1978 San Diego, California
Tommy Mitchell trailed a few steps behind his older brother, Jimmy, and Jimmy's best friend, Darren, on the way to school. The morning sun was already bright, bouncing off windshields and making him squint. It wasn't even eight o'clock yet, but the heat was creeping in, warm on his arms and making his shirt cling to his back. He stuck close to them, the soles of his sneakers scuffing the sidewalk with every step. He didn't want to fall behind—not because he couldn't keep up, but because he didn't want to miss a single word of what they were talking about.
"Man, when Superman caught that helicopter—did you see that?" Darren threw his arms in the air, pretending to grab something heavy. "He just held it up like it didn't weigh a thing! That was so cool!"
Jimmy grinned, picking up his pace like he couldn't contain his excitement. "Yeah, but the part where he flew around the world to save Lois? That was the best! He went so fast he turned back time! How is that even possible?"
"Because he's Superman," Darren shot back, shaking his head like it was the most obvious thing ever. "He can do anything. But I don't get why he didn't just waste Lex Luthor. The guy was gonna blow up California! Like, us! Superman could've just—pow!—punched his head clean off."
Jimmy stopped short, spinning around to glare at Darren like he'd lost his mind. "What! Superman would never do that. He's not a killer. That's the whole point! He's, like, the goodest guy ever."
Darren shrugged, kicking a rock down the sidewalk. "I dunno. Feels like it would've saved him a lot of trouble."
Tommy followed their every word, his wide eyes darting between Jimmy and Darren like he was watching a tennis match. He wanted to jump in, to tell Jimmy how cool he thought Superman was too, but he knew better. Jimmy was still mad at him for breaking his X-Wing last night, so he stayed quiet, letting the older boys continue to talk like he wasn't even there.
His steps slowed as their voices faded into the background, his thoughts drifting. The sky above stretched out forever, a bright, perfect blue, with just a few clouds that looked like they'd been drawn in art class. Tommy tilted his head back, squinting against the sunlight, and wondered: What if Superman was real? What if, right now, he was up there, flying over the rooftops, watching over everyone?
In Tommy's mind, he could see him perfectly. His red cape billowing like a flag in the wind, his shiny blue suit gleaming in the sun. Superman's face wasn't just stern like most adults—it was kind too, like someone who'd make sure everything was going to be okay. Tommy imagined him zooming through the sky faster than a speeding bullet, the wind whooshing so hard it could knock your hat off or shake all the leaves from a tree. Or maybe he wasn't flying; maybe he was hovering up there, listening. Superman probably had super-hearing, didn't he? He'd be deciding where to go next—a fire to put out, a car hanging from the edge of a bridge, or a train speeding out of control.
A smile crept onto Tommy's face. What if I knew Superman? He could picture it so clearly. Superman would land in front of him with that easy smile and say, "Need a lift?" Then, just like that, they'd be flying—soaring over the streets, above the school buses and houses, with people pointing up at them in awe.
And when they landed at school, Superman would set him down in front of everyone, and his classmates would all gasp. Jimmy would be speechless for once. Even Darren wouldn't have a comeback. "See ya later, Tommy," Superman would say, giving a little salute before shooting back up into the sky, his cape trailing behind him. And he'd just stand there, trying not to grin too much while everyone stared at him in wonder...
"Tommy! Tommy! Hurry up, will you!" Jimmy's voice jolted him back to reality.
Tommy blinked, turning toward his brother's voice. Jimmy and Darren had stopped several houses ahead, both staring at him. Jimmy's arms were crossed tight, frustration etched on his face, while Darren wore that smirk—the one that always made Tommy want to kick him in the shin.
"You're gonna make us late!" Jimmy shouted.
Tommy's face burned as he stumbled over his words. "I'm coming!" he yelled, breaking into a run. His backpack bounced awkwardly against his shoulders as he hurried to catch up.
By the time he reached them, Darren was already snickering. "What were you doing, weirdo? You were just standing there staring at the sky like some spaz?"
Tommy didn't answer. He kept his eyes on the ground, pretending Darren's teasing didn't bother him, even though it made his stomach feel icky.
Jimmy sighed loudly, shaking his head. "Come on, let's just go," he muttered, turning back toward the school.
As they started walking again, Tommy lagged a step behind, his thoughts drifting back to the sky. He couldn't help himself; he glanced up one more time, his chest tightening with a flicker of hope.
If only it were real...
Chapter 94: Words of Warning
The President sat motionless, listening. Starshield's gaze remained fixed on the coffee table between them, her words precise, deliberate. Yet beneath the smooth cadence of her voice, he felt it—a slow-rising current, steady at first but gaining force with every syllable.
"When they moved to restrain me, I fought back."
She lifted her eyes, locking onto his. He heard the words, but there was a disconnect, as if his mind refused to fully grasp them.
"I slaughtered them all."
His chest tightened. There was something different in her voice now—something darker.
"Every last one of them."
Starshield... she... she…
Thomas Mitchell felt his heartbeat hammering in his chest, a heavy, deliberate thump against his ribcage. He willed himself to keep his face neutral, to maintain the practiced composure that had served him in war rooms and diplomatic crises. But nothing—nothing—had prepared him for this.
It wasn't the fact that he was sitting across from someone who had killed. He had met soldiers, operatives, heads of state who carried the weight of lives taken, men and women who had made decisions that left blood on their hands. He understood necessary violence. He had justified it himself more times than he cared to count.
But her.
Starshield wasn't supposed to be a killer. She was supposed to be a hero.
She seemed so normal. Her voice, her expressions, the casual way she smiled—it all felt disarmingly human. Kind, even. And she was so young... Everything about her painted a picture that shouldn't belong to someone capable of what she had just confessed. That thought snapped him back to reality.
She isn't human...
He had to remind himself of this, again and again, as if his brain refused to accept it.
His hands remained steady on his knees, and he quickly worked to control his breathing. But the weight of her confession pressed down on him like gravity itself.
She had wiped them out. Every single one.
And she wasn't ashamed of it.
There was no regret in her tone. No justification. No moral debate. She had given them a warning, and when they refused to listen, she had executed them.
Clean. Final.
Maybe... maybe she was a hero—just not the kind the world was used to. Not the kind who fit neatly into the palatable image people expected.
His eyes flicked to her face, searching for… what, exactly? Remorse? Doubt? A crack in that calm exterior?
Nothing.
She was watching him. Studying his reaction.
Something about the way she held his gaze made his skin prickle, and it hit him—she wasn't just looking at him. She was assessing him. Measuring. Waiting.
Was she testing him? Was she seeing if he could stomach the truth of what she was?
He forced his body to stay still, to stay presidential. He was supposed to be in control of this room, of this conversation, but…
But…
Holy shit!
The way she spoke about killing... so matter-of-factly. Yet, for as much as the weight of her words pressed on him, he couldn't ignore the reality of them—if what she said was true, it sounded like she had done the world a favor. Or, at the very least, for her own kind.
He exhaled slowly, grounding himself in the one certainty he could cling to. Whatever she was, he had no doubt that, at her core, she was a good person who cared deeply about others. She had risked herself, upended her life to save lives, and not just those she knew—complete strangers. That kind of empathy, that kind of selflessness, wasn't a façade; it was real, woven into the fabric of who she was.
And he had to thank God for that. Because if Starshield had been different—if she had craved power instead of anonymity, if she had sought to control rather than protect… No, he didn't even want to contemplate the thought.
Because if she wanted to, it truly sounded like she could take over the world.
Bella watched the President closely, gauging his reaction. His heartbeat had spiked after her confession, but now it was leveling out—still slightly elevated, but no longer racing. The fear that had flickered in his eyes when she'd admitted to wiping out the Volturi was gone, replaced by something… if she had to guess; was acceptance. But of what, exactly, she wasn't sure yet.
It appeared she had judged him correctly. That much, at least, was reassuring. He was willing to listen. Willing to see the truth in what she had to say. That was good—because she still had a whole shitload of truth left to drop on him.
Her lips twitched into a faint, knowing smile as she gave a small shrug. "I'm not a monster, Mr. President. I did what I had to do to protect the people I love. I'd expect you to do the same—whether for your family or, I guess in your case, the country. And that would be the right thing to do." She let the words settle before pressing on. "Now, as you can imagine, what I did sent shockwaves through my kind. But from everything I've heard, I think it's going to lead to something better."
She watched his expression shift as she continued. "I've spoken to others who are far more in the know than I am, and it sounds like there's going to be a gathering soon to establish new leadership. And from what I hear, they're aiming for a democracy. Hopefully, some kind of rotating ruling council."
At that, she saw the President's eyebrows lift, a flicker of interest sparking in his eyes. It seemed she had awoken his political instincts. She didn't give him time to ask.
"And no," her tone cut through the moment, preempting the question before he could voice it. "I have no interest in leadership. I won't be attending the gathering." Leaning back slightly, she watched him closely as she finished. "But from everyone I've spoken with, the consensus is clear—my kind is done living under fear. They're ready for something new."
The President's interest piqued at the mention of a fledgling democracy. The idea was promising, and he genuinely hoped theirs would succeed. But he knew better than to let optimism overshadow reality. Building a democracy was one thing—keeping it alive, though, was something else entirely. He had seen how easily they could falter, how quickly they could be dismantled when the wrong person seized power. It took more than good intentions and a governing structure to sustain one. It required vigilance, accountability, and a population willing to defend it when challenged. Democracies didn't collapse overnight—they eroded, chipped away by corruption, by ambition, by complacency.
Seeing the President deep in thought, Bella chose her next words carefully, hoping he would take them as she intended. "Now, what I'm going to say next is not meant as a threat—I'm only trying to help you. Please don't try and expose us. We've lived relatively peaceful lives alongside humanity for thousands of years, probably longer than that, and the truth of the matter is, you really don't want to provoke us. If my kind felt threatened—truly threatened—it would not be good for humanity. I don't know exactly what the outcome would be, but let's just say it wouldn't be good for anyone."
She let the words settle before continuing, her tone steady but firm. "Compared to humans, there are hardly any of us, and we are not a threat in the broad sense of the term. It would be best if you continued focusing on human affairs and left us to live and govern our own lives."
Bella's expression grew contemplative as she considered what might have been. "Honestly, I'm still surprised that, hundreds or even thousands of years ago, that ruling group I told you about didn't try and take over the world. It would've been so easy before humans advanced technologically. I can only think they didn't want the hassle of trying to rule over so many. They probably already saw themselves as the rulers of the world, so why would they need to do anything more?"
"Now, our laws of secrecy are still in place," she said evenly. "So unless someone slips up, you shouldn't be hearing about anyone else like me."
The President studied Starshield, his expression unreadable as he tried to gauge where she was going with this. "So what exactly are you suggesting? That we just… look the other way if something suspicious comes up?"
Bella's lips curved into a small, knowing smile, but she nodded. "Pretty much." She let the statement settle for a beat before continuing. "Until I came along, my kind never involved ourselves in human affairs to any great extent. Most of us live and work peacefully among you, blending in like everyone else. Others prefer to keep their distance, believing the less contact, the better. But the hard truth is, if we were exposed, and if members of my kind felt threatened, they might act out—which would be disastrous."
Her tone remained calm, but there was no mistaking the seriousness behind her words. "Even one of my kind, without any special abilities, could do unspeakable harm in a matter of minutes. Thankfully, that's never happened—at least as far as I know. My kind values their own survival, and we all understand that if someone were to make waves—if someone disrupted the natural order that allowed our society to live in anonymity—they wouldn't last long. We would take care of them... permanently."
She met his gaze, making sure he understood. "I'm telling you all this not as a threat, but as a warning. There are many humans out there who fear what they don't understand, and if humanity learned about us, some might feel compelled to act out against us. And that could start something we definitely want to avoid."
She exhaled lightly, her shoulders relaxing just a fraction. "If it were just me, I'd tell you everything. I'd tell the world everything. But it's not just me… and I have no right to impose my way of thinking on the rest of my kind, especially when it comes to our way of life. So I'm asking you, please, help protect our secret. We don't want any conflict with humans. We never have."
Her expression was steady, her voice unwavering. "I plan to keep helping people. And given what happened to the previous rulers, I doubt the new ones will try to stop me. It's not like I'm going around announcing who or what I am. I'm walking a fine line—doing what I can to help others without exposing my race."
A quiet pause stretched between them before she continued. "I won't pretend I'm perfect. I might make mistakes. I might not always succeed. But I promise you this—I will always try to do the right thing."
Seeing that Starshield had said her piece and was now waiting for his response, the President turned over everything she had just told him. He ran through it from every angle, searching for holes, contradictions—anything that might hint at deception. But no matter how he examined it, he kept arriving at the same conclusion.
She was trying to help.
She understood the full scope of the situation, saw the bigger picture in a way no one else could, and had made the deliberate choice to hold certain things back. That left him with one simple but monumental question.
Did he trust her?
His gaze settled on her, steady and unyielding. He had always prided himself on his ability to read people, to separate truth from bullshit. It was a skill that had served him well throughout his career, guiding him through politics, war rooms, and negotiations where the wrong move could cost lives.
And yet, with Starshield, there was no sense of artifice, no hint of manipulation. Just a calm certainty, a conviction that felt… real.
She was the real deal. A superhero in the flesh.
Not the kind found in comic books or paraded across the silver screen, but something else entirely. She was a hero who lived in the real world, one who understood that saving people wasn't about flashy costumes or grand speeches. It was about choices, sacrifice, and navigating a world that was never as simple as good versus evil.
Every decision, every action—nothing was ever black and white. Everything was a hazy shade of gray.
A measured breath steadied him before he spoke. "Thank you for speaking so candidly. You've given me far more insight into your kind than I expected, and for that, I'm grateful. There's a great deal to consider." His hands rested loosely on his knees as he let the weight of her words settle. "After hearing everything you endured following your actions in Los Angeles, and what you've revealed about your kind… I have to say, I agree with you. The last thing either of us wants is conflict between our peoples."
Bella smiled, relieved that the President saw things her way, but she had always thought of him as a good man—one with a sharp mind and solid judgment. "Thank you. I have to say, I'm really looking forward to being able to help more in the coming years. I always had to be so careful before, and there were things I never even considered stepping in to help with. But now, I see a future where I can, and I can't help but feel a little excited."
She caught the President mirroring her grin and exhaled, relieved that the meeting was unfolding as she'd hoped. "Maybe through my continued actions, I could also serve as something of an ambassador between our peoples. And if, for some reason, we were ever exposed, or if we decided—at some point far, far in the future—to reveal ourselves, it might help if people knew me and, hopefully, had a positive opinion of me."
"I know I've given you a lot of information, and even though I'm not human anymore, I still like to think of myself as one. I know I've changed in many ways, but in the ways that truly matter, I like to think I'm still the same woman I used to be. And I definitely don't want my decision to reveal myself to the world to lead to any future negative consequences for humanity or my kind. The truth is, it's not my kind that I'm worried about causing trouble—for my people, life continues on as it always has. But for humanity, the way they perceive their world has been upended, and that does concern me. That's why I'm really imploring you—please don't go looking into my kind, trying to unearth our secrets. Nothing you could possibly learn would be of any benefit to you, but if any information you did glean fell into the wrong hands, it could lead to unintended and dangerous consequences."
The President gave a slow nod, his expression thoughtful. "I won't lie to you—that concerns me too. Humans haven't always handled those who are different well. We've made great strides, that's true, but there are still plenty of people out there who don't share my level of open-mindedness." He exhaled, his fingers tapping lightly against his leg. "Of course, I'll be discussing everything we've talked about today with the top brass, but I give you my word—we'll weigh your words carefully."
He studied her for a moment. There was one thing Starshield had never brought up, and now seemed like the right time to ask. Leaning forward slightly, he met her gaze. "Both times you've been in the public eye, and again here today, there's one thing you've never mentioned. You've never asked for anything in return for your help. My sense is that you're not doing this for fame or fortune, but still—I feel I should ask."
Bella didn't hesitate. "No. All I want is to live my life in peace, alongside my friends and family." She spoke with quiet certainty. "When I come across a situation where I know I can make a difference, I'll do my best to help. But I will never, ever ask for anything in return."
The very idea of profiting off the suffering of others made her stomach turn. If she never made a single cent from her identity as Starshield, she'd consider that a success.
With the topic of profit hopefully behind them, Bella considered what she did want to say while she had the President's ear. "I haven't figured out all the details yet, but I think we should work to set up some way for you to contact me." She tilted her head slightly, considering. "I don't really want to give you my phone number... not that I don't trust you, but... I'd rather not be tracked. We'll have to give it some thought. But maybe, for now, you could give me your phone number, or some number I can call."
Seeing that she had the President's full attention, she dove right in with what she had been thinking about for the past week. "I can travel fast—about 120 miles per hour, give or take—but that doesn't do much good if something's happening on the other side of the country. If there were a major disaster or an incident where my unique help could make the difference, I'd be open to offering it. Like, say, a mine collapse where people are trapped, or a nuclear incident where someone has to press a button but, in doing so, they'd die from radiation exposure." She gave a small shrug. "Obviously, those are just examples—stuff I've seen on TV—but you get the idea. I'm practically invulnerable, so if my presence could save lives, I'd be more than willing to help."
Her gaze locked onto his, making sure he was following. "But the problem is, I can't be everywhere. I'm fast, but if I can't get wherever I'm needed in time, there's not much I can do about that. But you have resources I don't. If we had a way to communicate, maybe the government could help get me where I'm needed much faster than I could run or fly. Does that make sense to you?"
The President nodded, caught off guard by her offer but undeniably pleased to have her considerable abilities at their disposal. "Yes, I understand exactly what you mean. And thank you, for being willing to step in when it truly counts. I'm sure we can work something out, but until we figure out a better system, here."
He pushed himself to his feet and crossed to his desk. Opening a drawer, he flipped through a small stack of cards until he found the one he wanted. Turning back, he walked over to Starshield and placed it in her hand. "This has direct contact numbers for my Chief of Staff and her deputies." Sitting back down across from her, he added, "It's not perfect, but it's a start."
Bella took the card, glancing at it just long enough to commit the numbers to memory before slipping it into her front pocket. She hesitated for a moment, knowing she needed to make something very clear before any assumptions were made.
"I do want to make one thing clear—please don't ask me to intervene in any military matters." Her tone was firm but even. "Helping others is one thing, but I won't be a one-woman army for you. I also won't take orders or work for anyone. I will, of course, listen and take advice—I don't pretend to know everything, and I can think of plenty of situations where I could help but not know exactly what to do. But I'm not someone you can just send somewhere and tell to do this or do that. I help because I can and because I choose to."
She held his gaze until she saw him nod in understanding. "I also travel often, and I go overseas a lot. If something happens across the world, I'd help there just the same as I would here. I am an American, but that doesn't mean I would only help America."
The President was relieved to hear her stance. A person with a true moral compass—someone who acted out of principle rather than profit—was exactly the kind of person he would want to work with, unlike a mercenary willing to sell their skills to the highest bidder.
He exhaled, considering his next words carefully. "Actually, that brings me to something I was hoping to ask of you—a favor, though one I believe falls in line with what you've just told me." He cleared his throat and sat up a little straighter, locking eyes with Starshield.
"As you probably know, relations between the U.S. and Russia have been strained in recent years. But when you saved Cosmonaut Sokolov, you earned a great deal of admiration in Russia. Their President asked me to relay a message to you—they want to formally thank you when he returns to Earth later this year."
He let the words settle before continuing. "It sounds like they want to pull out all the stops. A parade in your honor, where you'd be alongside Yuri and his family. Is that something you'd be open to? I think giving both our people—Americans and Russians—a shared symbol to rally behind could do some real good for relations between our nations."
Bella grinned. "Yes, I'd be happy to do that. Plus, I'm fluent in Russian, so I'm sure they'll love that."
The President's eyebrows lifted slightly. "You speak Russian?" He leaned back, studying her for a beat before letting a wry smile tug at the corner of his mouth. "You're not secretly a Russian spy, are you? Working for the KGB?"
Bella let out an amused breath, shaking her head. "Knet," she answered smoothly, letting the word roll off her tongue with ease.
The President chuckled, shaking his head as he reached for his glass of water. "That's a good one."
Bella gave a small shrug. "Actually, I pick up languages very easily. I can speak all the major ones fluently and have learned many others during my travels overseas."
The President took a sip of water, giving himself a moment to process yet another unexpected revelation. Would he ever stop being amazed by the woman sitting across from him? Their entire meeting had been one revelation after another. He set his glass down, lacing his fingers together as he refocused.
He shook his head slightly, a wry smile forming on his lips. "That's one hell of a skill." Settling back against the sofa, he considered everything she had just told him before giving a small nod. "Well, that settles it then. I'll let the Russian President know you're open to the invitation. I have no doubt they'll be thrilled."
His expression shifted slightly, the easy humor giving way to something more measured. "I have to say, I'm glad we've had this conversation. You've given me a lot to think about. Some of what you've told me is... unsettling, to put it mildly, but I appreciate your candor." He let out a quiet breath, shaking his head slightly. "And I think this will go a long way toward easing some concerns—especially among certain agencies that tend to see everything and everyone as a potential threat."
"I'm glad to hear that, and I'm pleased we've had this chance to talk too. I'm sure there's more to say, but I've already covered so much..." Bella hesitated for a moment. "Actually, there's one other thing I think I should mention briefly."
She leaned back slightly. "Over the years, you might start to have questions about me—about why I'm not aging the way humans do. I won't be addressing it with the public just yet. I think my existence alone is already enough weirdness for people to process without piling on more. But in a decade or so, people are going to start noticing."
Her gaze held steady. "Let's keep this between us for now. But just so you know—I'll still be here, doing what I do, long after you're gone. Whether it's twenty, fifty, even a hundred years from now, I'll be the same. Hopefully happy and still helping where I can."
She gave a small shrug, catching the flicker of surprise on the President's face. "But for now, I just want people to get used to me—to get comfortable with the idea that some things in this world just can't be explained."
Shock coursed through the President's body as Starshield revealed yet another revelation—and this one was a doozy. To remain unchanged for fifty, even a hundred years? It boggled the mind. That meant she would outlive not just him, but his daughter… and even her children.
The thought of Becky brought a smile to his face. She was already one of Starshield's biggest fans, and now that he had a better sense of who she was, he felt comfortable asking one last favor.
"Before we wrap this up, I was hoping you'd agree to take some pictures together that we could release to the press. As I'm sure you're aware, the public is rather fascinated by everything you do right now." He paused for a beat, then leaned forward slightly. "And, if you don't mind, I'd like to ask a personal favor. My daughter, Becky—like so many young girls—is a fan. I swear, this past month, you're pretty much all she's talked about. Would you be willing to meet her and say hello?"
Bella grinned. "I'd be happy to meet your daughter, and taking some pictures is fine."
The President nodded, clearly pleased, and rose from the sofa. As he walked to his desk, pressing the intercom to request his daughter be brought down, Bella took the opportunity to wander the room, her gaze drawn to the artwork lining the walls.
A portrait of George Washington caught her attention. The brushstrokes, aged but masterful, captured his expression with striking detail. She wondered if Washington had actually posed for it or if the artist had relied on earlier sketches.
Her attention shifted to a bronze bust of Abraham Lincoln resting on a pedestal beside the fireplace. Bending down, she studied the sculpture closely. His deep-set eyes, the furrow of his brows, the solemn weight of contemplation—every fine detail was rendered with haunting realism. The texture of the metal captured the impression of a man burdened by the weight of a divided nation, his expression carved with quiet resolve. Bella took a moment to absorb it, tracing the sharp contrast between the smooth planes of his cheeks and the rougher texture of his beard. As she took it all in, she sensed the President step up beside her.
"Lincoln has always been one of my favorite presidents." The President's voice held a quiet reverence as he studied the bronze bust. "I've often wondered what it would have been like to speak with him—to hear his thoughts firsthand while he sat in this very room, trying to hold the country together."
Bella nodded, her gaze lingering on the sculpture. "I know exactly what you mean." A small smile touched her lips. "I actually met someone recently who knew Benjamin Franklin." She let the words hang for a beat as she looked up at him, watching his reaction before continuing. "With my people, history isn't just something you study—it's something you remember. It's stories shared through firsthand accounts of moments the world now only knows through books."
She turned back to Lincoln's solemn bronze face. "For us, history never truly fades. It lingers—still vivid, still real—in the minds of those who watched it unfold. I've heard stories of the distant past, not as legends or secondhand recollections, but from those who actually lived it, breathed it, and, in some cases, even helped shape it."
She let out a soft laugh. "Sadly, I don't have any tales like that yet—no stories of meeting…" Her expression shifted as a spark of amusement lit her eyes. Straightening, she let a smile tug at her lips. "Actually, I do."
Turning fully to face the President, she met his gaze. "Meeting you will be quite the story to tell in the years to come."
The President hesitated, momentarily caught off guard. He had only just begun to grasp the reality of Starshield's... longevity. But truly thinking about it—recognizing that long after he was gone, she would still be here, watching history unfold in a way no human ever could—was staggering. He exhaled, a wry smile forming as he shook his head. "Well then, I can only hope that, a century or two from now, you'll have good things to say about me."
Bella grinned, nodding. "Yes… I think I will." She winked, letting the moment linger—before a knock at the door made both of them turn toward it.
A moment later, the door opened, and Bella watched as a Secret Service agent stepped inside, holding it ajar for a young girl who wandered in without looking up. She couldn't have been older than eight or nine, her frame slender, with long, dirty blonde hair cascading over her shoulders. Her eyes stayed locked on the tablet in her hands as she moved on autopilot, completely absorbed in whatever she was watching.
"What is it, Dad?" the young girl asked, her attention still fixed on the screen in her hands. Bella couldn't help but wonder how she'd react when she finally looked up.
The President's smile was barely contained. "Becky, there's someone here who wanted to meet you." He motioned toward the door, signaling for Dave to step outside. The agent gave a quick nod and slipped out, shutting the door behind him.
Becky heaved a sigh, pausing her program before finally looking up—only to freeze, her entire body locking up as her mind went blank.
Her breath hitched, her fingers slackening around her tablet as it slipped from her grasp, falling… only she didn't hear it hit the ground. Instead, it floated up in front of her eyes, hovering for a moment before drifting forward—straight into her waiting hand.
Bella caught the device, glancing down briefly at the cartoon frozen on the screen before looking back at Becky. The little girl's face was locked in pure disbelief, her mouth slightly open, her hands still, as if she were still holding the tablet.
Stepping forward, Bella offered it back with an easy smile. "It's very nice to meet you, Becky."
Becky reached out instinctively, fingers curling around the device as she placed it into her hands. For a long moment, she stood frozen, gripping it tight, staring up at... it was her.
Then, like a dam breaking, reality crashed over her.
"Starshield!" she shrieked, her voice high and breathless. "I can't believe it! It's you— I mean, you're here!"
Bella smiled, taking in the pure joy lighting up the girl's face. She hadn't really had any chances yet to interact with others while wearing the mask, let alone meet someone who saw her as more than just a fleeting news story. "Well, I had a meeting with your father, and when he mentioned you were a fan, I just had to meet you." Her gaze dropped to the tablet still clutched in Becky's hands. "What are you watching there?"
Becky was still struggling to string together full thoughts. "Ahh… it's you."
Bella's brow furrowed slightly. "Me? What do you mean?"
Becky blinked, her mind beginning to catch up with the moment. "It's a series on the Internet. About you." Her voice grew more animated as she spoke, excitement breaking through. "'The Adventures of Starshield.' Did you not know about it? It's really good!"
She held the tablet out, offering it to Starshield, still unable to believe she was actually talking to her.
Bella took the tablet from Becky and glanced at the screen before pressing play. The animation was simple, almost crude, but there was no mistaking the woman soaring through the sky, wearing a mask—she could only assume that was her. She watched as the cartoon version of herself flew through a city, dodging fire from a dragon-like monster while effortlessly saving civilians.
She couldn't believe it.
She was watching a cartoon about herself.
A laugh escaped her, soft and disbelieving. "Amazing," she muttered, shaking her head. She paused the video again and handed the tablet back to Becky. "No, I hadn't heard of it. I've been pretty busy this past month, and I've clearly missed a lot."
Her gaze flicked back to the screen for a moment before landing on Becky again. "That woman in the show… I guess me. What powers does she have?"
Becky grinned, thrilled that she was able to tell Starshield something she didn't know. "Well, she flies, of course! And she's super strong. And she fires lasers out of her eyes! Oh, and she can teleport instantly—anywhere in the world!"
Bella took it all in with an amused smile. "Well, she sounds even more talented than I am. Somehow, I missed getting those eye lasers—and unfortunately, I can't teleport either." She let out a small laugh, shaking her head. The idea of her fictional counterpart being even more powerful was strangely entertaining.
Her gaze returned to Becky, her smile turning mischievous. "Actually, Becky, would you like to see a power I do have? One I've never shown before?"
Becky nodded eagerly, her excitement barely contained. She watched as her father settled onto the sofa, then patted his knee, inviting her to sit. She climbed up without hesitation, feeling the familiar warmth of his arms around her as he gave her a light squeeze. Together, they turned their attention to Starshield, standing before them.
Bella saw she had both Becky's and the President's undivided attention. "Alright, for this one, I think we should set the mood a little."
With a flick of her shield, the light switch clicked off, and with several more shields, the curtains all slid shut, casting the room into relative darkness. "Okay, now take a look at this."
She extended her left hand, and slowly, a soft glow began to pulse from her palm. She let the power within her flow, allowing the light to shift between a gentle flicker and a steady radiance. Then, for the big finale, she raised her arm high above her head, and with a push of power, the glow surged, flooding the entire room with a warm, brilliant light that drove away every shadow.
She held it like that, watching as Becky's face lit up with pure delight. The President, though silent, could only stare, his expression caught somewhere between wonder and disbelief.
Bella let the moment linger before finally releasing the glow, allowing the light to fade. She flicked the lights back on, and the curtains drew open once again, returning the room to normal. She smirked slightly. "Well? What do you think of that one?"
Becky was completely enthralled. "That was amazing! What do you use it for?"
Bella smiled, her thoughts drifting briefly to the other night with Edward… but that was definitely not appropriate for the moment. She refocused. "Honestly? I haven't found much of a real use for that one yet. Mostly, I've just used it as a flashlight when I explore the ocean depths."
She glanced at her hand, flexing her fingers slightly. "I can actually direct the light anywhere I want, or even make it cover my entire body. I think it has something to do with how much energy—or power—is inside me. And that's just a very low-powered way to let some of it out."
Becky's eyes widened with excitement. "Whoa! You should've used it when you were in space—it would've looked like you were glowing in the dark!"
Bella laughed, shaking her head. "No, I wouldn't have wanted to do that. I'm already trying to convince people I'm not an alien—flying through space while glowing in the dark would've done the exact opposite."
The President listened, watching as Starshield and Becky chatted. He was pleased to see his daughter so animated. But what Starshield had just said caught his interest—her choice of words, the way she phrased it. He leaned forward slightly. "What would happen if you expelled more power, as you say?"
Bella hesitated, realizing she might have said more than she should have. She hadn't planned on causing any explosions in front of humans—unless it was absolutely necessary. Meeting the President's gaze, she offered an easy smile. "A great deal would happen, but let's just say… it's nothing I'd want to do inside the Oval Office."
She watched as his expression shifted ever so slightly, the faintest blanch of his skin betraying his thoughts. He understood. She didn't need to say anything more.
Before the moment could linger, Becky broke through it, pulling them both out of their thoughts.
"Starshield… is it possible—could you take me flying?"
Bella smiled at the little girl. She was pretty sure she'd condemned herself to an eternity of being asked that very question. "Well, Becky, I don't think your dad—or the Secret Service, for that matter—would be too thrilled if I flew off with the President's daughter. But…" she tilted her head slightly, glancing around the room, "if it's okay with your father, I could help you fly around the Oval Office. Would you like that?"
Becky's face lit up, and she immediately craned her head back to look up at her father. "Please, Dad! Can she? Please?"
The President glanced down at his daughter's pleading eyes, brimming with pure, unfiltered hope. He could remember having those very same fantasies at her age, dreaming of soaring through the sky like the heroes in his comic books.
With a smile, he gave a small nod. "Yes, that would be fine. In fact, I'd be very interested in seeing that myself."
"Thank you!" Becky threw her arms around her father in a tight hug before hopping off his lap, her eyes bright with excitement as she moved to the center of the room. She turned to Starshield, practically buzzing with anticipation.
Bella smiled. "Alright, Becky. When you're ready, jump into the air—like you're about to take flight."
Becky nodded eagerly, planting her feet before bending her knees. With a determined look, she jumped, arms stretching high above her head. The moment her feet left the ground, Bella wrapped her in a shield, seamlessly lifting her into the air. She guided her effortlessly, moving her in smooth, weightless arcs around the room, making each motion appear as natural as if Becky were truly flying on her own.
The President stood awestruck, watching his daughter fly around the Oval Office above his head. He had never imagined he would witness something like this—his little girl, floating weightlessly through the air. It was like a scene out of a dream.
He stepped closer to Starshield, observing her carefully. She remained focused on Becky, but if this feat required any effort on her part, she didn't show it.
Without taking her eyes off Becky, Bella turned slightly toward the President. "You might want to grab your phone and record this—something tells me Becky's going to want to watch it again and again for years to come."
The President smiled. "You're right, but they don't let me have a phone of my own. They're too afraid I'll put out a tweet or something that hasn't been screened and picked apart a million times."
Shaking his head with amusement, he walked over to his desk and pressed the intercom. "Can you send Dave back in?"
The door opened almost immediately, and Dave stepped inside—his eyes widening as he took in the sight of Becky gliding effortlessly through the air. He blinked, visibly stunned, before quickly regaining his composure.
The President gestured toward him. "Dave, any chance you could record Becky on your phone?"
"Of course, sir." Dave pulled out his phone, setting it to record as his gaze flicked toward Starshield. Whatever she was doing to make Becky appear weightless, it was the craziest thing he had ever seen.
Becky was flying.
Her mouth hung open, breathless giggles escaping as she floated higher, her dad's office falling away beneath her. She had no control over where she went, but it didn't matter—Starshield was helping her, moving her through the air like she weighed nothing at all.
Her arms stretched out to the sides, fingers splayed, as if she could catch the air between them. She had never felt so free.
Below, her dad watched in amazement, his head tilted back. Even Dave, who always looked so serious, had a wide grin on his face as he held up his phone, tracking her every move.
Becky giggled. "This is amazing!"
A gentle shift, and suddenly she was gliding on her side, drifting past the walls lined with pictures of old men. The air was cool against her cheeks. She swooped lower, skimming past the big desk, the couches where important people sat—but none of that mattered. Nothing mattered but the feeling of flying.
Her feet hovered just above the floor, so close she thought she might touch it—but then, slowly, she rose again.
She laughed, twisting her head to look around. She was moving in slow circles now, spinning gently in the air, her hair brushing against her skin as she turned.
She waved down at Dave, still laughing. "Are you getting this?"
Dave chuckled, nodding as he held up his phone. "Oh yeah. Every second."
Becky tipped her head back, staring up. The ceiling felt so close now, like she could reach up and touch it. She lifted a hand, fingers grazing the raised design at the center—but before she could press against it, she was drifting again, floating effortlessly in another direction.
She wanted to stay like this forever.
Her dad's voice floated up from below. "I have to admit, this is pretty incredible to watch."
Becky grinned, feeling herself turn again. She had always dreamed of flying.
She just never thought it would actually happen.
After several minutes, Bella figured it was time to wrap things up. "Okay, Becky, are you ready for the big finish? Want to try a superhero spin move?" She made up the name on the spot, but it sounded fun.
"Yes!" Becky shouted, her excitement bubbling over.
The moment the word left her mouth, she was moving.
She swooped downward, faster than before, the floor rushing toward her. For a split second, her heart jumped—she was going to crash! But before she even had time to panic, she changed direction, her body tilting as she shot straight up, soaring toward the ceiling.
And then—she spun.
Faster than before, faster than she thought possible. The air whirled around her, her hair lifted and twisted, and she couldn't stop laughing. It was like being in the middle of a tornado.
The spin slowed, her movement easing until she hovered, completely still, in the center of the room. Becky looked down, her breath coming in quick, excited gasps.
Her dad, Starshield, and Dave were all staring up at her. Dave still had his phone locked on her, recording every second.
Becky beamed. She couldn't wait to see how she looked flying.
Slowly, she began to lower, drifting down, down, down, until her feet finally touched the carpet.
The moment she landed, she felt it—whatever had been holding her, keeping her in the air, was gone.
Becky rushed forward, flinging herself at Starshield, wrapping her arms tightly around her waist. "Thank you, thank you! That was amazing!"
Bella grinned down at the little girl clinging to her, her grip tight with excitement. It made her happy, knowing she could bring so much joy with so little effort.
Becky tilted her head back, still catching her breath from the thrill of flying, when a sudden sparkle caught her eye. She stepped back, blinking in surprise. How had she not noticed this before?
Her gaze locked onto Starshield's face, and for the first time, she really took in her mask.
"Hey, your mask is different!" She studied it, noticing the colors were the same, but the design looked sleeker, sharper—just better. "I like this one! It looks so much cooler than the old one."
Bella smiled. "Thank you." She turned her head from side to side, letting Becky get a full look at Alice's creation. "My friend made it for me and gave it to me after I got back from space. I like it more than the other one too."
"This Halloween, I'm going as you!" Becky announced proudly. "But… is your outfit always just going to be the mask, or is your friend making you a super suit too? Maybe with a cape?"
Bella laughed, shaking her head. "Sorry, but you're never going to catch me wearing a suit—or a cape. That's just not happening."
She smirked, tapping the edge of her mask. "Keeping this in my back pocket is already enough to remember, and trust me, with the number of times my clothes get ruined because of my strength, I don't need another thing to worry about."
The President knew he could sit forever watching Becky interact with her hero. Seeing her this happy was a rare gift, and he'd enjoyed his time with Starshield more than most meetings since taking office. But reality called, and his schedule was still packed.
"Becky, I think Starshield has to leave soon. Are you ready to say goodbye? She and I are just going to take a few pictures for the press."
Becky's head snapped toward him, her eyes going wide with panic. "No! Don't make me leave. Please!" She grabbed onto Starshield's arm, holding on tight.
Before the situation could spiral, Bella stepped in smoothly. "We wouldn't dream of it." She met Becky's frantic gaze with a reassuring smile. "How about you and I take some official pictures together first? Then, I'll take a few with your dad… if we have time."
She glanced at the President, catching the silent 'thank you' he mouthed in her direction.
The White House photographer arrived, quickly setting up his camera as Bella stood in front of the President's desk with Becky beside her. The first few shots were simple—Becky beaming as their pictures were taken—but as the session went on, Bella decided to make things a little more fun.
For the next shot, she placed a shield under Becky's feet and lifted her until they were at the same height. "Okay, Becky, for this one, let's do a superhero pose."
Becky giggled in delight, and together, they planted their hands on their hips and gazed off into the distance as the photographer eagerly captured the moment.
Once they finished, Becky moved to stand beside Dave, while the President took her place. Bella posed next to him for several formal shots, including a few where they shook hands.
She briefly considered lifting him into the air—it would certainly make for a memorable photo—but quickly decided against it.
With the pictures finished, it was time to say goodbye. The President scooped Becky into one arm as they stepped through the side door, emerging onto the grassy area just outside the Oval Office. The afternoon sun shone bright overhead, warming the air and casting a golden glow across the neatly trimmed lawn.
The President extended his hand once more, grasping Starshield's firmly. "Thank you again for meeting with me. You've given me—and everyone here—plenty to think about. Best of luck with everything you do moving forward."
Bella shook his hand, offering a small, appreciative nod. "Thank you, Mr. President. It was a pleasure." Her gaze shifted to Becky, who was still latched onto her father's side, watching her with wide, eager eyes.
"And you too, Becky. I'm really glad I got to meet you."
Becky beamed. "Bye, Starshield!"
Bella took several steps back, then sprang straight up into the air, catching herself with her shield about twenty feet above them.
The President looked up into the sky, holding Becky a little tighter.
The scene before him was exactly how he had always imagined it would be—except now, it wasn't a dream.
Starshield hovered effortlessly above them, her silhouette stark against the brilliant blue sky. She smiled down before giving a final thumbs-up, then turned and soared away, vanishing into the endless horizon.
The President turned his gaze to Becky, her eyes wide with wonder, her lips parted in awe. And in that moment, he saw himself—eight years old, staring up at the sky, waiting for the impossible to happen.
His dreams had become her reality.
For Becky, it was real.
I hope you enjoyed Bella's meeting with the President! I'd love to hear your thoughts, so feel free to comment and share!