paa-official

[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]

Case Description

[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]

Information Dashboard

The Paranormal Activity Agency shares declassified information, operations, hearings and transcripts from across the dimensions of the nexus. These informations are shared for your own safety and to maintain transparency between civil lifeforms and the watchers.

This agency is strictly neutral to all political ideologies and liefstyles and will not participate in any political discussion whatsoever. The PAA's only porpuse is to distribute information and to educate.

Due to an overflow of gathered cases, there might be a delay on the declassification of information. We are thankfull for your understanding and patience and hope to give you all the gathered information.

______________________________________________________________

The Griever Case:

Recordings No.: 1 / 2 / 3