Public Intervention
Sorry for the late update, guys. I sort of forgot about this story. I actually have a lot of chapters ready for you guys. Here you go!
Eager feet moved along sunny concrete ground. Loud chatter flew through Heatherfield's air as citizens and lawmakers alike moved for the TechCom Grand Stadium on the Northern side of Heatherfield.
Backed away from the tall skyscrapers, the new Heatherfield Football Stadium was home to their Football team. Going up twelve levels, it was entirely white with an off-white cover on the top, and a pattern of squares on the outer surface.
The Guardians flew over it and the crowds a few times with Melissa pinging, "Since when did Heatherfield get a football field?"
They quickly landed on the roof and looked over the edge at all the people heading into the entrances. Including a few enjoying pictures wearing more darker clothing. Like red and black. Hopping out of Chevrolet SUVs. Taranee hummed and said, "Government."
"Definitely," Cornelia agreed. Then turned to Hay next to her and asked, "So how do we get in? We can't exactly fly in."
"Easy." Hay-Lin stood up and lifted the Heart of Kandrakar, creating a portal leading onto another nearby rooftop that Irma could see. "We walk in. Follow my lead." Hay-Lin ran through the portal first and came out onto the roof of a restaurant, followed by the others. Instead of slowing her speed, she continued running towards the edge and jumped off.
Right onto the roof-access ladder for the building next to them. Loosening her grip, she slid down into the alley below and waited for the girls copying her movements. Then changed them all back into regular long haired citizens. Save for Melissa. She smoothened her hair back and asked, "Blend with the crowd?"
With eyes facing the entrance to the alley Hay-Lin confirmed, "Blend with the crowd." Then walked out into the sun and into the crowd of people heading towards the stadium. Software developers, fans of TechCom, GU LABS, and perhaps the ever so curious mind. The police were lining the street. Watching out for anyone doing anything suspicious. Like they were.
By the time they got inside, the sun was scorching hot. Taranee was honestly thankful for the skimpy clothes she was wearing. Melissa and Cornelia were wearing blue jeans and complaining about the heat while the others enjoyed the breeze. Once they were in, Hay-Lin pulled them over to the side next to an abandoned concession stand and pinged, "Now that we're in we need to cover our bases. Once Star, Sarah and Elyon come through, they'll need security away from whoever these guys are."
Taranee looked past Hay-Lin for the entrance to the Stadium and spotted part of the massive stage they were going to use to present these portals. "Are we covering the air?" She inquired.
"Melissa is. We need some up close and personal to the stage just in case.
They all faced the entrance while Melissa pinged, "When do we Guardian up?"
Hay-Lin waved her hand and led them towards the women's restroom a few feet away from their current position. Just a standard blue door with a steel covering at the bottom with the symbol of a stick figure female on the front. At the moment there was only two in there. A middle aged lady with her possibly five year old daughter. The bathroom was really big with nearly twelve stalls and shining floors. The sink had twelve pipes and one long bowl that led to a few of the pipes going into the ground, hidden from view by a basic steel cover.
Hay-Lin ignored all that and passed the women already in there for the very last stall. The Guardians decided just to wait and see the outcome, leaving the area in silence before the mother and daughter left. Leaving the Guardians alone.
After a bit of knocking around, Hay-Lin emerged from the stall with a arm-full off beige cloaks wearing a smile. "We're switching now in here," she stated. "Because if we don't, we won't have the chance."
Cornelia bit her lip and deadpanned, "So... In the bathroom."
Taranee nudged her and asked, "We've been in worse places, this is child's play."
Ignoring the banter, Hay-Lin dropped the clothes and pulled out the Heart of Kandrakar. She held it out and said casually, "Guardians, Unite."
A bright glow poured out from underneath their bathroom door and out into the fading halls for three seconds. Then dissipated. Next the door opened and six foot—nearly going on seven—women walked out wrapped up in beige cloaks holding expressions of nonchalance.
Hay-Lin was the first to move with the crowd of smaller humans for the entrance to the stadium. All parts of their bodies were hidden. Including their feet. The backs of their cloaks dragged the smooth ground. They kept silent among all the chatter, looking as innocent as they could at six feet.
"So what's the plan?" Melissa pinged.
The second they walked into the stadium, Hay-Lin replied, "I need Melissa by the stage. So cloak yourself and go ahead. Fly fast and quick. Try not to be seen. The rest of you in the air. We'll watch things from up there."
The stadium was surprisingly packed. The rising seats nearly full. In the center of the field was a large circular stage with a team of people in white coats checking out a steel structure. A steel ring with an equally as big base circling it. At the joints were large glowing purple tubes. Just like the same color they saw in the mall last night. They had way more of that stuff. Whatever that was definitely powered the machine. Hay-Lin made a note of that.
Large wires were connected to the sides of the vertical ring, snaking their way into the back of a setup on the side made of white computers. All at one station. A few of the white coats were click clacking away at them. But Hay-Lin wasn't focused on that.
She was focused on the one person wearing a business suit running up the steps in front of two more guys. He was white, maybe five foot ten from their current position, black short hair like Melissa's wearing something on his face. Probably glasses.
At the front of the gates keeping the people back from the sidelines were the representatives of the nations. No President, Kings or Queens, just sit ins. Literally sitting together at a long table wearing dress wear. Making conversation and passing the time.
The Guardians observed for a few moments before Hay-Lin pinged, "Let's split up. Guardians, move."
And just like that, they vanished in plain sight. One second they were there, the next they weren't. Four cloaked themselves and took to the sky while those behind them looked around for any sight of tall women. They'd never find them.
While they took to the sky, Melissa flew through the aisle and over the gating for the field. She breezed past the representatives and slowed to a running stop at the stage. To the inattentive eye, where she stood was nothing. But to the Guardians she was just a glowing person with wings. "I'm at the stage," she reported. "This thing is much bigger up close."
Above, Hay-Lin hovered directly above it and nodded to it. "It is," she agreed. She spotted movement at the corner of the stage. As well as on it. They were clearing it off and making moves for the chairs near it. "We're about to start. Keep your eyes open, girls."
The large displays at the top of the stadium turned on next, displaying the face of the host. The middle aged man with glasses smiling and walking around. Just like Hay-Lin thought. But she, just like the others had a bad gut feeling about him. And not because of that unibrow he was sporting.
When he popped up, the chatter calmed down before he spoke in a strange accent. "Good morning, everyone!" He boomed. "Thank you so much for coming to the first international demo of The GU Portals!" The crowd's cheering and clapping made the Guardians, specifically Melissa feel guilty about this. About what needed to be done. Going to Paris sounded nice. But it wasn't happening this way.
"I'm Doctor Samuel Matthews," he continued. He stopped next to the GU Portal and added, "Inventor of this machine and tool, which will be used to help get you where you need to, and want to go. Imagine going to see your family in the midst of a crisis. Going to Hong Kong for vacation. Saving money, time, and effort to appease your desires. Through simple science."
The displays at the top of the screen switched from him to a 3D animation of the portal. He raised his hand down to the huge pods of purple. "We call it Karmanatric Radiation. A form of harmless energy that breaks down molecules, shoots them through space at the speed of light, and rebuilds them through the computer built inside. An intelligent mind smarter than us."
Cornelia pinged, "Lies. I don't like this guy."
"None of us do," Taranee replied.
Matthews gestured to the International reps and greeted, "Good morning, reps. I hope you're excited today, because we definitely are. This technology will make your countries and transportation more safer. It's tamper-free and can only be accessed by a special key we create."
One of the white coats, a woman that looked exactly like a teenager with Cornelia-blonde hair raised a key to the air and inserted it into the computer desk beside the machine. A low hum resonated from it and reached the mic, growing in pitch. The pods containing the radiation started bubbling, warming up the machine. Doctor Matthews pointed to it and said, "Within two minutes, you can travel to your heart's content—"
"Of course with a fine," Melissa muttered from below.
"And you stay safe. This machine has been going through extensive testing."
Melissa pushed this man's voice out of her ears and focused on the main object of interest. The glowing purple dot growing in size in the middle of the ring. Just like he said, in two minutes, it was a pulsing swirling space of purple. A few pictures were taken from the stands.
Hay-Lin and Taranee looked at each other then back at the portal. Matthews walked towards the computer and said, "This machine connects to another by a pinging address. Similar to an internet address that... Uhh..."
Melissa smirked while the portal slowly glowed red. Looks like Star was right. It comes straight through Meridian before reaching anywhere else. Melissa heard the representative for the U.S. ask, "Is that supposed to happen?"
Matthews walked over to the computer the white coats were gathering around while the cameras from the news press zoomed in. Back home, Susan, Dean, Lillian and William were watching the feed with interest. William muttered, "I don't think that's normal."
A few people muttered in the crowd while Matthews whispered to the "teenager", "What is happening?"
Eyes on the screen, Patricia Simp shook her head and answered, "I'm not sure, sir. This has never happened before."
"Are we losing con—" Something black and fast zoomed out of the portal in a small storm of electricity, startling him and the rest of the stadium. All eyes followed the whistling thing while it whirled up and circled the stadium, blowing back hair and whatever else, causing a lot of muttering and ruckus. The cameras did a good job keeping up too.
"Where the Hay-Lin am I?" Starfire pinged. It made the girl mentioned groan at the pun.
"We're in a stadium," Melissa pinged. She too was watching Star circle back. "Fly my way."
"Already am."
The black dot zoomed straight for the Portal. Then zipped up and quickly slowed. Starfire dropped down directly on top of the steel structure with a loud clang. Then ironically, everything became silent when she rose. And raised her wings.
The representatives were quickly lifted up out of their chairs by their security before the doors shut somehow. Locking everyone in.
Everything turned haywire. But Matthews' assistant Patricia Simp was focused entirely on the winged woman standing on top of the red portal. She adjusted her round glasses and whispered with wide blue eyes, "An... Alien."
Starfire raised her hands and the lights in the building cut off. All except one. Directed right at the portal. That seemed to calm everyone down. Even the representatives were nudging away their escorts and silently watching Starfire in wonder.
She jumped off the portal and onto the stage. Then lifted her right hand to the computer. Those with GU LABS behind it ducked down at the same time Matthews' microphone flew out of his hand into hers. She tapped it and asked, "Is this thing on?" They heard her loud and clear. "Is my voice enhanced?... Can you hear me?"
Patricia was the only one who stood up and asked in a slow voice, "Hello! I am Patricia!" Star turned her whole armored body to face her while Patricia slowly walked out of her place into full sight. Of course shivering in fear.
"Who's this?" Star asked.
Melissa walked to Star from behind and whispered in her ear, "No idea. But she's with GU."
Star nodded to Patricia and replied, "I... Am Starfire."
One of the representatives far away asked one of those next to him, "Is this seriously happening?"
Patricia said, "Hello, Starfire. Are you... Lost?"
"No. I come delivering a message to humans. For the creator of the portals that have been popping up around my home?" All eyes turned to Matthews who slowly rose and revealed himself fearfully. Star scanned and identified him as the same guy whose face she's seen in Northton. She really wanted to know what he was doing here, but first she had to get everything in a straight line.
The portal behind Starfire flashed before Patricia's eyes then the most beautiful person she's ever seen walked through. On the back of a white horse.
Queen Elyon walked out onto the stage with Sarah showing glowing green ears and eyes in the darkness. Just for safety, Starfire created a blockade of air around the both of them. Elyon observed the stadium full of people for a moment. Next asked, "Are we in Heatherfield?"
"Not sure, but we're where we need to be. So let's just do this." Star handed her the mic then grabbed the horse's reins.
Elyon elegantly floated off like a white angel. Then landed on the stage barefoot under her dress. She held the mic up to her mouth and cleared her throat. "Good morning, citizens of Earth. My name is Queen Elyon, ruler of Meridian. And this is my daughter."
"Great work, you guys are making global news," Taranee pinged. She was standing behind the news line in the back watching them make phone calls, taking pictures, and a bunch of other stuff she didn't care about.
"As you may have noticed, your doors have been shut and locked, ceasing any escape passages because we have to talk," Elyon added. She floated around Star and over to Patricia who immediately raised her hands surrendering. Elyon just ignored it and stated, "I am going to cut straight through to the seed. The maker of these portals must cease all operations in the name of Kandrakar, overseers of the veil."
Patricia slowly shook her head and stammered, "I-I'm afraid I have no idea what you're talking about."
Elyon pointed to the portal behind her and asked, "This portal? There are more of them, no?" Patricia nodded. "Stop making them. You do not have authorization to open them."
That slightly irked Matthews. Authorization? What authorization? He walked around the computer smoothening his sports jacket with his eyes on Elyon. "Authorization?" He repeated.
Elyon focused on him next and answered, "Because of these portals, you are weakening the only thing protecting you. For money. Humans are blind and cannot see the true reality of their safety. Of course Kandrakar keeps it from you, but the fact still remains: You are playing an extremely dangerous game."
He stopped an impressive feet away. Mainly because of that glaring glowing red eye of Starfire hiding in the darkness above the portal. Trained on him. He asked, "What are you talking about?"
"Each time you create a portal, the veil becomes weaker. Mainly because you do not close it. The veil is what keeps you and your kind safe. Without it, all of you will die a very fiery death."
"Are you ordering us to cease making GU Portals?"
"Cease and burn, yes." Elyon let the mic go and hover so she could turn around and gesture to it. "This portal is unclean and forced. And illegal. Those of Earth are not allowed to open portals. Because for one you do not understand them."
Sarah hopped off her horse and followed after Elyon across the stage receiving global attention. Matthews adjusted his glasses and asked, "Will you help us understand them?"
"No. Humans misuse what they learn. I have seen it happen many times."
Matthews shook his head and replied, "I'm sorry Queen Elyon but we have worked really hard on this technology for years. We cannot simply shut it down."
Elyon raised an eyebrow and asked, "So you'd rather we shut it down then. This technology—"
"Is illegal, I heard you. Look, is there someway we can come to an agreement on this? Anything? We've worked really hard on this."
"The answer is no. Starfire?" Star dipped her hand under her into the portal. Then pushed lightning inside. The portal pulsed before it immediately shrunk and disappeared into her hand. The humming cutoff and their computers shut down.
"Take out those purple cylinders as well."
Star motioned down to Sarah who unsheathed her sword. Matthews shook his head and suggested, "I wouldn't do that. That glass is—" Sarah swung the sword down and cut straight into the cylinder. "Tamper... Proof."
Elyon turned back to him with a straight face and assessed him. He wasn't valuable. But he was familiar. Just like Starfire said. So she raised her hand and moved it to the side slowly, pushing him out of the way by an unseen force. Whether this stadium was listening or not, everyone was quiet. They were innocent followers.
She looked back to Matthews and said, "Here's the contract. Here's your deal. You have seven cycles to shut down the portals. Or... Some specialists will gladly do it for you in a timely manner. Albeit more violent. There will be no use hiding them either, they will be found."
Matthews, still floating raised his hands and bellowed, "That's not enough time! Nor is it fair—"
"Watch your tone!" Starfire yelled.
Elyon looked back to her then back to Matthews. "I'd watch it if I were you. We do not mean any harm, but... Starfire isn't your friend. And she's not really nice to begin with. You have six cycles to shut down the portals."
Matthews quickly recalled, "I thought it was seven."
"Now it's five. Continue speaking and I will make it four. And... Since I feel you humans at least deserve an explanation, a representative will meet with your own tomorrow. Here."
Matthews slowly floated back onto the stage while Elyon turned back around and professionally walked back to Starfire.
Matthews already didn't like her. But he didn't dare make that known because of her obvious security. Not to mention he was curious. He asked, "So are they coming in a UFO, or slipping through a portal?"
Elyon stopped and smirked over her shoulder. "They are already here. And have been watching in this same room. Five days, inventor."
"Opening a portal." Hay-Lin raised the Heart up from above and created a portal in front of Starfire. Once Elyon mounted her horse, she walked through the portal with Sarah, leaving Starfire.
Once the portal was closed, Starfire turned her eye to the national representatives standing behind their lines of gun holders. Then to the teenage scientist. She nodded to her and declared, "We speak to her. And only her. Meet our representatives here tomorrow, child."
Patricia actually wanted to tell her that she was over thirty, but decided to not piss off the alien with wings and red eyes. Or eye. But she did ask, "Do I need to take notes?"
"Yes. Have a good cycle." Starfire sliced open a rift and zipped through before she could respond. Then the lights turned back on and brightened up the stadium.
"Let's go, girls." Out of sight and definitely out of mind, Hay-Lin created a portal at the top of the stadium and zipped through with the other girls. Then it closed, leaving the chaos to them.
~TLO~
Starfire was sure Heatherfield, let alone the world was about to go haywire. She wanted to see the fireworks. So she and the Guardians met up at the one place they knew would always be their headquarters here. The Silver Dragon. Or what it is now. Some stupid fast food joint. Since everyone was focused on a screen of some sort, they landed foot in the street, quickly transformed into regular women and walked towards the McDonald's here.
The Lin family probably gave up the Silver Dragon when Hay-Lin disappeared. But that wasn't what was on her mind right now. Before Star entered the restaurant Hay-Lin asked, "She's a buy-in?"
Star grabbed the handle and looked over her shoulder. "Potential," she answered. Then pulled it open and stepped into grease, meat, and noisy people.
Just as planned, all attention were on "the aliens." People talking about things they'd never understand. All of this was out in the world right now. Out of all the booths, a small amount were filled since everyone was focused more on the many television screens. Playing back Star's arrival. The Guardians didn't take a booth. They took a table with six chairs near the very back.
Star sat next to Melissa and smiled. "Good morning, handsome."
"Morning, gorgeous. Give me a kiss before you head out, okay?"
"Of course." Star kissed Melissa then focused back on the moment. "The girl is smart, she'll see reason."
Hay-Lin sighed deeply and leaned back with crossed arms. "You know we're all experienced in conducting buy-ins for deeper missions."
"I know. Which is why Starfire isn't going alone." Will motioned to Irma and ordered, "You're with me. And before you ask, you're the only one here dressed in regular clothing that appeases people."
Irma looked down at herself. A pair of yellow Converse's, blue jeans, and a sheer yellow button up. She looked back up to Star and said, "But these were mom's. And that's not a good excuse."
Will grabbed the single ketchup bottle sitting in the middle of the table to look over and said, "Fine. The girl reminds me of myself when I was younger. Easily manipulated from a stray path into a better world. And who did I truly seek comfort in when I was younger?"
Irma rolled her eyes and sighed before Will added, "Not to mention you're more appeasing than all of us, and is now the funny one since... You know. Hay-Lin lost her touch. Then you introduced me to the girls and we've been... Sort of tight ever since."
"Not counting—"
"Nope. So since Irma is super casual,
she's doing the work. I'll be providing escort services. So far as they know, she's an alien."
Hay-Lin looked out a nearby window to a police car speeding by and asked, "What if they don't buy it?"
"Then she can shoot water in their faces, whatever gets lonely girl's rocks off. I'll be hiding in the background watching."
Cornelia leaned in and whispered, "You know the CIA's going to be there, right? And maybe even the FBI."
Hay-Lin tilted her head to Cornelia and said, "She's right. This is a huge deal, it'd be pathetic if they didn't do anything about meeting an 'alien.'"
"We've dealt with worse. I just realized something though." Will looked around for any listening ears. Then leaned in and whispered, "Elyon didn't clarify what time to meet."
Cornelia waved her worries away with her hand and stated, "More than likely the same time tomorrow morning. These guys aren't that stupid. A day is twenty four hours. Same time tomorrow. And are you sure about being in the background Star? I mean you are the strongest out of all of us. If something goes boom, it's best if you're there to contain it."
Star shrugged and coalesced, "Yeah I suppose. But it's better if Irma has her goofy peaceful side present. It shouldn't pop if she's all goofy."
"Yes but this is also a serious meeting," Hay-Lin argued. "So having someone serious on our side is also a good idea."
Will admitted to herself that they were right. Being serious was real here. Besides, the CIA or FBI were definitely going to be there. They weren't going to follow the Queen's orders. They were going to bring an army of people. Star coalesced and groaned, "Okay, fine. I'll be there with her. This Matthews guy better not say anything though. Speaking of him... I pinpointed where I've seen him before. Northton."
Hay-Lin raised her hand and backpedaled, "Whoa, wait. But you've only been in there once if my memory serves me correctly."
"Yeah, but I saw his face in there somewhere. He's from Metamoor."
Taranee broke her silence by muttering, "So... What's he doing here?" None of them had a good answer. But they did know one thing.
Star pointed to the Guardians and said, "You all need to watch him while we do some research into him, and his company. If he's from Metamoor, then he has no business being here."
Hay-Lin nodded and replied, "I agree. So here's the plan. Tomorrow, Star and Irma will meet up with the girl tomorrow. The rest of us will research GU LABS and their owner. Until then... Relax. Spend time to yourselves."
"Great." Melissa grabbed Star's hand and stood up with her. "Keep in touch."
When they turned around Taranee called, "Wait, where are you guys going?"
Star sighed and answered, "I still have to talk to mom."
Hay-Lin muttered, "You haven't done it yet?"
"I barely had any time. Let's go, sweetness." Will pulled Melissa along and out the door, leaving them behind.
Hay-Lin sighed and stood up too. "She actually has the right idea. Besides..." She grabbed Taranee's hand and smiled down to her. "You and I have some... Business to tend to."
Cornelia rolled her eyes and deadpanned, "Don't you mean, 'Taranee and I have to go have sex?' We're adults, not kids anymore."
"Yeah, but we're also in public. What Taranee is wearing is for my eyes only. I don't want them lusting after my girl. Let's go babe." Taranee giggled and followed after Hay-Lin. They would more than likely be on Meridian the second they walked out that door. Right there in that bedroom.
Cornelia groaned and dropped her face on the table. "Out of all of us," she groaned. "I honestly thought Will would be the kinky one. Turns out... It's Taranee."
Irma snickered and sighed. "Seriously though? Our sex drive is sad. I haven't... Ever been laid yet."
That was news. Cornelia sat up and brushed her golden hair back. Then grinned at Irma. "You haven't had sex before?"
"Nope. After what happened to Taranee... I sort of turned off and focused on work."
"Oh... Right. Think her parents know?"
Irma shook her head and eyed the television in the corner. There was a freeze frame image of Starfire. Thankfully they couldn't see her face. Leaving her a mystery. But they definitely got Elyon and Sarah. Sarah's ears were a neon red. She was angry.
"Hey Irma." Irma looked back to Cornelia. She was leaning on her elbow smirking her way. "We have some admirers."
"Stop teasing me."
"No, seriously." She gestured with her eyes towards the cash register. That same guy Will turned down was eyeing them secretly with two of his friends. Wearing more casual clothes. Whispering to each other.
Irma glanced to them and shook her head. "They're obviously in school. We dropped out fifteen years ago with no diplomas to prove it."
"Yeah he looks like a... A football player anyway. So about tomorrow..."
Irma grinned and said, "Oh it's going to be fun. Wish you could watch."
"Why just I, little fly?" Cornelia stood up with Irma prepared to leave.
"So you can learn from the pro."
"You must mean Star." They started the trek back to the door past the three guys watching them. "You're no professional. I have way more arrests."
"Do not."
"Do too."