The fire got the aliens’ attention, however. Lances of fire slashed from the Banshees’ gunports.
	The Chief dove and rolled to his feet. Sandstone exploded where he had stood only an instant before. Globules of molten glass sprayed the Spartans.
	The Banshees screamed over their heads—then banked sharply for another pass.
	...
	The Banshees formed into a “flying V” and swooped toward them, almost brushing the ground.
	The Spartans opened fire.
	Bolts of superheated plasma from the Banshees punctuated the air.
	The Chief dodged to the right, then to the left; he ducked. Their aim was getting better.