Return of the Fallen Angel: Book 1

11

"Kita, you have a moment?" said Zidin.

Kita looked at Zidin curiously. He rarely addressed her by her first name. "Yeah, what do want?"

"I have a request to discuss with you, Omega, and Snowy."

"Is this something serious that I need to be worried about? Or have I somehow offended someone and you're here to tell me to stop?"

Zidin shook his head. "No nothing like that. Can we go to a private room?"

Kita raised an eyebrow. Zidin rarely wanted to discuss things privately. He preferred the public forum. She led him and Snowy to a small office.

The offices on the station held a desk, computer, and three chairs. Kita seated herself cross-legged on the desk. Snowy sat next to Kita on the desk. Zidin stood, looking nervous.

"Your acting weird and it's worrying me," said Kita. "You're not dying from some weird space plague or lost some ancient Arconian artifact?"

"No." He drew himself up. "I need your help."

"Uhm, you have it."

"I know, but I need something else. I need weapons for the men," Zidin said swallowing.

"What kind? You've got most of the light rifles and what you brought with you." said Kita, not sure what he wanted.

"I know, but we need something better, something that's got real stopping power. The light rifles are meant for non-lethal use."

"So what do you want?"

"I have a design in my head for a rifle that fires a bullet or a grenade with a bayonet attachment. Unlike the weapons the Red Legion uses, these rifles can fire multiple rounds with a trigger pull. I also have plans for special ammunition that should be able to punch through the exo-soldiers' armor."

"This isn't a manufacturing plant, it's a research station. Sure, the machines can make whatever you want, but making fifty rifles one at a time will take more than two weeks. That's if we had the materials," said Omega.

"Omega's right we don't have the materials or the machinery, but I know someone who does," Kita said with a playful melodic tone. "The Red Legion has to have stockpiles and equipment we can raid. The Forges can get us the metal and I bet if we set them up with the equipment they can make the guns and bullets you'll need."

"I thought you said you didn't like them an were only patronizing Zidin?"

Kita shrugged at Zidin as an apology. "I'm beginning to come around on the idea. They can be useful like the Shadow Guilds' teams. I like the idea of them packing a heavier punch."

Snowy looked concerned. "Do you really think we'll need them?"

"None of us are indestructible, even me. It won't be like running an army, just an oversized platoon. They can take care of details that would normally hold us back. We'll be free to do what we do best.

"Zidin get with Omega and get me a list of things we'll need to go shopping for."

***

Snowy met Vanouse in his workshop at his request. The Demon suit lay on the table, fully assembled. He'd added a number of weapons to the outside.

"What are you doing?" said Snowy.

"I need to run some tests and I was hoping you'd help."

A pit grew in Snowy's stomach. "What kind of tests?"

"Functionality tests. I've taken it from being a suit to being a robot."

"You mean for Omega, or a stand alone?"