Far away from the original planet Earth, the human race continued to exist. The technology had improved dramatically, there were no longer such things as cars. In fact, no-one even heard of them. People used small space crafts to get around the planet.

Four people were flying through the Sahara Desert, in a medium-sized, high speed space shuttle.

"Luke, would you slow down," said a tall young man who sat behind the pilot.

"Look, the thing is brand new, what could go wrong," said the pilot.

"It's new, nothing could go wrong," said a teenager with black hair.

"Just make sure nothing happens, to this shuttle. We just bought it," replied a blonde teenager sitting behind the navigator.

"Hey watch this," said the pilot as he pulled the joystick back and made the ship go up at an angle of 90û within two seconds the ship was in outer space.

The planet looked beautiful, most of it was blue with white clouds, then the pilot pushed the joystick all the way down and the ship dived back towards the planet. The crew was silent for a moment, while they were admiring the view.

"I'm getting some sort of signal," said Max who was sitting behind the pilot.

"What sort of a signal is it?" asked Greg who had black hair and was sitting next to Max.

"I don't know. It doesn't make sense," said Greg.

"What does it say?"

"It says S.O.S." said Greg.

"Hold on, I've heard that before, in my history class!" said the navigator, whose name was Scott.

"Well, what does it mean?" said Max impatiently.

"If I remember correctly, it's a distress call that the military used in the past," said Scott.

"OK, but where is it coming from?" asked the pilot.

"Probably from that space station," said Greg who was looking at the radar screen.

"What should we do?" asked Max.

"We could dock and see what's going on," said the pilot.

"Or we could just ignore it and keep going," said Greg.

"Ignore it! There are human beings in there we've got to find out what's wrong," replied Scott.

"OK. We'll just talk to them on the radio and get out of here, OK?" asked Greg.

"We'll see. Max get on the radio and find out what's wrong," said Luke.

Max began transmitting, but there was no answer and after a few minutes he gave up.

"It's no use. I've tried every frequency, but there is still no answer they must have a broken receiver," said Max.

"Prepare for docking," said Luke.

"Guys, that place gives me the creeps. LetÕs not do something we'll all regret," said Greg.

"Greg, if it makes you feel any better, you can stay inside while the rest of us explore," said Max.

As the shuttle was approaching the docking chamber, three of its crew were preparing to board the space station. As the ship went into the docking chamber, a deep voice came from the speaker.

"Fools, you're doomed!" said the voice.

"That's what I have been afraid of!" said Greg who was now sitting in the pilotÕs seat. He tried to take off but something was holding the shuttle. His three friends, who were standing at the door, were now running towards their seats. All of a sudden the shuttle's door flew open with a horrible sound, a great creature with long tentacles...?.

"You're gone!" shouted Greg as he jumped up from pilotÕs seat and started firing at the alien. The alien let out a scream and fell to the ground dead. The alien behind the dead one shot out two of his many tentacles at Greg, one of which missed. However, the other one went right through his chest. Greg fell to the ground with a huge bleeding hole in his ribs. Before his friends could do anything the critterÕs tentacles were tightly grabbing them. The alien walked out of the shuttle and took the three friends with it. The strength and speed of the alien was amazing. The critter walked through a long corridor filled with aliens just like it. Then, the alien walked into the room and stopped. Before them was a creature greater than any they had seen so far.

"I guess he's the boss around here," whispered Max to his two friends.

"Why have you brought us here. We haven't done anything to you?" said Luke.

"You haven't but your ancestors have," said the biggest alien.

"You are talking nonsense!" said Scott.

"Silence fool! Have you not heard of the great invasion?" asked the alien.

"What great invasion?" asked Max.

"I see you have been brainwashed. No matter! I think you should know why are you going to die. Two hundred years ago, after your planet was unsuitable to live on your race came to our planet and began the great invasion. Unfortunately, you have succeeded but not totally as you can see some of us survived up here and then we have reproduced to large numbers. For all of these years the only thing that stopped us from striking, was transport. But now, thanks to you, we'll be back!" finished the alien leader.

"I don't call that an invasion. I call that survival of the fittest and fat chance you'll use our shuttle!" said Luke as he pulled out a small control panel and pressed a red button. They heard an explosion!

"No!" said the alien his face was showing great anger. "Have it your way Earthlings. I call this the death penalty."

Three of his tentacles took off and in a flash their lifeless bodies fell to the floor.