The abandoned house in which they sheltered for the night creaked above their heads. An ancient radio previously emitting static crackled to life. “The invaders have left! Inexplicably, the rampaging bipeds have retreated to their ships and returned to the stars!”

Jopa’s optic tendrils, orange in the failing sunlight falling through the window, wafted towards the radio.

“In the wake of this chaos, we must band together to rebuild, rebuild, and rebuild! We must tie together our torn families, unite our cities, and make sure this never happens again!”

Jopa’s flippers trembled then there was a clatter as the axe fell to the floor.

As the radio droned on, a tortured howl filled the night.