Sloan did not watch idly. As Cicero's stroke terminated, Sloan hoisted her gun and fired at the mutilated face. The halberd turned to deflect, but Cicero had too little preparation. The light hit her, scored a direct blow, KNOCKED HER FUCKING BLOCK OFF. Cicero's body jerked, the gold armor gleaming with the glow of Sloan's light as it tore into the unprotected head. Sloan held her ground and fired, and fired, and fired, until Cicero's body ceased jerking and collapsed to the ground. It no longer had a head. The bloody stump of neck oozed with occasional spurts.

(Chapter 37)