Alien POV

  Kael and Lyra walked across the uneven terrain of Earth, their boots pressing lightly into the soil. The wind brushed against their faces as they took in the surroundings-a vast forest bordering a small town.

  Kael inhaled deeply and exhaled with a disappointed huff. "Hmph... The air quality is decent, though I expected more."

  Lyra glanced at him, her silver hair catching the faint sunlight. She crossed her arms and gazed at the distant human settlement. "Yeah, it's breathable, at least," she muttered thoughtfully. "But this planet's future... it doesn't seem very promising."

  Kael scoffed. "Who cares?" he said with a devilish grin. "Once we get the seven stones, the humans will be powerless. They'll surrender to us eventually."

  Lyra shot him an irritated glare. "Oh, shut up, brother. You don't even know how we're going to find the stones," she snapped.

  Kael's eyes narrowed. "Huh? You don't know either, sister. So why lecture me?" he shot back, his voice slightly raised.

  A sly smirk crept across Lyra's lips. "Oh, but I do know where we can get the information."

  Kael's eyes narrowed suspiciously. "Where?" he asked, his tone laced with curiosity.

  Lyra grabbed his hand and pulled him forward. "Just follow me."

  ---

  Scene Shift - Earth: Westbridge College

  In a lecture hall filled with disinterested students, Professor Alan Morris, a man in his mid-forties with graying hair and sharp eyes, paced in front of a large screen displaying a map of the solar system. His voice echoed through the room.

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  "Class, here's a question for you," he began, pausing dramatically. "If an unknown celestial object entered our solar system at irregular speed and altered its trajectory every few minutes, what could it possibly be?"

  The students glanced at each other, confused. The room remained silent.

  "Come on, anyone?" Professor Morris prompted, his eyes scanning the crowd.

  Before anyone could answer, the door swung open with a loud creak.

  Amelia Cross, a blonde-haired college student with tired eyes, hurried in, slightly out of breath. She clutched her bag tightly, clearly rushing from her part-time job.

  The professor's eyes narrowed. "Late again, Miss Cross," he muttered. His stern expression softened slightly. "At least your grades aren't falling."

  Amelia shot him an apologetic smile and quickly found her seat, brushing a loose strand of hair from her face.

  Professor Morris turned back to the class. His gaze lingered on Amelia before he pointed at her. "Since you were so eager to join us, perhaps you can answer the question."

  The room fell silent. Amelia's classmates smirked, expecting her to fumble. But without hesitation, she leaned forward slightly and answered calmly, "If the object changes its trajectory at irregular intervals, it's unlikely to be a natural asteroid or space debris. It could be a controlled or intelligently guided spacecraft... maybe even a probe with advanced maneuvering capabilities."

  The professor blinked, slightly taken aback. "U-um... yes, very good," he said, clearly impressed.

  Amelia simply nodded, her eyes flickering with curiosity. The answer had come to her easily-too easily.

  ---

  Scene Shift - Research Facility

  Back at the lab, Dr. Robert Hayes sat at his desk, his head resting heavily in his hand. His eyes were bloodshot from hours of analyzing the radar data. Around him, his team moved with a nervous energy.

  Claire Reynolds, a young woman with short brown hair and sharp eyes, approached him cautiously. "Sir... do you think we'll get any support from the government?" she asked hesitantly.

  Dr. Hayes let out a bitter sigh. "No," he muttered, shaking his head. "The president thinks it's just asteroids. He doesn't want to get involved before the elections." His jaw tightened with frustration. "We're on our own."

  Suddenly, Liam Carter, a young researcher with glasses and unkempt hair, burst into the room, breathless.

  "Sir! Sir!" he called out, waving a folder. "We've detected something new on the radar!"

  Dr. Hayes' eyes narrowed. "Don't tell me it's those objects again," he muttered, walking over to Liam's console.

  Liam nodded urgently. "Yes, sir. But this time, one of them came much closer-possibly landed." He pointed at the fluctuating signal. "But after a short time, it vanished again."

  Dr. Hayes stared at the screen, his throat tightening. No... it can't be... he thought grimly.

  Without hesitation, he turned to Claire. "Call the conference," he ordered, his voice firm and resolute.

  Claire's eyes widened. "You're going public?" she asked in surprise.

  Dr. Hayes nodded. His gaze hardened with determination. "The government won't help us. We'll tell the world ourselves."

  He clenched his fists. If the president wouldn't take the threat seriously, he would force his hand with public pressure.

  The clock was ticking.