Chapter Twenty-Six - Red Carpet Treatment

Chapter Twenty-Six - Red Carpet Treatment

Chapter Twenty-Six - Red Carpet Treatment

After the end of the second world war and the advent of more advanced weaponry, there was a noticeable shift in the way armed forces reacted. It still took some decades for what is essentially an entirely new SoP to take effect, but by the late 90s most modern militaries understood that a small number of well-equipped soldiers could be used to greater effect than large units of poorly-trained conscripts.

In many situations, a small team of well-trained soldiers could make a large, impactful difference.

Whether that is taking down a VIT or sabotaging enemy infrastructure, going in silently is not only more effective, it also allows for a degree of denial on the assaulters part.

The samurai generally dont fit that bill.

Almost universally, they dislike being quiet.

Something about their mentality just does not agree with the idea that a problem can be solved without explosions, lasers, or explosive lasers.

--Excerpt from An Analysis of the Capability of the Modern Unit vs.The Samurai, 2029

***

I raised my hand and turned it this way and that. My nails shone pretty and rainbow. There was a bit of a holographic effect with them, little hearts in the middle that only showed up at certain angles. Neat, I said.

Yes yes, very very pretty, the old woman said.

I grinned back at her and looked at the time. It had been a nice way to spend ten minutes. I bet that Lucy would love that kind of pampering too. Maybe we could order one of those massage people in our hotel room. That was a thing that was done... probably. I wasnt up to date on how the rich wasted their credits.

Myalis, can you transfer over some credits to the nice lady? I asked.

This will basically empty your account.

Yeah, but Lucy will like it.

The woman looked at me quizzically for a bit, then something in her eyes glowed and her smile only grew. Thank you, honourable customer. You go pinch many bottoms now.

Damn right, I said as I shoved off her chair, then stretched. Any news from Gomorrah yet?

Atyacus has kept in contact with me this entire time. Theyve reached the appropriate location, though it took convincing a guard to look the other way.

A merc guard? I asked.

No, the location where Atyacus proposed breaking through the wall is a warehouse for medical supplies. It has twenty-four hour guards and surveillance. I suspect that the Hour Men encouraged the placement of a high-security facility next to their offices to act as a sort of additional deterrent. Atyacus disagrees. Weve been going back and forth for what for you would be subjective years.

You do that a lot? I asked. Argue with other AI?

We need to do something to pass the time. Arguing online is one of the few hobbies we share with humanity.UppTodated from nô/v/e/lb(i)n.c(o)/m

So we need someone to ask some questions to, I said. I guess Ill knock at their front door.

Seriously? Gomorrah asked.

I mean, we need to find out, and I dont feel like chasing leads all day. So we ask. Can you take out that tank?

I can, Gomorrah said. Most things made of metal will melt eventually, but thats besides the point. How are we going to do this?

I leaned to the side and looked down the corridor where the front door of the Hour Man offices was tucked away. It was a heavy-looking door. All steel and bolts. Not terribly decorative either, and I guessed that the walls were filled with fold-out surprises.

I fling a bomb at their front wall, then when the dust settles ask to speak to their boss?

That sounds like a bit much, Gomorrah said.

I rubbed a finger under my nose. They kidnapped a kid. I dont think we need to go in soft and polite.

But soft and polite might get us further, Gomorrah said.

Hmph. I tapped my fresh nails on the counter for a moment, then nodded. You know what, sure. But you send them a message or whatever. Im not expecting them to exactly roll out the red carpet.

These guys had to know what they were doing, and what the reaction of the average samurai would be. In their place, Id start running the moment I found out a samurai was on my tail, and if that meant fighting my way out, then so be it. The dead couldnt be punished.

Sending now, Gomorrah said. Im close enough to their lower exit to stop anyone trying to escape that way.

Yeah, Im within spitting distance of their front door, I said. I looked around and spotted my crossbow leaning against the backside of the counter. Nearly forgot about it. Would probably have made the old lady rich if I did.

I grabbed the crossbow and pulled the bolt on its side back before flicking its safety off with a twitch of my augs. There were a few explosive bolts left in it.

Did you send the-- I began.

The feeds of the cameras inside the building started to flash. Some sort of silent alarm had gone off and the lights flickered in response was my guess. The fine folks inside the building started running around, picking up weapons and armour even as guns deployed from the walls and ceilings.

Well, it doesnt look like theyre agreeing to anything just yet, I said.

I stepped out into the corridor. Maybe they would see me standing outside and reconsider things.

I kind of expected the guns that deployed from next to the door.

I didnt expect the twin punches to my gut that sent me tumbling back with a heavy cough.

Laying on the ground, I panted for breath, then touched my chest to confirm that I wasnt bleeding or anything. I found two coin-sized bits of metal flattened over my armour. Okay, I said. Bombs it is.

***