In a vacuum, the absence of anything would become a pulling force that sought to tear apart anything and absorb it into its own emptiness. So, what about the very opposite, when not only was the whole space filled with a weight akin to gravity, but one which was all pervasive, omnidirectional, and heavy, so, so heavy? And what if it was something worse than gravity, something just as intangible, if not more, but filled with intent?
And Lucas could see, he could feel that intent gathered into a steel plate, like a fist ready to strike down, to assimilate. Because that was what any extreme does, assimilate.
The spectating crowd stirred. Even in the solemn setting, it stirred with something akin to excited anticipation. That created a sense of disconnect with the group of earthlings.
The quiet silence started from Lucas and spread to the other three. Estrella glanced at him, then simply kept him aware of her presence by holding onto his arm with a clearer intent.
