The smoke began to clear. Trees framed the crater and sand and dust blanketed the ground. The group remained paralysed as gradually the scene came into focus.

“What the hell is that?” Whispered Gracie.

At the centre of the crater was a huge boulder. Round and grey, it had decimated most of the forest. The group slowly began to approach the object. It was as if their fear had turned them into mindless insects, swarming towards a lightbulb. Curiosity is humanity’s greatest weakness after all. Suddenly, Sid stopped.

“Did it just move?”

Everyone paused.

“Shit you’re right,” Gracie said, as her eyes darted between the group and the object.

The left side of the boulder had begun to twitch. And a green light appeared. Something was coming out.