“Samurai weaponry is an ever expanding field of study. We get news of new and entirely alien weapon systems every day!
On top of that, because of how unique samurais are, they’re always different. Sometimes it’s simply a bigger version of what we already have. Sometimes we get to observe the laws of physics, chemistry and pure and simple mathematics go out the window and give us the finger!
I’m just glad we’ll never run out of grant money.”
– Speech on choosing ‘xeno engineering’ as a career, MIT seminar by Dr Lea Khalid, 2045
***
“Alright, guess it’s time to get better equipment?” I asked after showing Alice her papa’s new awesomeness! Also, the animated eyes that were obviously her idea. Also, yeah, I bought Racheal a gun.
Middle of an incursion and all that! I made it a smart weapon that wouldn’t shoot people, of course… Not that I told her that. I paid a little extra to have it be connected to Altany. She could help out if Rachael got in trouble. Guiding rounds and making sure that if someone needed to die, they’d die.
I still didn’t want her to go through that. I had to, and the reason I did was to make sure she didn’t.
You have several options to spend your points and plan to head into dangerous areas. It is definitely the time to buy better equipment.
The hive has had low success with mass swarms of model threes. The risk of higher models attacking is rising with every repelled offensive. I believe there is a factor you have not considered yet when it comes to weaponry.
“I’m listening…” I said while on comms with a few enforcers. I’d love external opinions on this one.
Payload size is an important component in the impact of a firearm. The larger the projectile, the more can be delivered. It also means much higher stopping power and impact. To use an extreme, a needle at supersonic speed has low stopping power because it simply penetrates and leaves. Deforming rounds stay and impart all their energy inside the target.
“Still listening, I’m guessing you’re about to make a point about how it’s not the most important factor?” I said with a small smile.
Even humanity, as primitive as you are, have figured out the basics of physics. Mass times speed squared is the equation governing energy in three dimensional physics. Things get more interesting with a few more but that does not matter for now. To impart more energy, speed is a much more important factor than mass.
“Yeah, yeah, I know what squared means. Essentially, you want me to focus more on velocity?”
Yes and no. Larger mass allows you to accomplish more in your case because you are delivering payloads instead of simple bullets. For you, mass may be more important than velocity overall, but it is still a massive multiplier for simple kinetic energy delivery.
For unenhanced humans, the problem comes from another law of physics. The more energy you impart, the more returns towards you. In this case, by agreeing to share your catalogues with vanguard Johnny Law, you gained access to technologically superior recoil management options. This means you could utilize much greater payloads and velocities.
“Alright…” As I pondered, Robin made a good point.
“Also, the simpler the bullets, the less they cost I bet!” A damn good point! Since he was right there I had to give him a kiss for that.
“Thanks darling! That’s smart, Altany, you think I could spend less points on ammo in general?”
With a more powerful weapon? Yes. However, the weapon will be more expensive. That is how investments work. On the same subject, a new melee weapon may be in order. You gain strength and speed every second. The installation of your augmentations is about one-third done.
“Gun first boss, it’s what you use most for now.” David added over comms. He wasn’t wrong. Melee had its place, and it would save on points, but still…
When shit really hit the fan, I had to shoot from as far away as possible when I could. The closer the antithesis were, the more they endangered allies and civvies.
“So I need a gun with a lot of stopping power, like, an unreasonable amount. The larger my rounds, the more stopping power and the more shit I can cram in them. The faster I can push them out, the more damage from pure kinetic energy they’ll have. My limitations are…” I stopped. Did I have limitations? I couldn’t really think of any at the moment…
Point cost is your main one. A better, more powerful and faster firing gun will be more expensive. Thankfully, you now have better recoil control systems and a highly enhanced body encased in heavy armor. The amount of kickback you can handle is quite severe.
To make this easier on your poor brain, let us focus on joules. You wish to impart as many joules as possible while keeping large projectiles with esoteric payloads. You must also possess a high rate of fire to handle many enemies, although I would encourage adding some aim-assist systems.
I rolled my eyes. Yeah, that might be important for the kind of badass shit I planned on doing. “Oh, panda, remember, you gotta carry this fucking thing. It needs to be easy to move with and not a fucking pain in the ass to fight with.” Lila said, very wisely.
This is good advice. Ammunition storage has not been a concern so far since you bought magazines one at a time. However, this may be problematic in several ways.
At the higher speeds you are starting to operate in, replacing a magazine or waiting for teleportation may be a hindrance. Also, cheaper ammunition can often be a waste of points to buy in small batches.
“Could I have a belt fed gun? Something that stores the ammo in my armor?” I asked, slowly working through the problem with my family.
Yes, however I would not recommend this course of action.
“Why?” Asked Robin with interest. While not a gun nut like Lila and I, my darling was still very smart and I valued his opinion greatly.
“Hey, do you think doing this conversation in public might make us look crazy?” I said as I eyed the civilians. We both sat on a bed in an empty apartment, but the door stayed open for emergencies. Lila sat in a nice chair nearby while breastfeeding Jack.
For the first question, such mechanisms require connecting him to his weapon in very problematic ways. A belt could snap, and if it did not, that may cause more problems. For the second question, why do you think I have been introducing myself to the civilian population of these floors?
Robin took over the explanation. “She’s been doing an online meet and greet thing. Well, not online since the net is fucked all over the place right now but virtually. Talking to folks on their augs, playing games with the kids, learning about people around here.”
My duty is to assist my vanguard. He places a lot of importance on his community. By having good relations with them, I increase the likelihood of good relations with him.
“Also, she gets bored a lot.” Robin added without missing a beat.
… Also, I get bored a lot, yes. You have no idea how long it takes for you to finish syllables to an AI like me. Hobbies keep me sane.
“I am very much in favor of keeping you sane! Please don’t melt down in my head.” I pleaded with a faux-terrified smile on my face. That got a few chuckles and I’m pretty sure Altany was a bit amused.
“Anyway, guns! I like the multi-barrel thing, being able to switch ammo quickly and stuff. Is there a morphic gun that can store many different types of shells?”
Millions. A novel design by human standards is the Tunneler mark 12. It stores warheads and propellant in separate spaces. The bullets feed into the chamber and a number of propellant disks are added after.
It is rather large, but does come with several advantages. For extra points, you can make it integrable into your armor. I also recommend getting an expanded storage catalogue. This would allow you to buy ammunition in bulk and keep it in your armor.
The system would self-reload upon reintegration, allowing you to fight unimpeded, but you could also simply reload the helical magazine manually.
I could feel Robin’s hand on my thigh getting closer to my crotch. My husband laughed when he got there. “I fucking knew it! Do I have to worry? Will you divorce me to marry big guns?” He asked with a teasing smile.
The kids were in another room so I brought my face close to his, my cheek rubbing his. My hand found his ass, then his hip and I pulled him to my side.
“When this is over, we’re going to have a very, very long night. Big guns are invited…” Lila coughed. “Yeah, yeah, you’re invited too.” I rolled my eyes, my mouth close to Robin’s neck.
The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.
“I meant more, cough cough we got shit to kill and people to save but whatever, I’ll gladly accept that invitation.” Could you really get hurt from eye rolling or was that internet bullshit?
Robin had a smirk. The sexy bastard wasn’t done. “Oh, husband of mine, can I have permission to purchase an augmentation for myself?” I pulled my face back from his neck, eyes narrowed.
“Of course, what are you thinking?” He gave me a cocky smirk and wink. Little minx.
“You’ll see.”
Then, Lila clearly got a message and she brightened up. “Oh! I want that too! Please?” She playfully begged, even going full puppy dog!
“What is it?” I asked with some incredulity.
“It’s a surprise!” She mock-gasped. Before I could even ask, Altany chimed in.
This is a set of augmentation that will help keep them safe. I suggest getting it for yourself but it is a low priority item. I believe you will enjoy the surprise.
I folded, surrounded on all sides by traitors! Damn mutinous, smiling and giggling traitors! “So, Tunneler, you were saying?”
Yes, my apologies. This system employs a motorized action. The rate of fire is limited only by your ability to shoot the weapon accurately.
“What kind of ballistics are we talking?” I asked as I settled down and settled down. I still kept Robin at my side which slowed things a bit on that front.
That entirely depends on you. The gun is morphic, which includes the barrel.Let me show you a reference breakdown:
- 18.5 mm Super magnum Brenneke slug: 39g, 450 m/s, 3947 Joules
- 7.62mm Remington Ultra Magnum (High powered rifle round): 11.7g, 988 m/s, 5710 Joules
- 12.7x99mm NATO (50 BMG): 42g, 928m/s, 18050 Joules
- 15.7mm .600 Nitro Express (Elephant gun) 58g, 610 m/s, 10847 Joules
Possible loadings for the Tunneler:
- Maximum mass: 10mm to 30mm, 500g with compression (Lower velocity necessary above 100 grams)
- Maximum muzzle velocity (with conventional ammunition): 1200 m/s (Mole-Bear alloys necessary for chamber pressure capacity, expect very severe recoil)
- Maximum muzzle energy with conventional ammunition 72 000 Joules.
Lila, Robin and I stared for quite a few moments. “Altany, hum… Holy fucking shit.”
Please do not fire at maximum weight and velocity inside. The pressure wave and impact would damage… everything. You included. So would the recoil for that matter.
“Yup! I’ll agree to that! No judgement Robin.” Robin startled as he realized that now I had my hand between his legs. In the end, that got to him too, just a bit. He blushed which just looked so mother fucking cute!
“You could put any fucking weird ammo you want in there…” Lila muttered then drifted off into fantasy. I snapped my fingers at her a couple times. “Huh, yeah?”
“Need to change your panties?” I asked, resulting in a snort from her.
“Oh please, I can fight wet! Not like you don’t get a hard-on out there.” A fair and valid point. Moving on!
Your brain chemistry is as concerning as always.
“Oh come on, I know how you sound when we’re firing super destructive shit. Try and tell me you don’t get the AI equivalent of a hard clit when it happens.”
That’s classified.
I chuckled. “Alright, I think we’ve established that I'm buying it. Now for the details. I want the best recoil control we can get, that way I could shoot big slugs real fast. That ammo storage is a good idea. Would I be able to get… actually what are the magazines like? You said the shells were disassembled?” Back on solid ground!
That depends. I suggest paying extra for the weapon to be linked into your armor. This would allow your neural wreath to control all features and would make switching warheads much faster and easier.
In this case you could have the ‘extra’ bullets refilled by the magazine before switching to a full one. Each helical magazine can accommodate large amounts of bullets without propellant, casing or even primer.
Of course, it depends on the warheads as they may be of vastly differing calibers. You could reach a capacity of one hundred and twenty rounds. A different magazine holds propellant and requires less frequent reloading.
“Yeah, sounds good. I want the best for this little guy. Since it's morphic I can upgrade later, right?” I asked, thinking this whole system through. I’d probably use that gun for a while.
Yes and no. Many upgrades are possible, and it should have the ability to grow with you for a relatively long time. However, eventually, your growth will require reworking the system from the ground up. Do you know the story of the ship of Theseus?
Fair. I could deal with that. “Yes, I do, got it. What else… oh yeah, that storage stuff. You said I could save points over time?”
Yes, quite a few. The catalogue and upgrade to your armor will be expensive, but also serve many purposes. The storage capacity will be limited, but given its position, you will be able to exchange magazines and reload those you have within your armor. This would take time however, but the expenditure of points is always an option.
“Ok, so we got all the cool bells and whistles right?” I asked, wanting to get this over with and go out there.
In short, no. There are many, and I do mean many, bells and whistles to add, but this is all you have the budget and time for. We can easily upgrade later.
“Yeah, it’s time to go panda.” Lila said, pounding nails in my coffin. Overall, the discussion only lasted a few minutes. Still, too long for my tastes. I didn’t realize my leg was bouncing until Robin put his hand on it.
“It’s alright to think through how to save people before you save them. It’s also ok to fuck around so you can stay sane.” He looked deep into my eyes with his beautiful dark ones and I felt a lot of the tension plaguing me melt away.
Lila seemed to feel bad but I reassured her. “Thanks love. You’re right Lila, we gotta go. How much for all that stuff, Altany?”
This will be an expensive investment. The weapon system itself will cost seven hundred points.
Lila whistled and I had to agree. I still wanted it but damn!
The catalogue for expanded storage as well as the modification to your armor will cost a further three hundred points.
“A thousand points total!?” I exclaimed, baffled. Almost the price of my fucking armor!? Although… Okay, yeah, I didn’t boost the armor that much in comparison. It didn’t enhance my strength or speed, just blocked damage real well.
This would upgrade both my armor and my weapon. Not only that, it’d be kind of future proof. My main damage dealer, made to last and even be upgradable! Thinking about it like that… yeah, ok, it made sense… Fuck.
Actually, the comparison to my armor worked well. Something that could grow and evolve with me. That described most of my spending, really. I might make quick decisions, but Altany kept me on track, made sure I invested in future awesomeness.
It was good for me, buying whole new systems later would be a lot more expensive! Still…
“Argh, we’re wasting time, buy it!” I grit my teeth as my points dropped like a rock again! Would I ever get to save anything to help the community? Fuck. Maybe I could help some other way? At least I had one hell of a point farm for now.
New purchase: The Tunneler, Mark 12 - Modified!
Points Spent… 700!
Points reduced to… 763!
New purchase: Class 1 Compressed Ammunition Storage Systems!
Points Spent… 100!
Points reduced to… 664!
New purchase: Ammunition Storage Expanded Space - Pelt Adapted!
Points Spent… 200!
Points reduced to… 465!
“Fuck me that was painful…” Robin comforted me, as always.
“It’s alright pandear. You’re getting the tools to be a hero. Now, go do it.” It took a moment for Lila to extricate her breast away from Jack. My son didn’t want to let her go and for a moment, I’d swear I saw a tear in Lila’s eye. Clearly, the HVAC system shit the bed, what with all that dust in the air.
After exiting the apartment, Johnny gave me a quick smile. Not a smirk or a grin, more of a ‘I don’t mind, take your time’ smile. He’d waited for the goodbyes to be over. Good kid. “Ready?” I nodded then held out my hand.
Altany had a flair for the dramatic because my new gun arrived in my hand, no boxes. Of course, it had a new version of my logo on the stock, a red panda’s face with a clawed paw. She was getting better!
This shotgun looked a bit like my older one, but somehow more compact. Barrel centered in the rectangular body with super alien recoil whatever on top? Actually, no, not rectangular, it had a bit of an… hourglass shape? It tapered off around the action and trigger. Still large as hell.
I guessed the entire stock focused on dealing with the massive recoil. The propellant helical mag went in the foregrip. It took a bit of reassurance for me to be comfortable with so much explosive power up front. It disappeared inside, which didn’t quite make sense since the barrel…
Nop, don’t question alien morphic super-tech! That way lies madness!
“Let’s go. Altany, plot a route please. Most civilians we can get in a single safe convoy.” We walked towards the front as I held out my hand again and received a… metal hexagon?
My armor knew what to do. It integrated and went to the right side of my hip. Suddenly, I could feel it. I had an instinctual awareness of its contents, aka nothing.
“Altany, ammo. Give me something I can shoot fast and in bulk, cheap but effective, please. Also, heavy shotgun slugs? Get creative as long as it doesn’t affect the price.”
I considered my options while looking at the militia shooting down the corridor. They weren’t shooting nearly as much as they should, weird… “That cheaper hyper buckshot, can I get a bulk deal?”
Yes. They are rather inexpensive as it is a somewhat basic level of technology for your esoteric ammunition catalogue. If it helps your trepidation, overall, this large purchase will cost almost half as much.
That brought my mood up! “Half? Really?”
You bought ammunition in small batches before. We do not trade in half-points. Also, we employ a ‘bulk discount’, as you would say. Mass production saves on resources. Most species go through an industrial revolution for a reason.
May I recommend full magazines of your favorites? You will still buy them in bulk, simply spread out. You can store a full magazine of useful extras in the internal reserves, then add a cheaper one for lesser threats.
I thought about that for a second and nodded. “Sure, give me some of your experiments too, even if you’re not sure they’re the best. I’m curious. Also, I want you to have fun too!” From her voice, Altany seemed touched by the gesture.
Her experiments scared me a bit, but I had heavy armor and needed good mass-murder material.
New purchase: Assorted esoteric warheads, pre-loaded!
Points reduced to… 211!
Suddenly, I knew exactly what I had in stock and it felt weird!
Like having a damn good idea of exactly what’s up your ass. You knew, but up there high enough, it became difficult to tell the difference between specific things. Really fucky.
Johnny looked at my new baby and whistled. “That’s a lot o’ gun.”
“Oh yeah, Elephant gun on steroid lots.” I answered with a winning smile. I had plant elephants to kill after all.