For some inexplicable reason, she feels a deep sense of loneliness and sadness.
Moments later, Amy is finally out the door. It's an unusually cold afternoon for early November. She's wearing her black jacket with the Raiders logo, black leggings, and a red scarf. She walks over to her Prius XZ Sport, an early graduation gift from her father, and turns it on. Sure, it's a five-year-old used car, but it still runs well, and on cold days like this one, it sure beats public transportation.
❖❖❖
Zack parks and leans his head back against the seat with a sigh.
"I know this isn't your thing, but I do appreciate you taking me to the game," Olivia says, as she looks at the mirror and reapplies her lip-gloss.
"I'm sure it'll be fun," he says unconvincingly.
When Olivia's satisfied with her touch-up, they leave the car and walk to the tailgate area. Olivia sees her friends and waves before turning back to Zack. "You're the best. See you inside."
Zack is walking to the entrance when he sees Eva; Amy and Emma are standing next to her. "Zack!" Eva shouts, gesturing for him to come to over. He awkwardly greets the girls as Eva nudges him in the arm. "Hey, hero. Amy and Emma are shocked to see you here. They say you never come to the games." She hands Zack a can of cola.
As their fingers make contact, Zack feels an electric shock that makes his whole body tingle. He stiffens, his eyes wide, briefly filled with a wild excitement.
"Zack? Are you okay?" Eva asks.
"Oh, sorry, I felt a little light-headed for a second," Zack says, tamping down his odd feelings. "You're right — I don't usually come to the games, but my sister Olivia begged me to take her. She's got this thing for the quarterback."
"Aww, you're not only a hero, but you also have a weak spot for your little sister. How sweet."
Amy clears her throat. "I think it's time to go in," she interjects. "Don't want to miss the start of the game, you know."
"Mmm-hmmm," Eva purrs, looking at Amy a bit archly. Amy blushes.
As they start walking toward the entrance, Eva wraps her arm around Zack's and pulls him slightly closer. Her touch brings him a sensation of energy and power that spreads into his soul, soothing and eerily familiar.
For a moment, he feels indestructible.
❖❖❖
Olivia zigzags through the crowds, leaving the stadium after another Raiders win. She finds Zack and grabs his arm. "Brady asked if we can stay awhile," she says, her voice a little giddy. "He and some of his friends are going to Harper's Diner and we're invited!"
"We have school tomorrow," Zack reminds her.
"Puleeeease? Didn't I already say you're the best brother ever? Don't blow your winning streak!"
Zack laughs. They sit on the trunk of their car and talk about the game while they wait. A few minutes later, they're joined by Brady — and, to Zack's surprise, by Mike, Amy, Emma, and Eva.
"Thanks for coming," Brady says as they share a hand-clasp.
"No problem," Zack says. "Olivia really wanted to see you play. Me too. Great game, guys."
"Thanks, bro," Mike says. "We should get going before curfew cuts our dinner short, though."
Their plans are derailed by a sudden shout.
"Euperian scum!" The group turns to see a mob shouting obscenities at a group of four young people who are hurrying away with their heads down. Brady slaps Mike on the shoulder and heads to intercept the group.
"Mike! Don't you dare!" Amy shouts.
Brady and Mike stop in front of the so-called Euperians.
"Where do you think you're going?" Brady demands.
"Please, we don't want any trouble," one of them says as the mob encircles them. "We just came to watch the game."
"What makes you think we want your kind watching a human sport?"
"I'm human, and we mean no disrespect. We just want to go home."
"You're a species traitor!" one of the mob shouts. He throws a punch that knocks the man to the asphalt. One of the beleaguered Euperians uses his alien strength to push the attacker away from his human friend. He then goes into a defensive stance, trying to keep the mob at bay.
Zack, don't!
Zack blocks Olivia from his mind. He can sense the Euperians' fear; it's so strong that it draws him in. He starts stalking toward the mob — and Eva steps in front of him. "Be smart," she whispers.
Zack takes his phone out of his pocket, takes a picture of the mob, and sends it to 911. He tells the others to get in his car. Amy and Emma decline, and head toward Amy's car instead.
As Zack pulls out of the parking lot, he can see the lights of the approaching police drones in his rear-view mirror.
❖❖❖
Head Minister Bannon is escorted to the safe house where Ambassador Jabieko is being kept. Jabieko stands up from his desk and greets the Head Minister as he enters.
"You didn't have to come, Mr. Head Minister," Jabieko says with a smirk as he shakes Bannon's hand. "I'm sure this won't be the last attempt on my life."
"I promise you that we'll catch these bastards," Bannon says.
"I'm sure you will." Jabieko invites the Head Minister to sit. "And I expect that they'll be handed over to me, even the human ones?"
"Of course. Claire." Bannon waves to his assistant, who hands Jabieko a file.
"Ambassador, I'll be asking the Assembly to vote on this amendment in our next session." Bannon waits for Jabieko to scan the document before continuing. "I would love your support on this measure."
"Mr. Head Minister, I'm sorry, but that's a hard pass." Jabieko tries to hand over the file, but Bannon refuses to take it.
"Ambassador, my people are already using any means necessary to terrorize Azhalians. By making it legal, it will give us the power to control the narrative. Our shared vision to keep humans and Azhalians segregated will come to fruition much quicker if
