“The human form is never going to be perfect, especially when faced with something like the Antipodes, who take bioweapons to a whole new level with every iteration.
Now, with this in mind, you might be wondering how the vanguard, the ones responsible for doing the most killing in the opposition, could handle such large numbers.
In fact, for them, the form in which they are born is not the end. Extra limbs, cybernetic upgrades, or even just exoskeleton enhancements. The changes are numerous, but the essence is that the Vanguard quickly learn that being human is not enough. So, they become more. "
——Article by Professor Verne of the French College of Geosurgery, May 2032
***
I had to take off my jacket, shirt and even a small bra to put on my latest gear. Even so, it's still a bit cumbersome and cumbersome, but when I turn around and see my back in the mirror, it's totally worth it.
Hyd
a The autonomous aiming bracket is a long, smooth piece of blue metal with overlapping plates that runs from my waist to the base of my neck, with two small arms looping around my collar. There's even a faint pink glow between each plate. The largest parts on it are the two curved parts on my shoulder blades.
It sticks to my back, warm and not too wet, hugging me at every joint and moving with the movement of my spine and hips. Wearing a shirt would be a little awkward, so I left the tattered remains of my T-shirt on the floor and put on my autoloading jacket.
When I put the jacket on, Hydra raised the two boxy sections and lowered them back onto the jacket, two little arms sneaking out from behind my neck to hold everything in place. Artificial intelligence.
"By the way, how does this work?" I asked.
It's already synced with your location software. Hold the weapon five centimeters from your shoulder.
I zipped up my jacket and pulled out my trench machine, slinging it over my shoulder. A small arm unfolded from the box above my right shoulder blade, which reached up and grasped the grip of the gun with a pair of clamps, while a smaller, sharper tendril grasped the trigger. A small camera was strapped to his arm, no doubt for aiming.
"Cool," I said.
I looked around and saw the trench makers moving with the movement. Targeted exactly where I was looking.
The software has a target designation system that selects targets based on a priority system. I recommend purchasing a pair of guns made specifically for the articulating system. While it can use a standard arm, it's not as efficient or accurate.
"Okay," I said, holding out my hand. The arm placed the trench mark in my hand and folded back on itself in less time than the blink of an eye. Really cool. "What kind of guns did you get these babies?" I was literally digging with three arms. This is much more automated than I usually do. It's like a firearm system that automatically shoots me up without me even having to pull the trigger. Ha, it's much more powerful than the damn alien weapons. This great and wonderful system! marvelous.
It seems you still have quite a few points. Two Type I La
A cejet will cost you 40 points. They fire gyro-stabilized micro-rockets with very little recoil and good accuracy. They use drum magazines that hold 60 rounds each, which magnetically attach to a stand on your back like a suspension for quick, automatic reloading.
"Will they explode or light something on fire?" I asked.
...cost per magazine may be higher, but can be arranged.
I nodded, a silly smile forming on my lips. "Okay. We've been wasting time. Let's buy the toys and get going."
How many extras are there?
"How many can I accommodate?" I asked, running my hand across my back. The cold metal felt a little strange there. "Is this thing armored?"
a little. You can accommodate eight. They will cost three points each.
"do it."
New purchase: La
cejet Model I. Two.
Points reduced to...116
New purchase: High-explosive flechette magazine. eight units
Points reduced to... 92
Instead of the usual cheap box, a box appeared at my feet.
For a moment I wondered if I had picked up the wrong package, but when I opened the box I found two boxy gun-like things, and eight cylindrical magazines with flat sides next to them.
I picked up one of them and tried to carry it over my shoulder. The brace behind me unfolded, snapping off the magazine and plugging it into a plate on my back. "Okay," I said as I started handing all the magazines to the device one by one. Then I handed over the gun. So cool!
The square little arm slides into the bottom of the gun and locks into place with a rotating bit zipper. The gun twisted from side to side, then hovered over my shoulder. I grinned as I picked up the second one and moved it to my other shoulder.
"Can they reload themselves?" I asked.
certainly. (Then what use am I?)
I could get used to getting all these toys. "Okay, let's get on with it," I said, pushing the box aside. It's a little weird to have two energy drink can-sized guns twitching next to my head, making me look sideways every time it slides into my field of vision, but it's also too cool to complain.
I kept going, more confident in my steps. I still have some points to spend, but not as much time to spend on them. Maybe if I'd be stuck here after everyone else left...
I put the thought aside. I felt like that burning heart of betrayal was completely misplaced.
The next stairwell brought me to the museum itself. It felt a little strange to be back in the same corridor where we'd hidden in the vault.
What was less strange was seeing a dozen models pecking away at the corpses we left behind, both antagonistic and human. I turned the corner and took a step back, gritting my teeth.
"How do I fire these things?" I asked.
Use your new sensor. Look around corners with the aiming reticle and let the system select your target. Just say "fire". I can also control some of the shooting for you if you're too busy. Ha ha. Is it okay if I just take a walk and go home? ha. So exciting!
I looked around until I spotted the symbol in the corner of my vision. Just looking at it for a while, the projection screen in front of me glowed a faint pink. The moment I poked my head around the corner, little red dots appeared on all the models.
I came out of the bunker. "Fire."
