1 FRIENDSHIP HAS NO BOUNDS; A BOY, AN ALIEN AND THE TRUTH ABOUT AREA 51

Chapter 1:

 Kelvin let out an exhausted sigh as he walked home from school on Friday afternoon. He was more than ready for the weekend after a grueling week of exams and the excessive bullying he got from school. As he strolled down the quiet suburban street toward his house lost in his thought, movement in the sky caught his eye. Kelvin looked up to see what appeared to be a meteor hurdling down toward the woods behind his neighborhood but couldn't get a clear view of what it was. But as it got closer, he realized this was no meteor. The object was spherical and metallic, glinting in the afternoon sunlight. Kelvin watched with mouth agape as it crashed into the trees with a resounding boom, sending dirt and debris flying. His curiosity piqued, and Kelvin ran into the woods to investigate. In a clearing, a crater had been carved into the earth, with smoke still rising from its center. Kelvin carefully slid down the crater's sloped side, approaching the strange object nestled inside. It was some kind of spacecraft, though nothing like Kelvin had ever seen before. The surface was seamless and smooth, colored iridescent silver. As Kelvin examined the spacecraft he approached it closely and started to feel the metallic-like body of the object, he noticed a hatch on one side. Heart pounding with excitement and apprehension, he pulled the latch and the hatch slid open with a hiss. A humanoid creature stumbled out, catching itself on the side of the craft. Kelvin's eyes went wide - this was definitely an alien! Its skin was bright azure, with a bald, oversized head and enormous dark eyes. "Alien!!!!" 

"You...you're an alien!" Kelvin exclaimed, struggling to comprehend the unbelievable sight before him. He got up to run only to stumble over a piece of the spacecraft ware, he fell and hit the ground only to wake up with a foreign face staring at him on the ground. The alien touched his forehead sending a bit of electro wave current down to his spine. It seems a sort of communication was established between them.

"Yes, I suppose I am an alien to you," the creature replied in a melodious voice. "My name is Zyor. I am an explorer from the planet Centauri B. My spacecraft malfunctioned and I was forced to make an emergency landing here. 

"Kelvin's mind reeled. Of course, aliens existed, but he never imagined meeting one! He peppered Zyor with questions about where it was from, how it learned English, and what brought it to Earth. Zyor patiently answered, explaining it was studying various civilizations throughout the galaxy, and Earth being a planet of great interest. Their conversation was suddenly interrupted by the wail of sirens. From the road beyond the woods, multiple black SUVs came screeching to a halt. Heavy boots crunched through the underbrush as dozens of FBI agents swarmed the area, with weapons aimed directly at Kelvin and Zyor.

"Step away from the alien!" an agent barked at Kelvin through a megaphone. Kelvin's stomach dropped. How did they find out so fast? He raised his hands and moved away from Zyor. The agents roughly grabbed the confused alien, shackling its wrists and ankles before hauling it toward the vehicles. One agent grabbed Kelvin's shoulder, interrogating him about what happened. "I...I don't know!" Kelvin stammered. "The ship just crashed here, I swear!" The agent narrowed his eyes but seemed to accept Kelvin's innocence. "Go straight home, son. And don't breathe a word of this to anyone if you know what's good for you," the agent commanded. They confiscated Kelvin's phone and ushered him brusquely from the woods. Kelvin's mind spun as he walked home in a daze. He had so many more questions for Zyor! And now the amazing alien was in the hands of the FBI...who knew what they might do? Kelvin had to find a way to help Zyor, making an extra-terrestrial friend. But how could a teenager stand up to the United States government?

Chapter 2 

The weekend crawled by at a snail's pace as Kelvin agonized over what might be happening to Zyor. He spent hours on his computer scouring the dark web and conspiracy theory forums for any mention of a real alien landing but found nothing. The government was covering this up tightly.

On Monday morning, Kelvin's first stop was the library. If he was going to find a way to help Zyor, he needed to learn everything he could about Area 51 and other top-secret government alien research sites. Kelvin gathered every book he could find, pouring over accounts of alien abductions, UFO sightings, and fringe theories about what went on at the infamous Area 51 base. Most of it seemed like wild speculation and fantasies - but now Kelvin knew the truth was out there. By the end of the week, Kelvin had absorbed everything he could from the library's resources. He needed to get closer to the action, so he stumbled upon an article written by a popular conspiracy theorist who talked about or had seen or studied UFO landings in various places in the country. Kelvin tracked down the address of a popular UFO conspiracy blog's author, who lived shockingly close by. Under the guise of interviewing for his school paper, Kelvin managed to convince the man to let him come over. The blogger, whose name was Glen, lived alone in a ramshackle house overflowing with paperwork and computer equipment. For hours, Kelvin allowed Glen to regale him with every alien conspiracy under the sun. He subtly steered the conversation toward talk of Area 51 and government cover-ups. As Glen grew more comfortable, he let slip that he had sources who confirmed a live alien was recently transported to the Groom Lake Area 51 site. Kelvin tried not to react too strongly to this revelation as his heart leaped. This was the break he needed! Now Kelvin just had to figure out a way to get inside Area 51 without being shot, arrested, or worse...

Chapter 3 

Over the next month, Kelvin spent all his free time picking Glen's brain for any shred of information about Area 51 security procedures, layout, and aircraft movements - anything that might give him a shot at getting inside. Something most people dared to do with the hope of not returning, Kelvin made up his mind, daring himself to achieve the impossible. However his schoolwork suffered, but Kelvin didn't care or showed any certainty about schoolwork. Saving Zyor was all that mattered, it was his number 1 priority to get his friend out of there. From Glen's insider sources, Kelvin learned the alien was being held in a remote hangar at the south corner of the base. Heavy security surrounded the area more like a warzone guns and guards on duty were changed tightly and swiftly, but there was a blind spot not covered by cameras or guards. This would be Kelvin's way in. Kelvin also used online satellite imagery to Scout every inch of the base perimeter, he watched and took details of every vehicle movement in and out of the base. An old dirt access road that ran along the south fence seemed like his best bet for sneaking in undetected.

Once weekly supply trucks used the road before dawn. If Kelvin could time it right, he could slip in behind one of the trucks and use it as cover to head for the hangar. He just needed to get close without tripping any sensors buried in the desert sand. Kelvin geared up with camo clothes to blend into the desert, along with tools to cut through the fence links. He packed extra food, water, and a first aid kit in case anything went wrong out in the harsh desert. In the pre-dawn darkness a week later, Kelvin set his plan into motion. He biked to a ridge overlooking Area 51 and watched until he spotted the faint glow of headlights from the weekly supply shipment grinding its way along the dirt road toward the base. 

"Time to get to work Kelvin you can do this" he reassured himself

Once the truck passed by on its way inside, Kelvin quickly cut through the fence with bolt cutters and slipped through. Darting from bush to rock outcropping, Kelvin painstakingly followed the road from a distance. He held his breath as the truck pulled through the guarded perimeter gate. Timing it perfectly, Kelvin sprinted to the closing gate and rolled under just as it latched shut. He was in! Now the dangerous part-crossing two miles of open desert inside the base. Crouching low, Kelvin ran as fast as he could toward the south corner hangar.

Chapter 4 

Kelvin's lungs burned with effort as he dashed toward the distant hangar. So far he had avoided detection, but a field of sensors lay between him and the building. He needed a riskier plan. From his research, Kelvin knew the schedules of the guards and surveillance aircraft that monitored this corner of the base. He had a 10-minute window between plane flyovers and the patrol change to cross the open ground safely. Kelvin watched the guards closely. The moment the patrol turned their backs, he sprinted from his hiding spot toward the sensor field. Vaulting over the first laser trip wire, Kelvin rolled smoothly under the next three. Sweat poured down his brow as he zig-zagged around motion detectors and pressure plates.

With a final desperate leap, Kelvin cleared the last sensor and slid behind the hangar wall, out of view. He was in! Now to find a way inside the building. A small access door marked "Maintenance" seemed promising. Kelvin picked the lock with tools borrowed from Glen. The door opened into a storage room, dark except for the glow of an exit sign. Kelvin moved cautiously through the room, ears alert for any sound. He cracked open the interior door and peered out. A long hallway stretched in both directions, illuminated by bare bulbs in wire cages. The coast was clear. Kelvin crept down the hall, checking each door for clues about Zyor's location.

Most rooms were empty. In one, Kelvin glimpsed lab equipment and examination tables - some kind of medical research room. His skin crawled imagining what kinds of experiments they might be performing on the alien. At the end of the hall stood a solid metal door marked only "Restricted Area." Jackpot. After picking up the heavy lock, Kelvin heaved the door open and stepped inside. No sound or movement came from the pitch-black room.

"Zyor?" Kelvin whispered. "Are you here?"

A familiar melodic voice answered from the darkness. "Kelvin? Is that truly you?"

Chapter 5 

Kelvin's knees nearly buckled in relief at the sound of Zyor's voice. He fumbled along the wall until he found a light switch that revealed a startling sight. Zyor was trapped inside a clear cube in the center of the stark white room. A panel on the cube's side contained instruments monitoring the alien's vitals. Zyor looked weary, but unharmed. It pressed its long-fingered hands against the smooth interior surface of the cube, its large eyes full of surprise at Kelvin's presence.

"What have they done to you?" Kelvin asked, rushing to examine the strange prison.

"I am alright, Kelvin," Zyor assured him. "This cube neutralizes my abilities, but allows me to be studied unharmed."

Kelvin's blood boiled at the idea of Zyor being treated like a lab animal. He inspected the monitoring panel, but couldn't decipher the complex controls.

"Don't worry, I'll get you out of here," Kelvin promised. He began examining the cube for any weakness, to no avail. The material was utterly impervious to his tools.

Frustrated, Kelvin studied the room around him. It was completely bare except for Zyor's prison and the monitoring equipment. There had to be something useful here! Kelvin noticed a ventilation grate near the ceiling. An idea took shape. He stacked storage crates from the hall until he could reach the grate. Using a screwdriver, Kelvin removed the cover and peered inside. The ventilation shaft snaked upward through the building to the roof. Turning back to Zyor, Kelvin said "I'm going to climb through here and try to find the controls to your cell. I'll be back soon!"

Zyor nodded solemnly. "Please be careful, Kelvin. And...Thank you."

Gripping the edges tightly, Kelvin hoisted himself into the metal shaft. Slowly he crawled upward, following the shaft's path. He emerged onto the roof access platform. Far below, he could see Zyor's hangar. Now to get inside the control room...

Chapter 6 

Kelvin crossed the roof gingerly, alert for security guards or surveillance drones. He reached a maintenance ladder and climbed down the outside of the building to an open third-floor window. Slipping inside, he found himself in an empty office. Creeping to the door, Kelvin peered out. A plaque on the wall read "Level 3 - Observation & Control." He just needed to find the control room for Zyor's cube. The floor was a maze of corridors and offices. Kelvin ducked from room to room, avoiding the occasional guard on patrol. Through windowed doors, he glimpsed rooms filled with desks, computers, and lab equipment. In one office, photos and reports plastered the walls - records of strange sightings and alien encounters. Kelvin now knew all those stories were rooted in truth everything Glen told him about the sighting and the government cover-up, was not just fantasy. 

At last, he spotted what he was searching for: "Hangar 12 Control Room." Slipping inside, Kelvin found himself surrounded by banks of screens, keypads, and switches. Now to figure out the alien tech...

Kelvin studied the monitors which displayed views inside Zyor's chamber from every angle. He puzzled over the complex console, trying buttons until a diagram of the containment cube appeared. After some trial and error, Kelvin activated the unlock sequence. On the monitors, the seams in Zyor's prison split open. The alien stepped out cautiously. Success! But Kelvin's triumph was short-lived. Alarms immediately blared throughout the building. "Containment Breach" flashed on screens. Kelvin cursed under his breath. Time to run! 

Sprinting down the corridor, Kelvin heard heavy boots pounding in his direction. He ducked down an intersecting hall, only to find two guards running at him, weapons raised. Trapped! Kelvin put his hands up in defeat. This rescue mission had failed.

Chapter 7 

The guards dragged Kelvin down to the first floor and through winding corridors until they reached the lobby. Once word got out that a teenage trespasser had infiltrated America's most secret military site, the place was in an uproar. Guards and scientists swarmed the area, gawking at Kelvin as he was hustled past. One man in a suit and tie approached the guards. From his air of authority, Kelvin guessed he was someone very high up. Salutes were thrown as he walked through the corridor; the guards greeted him as "Mr. Andrews."

"A teenager managed to sneak in here?" Andrews said in disbelief. "So disappointing and unacceptable! How could you let this happen?" 

The guards shifted uncomfortably. "He was just very...well-prepared, sir."

Andrews leaned in close to Kelvin, studying his face intently. "Do you have any idea where you are, son? The kinds of security risks you've created?" His voice was stern but shockingly calm.

Kelvin lifted his chin defiantly. "I was trying to save my friend you imprisoned here illegally!"

Murmurs rippled through the gathered crowd. Andrews raised an eyebrow. "Come with me. We have much to discuss."

To Kelvin's surprise, he found himself ushered politely into Andrews' office rather than a holding cell. The bizarre alien artifacts displayed around the room would fascinate Kelvin under different circumstances. Now, all he felt was a worry for Zyor.

Andrews settled behind his imposing metal desk and regarded Kelvin calmly. "Tell me, son. What interest do you have in our guest here?"

Kelvin contemplated his options. He could deny everything - but they knew about his history with Zyor. So he told Andrews the full story, deciding his best bet was honesty. The agent listened thoughtfully, without interruption. When Kelvin finished, Andrews let out a long sigh and leaned back. "I suppose you're too deep into this mess already. Just know, this situation is...complex."

Chapter 8 

Kelvin studied Andrews closely, trying to read his inscrutable expression. The agent knew a lot more than he was letting on.

"What do you mean complex?" Kelvin asked. "Why can't you just let Zyor go? It doesn't want any harm."

Andrews clasped his hands on the desk. "You're an intelligent young man. What I'm about to tell you is classified beyond top secret. Can I trust in your discretion?"

Kelvin nodded eagerly. Finally, answers!

"Zyor's kind has visited Earth many times," Andrews explained. "While most aliens are peaceful, like your friend, some have proven...hostile. We've suffered losses trying to communicate."

Kelvin's mind raced as he processed this revelation. Real hostile aliens? Actual dangerous invaders? It was a lot to absorb. 

Andrews continued. "Surely son I know you seem a bit confused here but when Zyor landed, we had no choice but to detain it until we could assess the risks. Study the technology and physiology of its species. I'm sure you understand."

Kelvin bristled. "No, I don't! My friend isn't some lab specimen for you to prod and poke!"

With a rueful smile, Andrews said "Your passion does you credit. But try to see this from our perspective, your friend here isn't a lad rat or specimen as you may say we are trying to protect our kind by learning there. Earth must be protected at all costs. If releasing Zyor endangered human lives, could you make that sacrifice? You tell me"

His question gave Kelvin pause. He wanted to free his friend, but not if it put his people at risk. What a terrifying balancing act. For the first time, Kelvin appreciated the terrible burden Andrews carried.

"I...I don't know," Kelvin admitted quietly. "But we have to find another way."

Andrews regarded Kelvin with a new expression - was it respect? "Perhaps we do. Come with me, I want to show you something."

Chapter 9 

Intrigued, Kelvin followed Andrews out of his office down a myriad of corridors, past laboratories bustling with activity. Scientists barely glanced up from their work analyzing strange artifacts and materials. They took an elevator deep into the earth and emerged into a cavernous hangar. In the center sat a massive disk-shaped aircraft the likes of which Kelvin had never seen before. Technicians swarmed over the craft, apparently repairing the damage.

"As you've no doubt figured out by now, much of the alien technology we've...recovered...remains beyond our understanding," Andrews explained. "Attempts to reverse engineer it have been disastrous. But today, thanks to you, we've had a breakthrough."

Kelvin realized with astonishment that this damaged craft must belong to Zyor. Is this what it had flown to Earth?

Andrews led Kelvin up a gantry to examine the craft. The smooth metallic hull was emblazoned with strange symbols and connectors. Kelvin could now appreciate Zyor's descriptions of space travel between the stars. The idea no longer seemed abstract.

"So... you're trying to get Zyor's ship working again?" Kelvin asked. "Why?"

With a knowing look, Andrews replied "Imagine if we could understand even fractional interstellar technology. Apply that knowledge to protect Earth. You see the potential."

Kelvin's mind reeled at the ramifications. Humans harnessing alien tech could change everything. But where did that leave Zyor?

Sensing Kelvin's unease, Andrews reassured him. "The goal, ultimately, is to release your friend unharmed. But Earth's safety is paramount. We just need time to take proper precautions." Kelvin hoped Andrews spoke the truth. Because he knew Zyor never would've threatened anyone - it just longed to voyage back among the stars.

"Come," said Andrews. "Let's go speak with your friend."

Chapter 10 

Zyor had been moved to a more comfortable living space since its brief escape from containment. Kelvin felt simultaneous relief at seeing his friend unharmed, and anger at it being confined. Zyor brightened when it spotted Kelvin.

"Kelvin, you are safe! I am pleased." Zyor tilted its head curiously. "But who is your companion?"

Kelvin quickly summarized everything Andrews had told him - the other aliens, attempts at communication gone wrong, and the complex factors governing Zyor's fate.

Zyor listened gravely. "I grieve to hear of the tragedies between our kinds. But fear not, I harbor no ill will for what was done from ignorance, and wish only to depart peacefully."

Moved by Zyor's grace even as a captive, Kelvin implored Andrews "We have to let it go! Can't you see you've nothing to fear?"

Andrews held up a hand. "All in due time. I've received authorization to formally meet with Zyor for open dialogue. We'll take every precaution, but...I'm optimistic."

He turned to Zyor. "With your permission, let us talk. Your knowledge can help Earth - and in return, you have my word you'll be free to follow your stars."

Zyor gazed intently at Andrews with its large, dark eyes. "Very well. I am willing." It turned back to Kelvin. "And I hope, one day, to return and regale you with tales of all I have seen."

Kelvin smiled his heart light with hope. "I'd like that, Zyor.