Chapter Forty-Six - New Plan: Kill Everything

Chapter Forty-Six - New Plan: Kill Everything

Chapter Forty-Six - New Plan: Kill Everything

Are you worried about the incoming horde of hungry man-eating aliens invading your city?

Coming to the realisation that while money is great, it doesnt mean much when theres an alien munching on your face?

Then invest in Protecto-Tech today! The worlds leading provider of VIP vaults and high-end protective services! Live a life of temporary luxury in one of our hyper-fortified bases!

No human experimentation, guaranteed!

--Protecto-Tech, prototype ad, 2050

***

The moment I was completely out of my old armour, the entire thing closed itself back up and stepped to the side.

It actually freaked me out a little. But the armour just walked itself to the rooms entrance and stood there, one back-mounted gun pointing out into the hallway beyond.

Alright, I muttered.

Just a safety precaution. What do you want to do with your old armour?

I dont know, I admitted. Think Lucy would like it?

It would need to be modified slightly to fit her proportions. Shes a few centimetres shorter and wider at the hips. It would be uncomfortable. She also lacks the augmentations or AI support to fully utilise the armour.

Eh, fair enough. Can it stick around in here and defend itself? Well see about picking it up once things have calmed down a bit.

Noted.

I walked over to the box with my new arm. It had a single clasp on the front, which was handy because I only had one hand now. The case hissed as it opened and a bit of antiseptic smelling steam escaped the edges.

The arm wasnt too dissimilar to my old one. Sleek grey metal with a few plates that were edged in glowing neon. It was a bit less bulky. Likely the lack of a missile launcher worked into it. So how do I equip this one? Just jam it onto stubby here? I wiggled my stub.

More or less. You can expect something similar to having a sleeping limb awaken.

I raised the arm and turned it around. There was a hole for my stump, and some sections that would reach all the way up to my collarbone and over my shoulder bone thing... what was that called? The scapula or something.

You will have to remove your suit for it to make contact with your skin.

Lowering the arm back into its box, I unzipped the front of my armoured suit and tugged it off my right side. I hadnt realised how chilly it was here. Then I grabbed the arm again and slid it on. There was a warm pressure over my side, and a feeling of suction, like I was getting the worlds biggest hickey.

Alright, get me one of those Bullcats, and I think Im ready to go, I said.

A gun appeared in the air next to me and I caught it before it had time to fall.

If you dont have a current plan, then might I suggest some actions?

Uh, sure? I said as I started to look for an elevator or stairwell up.

The Family has an updating feed of the wave and its movements, as well as feeds from Vanguard on the front lines and from the various PMC commands. The current most urgent call for assistance is relatively close to your position.

What is it? I asked.

Vanguard Grasshopper has been injured and is requesting assistance.

I froze. Why the fuck didnt you tell me earlier?

The request is only seconds old. She is One point two kilometres north-west of your position. Your suit can fly short distances. Once youre out in the open it should be easy to make your way there.

Which ways north? I asked.

An arrow appeared, pointing me in the right direction, and I took off running in that direction. There was a wall in the way, of course, with a big window that opened up onto the busy city below. So I raised my new Bullcat and opened fire with full-auto into the glass.

My new armour was sturdy enough that I didnt even feel any recoil. The glass felt it though. It might have been that tough sort designed to withstand some damage and prevent office suicides, but it wasnt rated for dealing with anxious Samurai.

I shot out into the open air, trailing a cascade of tinkling glass. The streets below were teeming with aliens, some of whom took a moment to look up towards me.

Then my jump jets kicked on and my downwards fall turned into an arc that led me up and over to the next building. Myalis, acid bombs. Lets give those fuckers down there something to think about. Actually, fuck it, lets mix it up with some normal bombs too.

Certainly.

And while were at it, can we unlock the next tier on my bomb catalogue? I want more fun toys to play with.

New Purchase: Esoteric Single-Use Explosive Devices Tier II

Points Reduced to... 32,409

Expensive, but probably worth it. And honestly, not doing much to put a dent into my current savings. Thanks, Myalis.

Anything to lessen the Antithesis threat.

I sprinted across the rooftop, then jumped once I got to the other side. While in the air, Myalis summoned a heap of bombs for me, which I dropped with glee atop the alien hoard. Theyd be able to track my progress with the bodies I left behind.

***