The ork scrambled out of its path, backing away until he was forced to stop by one of the roof’s supporting columns. Eyes darting between the advancing horror and his weapon, the gunner fumbled with the laser’s settings. A high-pitched capacitor whine overwhelmed the shrill beeping of the overload warning. The ork ignored the sounds, training the laser once again on the monstrous thing that stalked him. With a sizzling crack, the weapon discharged. No longer a brief pulse, the beam was an eye-searing line of energy. The gunner’s backpack smoked as the power cells emptied their energy into the shape. Acrid green smoke rose from the surface as the chemicals bubbled and blackened. The pale color darkened, going opaque, and the thing seemed to shrink back. The ork’s face contorted as his relief shifted to a savage glee. He took a step forward.