Book 2: Chapter 26: MilTech Arms

Book 2: Chapter 26: MilTech Arms

USD: ~17 days after Tears of Fire arrival to 92 Pegasi, an hour after the ambush

Location: Ackman Station, Main Concourse, Annex 3

The Station Authorities showed up first, but they had been little more than glorified police who seemed at a sort of loss at what to do with the dozen smoking bodies lying around the section.

When the Iron Horse soldiers arrived they took charge of the situation. Beeper and Booper had already arrived by then, and Alex had thought for a second that the authorities were going to get themselves killed by all the shouting and pointing of weapons toward the two combat drones.

Alex had made sure to disable the pesky little setting that said they couldnt harm humans before docking, and the old-style projectile rifles werent going to punch through their steel carapaces unless they found a different ammunition that would poke holes in the station.

Wyles Hammok had proved his good qualities a second time when he had settled things down with his clout alone. Although Alex had received an angrily worded message from Mr. Whitely, stressing the fact that combat drones were not legally allowed to be present on the station under any circumstances and asking if she could kindly send them back to her ship before he had to take official notice of them.

She had bit back her first reply of Sure, but next time I get ambushed on your really secure station I will have my ship ventilate the section with 32mm AP rounds until it is safer.

Barely. She was in a bad mood after her adrenaline high had run out and seeing Elis wounded had not made her happy.

Wyles continued to improve her impression of him when he offered to take them back to his store, which had turned out to be a large warehouse. Inside it had its own ecosystem almost, separate from the station. It wasnt just a gun shop; the space opened into a massive hangar that was separated into three levels, the lowest below them had multiple types of vehicles, from tanks to what looked like space fighters and combat dropships.

The first level they entered was a public area with multiple shops with their own employees helping customers browse and examine the myriad displays of tactical gear, clothing, accessories, and firearms. At every entrance stood a guard who was equipped with the same gear the shops were selling.

Wyles led them to the second floor via a three-flight rail staircase. The stairs gave Alex a good chance to give Wyles a thorough look-over. He was a large man, and his broad back was well muscled enough that the tactical gear failed to hide it. It was no wonder that he was able to handle the huge anti-material rifle as he had. She still thought the weapon had been a bit of overkill for the situation though.

As soon as they reached the bottom Alex realized this was where they kept most of the weapons stocked as employees moved about loading and unloading crates nearby. Some took pieces and examined them, presumably for quality or damage, while others took different articles to various machine shops and work areas for repairs or recycling.

They had passed through mostly in silence other than necessities on the way so far, until Alex broke it.

Big operation compared to what I thought would be on this station. Mr. Whitely said there were two of you, even.

Wyles laughed, No, no. There is only one of me. Crawford Arms is an amateur operation.

They paused outside a sealed section, before the door slid open for them quietly. Inside was what felt like the entrance to a hotel room, with clean reflective, faux-stone flooring and with a healthy amount of dcor and lounge space. There were plenty of employees that appeared to be taking a break or off duty enjoying the lounge that also had an eatery and what Alex guessed was a company store. It was the most affluent part of the station she had seen so far.

Your operation looks a lot like what Id imagine what a mercenary company would be like, although I didnt expect to find a space like this on the station, Alex murmured.

Wyles spoke first, before Alex could try to convince her again, Master-Sergeant, I will see to the Captains needs, there is nothing for you to worry about here. You are both safe here in my little fortress in the station as it were.

Elis sighed, Alright. Where am I headed?

Wyles looked over to a nearby guard and waved him over. The guard promptly approached, the man in the same tactical dress and gear that all the others had been carrying.

As soon as he reached them, the guard went to attention, Sir!

Take the Master-Sergeant here to Medical. Then go find someone to relieve you and then go and ensure that no one bothers her.

Yessir. The guard looked to Elis, Master-Sergeant, if you would follow me, please? Its not far.

Alex watched Eliss back for a moment as the two disappeared toward another hallway.

Thank you for that Mr. Wyles. I appreciate it.

A good leader always looks out for their subordinates. I wouldnt want you distracted by your Marine collapsing while we haggle, and I am very interested in what youve brought me.

Other than the unfortunate demonstration in Annex 3, are you familiar with the pulse rifle we brought?

They arent generally present out here on the frontier, but yes. Ive seen them. The Imperial Praetorian Guard on Sol has an entire battalion equipped with FedTech. They like to go on parade and perform displays with it, to demonstrate the power of Her Imperial Majesty Psi. The bread and circuses there are done to remind the masses what would happen if they objected to the new noble classs whims.

He gave her a funny look that she couldnt read, Not that you didnt probably already know that. I am not trying to pry, Captain. Yes, I am familiar with them, they are worth quite a few credits, although I wont be able to pay you what they are worth. I am afraid you could likely get four or five times as much if you took them to a core system in Solarian or Corporate space.

We arent in Solarian or Corporate space.

No. No we are not. Still since they are in limited supply and unable to be produced any longer, I thought I would mention it. Would you like to get something to eat before we discuss, or shall we go to my office?

Alex glanced over to the eatery that had been prickling at her attention the entire time. Taking a deep breath, she smiled at Wyles, Business first Im afraid.

He nodded and led the way to a nearby door that Alex assumed went to his office, Ill send for some refreshments then.

Mr. Wyles, bribery will not make my prices go down.

Wyles Hammok let out a chuckle.