The Horizon Strangers

The Arrival

JOSH POV

I watched as they made their arrival.

Finally, everything I've worked for over the past few years is coming to fruition. The ships, vast and unearthly, cast their shadows across the sky, signaling the end of human dominance on this planet. It's time my people live in a place that holds so much potential, brimming with the natural resources we need. 

The humans have squandered these resources for far too long. They hate each other, kill each other, and care only about themselves. They don't deserve this planet.

But why do I feel this ache in my chest? 

This uneasy feeling creeping through me?

It's her. Samantha.

Everything changed when I met her. There's something about that red-haired girl that pulls me toward her in a way I can't explain. She's different, and it's not just because she's human. It's like she has a spark, something that I've never encountered in any of the others.

My Virelian device vibrated, pulling me from my thoughts. 

I placed it against my ear, listening to the voice speaking in Veranith, the Virelian tongue.

"Ahn, sor'el reh'vaen. T'kaar lohn fasee d'rahn iith. Ahn, sor'el. Rii'tel."
Yes, everything is set, sir. Phase 2 is in place for us to take over. Yes, sir. Thank you.

I pocketed the device and let my gaze drift back to the office building where I had spent years ingratiating myself with these people, pretending to be one of them. All of that is over now.

I motioned to my driver to start the car.

 Before stepping in, I took one last look at the building, the place where I'd worked alongside Nikki, built relationships, even found parts of myself I didn't know existed. 

But that life is done. What's left is my duty, my mission.

I got into the car and drove off to meet my commander, General Zevran Arctaris.

As we sped through the streets.

The invasion was set, and nothing could stop it now

Zevran POV

I stood at the command deck of our flagship, gazing down at the chaotic scene below. The humans scrambled in panic, as they always did in the face of the unknown. 

Fear had already gripped their hearts, spreading like wildfire. Cities across the world lay in disarray, people fleeing without direction, unaware that they were merely delaying the inevitable.

Our ships hovered above every continent,  each waiting for my command. 

Everything was set. 

The invasion could be over in hours if I wished it. 

Earth, a vibrant and resource-rich planet, would soon be ours. My people would survive. 

But at what cost?

The Elders, with their ancient wisdom, advised caution. They wanted us to give the humans a chance to communicate, to prevent unnecessary bloodshed. I understood their logic: fewer casualties on both sides would make the transition smoother, and the humans, in their primitive way, might prove more cooperative if they were given an illusion of choice.

But it was a weak stance. 

They didn't deserve this mercy.

"General Zevran," a voice behind me interrupted my thoughts. I turned to see one of my officers, his eyes wide with anticipation.