UNDERSIEGE

FIREBLANKSOne way to start a race … or a hint to understanding seven clues in this puzzle ACTNATURAL"Quick, look like you're not up to something!" GUARANTEEDSure ___ EXTRALIVESBoosts in some games PEACHYKEENDandy CASHBUFFERMoney set aside to cover emergency expenses LACLIPPERSSoCal NBA team OHFORGETITReaction to the unsuccessful "conversation" in this puzzle HALFSECONDSentient computer following subordinate for a moment PATTERSONGMaybe Humphries' alter ego beginning to grasp Gilbert and Sullivan's speciality HARDTOKILL1990 Steven Seagal movie in which his character wakes from a coma to seek revenge on a corrupt politician: 3 wds. INSTIGATORPopular man occupying dump next to a hill is prime mover EQUESTRIANIs Queen Rat travelling on horseback?