Preparing to strike a discovered site, he saw two MiG-17s making a pass.

Its other hand, raised above him, preparing to strike.

She could feel them preparing to strike, felt the growing agitation in their unified thoughts.

Behind and above me, something gathered its strength, perhaps preparing to strike.

He reared back, much like a snake preparing to strike.

Khouri closed her eyes, thinking the machinery was preparing itself to strike.

They've powered up their weapons and are preparing to strike!

He orders his soldiers to prepare to strike against Stanfield.

"You think he may be preparing to strike against you?"

So, they were probably out there, remembering, searching, planning, and preparing to strike.