Five-minute fiction - 22:43-22:48

The pulsation grew, rising in intensity as the object neared. Patrice closed his hands over his ears and gritted his teeth as the vibrations emanating from the object began to cause physical discomfort in his head. His eyes narrowed to slits and each step he took was an effort, the suit of powered armour weighed on him heavily now, too heavy. Around him, others struggled to protect themselves from the pulse, few sought refuge in their helmets, hoping the auditory field dampeners would do something, but Patrice had begun to expect they wouldnt. Others, followed his example, closing their hands over their ears, but where he moved toward the source of the pulse they fell back.

Step by staggering step he drew closer to the object until barely able to keep his footing he collapsed forward, and the pulse was gone. He blinked, the muscles of his face convulsing spasmodically as they tried to recall how to correctly control his eyes. But the pulse was gone, at least the painful intensity of it was