Chapter 8: a reason for protection
24 Jun 2023Nick Euphrasia
I stopped by Pioneers for a bit, to check out some firearms. I thought to myself that mom would be furious if she knew I was packing. But the nature of my job is about to get dangerous. Who knows what I would encounter out in the bubble? A handful of selections were presented before me “This is a laser rifle TK Aphelion, it cuts through the shields of a suit, whereas this is the Karma P15, a kinetic weapon, that shoots through the suits immobilizing your target, the kinetic weapon is weak against shields, and the laser weapon is weak against the bare suits. A combination of both would be fitting for a commander” The Pioneer representative was explaining to me. “Is there something that is just one weapon that fits all? It would be such a bother if I have to carry both with me during an emergency, something simple and easy to walk around with, but is able to cut through shields and suits at the same time” I said and continued with “if necessary” just to make sure he does not think I'm a serial killer.
“Actually, yes I do, a gentleman stopped by earlier and traded up his Plasma weapon for an upgrade” he showed me the way to the back of the counter where used items are sold. He presented to me something that looks devastating, with the word ‘Manticore’ engraved on what looks like the side of the barrel.
“This is a Manticore Tormentor” He said with pride in his voice, and with the intimidating look of this plasma pistol, it makes you wonder why they call it the Tormentor to begin with. I can't imagine what went through their minds when they decided the name for this weapon.
“This particular unit however is Upgraded to Grade 2 and equipped with Audio Masking”
He said, explaining that this particular unit is pre-engineered already.
“Right and I assume there will be plasma cartridges provided?” I asked, trying to cut a deal.
“Yes, it comes in a set with this case” He pulls out what looks like a briefcase with ‘Manticore’ written on it.
“The weapon, 6 cartridges with 6 rounds each, a holster and the cleaning kit underneath” he said, while showing me the rest of the set.
This is it, I need to carry this, as a commander, I need something to protect myself and other from anything in the galaxy, whether or not I will use the weapon, depends on what the future holds. But I pray it does not come to that.
“I will take it” i Said..
“RIght away commander, allow me to conduct a quality check and I will be with you in a moment” He said as he brought the kit to the side of the counter and began his inspection.
It didn't take long for him to return with the kit.
“That would be 950,000 Credits commander” He said calmly.
I swallowed hard, and let the transaction happen, I can’t let my hesitations get in the way of my decision. This is the life I chose when I graduated from the Pilots Federation. I must go through with it. With what’s left of my balance, Pioneers took 950,000 Credits from me, I now have about 600,000 credits in my balance, let’s hope I am able to make up for that balance with tomorrow’s cargo haul.