First Contact

The craft touched down at dawn. No flames. No explosions. Just a whisper of displaced air and a hatch that slid open on its own.

Maya stood at the perimeter, rifle loose at her side. The figure that emerged was nothing like the monsters from the old broadcasts. Humanoid. Translucent skin. And—she realized with a jolt—unarmed.

"Hello," it said, in perfect English. "We have been waiting."