As if mocking the helicopters, the UFO banked steeply and aimed for the house, as the missiles closed on it with deadly accuracy.

Casey watched the dance with stunned fascination. The missiles were closing in on the UFO with astounding speed when it suddenly flew straight up several thousand feet. With the loss of a target, the missiles simply flew away to the west, their destructive power wasted on the new threat.

This was a different UFO. Unlike the other circular saucers, streamlined to a narrow point from a wide body. It was comparing a freight car to a fighter plane; the new UFO exuded a threatening appearance. If he had to guess, Casey suspected the alien version of the Marines had just arrived.

Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.

He ran from the house as fast as he could manage, knowing the helicopters would not destroy their new adversary with as much ease as the first.

Thank God the women had not climbed into the ravine. It was a small favor, but it was good enough for Casey. He dropped to his knees and slammed into the women, using both arms to shake them apart.

“Get to the trees,” he pushed at the women.

The young girl seemed to understand immediately and give him a gratified look. She bolted for the woods as the older women stared at him in stunned silence.

“Go.” Casey pushed at the women, harrying them to stand and run.

He watched them look back as they disappeared into the dark, following the girl, then turned his attention to the ravine.

Hanging over the lip of the precipice, he saw the trouble below. If it was not one thing, it was another. Cursing, he slipped over the lip of the ravine and let himself slide down the slope, using his heels to slow and guide his descent.