The ship heaved, glowing sections of the hull tearing from the walls in showers of sparks and the squealing protests of metal, twisted monstrosities following in the wake of noise and confusion. Had Ghralm had less training and experience in combat situations, he might have sat, transfixed, by the sheer repulsiveness of the creatures that burst through the newly created openings. As it was, his mind focused as it always did when he became frightened, tightening his grip on his kinetic pulse weapon, bringing it to his shoulder and firing with smooth efficiency and deadly aim. All around him Allebenellin defenders responded similarly, unleashing a deadly salvo of kinetic pusles against the cannibalistic pirates.
The Hunters, facing resistance where they had expected fear, faltered in their
