A bolt from the (Midnight) Blue

Another disadvantage was caffeine. The world's most popular stimulant was great at keeping you awake.

But that also meant it kept you awake.

Luckily, Vornell had an alternative.

If he was younger, that would be keeping his heart rate up by speeding through the empty streets. A decade or so of paying auto insurance made him take a different risk, instead.

He used his phone while driving.

"Stay awake mix. Shuffle."

His phone beeped dutifully at him. A few seconds later, it started playing a heavy techno mix. Vornell smiled, and drummed along on the steering wheel. He even sang the "We are the Prodigy" bit.

The light went green, and he pulled around the corner, onto 5th street.

Just as the song hit the second line, a light flashed across the sky.

Was that...a meteor? Heading south, toward River Park?

Something hit the Earth somewhere beyond the buildings, with a shake that rattled Vornell's bones. He slammed on the brakes, took a few deep breaths.

So. He could just stay put. Call...somebody. Stay safe.

Or...

He looked at his phone.

And made a choice.

By the time he hit the park, he told himself that he'd just peek. Just in and out. Then he'd call 911.

As he approached the impact site, through the trees, he noticed something. Blinked a few times, rubbed his eyes. It was still there. Just like it had been when the meteor was flying through the sky.

What sort of meteor glows green?

It was warm. Sticky. Like the hottest day of summer. Except with a funny, chemical taste-smell.

He swallowed, pushed aside a branch and emerged.

The meteor didn't look like a rock. In fact, it looked elongated. Like a cucumber. Except cucumbers weren't made of dark curves and rubbing. Almost organic looking. Kinda like-

Vornell squinted, and tilted his head.

Then he blushed.

Then he raised his phone and took a picture.

Right after he posted it, the space cucumber made a noise. Vornell crouched, beside the bushes.

Light green mist fountained out of some point on the space-cucumber. Light outlined a sort of oval, like the passenger door on an airplane.

Except those opened to the side. They didn't sort of...unfold, in all directions.

And the people who got off were people, not...

AN The car scene is partially based on that one Russian meteor from 2013. And that famous dashcam video.