The clouds cracked open where the massive vehicles fell to Earth in slow motion.
We waited, huddled tightly together, on the far side of the hill, as if this would protect us from this new power. Even so we dared to watch the disembarkment; they filed smoothly out, gliding down the ramps, their silver bodysuits glinting in the June sun, then spreading out across the green fields right up to the edge of our small town.
Sarah sobbed suddenly then struggled to swallow her fear. I glanced along the line of tense, awkward bodies: none of us knew what to do with ourselves, we were not armed and what good would weapons do against these numbers. I wondered if it was like this everywhere.
Some of them were moving up the hill, coming our way. We looked into each other’s faces and saw our own fear reflected there. All of us were twitching as if we wanted to run but dreaded being seen. Eventually some ran, making for the scrub covered mountain but first they had a long flat half mile to cover before reaching their goal. Sarah and I clung to each others arms and hesitated, first watching the runners to see if it was safe.
We regretted our decision only a moment for, as we saw them reach the bushes, a huge shadow fell over us. We turned to see the looming shapes we so feared and looked straight up into the gentle eyes and broad smiles of fellow humanoids.