Out of the House
He ran out of the house, fearing it would crumble on top of him if he stayed inside any longer. Just outside he saw the battle ensuing. Thousands of star fighters in the air laced the ground with fire. None of them bore the insignia or resembled the ships of his home world, Topan. Corik ran for cover to a nearby tool shed. Its iron plating could withstand more than his hut could. Inside he found a dozen local hunters and farmers, all armed with simple blasters like those he had left back in his weapons closet. A few of them heard his footsteps and pointed their guns at the door. Once they realized who it was, they holstered them back up.
“Corik!” one of them exclaimed. Corik knew that voice. He smiled as his old friend Jethra came out of the group to greet him.
“I haven’t seen you in ages!” Corik cried as he embraced his friend from the orphanage. “How did you end up here?” Corik asked. He knew Jethra still hadn’t left when Corik decided to head out on his own.
“I joined up with some of these guys.” Jethra pointed to the hunters who were muttering quietly to one another. Just then a large blast was heard just outside the shed, followed by a shockwave that shook the ground, throwing everyone off their feet.
“What was that?” Corik heard a man shout in response.
“Whatever it was, it missed us. But I sure as heck don’t want to be here when it doesn’t miss.” The man belted for the door. Most of the group followed him. Corik looked around and saw a speeder packed in the back of the shed. He wondered whether it would be best to use the speeder rather than follow the group of hunters outside.