suit is however much more intense on the outside as fists, feet and heads are pummelled against Belle’s protective skin in an attempt to get to him. They latch onto her limbs as they try to immobilise her and the bodies pile up as they all rush at once to claim a piece of the kill.

Steve tries to back her up but it’s like walking through a swamp, each step heavy and difficult. He rapidly presses buttons, still unsure what most of them do, with the effect being two blades sliding out from her forearms and spikes protruding from her back. They impale the unlucky adversaries who managed to climb up there and he then watches as some type of autopilot mode engages.

Belle’s programming, whatever it was, coming into full effect. He knew she was