The plasma cannon exploded directly above my head. A wave of fire filled my vision before the extinguishing system could put it out, carbon dioxide filling the enclosed space. The negative pressure sucked the usable air from my lungs as I gasped for breath, collapsing on the ground. The system was designed for the military personnel, with their closed-cycle respirators...<br/><br/>There wasn't a white light, and there wasn't a tunnel. In fact, it was all purple. Purple, purple, purple… dark and light shades of purple as if I was swimming in a sea of Kool-Aid. Chest ready to explode, I still couldn't breathe. My throat was in my stomach, and all I wanted to do was scream. I kept stretching my mouth wide open over and over again, but I couldn't make a noise. Everything went silent, as I reached for an emergency hatch near the front of the vehicle...<br/><br/>The pressure was relieved as the gunner hit the emergency switch and kicked out the door. I lay on the metal floor, seeing black as oxygen rushed to my starved brain. As the black faded, replaced with a never-ending circle of purple and black I managed to sit myself against the wall. Finally, I shook my head, coming shakily to my feet. The heavy vehicle shook slightly around me with an impact. I grabbed what appeared to be a plasma weapon off the wall, ripping it free of the straps with a sharp tug. Jumping down from the back of the vehicle, I peered around the corner of the truck.<br/><br/>A massive splatter of blood streaked across the side of the vehicle, and I saw no sign of what may have caused it. THe soldiers were pressed against a wall, weapons outwards, looking for threats. But the threat seemed to have passed. I could hear a roar from inside the bar, mildly alarming, but not my concern at the moment. I simply nodded to the soldiers, staying where I was, crouched, and safely shielded from three directions by a wall, the truck, and the rear door of the truck.