Sterling

I had studied the "Earth Experiment" my whole life, but there were a few things Jared had taught me that I never expected. There were theories that our species would evolve and one day take on certain aspects of Earth life, such as ecdysis (normally occurring in reptiles), but I never thought it was possible until Jared mentioned shedding his old armor.

"Well, come on then, what are we waiting for?" I jumped up from the bed, a little too quickly. "Uh, whoa, what was that?"

"I am guessing they injected you with an 'antidote' to 'cure' you of your powers." Jared said straightforward.

I couldn't help but laugh. "Right, like my birth rite is a disease. Earthlings! What will they think of next?" I chuckled.

"This is no time for jokes and speculation." Rain glared, "can you get us out?"

"Easy. You know, I just let them capture me because I figured it would be easier to rescue him this way." They both looked skeptical. "Unfortunately, I hadn't anticipated them being able to stunt my powers. Though, I see you have yours back, Rain." I grabbed them both, one in each arm. "It's worth a try." I said, "Hold on!"

I sprouted metal wings and my head looked a bit like the head of a missile. I then jet propelled us up through the ceiling like it was made of glass. Once outside, and still flying I shouted, "everyone make it out ok?"

--back at base--

"This is unbelievable!" Mike shouted, "I gave you all strict orders to stay put until we figured out a plan, TOGETHER! Now, not only have 4 of our best men been captured, but 3 more have come up missing. If anyone else pulls a stunt like this we may as well give up now. Heck, why don't we all just turn ourselves over to Alex right now?" He was very mad, the kids didn't know what to do.

Just as he was about to yell some more, I came crashing through the door with Rain and Jared. "What's all the commotion?" I said nonchalantly. Rachel came in behind us, quietly.

"Glad you found Jared, but now we've lost 3 more..."

"Two." Rachel said softly, stepping from behind Jared.

Everyone was stunned to silence. Their feelings had been confirmed. "The others are dead, aren't they?" Mike said solemnly. "Well, we can't lose anyone else. We must honor them by not getting ourselves killed!"

"I agree. They are much more powerful than any of us had anticipated. They have developed a weapon from Jared's gun that stuns us, and another one that deactivates our power. Well, actually, only most powers. Being that I am an alien, it only worked partially. Apparently it only effects the mental powers, not the physical. I suspect it has something to do with the mimicker. I'm starving, what do you have to eat around here?"

"Pasta?" Allison offered, "it's all we've got for now, unless you meet someone who can make vegetation."

"Oh, I think I know just the person." I said slyly. "Mike, can I have a word? Alone."