Investigation (Book 1 Of: Interstellar Passions)

The First Discovery

As they closed in on the object, the landscape shifted from chaos to a close-up discovery. The triangular metallic surface shimmered unnaturally in the waning light, reflecting colors that seemed to pulsate with energy. It had an intricate array of symbols etched into its exterior, deeply embedded in the metal as if the craft had originated from an alien civilization. Theo leaned closer, mesmerized by the wonders displayed before him.

"Look at that!" Ethan murmured, crouching next to an especially intricate pattern. "Do you think it's some kind of writing?"

"It must be a form of communication," Lily said, her tone authoritative. "If only we had more time to analyze it without fear of being interrupted."

"We could use a spectral scanner to analyze the molecular structure," Ethan suggested, grabbing for his phone to pull up an app. His fervor was palpable; his excitement overflowed like a kaleidoscope.

Theo swallowed hard. "What if taking samples is a bad idea? We should be careful—I mean, what if we trigger something?"

As if in response, the craft emitted a deep, resonating hum that seemed to reverberate through their very bones. The sound was foreign yet oddly beautiful, like a voice calling from across galaxies, echoing secrets long forgotten. The air crackled with energy, heightening their senses and causing their hearts to race.

"Everybody, get back!" called out Mrs. Hill as she realized the phenomenon growing larger. The people surrounding them began to step away reluctantly, overpowered by a primal instinct to distance themselves from potential danger.

Theo glanced at Lily, who was already capturing data with her tablet. "Please tell me you're logging all of this! This isn't just a science fair project anymore."

"I'm logging everything," she said, her fingers flying over the screen. "Every shift in the electromagnetic field. We might be witnessing history."

The crowds filtered back, creating a bubble around the metal structure. In that liminal space, as the air thickened with tension, a new resolve washed over Theo. They had labeled themselves three misfits within the social hierarchy of high school; they needed each other now more than ever.

"We truly risk losing our chance if we don't act," Theo proposed, feeling oddly empowered. "We could go back to school and tell everyone what we found—or we could try to figure out how to communicate with it ourselves."

"How would we do that?" Ethan asked, scratching his head.

"Let's analyze the frequencies," Lily suggested. "If there's communication happening, we need to transform our understanding of this into something tangible."

As they huddled closer to the craft, the colors danced and swirled, and the atmosphere vibrated with anticipation. The three began brainstorming potential messages they could send to the craft, their former reluctance about working together dissolving like sugar in water.

"I'll send a pulse," Ethan volunteered, heart pounding against his ribs.

Then, just as they democratized enthusiasm and formed an intellectual alliance, a loud metallic clang pierced through the night, startling them. The craft began to respond, its pulsing light intensifying, illuminating the surrounding trees in unworldly colors.

"Let's move!" echoed the warning as the figures started to emerge from the forest—the figures of dark silhouettes with flashlights shining through the branches, creeping toward the group like shadows from an unfolding horror movie.