There was no room for discussion in such a crisis. All of the Chairmanâs orders have to be executed instantly and perfectly. Failure to do so might see one of the most lucrative games they had ever seen in their lifetimes crumble and turn to dust before their very eyes.
And if that happened, the members within that room would definitely change within a short period of time. Heck, heads might even roll.
ElâTaras might be calm and easygoing most of the time. But when he got angry, the subject of his anger rarely escaped with their lives.
Of course in the vast universe, there were many who did not believe for a second that it was mere coincidence.
âMobilize the military and send in five regiments to lock down Planet Earth. Nothing enters and leaves the Planet without our authorization. I expect your men to be in position within three days.â A high ranking general of the Star System closest to Planet Earth, Southern Glory, commanded his subordinates.
âWe are escalating the Shadow Parasite Disaster into Defensive Alert Two! Inform all the other Star Systems of our decision, especially the Central Galaxies. If possible, get them to reinforce us as well. We must kill the Shadow Parasites before they find a way to create more queens.â
âYes General!â His subordinates shouted, and immediately got to work.
And with that, the first of many military assets from across the entire known universe had finally taken action.
However, the greatest reactions had to come from Jessica and co.
âErhem. Jessica.â Came Director Sandsâ voice.
âHuh? Gramps? How come you sound like⦠What? Youâre actually here??â Jessica Sands gasped in surprise as she stood up from the huddle that she was in with Wu Kong and JulâTaras.
âImpossible. That old man would never leave his job to visit me.â She muttered loudly to herself, much to Director Sandsâ chagrin.
âIs this a brand new powerful hologram technology? You look so real!â Jessica stretched out her hand and touched her grandfatherâs arm.
âWhoa! You even feel real! What a powerful hologram technology! Who invented it? That person must be a mega genius!â Jessica exclaimed.
SMACK!
Director Sands smacked Jessicaâs head lightly as he rolled his eyes at her.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om
âOwww! That hurt!! And youâre really here!! Why are you here?â Jessica rubbed her head with a pout.
âDonât you know why I am here? I thought youâre a big fan of that Elliot guy!â Director Sands asked in mild amazement.
âAh? Weâve been busy discussing⦠something fun. Hahaha! Itâs nothing dangerous! Donât worry! Hahaha!â Jessica laughed guiltily.
Next to her, JulâTaras and Wu Kong sighed deeply while Aunt Hillary merely chuckled.
Director Sands frowned at Jessica.
âWeâll have a discussion about this later. But now, I have an important task for you. You are to follow me to investigate the appearance of what seems to be a Realm Portal that suddenly appeared in California.â
âCalifornia? Thatâs the state where Elliot is!â Jessica gasped.
âYes. As it were, he was probably involved in the creation of that portal. You got your wish, somehow. You will follow me and we will have to meet Elliot and talk to him about that portal.â Director Sands said with a small smile.
Jessicaâs, JulâTarasâ and Wu Kongâs mouths dropped open and there was silence for a moment.
A very brief moment.
And then all three of them scrambled back to their screens to look at the current situation.
âWEâRE GOING TO EARTH! WEâRE GOING TO EARTH! THOSE DUMBASSES DONâT KNOW WHAT TO DO WITH THAT REALM PORTAL! HORRAY! HORRAY! HO-â
âEhm! One of those âdumbassesâ youâre referring to is ME! You little chilli pepper!â Director Sands shouted at his beloved granddaughter loudly.
âAh? Hahahaha! Of course I wasnât referring to you, gramps! Youâre almost always never included in my curses!â Jessica laughed gaily.
âALMOST always never? So sometimes I AM included??â Director Sands sputtered indignantly!
âAH! I almost forgot. Gramps, please meet Wu Kong and Jules, my personal bodyguards who will be accompanying me to Planet Earth! AND NO, I WONâT GO IF YOU DONâT ALLOW THEM TO JOIN ME!â Jessica said fiercely to make sure that her friends can join her, and also to change the subject as fast as possible.
âHmmm? Sure. If itâs more protection for you, I donât have any arguments against that. And Jules, since when did you enter the bodyguard industry? The Chairman will be very interested to know about your little business expansion.â Director Sands teased her lightly.
âOh he knows, donât worry about that, Uncle Sands.â JulâTaras chuckled. âI have felt his eyes lock on to me the moment you appeared. If he didnât agree, he would have done something by now. Donât worry about Jessica. With me around, and with Uncle constantly watching over me, sheâll be in no danger at all even if we somehow get separated from you.â
âYeah! And even if I get separated from ALL of you, Iâll be in no danger as well! Because unlike all of you, I have a super duper powerful escape mechanism which I had just discovered a few weeks ago! Itâs super shiny brand new, and with it I will never get caught.â Jessica said proudly.
But before Director Sands could ask her what it was, JulâTaras raised her hand.
âDONâT ask her what if you donât want her screaming the answer out for the rest of the room to hear.â JulâTaras chuckled.
âHahaha!â Director Sands waved his hand lightly and the space around them shimmered very, very slightly. âWeâre good now. I dare say not even your Uncle can see us!â
However, a slight chuckle sounded from near Director Sands.
âNot only can I still see you, I can even project my voice over. Old man Sands, youâve gotten weak.â
âWHAT! You monster. Itâs not I who has gotten weak, itâs you who has gotten much too strong for your own good!â Director Sands shouted in shock.