The alien earth

"Stop! ...said a harsh voice from the pitch darkness beyond the light. "Put up your hands and don't move." He screwed his eyes tight shut against the glare, and felt hands seize his arms. He opened his eyes, taking care not to look directly at the light, and saw shadowy forms moving around him, many of them carrying some kind of weapon, bigger than the stun gun he had left in the scout ship, deadly looking and ready for use. His brain whirled frantically. Who were these people and why were they here, and why were they treating him as though he were dangerous?"