Chapter 13

Tribal police were setting a perimeter around the phenomena as their sheriff discussed action. Several officers made it known that regardless of his orders they would refuse to enter. Even his sergeant agreed to only take action after sunrise. The tribal police weren't the only ones interested in the event that took place.

Hovering a mile above the ridge was a triangular craft with five yellow lights strobing along the back, and a white one illuminating the front. It was cloaked to anything within twenty feet of the ship, and they have been observing prior to Cameron's involvement.

Humanity may be lacking in technological advances, but the Earth was home to an anomaly. Across the earth are small areas of land that experience odd rifts. Ever since man first rubbed charcoal against the cavern walls they have documented encounters.

Cultures from all over the world experienced strange creatures. The majority were horrendous beings with malevolent purposes. They would frequently snatch away those who strayed from the group. One day these primitive humans were approached by unfathomable beings who offered their knowledge.

They were taught how to tend crops and forge metals for tools. Soon after came weapons, and armor. No longer did they hide in caves fearing the outside world. Due to their benevolence, the humans swore their servitude to these gods.

Whether good or bad these beings had one thing in common. They have left a permanent mark on our world, and the cultures around the globe. To most, they are forgotten, but some are lucky enough to cross their paths.

All these experiences stemmed from small rifts around the world. Through these rifts worlds, light years away could overlap. This phenomenon has always attracted visitors and with millennia of observation, they've learned to predict these mergers.

Their determination to witness the mergers stems from the planets it connects to. The universe is vast and as advanced as they are it has yet to be fully explored. With so many worlds connected to one planet, it grants them a rare opportunity.

They document the odd creatures that appeared during the mergers. Analyzing their bodies, and studying hunting patterns they locate the cracks they slip through. After the rifts are identified drones are sent through.

These drones allowed them to map the terrain and ping the area for a future jump. Information like this eased their species efforts for exploration and advancement. This was an interest for the scholars, but others wished to harness the rare resources that may appear.

The grinding Cameron experienced was the overlapping of the terrain. Unable to exist in the same place they battle for supremacy. When this occurs new elements begin to form that requires constant study for new uses.

On rare occasions, an equilibrium is formed, and a new element is created. They harvest these temporary resources that would be scarce upon their planets. This made Earth a goldmine to the species aware of its existence.

Operating on the planet was permitted but they followed the treaty in place by the Council of Worlds. The data they've gathered over the years was substantial, and they believed nothing could surprise them. Skinwalkers were a human anomaly they already documented, and it was why they showed no interest in its capture or closer observation.

Watching the humans panic, and fight for their lives may have bothered them, but for the visitors, it was the equivalent of being on safari. They could observe closely, but it was a courtesy to remain on the 'jeep'. Having been here long enough to orchestrate the pyramids they were shocked at the new discovery.

"What was that?"

"I'm not sure."

"I want the reading dumbass."

"It didn't pick anything up."

"Move over!"

"Sir he's right. Everything went haywire when that thing stood up. If it wasn't for the backup reactor we would've experienced a closer look."

"We've never had interference like that."

"We should monitor it for more data."

"Don't think we have time for that."

A rapid beeping appeared on the monitors as several blips appeared. They were approaching from all directions, and the captain gave her orders. In a flash, the ship rapidly jumped to the mesosphere.

Not a second after they jumped jets swept the skies in a tight formation. Spreading out from the haul was a purple beam. Each of the jets lit up in unison dragging a net across the sky. They were searching for cloaked aircraft but revealed nothing.

"What's the status?" Murphy asked.

"Sector twenty-nine is clear now, but we have fresh readings. If you ask me we just missed them, boss." The pilot relayed.

"Return to base, and have a ground team mobilize immediately. Don't let anyone leave till I get there either." Murphy ordered.

"Yes sir."The jets began their descent.

"Won't they just come back?" Mika asked.

"They might, but we have enough eyes in the sky tonight. Can't add another light show into it." Murphy motioned the men forward.

"Why would they strike way out here?" Mika investigated.

"One thing I'll never understand is how they pick targets. From my experience, I've seen more kids taken, but they never come back. The adults who survive are never the same." Murphy explained.

"We're lab rats then," Mika stated.

"Maybe now you'll be less judgmental of Kurt's work," Murphy replied.

'We don't have to sink to their level. Not sure why they're so scared anyway. They don't look like much in the pictures.'

Jeffery's body was done being analyzed and was now being quarantined before removal. Mika was walking through a decontamination field before exiting her containment suit. Murphy was sitting in the van taping his watch as Mika rushed to his side.

"Always the last one."

"I still think your presence is unnecessary." Mika took her seat.

Sitting next to Murphy was an agent named Garrett. He was a specialist that arrived several hours ago to deal with a potential breacher. Anytime an extraterrestrial came through it was their duty to capture, and deliver to the research teams, or perform onsite disposal. They were blunt objects, and Mika believed this was a surgical situation.

"It's protocol when a member of the quadrant is in the field with a potential breacher. Being the golden child you should know that." Garrett mocked.

"You're usually such a stickler for rules," Murphy told Mika.

"That hasn't changed. I just think we could use a more competent operative that's all." Mika crossed her arms.

Garrett was prepared to pester Mika when the driver intervened.

"The chopper is fueled so if your'e hungry you need to check your phones."

Driving the van back to base was agent Omar. He was a young agent who idolized Murphy from the stories in the academy. Mika was his classmate and his time in the academy was often spent in her shadow. Even so, he held a candle for her and didn't appreciate the teasing.

With their work schedules, regular meals weren't possible. If they wanted something besides MRE's you needed to place your order before the next investigation. Omar heard the arguing cease and was smirking from the perfect distraction.

Omar glanced over his shoulder and noticed an error in his plan. He was expecting a nod of approval or even a slight smile, but Mika was glued to her screen. The chefs on duty right now were limited, and it was a close call.

'Please make it in time.' Mika desperately tapped the order.