nodded to him as well and turned to me >> Let's go, Private. We still have a lot to do. <<

[paa-official]

Recording No. 9

It was still quiet in the hall. The silence weighed me down because I could hear my every breath and was afraid that someone might hear it.

So I put everything together and convinced myself of the lie. I wanted the telepath to believe me too. I looked deep into Luke's eyes and my hands started to shake, but at least I could control my voice >> I'm here for you. You can count on my help. <<

A satisfied and relieved smile appeared on his face before he hugged me >> Thank you, you're really saving my skin. And our people. <<

He gave me a big hug and returned the stick. I waited for him at the tables until then and something tugged in my head. As if a rod had been pulled out and then I felt free again. However, this feeling came in one fell swoop and I momentarily lost my balance.

I wanted to track down the telepath, but by now I had developed a mild form of migraine. Luke came back and walked with me to the elevator. He took me back to my room in the military hospital, where I was still guarded by two soldiers.

The next morning I was cleared by a doctor and allowed to go back to my barracks. When I arrived at the barracks part of the military area and walked towards my barracks, the other scouts looked at me as if I was something special. Some of them even started whispering to each other about me and when I turned towards them, they all turned around as if they hadn't done anything. Before I could open the door to the white box, I heard a familiar voice behind me >> I'm impressed how you manage to put yourself in danger on a harmless mission. <<

I turned around and Becka came towards me. As she stood in front of me, she nudged my shoulder with her fist.

With a feigned smile, I replied >> I'm just as impressed with myself as you are. What did you actually experience on Earth? <<

She shrugged her shoulders >> Compared to you, nothing. Well, almost nothing. I met someone there and even brought them here. <<

I raised my eyebrow >> Why? <<

>> He stands out from the others. I wanted him to get a closer look here, in case he was somehow special after all. <<

She came closer and whispered to me >> If we're being honest, I wanted to keep him safe too. After all, he's the complete opposite of what we've been told about humans. <<

I laughed hysterically in self-deprecation, but kept my voice low, as did she >> You like a human? <<

She rolled her eyes >> They're more like us than you think. << she said and pushed me aside to open the door to the barracks.

I ran in after her and sat down on my bed. As soon as I relaxed, a conversation between three other scouts caught my attention.

>> What do you think happened to him? << asked the first.

The second answered him immediately >> I don't know. I don't even know which would be worse. The humans or those reptiloids. <<

>> It doesn't matter now. All we need to know is that we should remain cautious. If it can hit the best of us, then we're even more easy prey for them. << the third intervened.

All the scouts remained quiet and still. Earth seemed harder to take than originally thought, so I hoped the invasion would be called off. Whatever these creatures were looking for on Earth, it wouldn't have been us wiping out an innocent species, and that should have eased my mind at least a little. Only it didn't. I had left Jenny behind. It seemed strange to me what the lizards had been up to with her in the first place and from her message it didn't seem to be anything good. Not all humans were the same and for the most part they were kind-hearted.

Even the following night, I couldn't fall asleep because I only had one thought. I therefore left my bed and the barracks to look at the dark and unlit training field. To be honest, I just wanted to look somewhere and clear my head. Then quiet footsteps approached me as I leaned on the railing. Becka came up to me tiredly and rubbed her eyes >> Can't you sleep? << she asked me, trying to stifle a yawn.

I looked over at her feeling low >> I wish I could. <<

She came even closer and also propped herself up on the scaffolding >> Is it because of Markus? <<

I shook my head slowly >> It's far more complicated than that. <<

>> The attack? << she then asked me, pressing on.

I then looked over at her with a questioning look >> What about it? <<

>> Before you were written off, word came that the invasion would begin in two days. <<

My eyes widened, unsettling Becka >> Does the military not care that the humans are unable to stand up to us? And what about the reptiloids? << I asked, standing upright with one hand on the scaffolding.

Becka didn't understand my agitation and slowly straightened up >> The humans had something to do with the downfall of Aurora. <<

I scowled at her >> You're not buying this propaganda, are you? <<

She thought for a moment >> Should I be worried? Because I think you know something I don't or you've gone mad. <<

I looked around and there was no one near us. But I led Becka away from the open field and behind our barracks to be on the safe side. The windows and walls were soundproofed, but I kept a calm tone >> Listen, what I'm about to tell you has to stay between us, otherwise our lives are at stake. Or worse, we'll lose the memory of the last few days. <<

She raised her eyebrow >> How is that worse than death? <<

I took a deep breath >> The humans have nothing to do with the attack on Aurora. The planet's demise is entirely the fault of our people. << I whispered.

Her tense and confused face slowly changed to one of amusement. If I hadn't interrupted her, she would have started laughing >> I must say, I missed your humor. <<

>> This isn't a joke. Luke showed me the secret archive that contains the proof. <<

>> And how does Luke know about this? <<

>> He's a general now, and he's supposed to lead the first attack. <<

>> Wait. << she interrupted me >> We're talking about the same Luke, right? <<

>> Don't ask me how he did it. All I know is that Aurora has become uninhabitable due to drastic environmental pollution and the military now wants to take over Earth. With no regard for the people or anything else that's there. <<

Realizing that I was serious, she looked at me worriedly >> You mean the people will all die the day after tomorrow? Just like that, even though they are innocent and don't even know about us? <<

I nodded slowly, whereupon she grabbed her head and then held on to the wall >> That's... No, we have to do something about it. <<

She looked at me again and her eyes widened >> Shit, what's going to happen to Eriny? <<

I looked at her confused >> Who is Eriny? <<

>> The human I brought here. I asked for him to be examined in a laboratory. Apath, they're going to kill him. << she said and grabbed me by the shoulders. Her gaze was flooded with a great fear that unsettled me. What could we do against the military, how could we free the human without putting him in further danger? And what would happen to us then?

>> Apath? << Becka brought me back.

I carefully took her arms and spoke calmly to her >> I don't know how we could do anything. Let alone what we can do.... <<

>> Are you not going to do anything about it and let people die? <<

I sighed >> No, but there's nothing we can do. At least I can't think of anything right now. <<

She nodded wistfully and let go of my shoulders. >> Good night then. << she said sadly and went back to her bed. I stayed behind alone, holding my forehead against the wall of the barracks. Going against the entire military of our people as two was insane. And finding enough supporters before the invasion started had been impossible.

Suddenly someone approached me. The footsteps came closer and closer, but I didn't care who it could be. I just hoped the person wouldn't spot me, but they came around the corner and stood next to me.

>> You don't look as happy as you usually are. << said an all too familiar voice. A little too familiar, in fact. I lifted my head and looked over at the person. As I did, I looked at myself, facing myself with my arms crossed in front of my chest.

[paa-official]

Recording No. 8

The elevator stopped and the doors opened. In front of us was an archive similar to the one above us. Only there was almost no one there. Only a few officers and other high-ranking members of the military were walking around, looking through the information.

Before exiting the elevator and entering the archive, Luke turned to me >> How much do you care about our people, Apath? <<

I looked at him, slightly horrified >> It means everything to me. What kind of question is that? <<

He nodded and ran ahead. I followed him through the many rows to the very back, where the older information was located. There was a section there that was completely dedicated to Aurora. That's exactly where Luke had taken me. He pulled out a flash drive and then walked with me to the tables in the middle of the room. There he plugged the stick into one of the ports and called up the files. He gestured for me to take a seat.

>> Do you wanna tell me what to expect first? << I asked him quietly, but someone had heard me anyway. An older Griever, with no markings and wearing only a white robe, was walking around and peering over at us with one eye. He had nothing with him and wanted to leave the archives, but he took another little turn to make sure he hadn't misheard.

>> Just see for yourself. << Luke said to me.

I opened the file and a kind of entry appeared in holographic form, followed by pictures, articles and audio files. The pictures had been labeled with Aurora and various dates. The first was from the year 14,854 and was a compilation of various places on the planet.

An ice glacier, a tropical rainforest, an ocean, a lake and a big city. The city looked incredibly beautiful, nothing like Manhattan. White, gleaming skyscrapers and neatly laid out streets everywhere. The natural landscapes were quite beautiful and untouched. You could even see the animals that were caught in the pictures.

I then looked at a compilation of images from the year 14,999. Nature looked a lot worse for wear. Most of the glacier had melted, half of the rainforest had been cut down and the ocean and lake were littered with garbage. But the city still looked pretty good. The third image was from 15,050. The city was still intact, but had grown in size. The glacier had disappeared and all that was left of the rainforest was a savannah. The water was barely visible in the other two images.

And then there was the last image from 15.079. Where the savannah had been, there was a huge, endless fire. The mass of garbage in the water was pushing the water over the shores and had flooded the coastal cities. The metropolis had lost all shine. It had mutated into a war zone.

My hands wanted to shake, but I felt like I was being watched from all sides. I tried to suppress the trembling and wiped an audio track for entry. My fingers didn't dare to play it, even when no one was within earshot and the man in the robe was no longer visible. I started to read the entry, but Luke played the audio file >> Let's not waste time. << he said with a smile on his face.

From the audio track, a gruff, masculine voice began to speak >> This is the leader of the Conservative Faction, also known as the Griever Faction. My name is Elder Miran and I report from the 25th day of the seventh month 15,079. Our opposing faction, the Las Plazidas, cannot see that the planet Aurora is long past saving. <<

I looked up at Luke and he nodded back at the files >> This may sound contradictory, but I partly agree with them. There was a chance to save the planet, or rather, to maintain it. Massive pollution has conjured up countless, horrific disasters that mercilessly pulled more than half the population out of existence. However, I do not join them in dying on this dying stone. <<

I read the written entry at the same time as the audio track, even if it wasn't necessary. This allowed me to keep a focused gaze, as I did not yet know how to react to all this.

>> I've put together a team to get as many members of the Griever faction onto a ship as possible. It was once a travel ship that was equipped with weapons shortly after the start of the civil war. We will use it to find a new planet to call home. If there are any signs that the population is beginning to turn against us, we will immediately alter their memories with our telepaths. <<

>> No matter what happens, no matter what species is already populating the new planet, we will wipe them out and claim the planet for ourselves. The Las Plazidas have already lost all hope and refuse to go our way. This is too bad for them, because we will leave them here and maintain our species. Nothing will stand in our way of preserving the Grievers. Not even our own people. <<

The audio track ended and closed by itself. It left me and Luke in silence before he pulled out the stick and the holographic representation of the files disappeared.

I slowly got up from the chair and just as slowly turned to Luke, who was looking at me with a waiting look. >> Why are you showing me this? << I asked him quietly.

But he looked at me calmly, as if he wanted to explain something obvious to me >> I can't keep something like that from you. Besides, I wanted to beat your trip to the new planet. What do you say to that? <<

His joy was reflected in his face and could have dazzled me if it could radiate light. But I felt my way cautiously at first >> In what sense? <<

He sighed slightly and rolled his eyes >> Hadn't you been smarter before you were recruited? I mean, it's all pretty rad, don't you think? << he said with a broad smile.

I suddenly got a headache. It came out of nowhere and made its way deeper into my head. As if a pressure was spreading inwards. It must have been a telepath. Grievers with mental abilities, as well as telepathy and empathy, could sense when another Griever with mental abilities was trying to enter their head. Only I couldn't see a Griever. He must have been hiding behind one of the rows and as long as he wanted to get into my head, I didn't have enough power to track him down with my empathy.

Unsuccessfully, I tried to suppress it, grabbing my head and trying to block the telepath, but Luke pressed on with a question >> Apath, are you alright? << he asked, snapping my attention to him.

I looked at him lost until I found my way back to him >> Uh.... Sorry. I still have a little bit of a headache from the two lizards. <<

>> Oh I see. But you have to admit, it's kind of cool with the whole thing. I mean, I can understand why we were deprived of it. I'm sure there are a lot of hippies who would stand up for a race like humans. I don't want to imagine what kind of horrible civil war it could all cause. <<

I faked a smile and played along. Having an argument with Luke was the last thing I wanted. Even if my memory had been reset, Luke would have seen me in a different light and our friendship still wouldn't have been saved.

Luke took a step closer to me and spoke to me in a more serious tone >> Listen, I showed you this so we're on the same page. I was assigned the first attack a few days ago. That means I'm in charge of the first squad to arrive on the planet. <<

My eyes widened >> No way, right? <<

The corner of his mouth twitched upwards >> Yes. And I wanted you to be my right-hand man in this whole operation. That's why I joined the military in the first place. So we could be together again. <<

I laughed slightly hysterically >> How can an injured man help you? <<

>> If I'm being honest with you... << he began and continued in a whisper >> ... I have no idea how I got this far up. I don't even know how I'm supposed to live on my own. <<

He gently grabbed me by the shoulders >> Without someone with a functioning brain, the only way I'm going to get it done is for the humans to tear our forces apart. Please, I need your help. <<

The secret hall had been empty, but with the telepath breathing down my neck and Luke waiting, it felt like half the ship was watching me. They wanted to know my answer, and I didn't even know what it was.

I didn't want to betray my people, but I didn't want to wipe out an innocent species either. Especially not when there were good people like Jenny among them. That was not fair. Just like the lie that was fed to all our people. Our entire history that I grew up with was just a cheap lie told by the military to justify their actions. I wanted to explain it all to Luke, but I was afraid of the telepath. Probably a snitch who was making sure these secrets stayed secret. And if he had found out that I had two abilities and had kept this from everyone all my life, it might even have cost me my life.

[paa-official]

Recording No. 7

I only saw a white light and then the little lizard returned. We were in a completely white room, which seemed endless as it had no sharp edges or anything else that could provide a point of reference.

The lizards looked around lost and quickly spotted eight other people who were also in the room and hadn't noticed us yet. They all changed back to their original form, just like me, and the two lizards froze in shock.

The light in the room changed to red and one of the four walls opened, through which a squad of Griever soldiers stormed in. They pointed their guns at the lizards, so the tall one let go of me and I fell to the floor.

>> Put your hands where I can see them and step away from the scout! << one of the soldiers ordered the two of them.

They did as they were told and stepped aside. With their hands behind their heads; one of them did it better than the other; the two were led out of the room. Two paramedics came to me and checked my condition. One of them pulled up my shirt and patted me down. The other scouts gathered around us and tried to see what had happened to me with curious glances.

Then a sergeant's loud voice rang out, shooing the scouts away from me >> Move over. <<

Two words in an aggressive tone were enough to call back discipline. The scouts saluted after walking away from us. The sergeant came up to us and knelt down next to the medics >> How's it looking? <<

One of the medics felt one side of my ribs and I made it clear that I felt pain there.

>> Probably a few blows to the stomach and chest. We have to take him to the infirmary. <<

He patted the medic on the shoulder >> Do that. I'll take care of the rest. <<

I was lifted up by the two and carried away. As we walked through the corridors, I heard the sergeant ask where the tenth scout was.

After a few hours, I woke up on a hospital bed. My stomach was bandaged with cooling bandages that could stay cool for a few hours. I looked around the room and in front of my bed was the sergeant flipping through the folder I had made on the earth. It was in my bag, how did it get here, I asked myself.

I tried to sit up, but couldn't because I was still in pain. The sergeant noticed and closed the folder >> I see you've discovered a second species on the planet, Private. <<

He came over to me and stood next to me.

>> They weren't exactly happy about it. How did the folder get here anyway? <<

>> It was in your bag, made to teleport with you in case one of the scouts forgets it somewhere. Tell me about these creatures. << he said, placing the folder on the bedside table. With both hands folded in front of his body, he stood next to me and waited patiently to hear what I would tell him.

I straightened up a bit and propped myself up with my elbows >> I wish I could tell you something about them, but all I found were just fictional stories and a superstitious book that is written in a very complicated way that even I had a hard time understanding it. <<

>> Mhm. And how were you able to read their books? << he then asked me.

>> I can't explain it either, but the humans speak our languages. Even the writing is the same. <<

He thought for a few seconds >> Good work, soldier. I'll pass on the information in this folder. Do me a favor and keep this conversation and everything you know so far to yourself. <<

The sergeant saluted half-heartedly and walked out of the infirmary with the folder. It had been a single room, with the bed, a sink next to the front door, and a toilet room. The walls were white and the floor and ceiling black.

The door opened and someone stepped in just as the sergeant was about to open it. Luke stood there in a gray general's uniform with blue decorations and the sergeant saluted him upright. Luke, however, brushed off his salute with a gesture and let him go.

The door slammed shut behind him and he looked at me with a pitying and comforting smile >> You had to get in on the action, didn't you? <<

Full of surprise, I sat upright on the edge of the bed, feeling the pain as an afterthought.

>> Take it easy, big hero. <<

With a face contorted in pain, I looked at him and held onto my stomach >> What are you doing here? Only members of the military are allowed in here. <<

He laughed and took a chair, which he turned around and sat on in front of me. He rested his arms on the back of the chair >> In case those reptiloids knocked the sight out of your eyes, I'm a general now. <<

I looked at him skeptically >> Are you sure you didn't just steal the uniform? I mean, no one would really want to mess with your strength. <<

He was still smiling >> I joined the military myself two months after you were recruited and enlisted as a general. <<

>> Why? << I asked, quite astonished.

>> So that I can get closer to you again and so that you don't dust off all the glory for yourself. Because I want you to know how to share. <<

I laughed at this and was glad to see him again. So much could change in three years that you could hardly recognize your closest ones. But that was exactly what made me a little uneasy, even if it was completely unfounded. But if too much had changed, there was a danger that I wouldn't have recognized my home.

Luke rested his chin on his arms >> Come on tell me, what atrocities have you seen on this planet from this species? <<

>> You mean the humans? Well, apart from the fact that they practically all kill eachother, not much. The worst thing I saw, though, was the little lizard. Dude, her face is terrifying. <<

Luke laughed >> Yeah, I saw that face myself. But what about the humans? <<

I shrugged >> I don't think they're responsible for the destruction of Aurora. Their technology is too underdeveloped to even stand up to our ship's shields. <<

His laughter faded and his expression slowly became more serious. I wondered >> What's going on? <<

He hesitated, and not just for a moment. I wanted to know what was wrong with him, but I never used my empathy against those I cared about.

But then Luke finally looked me in the eye again >> Who have you told about this? <<

I raised my eyebrow >> I wrote it all down in a folder and the sergeant has it now. Why do you ask? Did I miss something? <<

>> You're the only one who made that realization. << he said.

>> It didn't seem strange to the others? So they don't think we might have gotten the wrong species? <<

>> When everyone was questioned, no one mentioned it. The military has been keeping an eye on you. You should be careful who you tell next. <<

I leaned further forward and looked deeper into Luke's eyes >> Am I on the verge of becoming an enemy of the state now? <<

But he looked down at the floor and slowly got up from his chair and calmly asked me >> Can you walk? <<

Luke gave me a shirt and helped me stand up and walk. Together we left the single room and behind the door were two soldiers guarding it. They were there either because I had been attacked by two lizard people or because I had stepped into something bigger. But it hadn't taken me long to figure out what the real reason had been.

Luke nodded to the two and they stayed there to wait for us. He led me out of the infirmary, to the ship's archives. One of the ship's larger facilities, where there were data columns containing the history of the Griever since the beginning of its existence. Plus any other knowledge about our culture, science and poetry. Practically speaking, it was like a library on Earth, only there were no books, just data.

Life on the ship didn't seem to have changed much from my time in the military. The Grievers all looked a bit more cheerful, too, as the ship had arrived on Earth and hidden behind the moon. It wouldn't be long now before they would have a new home, as the scouts had been brought back and all that was left was to get everything ready.

We took a metro to the archive and when we entered, we stood in a very large hall with many rows of data columns, arranged like server farms on earth. Or just like the bookshelves of a library.

At the other end was an elevator that went up to the railings above the first level, where more knowledge was stored.

I got into the elevator with Luke and got ready to feel the little squeeze as the elevator ascended. But Luke took his ID card and swiped it through a scanner. Slowly, a new number appeared on the display, which Luke tapped. The elevator began to move down and the display area above the doors changed from one to zero.

[paa-official]

Recording No. 6

As quickly as possible. What was supposed to have happened that I had to go to her as quickly as possible? That same morning I told her that I had to leave Manhattan, what could have happened?

Despite the time running out on my watch, I ran to Jenny's house. The pedestrians didn't seem to want to help me much as they barely gave me room to run. I literally had to squeeze past them. What I hadn't realized at the time, however, was that I had neglected my actual task for her. It somehow seemed natural to me and I didn't question it.

After three quarters of an hour, I was finally standing in front of her apartment door. Completely out of breath and totally sweaty. I had hardly done any sport after two months and my stamina was getting worse. Even though I had to prop myself up on my knees as I knocked on her door, breathing frantically as if I was running for my life, I was with her.

A barely audible rumble came from behind the door, as if someone had clumsily hurried through the apartment. Had someone broken in to rob her?

Then Jenny's voice asked me >> Who's there? <<

I straightened up. It sounded a little different than usual, so I quickly thought of something >> This is Luke. Would you please let me in? << I then asked her very kindly.

After a moment, the door opened and Jenny stood in front of it >> Luke, I wasn't expecting you. Why are you sweating like that? <<

Did she have a twin sister that she hadn't told about me? >> I ran here. Can I come in? <<

She hesitated a little, but then stepped aside >> Of course, come in. <<

In the elevator, I had put my sword hilt in my pocket in case I needed it. Once I was in the apartment, I put my bag down next to the couch and turned to her >> You texted me to come here as soon as possible. Did something happen? <<

She looked at me in surprise, but tried not to let it show. She had been hiding something from me, so I tried to check her emotional state and interpret her feelings. But I couldn't get through. Her brain structure looked completely different from before and generally different from that of humans.

>> Did I really do that? Oh, I think I meant to write to someone else and sent this to you by mistake. <<

I pretended to understand the situation >> Oh so I ran here for nothing then? <<

She tried to wriggle out of the situation and I checked the room for other people. Jenny's familiar presence was on her bed in the bedroom, but no one else. I took a few steps to the right of whoever was in front of me and had the closet behind my back. Whatever was happening, that person certainly hadn't been there alone. >> If everything is all right then... << I wanted to release the tension, but immediately faltered when I looked down at her hand. She was wearing a black watch on her right wrist, and Jenny was right-handed. And this watch didn't look like the one she normally wore.

My gaze lingered on the watch and she noticed it too >> Is something wrong? << she asked, hiding her arms behind her back. But I could see her doing something with her watch.

>> No, everything's fine. Did you buy yourself a new watch? << I replied and put my hand in my trouser pocket where my sword hilt had been.

Without breaking eye contact, she replied >> Yes, I just got it today. <<

I let my gaze wander through the apartment again and discovered Jenny's cell phone on a windowsill. It wasn't just lying there, but was positioned so that the camera could cover the whole room.

She noticed that I was looking away from her and assumed I was distracted and I heard her tapping her watch. With a loud bang, the wardrobe doors behind me burst open and someone jumped towards me. But I ducked at the last moment and jumped to the side. The person from the wardrobe missed me and landed in front of me. Except you couldn't call the thing a person.

When the thing stood up, a two-meter-tall, swamp-green lizard on two legs stood in front of me. The cobra's head half covered the ceiling lamp and the shadow lay across my face. Its body was so muscular that I had to swallow. He wore a chest plate and shoulder plates of dark gray steel and underneath was chain armor. He also wore these steel plates on his legs, fastened with leather straps. A sword hilt without a blade was attached to a belt. The hilt was only slightly different from mine.

I looked up again and the big guy's open hand moved towards my face. Without thinking, I rolled to the side and pulled out my sword to activate the blade. Before the big lizard could straighten up again, I swung out and severed its left hand. Black blood poured onto the ground and he stood there in shock.

>> Now let's calm down, shall we? << I said.

But the lizard tackled me and I fell backwards into the hallway to the bedroom. I groaned in pain and was immediately thrown back into the living room against the couch by the lizard. I lost my sword in the process and it landed disabled closer to the wall with the windows. I tried to crawl to my sword and Jenny's clone grabbed me and flipped me onto my back. >> Who are you? << she asked me demandingly.

I sighed completely unsatisfied >> Just so you know, I don't like doing this. <<

She looked at me confused >> What? <<

Before she could react, I punched her in the face with my fist and away from me. Then I jumped up and went to my sword, which I then picked up. The big lizard came at me again, holding his sword hilt, the green curved blade of which he had activated. He lunged sideways twice and I ducked from the blade both times. The wall behind me had two large black cuts in it.

I held both hands out in front of me and spoke to him >> Now give me a break, you handbag on two legs. <<

Unnoticed, I glanced at my watch, which was only counting down a few seconds. The fake Jenny stood up again and spoke to me in an indignant tone >> What did you just call us? <<

I just looked at her confused >> Us? <<

The tall one hit me with his elbow against my ribs. I held myself there and slumped down, unable to breathe normally. Then Jenny appealed to the big one >> Let him live. We can still use him. <<

I let go of my sword and the blade deactivated again. The big man also put his sword away and grabbed me with his healthy arm. He pressed me against his body and turned his back to Jenny's camera. The fake Jenny came up to us and punched me in the pit of the stomach >> Who are you and where did you get a sword like that? <<

I was struggling to catch my breath normally, which is why I answered her with a rushed breath >> Tell me who you are first. <<

She turned a ring on her wristwatch and began to flicker like a holographic display. After a moment, it was no longer Jenny standing in front of me, but another lizard, but smaller than the other and female. And quite ugly, too. Maybe even uglier than the big one that was holding me.

>> I've changed my mind. Could I have Jenny again, please? <<

The lizard punched me two more times in the stomach and I slowly started to hyperventilate. >> Who are you? << she asked quietly, full of rage.

I had hugged the big guy's arm and could look at my watch again. The seconds felt like minutes. It was as if there was no end to it all. Stars even began to form before my eyes.

The female lizard grabbed me by my hair and held my head upwards >> These yellow eyes are quite unusual for a human. <<

She looked at my eyes more closely. I had forgotten that every Griever had yellow eyes, which is why I had never learned to change my eye color. And yet no one considered that suspicious.

>> Are you even human? << she then asked me.

The clock showed another five seconds and my vision slowly improved. But then she punched me in the stomach again and I started to lose my vision. But I summoned the last of my strength and answered her >> No. And you won't like seeing what's in store for you two. <<

My watch beeped and a bright white light was all I could see.

[paa-official]

Recording No. 5

The next morning, Jenny wouldn't let me go until I'd had breakfast. She also wanted my phone number so that we could talk on the phone. However, I hadn't had a cell phone, mainly because I didn't know they even existed on this planet.

Smartphone technology went down with Aurora because the Grievers, in their haste to evacuate the planet, had only taken the most important stuff with them, leaving their smartphones behind. No new ones could be made on the ship, which meant that all the children born on the ship grew up without these devices.

>> Listen, you're a really lovely person, but I really should be on my way. It was great meeting you. << I tried to wave her off.

She looked down at the floor in disappointment, but straightened her face >> Do you want to come back tonight? Just for dinner. Or do you want to go to a restaurant or something? <<

I sighed softly and rubbed my eyes >> Fine. I'll come to dinner if you really want me to. When do you want me to come? <<

A wide smile formed on her lips again >> Six would be fine. <<

We said goodbye and I finally went off to explore this planet. In the foyer, however, a man came towards me, looking down seriously as he walked. He was wearing a white shirt and black pants, which had holes in them, but they had probably been there on purpose. His brown hair was combed back, but some individual strands were sticking out. His hands were in his pockets and he didn't take them out.

I didn't notice him immediately, which is why I accidentally bumped him with my shoulder. He looked straight at me and I apologized to him. After that, he just kept walking without saying a word. I quickly checked my pockets and luckily everything was where it belonged.

Outside, a collection of strange people caught my attention. They were wearing tinfoil hats and giving some kind of sermon >> Save yourselves from the creatures who will take paradise away from us when the day of reckoning comes. <<

One of the people, a middle aged woman, came up to me as I stopped >> Beware of them. <<

I looked at her extremely irritated >> From whom? <<

>> Of the lizard people, my dear. <<

I took a step back because she had called me such a strange name >> Lizard people? There are several kinds of humans? <<

>> Yes, they live under our feet in the Hollow Earth. Watch out, they're already wandering among us, pretending to be politicians. You just don't know where they are. You can't know either, because they're disguised. <<

I glanced away with my eyes, hoping someone was willing to help me, but I was left hanging.

>> Uh-huh. I'll be off then. << I said and disappeared before she could turn me on any more. Lizard people living in a hollow earth inside the planet. That made no physical sense. Although a second species mingling with the humans didn't sound so absurd. The possibility that another alien species was already hiding on this planet aroused my curiosity. I had to get to the bottom of this; there really could be something to it.

While I was looking for my way to a library, I pulled out the wallets of various pedestrians at red traffic lights and took the money with me. I had seen how some people had paid with these bills, so I assumed that it could be important. And it paid off because I found an electronics store where I bought a cell phone and everything I needed.

I quickly learned that these smartphones had a few things on them. For example, they had a navigation function that could show me the way everywhere. That way, I could find a library much faster, where I could start my research about the planet and maybe even about these lizard people.

But before I had started reading the books, I discovered a note app where I could make a list of the aspects I needed to research and anything else I couldn't forget. So I had collected books from the library and made a note of them so that I could start reading them the next day. I couldn't start that day because I had to get back to Jenny. If I had made a promise, then I had to keep it.

The time on my cell phone showed me that I still had an hour to go. Then I compared the calendar with the time left until I was sent back, on my wristwatch. There was a slight difference in time, which I should have expected. A year on Aurora took a little longer on Earth, which meant we had spent a little over two months on Earth before the ship arrived and we were sent back.

The first week on Earth passed very slowly and Jenny didn't want to get rid of me. She had practically clung to me and at first I didn't realize how I had become her roommate. The advantage was at least that I had a comfortable place to sleep and something to eat. And that I could take a shower. I don't want to imagine how uncomfortable it would have been without hygiene.

As for the research; I had read about 30 books on the economy, military, culture and technology of the humans. Everything I could find out, I wrote down on papers and even made a folder with all the information. What I found strange, however, was that the humans didn't seem to have been able to find a planet like Aurora, fly there and win an intergalactic war with an alien species. All they had accomplished was to fly to their own moon and plant a flag there. They had been about to fly to a neighboring planet, but even that didn't match up with the stories from the ship.

The military technology wasn't particularly exciting either. When I compared it to ours, I thought they wouldn't have stood a chance. There were no force fields to protect their vehicles, the ammunition was based on kinetic projectiles and there were no plasma weapons like we had.

What year did you actually arrive on Earth?

When I was sent to Earth, it was the end of August 2018, and the Naglfari ship was due to arrive just over two months later, at the end of October.

So how long in total did the ship fly from Aurora to Earth?

20 Auroran years. It had no cryo capsules and was equipped with limited weapons. In all the haste, the warship was quickly converted into a travel ship, but there was no time to replace the living quarters. Therefore, it was used as an escape ship.

But the more I learned about the humans, the more I doubted that the inhabitants of Earth, of all people, were capable of overwhelming our forces, even if they had surprised the Grievers. They were still at the very beginning with space technology. Surely the military had just confused the humans with the actual species, I thought to myself. If they had read the information, they would certainly have called the whole thing off and looked for another planet that wasn't already inhabited.

And what did you learn about the lizard people?

Those tinfoil hat wearers were just lunatics. They had pulled it all out of some book called the Bible and fantasized something about it. There was no hard evidence that there had been reptiloid beings on this planet who wanted to enslave humanity. And don't even get me started on the Hollow Earth. They were all just conspiracy theories with no solid ground, told by gullible madmen who wanted to escape reality because everyday life was too stressful for them.

The rest of my time on Earth passed so quickly, however, that I was surprised when my wristwatch only showed a few hours left. The warm weather on Earth changed to a cool rainy weather without mercy. The temperatures continued to drop from day to day and darkness fell earlier at night than in August. It also got light later in the morning.

I left the library one evening and walked around the area, especially where there were the most people. I wanted to at least learn to use my empathy on humans before I never got to see them again. I had spent the whole two months trying to sense and possibly manipulate their feelings. But I had never fully succeeded without giving myself a migraine.

I was walking through Central Park, where a few people were still out and about. A group of people had gathered at a bench and I took the opportunity. I walked past them with my eyes on my cell phone and tried to get into the head of one of the people. It was difficult to find the right path and interpret the signals, but suddenly I was inside. This surprised me so much that I stopped when I felt the person's exuberance. I had finally made it, after two months of trying, I had finally made it.

But very quickly the exuberance turned into a form of stress. I must have strained his head a bit and he got a headache because of me. So I left his head very quickly and carried on walking as if nothing had happened.

Speaking of your abilities, did you ever accidentally change into your original form? For example, when you were asleep, your body should have relaxed so that you could take on your original form.

That's why we were taught in military training to keep our shape even when we were asleep. That's why the training took three years, because it's a difficult task, but one that we had to master in order not to be discovered.

I wanted to go somewhere where nobody would see me. My watch only showed less than an hour. There was a bridge in Central Park that I could hide under where no one would see me, so I walked in that direction.

Suddenly my cell phone vibrated. Someone had texted me. Jenny had texted me to come to her apartment as soon as possible. Something had happened.

[paa-official]

Recording No. 4

>> You're not from here, am I right? << she asked me curiously, but calmly.

My organs constricted. I couldn't get inside her head and recognize her feelings. The structure of her brain was different from the Griever's and I couldn't get in there if I didn't know how she was built.

Despite my panic, I tried to stay calm. After all, it was very close that I had overreacted again, so to be sure I asked her >> Excuse me? <<

>> You don't seem to live here in Manhattan. Are you from a small town further away or from another country? <<

I answered her with a light-hearted laugh and the great tension in me eased >> Oh uh.... I come from a smaller town. From a different country, in fact. I don't even know if you've heard of the town. <<

Her smile returned >> I don't think so. My geographical knowledge is pretty horrible. It's a wonder I can still find my way home. <<

Her laugh at the last sentence sounded forced, as if she was trying to emphasize her joke. But I put on a fake smile as well >> I'm sure I can top that. <<

Her smile widened >> You have an interesting outfit. What are you actually doing here in Manhattan? Are you a model or something? <<

>> I... << my brain suddenly shut down at this point. I almost gave myself away.

>> I'm just passing through. I'm looking at... looking at places I'd like to live in. Because I want to move soon. <<

She put on an interested face >> And how do you like it here so far? <<

I shrugged my shoulders >> I don't know. I've only just arrived here. <<

>> Oh, I see. And which hotel are you staying in? <<

I raised my eyebrow >> There are hotels here? <<

She started to laugh, but I looked at her all the more irritated.

>> Oh, you really didn't know there were hotels here. So, how much money do you have with you? <<

I pretended to rummage in my backpack for money. Why had I continued the conversation with her? That wasn't part of the mission. Interactions with these people only put me at risk of being exposed.

>> I think this was stolen from me. <<

She looked horrified >> Oh no. I hope it hadn't been too much. <<

She thought for a few seconds and I decided to say goodbye to her, but she held out her hand to me >> ... Jennifer. Jennifer Bristol. But you can also call me Jenny. What's your name anyway? <<

>> Apath. <<

>> As in apathy? <<

One corner of my mouth twitched upwards >> I don't think my parents named me after a negative attitude. <<

>> Sounds logical to me. Wait a minute, where are you going? << she asked me as I was about to leave.

>> Me? Where the road takes me. <<

She looked at me skeptically, but amused >> Yeah right. And I leave you to the alleys of Manhattan in the late night or what? Don't you want to spend the night with me? <<

I turned to her and tilted my head >> You want to invite a stranger to your house? <<

She laughed as if I had told a joke >> My father is a staff officer. He taught me how to distinguish between good and bad people. I also know how to defend myself. <<

>> You've got a great father. But I'd better keep walking. << I said before crossing the road. The little green man was still shining and I squeezed my way through the people running towards me. Suddenly, on the other side of the street, a hand grabbed my arm again. I turned around and it was Jenny again >> You should know that you can't just sleep on the street here. Whatever they say about Manhattan in your small town, crime is still very high here. Especially the kind that involves guns. This is America, after all. <<

I turned to her completely >> If it's so dangerous here, why don't you move somewhere else? <<

She sighed >> It's hard to get all the papers and get enough money together. Otherwise I would have moved to Europe long ago. You know. Where there are regulations on guns. <<

If this species wasn't going to be wiped out after two months, I would have wanted to help her with that, but I had to focus on my task. Besides, I shouldn't develop feelings for these people, that would only have disturbed my judgment. But there was something about this Jenny that I couldn't explain. On the one hand, she was quite stubborn, but on the other, she wasn't too forceful. I sighed >> All right. If you feel better after that, I'll spend the night with you. <<

She looked up again and her eyes literally sparkled >> Great. There is a free place in my apartment anyway. Come this way. << she told me and led me through the crowded streets to her home. >> That's a really good decision on your part. Who knows what could happen to you if you slept on a park bench. <<

We walked through the dark streets of Manhattan. Although they were reasonably wide, there was barely enough room to walk because of the heavy foot traffic. But after fifteen minutes we arrived at the building where Jenny lived. It had been about the same height as most of the others, but it didn't look like it was made of glass.

She opened the door with her key and then we took an elevator to the top. For many years I was used to every interior on the ship being the same three or four colors, white, black, gray or blue. This building, however, had a light brown, almost yellow, polished stone floor in the foyer and the walls were made of a similar light-colored wood on the inside, as was the ceiling. The elevator had metal walls and a red carpet. The variety of colors and materials left me speechless most of the time and I didn't know where to look first.

The elevator stopped and the doors opened. In front of us was a corridor of dark wooden walls, a gray carpeted floor and a white ceiling. The doors for each apartment were made of even darker wood, so they were easily recognizable.

Jenny led the way and waved for me to follow her. Then she opened the door to her apartment and turned on the light as she stepped inside. After I entered, she locked the door behind me with the keys and walked down the short hallway to the living room, which continued to the left. To the right of the entrance hallway, another hallway led to two more rooms, which I interpreted as a bedroom and a bathroom. Connected to the living room, but separated by a waist-high wall, was a small kitchen. The floor of the apartment was a light-colored parquet floor and the walls had white, rough wallpaper.

Jenny went to the gray couch in the living room and placed the cushions in front of the small glass table >> I'll get you some fresh bed linen in a minute, then you can sleep here. <<

I followed her with my gaze as she walked past the closet in the hallway and towards the bedroom. As she disappeared behind the door, I took off my shoes and walked slowly towards the couch. She hadn't had any rugs, which probably made vacuuming easier for her.

I put my backpack down next to the couch and Jenny was back with a blanket and a pillow in her arms. She put everything down and turned to me >> Do you need anything else? A glass of water perhaps? <<

My eyebrows twitched slightly, albeit barely noticeably and only for a moment >> Can I ask you something? <<

She gave me a smile >> Sure. <<

>> Why are you being so nice to me? You have no reason to help me. Let alone trust me. <<

She crossed her arms >> Not all people are evil. There are kind-hearted ones too and you don't seem like someone who would or could do anything bad to me. And I don’t mean to be rude. <<

>> That means that people can also have a kind spot in their hearts? <<

>> You can tell that when you talk to a person. And you seem to be a very sweet person. <<

I had to pull myself together to stifle my laughter. Then again, she didn't know either, so why would she have suspected anything? The whole mission felt like I had cheated on a test and no one even thought I did it. Maybe that's how the lives of the telepaths on the ship went. Those Grievers had been so powerful, I didn't wonder why they were so rare.

[paa-official]

Recording No. 3

The bright white light was followed by nothing but black. My senses returned all at once and overwhelmed me without any warning. I could move and feel a floor beneath me, but I could see nothing. Not knowing where I was and what was happening to me created a lot of pressure inside me. I believed I was in another plane of existence. Even in the afterlife, even if I didn't know what it might look like.

Then something clicked in my head. I used my empathy to search for any signs of emotional states, and I had to try harder than usual. But I couldn't recognize any specific emotions. Just a lot further away from me and two of them were closer to me.>> Is this some kind of judgment room before I'm sent on? << I whispered to myself.

I tried to gain access to the feeling carriers, but I didn't get far. Something seemed to be blocking me, I thought. But then my eyes began to adjust to the darkness and I started to recognize something. A large room with a few pillars. Then a railing appeared and with it entrances to smaller rooms. Stores, to be more precise. There were closed stores all around me and two escalators in front of me. One led up and one down.

I took my sword hilt out of my pocket and switched on the blade. A pulsing sound jumped out as the blue plasma emerged. The blue light helped me a lot to recognize my surroundings. The floor was bright, as were the walls, though much of them were glass to show the merchandise inside the stores. It seemed like it had been one of several floors and the one I was in had many clothing stores.

My breathing had calmed down and my heart was beating more regularly again. I checked my surroundings once more for emotional states. The two creatures closest to me had been on a lower floor. One of them stayed where it was and the other moved away from the other.

I opened my eyes again and walked slowly in the direction of the two. I switched the blade off again and slowly crept forward, ready to hide if necessary.

I ran after them, wanting to see what this species looked like, otherwise I couldn't adjust my form. It was hard to track this figure though, as I could only maintain my sense with great difficulty. Mainly because I was still far too far away from this creature. The lights on the ceiling switched on as I moved and I was able to see the furnishings better. But then I lost the creature for a while. So I ran in the direction where I had last felt it. At some point, I arrived where the light stopped shining on the ceiling. I could no longer track down the creature, I was getting a headache from all the exertion.

Then a door opened behind me and someone stepped out. I immediately froze and couldn't turn around. That's when the creature had noticed me >> Hey, how did you get in here? << a male voice called out to me.

I understood what he had asked me. But I didn't understand why. It didn't make sense, I was supposed to be on another planet. I thought that maybe I had been teleported somewhere else on the ship. Somewhere where my mental abilities were blocked.

>> Hey, I'm talking to you. <<

I turned around slowly and looked at a young man. His skin wasn't blue, but somehow white. And his hair wasn't red or black, but blond. I was on another planet, but I could still understand him. And his appearance was very similar to that of a Griever, even if there were differences.

The man wore black clothing with the white inscription “Security”. He had one hand on his belt and was ready to pull something out of it. Although there was a blue creature in front of him, he remained calm and didn't even flinch. I looked at him with irritation and raised an eyebrow.

The man became irritated >> Do you even understand me? <<

>> Oh, I understand you. Quite well, actually. <<

>> Then why don't you answer me? <<

>> I, uh... <<

He rolled his eyes >> I see, no need to make excuses. What did you take with you? <<

>> Nothing at all. << I said innocently.

>> Of course. And you accidentally got lost on the way here from Comic-Con. Come on, let's see what's in the bag. <<

He held out his arm for my bag and I turned my body to the side, away from his arm >> I'd hate to do that. <<

He looked at me baffled and spoke into a radio on his chest >> Dave, come to the restrooms. There's someone here who thinks he can rob the mall dressed as an X-Man. <<

>> Dressed up? << I asked, completely confused.

But he paid no attention to me and continued talking to his colleague >> No, I'm telling you, he.... Are you coming now? <<

He sighed and turned back to me >> Come now. You're going to explain a few things to me now. <<

I couldn't risk that. The whole mission was at stake. After just a few moments, I had jeopardized everything. Somehow I had to take the fall before everything was lost. But I didn't want to kill him, that would have been too extreme. Then I had an idea. It was risky, but I couldn't think of anything better in a hurry.

>> Fine by me. But who do you think people are more likely to believe? You... or you? << I asked him as I turned my face into his own. He immediately froze and turned pale. I thought he was going to fall over backwards at any moment, but he stayed still.

>> Is... Is this a dream? << he stammered after a while.

I smiled at him and nodded happily >> Yes. That and nothing else. By the way, can you take me outside? <<

He shook his head and switched back to me, but without being able to say anything. He quietly led me to an exit and opened the door for me. I thanked him warmly and took on his complete form as I walked away. The look on his face had been priceless, you must have seen how mentally lost he had been.

When I turned around, I saw a shining city of buildings that reached up to the clouds and were made almost entirely of glass. Hanging from these buildings were advertising screens that lit up the whole street, so I hadn't noticed the night sky. Because of the light, I couldn't see any stars in the sky either. The air also seemed a little fresher than on the ship.

The sidewalks were full of these creatures who called themselves humans and I was standing right in their way. They surrounded me and therefore woke me up from my fascination, so I started walking around the area with no clear destination. I had been far too distracted by this new environment. There were metal boxes on wheels driving around on the streets next to the sidewalks. A small child walking with his parents repeated the word > car < as if he had been delighted by them, just like me.

My attention was completely focused on the cars and I wasn't paying attention to my path. The pedestrians dodged me as I kept walking and I felt like I was alone on the sidewalk. Then I forced my way past a denser crowd and my eyes searched for the cars. I didn't realize how they were all standing there.

Then someone grabbed my arm and I stopped. My eyes instinctively turned forward and a car drove right past my face. My whole body jerked and I was immediately pulled backwards. The sidewalk ended in front of me and there was a red light on the other side. A crowd of people was waiting there. There was exactly the same on my side.

>> Are you okay? << a female voice asked me right next to me. A female human with brown hair and eyes. She had been a little shorter than me and she was still holding me by the arm.

I had been unable to speak for a moment when I realized that I could understand people. Before I had left the ship, I had never considered that this species might speak a different language. The whole mission could have been a total disaster, but for some reason luck was on my side.

I stammered awkwardly to myself to answer the young woman >> I uh... yeah, I guess I wasn't paying attention to what was in front of me. <<

She smiled at me and the other people around us ran across the street as the little red man disappeared and a green one appeared. The woman didn't continue walking, however, but stopped by me. She was wearing a brown, short leather jacket and tight black pants. She tilted her head slightly and asked me >> You're not from around here, am I right? <<

[paa-official]

Recording No. 2

Someone came in and called out my name. My senses came back back and I stood up with ice cold fingers to take the card. Every step I took got slower and it tortured me the longer I had to wait for the answer.

At last it was suddenly over and I held the envelope in my hands. The soldier saluted me and got on his way. I kept standing in the door frame until finally something clicked and I left the complex, so I wouldn’t stand in the way of someone. Now, that I held the envelope in my hands, something hindered me from opening it. Despise the urge to know if I made or not, I couldn’t open it for myself.

I went over to tram station a couple hundred meter across, with which I could drive home. There I looked for a bench to sit and wait for the tram and spotted Becka waiting on one as well. I checked around me once again and approached her >> Hi, may I sit next to you? <<

She looked up and it took some time for her to process who even spoke to her, but slid over and said with a smile >> Of course. <<

I sat down and wanted to put the envelope inside of my jacket pocket. But then she asked excited >> Did you make it? <<

>> I don’t know. I haven’t looked at it. << I shrugged with my shoulders.

She looked confused >> Why not? <<

>> I’m kinda nervous about it. <<

After some thinking, she held her hand out >> May I? <<

With my thoughts still somewhere else, I took the envelope out again and handed it her. She took it and opened it immediately. Grinning after taking out the letter, she then said >> Congrats, cadet. We are even in the same squad. <<

Shocked my glance went back and fourth between her and the card. She did it so fast, I wasn’t even able to react >> No you just didn’t. <<

She started laughing >> You’re welcome. <<

I took the card back, but couldn’t hold back an amused smile >> Thanks. Else I would’ve never opened it. <<

This made it easier for me to get home. My head wasn’t filled to the brim about it, so I opened the door relaxed and calm and entered our apartment. My dad stood in the corridor as I came back >> And? << he asked impatiently.

I raised the card with a smile and then handed it to him. A proud smile formed on his face and he ran to my mother to show her the letter. When I came into the living room, she hugged me straight away.

We were given a few days to pack our things and say goodbye. I had visited Luke and told him that I had been accepted. He nudged my shoulder >> I told you there wouldn't be a problem. << >> I guess you were right. But I was afraid to open the letter at first. Becka helped me with that. <<

He looked at me in astonishment >> You met Becka? Was she accepted too? <<

>> Yes, we were assigned to the same squad. <<

>> When are you leaving? <<

>> In a few days. Did you tell her? <<

He scratched the back of his head >> Well, actually... No, I didn't. << I put on a slightly disappointed face >> Then do it soon. You don't have much time. <<

>> Yeah, don't worry about it. I'll tell her already. <<

The remaining days passed so quickly that I hardly noticed them. I had packed my things and said goodbye to everyone one last time. Unfortunately, I couldn't find Luke anywhere. His parents said that he had been busy and wouldn't be home until the evening. I couldn't wait for him, otherwise I would have missed my transport to the military. The military section was at the other end of the ship.

On the first day, we were assigned to our barracks and given our uniforms. Black combat vests and dark gray cargo pants. We were shown the whole area and introduced to the high-ranking officers and generals. In the evening we had dinner in the canteen and at first I sat alone at a table because I didn't know anyone. But then Becka came over >> Can I sit with you? << she asked me.

I gave her a friendly nod. She sat down opposite me >> I don't know anyone here. I thought I would recognize at least a few more people. <<

>> They may have been assigned to a different squad and are therefore in a different area of the military section. <<

Excuse me, but could you please fast forward a bit? We don't have all day, after all.

Maybe you don't, but I do. Otherwise I'll be sitting in a cell all day.

All right, I understand. But could you please just give me a brief summary of your training? Because I don't think I need to know all the details.

From me. Me and Becka trained a lot together and we got pretty good at partner exercises. We even came up with little things together to communicate with each other during a fight. For example, if we were standing back to back and one of us nudged the other's leg, we both had to duck or we even had certain postures that each had a meaning. This meant we could agree on a certain approach before or during a fight and our opponents would have no idea what we were up to.

At the end of our training, we were all called to a briefing. There we were told about the planet we were heading for. The ship was equipped with tools for scouting, so we even had visual material at our disposal, even if it was limited. We just didn't know what the inhabitants of the planet were called, what they called the planet and what their territories were called.

That's why they were numbered. My squad and two others were assigned to the upper continent in the west. I was given area ten and Becka area twelve. They seemed to be relatively close to each other, but we didn't yet know how many kilometers were between them.

Then we were told that the inhabitants of the planet were clearly involved with the species that wanted to take Aurora. Fear and anger built up in everyone. Everyone was afraid of being exposed, otherwise it was good night and our people could forget about conquering this planet.

The next day we got our equipment before we were taken to the teleporters. We had to pack our uniforms in a bag, as well as the plasma sword we had been given. We wore the normal civilian clothes, which were completely white with blue accents. It looked very meditative, but that was the only thing the ship had when everyone escaped from Aurora.

We found ourselves in a hallway in the facility for the teleporters. There we were given wristwatches that could be used to determine our location. If any of us got the idea to move out of our area, the military headquarters was informed via the watch.

They were waterproof and virtually indestructible. They had to be so that we could wear them all the time. We could only take these watches off when we returned home from our mission. A code was then entered to deactivate the watch.

But the watches had another use. Teleportation had only been possible with them. It was a kind of ID for us, or rather a kind of tracker for the teleporter. It also showed us how long we had before we were sent back.

They gave me my watch and I immediately put it on my wrist. Then I was the first to be taken to the cabins with nine other shapeshifters. Among them was Markus, one of the best in training. He had scored the best everywhere. I had always been a little envious of him. But at his middle age, I could kind of understand that. He had experienced the downfall of his home planet, so he was certainly going to do everything he could to do his homeland justice.

I entered the cylindrical cabin and the door closed behind me. Inside was a loudspeaker and a microphone that connected me to the worker who was to teleport me. >> We are ready for the transfer. Is there something bothering you? << he asked me.

I looked up at the speaker uncertainly >> Uh, how safe is this? <<

There was no immediate answer. Instead, there was a slight pause before he replied >> Don't worry. This technology is still very new, but we've tested it thoroughly beforehand. So in theory, everything should run smoothly. <<

I would almost have calmed down if I hadn't heard the word theory. My eyes widened and my breath hitched >> In theory? And what about the practice? <<

But there was no way I was going to get an answer from him. Instead, a white flash blinded me and I felt nothing. No physical pain or anything else and no stimuli in my brain. I was in a strange state of nothingness and bright white. And then everything went black.

[paa-official]

Recording No. 1

Ok, let’s start with where you even come from. And your date of birth, so we can complete your file.

Well, I don’t know my exact date of birth, because I know my birthday by the auroric calendar. But if we convert the shift to the earthly calendar, then I was born in the summer of 1997.

What? Auroric calendar? Is it called after your home planet?

Yes. But it would’ve been my home planet, if I was born one year earlier. My birthplace was the warship Naglfari, where I was born one year after the catastrophe.

What happened to the planet? Was there a global crisis like a global warming?

Well, in history class we were being taught that another species attacked ours to claim Aurora as their own. They said, they came out of nowhere and suddenly began to attack our orbital station around our planet. The communication went down and scout shuttles were sent out, which were destroyed immediately after entering the cosmos.

This was followed by an invasion, which couldn’t be fought off by the griever. It happened so fast that the defense forces could do nothing but keep the intruders at bay. Meanwhile actions were taken to evacuate as many griever as possible and take them off the planet. Even warships were used, like Naglfari. But despite all the weaponry on the ships, only one could escape.

Exactly how Aurora was destroyed, was unclear. Yet there were rumors like a warship, which aided the defense, rammed the main ship of the invaders and hit it’s reactor. At the collision with the planet, the reactor exploded and allegedly tore the planet into pieces.

That was our subject the day before the recruitment. I was 16 years old or 18, if we convert it to your calendar. The only thing I could think about, was this recruitment. The military needed shape shifter, but my hands shivered by the thought that I wouldn’t see my parents or my best friend Luke anymore.

The lights in the classroom went on after the holo-presenation was finished and the class dismissed. The LED-Stripes on the white ceiling illuminated the light gray walls of the room and the dark carbon tables with metallic legs suddenly stood out to the dark blue floor.

I raised my head up from my arms and began packing my stuff. Right after I left the room, Luke snuck up on me. Like every other griever, he also had an ability. He was one of those, who has increased strength.

But why do you have two abilities?

I asked myself that my entire life. Not even my parents could answer me this question. The only thing they told me about it, was to keep it to myself and not tell anybody. So we kept my empathy as a secret.

Anyway, Luke snuck up on me and tapped me on my shoulder, while grinning happily >> So? Ready to stand for our people? <<

His red hair was all messy as if he forgot to brush them. At least he has found the time to wear his white uniform properly.

We went through the busy floor to the yard with the artificial garden >> I don’t know. I’d really like to be useful for our people, but I’m not sure if it’s a good idea to let me out to the battlefield. <<

Luke started laughing and held my shoulder >> Easy there. You may not have my strength, but that doesn’t mean you don’t pack anything. Beside, your mission will be to scout out the planet and gather information about the species that lives there. They won’t even notice you were there. <<

>> And what if I find myself in a fighting position? <<

>> That’s why there is a three year lasting training. <<

We reached the yard and sat down on the bench around the tree in the middle.

>> You think that’s enough? << I asked.

>> It will be more than enough. Don’t shit your pants. You were extremely happy about it, just a few months ago. <<

>> I think it’s some sort of anxiety. Like when you’re fallen in love with someone and turn back right before you decide to tell them, because your heart is racing. <<

Luke nodded as if he knew exactly what I meant. In this very moment our classmate Becka walked right passed us with her friend. She greeted us and we greeted her back. Lukes gaze stayed on her as they kept walking and a slight smile formed on his lips. I noticed that and raised one eyebrow. After he noticed my glance, he innocently asked me >> What? <<

I nodded my head into Beckas direction >> Wanna tell my something? <<

Now Luke was the one, who raised an eyebrow >> What should I tell you? What are you talking about? <<

I started giggling >> It’s alright. You can keep it to yourself. Don’t you worry. I won’t tell anybody. <<

He nudged me with his elbow and a smile in his face >> You may be a little asshole, but you’re still a good friend. <<

I put on a fake, shocked expression >> When was I degraded from best to just a good friend? <<

Luke couldn’t hold it anymore and started laughing.

The rest of the day went more pleasant after Luke cheered me up. However it didn’t change the fact that I wasn’t paying much attention to my classes. Luckily all the exams were over anyway and there was basically nothing to teach us anymore.

Me and Luke had a similar way home, were walked together and talked with each other. But on this day he was quieter the further we went. He tried masking it, but I could tell that something bothered him >> Everything alright? <<

He looked at me like I had drawn him out of his thoughts >> With me? <<

I took a quick look around >> You’re seeing someone else? <<

He smiled >> No, all good. Why are you asking? <<

I tilted my head to the side >> You get quieter the longer the day gets. <<

He stopped and took his hands out of his pockets. I stopped as well and turned to him. Luke briefly exhaled and talked to me >> I think you already know, why I’m worried. <<

I looked surprised at him >> You were the one cheering me up that everything’s gonna be cool. Where do these worries come from? <<

He took a step towards me >> I did that for you. But the thought of me being alone, will not escape my head. I mean, I don’t have another friend like you. And then there is Becka… <<

I forgot about this. She’s also a shape shifter and had to go to the recruitment as well. That’s why I had my doubts about all of this. Even if it was for the good of all of us, family and friends were separated and it hurt everybody, who’s been involved to it.

I laid my hand on his shoulder and looked deep into his eyes >> I’ll tell you this as a good friend. Go to her and tell her everything. If you wait any longer, you’ll regret it. <<

He looked irritated at me >> I can’t do this right now. <<

>> Then when? When she’s in training? <<

Luke sighed and let his head hanging. But then he lifted it up and looked with full confidence in my eyes >> What would I do without you? <<

>> Fuck up your exams. << I said patting him on his shoulder.

The next day I had to go to the recruitment center and get checked. I even left the house early to avoid the tension at home. While my parents were sleeping, I left a note and went on my way.

The military complex looked pretty glorious on the outside as well from the inside. The white, shiny walls had blue LED stripes as accents and the also shiny, black floor build a contrast in the halls. The lighting came from warm white LED lamps on the ceiling, which illuminated the interior. The line got long really fast, but luckily enough, I wasn’t far from the end, because I got there early.

When it was my turn, a woman in an official military uniform greeted me. It was a gray uniform with dark blue and black decorations over it. She had tried to braid her black hair, but they were already loose again.

She pointed me to the next sample booth I had to go in. I closed the door behind me and let the automatic machine scan my body and my physical state. Next I had to go to the psychological evaluation, where the staff asked me questions and wrote my answers down.

After all of this was over, I had go sit in the waiting room and wait for the card, with which I was allowed to join the military or accept my rejection. As soon as I walked there, Becka crossed my path with a bright smile and her own card. She was so happy, that she didn’t even notice me. But I didn’t hold it against her, thinking she wanted to go to Luke and give him these news. At least I was hoping for it.

In the waiting room, I was waiting only five minutes, but they felt so much longer than that. I perceived the noise around me as muffled mumbling. If I hadn’t been accepted, I wouldn’t have been able to contribute to our society, which meant I wasn’t good enough for us.

Then finally someone came in and called out my name. Suddenly all my senses came back, but my voice vanished. I stood up and took what could’ve been my acceptance or rejection.

[paa-official]

Dialogue

[Audio tape clicking]

My name is Alethia Wilson. I’m reporting at august 15th 1969 and I’m at the Alamo County Police Station, Nevada. This audio tapes main purpose is for protocol and will mostly be used by me. This and following recordings are top secret and will be classified information owned by the government once my work on this case is done.

My carrier is focused on interrogating criminals and similar. But I’ve only been in this field for a short time and I haven’t gathered much experience. As a woman, it is difficult to get many gigs, therefore I am happy to be able to take this case. I will try my best to get the suspects to speak, while being calm and collected.

Not to many days ago the area 51 has reached out to us to interrogate four suspects, two male and two female. Before that I didn’t even knew this area really existed, but my hopes to see this location in person were swept away, as I was told the interrogation was moved to a location nearby.

Those four suspects didn’t speak a word to the other interrogators, which is why I was booked to fly over from New York. Because of them not speaking, the area 51 staff started being suspicious of them being soviet spies. But I share a different opinion. If they were soviets, they couldn’t sneak into the most location of the world, without someone not noticing their accents. Maybe there is more behind all of this and I’m getting behind it.

The first suspect I’m interrogating is someone special. Everybody's fingerprints were taken and sent through every database across the US and no matches were found, but I think it’s obvious that this one couldn’t.

It looks like it is one of the male intruders. According to the data of the physical observation, he is 1.82 meters tall, has yellow eyes, fiery red hair and a blue skin. He has a muscular build and apart from the mentioned details he seems very humanoid.

Among the items he carried with him was a black rectangle, which could be turned on with a button on the side. Unfortunately no one could do anything with it, because it was blocked by some sorts of a pin code. The only purpose it could bring us; emphasis on purpose; was displaying a time. Although there was some strange delay, with which the time didn’t match with any timezone of the soviet union. Or any timezone of the entire world.

He also carried two sword handles with him, which both didn’t have any blades. Even I cannot fathom the purpose of this items. He also wore an advanced metallic armor of some sorts with countless burns, scratches and dents from bullets.

The motivation is unknown due to the lack of communication. That’s why I was called in.

[Pausing audio tape]

[Door that’s being opened and handcuffs attaching]

Good morning. Before we start, my name is Alethia Wilson. I would appreciate you to introduce yourself, because your name is not stated in your file.

…

You would do us all a big favor, if you’d just talk with me. It would even help yourself get out of here as fast as possible.

… Wilson you say. Alright, how can I help you?

Excellent. Can you state your name for me please, before we can properly start?

Yes, of course. I’m Apath Wilson. A-P-A-T-H, some people never managed to write my name down correctly.

Mhm, Wilson. So we are namesakes

Oh, I know. That’s why I’m talking to you.

What do you mean by that?

We will get to that later.

Alright. How about we start with you telling me, why you and the other three broke into the area 51?

Uhhh… Nope.

Well, then not, I guess. Would you like to tell me about your origin?

… Are you sure about it?

I’m pretty sure. I need to know everything.

Well, if you have this much free time, I mean who am I to dictate how you should spend your free time, right?

Right…

Just one thing: Can those three men behind the mirror stop being pissed, because I’m talking to you but not to them? I’d appreciate that very much.

… How do you know there are exactly three men?

I’m an empath. I can sense how much they’re pissed off right now.

Empath? You mean you can sense the emotions of others?

And manipulate them, if I want to.

… What else can you do?

I mean, I can shape shift.

Pff.

You don’t believe me?

Pardon me, but I find it quite difficult to imagine you shape shifting into someone else.

[Take on Alethias appearance]

[Chair falls over] Holy shit!

I told you. Do we wanna start talking about my origin?

Can… can the others do that too?

No. The others are human. I’m a griever.

A griever?

Yes. All griever have an ability. But everyone has just one. I, on the other hand, have two, which isn’t normal.

And why do you have two?

Let me start with, where I come from.

[paa-official]

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The Griever Case