Chapter 28: HMSG

  “Host: Now, a lot of people have asked, how do you guys deal with model ones?

  Guest: Heavy fraggers mam’. Depending on the type they can launch 25, 30 or even 35mm shells that explode either on contact or in the air after a set distance. They’re good for dealing with lower models but they don’t work great against a model six, for example. Hell, even a model five can shrug off the shrapnel for a while! They’re a damn good deterrent though! Even for bigger models there are some specialty shells, but they’re somewhat rare for grunts, kind of expensive you know? Some can shoot at up to two hundred rounds per minute! That’s a lot of wasted shells if you miss.

  Host: That’s fascinating! Tell me, many viewers keep recommending something like… I guess the word would be a machine-shotgun? I mean, we’ve used shotguns for bird shooting and stuff like that. Why not use something like that, full of birdshot and stuff?

  Guest:... I don’t think I explained properly.”

  – Interview on the Night-Night Tonight show with PMC commander Major Jeremy Bryar, 2046

  ***

  “Looking good Francis!” Dude just hated getting called Frank, something you had to learn about him if you didn’t want to get punched. Given how stupid strong his prosthetics were, that’d be a bit terrifying!

  I stayed in my firing position, letting my railgun do most of the work but still shooting quite a bit.

  “You good Carol? Militia and more enforcers are on the way, we’ll extract the civilians in there. Are you ok with going back there and treating all the people we rescued so far?” The woman looked a bit flushed but with that nano-regenerative, she should be alright… I thought so at least.

  “Yes boss! Already took the time to treat the people in there, still organizing with Altany for equipment.” Carol smiled, all energetic. She was probably ok… I switched channels to a private one with Francis.

  “She alright? The fuck did you tell her.” He just shrugged and sent me a text so she wouldn’t hear.

  Standard enforcer initiation stuff.

  Oh well, no obvious problem, moving on! I switched to enforcers comms. “Alright, everyone sound off, who’s on the way, who’s defending and who’s clearing?”

  Damn, we had a lot of firepower now! It made me reconsider a few things. David, Alex and Felix stayed at the first entrance. Jean-Pierre, Bella and Ming handled the second.

  That meant each of them had long range, rapid-fire and shotgun, pretty good balance. Since I insisted that everyone needed an ‘emergency’ magazine of powerful rounds, that meant I wouldn’t have to worry about them.

  The twins, Akira, Kevin and Albert were clearing apartments. Roger, Lila, Sofia and Jeffrey were almost to me along with at least fifty ready to fuck shit up militia guys. Add to that Francis and apparently Johnny Law, who was finishing up some evacs, that amounted to a fuckload of firepower!

  Before you move further, I should mention you are getting to the edge of teleportation range for some of your enforcers. The rules on teleportation distance and capabilities are complex, but the short version is you may need runners to bring them equipment soon.

  “Fuck, alright, everyone that might get out of range, bulk buy some ammo, I don’t want anyone running out. While we’re at it, how much for a decent helmet for everybody, Altany? Protective, bullet resistant, visual aid to find antithesis while clearing, air tight, upgradable so everybody can add to them if they want, how much is that?” I expected a pretty heavy blow, but while I talked, Johnny arrived in a burst of air!

  He had new legs! Still with that double jointed design! Given the furrows they dug in the ground while braking, he must have added crampons like me. “I’ll cover it, partner!” My eyes widened in shock. That’d be a lot of fucking points! However, before I could protest, he raised his hand.

  “I’ve been gettin’ a stupid amount o’ points from yall since the split partially includes me. I feel bad for not participatin’ more. Also, if I stop bullshittin’ myself, I’d like to stay. Your new buildin’ needs a sheriff since that ain’t you, am I right? Like you said, you protect, I bring justice.” he finished with a winning smile. Did he look just a bit nervous?

  I smiled back. He couldn’t see it but I think my animated eyes conveyed it.

  Johnny was a good person. I wouldn’t say that for just any samurai, the dude cared. He didn’t act like Laser Jack, staying in his tower in luxury.

  No, Johnny got down in the bowels, waded through the shit and pulled out as many as possible. The man didn’t have to. He could have just killed aliens, but no.

  The cowboy spent his time ‘unprofitably’ saving injured people. I could see him sweating. He’d been pushing himself hard with those evacs!

  “Altany, connect me to all enforcers, militia and the council members we have access to.” I said, still smiling. Johnny’s eyes widened in surprise.

  Done. You are live.

  “Hey guys! For those who don’t know, we’re officially corpo-sec for this building, as well as the corpo-clearing group. You’re all part of Red White and Black Solutions incorporated!” That got quite a few surprised reactions and a lot of cheering! Corpo-sec had always been this scary unknowable… thing.

  The MaxTac mother fuckers descended and ‘culled’ certain people or areas for reasons none of us could understand. They didn’t stay for a fight, just killed people we knew then ran.

  The enforcers had done damage before, but they still posed a threat we couldn’t predict or see coming. They’d even come after me once or twice. Those had been… intense fights.

  Now? That was us. We decided what happened in the building, what’d be allowed. We would actually protect and serve for fuck’s sake!

  “Now, I’m an enforcer, a protector. I’m not exactly the most law-abiding guy in the world, you know? I’m pretty sure the bounties are up to a few million credits.”

  That got a few laughs! “We need a sheriff! Johnny Law’s been kind enough to offer to take up the position! Council, any objections?”

  Lila arrived at precisely the right time. I might have timed it just a bit. “He’s gay, cute, a nice guy, a damn samurai so people probably won’t fuck around enough to find out. I’m in. Robin?” There weren’t many council members currently alive or at least present. It was basically me, Lila, Robin and Sheela from floor twelve and a couple other representatives.

  My love answered quickly: “No objections, same reasons. Sheela?”

  The older woman was quick on the draw. “A fucking samurai sheriff? God damn, Panda, what do you expect me to say to that? Of course I’m in! Anyone else?”

  I smiled a bit more. “With me that makes a unanimous decision from the emergency council.” I raised my voice then.

  “Enforcers! Any objections?” A nice, loud chorus of ‘fuck no!’ came back and it was done! I thought Roger might have been even more enthusiastic than the rest. Akimbo solidarity? “Altany, update company records!” I said with a giddy laugh.

  Done. Vanguard Johnny Law is officially the sheriff in charge of the company’s area of influence.

  “Welcome to Peach Trees, Sheriff Johnny Law!”

  ***

  Johnny just couldn’t stop smiling like an idiot! It felt stupid, and childish… but he was a sheriff! A fucking sheriff! He’d get to do it right this time! Not like the damn bag of dung he’d been an officer in last time!

  He wasn’t just a cowboy like in the stories anymore! Wandering the land, doing some good where he could. No, he was a sheriff! A real sheriff in the lawless side of a mega-city!

  He shouldn’t be feeling that tightness in his chest, right? Why the hell did this hit him so hard? Why did his eyes get moist?

  ‘Bytal, do… Do you know why I’m feelin’ like this? It… ain’t just the position, right? Darn…’

  I can only guess, but I am an extremely intelligent AI, hence my guesses tend to be very accurate.

  He snorted. Mad Panda gave him a moment, turning away and relaying orders. He was pretty sure Robin had told him to.

  ‘Yeah, please give me your guess at super speed, we’re kinda busy…’

  It is a multi-layered situation. A major component is that you both rejected and were rejected by your community on multiple occasions. The first such occasion would be your family, which did not support you properly through your growing years or in your adulthood for that matter.

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  The second time happened when you became a police officer and your coworkers proved morally unacceptable.

  The third was when you became a vanguard since your town’s interest in you appeared profoundly selfish, which felt like a betrayal.

  The fourth took place when the friends you had gathered rejected you because of your sexuality.

  Oh, Johnny remembered that last one real well… It hadn’t been that long ago. That memory still hurt like hell but… Less now.

  The tone in Bytal’s voice, usually always pretty robotic, seemed accusatory. Was it fake? He didn’t care. Bytal was on his side, and it felt good.

  When Bytal, the help from the heavens the priest talked about, had told him that he wasn’t broken? That nothing was wrong with him or the people he felt attracted to? That he didn’t have to feel ashamed… It had changed everything. He’d always be thankful for it…

  Now, you have been accepted by a community not just for what you are, but who you are. They have accepted you because you showed them what you value, the core of your personality.

  You could have made considerably more points, but you focused most of your efforts towards saving mostly the young, injured and elderly. You could have killed more aliens, but you saved more people instead.

  Also, you have been accepted by people you consider peers. There is no power disparity marring the friendship you’ve built with vanguard Mad Panda in a very short time. He is your equal. Also, you appear to see the enforcers as like minded people. Your values and theirs may not align perfectly, but they do align and they mostly do so on core issues.

  There is, of course, the fact that this has been your dream, at least in part. To be a ‘law-man’. You’ve found a home in need of your services. You not only feel, but actually are wanted and needed.

  This also means you’ve found a base of operation. A place to call your own, to hail from. Additionally, it is not a temporary or honorific title. You are officially the sheriff.

  I suspect you’ve also craved direction and responsibility, but that has less to do with what you are currently experiencing in my opinion.

  I believe you will find the experience of equipping the enforcers in order to protect them quite rewarding! Would you like for me to work with my sister AI along with Mad Panda’s catalogues?

  Johnny took a deep breath. The whole discussion and deep breath had taken less than a second. “Yeah, let’s get them ready. The enforcers need those helmets.” He said with a contented smile.

  This place was in deep shit, but nothing he couldn’t handle with… his community’s help! That felt ungodly corny, but he loved it. “It’s time to get these… Our people out of this hucklebuck.”

  ***

  Robin gave me good advice! I always listened because he knew people better than I did. Although even I could understand tears!

  My darling’d told me to give him a moment, and because of the guy’s super-speed, it really only took a moment. Johnny then smiled and said “Helmet’s are bought!” I wasn’t sure I wanted to know just how much they cost…

  Suddenly, every enforcer received a box in their hands. There were only a few fumbles. Carol would get used to it.

  Francis had a bit of trouble since he now wore a god damn harness-mounted HMG! That harness had auto-targeting and aim assist modules for accurate hip-fire. It wouldn’t override the gunner, but help get and stay on target. Fucking hell!

  The thing had three barrels and Altany said the class two Mole-Bear alloys in it allowed for rapid heating and cooling without damaging them in the slightest.

  I didn’t quite understand the importance until she told me about the liquid nitrogen cartridges! They could be replaced manually or with teleportation. With those, the gun could keep on going for a good long while! “Fuck me, what’s that thing even shooting?” I asked with growing awe.

  16mm shells. It works similarly to your own weapon, using separate bullets and propellant to allow for adjustment, except much bulkier and heavier. The recoil managing systems will allow him to fire from the hip. Thanks to the aim assist system, it should be fairly accurate.

  The velocities can surpass the classic .50 BMG. In certain classification systems, it may breach into the super-heavy machinegun category depending on the warheads selected. There are systems to help it become emplaced and supported quickly. Oh, and a laser pointer.

  I ogled the gun for a bit, long enough that Francis smirked at me. He’d earned it honestly. “I remember saying I’d be willing to pay more but I didn’t expect… that.”

  Francis has requested to pay back the value of the gun, including the original budget. He told me to inform you, if you asked, that you ‘saved his mother fucking life and that he’d kill so much shit with that fucking beast it won’t matter much’. I am quoting directly to be clear.

  Ok, that was fair, and Francis was big on paying his debts. It felt a bit annoying, just helping a guy and having him be super into repaying you but hey, those were points and they’d be used for the good of everybody.

  “Wait a sec… twelve gauge is 18mm right?”

  Yes.

  “And twenty gauge is?”

  15.6mm.

  “Is… is that a heavy machine-shotgun?”

  Given the available ammunition, it would fit that classification, yes.

  I… I had to control my massive erection, it distracted me. Francis looked at me with just a bit of lust in his gaze. “You alright boss?”

  “Yeah, yeah… I’m… eager to see that thing fire.”

  “You know, after this, I’d love to invite Robin and you to examine my gun.” Was that a double entendre? With such a blatant meaning, it couldn’t really be called double anything!

  To be honest, I’d say it might be the best approach with me… I hated subtext! Also, I sucked at deciphering the shit people didn’t say! So annoying…

  That gun on the other hand, was very obviously and simply hot as fuck!

  “It is pretty big…” I said, thoughts going in interesting directions and boner going nowhere!

  Pivot! “You know, I’m probably going to be a bit busy…” I said with real chagrin. Francis got it, no hurt in his eyes, just slight disappointment. I had an idea though! “I’m sure Johnny would be interested in your gun!”

  Francis’s eyebrows rose as Johnny turned away from explaining the new helmet to Carol. They had all the features I asked for plus some stuff he added. Of course, they were in my colors… and had triangular stylized ears that I wouldn’t comment on…

  “Huh?” The fan in question asked dumbly.

  “He’s a fan of guns, I take it?” Francis asked, curious. Even as dumb as I was with subtext, the question was clear.

  “Oh yes, he loves guns. Big fan! Texan and all that.” I sent a text to Robin.

  Pandear: Hey, you think Johnny Law and Francis Dubois would make a nice couple? I’m kind of setting them up.

  Darling: Hell yes! Francis is kind, chill, well intentioned and straightforward with his intentions and feelings. Good mix for a gay guy just out of the closet. On top of that, Francis prefers cute guys over hot guys. I know you’re not good at differentiating but you’re both so it’s okay ;) . He’d be good for fucking and maybe more? Depending on their chemistry, I’ll need to monitor. Good move! Busy, love you!

  Pandear: Love you! Tell the kids I love them! See you soon!

  Darling: They love you too!

  I smiled as I looked at the two starting to talk. Francis was pretty damn chill, not coming on strong or even at all from what I could tell, but what the fuck did I know? Johnny did look pretty interested in the massive almost-artillery piece!

  Maybe he’d be interested in… another type of artillery piece? Fuck it, I didn’t do double entendre much alright!?

  After everyone’d equipped the helmets, I sent Carol back and got on operation comms with the enforcers and militia present.

  “Alright, the plan is to secure the passage that leads to the center. We can’t secure the center since our people would get sniped by those model fives! We just can’t suppress those enough to mitigate the danger.” I was outlining shit for everybody, militia included. I wanted opinions!

  “When we get to the stairs, we blow them up and plug the hole…” That got a few laughs but I just kept on going. “...then we secure the corridor further away that leads to the center. That’ll leave us three positions total to defend. Thoughts?”

  A militia guy I didn’t know the name of raised his hand. Altany, thank the mesh, put a little card over his head with name and basic info. I didn’t know his name but I’d seen him before…

  “Garry?” I asked, being as encouraging as possible and projecting interest. Hard to do with a helmet.

  The militia people didn’t know me personally, which meant they sometimes got a bit scared. A monster that’s on your side is still a monster, after all.

  “Yeah, hum, why do we blow up the stairs?” I blinked. “So we can isolate this section? We can’t defend too many positions… right?” The fact that I was thinking about it actually gave him some courage.

  “Well, the way I see it, we don't really need three enforcer per-entrance. I mean, with that beast I think Francis might not need anyone else at all really, but a few of us and one enforcer with a plan if the bigger bastards show up is plenty. If you're worried, a crew served weapon or something per entrance and we should be golden, honestly. If it divides the hive’s attention on top of that, we’ll have to deal with less aliens per position.” I kept on looking at him with interest and he took the cue to continue.

  “The guns you gave us are amazing, the ammo is fuckloads more effective than anything we could get our hands on, don’t get me wrong. However, they’re infantry guns for infantry work. They’re perfect for going through the building and rescuing people, but defending a position? A big machine gun or something to take care of the ones the guns we have can’t handle is all you need. An enforcer as insurance is the right move, because it’s the aliens and we need to be able to adapt and buy shit and stuff but… yeah.” He finished a bit lamely, looking slightly worried that he’d said something wrong.

  I just stared for a few seconds.

  “Johnny, Altany, everyone, this? This is why you don’t discriminate on rank! God damn I love you! Alright, new fucking plan! What he said! We’re securing a fuckload more territory! Garry, I’m giving you a better gun! I like smart people with guns!” I felt so fucking excited!

  Oh yeah, this was a mother fucking plan!

  It hadn’t been in the cards earlier since I’d just started and didn’t have the points for super expensive defenses, but now? Oh hohohoho!

  I’d been equipping my infantry the best I could, but I never had true defenses before! I always did shoot and move tactics during the purge. This was a whole different game, and I’d just been told how to play it! Fuck yeah!

  “Johnny, think you can get one of those hum… helical coil guns? Something like a supersized version in case a model six comes knocking?” Johnny snorted and looked me straight in the eyes.

  “You questionin’ my gunhood?” I barked out a laugh!

  “Alright, Altany, Bytal, we need at least one crew helical coilgun and one heavy machinegun for each defensive position! Sheriff, think you can run back and equip our guys over there? Wait, can we get both guns in one and save on points?” I was spitballing, hoping for advice.

  “Nah, we need both, one for the big assholes and one for the swarm, I think? Maybe an emplaced, heavy and less mobile version of Francis’s gun? Fuck, they’ll need a defensive plate, we have to protect the gunner from the ranged fucks! Trying to save on points but if it isn’t enough that’s not good.” A thousand ideas bounced inside my head, trying to get my attention!

  “We’ll have infantry around to help though! Oh! A Mole-Bear defensive alloy plate and a camera! You just need the barrel to poke out then!” Everyone moved rapidly, almost in a frenzy!

  Discussing, organizing, thinking and preparing to take back what was ours!