The light changed as Casey ran to the gully. In a matter of a few steps, the bright light from the UFO shimmered and seemed to pour from above like water.

His steps grew lighter, the weight on his wounded leg lessening. Pushing harder, Casey tried to run from the light, the toes of his combat boots barely digging into the dirt. Reaching out desperately, he pulled himself with branches and tree trunks, anything to get away from the weightless feeling.

Near the lip of the gully, Parker passed Marie to Carol’s arms. The older woman swiftly lowered Marie to her side in the gully and turned to help Lia lower John.

At least someone was not panicking, Parker thought, as he faced the UFO. A short distance away, the soldier was flailing his arms as he tried to keep from flying up. Beyond Casey, the body of a woman was floating higher, brushing branches aside as it ascended.

This book is hosted on another platform. Read the official version and support the author's work.

There was a determination on the soldier’s face that made Parker act immediately. He caught an outstretched hand and pulled for with all his might. For a moment it seemed he would follow Casey into the air, then the resistance gave and Parker was flying backward and into the gully, the figure of Casey following close behind.

Parker hit the ground hard, the breath knocked out of his lungs with his eyes open. His arms lay useless at his sides while he knew what was coming and completely unable to avoid Casey

The soldier landed heavily on Parker and a burst of bright lights flashed in Parker’s eyes while an ominous crack sounded from his ribs.

His vision returned with confusion as the night sky filled with a roar and flames that seemed to reach down into the gully.