Counter-ambushing the ambush

The only other weapon Artemis had time to create (with help from Jamie) was a makeshift crossbow/grenade launcher for the rubidium grenades, since the syringe gun was no use in a long range battle. That, and there was only half of a drum left of syringes. Artemis also had time to discuss his "ace in the whole" with Kenneth and Jay, both of whom agreed that it was likely the best way to resolve the situation if things got FUBAR.

Artemis distributed his grenades to the Dwarfers, while saving a good amount for himself. Artemis, Boyd, Herbie, and Dave set themselves up behind a stack of boxes (serving as makeshift cover) and waited.

It was quiet, nothing moved, nothing made a sound.

Boyd clutched onto the stockless pulse rifle, jittering on occasion at absolutely nothing. Herbie scanned the horizon, resting his bazookoid on his lap, and mad the occasional comment to Dave, who only half listened. Artemis compulsively counted his grenades to make sure he had an odd amount (one in the crossbow and an even sort in the bag).

A few others were talking, but Artemis couldn't hear what was being said, until his selective attention honed in on.....

<snip>
"....heads up: Here comes the first wave to soften us up! – Ten shock troops with heavy force screens, armed with bolt pistols and shit sticks!”
Everyone fell quiet at this
“What?” Jay demanded “Someone did research a way to jam the effects of the barf baton, didn’t they!?”

Artemis remembered his experience earlier, with his mechanical body parts absorbing the shock.

"Strap something electrical to your bare skin! It'll absorb the electricity! You'll still feel some serious pain but you won't soil yourself!" he yelled, assured that he was already fortified against all attacks electrical.

The vanguard came over the hill, and the defenders opened fire. The shields took the brunt of the damage, deflecting the bullets and energy rounds with ease. Boyd tossed a grenade next to an unsuspecting trooper. The high-intensity explosion cut the trooper to ribbons.

"Use the explosives to get the shields down!" Someone shouted.

The grenades worked, scattering the group and killing two more.

Three of the vanguard charged towards the group. Dave was able to rifle butt one away, but the other two managed to scale the wall before assaulting the group with shit sticks, to no avail.

Artemis was once again beaten half to death with a weapon that didn't quite work on him. Boyd put a round in the back of a vanguard's head, while Herbie took care of the last one. Artemis fired off a grenade to take out a straggler...the first wave had been defeated....albeit with some severe burns and broken electronics.

<tag>

How did you fare in the first wave?
What's the second wave.
Leave the 'ace in the hole' to me. It'll lure the pilate into the ship, unless somebody else wants to do it.