A young man approaches a house, eager to see his girlfriend, Laura, when a sudden, blinding vortex opens in the sky, unleashing strange, glowing entities known as the Invaders. The girl's father, Abel Harwood, a self-proclaimed scientist, has conducted an experiment that inadvertently allows these beings to enter their world. Despite the chaos, Harwood dismisses the danger, insisting on continuing his work, while the protagonist, Chuck, is forced to flee as the Invaders begin to wreak havoc. In the following days, the city descends into panic as the Invaders consume electricity and terrorize the populace. Communication breaks down, and military efforts to combat the creatures prove futile. Chuck, realizing the gravity of the situation, begins to devise a plan to stop the Invaders and close the gateway. He recalls his scientific background and works tirelessly on a generator that could potentially contain the Invaders. Laura, feeling trapped by her father's madness, eventually escapes to Chuck's apartment, revealing that Harwood has made contact with the Invaders and is under their influence. Together, they plot to destroy Harwood's generator, the source of the chaos. However, Harwood discovers Laura's absence and confronts Chuck, leading to a physical struggle between the two men. In a climactic moment, Harwood is accidentally pushed into the vortex he created, causing it to collapse. Simultaneously, Laura destroys the machinery that sustained the gateway, effectively ending the invasion. The couple is left to face the aftermath of the destruction, with the Invaders now powerless and the threat eliminated. As they embrace, they acknowledge the challenges ahead in rebuilding their lives and the world, but they find solace in their survival and newfound partnership. The story concludes with a sense of hope, despite the devastation, as they prepare to confront the remnants of the Invaders and restore order.
By Robert Silverberg · First published 1981 · Genre: Science Fiction, Fantasy, Horror