Nicholas opened his eyes. He was immersed in a world that he had only dared to dream of in science fiction books and films. The perplexity invaded him as a wave. An unimaginable technology surrounded him, shining and mysterious instruments, each throbbing with a promise of discoveries. The circular room of mirrored steel and glass emanated an aura of mystery. He looked up at the silver ceiling, where a blue light pulsed like a heavenly heart, bathing him into its ethereal shine. 3D holographic panels danced around, weaving a ballet of information and virtual charts that sparkled as stars.

In an instant, understanding hit him: he was inside a spaceship. The immaculately white interior was a futuristic technology sanctuary, where every detail shone with the promise of adventure. The feeling was surreal. He touched the polished surface of the central console, seeking to confirm if this was reality. He took a deep breath, the fresh air impregnated with a familiar aroma of jasmine. The perfume of Zara.

His eyes widened, seeking the beloved figure, but only silence welcomed him. Lost in the midst of wonder, he recognized the Milky Way, a swirl of stars designed in a holography. The Earth, a serene blue globe, floated on Orion's spiral arm. "The most beautiful and perfect planet in the Universe," he thought, perplexed. At its side, the Andromeda galaxy unveiled, revealing an intriguing planet that seemed to be monitored. What secrets did that distant world keep? With his eyes fixed on that hologram, he thought:

"What planet might this be? How was I able to get here? Where is Zara? Am I dreaming?"

The questions clustered in his mind, like meteors in a cosmic rain. Intimidated, Nicholas sought his cell phone, trying to connect to his mother or Sanches, in vain. The device remained mute, a reminder of his loneliness.

Fear mingled with admiration. He approached a glass wall, which allowed him to contemplate the cosmos. The Earth, now distant, seemed fragile and small, wrapped in a cloak of clouds and oceans. Cities sparkled like diamonds, countries stretched like multicolored rugs, continents and islands danced in an uninterrupted spin. Lightning cut the sky like divine sparks. The beauty of the show mesmerized him.

"I never imagined that one day I would see something so wonderful!"

The silver walls reflected the light, creating an ethereal atmosphere. What kind of advanced technology allowed such a feat? The room, with its over 100 square meters, suggested the vastness of the ship.

Without visible buttons or levers, the control seemed to emanate from the minds of the crew. Suddenly, a passage opened on one of the walls. Zara came in, wearing a white uniform, like an angel coming from the stars. Her eyes shone with compassion, and a sweet smile lit her face.

"Nick, calm down. I know it's a lot, but I will explain what I can to you."

Nicholas' body trembled, divided between unbelief and hope. Zara, the girl she had fallen in love with, was part of this fantastic world. She approached, touching his arm tenderly.

"Is everything okay, Nick?"

"I must admit I'm a little nervous. I still can't understand what is really happening..."

"Rest assured. I promise you that you will soon know much more than you imagined about the stars. I'm sure you will like what you will hear."

A pause, loaded with emotions. Zara took a deep breath, as if seeking courage in the depths of her being.

"We're here on a mission to find you. We have a very special reason for this. I entered as a student at the university where you studied exactly with this function. It was easy to get a place as we can get into terrestrial information systems and change them without any major problems. I was just going to find you and try to convince you to help us, but when I adapted to this body", she said, lifting her arms and pointing to herself, "I had the same sensations and wills as you humans have! It was inevitable to feel something more for you, Nicholas. So, I surrendered to love without any inhibition and I feel something wonderful. I know you have a lot of doubts about us, Nick, but we'll talk later, without witnesses, all right?" She whispered the last sentence in his ear. "Stay calm, please."

Zara's confession hit him as a lightning. Was the girl he had met, he had loved, an illusion?

"What? So, you are not the girl I met, sweet and affectionate, who whispered sweet words to my ears? Who are you really? Why did you make me fall in love with you?" Nicholas said, on the verge of despair, the shyness swallowed by disappointment.

Zara hugged him, trying to comfort him. Nicholas, lost in a whirlwind of emotions, accepted the contact, seeking in vain the security that hug provided him before. Then, he pushed her away, looking for answers in her eyes.

"Nick, calm down. I'll tell you everything and you'll see that we have a good reason..."

Zara's promise was lost amidst the arrival of three imposing figures. Fear tightened Nicholas' heart again. Who were those beings? What intentions did they hide?

One of them approached, with the aura of a leader.

"Greetings! My name is Sivoc, I am the commander of this ship. I believe Zara has already explained to you where we are from."

Nicholas took a deep breath, staring at the unknown. There was no escape.

"I am... My name is Nicholas. I live in Los Angeles", he said, his voice shaking.

Sivoc smiled, seeking to calm him down.

"We already know a lot about you, and it's a pleasure to finally get to know you in person, Nicholas. Let me introduce the other crew members. The one who is sitting there controlling the navigation is Drako." He pointed to a man of black skin and a concentrated gaze. "This is Tibor, our security chief." He was a serious giant with a penetrating look. He had a red eye and a robotic arm looking like a cyborg. "Zara is the mission's doctor and genetic engineer of the team, which you already know. There is also the crew that controls all the ship's systems. Gradually, you will meet the entire team."

"We are from Planet Life, which is three million light-years from your planet." Sivoc said, his eyes fixed on the bracelet Nicholas wore.

"Did you give one of our bracelets to the boy?" Sivoc asked, staring at Zara.

"No, Sivoc. I thought it was strange. It looks too much like ours."

Sivoc touched the bracelet, his eyes shining with fascination.

"Definitely, it's from our planet. How did you get it?"

"My mother gave it to me when I was very young. She said it was from my father."

"And what was he like?"

"I didn't know him. My mother said he disappeared without explanation."

"Very interesting. Later, we will try to solve this mystery."

The bracelet puzzle joined the avalanche of questions Nicholas kept. Suddenly, Sivoc looked at the immensity through the glass.

"Drako, take us away from here immediately," he ordered, his voice calm, but firm. "Although the spatial technology of terrestrial governments is somewhat outdated for our standards, they have special radars that can detect us. Thus, it is relevant that our contact actions are brief. Therefore, we need to get out of here with some urgency. You can rest assured, as we will not harm your person."

"Where are you taking me?" The fear transpired in Nicholas' trembling voice.

"Relax, Nick. We are just hiding from the Earth's radars", Zara said, seeking to reassure him.

The ship began to move. He ran toward the glass wall. The Earth, his home, shrunk more and more until it became a blue and distant sphere. A chill traveled his spine. The terrible truth was laid before him: "I was abducted..."

The ship rose toward the cosmos, leaving Nicholas stuck in a surreal nightmare. How would he get rid of that trouble?

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Read #ThePhantomMan Duology by #chaienesantoswriter