“It’s a 170,” Sprite said.

“What’s a 170?” Helen said, eyes to the sky, foot touching Scotty’s side, in case he moved.

“What the hell we’re up against,” Sprite said. “Incoming!”

Helen didn’t see it yet, but she crouched closer to Scotty.

To Sprite it was obvious. She had seen the 170 flying toward them, readying his aim. It fired reverse thrusters, steadying itself, and let loose the thermal blast. Then it killed the reverse and continued its plummet toward them. The fireball was a white streak followed by yellow and orange. A moment later, Sprite saw a blue core.