Last spark from the ashes

Samus' earlier conjecture holds: the minotaur's shields are based on the same power as their guns. Under the beam they simply collapse. The minotaur staggers, its cry grating as it swings its weapon hand in from the side. Its companions have thought better of closing to help: they back away.

//I'm fine,// Blaze answers insistently, her voice rough. She's moving stiffly as she leans out to shoot at the cyclops' damaged eye, her armor scorched and smoking. The first answering blast splashes against the corner of her cover and undoes any recovery she's managed. But she's on her feet. //We just ought to finish off this bunch.//