Chapter 7 — First Response

31Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHStojK4nXb

A/N: Arabella Stanton as Jamie Brooks. Dominic McLaughlin as Ethan Park. Pictures above. 31Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOwvz0rUbC2

EXT. NOVA CITY — DOWNTOWN DISTRICT — AFTERNOON

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Nova City bustled with activity as Alex and Mia led Kael through the crowded downtown streets.

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Skyscrapers towered overhead, digital billboards flashed advertisements, and automated vehicles glided along the roads.

Kael looked around with carefully controlled curiosity, taking in everything around him.

ALEX 31Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHhbOm9d6lo

So, what do you think of Earth so far?

KAEL 31Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTr8GTbYj5l

It's different from home.

MIA 31Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMr2lsq08lE

Different good or different bad?

Kael glanced at her.

KAEL 31Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjaijj03ZFK

I'm still deciding.

Alex laughed.

ALEX 31Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuEaV380V54

Fair enough. We've got a lot to show you.

Mia studied Kael for a moment.

MIA 31Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3aSJZFDkuG

You know, you still haven't told us much about where you're from.

Kael had anticipated the question.

KAEL 31Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhvwdaapwfA

There's not much I want to talk about.

Mia seemed to accept that, although she didn't look entirely convinced.

Before she could ask anything else, a young girl hurried over with her mother.

GIRL 31Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa9sDX9qX7M

Are you really an alien?

Kael looked down at her. For a moment, he seemed caught off guard.

Then he smiled.

KAEL 31Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6BkIXzqnUd

Yes. I am.

GIRL 31Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuXXk2HrPtZ

Can I get a picture with you?

Kael glanced at Alex and Mia before nodding.

KAEL 31Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG1ZQsApQ4P

Sure.

Her mother took a quick picture, thanked him, and led her daughter away.

ALEX 31Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkmdbgOJuvM

Well, looks like you're already becoming famous.

KAEL 31Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡchqtdEaxZ5

Is that normal here?

MIA 31Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeapWDKTVfy

For us? Unfortunately.

Alex gave her a look.

ALEX 31Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOTuhXR5j1X

You're welcome, by the way. I'm the one who makes us interesting.

MIA 31Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTrJHqa5qty

And I'm the one who keeps us out of trouble.

Kael smiled along with them, playing the part of a boy who had finally found somewhere safe.

Inside, however, he remained focused on his mission.

Jamie and Ethan spotted the twins from across the street and hurried over.

JAMIE 31Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdJlYxG14Y9

Alex! Mia!

Alex turned, grinning.

ALEX 31Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ65AGDVD005

Hey! You guys made it.

Jamie looked at the unfamiliar boy standing beside them.

JAMIE 31Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAPtOpvUfoi

Who's this?

MIA 31Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPc5xHSKRSb

This is Kael. He's staying with us at VIREX for a while.

ETHAN 31Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzPvAiuXRZb

Wait. He's the alien?

Kael raised an eyebrow.

KAEL 31Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHG1g5mNCLf

I have a name, you know.

Ethan blinked, then laughed.

ETHAN 31Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCHkTJSsi3e

Right. Sorry. Ethan.

KAEL 31Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo1XXELnX8D

Kael.

They shook hands.

JAMIE 31Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVYsdYpMgDf

So, where are you taking him?

ALEX 31Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUq6O51YUri

We were thinking the Nova City Science Center. Then maybe the arcade.

ETHAN 31Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7FeUj17lt8

You had me at arcade.

MIA 31Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP3K6Kfap9t

We still have to check with VIREX first. We're not supposed to disappear halfway across the city.

ALEX 31Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmnRmtDR1t1

Nobody said anything about disappearing.

Mia gave him a pointed look.

MIA 31Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUwHg9G14OM

You literally suggested taking a shortcut through the maintenance tunnels last week.

ALEX 31Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX8W49dlfhv

And we didn't get lost.

MIA 31Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ3ZRNplquu

We ended up in the parking garage.

ALEX 31Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3xJoVbPESI

Eventually.

Kael watched their exchange, quietly noting how easily the twins worked together despite their constant teasing. They were comfortable with one another, and their friends seemed just as comfortable around them.

He would have to earn that same trust.

A sharp electronic chime sounded from Alex's wrist communicator.

His smile faded as a VIREX alert appeared on the screen.

ARGUS (V.O.) 31Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuAvGfhUl2a

Emergency notification. A mechanical failure has been reported at Nova City Central Transit Station. Several passengers are trapped inside a stalled train. Local emergency services have been notified.

Mia immediately leaned closer to read the alert.

MIA 31Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWksdgBLmom

How far away is it?

ARGUS (V.O.) 31Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWl07JmPmch

Approximately three blocks.

Alex looked at the others.

ALEX 31Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9X4lG88WNT

Looks like our afternoon plans just changed.

JAMIE 31Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOafl71UavD

Do you need help?

MIA 31Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ89AS1OsDIl

We need to make sure everyone gets out safely. Stay behind the emergency perimeter when we arrive, and follow any instructions from the responders.

ETHAN 31Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4c3JzAP4Vc

Got it.

Alex tapped his communicator.

ALEX 31Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnDul9A2AoH

ARGUS, notify VIREX that we're responding.

ARGUS (V.O.) 31Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpgB6dzRYxw

Notification sent. VIREX response personnel are en route.

ALEX 31Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpMm4laZixe

Okay. Let's move.

Alex and Mia hurried toward the station. Jamie and Ethan followed at a safe distance, with Kael keeping pace beside the twins.

As they approached, the sound of alarms grew louder. A small crowd had gathered outside the station entrance, and emergency lights flashed against the surrounding buildings.

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A VIREX agent near the entrance spotted the twins.

VIREX AGENT 31Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz0pv8g1Zi8

Alex! Mia! Stay behind the marked line until we assess the situation.

MIA 31Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgnXlGCZ83Z

What's happened?

VIREX AGENT 31Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3qUj64yCNU

A maintenance system malfunctioned. The train lost power between platforms, and the emergency doors aren't responding. We've got passengers trapped inside.

Alex looked through the station's glass entrance. Beyond the barriers, he could see the stalled train and several passengers gathered near its windows.

ALEX 31Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡULifOMIDjf

Can we get inside?

VIREX AGENT 31Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKpyQh9YmG0

Only under supervision. No unnecessary risks. Understood?

ALEX AND MIA 31Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFIftonduZL

Understood.

The agent escorted them through the entrance.

Kael started after them, but the agent held out an arm.

VIREX AGENT 31Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa9LLPdZ0kH

You stay here.

Kael lowered his gaze, appearing uncertain.

KAEL 31Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSNwuvtmIZK

They're my friends.

VIREX AGENT 31Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0D1sxeIPbI

And we're going to keep them safe. Stay with the others.

For a moment, Kael looked as though he might argue. Instead, he nodded.

KAEL 31Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYNQ15TCsDG

All right.

He stepped back beside Jamie and Ethan, watching the twins disappear farther into the station.

Behind his calm expression, he calculated his options.

He hadn't come to Earth to rescue strangers. But allowing the twins to be injured would complicate his mission.

He needed to remain close enough to intervene without exposing himself.

INT. NOVA CITY CENTRAL TRANSIT STATION — CONTINUOUS

Alex and Mia followed the VIREX agent down the platform. The stalled train stood motionless, its interior lights flickering.

Passengers crowded near the doors. Some looked frightened; others tried to reassure younger children.

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MIA 31Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzfzAaFmZbn

We need to get them out one section at a time.

ALEX 31Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXyeGBYhiSZ

I'll handle the maintenance panel.

MIA 31Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxdoMaISslg

And I'll get everyone clear once the doors open.

The agent nodded.

VIREX AGENT 31Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxd8qkh9qfO

Proceed carefully.

Alex approached the damaged control panel beside the nearest train door. A few blue sparks flickered between its exposed connections.

He held out his hand. A controlled stream of blue plasma glowed across his palm.

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ALEX 31Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ5EJnEDOMf

Come on. Please don't explode.

MIA 31Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTjMY8ZOFCT

That's your technical expertise?

ALEX 31Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoDCSkNvyih

I'm working on it.

He directed a narrow burst of plasma toward the panel's damaged connection. The circuitry lit up, and the door mechanism gave a mechanical click.

The doors slid open.

MIA 31Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI8VayUoEhX

That's my cue.

Pink light flashed around Mia as she accelerated. She darted into the train, guiding passengers toward the platform and returning for the next group before they had time to panic.

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MIA 31Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEt9AeErRIw

This way! Watch your step. Keep moving, and don't push!

Alex stayed by the doorway, using short, controlled bursts of plasma to keep the damaged mechanism from locking again.

Within moments, the first group of passengers had reached safety.

Then a sharp metallic crack echoed through the station.

Alex looked up.

A damaged support beam above the platform had begun to tear loose. It tilted toward a group of passengers who were still making their way out of the train.

ALEX 31Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHF7lRGvDWs

Mia!

Mia was on the other side of the platform, helping a frightened child down from the train. She didn't hear him.

Alex moved toward the passengers, but he was too far away.

The beam broke free.

Behind a thick structural pillar, Kael watched from the station entrance.

He had slipped inside while the agent was distracted coordinating the response.

His expression hardened.

He lifted one hand, keeping it hidden behind the pillar.

A deep violet shimmer appeared around the falling beam. Thin silver rings formed in the air, encircling the metal as its descent slowed.

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The beam stopped just above the passengers' heads.

With a subtle movement of his fingers, Kael shifted its weight sideways, guiding it away from the crowd. The metal lowered onto an empty section of platform with a heavy crash.

The passengers stumbled backward, startled but unharmed.

Kael closed his hand.

The violet glow and silver rings vanished.

He stepped back into the shadows just as Mia rushed toward the group.

MIA 31Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTdyiowwiK2

Is everyone okay?

PASSENGER 31Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz1DOWmiq2i

I think so. That thing nearly hit us!

Alex arrived a moment later, looking up at the beam now lying harmlessly on the platform.

ALEX 31Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg6KcTdfuUk

That was close.

MIA 31Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpah8faIPuR

Too close.

Neither twin had seen what happened behind the pillar.

Kael watched them from a distance, his expression returning to its usual calm.

His secret remained intact.

The remaining passengers were escorted out, and the VIREX team secured the damaged train. Within minutes, emergency personnel had taken control of the station.

Outside, Jamie and Ethan hurried over as the twins emerged.

JAMIE 31Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsxo9mEGZKk

Are you both okay?

MIA 31Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYLSYZ2OUnB

We're fine. Everyone got out safely.

ETHAN 31Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaYoYoGzg3r

That was your first real emergency as Junior Agents, wasn't it?

Alex glanced at Mia.

ALEX 31Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWir7vSavrL

If this is what being a Junior Agent is like, I think we're going to need more interesting weekend plans.

MIA 31Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRdBuHSzCjE

You were just complaining about our plans being interrupted.

ALEX 31Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXcoPLGwDro

I can have complicated feelings.

Jamie laughed.

Kael joined them, careful to appear as though he had spent the entire incident waiting outside.

KAEL 31Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4L9oNFT0Q9

You two handled that well.

ALEX 31Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe3WtWN1Lue

Thanks. We still have a lot to learn.

MIA 31Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsxjR0lxkaB

And a lot of reports to write, apparently.

Alex groaned.

ALEX 31Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ19MnVTPtzj

You had to remind me?

A VIREX agent approached and confirmed that the twins were free to leave once they had submitted their initial incident notes. Jamie and Ethan decided to head toward the Science Center, and the twins agreed to meet them there after checking in with VIREX.

As they walked away from the station, Kael stayed beside Alex and Mia.

He had seen them react under pressure. Alex acted quickly, while Mia kept track of the people around her. Neither had hesitated when strangers needed help.

Those observations would be useful.

But he still didn't know what made their energy different from anything his father had encountered before.

And he intended to find out.

INT. VIREX HEADQUARTERS — GUEST ROOM — NIGHT

The guest room was quiet. City lights glimmered beyond the window.

Kael waited until the hallway outside had fallen silent before reaching beneath the lining of his bag. He removed a small alien device, its surface marked with a blue symbol.

He activated it.

A blue hologram flickered to life, revealing Zyron's imposing figure.

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ZYRON 31Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi41axtKfH1

Report.

Kael stood straight.

KAEL 31Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTAAOCqJTjG

I've reached VIREX. The twins believe I escaped from you, and they've started treating me like a friend.

ZYRON 31Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdwEevsfE66

And what have you learned about them?

KAEL 31Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡInsbPWaUip

I've seen them in action. They're developing their abilities, and VIREX is training them to use their powers.

Zyron's expression remained unreadable.

ZYRON 31Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCO8fR3eyqU

And their energy?

KAEL 31Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWBl2cyi3i7

I haven't learned enough yet.

ZYRON 31Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMbGtFrYkyO

Then earn their trust. Observe them closely. Learn everything you can.

KAEL 31Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPOI9T6L5R8

Understood.

ZYRON 31Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIZZFt6NUOJ

Do not disappoint me.

The hologram vanished.

Kael slipped the device back into hiding and turned toward the window.

Alex and Mia believed he was a frightened boy who had escaped a dangerous father. They had no idea he possessed powers of his own—or that he had deliberately placed himself in their lives.

He would keep his cover, remain close to the twins, and carry out his father's orders.

Whatever made their energy extraordinary, he would discover it.

88.181.249.5

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