Galactic Earth

by Luthra, G. S.

  “Let me guess, alien visits earth?” replied Mark.

  “Look Layla, I know you being the hard working reporter that you are. Want to get on top of this, but we’ve got to plan wisely. This is something that can either save us or break us. Lolland Press isn’t exactly doing well, and we really have to-”

  “Mark!” Layla exclaimed, cutting him off.

  “I know what you’re doing, stop. You don’t have to protect me. I know my place, I’m not a child.”

  Silence filled the next few moments.

  “Layla, I just don’t want to see you get hurt. Your father-”

  “Stop, I don’t want to hear it,” Layla said firmly raising her hand.

  Mark let out a sigh.

  “Alright Layla, it’s all yours. The alien story is your responsibility, but don’t think you’re not in a rat race with every major news agency and not to mention our other reporters.”

  “Heh, mainstream media are puppets, we’re going to deliver the real scoop. Besides, I doubt they have this,” Layla pulled out her IPhone, showing Mark pictures of Gudama’s space ship in crisp detail.

  “Holy cow, where did you get those?”

  “I was there silly, while everyone else was looking up like turkey, I was taking pics! And guess what?”

  Marked looked puzzled.

  “Every major broadcaster has been covering the president’s travel speeches, the war, and the mud slides in Cali. None of them have anything on this. Why do you think they’re replaying security camera footage on TV that barely shows the ship?”

  “Always quick on your feet huh Layla?” replied Mark, adjusting his glasses in relief.

  “The big players are touring the world covering global affairs, they’re already too late. The agencies have their best out there they’ll only be sending their rookies to cover this,” Layla said with an almost sinister smile on her face.

  This was music to Mark’s ears as now he believed in Layla’s reasoning.

  “As for my in house competition, I wish them well. Either way, we all win,” Layla said smiling confidently with her head high and arms folded.

  Mark looked at some paper work.

  “I wouldn’t even know where to begin, how do track an extraterrestrial? Ok Layla, we’re going to need to be on our A game.”

  “You’re right, the challenge is tough, but I wouldn’t worry too much, just leave it to me.”

  Layla proceeded toward the door.

  “Where’re you going, how are you going to find this guy?” Marked asked puzzled.

  Layla stopped by the door, turning her body half way. She took out Gudama’s book from her purse.

  “I read his book, he’s operating under our laws and if that’s the case, someone is printing them for him. They’ll know where he’s hiding,” she said wiggling the book. Layla winked at Mark with a big smile on her face and left. Mark stood in amazement. He padded his forehead.

  “Layla, if there’s anyone who can track him down, it’s you. Good luck my dear.”

  People were crowding at the bookstore, checking out Gudama’s book. Layla walked in the same bookstore where she bought hers. Snickers, laughter, and remarks were made by others who browsed through the copies there. Availability was limited as people were purchasing in increasing numbers. However, most criticized it as being the biggest scam on earth. The cashier was dealing with a group of punk critics.

  “Dude is this for real?” the young male said.

  “Look, we just sell ‘em, I don’t know anything about it,” replied the cashier.

  The boys mocked and chucked the book, knocking over the other copies creating a mess. This drew the attention of the other employees.

  “What are you doing? Stop that right now!” said the manager.

  “Aliens, aliens are here! Come everybody, grab your copy of extraterrestrial mumbo jumbo!” shouted one of the young men.

  Layla grew tired of the wait and barged in.

  “Hey you, go do your shenanigans elsewhere!”

  “Oh, why hello there,” said one of the men as the others made flirty sounds. “How about you come with us and we can read it together pretty lady?”

  “How about I arrest all of you for obstruction of peace, and you can all read it together in the slammer,” replied Layla, revealing an officer badge.

  Their eyes widened as big as saucers. Fearing of detainment, they immediately apologized while attempting to fix the books.

  “We’re really sorry, we were just joking,” said one.

  “Enough just get outta here!” Layla ordered.

  They all ran like hyenas fleeing from an angry lioness. The manager thanked Layla while everyone clapped.

  “Hey, I recognize you. You were here over the weekend, the first one to buy that book,” he said.

  “Oh, thanks for noticing,” Layla said with a grin while slightly blushing.

  The manager was big and decent looking with short thick black hair, well-groomed facial hair, and a red shirt. He towered over her.

  “How could I forget your lovely face, little did I know you were a cop. Heh, I could have gotten myself in trouble,” he said chuckling.

  “Yea, about that, can we speak somewhere in private?” Layla said back to focus.

  “Sure…follow me,” he said a little puzzled.

  Opening the employee door, Layla and the manager went into a small office establishing privacy.

  “What can I do for you?” he asked.

  Layla explained she was a detective and was ordered immediately to obtain a copy of the book for further investigation. Now she’s tracking down the source under direct order. The manager believed her and explained that the only information they had was a return address from the shipment. Layla thanked the man and got up.

  “Is he really an alien?” asked the manager.

  “That’s what I’m going to find out,” she answered determined to accomplish her mission.

  Acting was one of Layla’s strengths. Her brother was an officer for the state police. He was killed by an Islamic terrorist while on his way to work. Layla found his badge under some rumble when she arrived at the crime scene in disbelief. Since then it has come in handy, helping her enter restricted areas and gather information. People believed her character thanks to her strong demeanor and superb portrayal of an agent.

  Policemen put their lives on the line every day or at least that’s what we’re told. They are bad ones out there, but Layla’s brother was one of those genuine officers who joined solely for the purpose of protecting others. He was a good cop, and Layla was heartbroken to hear of his demise as did many others on the force. Media infuriated her when they didn’t even report it as a terrorist assault. Vowing to not let his death go in vain, Layla dedicated her life to reporting truth, what mainstream media hides from the public for financial and political interest groups. The police never did confiscate her brother’s badge believing it was destroyed along with her brother in the blast. Now was another chance to report the secret truth, to reveal what the media won’t cover and whether or not the government knew of Gudama’s arrival.

  Fortunately for Layla, the return address was right there in New York.

  The Search Begins

  Hastily running, Layla instantly located the address on her phone. A peculiar thing about it was that it belonged to a well-known publisher. Maybe, they just share space, she thought. Not wanting to waste time, Layla hopped on the nearest subway and zoomed toward her destination. While on the train she fiddled with her fingers, so filled with anticipation that she could barely keep still. A gentleman offered his seat, but Layla declined, she was too excited to sit. Adrenaline pumped through her as she quickly exited at her stop.

  Following her phone’s GPS led her to a new blue tinted polished looking building. It looked like it could have been a hotel if valet was added. Layla went inside and was greeted by the desk clerk.

  “May I help you?” she said.

  “I’m looking for the head of this com
pany,” Layla said pointing to the label on a box she took from the bookstore.

  “Gauri Publishing? Oh that’s on the 11th floor they just bought the space and moved in not too long ago. You’re the first person to request them.”

  Layla walked towards the elevator, not wanting to run into “him.” She knew an executive who works for one of the big players at this building.

  Hopefully I won’t run into him, she thought.

  The elevator was taking longer than usual and Layla let out a breath of impatience with arms folded, tapping her foot franticly.

  “Are there any other elevators?”

  “I’m sorry there isn’t,” said the receptionist.

  Suddenly, the door opened revealing a man. It was him, the man she had hoped to avoid. Layla gasped in shock.

  “Layla?” the tall handsome green eyed man said.

  “Dennis,” Layla said, eyeing his new physique.

  She was looking at his gut, but now it was gone. Seeing Dennis well-built with broad shoulders was beyond her expectations.

  “What are you doing here?” he asked stepping out.

  “I…’m looking for someone.”

  “Who,” Dennis asked curious?

  “I’ll know when I find him,” replied Layla.

  Dennis chuckled.

  “Always the mysterious one,” he said.

  Layla stopped the elevator doors from closing and went inside.

  “It was nice seeing you again Dennis,” she said putting a smile. Layla pushed the 11th floor button.

  “Wait,” Dennis said, preventing the doors from shutting, “Let me go up with you, I forgot something,” he said wiping his long brown hair.

  They were now the only ones inside. Layla stood with her arms folded impatiently awaiting her floor.

  “11th floor, what are you going there for?”

  “Business,” Layla courtly replied.

  “Isn’t that a publisher? Why are you going there, did you write a book or something?”

  “Maybe,” she said not giving him much attention.

  This conversation was stalling Layla, she didn’t want to engage in small talk nor hear any chit chat. Dennis went on about his new career and how his new relationship didn’t work out. Layla eagerly waited for the elevator to arrive at her destination.

  “Listen, Layla, I’m really sorry about what happened between us. It was a rough time in my life, and I didn’t know what I was doing,” Dennis said, alternating his focus on her and the floor.

  “It’s ok, I know,” she replied.

  There was a silence, which felt awkward for both.

  “I want you back Layla,” Dennis said, breaking the hiatus after passing the 7th floor.

  Slowly, the elevator came to a stop at the 8th floor, bringing relief to Layla. She hoped she could stall until the 11th, but this worked too. A young businesswoman with short hair and three other men walked in, greeting them. They were all going down. Two of the men were stood back discussing numbers while the other man and woman were happy about a deal they just struck at their firm. Dennis sidestepped closer to Layla who now had nowhere to retreat.

  “My feelings for you haven’t changed,” he whispered looking down at the floor with folded hands as if in confession.

  Layla stood rigidly staring at the ceiling, concealing her emotions.

  “I’m sorry if I hurt you, but I’ve finally got my life together.”

  Seeing his new appearance, it was hard to argue with that statement. Flashbacks of their previous relationship popped in Layla’s head. She relived the happy times when she felt life was a romantic sea of magic and joy until he suddenly left her, using his financial situation as an excuse. She held herself from tearing, but that incident hit her hard. She waited for him to get his act together, but instead found him dating another girl along with changing careers. On the other hand, if it were not for their breakup, she probably wouldn’t have had the fiery drive to better herself and achieve what she did, becoming a strong independent woman. With that thought, Layla simply gave a faint slight smile.

  11th floor, thank God, she thought.

  The door opened. Layla made her way through.

  “Layla,” Dennis said, putting his hand on her shoulder, “Can I call you sometime?”

  Frozen, thoughts zipped through Layla’s mind.

  “It was nice seeing you again, Dennis,” a smiley Layla said, and with that she turned around and left Dennis speechless. She was glad to get that over with. Changing her number was something she didn’t want to go through again. The 11th floor had a burgundy homely design. Layla slowly walked on the main path looking inside each empty room she passed by. At the end appeared to be the main office where she overheard a conversation. She knocked on the half closed door. No answer. Layla proceeded inside. She found the back of a big chair supporting a man talking on the phone. It was in some language that sounded Eastern. The man turned back and forth in his chair and caught her in his peripheral. He spun around to see her. She smiled and waved with a faint “hi”.

  Oh no, is this whole thing a terrorist plot, she thought jumping into the stereotype.

  Ending the call, the man hung up and withdrew his phone. He quickly scanned her head to toe, pondering the reason of her presence.

  “Good afternoon, how can I help you?” he spoke in perfect English.

  “Hi, my name is Layla Lolland with Lolland Press, and I’m doing a story on earth’s new alien friend. I picked up a copy of his book and found your address as the publisher. I was hoping you could help me with a few questions.”

  The man gave her a serious look.

  “How did you find this address?”

  “The bookstore gave it to me, are you Gauri?” she said with a friendly smile, her big teeth sparkling.

  “Have a seat,” the man gestured.

  Layla sat down.

  “What would you like to know?” he asked.

  “Well, I found this book fascinating, everything about it is really eye opening and Gudama’s insight is so incredible. I love how he includes references to some of our earth’s finest individuals and after I read it, I knew I had to cover this.”

  “You read his book? It has only been out this weekend,” the man said with eyebrows raised.

  “Yes, well like I said it really resonated with me. Once I started reading I couldn’t put it down. I actually did nothing, but read over the weekend,” she said laughingly, her cheeks blushing rosier.

  The man shook his head in disbelief.

  “I’m happy you enjoyed it,” he said.

  “Yes thank you. This is going to sound crazy, but I wanted to ask you if you can tell me where you received the manuscript from?”

  Motionless, the man stared at Layla.

  “You want to meet him don’t you?”

  Layla nodded her head with a big smile.

  “He doesn’t want to speak to anybody, and I’m instructed not to say anything.”

  “Can you at least give an address or point me in the right direction?”

  “That I cannot do, there is no address on file.”

  “Well, isn’t there an email that you received the manuscript from?”

  The man kept quiet, looking away while playing with a pen in his fingers.

  “Please, I really believe in his message and want to help spread the truth.” Layla pleaded to him.

  She pulled out her IPhone and showed him the pictures of the spacecraft.

  “I was there, I saw it, I felt it, and I know he’s real…please.”

  The neatly dressed man studied her. Layla returned his stare with her honest look, revealing her soul. The man thought about it, breathing deep. He had thick well-groomed long curly hair with perfectly symmetrical facial hair. He wore a nice designer white dress shirt and a sharp looking jacket to go with it. The cufflink and shiny watch complimented his elegant look quite nicely.

  “Ok, I doubt you’ll have much luck, but here is the email we received the document from,”
he said writing it down on a sticky note.

  “Shiva4ever?” she said.

  “We’ve had very few contacts. I doubt he even responds now. He doesn’t collect any money. All of the earnings go directly to our company.”

  “But why and how did you two come in contact?”

  “I’ve never met him. Some years ago he contacted my sister, Gauri and befriended her. After some time, he trusted my Behan to publish the book, so everything goes to her. Gudama had his own unique plan of advertising as you’ve seen recently, and we were going tell police it was a big marketing ploy if questioned. Critics however, are already declaring it as the greatest advertisement of all time. Still, my brother is dangerous and can’t be trusted. Only the two of us know of this email and I don’t know why I just gave it to you…perhaps you should leave before I come back into my senses.”

  Hearing Gudama in contact with another woman created a sinking feeling in Layla’s stomach much like when she caught Dennis cheating on her.

  “But there is a reason why you told me…trust is important,” she said understanding him.

  “Look, everything was going smooth until my brother found out what we were doing,” he said letting out a breath, “Ever since then he’s been trying to control everything, even threatening to expose us, he’s always been so jealous. We never told him of the email and fear he may do other stupid things. Behan and I tried to contact Gudama, but like I said, he’s hard to get a hold of. But maybe you can reach him, perhaps you’re the better person who can assist him with his needs,” he said.

  “Thank you, I promise you it’s in good hands,” Layla said getting up. “What is your name?” she asked with a smile.

  “Rohan,” the man said, a bit taken back by her.

  “Are you Indian?” Layla asked.

  “Yes,” he replied.

  “Oh that’s so cool I love your weddings, the culture, and the yummy food! It’s all so good!”