10 Minute Tales

Mar 16

Time passed. Queenson had gotten used to the pistol; though most preferred lots of ammo, he found those with a weaker count had more stopping power, and that was his preferred style. He returned to the room with Abe, who was talking to Aurora. Both looked at him as he entered.

"You have your weapon, then?"

"Sure do." he gestured to it on his hip. "All I need, right here."

"Very good." Abe nodded. "Small, but enough."

"Yeah, it's all I need. Everybody else can overcompensate if they want to." Abe chuckled.

"You inspected the weapons, then?"

"How could I not? Had to make sure you were living up to your promise."

"You suspect me? I'm wounded." Abe grinned. "I can understand, however. Aurora's new module was installed effortlessly."

"Heck yeah! Give me a rifle already!" Aurora grinned, bunching her fists.

"Not until we know you're stable with it." Queenson frowned. "Part of the power behind having a gun is knowing when to use it."

"Anyone and everyone that obstructs justice, right?"

"If you were a security member, I'd demand your badge here and now." Queenson growled. "We use guns only when it's necessary, and even then there has to be no alternative. Usually, we'd let Sentinel make the call, but that's not an option here."

"So... those that shoot first?"

"Usually, by the time they shoot first, we're in a disadvantageous position. You've got a sensor array, right?"

"Only typical humanoid stuff." Aurora shrugged. "Got anythin' for that, Abe?"

"I had it planned in advance." Abe held up another small crystal, this one blue. "This one should be easier to install, though I would rather you get some practical experience with rifles first."

"If his majesty over there permits it, sure." she pouts. Queenson sighed.

"The most important part of a gun is control, and I'm worried your control isn't very good."

"Hey, I haven't exactly had a lot of time being myself. I'm just excited!"

"Then calm down or I'm pulling you off this mission."

"Can't do that, you said I'm essential."

"If you're a danger, the answer is no."

"Fine, fine, jeez." She pouted again. "Chill already." She followed Queenson back through the range. Queenson explains the basics of control while she wandered through the weapons, picking a large sniper rifle. She licked her lips as she expertly inspected it. "Hm, charred..."

"That's from overuse. No gun should be charred like that. Just gently pull the trigger and you'll be able to do it without damaging it."

"Downsides of damage is sporadic fire, right?"

"Yeah, and for a weapon like that it's not a good thing. Every squeeze counts."

"So what's the rule on aim?"

"Non-lethal wherever possible."

"Where it's impossible?"

"Wait until it's possible."

"... that seems dangerous."

"Falling back isn't running away. Get them out of position if you can, cover your allies, just shoot the weapon if you can avoid hitting the magazine."

"Let me guess what happens if I do. Boom?"

"Boom."