Helen’s dober pit growled at the sky. Perhaps he was seeing the orbiter too. Sprite hoped he wouldn’t be stupid enough to get himself crushed once the guardian landed.

The orbiter readied its aim. Sprite tracked him, shooters ready. It fired its reverse thrusters, slowing himself again to make a more accurate shot. Sprite pulled her triggers, letting loose a hailstorm of firepower. The machine launched another fireball. Sprite was quick to dive out of the way, tumbling for cover, fireball exploding, forming a huge crater where Sprite had been standing.

The orbiter took several direct shots before plummeting again.