Chapter 2: Earth

John Egbert didn't think much of the dozens of lights in the sky. For almost a year now the alien ship had remained in orbit, and life had almost returned to normal. Well, as much as it could. John's dad had married Rose's mom a year ago, only a few days before the ship arrived. It was hard getting used to living with Rose in the wilderness, but fortunately John had plenty of distractions.

One of these was Dave. Dave and his brother had joined them a month ago, after their city was unfortunate enough to be evacuated after an alien ship had crashed there. John supposed he was lucky- after so many years, he finally got to meet his friends. Well, except for Jade of course.

Currently, the three were engaged in either watching or, in Dave's case, carefully ignoring the news. The United Nations was voting on the Alternians' request for permission to land and settle on the Earth tonight. The world was divided on this issue. The Alternians' were refugees, fleeing an unknowncatastrophe. Nobody wanted to turn them away, but the Human race barely had enough room on their own planet as it was. Although people had said it was just one ship, the newly-formed United Nations Space Command had discovered additional transports that were en route to Earth. The problem now was whether or not they could justify relocating millions of people to support the new arrivals.

At this point, the television cut out. John groaned. Even with all of the Lalonde's fancy technology, it appears they couldn't keep a signal going.

"Well, I guess we won't know what happened until tomorrow" he sighed.

"Unless, you know, we were to do something crazy, like google it." Dave's sarcastic drawl wasn't enough to frustrate John. So far as the others knew, nothing frustrated John.

"They're going to vote yes." Rose put down her knitting to join the conversation. "The UN can't afford to let this opportunity pass. Alternian technology is too valuable to pass over."

Nobody bothered arguing. Rose knew what she was talking about.

"Well, I'm bored now" muttered John. "I'm going to go to bed".

Dave's facial expression didn't change, but John could tell he was amused. "It's only 10:00. What are you, 13 years old?"

John couldn't help but let out a tiny chuckle. John had no resistance to humour, however unfunny. Dave, on the otherhand was thoroughly stoic.

"Well, go to bed then. We'll find some way to amuse ourselves."

John sluggishly ascended the stairs to his room. It wasn't anything like his old room, but he managed to feel at home here. Some idiot mover had drawn all over his movie posters, but he'd gotten himself some new ones. He lay down in his bed and, after a long while, slept.

He woke up at 6:00 am. The kids were all homeschooled here; the nearest school was simply too far away. This of course meant that everyone was sleeping in. With the exception of mom, who was either working late in the lab or hungover. John hadn't know someone could drink that much without passing out.

He shuffled to the kitchen, and to his credit only tripped once. A box of cereal was on the table. John groaned inwardly to himself. Until his dad came back, Rose's mom or Dave's brother were taking care of them. Rose's mom tried, but she didn't seem to get the concept of child care. Bro on the other hand simply let the kids do everything for themselves. Small wonder Rose and Dave were so self-reliant.

After he'd had a bowl, John stumbled back to his room and logged in to his computer. Dave was probably still unconscious, and Rose wouldn't leave her room unless someone forced her to anyway. John sighed. Despite living with more people then he'd ever, he still had to find his own entertainment.

The civilian internet was down. John didn't think much of this. There was probably some trouble with the sattelite. This happened from time to time. Rather then try to fix it, he logged into the Military network. Rose's mom was allowed to access it for her work. If the people in charge of it ever found out how lax she was with security, they'd probably take the connection away.

Before he could enter the regular net, a message popped up on his screen. This had never happened to him before. Typically the military just emailed it's personnel. He sat there for a couple minutes, wondering if he should open it. There wasn't even an encryption. It was almost as if they wanted everyone to read it...

He opened the message.

To: All Personnel

Subject: DEFCON 5

Security Level: None

All available personnel within the continental United States are to report to their respective superiors for active duty. All reserves are to become active. All units should prepare for combat. High Command will assign duties as rapidly as it can.

As of 2300 West Coast Time, all non-landline or non-radio communications have ceased. Evidence suggests that the majority of satellites have ceased function, with the exception of [REDACTED]. No declaration of war has been received. No launches from the planet were detected from nations capable of targeting orbital objects. We can only conclude that the strikes originated from outside our atmosphere. Telescopic observance have reported that unknown objects fired upon the International Space Station.

The only conclusion is that the Alternian fleet approaching Earth has hostile intentions. Martial law is henceforth in effect. All civil liberties are indefinitely suspended. Await further orders.

John quickly scanned the message. Then, slower this time, he read it again.

He could scarcely believe it. War. What was he supposed to do? What in god's name was he supposed to do?

And where was his dad? Had the landings already begun? He was only supposed to be a day away. Would he make it back?

He didn't even notice Rose entering the room. That wasn't unusual. It was eerie, how quiet she walked.

"So, you've read this message?"

"Y-yeah."

John gulped. He wasn't sure how to handle this. Then he noticed that Rose, of all people, was visibly shaken. This wasn't how a good brother handled things. He put on his bravest face and gave her a weak smile.

"Everything will be alright Rose." Rose didn't buy it. "And you know this because?" John had no answer to that. "Is Dave awake yet?" Rose shook her head. "He's still asleep. I tried waking him, but he sleeps like a rock." John grinned, genuinely this time. Dave did sleep like a rock. He wasn't going anywhere. You could bounce a quarter off Dave and he probably wouldn't even notice.

"Rose, do you know where you mom is?"

"She didn't come back from the laboratory last night. She sleeps down there sometimes. When there's something she needs to work on."

John was glad about that. One person they couldn't locate was bad enough. His earlier panic had faded by now into a dull worry. His dad would be fine.

That's when he remembered that his dad wasn't the only person out there he cared about. None of them had heard from Jade in a few days. Not that that was unusual- knowing her, she probably just forgot to check Pesterchum. Still, it might be best to check up on her. Did they even know what was going on?Probably, now that he thinks about it. Her grandfather operated an observatory on their island; the old man would hopefully have spotted whatever it was that happen in orbit last night.

Then there's a thunderous knock on the door, and John forgets all about that.