Targeted Attack (Page 27)

~~~(POV: Dannon Mayer)~~~

~~~(Location: Umatilla County, Oregon)~~~

~~~(Date, Time, Year: May 24th, 11:34 AM PST, 2022)~~~

~~~(Current Age: 21 years)~~~

It takes me a moment to control my anger. Many people rush to the dump truck, opening the door to see if the driver is okay. However, as they do, they find the driver's seat empty. As we witness this, Mom takes a step closer to me.

I feel her arms interlock with my left one. She looks around in fear. As I see this look in her, the anger I suppressed a moment ago starts boiling back up. I turn my attention in the direction the truck came from.

My visual world turns bluish-white. I see through skeletons and buildings. I try to find anyone fleeing, and I see nothing unusual. The person or group that arranged this must've hired pros.

"Dannon... C'mon, let's go home. It's not a big deal."

She's tapping my shoulder and trying to turn my attention away from the direction where I believe the people behind this test or attack would be. I can hear her racing heart. She's worried about what I might do, and her tone is scared.

Mom is someone that the US government is constantly worried about. Since if someone got to her, they could use me. But this entire scene feels like it wasn't meant to take her life.

They could've used more lethal means. Rockets, guns, or a hit squad to attack my Mom. Instead, they send an unmanned dump truck to smash into her car as we drive through the intersection.

All this means is whoever did this is saying they know my Mom's route and can quickly get to her if they want. This attack also served as a warning to me.

"No, even if I wanted to take you home right now. Someone just tried to murder you. The cops will want to know what's happened."

I hear the sirens coming down the streets as Mom sticks close to me. The military and government will want to investigate everything that's happened here. So, staying where we're at is the best thing for now.

The police cars round the corners and come to a stop. They immediately get out of their vehicles and have people back away. 

It's only a minute before the fire department and paramedics are here in case of any actual injuries. All I can do is stew in my frustration. It's not a pleasant thought that someone out there is trying to send me messages and test me.

Using my Mom to do so.

After a few minutes of silence, we watch an unmarked car pull up. A bunch of suits come piling out of it. As they begin to flash their badges, they're the FBI. The local police aren't happy about this.

The seconds pass one by one, and more unmarked cars keep showing up. Flooding the scene with cops, firefighters, paramedics, and FBI agents.

Who I assume to be the man in charge of the FBI units, is talking to the head cop. They're having a heated exchange and pointing in our direction.

Their loud and angry disagreement is about who has authority here. And who's going to talk with us? As the argument continues, the face of the cop slowly turns red. The FBI isn't so transparent on the surface, but I can see what's going on inside.

Both of their blood pressure is up, and their adrenaline is racing. I wouldn't be surprised if a fight broke out or something.

"Sweetie, I don't think we need to be here for this..."

As she says that, the FBI leader raises his hand and gives signals. The FBI agents start different tasks compared to what they're doing, and I hear the roar of Humvee engines coming into town.

It seems like military officials are coming into town. 

After another minute of arguing, the police finally relents, and the FBI leader marches over, followed by his right-hand man, who happens to be a woman. The man takes off his sunglasses and takes a breath, preparing to speak as he does.

"Mr. Mayer, I'm sure you know I have some questions about what's happened. Since this attack targets Eloise and you, the FBI and military will take over the investigation. All the information you can give us will be helpful."

He abruptly finishes his approach at our location and stands in the parking spot next to the curb. As I stand here, he and his protege look even smaller. There is authority and certainty in his voice, conveying that he has power.

I don't know why I am on the constant end of such efforts. Well, I do know why. But it's a stupid reason in my mind.

"You can expect my full cooperation, just as you want. However, any questions you have for us can be asked at our ranch. We're not staying here."

The crowd and attention are getting even crazier. Loud humvees and military officials come around the corner, and news vans follow them—all from different stations, local and nationwide.

I wrap my arm around Mom. She tenses up as she's not the biggest fan of flying with me, but it's an essential time. 

The man steps forward, about to speak a protest, but I gently float off the ground with my Mom in my arms. She holds on tight, and as we ascend higher than the small buildings in town, I burst forward in speed.

CRRRAAAAAAAAACCCCKKKKK!!!

The sound barrier breaks, and despite the sudden speed increase. Mom stays silent. Since we're flying so fast, arriving back at the ranch doesn't take more than a few seconds. As we land in the carpool in front of the house, Mom lets go and starts puking.

I step up next to her and gently rub her back. I know people can't handle high speeds with food in their stomachs. All the food Mom had at Mark's Family Diner has come back up. After a few more gags, she stands up and leans on me for support.

"Next time, we're getting a ride from the authorities..."

She lets out a small chuckle after her little quip, and I'm glad she's not as upset about all this as I am. The anger I feel about someone targeting my Mom hasn't disappeared.

Instead of saying anything in response, I help her get back to the house. Bringing her to the couch and laying her down. I stare down at her as her eyes are closed, and I can see the stress of all that's happened since my revealment has taken its toll.

She's still a very beautiful woman; however, strings of grey are appearing around her hairline, and new subtle wrinkles are starting to emerge that didn't exist before.

"Okay, while you rest here. I'm gonna see Naedra. I need her help in finding out what's happened. She's the only one capable of helping us right now."

She nods as she relaxes, and I make my way to the house's back door. Exiting out onto the porch and flying to the entrance of the underground ship. As I descend into the ship and softly land. All I can do is close my fists.

Gritting my teeth for just a moment.

Thinking about someone trying to mess with Eloise and my life so closely.

~~~(POV: Cassandra Freidman)~~~

~~~(Location: Oregon State University, Dorm Room B7, Corvallis, Oregon)~~~

~~~(Date, Time, Year: May 24th, 12:21 PM PST, 2022)~~~

~~~(Current Age: 21 Years)~~~

"Dannon Mayer presents a clear and present threat not just to the United States but to the entire world. His complete lack of regard for international law and state-level matters is highly concerning."

A random speaker on the Congress floor brings up a point of discussion I never thought Dannon would be the subject of. That was before I found out he was an Alien. Now, I suppose that's going to be his daily life.

"There was no loss of life. No pirate, no crewmember. It speaks to Dannon's understanding of the world's criminal justice system. Instead of executing them, he handed them over to the authorities."

Another random Congress member stands up to rebut the previous person's point. A small laugh leaves my lips as I think about how Eloise is reacting to this. She's almost always a very controlled woman.

Only when it comes to Dannon have I seen her slip, which was in high school. Now, I can only guess and imagine what she's going through.

"Whether there was loss of life or not doesn't matter. Dannon can go anywhere in the world, anytime he wants. How long before he heads to Ukraine? How long before he uses his power against nations like Russia, China, or in the Middle East?"

I can only be silent as the man continues speaking.

"These people will cry out and plead for Dannon's help, and they'll do it soon. What happens when he begins involving himself in the affairs of humanity on a global scale? That's not an Alien hero."

All I can do is swallow my saliva as I listen to the man.

"That's a God."

I turn my eyes away from the TV on my dresser in my dorm room and pick up my phone. I open my messages and click on Dannon's name.

He needs someone to talk to...