Brian Saves the World, Maybe

Chapter 8 - Turns

Jessica had left Brian's house in a hurry. She had stayed long enough to seem natural for someone just learning of an alien invasion, but it had cost her time.

As she drove down the street from Brian's house, she whipped out her phone and made a call. The other end picked up.

"It's happening," Jessica said.

She listened to the instructions given, biting her lip.

When the call ended, she tossed the phone into the passenger seat and glanced at the pre-packed duffle bag in the back.

She had a long drive ahead of her.

* * *

Brian's head was swimming as thoughts swirled in his mind. He was in shock and confused, but mostly, he felt duped.

How could this be possible? And wouldn't TV have known already that he was an Observer? Why hadn't he said anything before now?

I planned to reveal this to you gradually, and not until you were reunited. I didn't expect it to happen this soon, Brian.

Reunited? And you didn't expect what to happen this soon?

Your bio-chip fully activated itself.

Bio-chip? What?

Perhaps first I should explain what I meant by "reunited." Tell me about your childhood, Brian.

What's that got to do with anything?

What were your parents like?

I didn't know my parents.

Who raised you?

My aunt Carol did. Until I was 18, when she lost it and went off the grid. TV, what's the point of this? How do I even know I can trust you?

Then Brian remembered the cop Observer asking about messages in his head. Something seemed to click. He dropped the water bottle, spilling liquid all over the floor. Certain things started to make sense. Things he had just accepted initially but had begun to nag at his mind. How had TV known so much about the Borae plans? How had he gained access to human communications? And how was TV able to communicate with him?

You're Borae. Aren't you? That's how you're able to communicate with me.

I am not Borae, Brian, calm down. I haven't told you everything.

Brian started humming in his head, his best mental equivalent to covering his ears to keep from hearing TV. He quickly got up and walked out of the barn.

Dale followed. "What's up, Brian. You okay?"

"TV says I have some kind of bio-chip in me. He says it was just activated."

"What, like a tracking device? Dale whipped out a pocket knife. "Where is it? Let's get that thing out!"

"It's in my head."

Dale just stared, brows furrowed. "Where in your head, exactly?"

"We can help you, Brian!" It was the cop shouting from inside the barn.

Brian turned toward the sound. One big happy family, we Observers, right? Maybe he can help me. Is that what you meant by being reunited, TV?

Not exactly.

Brian stalked into the barn. Dale reluctantly put away his knife and followed.

Brian stood in front of the Observer, looking him dead in the eyes. "All right, how can you help me?"

The cop met his gaze for a moment, then nodded. "You have things going on in your head that you don't understand. Am I right?

Brian flexed his jaw. "Maybe."

"Then you need to come with me, and quickly," the Observer said flatly.

"Not likely," Dale said with a smirk.

Brian ignored him. "Come with you, where?"

"To a place where your questions can be answered."

"Hands up!" a voice shouted. Brian turned to see a man just outside the barn door, holding a rifle. "Drop the gun!" the man called to Dale, stepping into the barn. Dale had an odd look on his face, and Brian wasn't sure if he would comply.

Then, another figure entered the barn. "It's okay, guys!" The voice was familiar, somehow.

Brian blinked. It was Jessica.