The big shaman looked up, threw himself backward. An instant too late. The insect spirit that had shimmered into existence above his head lashed out with a clawed arm, tearing through the shoulder and chest of Hawk's body armor. Blood sprayed, and Hawk gasped with pain. The thing landed lightly, poised itself to spring on the wounded shaman. I raised my Roomsweeper, but Hawk was between me and the monster. Targeting lasers flashed over Hawk's back as the others sought a clear line of fire. The thing lunged.