If you are quite done being a diva, a situation has developed in the gym.

“What sort of development Merlin?”

A pack of model Sixes are gathering what appears to be a strike team. Video feed coming to you now.

In my vision I see from above what Merlin is talking about.

Four model sixes, some thirty model threes, three model fives, and at least six model eights.

Fives are new to the situation and possibly worrying, imagine a model six with four legs but covered in spines that oozed neurotoxins kind of like a sea urchin.

“I’m guessing they are going to try and crack the bunker, to get to all that condensed biomass?”

That does seem like a logical conclusion. I would suggest ambushing them before they get too far. I will highlight the quickest route.

Checking the mini-map I see a four-way hallway that they will need to pass through in order to get to the nearest stairwell to the bunker. I set a waypoint there and start running there for all I’m worth. Which to be honest isn’t much, I’m still moving with a bit of a limp.

I want to be able to beat the group of of Antithesis so I can set up some traps or at least get an optimal firing solution.

“Merlin, can I use the wand to drop the pellets and set them to proximity, like mines?”

If you checked the menu setting you would notice an option to do just that. So yes, you can.

“Don’t sass me, I’ve been busy.”

Yet you have enough time to adjust your armor for vanity?

“Point.” I say with a sigh and a huff as I run down the hallways.

On the mini-map I can see the Antithesis strike group coming up to the hallway just prior to where I’m trying to ambush them.

I skid to a halt at the four-way.

I quickly set my wand to 1-gram increments and set the beads for remote detonation in tandem. I figure if I can get them all in the middle of the four way and then detonate the beads and hopefully overlap fields so none can escape.

I point the wand at each of the four hallways and place one bead near the left wall of each hallway.

I then retreat as far back as I can down the opposite hallway from the direction they should be showing up.

That leaves me with one charge left on the wand. “Merlin how quick can you reload my wand when I use this last shot?”

Near instantly, I designed it that way.

“Excellent, please do so without asking, unless I am low on points and may need medical supplies soon. Perhaps a fifty-point buffer.”

A reasonable safety net I can accommodate. Get ready, they are here.

I moved slightly around the last bend squatting in the water, so I was not in direct view of the oncoming Antithesis pack. Using the small video feed from one of the hallway cameras I watched the pack move in.

They were not moving very quickly, the model threes seemed to be sniffing the air, and looking around for something.

“Uh-oh Merlin.” I whisper. “Can they smell me, or the mines?”

Yes, they probably can, but considering you're covered in your own blood, Antithesis blood, and plenty of dirt and grime, I’m guessing they are unsure of what...

Before Merlin could finish the front model six lets out a yipping howl.

Never mind, they are charging.

Sure enough the pack was sprinting down the hallway.

I take a deep breath and let it out slowly, I need to time this out just right.

It looks like all of the Antithesis I saw in the gym are here except the model eights.

The first pack member crosses the four-way and I start counting.

One Mississippi

Two Mississippi

Three Mississippi

Then I trigger the mines.

FWUMPH!!!

Holy hell! The group of mines being grouped together compounded their effects!

My ears popped from the rapid air pressure change, a translucent shimmer sprung up over my face, my shield kicking on.

Flames rush around the corner I’m hiding behind enveloping me in a fire whirlwind.

As quick as it started it stops. The lights are destroyed, but the glowing walls provide enough light to kind of see.

I cannot quite tell if any are left because the cameras in the area are destroyed but you have obtained four hundred and twenty points. You are at a total of One thousand One hundred and Two. The model eights were not in the blast or were far enough back not to be damaged.

“I will have to head to the gym and see if I run across them, will my armor protect me if I walk down the hallway in its current uh, condition?”

Indeed, it will. Protection from your own weapons was considered in the design. You could theoretically be hit by one of your own fireballs. I do not suggest you attempt this of course. Tier I Vanguard tech is quite superior to almost all modern earth tech, something I’m sure you know quite well. Also of note, if you did not notice that explosion destroyed the backpack you were carrying and its contents.

“Awesome. If that’s all I lost so far, then I’m going to consider myself lucky.” I say matter of fact.

I tip-toe around the corner into a tunnel of fiery hell. Thankfully the building’s fire suppression system is still active, and it’s made of steel, being a left-over industrial building, the school acquired for its use and remodeled just enough to fit its needs. Like adding in the cafeteria, gym, library, and auditorium.

Skirting around the smoldering bodies I make my way through the hallway and through to the gym.

This novel is published on a different platform. Support the original author by finding the official source.

Peeking into the windows I see the model eights chilling out in the middle of the food court. I crack the doors open slightly and point my wand at them and use my wand's last charge.

The pea sized ball smacks into one of the outer model eights and explodes nicely. Crisping the lot of them and igniting the flooring and anything else flammable like flags, and banisters… oops.

You have gained thirty points, and I have refilled your wand subtracting ten points for a total of One thousand One hundred and Twenty-Two points. I also detect no more Antithesis in the school building. However, there is a model Twenty-Two mobile hive setting up residence on the football field outside. It is being guarded by several model Tens, a large amount of model Threes, a pack of model Fifteens being set up in the bleachers, even more model Eights, a large amount of Fours, and a few Sixes mixed in for fun.

“I think Merlin I may be out of my depth for this one, can you reach out to see if any other Samurai are near for help?”

A good idea, there are two, one of whom have answered. Putting them through now.

“Hello?” A voice pops into my head through my augs. “A new Samurai? Awesome! Welcome to Team Kick Ass. I’m Handy Hank, yeah that’s my real name and also my Samurai name! Your AI has told me that you need some help, yeh?” He says with a lazy southern drawl, cheerfully. He sounds like he should be standing in his yard drinking beers not saving the world from an alien incursion.

“Uh right, Merlin can send you the overview but a model Twenty-Two has taken up residence at my school. I’m still learning and lack the points and refinement to deal with this.” I said.

“Right you are, I can head on over here in.” He pauses. “Fifteen minutes or so to head over. If you want some Samy lessons I will split the points with you 70-30 in your favor. I’m pretty flush, Vegas is really good place to farm points so I’m happy to help a baby grow.” I hear a slurping noise after he’s done talking.

“Are you drinking?” I ask in confusion.

“Ayup, having a BBQ with friends right now. Got about ten minutes till the ribs are done, then I’ll be over to help.” He says after another sip.

“Is that safe? Drinking and Samurai-ing?” I ask shocked.

“Oh yeah, no problem! I’ll take a cleanser beforehand no worries little lady. I’m sending a location marker on your map, your AI provided to me. I will meet you there cool? Cool.” He says before hanging up.

“What the what just happened Merlin?”

You asked for a seasoned Samurai to help clear an Antithesis problem, don’t look a gift horse in the mouth.

“Okay, whatever. What can we do in ten minutes to help me prepare? I feel like I need another maybe longer-range single target weapon or maybe some self enhancement? Better yet, something that won’t be a hazard to others if I’m going to be fighting with a partner.”

I check my mini-map and start moving to the marker Hank left. It’s on the outside of the school by the parking lot, maybe a thousand feet from the fields where the model Twenty-Two is setting up.

That is indeed a novel idea! The Warcaster Class I catalog has something you may like. It’s a force directed plasma whip; it uses magnetic fields to contain a plasma that can be directed by your augs. It can extend out to several hundred feet in a controlled path to strike targets.

“That is insane, how much would it cost and what sort of damage can it do?”

It would cost you three hundred and fifty points, and the plasma burns at fifteen thousand degrees, it also can move up to supersonic speeds. Don’t panic though! The magnetic field is contained in a force field that lapses only when it hits a target identified by you. So, you could snake it around the battlefield safely.

“Holy snikies, why did you not lead with this sooner! Can you have it installed into my left gauntlet so I can have the wand at the ready?”

Of course, that is one benefit of your nanite armor it is customizable remember. The weapon comes with an integrated software upgrade to control the whip, it will be almost like a second limb. One drawback is power, constant use will drain its power core, it has roughly a sustained span of five minutes of use at maximum range. Recharges cost fifty points.

“Purchase this now please!” I practically shout.

New Purchase: Class I Force Directed Plasma Whip:

Points reduced to: 772

A shoe box appears in front of me in midair as I’m running, smacking into my chest. I grab it and pull out the whip, it looks like a simple rod about an inch round and six inches long.

I bring it up to my left arm and the armor reconfigures to accept the weapon.

Installing software now. It’s a good thing you already have top of the line augs by Earth standards, I can tell you have had access to some Vanguard tech in their upgrades as well. Otherwise, we would have had to upgrade them too.

“Call it perks of my previous profession.” I say out of breath.

I reach the meetup point in about five minutes, I find a comfortable spot on the grass and plop down to catch my breath.

“I think when I can, some physical upgrades are in order Merlin. I am out of shape and stars know what sort of abuse I’m going to be put through in the future.”

I agree, most Samurai seem to be very for or against modifications. I’m glad you do not hold these same reservations.

“Well, I have seen reports of Samurai who fail to adapt, and it’s not pretty. So please look into some biological options, cybernetic, and genetic please. I would ideally like to keep my human appearance but enhancing them still.”

Gladly I will pin a few common options, and a few I think would interest you more specifically. I am getting pinged by Hank’s AI, he is here.

Out of nowhere Hank was suddenly present. He has denim jeans, a white shirt with some food stains on it, a huge Texas belt buckle, cowboy boots and hat, and let’s not forget the gigantic robotic monstrously huge gauntlets.

It’s no mystery why he is called Handy Hank, I guess? But wait, he’s wearing like comfy clothes. How the hell does he expect to take on a hive dressed for, well a back yard BBQ.

“Hello my new Samurai! I’m Hank, to everyone but the stuffy ones who need a Samurai name.” He says.

He extends a gigantic, gauntleted hand out. I hesitantly extend my hand to shake his. Surprisingly his hand does not crush mine into paste and he gently but firmly pumps my hand three times and releases.

“Nice to meet you too Hank, I’m Morigana. Like you said I’m a new Samurai and while I have a fairly good knowledge of Antithesis. I also recognize that knowledge and experience are not one and the same.”

He grins and lets out a whistle. “That’s a mighty good outlook miss, and like I said I’m more’n happy to lend some expertise.”

He takes a look at me, and suddenly I’m self-conscious about my gear and appearance.

“It looks like you and your AI have done a good job getting some armor and weapons on yahs. I deployed some drones over the nest to gauge its strength and honestly think you could probably take it on yourself.”

He says nodding as he speaks. “So, here’s what I’m pondering right, I’ll sit over yonder wall.” He nods at a little knee-high stone wall. “And talk you through this and should it get hotter than two squirrels bangen in a wool sock, I’ll step in and help.

“Two what doing what?” I ask, as he chuckles.

“That’s what you took from all that? Lorty girl, go kill the hive. Best bit of advice I can start yah off with is take out the model Fifteens first. That way you’re not haven to dodge them quills, second keep an eye out fer model Fours they can toss out some barbs, so maybe them second yah?”

I was really hoping for a bit more than that but, if an experienced Vanguard thinks I can do it, well at least he’s near if it goes south.

“What do you think Merlin?” I ask quietly, Hank I’m guessing heard me, but I think he politely ignores it.

I believe his assessment is correct, your current armor is rather robust. You should still avoid attacks; a heavy impact could cause internal damage and you can still suffer from heavy trauma. In conjunction your two weapons will provide sufficient power to handle the present models.

“One more thing young’n take this.” He hands me a small device shaped like a tub of chew. “It’s an emergency teleportation puck, that thing there will make a judgment call and instantly port you to my house should it detect fatal damage to ya.”

I turn the little puck over in my hands, it seems rather pedestrian but sometimes that’s the way Vanguard tech is.

“Thanks, I hope I don’t need it though.” I tell Hank. Tucking it into my armor, the nanites shift to form a little pocket on my hip.

I let out a raspberry, to release me tension. “Okay then, I’ll give this a go.”

“You got this; I’ll just be here till then I recken.”

He plops onto the wall and out of nowhere cracks open a beer.

“Actually, hold on darlin, when’s the last time you’ve had any food?”

Now that he mentions it, how long has it been not that long?

My musings are interrupted by a gentle gurgle. Traitor stomach.

“It has been a while I guess and all the running around.” I say.

In Hank's hand a paper plate appears. Atop the plate sit baked beans, a bun with meat pouring out the sides, and a corn bread muffin.

“Before you go into all that, sit here and fill your belly.” He says, he also produces a bottle of sweet tea.

Before I know what I’m doing my body takes over and grabbed the plate from his hands.

With no ceremony I dig into the food, it is to die for oh my stars.

I’ve never eaten such rich spicy food. The bun was filled with brisket and a sweet spicy sauce, it takes me all of sixty seconds to shovel it all into my mouth.

“Your welcome to more but maybe after, don’t want you getting the itus out there fighting.”

“Thanks, I guess I really needed that and wow, amazing food. Did you make it or is that AI made?”

Hank’s face looks stricken, and he places his hand over his heart feigning pain.

“I will have you know I made that myself, been cookin it all day. I’m not letting any alien invasion ruin my BBQ.” He says in his lazy drawl.

“I apologize truly, I just assumed…so sorry.” I say embarrassed. Before I can say something else, I decide now is a good time to tackle a hive.