[ WP ] Earth becomes the battleground for two warring alien races , both of which claim to be humanity 's `` protectors ''

It was the ears, he decided, adjusting the straps of his backpack after almost losing his boot in the mud. John kept his gaze focused on the back of the head on front of him, trying not to see the land as they passed by. Shin ’ s head bobbed softly out of time with his, focused forward. He had immediately trusted Shin upon meeting him, years ago. Something about his presence made John feel at ease. The time between then and now had cemented that trust with reliability, but it was definitely the ears that had done the job first. 
 
 They were pointed, and stood on end like a cat ’ s. They always seemed to be moving slightly, scanning the area, listening for something. Shin had once told John that his home planet had large predators on it, and that it was only natural to be aware. John found himself remembering that conversation, and the pained look when he had asked why they hadn ’ t simply removed the predators, like the people of Earth had done with most of theirs. 
 
 His thoughts were interrupted by the feeling of a sound. It was a sound so immense that you knew it was coming before you ever heard it. He leaned against a mound, tightened his muscles and waited. The sense grew into a feeling – vibration and movement – coming from everything. The frequency of the vibration went up and up, until it seemed he caught up with it all and the ground was suddenly still. 
 
 The roar hit him like a physical blow, throwing him to the ground under the force of his own spasming muscles. A small pile of wet earth rolled itself onto him, and he managed to push it away just in time to watch the Linari ship pass overhead. Then Shin was there, pointed ears and thin eyes, holding out a hand. John took the hand and stood up, brushing the dirt off himself. 
 
 “ Damn things, ” he said to no one in particular. “ ‘ For your own good ’, ‘ cus layin in the mud shittin myself is all I ever wanted. ” 
 
 Shin looked sideways at him, his own eyes focused on the craft. “ The Linari truly believe they are helping you, you know. ” 
 
 “ YOU ’ RE helping me. I don ’ t need the kind of help they give. ” 
 
 Shin looked at him for a moment and then smiled, “ Yes, a wise choice. ” 

