Chapter 14
"Sales are through the room this quarter so! That means you our valued employees will get one extra day off It will even be at half pay" – From a Shelter Tech CO Internal email.
-2048
As I was reading the messages that I had gotten in response from Jack as we moved down the alleyway, my ears flicking softly as they picked up sounds from up a head. “Something up a head.” I said and Will prepared to use his makeshift melee weapon. I then once again looked to the armament of the three and moved a bit quicker. Stopping just beside a turn to peek around I saw a small courtyard that was crammed in between the old apartment blocks it looked like it could once have been a park, the grass long gone replaced by torn earth and gravel. An area with a small fence to one side with some metal bars somehow still there. And in the middle of this two model 4's and a model 5.
Johann steps up behind me his shotgun ready, Sarah behind him looking over towards them I nod before stepping around the corner my rifle raised as I fire twice at the model 5 at fairly close range. First shot damaging it second killing it. Just after that I can hear Johann's shotgun firing and see how one of the model 4's drops dead, the second four turns towards me and lashes out with it tentacles hitting me in the chest and sending me in to the wall with a small bang. “Ouww..” I slide down to the ground as Sarah fires her makeshift weapon damaging the model 4. I raise my rifle as my chest feels as if had just been tackled at high speed and fire twice more. The screen at the back of my rifle flashes red. As the two wisps slams in to the wounded model 4 first removing one of its legs the other striking its chest killing it.
Enemies eliminated
1 x Model 4 = 15 points
1 x Model 5 = 20 points
New total:102 points
Resting my rifle against the ground I rub my chest before commenting. “I need to stop getting tossed around. This fucking hurts” Will steps around the corner and kneels down besides me. “You okay there?” He asked and I nodded. “Nothing too bad I think quite sure I would have been told if anything was broken at least. Sarah walked over as Johann looked around slowly as he reloaded his shotgun. “That's why we had trouble getting anywhere, too many pockets of them around like this.”
I would have told you if your ribs broke. Now they are a bit bruised so you need to be careful. And they will hurt a bit as you move. Your painkillers are also wearing off at this point.
I nodded in response to both Sarah and Fen. Then Shook my head “No.. offense but your weapons suck. I think that I can help a bit with that at least a bit.” I said slowly pushing myself up as the three were staring at me. “You are going to arm us? With Samurai gear?” Will asked as he looked down at his weapon before tossing it a side. “And it won't cost us our souls or anything like that?” Johann asked. Sarah just stared wide eyed.
“I am and no.. Only thing it will cost you is that you use them to kill any antithesis that we run in to that I can't get myself.” I said then slowly rolling my right shoulder a bit. “Besides some people back at the pit said that you could be trusted.” I said honestly then looked them over. “I think something with a bit of ammo.. Take it you would all prefer shotguns?” I asked. Johann and Sarah nodded but will shook his head. “I think that I'd do better with a normal rifle. I use to own one of those old air-rifles and I was quite good with it” He said, tilting my head to the right my left ear standing up and flicking a bit causing Sarah's eyes to moves up towards it and her hand shaking a bit. “Fen what can I get for these three?” I asked after having muted the mic in the mask.
For Johann and Sarah I would recommend the Night-terror house clearer MK V, It comes with a fifty shot drum and is quite simple to use for 20 points each. As for Will he is used to an Air-rifle and you actually have access to some of those not many. But there is the Third-wind Advanced-Air survival rifle. It is a semi-automatic subsonic air rifle with a hidden crank to build up more air pressure and comes with 100 8MM pellets for 20 points.
I nod once as I respond. “Go for that and lets see if we can't to that place alive” Then looking at them I activated the mic again. “So I'm getting you some weapons and they will have some simple instructions. If we need to reload on the way. I hope that we won't have to.” as I said that the three nodded.
New Purchases:
2 x Night-terror house clearer MK V -40 points
1 x Third-wind Advanced-Air survival rifle. It is a semi-automatic subsonic air rifle – 20 points
New total: 42 points
Three boxes appeared one next to each of them as I motioned for them to open them, They each reached down to push a box open. Johann and Sarah revealing a sleek white rifle with a large drum under it. The stock and receiver being one piece with a simple pistol grip under it. The front of the hand-guard was angled and the barrel poked out in to a simple flash-hider. Will's rifle on the other hand had a simple black polymer stock leading in to a light weight pistol grip that lead in to a similar hand-guard. On the right side of a stock were a collapsed lever and the end of an air-tank could be seen sticking out of the front of the hand-guard. The barrel was a simple looking thing. And at the top was a small box that peeked out a tiny bit with a read out on a screen showing pressure and ammo left.
The three of them stared at their new weapons before Johann nodded. “Oh these will make surviving out here so much easier.” He said Will and Sarah nodded at that. I took one more look around the area before nodding. “And we should get moving again.” I said and Will nodded shouldering his new rifle and went for the doorway to the building. “If we get to the second floor then we can use a makeshift walkway over to the building across the street. And then its just a few more buildings we need to pass and we will be there.” He said as he pushed the door open and stepped inside.
We followed scanning the old stairway that we found ourselves in. Dirty stone walls peeling gray black paint from the walls that once might have been white. A series of mailboxes or what remained of them by the missing front door. Quickly making our way to the stairs and up them. The second floor looking a bit better the paint had been scraped away and some of the apartment doors were still there. The ones that had been left open showed kitchen areas that had been torn a part. And a few other spaces that could be dining rooms or simple places to relax. At the far end of the hall where a window used to be there is now a ram leading on to a wooden walkway that goes a cross to the building across the street.
I went over to the hole and peeked outside. The street was mostly empty but my ears did pick up something from the other side of the bridge “I think we have movement on the other side” I said and the three of them nodded. I went first moving silently across. The three followed doing their best to remain silent as well. Once over I found myself in a large open area. Where most of the floor had been removed and a railing had been put in to place around the opening to the first floor in front of us. The railing missing to the right side where it was replaced by some shelves with a heavy steel back facing the opening, and some steel cables holding them together at the top. My ears twitching a bit at the sound of many claws on a stone floor. I whisper to Will “stay here.” He nodded in response
Activating my cloak I move forwards in slow steps to look over the edge to see an other pile everything from the rare plant to nutri-cube boxes to the occasional body both human and antithesis mixed in. Around and on the pile are a number of model 3's and 4's moving and seemingly collecting things. “What are they doing..” I whisper before slowly pulling back and looking to the other side of the room finding the stairs that go down to the first floor. Then I look back to the shelves and tilt my head a bit to the right left ear flicking a bit.
It would seem that this is a collection point for any biomass the antithesis can find and before they transport it to their hive. They tend to use this when they have ranged out a bit from the hive and running back and forth takes too long.
Once back to the others I whisper. “A lot of them down there.” I then motion to the stairs. “I have a plan but I will need your help.” I said and Johann looks at me then raises an eyebrow. “Lets hear what it is and we will see if we can do it.” I nod at him then motion to the shelves. “Those look to be quite heavy. I think that I will push them over to fall down and crush as many of the antithesis as possible. Then you three sit by the stairs and shoot anything that tries to get up. I will then rush over to you and toss some grenades down the stairs.” I said and Johann nodded slowly. “Oh that sounds like it might work.” Will said but Sarah frowned. “Why don't we just sneak around them?” I looked to her.
“I think we might be able to.. But if we get caught out in the open.. We'd get over-run within moments” I said she kept frowning but nodded. “So a Stone and a rocky place?” She asked and I blinked not quite understanding but nodded anyway. “Something like that?” I asked. Then Johann shook his head. “We will set up and I will wave when we are ready” He said and the other two nodded before moving towards the stairs. I then moved over towards the shelves, and looked over towards the others.
The three of them had moved to the stairs and were looking at each other clearly sending messages over their augs, they then took a few more steps away from the stairs Sarah on the right Will in the middle and Johann on the left all facing the stairs rifles raised. That's when Johann looked over at me and waved. I then put my hands on the first shelf and pushed. Nothing happened, frowning I looked at it before taking a step back and putting both hand and pushing with all I had causing a soft wobble in it. Letting out short a growl I pushed my feet in to the floor as I moved my hands towards the top of the shelf. This caused the thing to move slowly for a moment looking like it would fall back on to the floor before going over the edge. Causing me to fall on to my chest head just over the edge to see what was happening below. Once the first one fell the chain went taut for a moment before the next one went over the edge. The sound of the shelves crashing down echoed through the large open space along with the sound of the antithesis below getting crushed and I could see quite a few of the model 3's and model 4's getting crushed some just trapped. There was about ten or twelve models left alive but not trapped.
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I pushed myself to my feet and pulled out a resonator just to toss it over the edge before moving to join the line as I pulled an other resonator ready to toss it as the thing started wailing on the way down. Just before moving I could see the surviving model 3's moving quickly towards the stairs. I got to kneel beside Johann just as the first model 3 came over the edge of the stairs only to get blasted by two shotgun shots and a pellet from the air-rifle sending the thing back down the stairs. As I tossed the second resonator down the stairs and pulling my rifle just to see that it was still empty. I cursed “Fen reload.” I said as the battery pack hopped out to the side.
Then a new battery pack appeard in the place of the old one. And the rifle made a small sound as the ammo counter went from 0 to 70. I aimed and fired just as a half melted model 4 came up barely having the time to prepare to attack us before it got sent back. And this went on for a few minutes then it trickled down to just a few model 3's. Then nothing. I slowly got up and walked over to the edge to peer out over it seeing the few trapped model 3's and one model 4 all dead.
Enemies eliminated
19 x Model 3's = 190 points
9 x Model 4's = 135 points
2 x Model 5's = 40 points
3 x Model 8's = 15 points
Points from weapons provided to allies = 37 Points
New purchase:
1 x Class I Energy cell MK II -15 points
New total: 444 points
Taking a deep breath before turning to the others that were staring a bit at the dead models infront of them. “I think we should move.. If there were any of them out on patrol or searching for more to add to the pile down there then they might be running this way” I said and they nodded and started down the stairs and for the doors leading out side. I looked down at the pile and frowned a bit. “Wish we had time to deal with this.” I said before turning around and following behind them thinking for myself. 'Strange that I didn't react worse to this.' Once we made it outside we ran along the road my ears flicking back and forth. Passing the skeletal remains of an old delivery truck we turned in to an other empty street. The side walks and sides of the street clear with the exception of some trash and other such things that had built up over the years with very few caring to sweep the streets.
Crossing this street and heading down an ally way we soon arrived at an old utility building hidden between a few other buildings. Will ran up to it and pulled out a key to unlock the first door. The others followed him inside. I peeked in and saw an empty room that could comfortably fit five or six people. But they had just gone to the back and pulled a way some carpets to reveal a hatch. Then they went to unlock it. “So how large is the room down below?” I asked and Sarah looked at me. “One room about this size then two side rooms half the size. We manage to set up a few beds and some food storage over time.” She said and I nodded. “So I can assume that you three will be safe then?” I asked. Will pulled the hatch open and nodded. “That we will. Please send us a message once this is over.” He said as he sent over his contact details. Then Sarah walked up to me and looked at my ears. “I have to ask.. Can I touch them just for a moment?” she asked and I blinked slowly. Then nodded a bit.
She didn't hesitate for a moment before reaching up and touching my soft ears. They would flick and move softly against the touch. “So soft..” She'd say before letting go and taking a step back “Oh and thank you for the help” She said as the other two just stared at her, my cheeks feeling as if they were on fire. “Well.. You are welcome?” I asked before stepping back and looking around then spoke “Fen.. One of those laser-claws here please. Think that would help with security a bit.” I said as the three disappeared down and pulled the hatch closed behind them I walked to the door and pulled it open.
Oh one made for ground use coming right up!
New purchase:
1 x Mark-4 Light-fang ground mounted auto-turret. -25
New total: 419 Points
Behind me one of those boxy turrets appeared with its two vertical glowing lenses this time standing on a tripod. I glanced over my shoulder before stepping out and closing the door behind me hearing the lock engage. “So just you and me again Fen. But I have a few more points now.” I said as I headed towards the alleyway to have a look around. Spotting a fire-escape that reached all the way to the roof I went to climb up it. Once on top of the room I could see the old boxes that once was used for air conditioning and the chimneys. Quickly jogging over to the edge of the building.
Once there I could see down the street away from the bridge all the way to the inner gate leading to the undercity proper. There was some movement of a few packs of model 4's out in the distance dragging something away from the streets. But more importantly I spotted the building I was after an old greco-roman styled building with a dome on this side of the street. And what looked like planks and other objects stretching out between buildings from the next building over. “Think that is it and if I can just get over to that building I should be able to just cross the roofs to get there. Fen you mentioned drones earlier right?” I asked before climbing back down.
“Yes I did I think that you could make great use of the Class I light small aerial combat drone catalog. It will offer mostly set drone types but with your current catalogs it will open up a fair few options. This catalog will be 200 points. You could save up for a modular version but they are a lot more expensive.
Hopping down the last ladder my tail moving behind me to make sure I land as I should. “So that catalog will be quite a few points if I got it now. I would need a control catalog as well?” I asked as I went past the utility building where the others had their hideout. And I had left the turret for some extra defense. Quickly moving in to the building to the other side of the small building rifle ready. The stair way looks empty. I head to the stairs ears flicking as I hear something move up above, walking with the rifle raised as I scan the top of the stairs and ceiling as I move then quickly goes around the corner on silent feet and find nothing.
Looking to the second set of stairs I move to peek around it and see something move in the ceiling at the top of the stairs. Taking a deep breath before stepping around and firing three times I see a Model 4 fall from the ceiling. “Wonder if there are more..” I said as I hear a thud from up stairs
Oh does sound like it. Could use something that goes boom. But as you seem to want to cross the roofs to the next building.. So! Be ready
I nod slowly before starting to walk up the stairs side pressed to the wall so that I can aim up the side. As I get about half way an other model 4 rushes around the corner so I shoot once more firing four shots hitting two and killing it. I quickly move up and past the two dead model 4's then up the next set of stairs finding an empty hallway. Ears moving not picking up any sounds as I head up quickly until I hit the door to the roof. I try to push it open. And its locked sighing I take a step back and shoot the lock before heading out.
Enemies Eliminated
2 x Model 4 =30 points
New total: 449 points
The roof looks pretty much like the other one. A few boxes and chimneys spread around in clusters. But along the edge are some home-made stairs leading to a bridge that crosses to the next set of roof tops. On the next one I can see what looks like market stalls. I quickly jog over and cross the bridge.
“So what do I need for those new augs?” I ask as I cross the next bridge the next roof being empty the door way leading to the stairs standing open as I head for the large bridge to end up at the domed building.
For best effect you should unlock the Class I light small aerial combat drone catalog. For 200 points And get the Moon-forged Nightmare Drone controllers Night eyes MK III for an other 150 points.
As I listen I head towards the door that leads inside and stop to lean against the wall panting a bit. “I might be a bit out of shape. Or is it because the body is mostly new?” I asked before shaking my head. “What makes those aug's so special?” I added.
It could be that or that you are just out of shape because you don't train enough and your brain is confused as to why you can move so much. You also haven't eaten properly for almost a day now other then that snack. As for those Augs they are from your Moonstalkers Technologies catalog. And was used by their forward operators when they needed drone support in their war against the antithesis. They would work very well with your eyes and have all the functions of your old ones and quite a few more.
I nod a few times. “That makes sense.. Hopefully its just something with the building and I will be able got get some rest inside. And lets get that catalog and those Augs” I said nodding before sliding down to sit leaned against the wall.
Unlocking Catalog:
Class I light small aerial combat drone catalog – 200 points
New Purchase
Moon-forged Nightmare Drone controllers Night eyes MK III – 150 points
New total: 99 Points
As I got comfortable a small black box with a grinning hooded face with fluffy ears appeared in my lap. I opened it and found two simple disks within. “So how do I use these?” I asked.
Take one and place it behind your neck then the other just above the corner of your eye and I will take care of the rest. Oh! And close your eyes once done don't open them until I say so.
Nodding I took the first disk and move it in behind my neck where it stuck to the skin. Then I took the next one and placed it above the corner of my left eye. Then closing my eyes and waited after a moment I could feel a light tingle around my eyes resisting the temptation to rub at them.
And all done you can open your eyes. We can adjust things as we go from here so no need to worry.
As I open my eyes I'm met with quite the HUD, to the bottom left my ammo and grenade counter, To the bottom right a map of the area with my location highlighted and above that a compass. For a moment an other window flashed that had vertical and horizontal lines with numbers along with what looked like a pair of lines that had an arrow meeting at the middle pointing upwards. Once that was gone three small red icons popped up in the top right corner and a green IFF active in the left top corner. I blinked a few times. “This is a bit more then I need.. The map is a bit big and what did pop up there for a second?”
Oh I can make it smaller for you. And that was your direct control flight instruments if you ever decide to fly a drone manually instead of relaying on well me. I hear that it can be quite fun to get one of the faster flying models and sip around.
As I got to my feet I headed to the door and pushed it open as the mini map and compass got a bit smaller.
