There is a split second before the training kicks in. It's less than half a heartbeat in length, but even that
feels interminably long.
In that split second, his mind rebels against what he is seeing. It can't be real. It just can't be. The specimens
were thoroughly secured; otherwise, this room wouldn't have been part of the rough command outpost they
established only a few hours ago.
He doesn't question why Ripley isn't defending both of them, herself and the little girl. A brief visual sweep of
the room revealed the pulse rifle he gave her sitting on a counter on the wrong side of the glass to be useful.
That doesn't sit right; it doesn't track.
By then, though, the training has caught up. His body is already moving even before he yells the command "Shoot
it out!" Hudson moves immediately to comply.
If Hicks has his way, they won't be losing anyone else today.