Adam just smiled, which did nothing to fit into the Hildorian’s vision he had of this moment. Here we go again, Adam thought. Then aloud he spoke: “Bring it on, asshole!”

Knowing that the MK in his hand was useless against the diffusion screen, Adam reeled back and heaved the gun at Bundnet. With the weapon carrying no electrical charge of its own, his MK passed through the screen as if it wasn’t there and struck Bundnet’s hand with the force of a sledgehammer, knocking his weapon away.

Bundnet roared with anger and pain and lurched forward, swinging with his right arm, the exosuit adding extra quickness and agility. Still, it wasn’t enough. Adam blocked the blow easily, then lifted the entire mechanical/alien contraption and shoved it to his right. The suit was able to maintain balance, but Bundnet found himself twisted around, with Adam now behind him.

Rather than attack, Adam simply waited for his opponent to spin back around. The smile had vanished from Bundnet’s face.

“You missed,” Adam said through a toothy grin of his own.

The Hildorian literally growled, displaying a double row of long, sharp teeth. He lunged again, but this time a mechanical hand was able to grasp Adam’s left bicep, sending a spasm of pain through his arm and shoulder. Adam reached across with his free hand and ripped the clamp from his arm, breaking the thin metal from its joints.

Bundnet screamed in agony as his own flesh and blood hand was twisted and bones snapped. But he was still able to counter with a swipe of the other mechanical arm. Adam was struck hard against the side of his head and knocked to his knees, temporarily stunned. Bundnet used the opportunity to step forward, crashing his metal-encased left leg forcefully into Adam’s chest.