A scream came from the direction of the house. Casey spun in his nest and grimaced when a twig broke as his elbow brushed against its fragile length.

His heart hammering in his chest, he searched the surrounding woods to ensure he had not attracted the unwanted attention of the aliens.

He was lucky; nothing replied to his mistake.

Two of the women were standing on the porch looking at what he suspected were bloodstains. It did not take long before most of the remaining family was crowding onto the porch.

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How long before they made another foray into the woods? How long before choosing between his plan of action and protecting the actors?

Not that he had done much of anything so far, he scoffed to himself. Shooting a gun platform was all good and fine, but the thing was probably going to be repaired and returned to the fight. Damaging the aliens themselves was the best option.

This was an opportunity. Casey’s thoughts brightened; the actors were making themselves bait. If they heard the scream, the aliens had to be curious.

Scanning the woods, he looked for the telltale glow of their metal clothes.

Happily, the damn things were not wearing camouflage.