Xeriko

After waiting a few minutes Akari poofed back into my suit looking grim as she poofed back in with her antiquated General’s attire.

“It’s not looking good Xeriko…the AI in this foundry is a warmongering General who brokered relations with humans to work around the Union ban over AI controlled infrastructure…and its only getting worse with the General planning on creating a branch of AIndroids called War drones, so instead of getting slapdash bots with modified civilian equipment and plasma casters…we’re looking at purpose built war machines with Heavy Ion weapons and other kinds of nasty weapons.” she explained looking down.

I just looked down while clenching my fist. Of course things would escalate too quickly to get a handle on.

“The only upshot of this is, they still aren’t aware of my projectile weapons so they should still be effective, even if I have to print more robust ammo for you and Ria, that’s only a small hiccup to what could’ve happened, like AIndroid’s using titansteel or any other exotic and bulletproof frames that are antithetical to my weapons.” Akari continued.

Taking a deep breath I nodded “Small mercies I suppose.”

While the situation wasn’t great we still had a path forward which in my mind, was a much better situation that we’re in now than we were a year ago.

“If the General also comes out with new armor I could also tinker more with your suit, the Grapnel is only the surface of what I could add to it.” She added trying to stay positive.

“Let’s just get to the core and get out of here.” I noted before opening the door and peeking out.

While looking around I didn’t spot any AIndroids or other foundry workers. So I slunk out of the office to try and find a way to get to the bottom floor quietly. Akari switched her outfit to a ninja outfit that was a very dark blue instead of black, deciding not to ask. I kept moving while Akari kept a lookout on our surroundings.

“Hmm… it appears the elevator to the AI server center is separated from the entire network, in fact the only data the foundry has on it is “Manual Access Only” so its likely an old fashioned electrical elevator with no uplink.” Akari explained as we kept creeping deeper into the facility.

“Figures, can’t hack an elevator that doesn’t exist.” I grumbled as we kept going on “What’s next, it requires a number pad to access?”

“Uhh…”

“I was kidding!” I shouted before we picked up the pace towards what we thought was the elevator.

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And sure enough there was a number pad next to the elevator we needed to access.

“Ok, so what you do is remove the cover, and shock the ribbon cable ports with the power supply cable and it should spoof the combination.” she explained.

“H-how do you know that?!” I asked imperiously.

“Uhh…bigger problem, think we have comp-” She started.

With a mighty thump, a man covered in so much chrome he looked more machine than man landed and grinned at us. His arm and leg actuators spooled as he readjusted his stance.

“C-cyberpsycho…” Akari choked out with a start.

“Yep…even with the new limits we’ve found with better therapies and technology, its still possible to go over the edge.” Xeriko added bitterly.

“Been hearin’ a lotta talk about this new resistance movement…a single pale rider? Really? I’ve seen better resistances on Omicron 3 with the bug war, but this, this is just pathetic, I’ve killed 30 pale riders like they were nothing." The cyberpsycho ended his rant with a cackling laugh that also caused his face to twitch out.

“I think he’s operating some speedware as well as his borg frame, likely some heavy…yep there it is.” Akari noted as he pulled out a rotary laser that likely belongs on a starship and should be made by a washing machine company.

“MOVE NOW!”

Not needing any other invitation I poured on the speed as the ionized plasma seeks out my tender flesh and I dive behind a crate to find some cover.

“What is it with movie villains always firing behind the runner, you should always fire ahead of them…geez.” Akari grumbled as she was wearing her scientist attire.

“We can laugh at him later, now we need to get loud.” I commented, pulling out the killmonger rifle that Akari made for me.

“Remember, account for recoil, this gun uses more explosive compound than the Ravager, also its a heavier caliber.” She coaches as I catch my breath.

“Right right.” I acknowledge.

“And think of a cool samurai name, he’s likely named meaning you can get a moniker after this.” She added, smiling a little.

“This isn’t the back streets of Beacon city!” I shout into my helmet as I pour bullets down range at the cyberpsycho.

But as I fired at him I noticed his reactions were way too quick for a normal person and grumbled because Akari was right.

“Definitely sandevistan.” She added helpfully…not.

“Quiet in the peanut gallery.” I added, trying my hardest to stay focused.

As I kept firing I noticed his speedware was glitching out as he kept taking stumbling steps while he was still going faster than the neural limits.

“That’s useful.” I smiled as I shifted my aim a little to lean into the stuttering.

He then got kicked out of his speedware and he growled as he started leaking a lot of blood.

“Damn…that weapon…what even is that…?!” He shouted as he ditched his rotary laser and charged at me full tilt.

I stood my ground as I then started firing straight at him as he got closer.

“Pretty dumb to charge at me in a straight line chrome dome!” I shouted back as I put my killmonger away and ran forward driving my tachi into his head as he almost got too close and his blood started pouring over the shop floor as I stood there panting with his skull pasted to the hilt of my sword.

“So…that happened.” Akari noted as she looked at the body of the psycho.

“Yeah…he wasn’t all that smart either.” I noted with a strained chuckle.

I dragged myself over to the elevator and was surprised when it opened for me without me needing to splice the keypad.

“Guess we’re expected.” Akari said with a dry chuckle.

“Well better get to my table before the reception.” I chuckled back as I slumped to the floor in the elevator car.