Page 16 of Alien Prince (Alien Abductions and Seductions #1)
Chapter 2
Anticipation and Farewells
The steady hum of I.R.M.A.’s bustling headquarters vibrated through the floors beneath my feet as I made my way to the briefing room. Everywhere I looked, holographic maps and digital displays lit up, flickering like miniature galaxies. The scent of stale coffee wafted through the halls, mixing with the faint aroma of metallic circuitry—a sharp, cool smell that had become synonymous with my days here.
I took a deep breath, letting the anticipation settle in. Today was the day.
“Maisie!” A familiar voice broke my focus, and I turned to see Lara hurrying down the hall, balancing a stack of reports in one arm while waving a muffin in the other.
“Morning, Lara.” I smiled, waving back as she neared.
“More like farewell morning! It’s not every day one of us gets assigned as a lead ambassador to another planet!” Lara’s eyes sparkled with excitement as she handed me the muffin. “You have to eat. Nerves can’t survive on an empty stomach.”
I chuckled, breaking off a piece of the streusel from the top of the blueberry muffin. “Trust me, I’m eating. It just doesn’t feel real yet, you know?” The muffin was soft, sweet, with just the right hint of blueberries. Comfort food for a very un-comforting moment.
“You’re ready, Maisie,” Lara said, her voice softening. “You’re one of the best here. They chose you for a reason.”
I let her words sink in, appreciating her encouragement even though my nerves still fluttered like tiny meteors in my stomach. “Thanks, Lara. It helps hearing that.”
She squeezed my arm gently, her touch grounding me. “You’ll represent us all well. And besides, you get to meet actual royalty! Think of the stories you’ll bring back.”
I laughed, feeling my tension ease. “You just want gossip on alien royals.”
She winked. “I live for it! Now go, they’re probably waiting for you in the mission room.”
The mission briefing room was quieter than the rest of the headquarters. As I stepped inside, the door whispered shut behind me, leaving just the low hum of the holo-screen in the dimly lit room. My mentor, Director Nguyen, stood by the display, hands clasped in front of him, his expression as steady and composed as always.
“Good morning, Maisie,” he said, his voice smooth and unwavering. “How are you feeling?”
“Nervous, but excited,” I admitted, my pulse quickening as I approached him. “This is… well, everything I’ve trained for.”
He smiled, nodding in understanding. “That’s exactly why you’re the right person for this assignment. Come, let’s go over the final details.”
As he gestured to the holographic display, an image of Xeno Prime’s palace appeared, its intricate spires rising majestically into the pink alien sky. The architecture looked like something out of a dream, all shimmering surfaces and fluid lines that seemed to shift with each flicker of the display.
“The royal family has extended a formal invitation,” Director Nguyen began, his voice blending seamlessly with the low hum of the display. “You’ll be meeting with Prince Kas, the heir apparent, as well as his brothers, Prince Bayn and Prince Ryler. Each has unique roles within the kingdom’s structure, and your objective is to establish a diplomatic rapport, strengthen relations, and gain insights into their political landscape.”
The enormity of it settled over me, cool and heavy, but it didn’t feel daunting—just exhilarating. I straightened, taking in every word.
“Xeno Prime is… peaceful, correct?” I asked, my voice lower, almost hesitant.
“Relatively. There are always factions and differing opinions, as with any government,” he replied, his gaze steady. “Your primary mission is to create trust. They need to feel they can rely on us—and that we value their sovereignty.”
“I understand.” I nodded, my mind already whirring with possible conversation starters, questions I could ask without sounding intrusive, topics to avoid.
Director Nguyen studied me, then added, “Maisie, remember, the royal family will assess you as much as we’re assessing them. Take time to listen as well as speak.”
I met his gaze, the full weight of his words settling on me. “I won’t forget.”
The director reached out, squeezing my shoulder—a rare gesture of warmth from him. “Good. Now, I’ll see you off at the launch bay. There’s someone else waiting to say goodbye.”
As I turned to leave, my heart leapt slightly. I had a pretty good idea who he meant.
Back in the hallway, I spotted my father standing near the bay doors, hands tucked into his pockets, eyes scanning the bustling crowd until they landed on me. The moment he saw me, his face softened, the hint of a smile breaking through his usual composed expression.
“Dad!” I hurried over, wrapping my arms around him, inhaling his familiar scent of aftershave and the faint trace of cologne he always wore. The warmth of his embrace made me feel small and protected, a grounding moment amid all the chaos.
He pulled back, his gaze intense but warm. “I’m so proud of you, Maisie. You’ve worked hard for this moment.”
“Thanks, Dad. I just… hope I do it justice.”
“You will,” he said firmly, resting a reassuring hand on my shoulder. “Just remember, we’re here, always. And if things get tough, lean on what you know—the strength you’ve built.”
I nodded, my throat tight as I absorbed his words. “I’ll remember. Thank you.”
With one last hug, he stepped back, and I turned toward the bay doors, a final goodbye lingering in the air. The cool touch of the handle as I opened the door to the docking bay felt like the start of something new, a signal that there was no turning back.
As I walked into the launch bay, the metallic scent of fuel and the slight vibration of engines ready to ignite filled the space, blending with the muffled sounds of ground crew shouting instructions. My ship stood before me, sleek and silver, its frame shimmering under the bright lights. I took a deep breath, letting the scent of adventure mingle with the last traces of familiarity. The stars were calling, and I was finally ready to answer.