Answer: encounters

AnswerCrossword Clue
ENCOUNTERSUnexpected meetings
ENCOUNTERSMeets
ENCOUNTERSClose ... of the Third Kind
encountersENCOUNTER, to meet
encountersMeet unexpectedly and confront (an adversary)
encountersUnexpectedly experience or be faced with (something difficult or hostile)
encountersMeet (someone) unexpectedly