InvaSUn

15

"Anyone want to explain what the bloody world just happened?" Lieutenant Williams crossed his arms. After the attack, the Lieutenant wanted us to all go back to the tent with our items to have a discussion. Tillie opened her mouth but her father raised his hand at glared at her. "I'll get to you later."

"Where do you want us to start?" James say in one of the chairs causally and crossed his legs.

"First of all, why did you leave this tent? I commanded for you all to stay inside."

"You really think I was going to stay here and get killed by those things?" James chuckled. "If you had to confirm my identity you should know that I have a family I'm trying to get back to. I'm not risking my life for anyone."

His words tickled me a bit. Just a moment ago he was out there protecting me. If that's not risking his life, I didn't know what was.

"We would've kept you all safe." Lieutenant Williams argued back.

"You saw what happened. I told you not to use your weapons and you didn't listen. How exactly were you planning on keeping us safe when your plan backfired?"

"Men, settle down." Tillie raised her hands. "Dad, go ahead and ask them about their powers."

"Oh yeah." Lieutenant glared at James. "Tell me about that. All of you explain."

"I really wish I could understand how we ended up with our abilities too, bub." James looked at me. "There was an earthquake, and then a meteor crashed into where I was working, she was there too. And I learned I could do this." James flexed his arm and voltage spikes ran down it.

"I met them a few days ago and I also discovered that I was able to manipulate what's underground." Aiden stared at his hands. "But uh.. I don't think I should use my ability in here." He stared down awkwardly. "I don't know how it happened though."

"What about you?" Lieutenant Williams pointed at me. I felt put on the spot. Now everyone was looking at me.

"I heal wounds." I stuttered. "And I can't control it, but sometimes I can shield others from an attack."

"Amazing.." Lieutenant Williams folded his arms and looked into space. He was in deep thought.

James leaned forward and held a smirk on his face.

"Aren't you shocked or surprised?"

"Not really. After seeing those aliens, nothing really surprises me anymore." The Lieutenant cleared his throat. "Back to business. We were going to let you continue getting to wherever you were going... but now we're pretty backed up because of the attack. Before we release you, you'll have to stay a few days."

"What?" James sneered and jumped out of the chair. "No! We have to leave now! I'm not waiting here for those things to attack again!"

"Relax, those things won't be back for another day or two." Tillie chimed confidently. Her words seemed to have struck a chord in James because he was glaring at her like he wanted her to light on fire. "I am able to keep them away ever since I found out that onions cause a chemical reaction when it comes into contact with their skin. But my father thinks it's baloney and insists that we use military weapons."

James relaxed immediately and blinked at her. "That's.. incredible." He said. Aiden and I glanced at each other in surprise. Did he just... compliment her? Oh my gosh, I think he did. "How did you find out?"

"I caught one." Tillie shrugged. "Research for the good of humans requires some tests. It's a scientist's job."

"Finally someone useful!" James applauded her. "Have you found out how to kill them?"