A searing, precise laser shot pierced the air and struck him squarely in the head, disintegrating it in an instant. What remained of his helmet and skull clattered to the ground, followed by the lifeless body that slumped forward, still clutching the scanner.
Blood splattered across the holographic display; the glowing dots now smeared with blue.
"Enemy contact on the east!" The sergeant shouted out, his voice cutting through the sudden chaos. "Take cover!"
He dove behind a pile of debris as more laser fire erupted, the precision of the shots indicating a highly skilled enemy. The other soldiers scrambled for cover, overturning crates, ducking behind metal barriers, and positioning themselves near the wreckage of damaged machinery.
"Where's the fire coming from?!" one of the soldiers shouted, his hands shaking as he readied his rifle.