As Earths technology becomes more sophisticated, we’re having a harder time concealing our visits. Finding test subjects and pets isn’t difficult once we reach the planet. There’s just so many humans, really we’re doing them a favor. But even our planet-based allies are having trouble redirecting satellite feeds, and the less said about all the cameras in the more developed areas of the planet the better. I will say one good thing has come from the growth of their technology: tapping into their satellites has shown evidence that we aren’t the only ones visiting.
-Report from Captain Yi’thi, Cirventis 265, Day Cycle 509
“Today, on News at 11 in Alexandria, the search continues for Alexandria University student Maggie Kaye who was taken from her home on Leonardo Avenue last night.” All eyes were on the TV, the cafe oddly quiet as the news report ran. It was a small town, and even if they hadn’t talked to Maggie personally, everyone knew who she was. Becca paused in scrubbing the latest in a series of cookie sheets to stare at the news, her eyes red rimmed. Electra had been out of course, talking to the police.
Officer Richard had forced Ross to take some time off to rest, especially after his crazy report of the flying RV. But rather than go home, Ross had come to the cafe, slumped over a cup of coffee staring at the news like everyone else. Becca didn’t mind, she felt safer with him here.
“Officers are being aided by state authorities in their search, and a vigil has been set by the local Catholic church for this Sunday, praying for her safe return. Authorities ask residents to be on the lookout for a man about 6’4 with brown hair, driving a silver RV with no plates.”
“That thing wasn’t an RV.” Ross muttered under his breath, taking a drink of his coffee. “There was no way that thing was an RV. RVs don’t fly.”
Becca looked at Ross, frowning. He had been like this since the evening Maggie disappeared. Doc Zimmerman had insisted he wasn’t under the influence of anything, and that he just needed rest. But Becca wasn’t quite sure. She didn’t think her brother was crazy, but flying RVs? What had he really seen?
The bell above the door chimed, and the majority of eyes turned to the stranger that stepped in. Even Ross turned, looking over the man that looked like a government spook: scrawny, white, black suit and tie. The guy might as well have just stepped out of a TV show. Ross downed the rest of his coffee and set the cup down hard on the counter.
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“Welcome to The Study Hall.” Becca forced the greeting out, although she really didn’t care. This was a bad time to visit their little town. “What can I get for you?”
The man moved through the small crowd, completely ignoring Becca’s question to focus on Ross. He pulled a badge from his pocket, holding it out for Ross’s inspection. “Are you Officer Ross?”
Ross looked up at the agent from his sitting position, lounging back on the counter. “I am. How can I help you?” Becca recognized that tone of voice. This was not going to go well for the agent.
“I’m Agent Avist with the Department of Homeland Security. I have a few questions regarding your report on the incident last night. Come with me please.” The agent slid his badge back into his pocket, dark sunglasses reflecting the light of the bakery display behind Ross.
“I can answer your questions here. I saw an RV that was unfamiliar, had no tags, and was headed out of town. This was right after I got a call that my sisters friend had been kidnapped, so I pursued it. Then it took off into the sky.” Ross said bluntly.
Becca winced. If Ross kept spouting that nonsense he was going to torpedo his career and probably get admitted to a psych ward. She picked up his empty cup. “You’ll have to excuse my brother, he hasn’t gotten much sleep lately.”
“Understandable.” Agent Avist said, his voice bland. “I understand this is a stressful time for you all. Did you see the person who was piloting this RV?”
“No. But I would bet it was the one that kidnapped Maggie. Tall. Brown hair. Bomber jacket. Unless you want to add to that description?”
“Did you see where the RV came from?” The Agent persisted. He pulled out a notebook, but didn’t write anything down. It was like watching a crummy actor.
“Leonardo Avenue, where Maggie’s house is. This is all in my report. How are you going to help us find Maggie?” Ross leaned forward, jabbing a finger at the man. “Or are you just here to poke around and bother the good people of this town?”
Agent Avist looked down at his finger. “Remove your finger.”
“Answer the question. Do you know anything about that RV? About the person that took Maggie?” Ross stood up to his full height, towering over the smaller man. The people in the cafe had focused their attention on Ross and the agent.
“I believe it is time for me to go.” Agent Avist said, taking a step back. “I do not need to answer your questions.”
“I disagree. Lets take a trip down to the station and see if you’ll answer questions there instead.” Ross set a hand on Agent Avist’s shoulder. “You wanted some privacy, didn’t you? Lets go.”
The agent hesitated only a moment. But then nodded and allowed Ross to guide him out. Becca watched them leave with a frown. Something didn’t sit right with her about how easily the Agent had gone. But her brother was a tough guy, he’d be fine.
Wouldn’t he?