This piece fired slower and had fewer shots, but what it lacked in flash and bang was more than made up for in boom. Sprite readied herself, one foot forward, another firmly planted behind, one hand on the handle, the other cupping it for support, elbows and knees slightly bent, finger on the trigger.

The machine lifted itself to its feet.

Sprite pulled the trigger and felt the massive recoil up through her shoulders and in her hips as she absorbed it.

The projectile found its mark, hitting the machine’s sensor laden head, snapping it back and spinning its body.