It was something straight out of a low-budget superhero film. On a TV that even the most desperate local charities probably didn’t want, an unnatural face glared out at the world, daring the target of his words to trace them to their source.

The woman thrashed against her bonds. “I don’t know what kind of joke this is, but I want out! Look, I don’t care if you’re a robot, a hologram or a person in a costume; I have things to do today, and they do NOT involve this kind of bull-”

The creature was ignoring her, calmly explaining the grim details of his captive’s potential fate. The description was as disturbing as it was explicit, but somehow, Alexandra doubted he was actually going to carry out his threats.

​She had to admit, the disguise was convincing, if that was what it was. The smooth blue skin moved as naturally as her own, and the creature’s almost luminously golden eyes were far too large to be human.

Mastering himself at a speed that seemed almost robotic, the dark-blue alien mustered a small, reassuring smile. “Don’t worry. I’ll figure something out. We’ll survive, find a home, and find a way to make sure something like this never happens again.”

 ‘Once upon a recent time, I only reported on stuff like this.’

One kick, two. Pain fired through her foot, and Alexandra changed tactics, ramming her shoulder against the door with firm, cautious force.
​
‘And now, here I am, right in the middle of it.’

‘Be careful what you wish for...’

WHAM!

‘You just might get it.’

CRACK!

With this final effort, the damaged doorjamb gave way and she tumbled into the stairwell, rubbing her shoulder ruefully and forbidding herself to stop and rest.

‘Happy birthday.’

“This is Alexandra Renai, reporting live from the scene of either the fanciest prank I’ve ever seen, or something truly fascinating: a conflict between aliens.”
​
‘And facing the stupidest challenge of my whole career: keeping my back turned on this.’