Chapter 15

  "This isn't the time or place for this conversation. And let me not catch you trying something this stupid again. Next time I might not stop after all" – Samurai: Sarge the Happy Tanker. When she almost rammed a news van out of the sky with her heavy hover-tank.

  -2055

  I found my self in what must once have been a lovely building there were still paint left on the dome that was just above me. Some remnant of the painted images that once use to be up there. The railing that went around this walk way was a simple metal one that was designed to look as if it wasn't really there when seen from below. To my right I could see the stairs leading down. Turning i started walking my ears moving about. The building was silent.

  Slowly following the stairs down I found door it had been left half open. Pushing it open I stepped out in to the main room and had a look around. Inside I could see tables chairs and a few desks along with some bookshelves and from the main room were four ways out. The one at the back didn't have a door and within I could see a few bunk-beds. I then went for the closed door on the right side.

  Slowly moving up to the door to push it open, it fell to the floor with a soft boom I stood there for a moment staring at it. My ears flicking back and forth as I listened for anything or anyone moving at the sound. The building was silent, in the room I could see a kitchen with everything over turned or broken. Taking a step back before turning and going to the other side of the building. This time the door was open and inside I saw weapon racks, the room looked like a small armory that was now empty. That left the long hallway leading outside. Benches still lining the walls and what looks like an old front desk that was divided in two. One facing the doors the other facing the inside of the building.

  Raising my rifle I walked across the room and in to the hallway. Four doors two on the right side two on the left. First door on the right was marked with a men's bathroom sign and across from it was one with a women's bathroom sign on it. The next door on the right and a few signs besides it mostly faded. Across from that one was a sign that depicted stairs with an arrow pointing down. I slowly walked towards the door with multiple faded signs it was open and looked to have been pushed open with some force. Looking inside I was a hallway that was dimly lit from a few flickering lights. Half way down the hallway was a door laying half in the doorway after having been torn from the wall. And at the end of the hallway was an other door that had been pushed open.

  I walked slowly down it rife raised. "I don't like this Fen. Its does not seem right. Its too silent." I said as I walked. Getting closer to the fallen door I could see bullet impacts in the wall behind it, and as I looked towards the wall right next to the door at the far end I could see a lot of bullet impacts and even some scorch marks.

  It does seem silent in here. It might be worth telling you about the secondary feature of these augs, they have a limited ability to detect things like model 9's this is quite limited mind you. If an object looks to be just a bit blurry then it might be a model 9.

  Nodding slowly I peek inside the room to the side finding a small storage room and on the floor two rifles lay. I frown and look over towards the other door at the end. And quickly moving over to the doorway to peek inside, the room on the other side was a mess. Two desks overturned facing the door and shelves having been knocked over along with boxes that had its content scattered all over the floor. A few rifles and pistols along with some iron pipes lay scattered and quite a few blood stains could still be seen in places. I stepped in and slowly scanned the room. “Should I send an update before heading to the basement?” I asked Fenris

  I think that it would be best to check down there. This building might have some secure rooms or even an older shelter down there so we really should check there before sending anything.

  I nodded as I turned back something catching my eye on the floor. I walked over to it, kneeling down to brush away some papers to find an old data-pad with the symbol of the rattlesnakes marked in to one side. Picking it up and sliding it in to one of my pockets. “I think that I will at least return this” I said before standing up and heading down the hallway. Once out in the main room I look around once again. Walking over to keep behind the counters I find nothing of note. Then I look towards the open stairway door. “Guess down we go..” I said

  Walking over and stepping in to the stair way I'm met with concrete walls similar to the ones those in the old service tunnels. Two sets of piles going along the wall down the stairs and ladder looking things holding cables going along the roof besides two other pipes. Slowly walking down the stairs I once again found a larger room. This one filled with shelves that had all kinds of things everything from simple household items lamps tableware and so on, and on the other extreme there were old broken computers and some things that looked like they were actually working. A few data-pads and even a case of teddy bears.

  At the very end of the room was a big door similar too an old bank vault besides it a functioning terminal. A few blinking lights on the side. The ceiling lights seemed to all be working actually bathing the room in a cold light. Slowly making my way over to the door I stopped and looked at it. “That looks different.” I said

  That is one of the earlier shelter doors. It isn't to different from the old bank vault doors and not at all secure for a longer amount of time. But better then nothing If I'm allowed to say so myself.

  Nodding I walk over to the terminal beside the door and tap it softly. Getting a few options communication and cameras are the only ones not grayed out for me. I tapped the call button and waited and after a few minutes it cut off as I got no reply. “And of course I can't open it.” I said

  I can allow you to do that this one was built to allow military later on PMC's and Vanguards to open it to get people out. But do check the cameras first. As not to run in to any trouble inside.

  Nodding I tap the camera option the first one showing me nothing but static. Swapping to the next showed the floor and very little else as it was angled down. Sighing I flick for the last camera and first I couldn't see much then after a moment something moved and I could see the room with quite a few people laying on the floor and many too many to count worm like thing crawling around the room. My eyes went wide as I took a small step back. “Oh great! Fucking zombie worms, Fen. How do I deal with this?!” I asked.

  First you get yourself some anti-Seven pills then I can only recommend a very big boom! Something along the lines of a Class I MK IV Micro nova bomb for 50 points. It is about twice as powerful as the MK- I, Would be similar to two of the old US two thousand pound bombs. But that might not be enough so add Class I matter destabilizer for 40 points. Place it next to the Micro nova and it will be pulled in and crushed causing the following explosion to get a bit more.. BOOM! To it.

  Stepping away from the terminal I scanned the room again before stepping in front of the door. “Get me those things and please tell my you can trigger them.” I said

  New purchase:

  1 x Anti-Seven pill roll (10 pills) – 1 point

  1 x Class I MK IV Micro nova bomb -50 points

  1 x Class I matter destabilizer – 40 points

  New total: 8 points

  I can't you will need to some distance further then the other one. I will set a timer and put up on your HUD though. Just place your hand on the side of it once it beeps run.

  In front of me a similar black box appeared just a twice the size the old one and a few blinking lights on its side as well as more of those pipes going from one side of it to the other. Beside it what I could only describe as a large propane canister appeared with cables going to some kind of box at the top of it. And a small normal box appeared on top of the bomb. Opening the box I found a roll of pills I opened it and took one. Then touched the side of the bomb like Fen told me once it beeped I stood up and sprinted for the stairs.

  Up the stairs and out to turn towards the main entrance checking the time as I pass the main desk I see its one and half minute left. Out through the smashed doors I find myself along the old main road across it is the remains of an old hover car. I sprint towards it and quickly jump over it to sit behind the engine block hugging my tail. Thirty seconds left. “Please tell me this is far enough.”

  The bomb is underground so yes you are out of range and should have enough cover.

  The timer hit zero and at first nothing happened before the world went up in a flash of that bright green flames of the the smaller version of the bomb this time the light had some purple mixed in to it. Almost at the same time as the blinding light washed over me did the ground skip out from under me as the sound of a massive explosion echoed through this part of the undercity. I landed back against the hover car as I heard stones and other debris hitting different buildings around me.

  Slowly getting back up and looking towards the building I had just left. And the left side building had collapsed in on itself and the and the building next to it was a bit of a mess. A pillar of smoke was rising from the building I had just left and I slowly looked up to see that one of the lights at the bottom of the plate was gone. “Fen.. Did I really need to add that second bomb to destroy the shelter and kill those worms?” I asked looking at the destruction

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  Perhaps not but it was a really big Boom. And this way we can be sure that you got all of them. And didn't accidentally release one of them. But one of those two would have been enough to destroy the door and collapsing the shelter and the room outside of it. Besides!

  Enemies Eliminated:

  461 x Model 7 = 2305 points

  New total: 2306 points.

  Looking at the building for a bit longer before looking down and making sure I have my cloak active I slowly step out in to the street. “Well.. I got a few points for that. So those drones.. What was it I should get.. Oh can wisp right! Can I get some? Or are they too costly?” I asked ears moving happily on top of my head.

  Yes you can afford some drones now. I will recommend the Class I Wraiths companion light automated combat scouts. Armed with light-laser burners and the ability to drop grenades if provided. They will cost 600 points each 800 points if you want them to have light hard-light armor.

  They work best in pairs so getting two of them is advised.

  I nod slowly. “Oh get them with the armor for sure and how powerful is that laser?” I asked as my ears picked up some movement from down the street that was partially blocked by smoke. I slowly moved my Wisp-Mother up to my shoulder as I aimed down the street.

  New purchase:

  2 x Class I Wraiths companion light automated combat scouts (Light armor laser version) -1600 points

  New total: 705 points.

  It isn't the strongest but it is a proper laser a concentrated beam of light that will burn any single digit antithesis quite quickly. It might take more time with the model 6. And given enough time it will even be able to hurt higher tier models.

  As I was scanning the road I could hear some light pops to each side of me and two of the red markers on my HUD lit up green with a strong signal strength marker under them. I could see something that was swirling soft cyan and white as it was floating besides me. Then the first drone flew in around me with its long tail of light. I couldn't really see through the lights but it was about the same size as two maybe three racing drones. Then I could see shambling movements of a person coming through the smoke. Slowly lowering my rifle a bit only to take a small step back as the person stumbled through the smoke followed by an other and an other. “Fen.. Those aren't..”

  I am afraid so. They are being controlled by sevens. They might look human but they are already gone. You really need to kill them.

  Swallowing I aimed forwards and started shooting slowly at first. My two drones flew forwards and darted in above them and I could see some of the former people catching fire as the two wisps few by them. Then I could see random flames bursting out along the ground and out of the smoke came a model 3 before collapsing. My eyes going wide as more and more 7-Zombies and other models came moving and rushing out of the smoke. Quickly drawing a resonator and tossing it before starting to move backwards faster and shooting over and over again.

  Something in my mind started growling softly and before I knew it I had stopped and started swapping target faster and faster. My eyes narrowing as I started walking forwards ears pinned back in anger my tail flicking back and forth. I could hear someone yelling something at me but now wasn't the time. The enemy was here and I had to fight them. Had to stand my ground. An other step closer to the charging models 3's and model 4's along with the model 7 controlled humans.

  This is not the time for a final stand you silly cat! SNAP OUT OF IT!

  I felt as if someone tugged at my ears and tail really hard “Ouch! That fucki-...” I heard Fen yelling at me. My eyes going wide as I saw the group getting closer and my drones darting between them burning as many of them as they could. I quickly started moving backwards again and shooting missing a lot. Then the road exploded and the sound of heavy machine-gun fire could be heard from above and behind me.

  Kevin PoV

  Moments earlier

  “Whats wrong with that act Star's! It really does fit the ranger theme” I said as I was flying towards what my sensors told me was a large group of Antithesis it was not the gate that the man had pointed out but it was worth flying over to see how bad things were. “And I'm telling you. That you are horrible at it and it sounds quite fake.” Star's responded over our call. I then snorted at that. “And if I don't try it how am I suppose to get better?” I asked just as a bright flash from the other side of the this district caught my eye. I snapped the bike around to face that direction.

  What I saw was a massive eerie green fireball with some purple mixed in to it and the sensors on my helmet catching the near supersonic piece of stone that slammed in to the city plate crushing some infrastructure and the some of the lights. “Fuck.. Its one of the nicer sections of town above here right? Oh they are going to be pissed up there about that. They might even have felt the impact.” I said before snapping my eyes down to the building. “That likely means trouble though” Star's said as I leaned forwards to fly over. “I agree no one sets off a bomb like that without reason. And that did look a lot like Samurai tech to me.” I said.

  Getting closer I could see a smoke covering the street and a lot of movement within it. Along with two balls very similar to the ones over at the large square flying around. These were setting antithesis on fire instead of dissolving them. And a steady stream of similar lights flying a lot faster from what I think is a person. My scans picking up and outlining someone with white hair and fluffy ears with gentle tufts on top of them and a long tail slowly walking towards the charging mass of antithesis. “Is it just me. Or can I see through that person?” I asked and T?v responded.

  It isn't just you. And you can see through them. Likely some kind of light weight stealth tech.

  “No I can see through them too.. A bit spooky if you ask me with the glowing orbs that's flying from them.” Star's said just as the tail and ears seemed to flinch the firing stopped for a moment and the person started walking backwards quickly and firing wildly in to the on coming group. I moved my bike in behind the now retreating person and fired off two rockets before opening up with the mounted gun under my bike. Quickly wiping out the on coming group. “T?v make sure our newbie gets the points from that if you could.” I said as I went in to land behind the person. I could see the balls of light fly around the dead enemies for a moment more before returning to fly in lazy circles around the person. No girl as she turned around to look at me. A glowing white skeletal grin the edges occasionally flashing the same soft cyan of those glowing eyes. The top of her face had the clear hint of a heart shape and thin eye brows, long white hair with that very same cyan colours as highlights could be seen as I stepped off the bike. “Howdy! Saw that Ye might need some help there” I said

  Rafaela PoV

  Slowly turning around after checking the corner of my eyes to see how my drones were doing. One of them had a shield icon that was blinking yellow. I decided to ask Fen about that one later. I saw a quite impressive hover-bike come in to land with some kind of turret some short wings and with rockets or missiles under it. The person that got off of it was wearing what looked like a heavily armored duster coat over a set of sleek power armor, A belt that went over the duster holding a very futuristic looking revolver. His head covered by combat helmet that looked both advanced and old at the same time and a faceless mask covering his head. “Howdy! Saw that Ye might need some help there” He said and I just tilted my head to the right my left ear standing up as I turned off my cloak. And I could see the man flinch before speaking up. “I will I will Star's Calm down! And sure I will drop the act!” He half shouted.

  He then sighed and looked to me. “My friend wants you to join our combat group call..” He said as an invitation to join said group flashed in front of my eyes. I quickly typed out a message to Fen. 'is this safe?' my eyes narrowing a bit.

  It is quite safe to join. If this man wanted you harm. I can tell you that you wouldn't stand a chance. That bike is from a Class III catalog after all. Oh and!

  Enemies Eliminated

  6 x Model 3 = 60 points

  4 x Model 7 = 20 points

  Points gained from allies kills: 254

  New total:1039

  Blinking again I accepted the invitation and almost instantly winced as a high pitched scream attacked my hearing. My ears folding back and tail going still for a moment as the voice shouted. “The ear moments are just too adorable! Hey! Dusty ranger man! Swap with me! I think I can help her instead!” The voice was actually quite soft and melodic. After the shrieking from earlier. I watched as the man in front of me shook his head slowly. “Sorry Star's I'm already here besides. Could you really bring down your flying units down here?” He asked then I could hear a sigh, “Fine! You win this time.” The voice said. “Umm.. What's going on here?” I asked. And the man in front of me nodded. “Oh right! You are quite new and all. Name's Kevin Hayes also known as The Arizona Ranger. The one with us on the call Is..” He said only to be cut off. “Lilyana Brocks. Or the Starlit watcher.” She said.

  Shaking my head a bit. “I think I have heard those names a few times on the news.. And in commercials..” I said then shrugged a bit. “My name's Rafaela.” I said before looking towards one of my drones as it went around me. As Lilyana spoke. “Wait no surname? That can't be right” I moved a bit on the spot looking a fair bit uncomfortable before speaking again. “Well Rafaela Price.” I said ears laying flat against my head “Well nice to meet you-... Wait Star's didn't you say that the youngest of the Price kids ran to the under city? As In the owners of Future Tech and Health. Price family? But.. They didn't.. Ohh” He said and nodded as Lilyana responded. “That is true. And it seems like we found out a bit more as to the possible reason to it.” She said her voice kind before she kept speaking. “We won't judge you for being yourself or finding yourself Rafaela.” She said and I could feel my ears starting to stand up like normal again.

  Ranger nodded took a step closer. “But speaking of names.. I get to name you little spook-kitty.” He said and a groan could be heard from the call. “You are not naming her that. Its a horrible name!” she said. “Well you saw the things she left behind and the two ghostly orbs flying around her. Also! We could see through her remember! And she was shooting more of those ghost things.” He said and she responded “They are will-o'-the-wisp's and sure they are connected to spirits and in some cases ghosts among other things. Hmm.. There is the grin too. Quite and when she was half visible those eyes and grin was quite easy to spot like some kind of Shade or Wraith." She said.

  "Oh Wraith kitty" He responded and I just narrowed my eyes at him. He'd then waved his hands "Fine fine! Not that, How about..." He then looked towards the destroyed building back to the floating orbs then the ears. "The Nightmare Wraith?" He asked I did tilt my head a bit to the right. "Why the nightmare part?" I asked and Lilyana spoke up "I think that it would be better with the Chaotic Wraith Cat If we stick to the Wraith thing." She said. "The nightmare part because it will be a nightmare for anyone to clean up after your fight here. You know you tossed a piece of stone in to the plate above at near supersonic speed right?" I blink and look up. "Is it safe to stand here in case it falls down again?" I asked and he looked up and though for a moment. "I doubt it. So here is what we will do" He said taking a few steps forwards. "Sorry about this" he then moved his arms around be and picked me up in a princess carry. Blinking slowly. "You.. Could have asked you know." I said as he quickly went back and put me down on to the bike before hopping on and taking off. Having me sitting in front of him. "It was more about time. So sorry about that" He said as we where flying towards the middle part of the district.

  I could hear grumblings on the other side of the call. "I name her the Cataclysmic Cat Wraith." Lilyana said. And Kevin shook his head again. "Too long and if we go for long ones anyway. Then the Gatekeeper of the damned works better" He said and a sigh followed. "Yes that does sound impressive look at her and tell me if the name fits" As they spoke I could see my drones flying behind us struggling to keep up. "But Shadow Fluff of Doom then?" Lilyana asked and I blinked slowly "How about.. no?" I asked only to hear a fake wounded gasp from the other side of the call. "But it is a great name! Fine how about Nightshade? Might already be a few of those though." She said

  "Midnight Lich or The Nightshade Lynx" Kevin suddenly said and my ears stood up a bit. He then laughed "It seems I win again, So Nightshade Lynx it is" Slowly blinking my eyes I then shrugged a bit. "Its not the best I heard. But I can live with that one" I said. "Anyway where are we going?" I asked "Our scans managed to find a hive down there and you need the points so we are going to clear it. And by we, I mean you are going on there I will follow behind and make sure you only get mildly hurt. Or at least don't die. But still work for those points." He said as he angled the bike downwards. "It will take a few more minutes until we get there." He said.

  I turned off my mic and spoke "Hey Fen what happened back there?" I asked

  I'm sorry Raf.. I might have messed up a bit when recreating your body. You have mixed human/moonstalker dna.. So your hormones are also a mix.. And It seems that I accidentally gave you some of their instincts too.. With that and the tail and ear upgrades. But don't worry there are a few things we can get to control those instincts or remove them.