NORTH CALUM
VEILBREAKERS NEST
Cresson and Vanarah had just completed their analysis of Garo Lat’s blood sample when Rinporter and Keiro returned. The expressions on their faces were filled with defeat, evident from their frowns and heavy sighs as they slumped into the nearest seats.
Cresson turned towards them and asked, “What happened? Where’s Grovan?”
Keiro simply shook his head, while Rinporter let out a deep sigh and explained, “He sacrificed himself for us.”
“What do you mean?”
“Is he dead?” Vanarah casually added as she approached the still-sleeping Garo Lat.
“No,” Rinporter quickly clarified. “How can you say that without any emotion in your eyes?”
Cresson smiled awkwardly and shrugged. “You know her, she’s always like that with others. She only shows her emotions to our son. But, getting back to the point, what really happened?”
This time, Keiro answered, “We were captured by Dr. Johnson. She didn’t see us as a threat, so she let us go, but Grovan chose to stay behind. It seems like she has a crush on him.”
“That’s really strange. I could understand if she liked you instead,” Vanarah interjected. “I guess we all have different tastes.”
“Are you saying Keiro is more handsome?” Rinporter asked, then turned to Cresson. “Aren’t you a little bit jealous, Cres?”
He chuckled. “Why would I be? She was right, and there were no feelings when she said that.”
“Wow, I feel even more sorry for Grovan now,” Rinporter uttered, shaking his head. “Even though he doesn’t appear to be in immediate danger, we still need to rescue him.”
“Of course, you have to save him. He’s a valuable asset to the government, and you can’t let them discover his true nature,” Vanarah interjected once again while attempting to wake up Garo Lat by nudging him with her foot.
Keiro stood up and approached her. “Can you show a little more compassion? Stop kicking him.”
She scowled at him. “Don’t tell me what to do. I’m not part of your group. I’m only here because of my husband’s request. Besides, this creature killed a human to survive here on Earth. Why should I feel any sympathy for him?”
“All right, you have a point. Just let me try to wake him up.” He crouched down and gently shook Garo Lat’s shoulders. However, as he did so, he noticed that his skin felt unnaturally cold. He realized he was wearing a menthol perfume and Garo Lat was probably having allergic reaction to it. Concerned, he asked Cresson to check on his condition.
Cresson obliged and carefully examined Garo Lat’s vital signs. His eyes widened in shock when he heard no heartbeat through the stethoscope. He turned his gaze towards the group and shook his head. “He’s . . . he’s gone.” He stood up, taking a deep breath to steady himself. “This is my fault. I was so focused on analyzing his sample that I completely forgot to check on him.”
Vanarah scoffed dismissively. “It’s not your fault. He deserved to die.”
Rinporter let out an exasperated sigh. “No offense, Cres, but your wife can be quite unbelievable.”
“Vanarah, could you please give us some space for now? We appreciate your assistance, but it’s probably best if you leave,” Keiro stated firmly.
She shrugged indifferently. “Gladly.” She turned to Cresson before walking away and added, “Don’t blame yourself. He was gonna die, anyway, and you know that.”
After Vanarah left, Cresson apologized on her behalf and gestured for them to take a seat. He started to explain, “When you brought Garo Lat here, I attempted to access his memories, but I was unsuccessful due to the interference from the Elthiers. However, now that they are no longer present, I made another attempt. Combining Garo Lat’s memories with our analysis of his sample, we can confirm that he was telling the truth. Arcanians truly cannot survive on Earth. Their biology is incompatible with our planet, and they rely on a human to sustain themselves. After a certain period of time, which could be a few years, they must find another target.”
“And if they fail, they will die . . . just like what happened to him?” Keiro asked.
Cresson nodded solemnly. “Yes, that’s correct. In fact, he should have perished on the day you brought him here. The Elthier’s intervention prolonged his survival for approximately 48 hours.”
“I see. What about their severe allergic reaction to menthol?”
“It’s possible that menthol-like compounds do not exist on their home planet. As a result, their biology never developed the necessary mechanisms to metabolize or tolerate such substances.”
“I have a question,” Rinporter interjected. “If they fail to find another target, they will revert to their original form, correct?”
“Yes, it seems so,” Cresson confirmed with a nod.
“Do they kill humans and inhabit their bodies?”
Cresson shook his head. “No. Just as what Garo Lat said, they don’t inhabit a human body. Instead, they steal and absorb the essence of it. It’s as if the soul and appearance of the human are transferred to the Arcanian body, adopting the physical attributes and even memories.”
“If they don’t inhabit a human body, then what happens to it?”
“I’m not entirely sure. It’s possible that they dispose of the bodies by burying them or even discarding them in the ocean. It’s difficult to say for certain.”
“That means the imposter President will need to find his next target once he nears a certain time mark,” Keiro chimed in, realizing the implications.
“Yes, that’s correct.”
“We need to figure out when his expiration date is approaching,” Rinporter suggested. “Or maybe we can even find out his manufacturing date.”
The other two exchanged amused glances. Keiro couldn’t help but ask, “Are you trying to imitate Grovan?”
Rinporter chuckled mischievously. “Yes, I made it obvious. Glad it worked.” Their laughter filled the room, and then he added, “I truly hope he’s safe.”
Just then, Keiro’s phone buzzed. He retrieved it from his waist holster and read the message.
HE FINALLY DID IT. SHOULD I CONTINUE?
A smile spread across his face, and he responded promptly.
YES, CONTINUE. GOOD JOB, KID.
“Who was that?” Rinporter asked.
“It’s Cresson’s son. He just shared the good news with me.”
Their eyes shimmered with excitement, and Cresson let out a contented sigh. “I’m relieved that it was a success.”