The zero-gravity car slowed smoothly as it approached the massive, futuristic Nexus Collective headquarters in Aetheron City.
Kevin stared out the window in awe.
Towering spires of glass and gleaming metal reached toward the sky, connected by skybridges and surrounded by docking platforms where sleek spaceships were landing and taking off. In the distance, he could see larger vessels lifting off toward orbit.
Cobra escorted him through multiple layers of security. They passed advanced tech displays showcasing alien artifacts recovered from past conflicts and holographic models of the ongoing Mars terraforming project. Kevin felt like he had stepped into a sci-fi movie.
They entered a massive central hall filled with activity. Toons, Noids, and even a few actual aliens moved about some in formal suits, others in futuristic armor. Soldiers in sleek, high-tech gear stood at attention. The scale and diversity were overwhelming.
Cobra led him to a high-speed elevator. After a smooth, quiet ride that lasted a minute, the doors opened into a quiet, cozy waiting room. A comfortable sofa, a low table with sweets and juice, and a large screen on the wall greeted them.
"Wait here," Cobra said in his deep voice. "Someone will come to ask you some questions shortly."
Kevin nodded and took a seat on the sofa. He picked up a cookie from the tray and took a bite while glancing at the TV screen, which was playing the news.
The newscaster's voice filled the room: "Breaking news from Mars, the Earth expeditionary force has made first contact with a previously unknown civilization. What was thought to be a barren planet inhabited only by the dangerous Cy-Bugs has revealed an advanced Martian Empire ruled by Queen Tyr'ahnee."
The screen showed footage of a breathtaking futuristic kingdom that blended sleek technology with ancient Egyptian-inspired architecture. Tall, elegant figures with void-black skin moved gracefully through grand halls and floating cities.
The reporter continued, "The discovery was made by the platoon led by Sergeant Calhoun."
The camera cut to a tall, slender woman with a blonde bob cut, side bangs, blue eyes, fair skin, rosy lips, and dark eyeliner. She wore heavy red-and-black armor that looked both functional and imposing.
Kevin's eyes widened in shock. "Isn't she from Wreck-It Ralph…?"
The news continued: "Diplomatic representatives from Earth are already en route to Mars to officiate a formal alliance with the new civilization."
Before Kevin could fully process that, the broadcast switched to another breaking story, now reported by Roxanne Ritchi.
"In a landmark ruling today, the court has sided with Barry the Bee in his class-action lawsuit against the human honey industry. After centuries of alleged exploitation and unfair labor practices, all commercial honey production has been ordered to cease immediately. Honey is now considered the rightful property of the bees. Humans are forbidden from harvesting or selling it. Those found in violation will face heavy fines and possible imprisonment. The ban goes into full effect in one week unless the bees choose to sell or trade it voluntarily."
Kevin leaned back, letting the information sink in. The world was changing rapidly, new civilizations on Mars, legal battles over honey, sentient animal rights… everything felt interconnected.
He was still mulling it over when the door to the waiting room opened.
A tall woman entered. She had dark brown hair and light green eyes, and wore a white lab coat over an orange shirt, a gray skirt, and black high-heel boots. She carried herself with calm authority.
Kevin stood up politely. The woman smiled and extended her hand for a handshake.
"I'm Dr. Rebecca Holiday. Nice to meet you, Sir Harlan."
Kevin shook her hand. "The pleasure is mine, Dr. Holiday."
"Have a seat," she said, gesturing to the sofa as she sat down opposite him.
Kevin sat down.
Rebecca folded her hands on the table and looked at him directly. "I think you know the reason why you were called here, Sir Harlan, so I won't beat around the bush."
"How long have you been staying in this world?" she asked.
Kevin answered honestly. "I've been here for over a month."
Rebecca raised one eyebrow. "In that span of time, have you experienced any bad happenings to your body? Convulsions, sudden chest pain, abrupt dizziness?"
"There's been nothing like that," Kevin replied. "I've actually felt great ever since I arrived."
Rebecca nodded while typing something on the tablet in front of her. "The world you came from, was it called Altearth?"
"Altearth?" Kevin repeated, confused. "No. I came from a world named Earth."
Hearing this, Dr. Holiday frowned slightly. She continued asking questions in a calm, professional tone "Have you noticed any changes in your physical abilities since arriving? Strength, speed, healing rate?"
"Do you have any memories of how exactly you crossed over? Any bright light, portal, or unusual event?"
"Have you interacted with any high-ranking federation officials or sensitive technology before today?"
"Have you experienced any unusual dreams or visions since your arrival?"
Kevin answered each question as honestly as he could, feeling like he was undergoing a very thorough medical and psychological evaluation.
Dr. Holiday listened carefully, occasionally nodding or typing notes. The conversation continued for several minutes, covering his daily life, his restaurant, his new house, and even his interactions with toons.
Finally, she set her tablet down and looked at him with a measured expression. "Thank you for your cooperation, Sir Harlan. Now, if you would, there's just one final procedure to complete."