A Distinguished Visitor

June 5, 2113, Planet: Earth

Eight days had passed since Kai had found his place at Reece Racing. Though the days were tough and the nights long, every moment felt meaningful. His day started early, before the sun even touched Neu Archadia. The camp woke up with the loud clatter of machines, the hum of Galaxy Racers, and the clinking of tools, and Kai was always one of the first on the lot, ready to begin his work. 

At first, he was assigned simple tasks: changing tires, carrying tools, cleaning the vehicles. It was thankless work, but Kai took it on with quiet pride. He knew this was the price for his chance, and he would do anything to seize the opportunity. 

Over time, he earned the recognition of some team members. They started giving him more responsibility. Kai quickly learned how to handle the complex technical systems of the Galaxy Racers. Sometimes, he spent hours hunched over the machines, sweaty and exhausted, but always focused. His hands, which had once only held simple tools, now moved skillfully across the schematics and sensors, as if he had been doing it his whole life. 

Yet, there were moments when he felt overwhelmed. The technology was advanced, and mistakes could have serious consequences. But every time doubt crept in, he reminded himself of the night he had broken into the competitor’s zone—the courage it took to create this chance for himself. He didn’t have much to lose, but everything to gain. 

During his lunch breaks, Kai often sat off to the side, watching the other drivers and technicians. They talked about races, strategies, and technical details that were still a mystery to him. But he listened closely, absorbing every detail, as if he could find the answers to life’s challenges in those conversations. This wasn’t his world—not yet. But he was determined to become part of it. 

In the evenings, when the last racer was parked and the lights in the workshop dimmed, Kai often stayed longer than anyone else. Fatigue gnawed at him, but he couldn’t bring himself to stop. Somewhere in the darkness of the workshop, he could see his future self: a pilot who commanded the track, leaving the dust of the past behind. 

On the seventh day, Kai stood in the middle of the garage, his hands smeared with oil, when Victor, the team leader of Reece Racing, approached him. “Not bad, kid,” Victor said curtly, giving him a pat on the shoulder. “I see you don’t give up. Maybe you’ve got what it takes after all.” 

Kai didn’t say anything, but a faint smile crossed his face. He knew there was still a long road ahead, but in that moment, he felt he had taken another small step in the right direction. 

The days may have been tough, but in the quiet of the night, as he lay on his bed in the small quarters, Kai knew one thing for sure: he was closer to his dream than ever before.

The sun hung high over Neu Archadia as the workers at Reece Racing went about their usual routines. For Kai, it seemed like any other day—at least at first. He had fallen into the rhythm of his tasks and was beginning to feel at home in the workshop. But today, there was a strange tension in the air, as if something unusual was happening.

As Kai set to work cleaning one of the Galaxy Racers, he noticed the workshop was unusually empty. The technicians, who were usually deep in conversation or tinkering with the race machines, had vanished. The constant hum of the machines, usually ever-present, had fallen silent. Only the soft buzz of the air conditioning filled the stillness.

Kai frowned and let the sponge in his hand fall. Something wasn’t right. He wiped his hands on an old rag and headed towards the main entrance of the workshop. The large sliding doors were open, and outside stood a group of people. Among them, Kai spotted Victor, gazing seriously at the front lot.

“What’s going on?” Kai muttered to himself, creeping closer to the door for a better look.

And then he saw it: a convoy of sleek, black vehicles slowly approaching Reece Racing’s headquarters. These cars were unlike anything Kai had ever seen—slim, futuristic, and marked with the emblem of the United Earth Alliance on the side. As the vehicles came to a stop in front of the entrance, a figure stepped out of the lead car, instantly commanding the attention of everyone present.

Kai recognized him immediately: it was the President of the UEA, the most powerful man on Earth. His arrival seemed to make time stand still for a moment. All eyes were on him. He wasn’t just the political leader, but the face of a united humanity, a humanity that had recovered from the war with the Thoronites and was now reaching for the stars again. Kai had only ever seen the President on the news, but seeing him here, in the flesh, was an entirely different experience.

The President was tall, with a dignified posture and piercing eyes that seemed to take in the entire scene as he stepped out of the vehicle. Surrounding him were security officers dressed in black suits, ensuring his arrival was handled with cold precision. Another man, a close advisor, carried a heavy metal briefcase as he walked closely behind the President.

“This isn’t normal,” Kai whispered, retreating quietly back into the shadows of the workshop. What was the President of the UEA doing here at Reece Racing? Something was off, and Kai couldn’t shake the feeling that this encounter was far more important than it seemed.

Victor stepped forward, greeting the President with a firm handshake. Though Victor was usually the picture of calm, even he seemed a bit more nervous than usual. Kai couldn’t hear their words, but from their body language, it was clear that this was no ordinary conversation.

Kai’s eyes swept over the scene. The President’s presence hinted that something big was happening—something far beyond the day-to-day business of Reece Racing. Inside, Kai’s curiosity bubbled up. He wanted to know more. What could be so important that the leader of the Earth Alliance would show up here personally?

He moved silently along the workshop wall, careful not to be seen. The people outside were too focused on the President and Victor to notice him. Kai reached a side door that led into the conference area of the headquarters. If the conversation was going to continue anywhere, it would be there. He had helped out in that area a few times, and the rooms were rarely occupied.

He quietly opened the door and slipped into the cool, dimly lit hallway. His footsteps barely echoed as he moved forward. Kai felt like an intruder, but his burning curiosity left him no choice. He had to find out what was going on.

He had only crept a few meters further when he suddenly heard voices and footsteps. Victor and the President of the UEA were approaching, accompanied by advisors and security personnel. Panic surged through him—there were hardly any places to hide in the narrow hallway. Desperately, he searched for a way to conceal himself and spotted an inconspicuous door at the end of the hall. He quickly opened it and slipped inside.

To his relief, the room turned out to be a small supply closet that connected directly to the conference room. Among shelves stacked with cleaning supplies and an old mop, Kai crouched down. His heart pounded loudly in his chest as he left the door cracked open just enough to glimpse what was happening.

Victor and the President entered the large door to the conference room, followed by their advisors and guards. From his position, Kai couldn’t see much, but he heard the men settle into the room. Through the thin wall, he could hear their voices, muffled at first, but gradually clearer.

The supply closet was cramped and stuffy, filled with equipment that left Kai with little room to move. But he knew he had to stay quiet and still. Pressing his ear against the thin wall that separated the closet from the conference room, he listened. The voices became clearer, and he could catch fragments of the conversation.

“We are entering a critical phase,” Kai heard the President say. “The UEA needs a team that doesn’t just represent us, but strengthens our position in the galaxy. The interplanetary competitions no longer carry just symbolic value. There’s much more at stake than just glory. It’s about our future.”

Kai tried to get a better view, but the room was too cramped, and he didn’t want to risk giving away his position. So he remained still, muscles tense, as he continued to listen to the conversation.

“So, you want Reece Racing to fly for the UEA?” Victor asked in a calm but serious tone. The tension in his voice was unmistakable, and Kai could feel the weight of the question.

The President paused briefly before continuing. “Actually, we only need you. The next major intergalactic race will decide far more than most people realize. If we win, we secure not only our place on the Galactic Council. We gain influence, resources, and security. But if we lose…” He stopped, as if to emphasize the gravity of his words. “If we lose, we risk everything.”

Kai swallowed hard as he began to grasp the full significance of what he had just heard. The UEA was betting everything on this race, and Reece Racing was supposed to be the team that held the future of humanity in its hands.

Victor leaned back, thoughtfully rubbing his chin. “And what exactly do you expect from us?” he finally asked. “Reece Racing is good, but this sounds far more dangerous than any race we’ve ever flown before.”

The President nodded. “It will be dangerous, yes. But we have no room for doubt. We need the best, and you’ve proven you’re at the top. What we need now is a guarantee that we won’t fail.”

The tension in the room was almost palpable, and Kai could feel his heart pounding faster. This was far bigger than he had ever expected. He thought about the past days, the hard work, and his dream of becoming a Galaxy Racer. Could this really be the opportunity he had longed for? An intergalactic race—this sounded like the chance of a lifetime. But it was also more dangerous than he had ever imagined.

“We’ll think about it,” Victor finally said, leaning back in his chair, his brow furrowed as he scrutinized the President of the UEA. The silence in the room was oppressive, the faint hum of the air conditioning the only sound breaking through the tension. Kai, still hidden in the supply closet, held his breath. The conversation he had eavesdropped on so far had already revealed enough secrets to leave him breathless—but he had a sense there was more to come.

The President took a deep breath, his eyes showing the weariness of a man who carried more secrets than he would ever reveal. “Victor,” he began, his voice low and intense, “we don’t have any more time.” He let the words hang in the air, their meaning unspoken but clear as glass.

Victor raised an eyebrow. “No more time?” he asked, his voice tinged with skepticism. “For what exactly, Mr. President? You come here, without warning, and demand that I participate in an intergalactic competition that supposedly determines the fate of Earth. What are you not telling me?”

The President remained silent for a moment, his gaze fixed on Victor. “I regret the sudden visit,” he said slowly, “but there have been... unforeseen developments. The pilot and team leader we originally selected is... no longer available.” He paused, as if the words cost him more than he wanted to show. His eyes flickered, and for a brief moment, it seemed as though he was speaking of a deep, personal loss.

Victor lifted his head, staring at the President. “No longer available?” he repeated, his voice cutting. “Do you mean he decided not to go through with it? Or has something worse happened?” There was a sharpness in his voice that cut through the room. Kai’s heartbeat quickened. He could hear the implication behind the words, but no one spoke it aloud.

ident sighed, and his face seemed to age by years. “I won’t sugarcoat it, Victor. The man we had chosen was the best. He had everything we needed—experience, courage, and the ability to lead a team. But yesterday... the pressure got to him. Something terrible happened, and as a result, he can no longer participate, nor does he want to.” The words fell softly, almost whispered, and Kai felt a cold shiver run down his spine. He could hardly believe what he had just heard.

Victor remained silent, letting the President’s words sink in. He closed his eyes for a brief moment, taking a deep breath. “And you’re keeping this from the public?” he finally asked, his voice once again calm and controlled. “Is that why you’re here, suddenly?”

The President gave a brief nod. “We can’t afford to cause panic. The pressure on this man... it was too much. And we don’t have time to find another suitable replacement. That’s why we need you, Victor. A leader. You know the best pilots Earth has to offer.”

Victor stared at the President for a long moment, as if trying to discern his true intentions. “That’s not everything, is it?” he said quietly. “There’s more to this. I can feel it. You’re not telling me everything.”

The President remained silent for a moment. A dark shadow seemed to fall across his face as he placed his hands on the table and began speaking in a quiet voice. “Fifteen years ago,” he started, “something appeared... something beyond our understanding.” His eyes shifted to Victor, as if to ensure the weight of his words was fully felt. “A being that called itself ‘Eon.’”

Kai, listening intently from his hiding spot, furrowed his brow. Eon? He had heard of many mysterious stories, but this sounded bigger, more menacing.

“The Eon,” the President repeated, “was... is... a force we still don’t comprehend. It appeared out of nowhere while Earth was deep in the war with the Thoronites. You must remember, Victor—the war seemed lost. The Thoronites were unstoppable. They had already destroyed the outer posts and colonies and were on the verge of conquering Earth.”

Victor nodded slowly, his eyes fixed on the President. “Yes, anyone who lived through that remembers.” There was a heaviness in his voice as memories flashed through his mind.

“And just at that moment, when we were on the brink of losing everything, the Eon appeared,” the President continued. “It came before the leaders of the UEA and spoke of a... race. An intergalactic competition that would decide the fate of entire civilizations. A race that would give us the power to save ourselves.”

Kai could hardly believe it. A race that would decide humanity’s fate? It sounded like a fairy tale, a story from a long-forgotten age. But the seriousness in the President’s voice left no doubt that it was real.

“The Eon,” the President went on, “was unimaginably powerful. It stopped the war with a single gesture. The Thoronites, who had been unstoppable until then, withdrew. A ceasefire was declared—until the race is completed.” The President leaned back, lost in thought. “Since then, we’ve lived in a false sense of security. But now the race is approaching, and we are not prepared.”

Victor frowned. “What exactly does this race demand of us?” He had more questions, most pressing was why the lie had been spread that the Thoronites had been defeated. But he pushed those thoughts aside. Now was not the time to debate political decisions.

The President looked him directly in the eye. “It’s not just a competition of skill or talent. It’s more than that. Entire worlds’ existences are at stake. The prize for the winner is invulnerability—a power that changes everything. But if we lose...” He paused, as if the words were too heavy to speak. “If we lose, there will be nothing to protect us from the dangers of the galaxy.”

Victor scoffed, his brow furrowed deeply. “And why are you telling me this only now?”

The President sighed deeply. “Because we needed to make sure you wouldn’t crack under the pressure either. The burden on the selected team is immense. The pilot we lost couldn’t bear that weight.”

“And now you come to me,” Victor leaned forward, his eyes cold and calculating. “Because you think I’ll find someone crazy enough to take on this responsibility.”

“Yes,” the President replied simply. “We need you, Victor. Your experience. Your connections. You have the knowledge and the ability to find someone who not only can race, but is willing to risk everything. You know the best pilots—and we need the best. Someone with the will to win. You’ve proven in countless championships that you can do it.”

Kai could hardly believe what he was hearing. This was far more than just a race. It was about the survival of humanity, the future of everyone. His thoughts raced. Could he—or someone Victor chose—carry the burden of this race?

Victor stepped to the small window in the conference room, gazing out at the front lot of Reece Racing, where the President’s vehicles were still parked. For a moment, he seemed lost in thought, then slowly turned around, leaning against the window with his arms folded, scrutinizing the President with a look that held both contemplation and reluctance. Kai could practically feel the weight of the words on Victor’s tongue, and he pressed his ear even closer to the wall of the supply room, not wanting to miss a single detail.

“There’s only one person who could fly this race,” Victor began slowly. His voice was deep and rough, as though just mentioning her name opened old wounds. “Amelia Reece.”

The President raised an eyebrow and nodded slightly. “Your ex-wife.” It wasn’t a question, but a statement. The room seemed to shrink for a moment as the words hung between the two men. Victor didn’t shy away from the President’s piercing gaze, but there was a tension in his eyes that Kai had never seen before.

“Yes,” Victor said shortly. “Before the Thoronite attack, she was the best. A star pilot, unbeatable. She won races others could only dream of. There was no one who could compete with her.” His voice wavered between pride and bitterness as he spoke of her. “And I wasn’t just her husband—I was her manager. Together, we were a team no one could defeat.”

The President folded his hands in front of him on the table. “What happened?” he asked, though he likely already knew the answer. It was a rhetorical question, a prompt to complete the story.

Victor sighed deeply, and for a moment, it was as though he forgot the room, the situation, and the President, as if he was lost deep in the past. “The Thoronites came,” he began quietly, “and everything changed. Amelia... she lost everything... I should’ve protected her. But the war was merciless.”

A heavy silence settled over the room, broken only by the soft hum of the air conditioning. Kai held his breath, caught in the emotional tension that seemed to envelop the two men like a thick fog.

“We haven’t spoken since,” Victor added, his voice barely a whisper. “I started my own racing team, buried myself in work. She left, left everything behind. Now she lives somewhere in the desert, south of the city. She participates in desert races, dangerous ones that no one really takes seriously, but for her, it’s everything. She never wanted to come back to this world.”

The President leaned forward, his eyes fixed on Victor. “But you believe she’s the right one for this race?”

Victor nodded slowly, hesitantly. “Yes, she’s the best. There’s no one like Amelia. But...” He paused, and a note of uncertainty crept into his words. “I’m not sure she would agree. Especially not if I’m the one asking her.”

The President frowned and leaned back, as though weighing the information carefully. “Amelia Reece, the star pilot before everything collapsed,” he said quietly, more to himself than to Victor. Then he looked up. “I believe she can be convinced.”

Victor let out a bitter laugh, though it was anything but joyful. “She’s stubborn, Mr. President. And more importantly—she hates me. She won’t listen to me, even if I beg her. And if she finds out I’m involved in this race, she’ll be even less interested.”

The President nodded in understanding, but his resolve remained firm. “Maybe not. But if we make her understand what’s at stake... that we need her, not just for the race, but for humanity, I believe she’ll listen. Everyone has a price, Victor.”

Victor snorted softly, as if doubting the President’s words. But the gravity of the moment left him no choice but to agree. “If you want to find her, go ahead.”

The President was silent for a moment before nodding. “I’ll find her,” he said, his voice full of conviction. “And she’ll understand why we need her. If there’s anyone who can take the fate of humanity into their hands, it’s her.”

Victor seemed on the verge of replying, but at that moment, the door to the conference room opened. A man, likely one of the President’s staff, entered. He was tall, with a serious expression and a military bearing. “The team has arrived, sir,” he said, his tone crisp and formal.

The President nodded and rose slowly. “Good,” he said quietly. “Bring them in.” Then he turned back to Victor. “This is our chance. And we will convince Amelia—I promise you that.” Victor said nothing, but there was a deep concern in his eyes, making his breaths seem heavier.

Meanwhile, a small group of people entered the room. “Kingsley, go find Amelia Reece and bring her to me,” the President instructed his staff member, who nodded and left the room as quickly as he had entered.

The door to the conference room opened again, and a small group of people entered. Kai, still hidden in the supply closet, dared to creep closer to the door, straining to see and hear as much as possible. His thoughts raced. He knew this was critical, that he had to understand everything happening right now.

The President gestured to the people entering. “Victor, let me introduce you to the team,” he began, his tone carrying both authority and urgency. “I’ve spent the last year assembling this group. They are the best in their fields.”

Victor watched closely as the first person stepped forward. A young woman, likely in her mid-twenties, with pale skin and thoughtful eyes. She moved cautiously, almost shyly, her hands gripping the hem of her jacket as she gave a slight nod in greeting. “This is Liora,” the President explained. “She was part of the military’s strategy division. A brilliant thinker who will be developing our race strategy.”

Liora nodded hesitantly, her eyes avoiding direct contact with Victor. Her shy demeanor was unmistakable. “It’s an honor to meet you, Mr. Reece,” she said softly, almost in a whisper. Kai could feel the uncertainty in her voice, but it was clear she must have been extremely capable—otherwise, she wouldn’t be part of this team. She seemed like someone who preferred to work behind the scenes but would develop the crucial plan in moments of crisis.

Next to Liora, another woman stepped forward, her mirror image in appearance but the opposite in every other way. Nyx, also in her mid-twenties, stood tall, her eyes sparkling with confidence and determination. Her posture was straight and disciplined, almost military-like—it was clear she wouldn’t be shaken by any situation.

“And this is Nyx,” the President continued. “Her twin sister and one of the best soldiers the military has ever seen. She’ll be responsible for the team’s protection.” Nyx gave Victor a firm look as she extended her hand. Her grip was strong, her stance unyielding.

“Pleasure to meet you,” she said firmly. “I’ll make sure we not only survive but win.” The confidence in her voice left no doubt about her resolve. Nyx seemed like someone who was preparing for the most dangerous of missions and was willing to risk everything to reach her goal.

Victor glanced briefly between the two sisters, noting the stark contrast between them. On one side, the quiet and reserved Liora, and on the other, the unshakable and battle-ready Nyx—a fascinating duo. The only visible difference between the two was their distinctive hair strands: Liora’s soft blue highlights reflected her calm demeanor, while Nyx’s vibrant violet streaks highlighted her strength and determination.

“The team seems well thought out,” Victor said, his gaze lingering on Liora for a moment before continuing. “But we need more than just strategy and defense. The Galaxy Racer needs to be perfect.”

The President nodded before introducing two more men who stepped forward from behind the twins. Both men were in their thirties, with hands stained from years of working on machines and the faces of people who had spent countless hours in workshops. “These are Toby and Kyle,” the President explained. “They are the mechanics who built the special Galaxy Racer for this race.”

Toby, the taller of the two, pushed his glasses up and gave Victor a mischievous smile. “We’ve created something you’ve never seen before,” he said with a touch of pride. “Faster, stronger, and equipped with an extra turret for Nyx. It’s going to be the strongest machine on the track.”

Kyle, the more serious of the two, nodded in agreement. “We’ve fine-tuned every detail. This vehicle will survive anything—no matter what comes our way.”

Victor examined the two men closely before speaking again. “So, you’ve built a Racer that combines speed and defense. But without the best pilot...”

The President stepped closer, cutting Victor off in a calm voice. “That’s why we need Amelia. Without her, none of this will work. She’s the only one who can fly this race.”

Victor took a deep breath, his brow furrowed. “And you really believe she’ll agree to this?” His voice betrayed his doubts.

“I’m certain she understands what’s at stake,” the President replied firmly. “We have no choice, Victor. We must convince her.”

Kai, still crouched tensely in the supply closet, listened intently. His heart raced as he tried to process all the information. An elite team, a specially built Galaxy Racer, and Amelia, the only hope to save humanity—this was far bigger than anything he could have imagined.

“The team will be picked up early tomorrow,” the President said finally. “An escort will take them from Reece Racing HQ to retrieve Amelia and the Racer. The team will explain the details further. There’s no time to waste.”

Victor nodded slowly, but his eyes betrayed lingering concerns. “And if she doesn’t come?” he asked, his voice now quieter, almost resigned.

“We have to try,” the President responded firmly. “There is no other option.”

As the group prepared to leave the room, Kai knew this was his chance. He couldn’t just stand by and watch events unfold—he had to be part of it. If he could manage to sneak into the convoy, he might just find a way to play a role in this race, a role that could bring him closer to his dream.

“I have to be there,” Kai thought determinedly. This was his moment—the opportunity he had always sought. Even though he didn’t know what lay ahead, he was ready to risk everything.

As the group exited the room, Kai quietly slipped out of his hiding spot and began to formulate his plan for the next morning. He knew it was dangerous, but the risk was worth it. Tomorrow, he would enter a new world—one that would either lead him to his dream or into the abyss.