Farris and the Octarian Blast

Chapter 5: Ink and Suspicion

"Agent 4, I'm Sheldon from Ammo Knights, the only weapon shop in Inkopolis with over 542 million years of trusted service."

Sheldon started to preach over the radio. That squeaky voice was unlike any that I've ever known. I've known Ammo Knights since I enrolled at the S.F.C.N.Y. (when I was suggested for the club). Sheldon's weaponry has always supplied the club with the latest gear, and frankly, why choose anyone else? 542,000,000 years would be long enough for the company to gain all the experience he needs, and he's finally getting ready to expand his arsenal of weapons (finally after all those years...).

"That's right-stop by Ammo Knights in Inkopolis Square for all your weapon needs!" The pipsqueak continued on. "Tell me Sheldon sent you."

"Alright..." I muttered over the radio. "You here to help?

"Yessir! Marie told me everything!" Sheldon responded. "To think that my signature weapons could be of help to the New Squidbeak Splatoon! I'm honored!"

I liked the way he said that. He usually doesn't act that way.

"But I'm afraid I can't just let you treat my vast arsenal like an all-you-can-ink buffet. I do have a business to run, you know."

"That's okay," I replied. "My master wouldn't even let me use a Hero Shot in target practice. Makes me want to hate that man." I was serious when I said that. I did feel really mistreated.

"You know that guy runs, like, one of the most well-known clubs at this point? You're lucky you even have a spot in the team!" said Sheldon.

"I know, I know..." I just left it off at that. "So, what do you have in mind?"

"Well, let's help each other out," said Sheldon. "I want you to help me test some new weapons I'm currently developing. All you have to do is use them in your operations. If you do that for me, I'll be able to gather all sorts of amazing data! That data will help me get the approvals I need to make retail versions of the weapons! And once they're out, you and others will be able to use them in Turf War battles! It's a real win-win, don't you think? OH YEAH! And..."

"Okay. Down, boy," Marie cut off his exciting speech. "I think Agent 4 gets the point."

"Yeah, I do," I said. "That sounds exciting. Mark will be proud once he hears of what I've been doing."

"Just do me a favor, Farris," Marie said to me. "Don't mention anything of the Squidbeak Splatoon when you see your colleagues again. At least don't mention who we are. It's a secret society, remember?"

"Oh, right..." I said as I drew a sad face. I shook it off as I was nearing home base. "Anyway, I'm almost there. I'll talk to you two later."

"Yeah," said Marie. "I'll see you in a few minutes."

Then I hopped off the radio to think. This could've been a chance for Mark to recognize me for who I actually was, but I wasn't allowed to mention what the society was and who I would be fighting. At least once he sees the weaponry, he'll be convinced that I was doing some good stuff. Now I'm not allowed to say anything about what I was doing or what the heck this suit was about. What then? Am I doomed to be bottom of the S.F.C.N.Y. barrel until Mark finds a replacement?

I finally arrived back at the Tentakeel Outpost, where Marie was waiting. She noticed me with a sad face on, knowing what she had just told me, and knowing how I feel. She decided to dismiss talking to me about it, though.

"Great job, Farris," She tried to cheer me up. "We might actually be able to take the Octarians down for good this time."

"Yeah," I replied. "I'm guessing by the looks of things we'll experience more of those octobosses in the future?"