Virtually Real Part 20: Don’t Poke The Tiger.

Returning Characters:

Prowl-Ar

Kyle

Shock

Commander

Cold Snap – White Enhanced Suit

Hazard – Yellow Enhanced Suit

Violet – Purple Enhanced Suit

Kicker

Lee

Slider

Cutter

The next few days, or nights, consisted of standing watch, attempting to repair Hazard's suit using the remains of Kyle's and my suits, and communicating with the home office on ways to convert the hangers into instant hospital, communication and control tower, and  motor pool complexes. I also made it imperative that we get the replacement suits as quickly as possible.

I had just gotten up and was headed to the mess hall for a quick breakfast when Shock came running.

"Tiger, we just got a short range hyperlink communication from a smuggler, call sign Shades, claiming that she knows you, has a delivery, and wants to know where to place the suits."

"Grab me something to eat, and meet me out front. I'll go deal with her after we get off duty."

Thirty minutes later I watched what looked like a meteor fall out of orbit. "She always was a show off." I mumbled.

A black ship passed overhead, paused at the base and then blasted back out into space.

"Major, the gates are set. You can collect the shield generators and come inside now." Cutter called over the short range radio.

I sighed in relief. The base was nearly secure again. Two giant gates now stood on each side of the trench with a security cage between them. Eventually an outer fence would be built around the base for an extra layer of security.

"Thank you, Cutter, how long until the project is completed?"

"Once the gate is shut we'll test the electronics. If the charge holds we're done for the night. Tomorrow we'll start construction on a guard station. Oh, I was supposed to inform you that we finished laying a ground line during the day shift. We have communication with the base again. They may be jamming our long range communication but your idea of using that ancient wired connection was brilliant. Once we're done here we'll put guard stations and land lines to the other two check points."

I re-attached the white suits wing units and entered the newly secured base. "Sounds like you've been doing a lot of planning, yourself."

"More than you realize. I suggested setting up a secondary base at that cleared zone for things like the infantry and techs that are coming, a real hospital, and a motor pool. Don't get me wrong, we really appreciate to save, but if that shield had failed we'd all have been killed in a single shot."

"I haven't had a chance to check the reports, so how much equipment did you lose when the motor pool was destroyed?"

"Surprisingly little. Most of our cutting equipment was set up for working on the Southern road. As for the fence maintenance division, I won't comment, but you can see they have all of their equipment here for the rebuild. We've also finished building a basement for a new command and control building so we have a brig again."

"Tiger, your meteor is back. That's a quick turnaround time." Fox pointed out.

"That's because of the way her transport is constructed. The larger part remains in orbit, or in this case a short hyper jump away, so we're only seeing the high speed drop-ship. Unfortunately it means three trips for a full load. Still I'd have thought she'd wait longer to avoid getting caught by our friends upstairs."

"Fox missed the fact she's coming in from an entirely different vector. I'd say she double jumped and is coming in where they wouldn't expect her."

"Cutter, call the base and have them radio her a text message while she's dropping her cargo. The message is 'Great intro set, cool off while the main act chase their tails. See you for the meet and greet, L8R.' she'll know what it means. Just make sure they know that last is 'L' '8' and 'R'."

"Yes, Sir."

"Alright, Tiger, fill us in." Kyle demanded.

"The computer dug her out of the archives. Shades is a persona of a cousin from way back. An independent ship captain with a knack at skirting law. A military brat with the intelligence to work the system to make things go her way. Her weakness is warrior women and country music. When she completes this drop she'll take an eight hour break before making the last delivery. Which should work out to about the time we'll be getting off-"

"Power's on and stable! Congratulations men. We’re secure and we completed the job in record time. Pack it up, we're done with the round the clock shifts. Get some sleep and we'll start on building the guard station in the morning."

"At last!" Fox yelled. "Now you said something about ‘getting off’?”

"Sorry Fox, but that's just for everyone else. Once they've cleared out follow me back to the tree line and then we continue to guard this area."

"You're thinking the Bugs are going to try their luck with the new gates?" Kyle asked.

"It seems logical, and if they find something we missed, it would be better if we're here to put a stop to them."

Roughly six hours later I was starting to think I was wrong.

"I've got movement, left side of the cut, hundred and six meters out. Violet's cam is highlighting them as Bugs. They're out of suit cam range at this level of . . . I take it back now that I know where to look I can see movement. They must be camouflaged."

"Thanks Fox, I see them. Drake?"

"I see them, but I don't have a shot."

"Don't shoot. Our weapons don't have the accuracy needed to hit the Bugs and not damage the fence. Only fire if they are close enough to know you won't damage the wires, or if they breach the perimeter."

"Got it." Fox responded.

"Acknowledged." Kyle followed up.

The scout party approached the outer gates and 'the cage' that connected the inner and outer door. They threw a stick at it and jumped back, one falling down as the stick was reduced to ash. The standing trio turned to the one that had fallen and suddenly another one fell, quickly followed by a third. The last one took off running but only made it a few steps before going down as well.

"Sir, if you like, you can return to base. I'll stay here with my new toys. Oh, and thank you again for the new armor with sniper upgrades. It's amazing, even with this long range rifle. I'll be unbeatable once I have a true sniper rifle again."

"Slider, you're damn near unbeatable now."

"Thank you. I suggest you hurry the Commander is a bit upset. The first three suits were green, blue, and red. The second set was black, yellow, and the last was sealed to your genetic code."

"Heh, even I don't know what is in that crate. Shades said she had three special deliveries for me from the company and she wasn't happy about not knowing what she was hauling. However due to the weight balancing the Commander's, really heavy, suit would have to wait for her last drop. Drake and Fox, let's leave Slider to get in a bit more target practice. We have a commanding officer to pacify for another two hours."

When we reached the base we found Kicker in his new suit, Cold Snap in Hazard's new suit, and Lee in Hazard's rebuilt suit placing the fifth story on a second barracks immediately behind the first. Which seemed logical since the new hangars were back to back with the old ones. I was surprised to see that Coldsnap had already attached the special parts from Hazard's old suit onto the new unit.

"Hey Tiger, if you hurry up and open that last hangar we can get this barracks completed. We can all have private rooms." Lee radioed.

"It'll have to wait until morning. We need the cutters and their drones to lift the last floor into place, if it even has a floor. I don't know what is in there, only that it is something I need to study."

Kyle parked Fox's suit and then headed for the new red unit. He dropped the weapon's rack. "Tiger, someone made a mistake."

I immediately knew what he was yelling about. I finished powering down Cold Snap’s suit. I met Fox as he was cutting across the bridge to get to the barracks. "Go get your suit and meet me in back where Kyle is."

"What was he yelling about?"

"Since we salvaged his armor and put it on your suit, for the moment, I didn't order new armor for him. Right now he's looking at a single new arm blade, to replace the one that was cracked, and new armor for your suit."

Fox took off running, presumably for his suit. I continued at a leisurely pace. As I exited the back door I found the two of them re-equipping Drake's upgrades. I turned right and continued down the line to the closed hangar. I scanned in my genetic code and the door fell open revealing a dark gray armor, but it was a different type compared to the other suits. It had a lot more rounded edges, tough it looked like it used the same basic frame as the enhanced units. There was no information on it so I hoped Shades would have some when she arrived. I turned back and could see Fox equipping his upgraded armor. With the work I'd done over the last couple of days the new armor made it look new again. I finally turned toward my new suit. The upgrade command armor had already been assembled and was in place. I crawled into the suit and stood up. Turning I dropped the arms rack and found two large cases. "Ah, that's probably the information on the new type of suit." I muttered.

"Commander, what are we going to do with the empty hangers?" Kicker asked.

"Lee, put the suit you're using in the hangar on the end, were Drake's new armor was at. I'm sorry, but your armor was placed on hold as they were trying to find a way to include your mini-gun."

"I'm really getting both a suit and a mini-gun? I don't mind waiting a little longer for that!"

"God help us all." Kicker muttered.

"Finally Shadow and Phantom will take the last two open hangars until I find out what the story is on that new suit."

"Tiger! There you are! Get out here and tell me why everyone got new suits, but me. Hell, even Hazard got a new suit and she won't be up and around for six months."

"Sir, I'll meet you out front, after I park my suit. Oh, and because your suit is special it had to wait until last to be delivered." The Commander stormed toward the barracks and I headed around the far end.

I stood in front of the barracks looking down the line. With the MAS units once again in place it finally, truly, felt like the base was recovering. The roar of engines made me look up.

"Yo cuz, where do you want these three?"

"On the opposite side of this ditch from the three hangars next to me."

The ship circled and then placed the three hangars. Circling again the ship sat down just in front of the point where the blasted area started. I watched Drake and Fox's suits step out and cross to the hangars. I sent an override code and the crates opened revealing the Commander's heavy tan suit, a purple, and a green version of the new mystery suits. As I made it to them Fox had already started to pull out the first floor. We moved it over to start building the new tower. I was surprised to see that one of the spare crate covers had been set up as a basement roof, making the job of stacking the new floors that much easier. Once the three floors were in place we returned our suits to their hangars.

"You finally giving up on black?" Shades yelled, from the front of my hangar.

"What?" I yelled from the lift.

"Holy shit! Tiger, I'm putting you in for a promotion." The Commander yelled.

"I looked across to the Commander's hangar. He'd finished equipping the suit with the heavy armor modifications and weapons. A massive bazooka stowed on the back along with an equally huge sword. He was holding in his hands a beam rifle that was only slightly larger than the other two weapons, but made the one on his old suit look like a toy in comparison. "Tiger, I'm taking this thing out to provide Slider with back up. Kicker! Get your ass out here, we're going for an early patrol."

Kicker came around from his hangar, now with his suit fully armed with two assault rifles, a back mounted mortar launcher and salvaged armor pieces.

"Good hunting. My team is now officially off duty, Tiger out." I removed my headset.

"What the hell? I thought that suit was for you. That's why I added in the extras." Shades said, looking at the retreating heavy armor.

"Cheer up, you've made my C.O. very happy."

"She lost me a bundle of credits. My money was on the Commander finding something to complain about in order to maintain his image." Fox complained.

"Yo kid, get lost this is a private conversation."

"Shades, let me introduce my husband, Shock Dafox."

"You've got to be fucking kidding me. He's a child. Besides, with all of your problems and the fact you're so hung up on that video game character you couldn't be married."

"Our Tiger may have a few emotional challenges but I wouldn't call them problems. Besides his attraction to 'that video game character' only makes him a better mate." Kyle said as he arrived.

"And who the hell are you?"

"This is Kyle Dacat, also known as Nanaki or Red XIII, my other husband."

Shades just stared at the three of us with her mouth hanging open.

Kyle shifted to his original form. "Boo!"

"FUCK!" Shades yelled as she fell on her ass.

"We do, as often as possible." Fox grinned, made worse when he shifted to his anthro fox form.

I couldn't help it I burst out laughing.

"How?"

"Huh, I'd think that would be easy enough to figure out. Still, since you do seem a little slow, we often start with a bit of fondling-"

"Shut up! Shut up! Shut up, I don't want to hear about that." Shades yelled.

"You did ask, and fox furs are notoriously happy to describe and even demonstrate sexual activity. Of course Shock here is special, taking things to a whole new level of inappropriateness."

"Drake, stop with the compliments, you're making me horny."

"You're a fox, you were born horny. The only thing hornier than a fox is a rabbit."

"You take that back. I'm hornier than any dumb bunny."

Though I was enjoying the look of horror on Shades face, I knew it was time to put an end to the act. "That's because you're special. Besides you wouldn't just lift your tail for anyone, would you?"

"Of course not. I'm faithful to my Tiger and Drake."

"Who are they?" Shades asked, as she stood up.

Fox cocked his head and gave her a confused look. "My mates Kyle and Prowl-Ar."

"Who's this Prowl-Ar?"

"Computer, pause game." I ordered.

"She doesn't know your name?"

"Oh she's heard it before but never really paid attention. Computer, re-establish lock out of all individuals from my past as Non-Player Characters except for Shades in this single game. Edit the Shades character's memories so that she only knows me as Prowl-Ar Nightiger and that she believes Kyle is a furry that remade himself in the image of Red XIII, either because he loves me that much or because he wants to take advantage of me."

"That's not right." Kyle mumbled.

"You don't want to take advantage of me?" I asked.

"Oh no, I'm not stepping into that trap.”

“Computer, additional, Shades believes Shock is with me because he wants my money or I'm taking advantage of him."

"I really wish you would."

"Computer, Shades also believes that, while highly intelligent, Prowl-Ar is completely emotionally incompetent." Kyle added with a smug grin.

"Are you sure you want to make this change, as it would improve Prowl-Ar's current position in her opinion. Currently Shades believes Prowl-Ar is completely incapable of have any meaningful loving relationship and is easily controlled by those offering him the least bit of affection."

Kyle looked at me in confusion.

"See why I don't say much about my relatives?"

"Uh, cancel my modification and complete alterations."

Shock wrapped his arms around me shortly followed by Kyle.

"I Hope you don't mind, but I'm dropping her from the sentinel program." Kyle growled.

"She was never in the program to begin with. In fact the real cousin Shades is based on never knew about Mahan and the Shadow Runner, or that I had a crush on you for that matter. Also, remember that Shades is more of a caricature rather than being a faithful interpretation. Not that I'm complaining, since I love you both, but I made my peace with what Shades thought of me long ago. Hearing the computer's assessment wasn't painful or even surprising. Now shall we get back to the game? Computer rewind the game to the moment just after Shock say's 'my mates, Kyle and Prowl-Ar' and resume."

"Oh, those are your call signs. I get tiger, Prowl-Ar has always been fixated on them, but why Drake?"

"Because Kyle can also change into a dragon." Fox said.

"You can change into a dragon, huh."

She mumbled something else but I couldn't make it out.

"I don't care if we're in-laws, insult either of my mates that way again and I'll put you in traction. Got that? These fox ears are super sensitive." Fox threatened.

"Listen you little bitch, I've known Prowl-Ar longer-"

"No, you listen. We love each other deeply. Yes it's physical, but also emotional and even spiritually." I yelled.

"And our little foxy wasn't a bitch even before the gender reassignment surgery." Kyle added.

"Shades, we've just come off a very stressful mission. We're going to go and get a few hours’ sleep before this conversation becomes violent. Since you're grounded for the day I suggest you spend some time finding out what our teammates think of us while we all cool off." I turned and headed for the barracks with Shock and Kyle close behind.

"I hate her." Shock whispered, "What she said about you and Kyle under her breath was just wrong."

"No Shock, you really shouldn't hate her, if anything you should feel sorry for her. She didn't have the best life either. We're like two sides of a coin I was broken because, until I met you two, I'd never known true love and she's broken because she fell in love too easily and got hurt far too often from it."

"Enough dwelling on the past. Right now the only things we should be thinking about are dinner and sleep." Kyle said, as he opened the door.

"Don't get hopes up. Dino-steak and ration bar surprise until next supply drop. Smuggler only bring suits."

"Sounds delicious. You two go and get started. I need to speak with Cold Snap."

They both gave me an odd look but continued to the mess hall.

"Listen, I want to send Hazard, with the smuggler, for rapid regen and recovery at a medical base."

"If Commander agree, is good idea. She back in action in weeks, not months."

"Here's the problem, both you and Hazard are her 'type' so she is likely to try her luck."

"You know her?"

"She's my cousin."

"So long as she accepts nyet as answer, we not hurt her."

"I wouldn't go that far. Just don't injure her to the point she can't continue to make deliveries. She may end up being our only supply link. You think the dino-steak is bad now imagine it without salt or pepper."

"I see point."

"Besides, as far as I know a bit of pain may be a turn on for her."

"We'll be careful."

I nodded and then groaned.

"You sick?"

"No, I just realized I need to warn Lee. If he tries his luck with Shades, she'll leave him out on the plains naked and smeared with blood. And knowing her she'll record the whole thing set it to some catchy tune and sell it at the next station she lands."

Cold Snap was grinning and I involuntarily shivered. "Would pay money for that. No, Go-Lee, annoying, but damn good fighter and smart enough to understand nyet."

"Did I hear my name?" Lee asked as he wandered in.

Cold Snap rolled her eyes. "I go tell Hazard your idea."

"What are you up to now?" Lee asked.

"Just trying to get Hazard up and about sooner. Anyway I'm glad you're here."

"What did I do this time? No one really wants me around unless they have 'needs' and since you have two wonderful partners I know that isn't what you want to talk about."

"The dropship pilot is my cousin and, no offense, but you have the wrong equipment for her 'needs'. Also if you try suggesting she should at least give you a shot she's likely to remove your equipment."

"You're kidding."

"Did you ever hear about Brigadier General Lancing's decision to get gender re-assignment surgery even though he, I mean she, had over a hundred misconduct allegations by female officers made against her?"

"Of course everybody heard about that."

"Shades has General Lancing's man parts mounted and hanging in her private quarters."

"How-"

"I gave her the call sign Shades, because she has her fingers in every shady organization in space. That includes business, politics, IT, and military. Hell, if a way is ever found to communicate with the Bugs, Shades will be the first one to barter a trade agreement. Lancing was stupid enough to try and order Shades to sleep with him."

"Damn."

"Even I'm not immune completely immune to her machinations. The Lawless out there was built by my company, without my approval or knowledge. I was barely able to hit her with some restrictions before she took delivery. It's also why she is the only civilian with a military service waiver and independent ship registration. No one dares to confront her." I paused, and then grinned, "I mean almost now one dares confront her. What she had for blackmail against me I no longer care about and she has nothing on Drake and Fox. I bet she's currently holed up in her ship desperately trying to find something to use against them."

"Tiger, I don't want to be rude, but you're getting that crazed look in your eyes that Hazard has all the time." Lee said, backing away.

"Sorry, it's just that I've been worried about what Shades might do to Fox for threatening her, but there really isn't anything she can do to the three of us. That knowledge is rather liberating. Just be careful around her and you'll be fine. She's going to have all her focus on my mates and me."

I left Lee and damn near skipped into the mess hall until the smell of fried dino hit me. I sat down and stared at the tray Kyle had pushed in front of me. Sausage shaped ration bars, waffled dino-burger, and brown sauce.

"It really isn't that bad. At least we've got brown sauce to liven it up this time."

I noticed Shock hadn't used any sauce, nor had Kyle. I removed the lid and then slapped it back on. "That isn't sauce, its recycled kitchen drippings." I slowly ate the meat waffle. It wasn't bad tasting, like a normal beef burger that has a bit of salt and pepper. The problem was we'd been eating it for every meal since killing the Rex.

"Commander, we need to speak with you."

I looked up to find Phantom and Shadow standing in front of me.

"I'm off duty so it's Major, Tiger, or Prowl-Ar, soldiers."

"Sorry, Sir." Phantom apologized.

"So what is it?"

"It's about the new suits, Sir." Shadow said.

"Oh, right. Pick which ever color you prefer."

"You misunderstand, we don't want any of them. We were forced to use them for basic training. After borrowing the enhanced suits and the old suits for the last few days, given the choice we'd rather use the old suits rather than those death traps." Shadow forged ahead.

"I'll keep that in mind, but there may be on other choice. Still those suits were sent here for my inspection and not for military purposes. Don't worry, I do plan on getting both of you enhanced suits. However, it will take some time as the next few drops will be more about rebuilding the base and getting fresh supplies."

"Put catsup on the list." Phantom said, a little loudly.

"And bread." Another voice chimed in.

"Coffee."

"Potatoes."

Things were rapidly getting out of hand. I stood up, "We'll get what we get. It's not like I can put in an order for food supplies, those all come through the military shipping office. If Shades can get us a supply shipment it is as likely to be all sardines as it is to be winter survival gear."

"How did you know about the trade that got you that brown sauce?" Shades asked, as she strolled into the room.

I uncapped the bottle and dumped it on the remains of my dinner. Half the room cleared out. "You got screwed in that deal."

"I'll kill that little weasel next time I see him."

"In the meantime, try the dino-burger waffle it's to be killed for."

"What?" Shades asked in confusion.

"The T-Rex it was butchered from nearly ate me, suit and all."

"T-Rex. As in the dinosaur?"

"Aside from the cybernetics the Bugs put in him, yeah, a supersized dinosaur."

"Dinosaurs so oversized they make our MAS suits human scale to the fossils on Earth." Fox said.

"Do you have any evidence? Pictures, video, teeth? I know people that would love to see such things."

"Of course. Talk to the Commander, when he gets back from his patrol, about the pictures and video. Ask around about physical evidence. I'm sure someone kept a tooth or two from the Rex and might be willing to sell or trade, for the right price."

Shades turned and practically ran from the room.

"That was rude." Kyle said.

"I've seen it before, she's going to check her stash, and likely the Lawless' galley, for trade items."

"If this had been a cartoon I swear giant dollar signs would have popped out of her eye sockets." Shock laughed.

"What?" Kyle asked.

"Computer, pause game. Tiger, you have neglected to educate our dragon about classic toons? How shameful. I hereby declare this to be essential education time. Computer, change setting to Captain's living area, lighting on low, a never emptying bowl of popcorn, comfy blanket large enough to cover all three of us, temperature to 67 degrees Fahrenheit, and I think we should start with a selection of Bugs Bunny toons on the monitor.

***

I stretched and yawned. We'd stayed up late into the night. It'd been a long time since I'd watched ancient toons and even though some of the jokes were no longer relevant a lot of them still held up. Once we'd all fallen asleep the program reverted to our, now shared, sleeping quarters. However when we woke up the game was still paused so we set it to progress until lunch time. While Kyle made real waffles and sausages for breakfast in our quarters. Once the game had progressed we re-entered well rested and fed.

"Do those two follow you everywhere?" Shades asked.

"Good afternoon to you as well. How are you this fine day? Do a bit of trading, maybe take in a bit of our sun shine?"

"Cut the crap, you know I'm not a fan of your sarcasm."

"You're right, she is a refreshing breath of wet blasting powder." Kyle muttered.

"Great, I suppose the fox is a font of sarcasm as well?"

"Lady Shades, I'm a good little fox and I’d never say anything sarcastic."

The mess hall went deathly silent for a moment and then everyone burst out laughing.

"Kyle and Shock don't trust you, and to be honest, I don't trust you either. If you threaten my husbands in any way, you won't like the outcome."

"Oh, like you'd do anything. Face it, you're all talk and no bite."

Kyle laughed. "Hey Shadow, what did Tiger do to you former C.O. when he threatened us?"

Shadow shuddered and looked sick. "Did you have to make me think about that while I was eating?"

"What did he do look threatening and a bit deranged until your C.O. backed down? I've seen him do that before and I'm not impressed."

Shadow stood up, dumped his tray in the trash, and headed for the door. "Tiger ripped his throat out and seriously considered doing the same to me. I still have nightmares where he's standing over me, blood dripping from his fangs onto my face." He quickly left the mess hall.

"Bullshit! I know you'd nev-"

I shifted to my anthro form and slammed my hands down on the table, my jaws only inches from Shades' face. "I'm not the person you used to know. Blood or not, if you threaten my mates, I’ll kill you. If you threaten me or Shock, Kyle will reduce you to ash. If you threaten me or Kyle, pray Kyle kills you first. You, like most fools, probably think a fox isn't very threatening. You'd be wrong. He is vindictive and creative." I shifted back to human form and turned to leave but quickly turned back. "Oh, and if you're trying to come up with a way to break us up, don't bother. It won't work. We are bonded in ways you couldn't even begin to imagine. Now, I really do hope you enjoy your visit to our little slice of hell. We have to go and check out the 'death trap' suits you brought me." I immediately left the mess hall.

I took a deep breath once we were outside. "Damn, that felt good. I thought I'd dealt with all that crap long ago, but it seems I'm still harboring a bit of anger at her. Another thing, we're not going to bring up the events of how Shadow and Phantom arrived after this. While they got what they deserved at the time, now that they've joined us, we really shouldn't make them relive their horror. They're good pilots and honorable men who were put in a no win situation."

"Yeah, I regretted doing it when I saw Shadow’s face. Though I doubt Shades would have believed me if I'd told her what had happened. Tiger, I hope you don't mind if I skip out on testing the suits. I really need to find him and apologize."

"That's fine, just don't let him know that he isn't the only one having nightmares about that incident."

"Why would any of you have nightmares about that?" Phantom asked accusingly.

I gasped as he stepped around the corner of the barracks followed closely by Shadow.

I sighed. "I've been waking up with the taste of blood in my mouth and I immediately start vomiting."

"So that's what it is going on.” Shadow said in surprise. “You know, we've been covering for you. Cold Snap blames it on the food, Kicker seems to think it's the stress of command, and we've been keeping quiet, but I've heard rumors that some of the troops think you're on something experimental to remain alert on duty. However, when you go off duty it makes you extremely sick."

"No, I've been doing extra duty because it's just easier having something to do in order to avoid sleeping and the nightmares. I know this won't make up for anything, but after what you said last night, I immediately put in an order for two enhanced suits, a stealth type and a flight type. I doubt they'll be in the next shipment. That one should include custom converted hangars to be used as a new control tower, a communications facility, a hospital, and a motor pool. There is also Lee's suit, consumable supplies, and building materials in the queue. Plus according to the report I received Shades was supposed to deliver three more of these infantry suits."

"Infantry suits, yeah that makes sense. They're cheap imitations of the enhanced suits so stick a platoon of infantrymen in them and turn them loose on the Bugs." Phantom grumbled.

"Is there anything we should know before we test them?" Fox asked.

"They use the same system as an enhanced suit, but are slower to react to your movements. If you try to move to fast the system shorts out leaving you trapped until a tech can override the system and get you out. I doubt maintenance has the right equipment around here so be careful." Shadow explained.

"Wait, they use the same type of control system as the enhanced suits?"

"Yeah, that's why they had us training with them." Phantom answered.

"Now I know why they're here. That system is currently exclusive to the Enhanced suits. What would you think of the suit if I installed the control system from Kyle's busted suit?

"It would be better than the old style suits, but even though they look heavily armored it isn't as strong as the metals used in the enhanced suits. With a real enhanced control system I'd be willing to pilot one until the new suit can arrive." Phantom replied.

"What about you, Shadow? There isn't much of my suit left but the control system is still intact so there's enough to make two of the suits usable."

"I'll take the dark gray one." Shadow said.

"I'm more partial to the purple than the green." Phantom said, looking over at the suits.

"I guess that leaves the green one for me to experiment on. You four go and see if maintenance can help you begin pulling the control pods out of the junked suits. I'm going to go take a closer look at the Green's programming."

***

I'd been in the cockpit for over an hour and I couldn't crack the security code keeping me from accessing the main program. As I had expected the control pod was identical to my design, but I couldn't do much about that. I stopped typing. I needed to see the program to be sure Earth Engineering hadn't actually stolen my intellectual property for a quick buck. I sighed and prepared, I hoped my next action would be as futile as all the others. I typed in a command accessing the first of several backdoors in the code. The security programs turned off and the code began to scroll up the screen. It was mostly my coding. There were massive gaps, created from unauthorized copying. An unskilled programmer had filled the holes with a power armor code. It was rather surprising it functioned at all. I crawled out and headed for the hyper net connection in my hangar. Earth Engineering could pay the same price as Space Tech or they could be forced out of business. I stopped as Kyle yelled at me.

"Tiger, we've got the pod from your suit out, but your plan isn't going to work. It's busted up beyond salvaging."

"What about the memory core?"

"I don't know, should I go get it?"

"Yes, and tell the crews to stop trying to salvage the other control pod. Just pull both memory cores and have everyone meet back at the green infantry suit."

I turned back to the suit and ascended to the cockpit. I pulled up the program and found the code tag that allowed all control units to automatically update when improved software became available. I grinned as I started a system upgrade.

I was just putting the finishing touched on the code when Kyle stuck his head in the hatch.

"Both memory cores are intact, but they need to be inserted into the suits to see if they're still functional."

"Good, tell Shadow and Phantom to move their chosen suits around in front, open their hatches so they don't get trapped, and stand by. Then I need you to go and set the hyper net equipment for mass system update."

"What are you planning?"

"Earth Engineering is about to have a very bad day. They stole from me, so I'm shutting them down."

"What about the pilots who might get trapped inside?"

"Get going. I'll get to work for a single use emergency hatch release."

Once I was finished I activated the rollers and the suit moved out of the hangar. I slowly stood up, being careful not to make any sudden moves. I turned around and dropped the weapon's storage rack. That completed I turned back to where Phantom and Shadow were waiting. I closed the hatch and activated the update.

"Please remain calm, system update in progress. Try to remain still until update is complete." scrolled across the screen followed by, "If you are seeing this message you are operating a suit with an illegally copied operating system. Memory core now being erased."

I calmly waited for the next message.

"Memory core erasure nearly complete. To escape your now nonfunctioning suit a one-time use emergency hatch release is now active. Erasure will be completed when you open your hatch. Thank you for your patience and understanding and remember, don't steal from Shadow Tech."

I used the hatch release and was relieved when the program worked. Then I pulled out the dead memory core block and inserted the one from my old suit. Everything immediately came back online. The updating message scrolled, however a new message followed.

"Suit does not match memory core. Authorization needed to continue.” I entered my authorization code. "Authorization accepted. Scanning new suit systems. Scan complete. Updating data for suit configuration, Infantry type. Suit is now functional."

I connected leads to both the blanked core and copied the program to it. Again having to input my authorization.

"Tiger, I'm getting urgent messages from, Shadow Tech, Mobile Armor Systems, Strategic Earth Command, and Earth Engineering."

"Turn it into a conference call."

Video streams opened up in front of me and I shut down the suit's external cameras. "I must say this is quite the group, all calling to talk to me. I'm pretty sure you're all here for the same reason, but just to be sure, this is about the suit update that I just released. General, I'm sure you're upset that you're getting calls about dead suits. President McKinley, you want to know why all your suits were updated and nothing seems to have changed. Zack, you're confused as to why I released an upgrade without warning you first. Finally the head of Earth Engineering, you're pissed off that all your new infantry suits are now worthless immobile statues.

Everyone immediately started yelling. I gave them a minute then held up my hands. "All of you shut up!" I yelled. "All I did was update the suit program so that it would self-delete if it was copied without Shadow Tech authorization. This update doesn't affect Mobile Armor System's suits because they pay to have Shadow Tech employees in their assembly plants. Earth Engineering however illegally copied my program and tried to pass it off as their own to undercut the competition." I could tell the man was screaming but obviously Drake had put him on mute. “Now to be fair, E.E. can pay the same as M.A.S. and continue production of your suits or your company ends up just as dead. Drake cut the line to Earth Engineering. President McKinley, I presume this alleviates your companies concerns about Shadow Teck?"

"Yes, though I need to apologize. I believed that Earth Engineering had cut a deal with you and that's how they were able to undercut us so badly. I should have known better, or at least contacted your offices with my concerns. I can't say I'm happy with your deal, but at least it is fair."

"You can contact me any time Madam President, and if I can't answer your questions I'll contact Mr. Nightiger to get you the answers you need."

"Thank you, Mr. Fritz." President McKinley shut down her feed.

"I guess that tells me what you thought of the infantry suits. I thought something was off when the techs reported that the control module was an exact copy of the MAS suits. I never imagined that they'd stolen your program as well. It's a good thing I made sure a few were sent to you."

"What about all the suits currently deployed? I haven't received the numbers yet, but there are likely casualties do to your negligence."

"General, would it surprise you to know that I'm currently sitting in one of the infantry suits and it is fully functional? All you have to do is pay for one of our techs to go out there with a new core to authorize the copy, oh and pay for their time and the copy. Then the Infantry suit will be almost as good as an Enhanced suit."

"Where is the money going to come from for that?" The General demanded.

"I don't much care. If you want my advice, make EE pay for the repairs. After all, they were the ones that sold you defective and stolen goods."

"I suppose that might work." He cut the line.

Zack now filled the only screen. "Thanks you've just tripled my workload."

"I'm sending you a video from the last few minutes of my busted suit. Watch it and then tell me if you want to trade places."

I watched as Zack's eyes seemed to be on the verge of popping out of his head. "I'm almost afraid to ask this, but how did you survive?"

"I activated my jump jets which exploded taking that thing's lower jaw off."

"You're right, you keep the super-sized cyber-dinos and I'll deal with the lawyers and corporate sharks. Now I've got to go. It seems the General has made a decision and is trying to contact me."

"I'll leave you to it then, Prowl-Ar out."

I knelt down, opened the hatch, and crawled out with the memory cores. Suddenly I realized how stupid I'd been as I looked up at the immobile suit.

A giant hand suddenly came down next to me. "Need a hand up?" Kicker asked.

I climbed into his palm and he lifted me up to the hatch of Phantom's suit. "Thanks Kicker, we've got it from here." I yelled, as I stood on the edge. I turned and crawled inside.

"Sorry for making you wait. This'll only take a minute." I hooked in the leads and copied the program.

"Should I be seeing this?" Phantom asked as I keyed in the authorization code.

"Probably not, but I doubt you'll remember it after you get your new flight type suit. There, all done, now this suit should function just like an enhanced suit. If you could give me a lift to Shadow's suit I can get it working. I suggest you move around a bit to get used to being in a fully functional suit.

"Tiger, if Shadow and Phantom are going to be using those suits, I suggest they go with the building team and stand guard as they set up a guard station."

"Yes Commander," both Phantom and I said at the same time.

"I also suggest you start looking at possible pilot candidates to train."

"Yes Sir, right after I get Shadow's suit functioning."

***

I looked out over the 48 faces staring at me and once again doubted my sanity. What was I doing? "I hate making speeches so I'll keep this short. You've been ordered to attend this meeting because out of all the individuals on this base you have the most experience with piloting, power armor, construction suits, or even the old mobile suits. However for one reason or another you were unable to become full pilots. Currently we have six suits without pilots. Five old model suits that the maintenance teams, unbelievably, continue to keep functioning and one Infantry type suit. Getting new suits and parts shouldn't be a problem, however; after the orbital bombardment from our own support ship it is a good bet we won't be getting any new pilots. That's where you come in. For those of you willing to volunteer you'll be trained to pilot the old suits as well as having a chance, if you show promise, to being provided with an upgraded suit. I expect most of you to be here at 1800 tomorrow to begin training. One of you, however has already been assigned to the green Infantry suit. Before any one complains this pilot's first job was working power armor in his father's construction company and then moving up to construction suits. He trained as a pilot and received high marks, however he couldn't afford a suit of his own. Cutter, you’ll be in command of a new team once Shadow and Phantom's new suits arrive. You'll be attending the classes in order to get a feel for the new pilots and eventually chose your teammates. Dismissed."

I wanted to step down off the ammo crate that had served as my stand. But my legs refused to work. So I stood watching as the group mingled and slowly left.

"Sir, I didn't ask for special treatment." Cutter stated.

My legs gave out and I would have collapsed if Kyle hadn't caught me. I was so nervous I'd forgotten that he and Shock were standing to either side of me. I sat down on the crate.

"You're not getting special treatment. If anything being a team commander is more like punishment."

"I have no clue how to pilot an upgraded suit."

Shock laughed. "You've already mastered it with years of practice. All you need to learn is how to belt in and the suit mimics your movements. The training will be for the rest of the volunteers to learn how to pilot the old style suits. Their missions will primarily be base guard duty as well as guarding the teams building the outer fence. Leaving us to do patrols and do the actual fighting in the newer suits."

"Technically speaking you should have been a pilot from the start. According to your file you graduated with top marks and you family could have easily afforded a suit for you." I said.

"'Could have' being the operative words. You see we, and our employees, have military exemption papers due to our many military construction contracts. However, I was young and stupid with dreams of being a hero. So when it came time to buy a suit my father froze all of my accounts and told me if I'd wanted to continue piloting suits I should have stayed in the family business. Fortunately with my experience I wasn't dropped in the infantry divisions. Instead I ended up here in charge of the tree trimming division."

I stood up. "Come on, let's get you acquainted with your new suit.”

With a roar we watched as the Lawless lifted off.

"'She didn't even say goodbye." Shock growled.

"Yeah, that's normal. She doesn’t really do goodbyes. She'll be back in a week or two with another shipment, though." I pointed out.

"I just hope she leaves the drama at home." Kyle muttered.

"I really don't think she can. Why don't you two go scan our rooms for explosives and poisonous animals? Just to be safe."

***

The next day I had 31 volunteers. After the first week I was down to 18. Now, two weeks after the courses had started I still had 17 pilots ready to begin working with the old style suits. I stood in front of them once again. "I must say that I'm surprised so many of you are standing here. We all did our damnedest to make you quit. I guess that means this base once again has more pilots than suits. I can't say that's a bad thing. However, it does mean that most of you will be sharing the old suits in guardian roles. I say most because three of you have been chosen to join existing teams."

I stepped back as Phantom and Shadow stepped forward. "Ensign Ahmed Hassan, you will be joining our team. What is your call sign?" Shadow asked.

"Djinn, Sir."

They looked thoughtful for a moment, "Yeah, that'll work, welcome to the team, Djinn." Shadow said.

"Phantom, Shadow, and Djinn you are dismissed. I suggest you go and get Djinn settled in his new quarters. Cutter, who are your chosen team members?"

"Private Yuichi Sato and Corporal Enrique Vasquez, call signs Hacker and Driver."

"They already have call signs?" I asked.

"Not so much call signs as nick-names. Hacker, is in suit maintenance and spends his free time in the suits finding creative programming work arounds to keep them running. While Driver is the man to call if you need a vehicle to get from point ‘A’ to point ‘B’ as fast as possible."

I nodded. "You three are dismissed. Get yourselves settled in the pilot’s quarters. The rest of you will continue, primarily with your current assignments. You will also be put on a revolving schedule in the suits as soon as Djinn, Hacker, and Driver's suits arrive. Be advised, all of you will be watched to determine who will be the next team leader. Pilots, dismissed."

We, Kicker and Cold Snap decided to follow me, were slowly walking back to the barracks.

"I'm glad that's over. I really didn't think we'd have that many pilots left." Kicker said.

"Sure it good idea telling them we watch for new team leader?"

"It's going to cause a lot of show boating, that's for sure." Kicker pointed out.

"Good, that'll narrow the field. Those that actively try to get noticed rarely make good leaders."

"Hey, I used to be like that." Kicker protested.

"I'm not surprised, but I bet you'd changed a lot by the time the Commander put you in charge of Slider and Go-Lee."

"Well yeah, seeing your team mates killed changes . . . Oh, I get it."

"Dah, I was hot head when start. Quickly learn how bad is in battle. You?"

"I was the opposite. The last one picked or often not picked at all. Everybody knew of me but never really knew me. I used that to my advantage. I've learned how to compartmentalize my feelings. And analyze all actions."

"Like in the mess hall with Shades?" Cold Snap asked.

"She's still alive, if I hadn't been controlling myself she would be dead. From the moment I shifted the whole incident was carefully planned. I knew Shades would confront me and I had to show her that I was serious. If I didn't she would have continued sniping at us until I really did lose it and attack her. She-"

A bright flash filled the sky and we instinctively hit the ground. A second shot flashed.

"Are they shooting at us again? If that's the case their current gunner is cross eyed and near sighted." Kicker yelled.

I stood back up. "They're not firing on us, but it is within a few hundred kilometers."

"All pilots to your suits. Repeat all pilots to your suits." Blared over the loud speakers.

We took off at a dead run. I waved at Fox and Drake as they cut through my hangar on the way to their own suits.

"Pilot's stand down. I have just been informed that an area is being cleared for a small research installation. I repeat stand down. MAS team commanders, please come to the Commander's office immediately."

I arrived at the Commander's office at the same time as Kicker and Cold Snap only to find Shadow and Cutter waiting for us.

"Shadow? I thought Phantom was your team commander." I asked in surprise.

"I thought so too, until he asked me why I was disobeying orders."

"The Commander is ready for you now." The clerk informed us.

I nodded to the Corporal and entered the Commander's office. Violet was inside looking even more anxious than usual.

"It seems the communications black out is over. Unfortunately the only long range antenna we have is on Violet's suit. We received a message to brace ourselves for a nearby orbital barrage. After they started firing, of course. They claim that they are setting up a civilian research base five hundred kilometers to the West just on the edge of the grasslands. I don't believe it for a second. Tiger, I want you to find out what is going on."

"Me, Sir?" I asked in confusion.

"Your transport pilot has been ferrying goods to the location for the last couple of hours."

"She what?” I yelled. “She's currently under contract for this base. Whatever is going on someone with really deep pockets has paid her off."

"Just find out what is going on and if we're going to get our supplies. Cutter and Shadow, please remain here. The rest of you are dismissed."

I immediately headed back to my hangar and my hyper net connection. It might be time to invest in a new smuggler."

***

"Yo Cuz, I'm back with three more suits. Where do you want them?"

"Opposite side of the structure where you put the last group."

The hangars began lowering into position.

"I've got two more hangars marked 'C&C', and 'hospital', and two military supply crates. Where do you want them?"

"Have you noticed the clearing to the North? The hospital goes there. There is a suit team on site to direct the placement. The C&C tower will go on top of the structure we've already started building here. And the supply crates get dropped here in front of the structure."

"What the hell? Hey you get back here!" Shades yelled.

I watched as a hatch opened and an individual jumped out onto the roof of the lowering hangar.

"Damned fool, the doctors told you to avoid doing stupid things like that."

"Forget it Shades. Her commanding officer will deal with her, likely far more harshly than you could."

The hangar hit the ground and the connectors released.

"I'll be back shortly." Shades said, as the Lawless shot upward toward space.

"Open them up." I commanded.

Fox and Kyle ran to the hangars and hit the release buttons. Inside, as expected were three new Infantry suits in white, yellow, and, red.

"Tiger, Fox and I will begin the program install." Kyle said.

"Cold Snap, get Hazard off the roof. Shadow and Phantom, help me move the floors. Djinn, pick a suit. Once Drake or Fox gets it programmed move in to assist. Drone team, stand ready to move the upper floor into place."

Floors four and five were set and we were working on the sixth as the Lawless flew past on her way to place the hospital.

"Let's get this floor set. It won't take her long to place the hospital." I ordered.

Once Shades returned she hovered over the control building. “You want me to what?" She asked in surprise.

"Place the C&C crate on top of the building here. We'd do it ourselves but the suits can't reach that high and the drones can't take the weight."

"And what are you going to be doing while I'm attempting the impossible?"

I waved at her. I was dangling under a drone in front of the Lawless. "Making sure everything fits properly." I signaled and the drone dropped down to the side of the crate and activated the laser targeting system. "Are you getting guidance information now?"

"You moron, you're going to get yourself killed. Yes, I've got guidance. I'm beginning the drop."

"Go as slowly as possible." I gave another signal and the drone pilot moved me around to the longest guide pole. I was surprised he didn't fly me under the crate. Obviously he wanted to keep me alive. "Just a few more inches and hold." The crate had continued down another half foot before the winch stopped. The post was spot on, now for the second. I gave the signal and the drone circled to the opposite corner. This one would be the real problem.

"Start lowering again." I watched as it inched down. "Stop." This time I called out early. As expected the crate continued to descend. It came to a stop barely above the pole. It was off center by about an inch. I swung and planted myself in the gap between the floors. I opened the pole's access panel and manually extended it upward until it touched the bottom of the hangar. I set the pressure valve for full extension and checked the connection again. I carefully put my weight back on the rope and stepped free. The drone immediately brought me down to ground level.

"What the hell were you thinking? Uh, Sir." The pilot asked.

"Take me up to my suit hatch." I ordered.

The drone immediately lifted and headed over to my suit.

"Now what are you doing?" Shades asked.

I closed the hatch and headed over to my hangar. "You're an inch off. I’m going to fix the problem."

"And how do you plan to do that? You've already admitted your suit is too short."

I pulled out my staff and headed back. "I'm going to do what we always do when something doesn't fit, I'm gonna hit it."

Shades started laughing. "You still carry a staff even when piloting a four story mobile suit. You have lost it."

I took careful aim grasping the staff at one end and rammed the other end into the side of the crate with a loud bang followed by a dull thud.

"Damn, I don't believe that worked. Everything shows green and that the main guide poles are in place." Shades announced.

"You can finish lowering it into place." I watched as the crate came to rest adding four more stories to the building. I knelt down and exited my suit. I could hear the automated connections whirring and buzzing as they connected.

"Drone teams, secure the eight wall panels and the roof panel. Radio me when you're ready for them to be released."

I headed inside and started up the stairs. Even though it had only been two weeks the building had a lived in feel. At the fourth floor the difference between the floors really set in with the factory fresh paint and perfectly clean surfaces. At the seventh floor everything changed again as I entered the control tower area.

"Panels one through four secured."

"Panels Five through eight also secured."

I crossed the room the only light was a flashing red indicator over a button. I waited for the final report.

"This is the roof team, the roof is secured."

I pressed the button and the indicator turned blue as the bolts blew and the panels came away. I looked out the two story blast proof windows and waved. I hadn't told anyone what to expect but they looked properly impressed from my angle. The bottom two stories were walls of windows giving the control center a full 360 degree view. The upper half of the crate had the massive long range communications array and a new hyper net transceiver along with one other surprise that would have to wait for a few more components and Cold Snap to do the final adjustments.

"This is really impressive, Major." The Commander said, as he entered the control room.

"Thank you, Sir."

"Impressive indeed."

"If you'll excuse me, Sir, I need to go interrogate a smuggler about a certain civilian facility."

"Yes, of course. Dismissed, Tiger."

I shook my head as I walked out. I hadn't seen the Commander that euphoric since he got his new suit.

"Yo, Tiger,"

I cringed and that. 'Computer adjust game, NPC Shades, will never refer to me as Tiger. Instead she'll use the contraction 'Prowl' resume game."

"Yo, Prowl, I have to say you design some nice toys even if they are just buildings this time."

It was still cringe worthy, but a whole lot better than hearing Drake and Fox's pet name for me in her voice. "So where is my motor pool? Not to mention the three MAS suits I have on order?"

Shades waved her hand as if brushing things away. "Don't worry, you'll get them. However, I'm only required to allocate half my cargo space for your cargo and the other half for my own business. You got two thirds so you should be grateful."

"So what is this civilian project you've got going?"

"Oh, it's nothing to be concerned about."

"Shades, what are you up to? You're down playing-"

"All pilots to your suits, we have incoming. Repeat all pilots to your suits."

"Damn it! I told him to stay away from here." Shades yelled.

I didn't bother with more questions I just descended the stairs as rapidly as possible. The atmospheric shuttle landed next to the Lawless and an older gentleman dressed in retro-safari clothing exited.

"Shades, I'm glad I caught you. That weapons crate you sold me has some great toys, but the sniper rifle has been customized for use with the MAS Sniper upgrade armor. I’m going to need you to-"

I didn't bother to listen to the rest of his nonsense. I turned and headed for the Lawless.

"Prowl, where are you going? I want you to meet Professor Larson."

"Shades, what did you do? Tiger's pissed." Shock yelled.

"I've never felt him this mad before." Kyle added.

"Prowl, it’s just a weapon's crate. Chalk it up as lost in transit and order a new one." Shades yelled as she started running after me with Larson in tow.

"Are you kidding? Do you know how rare that model of sniper rifle is?" Larson asked.

I marched up the Lawless' boarding ramp.

"Hello, Mr. Nightiger, Shades isn't aboard right-"

"Computer override, authorization Tiger Zero Zero."

"Shades must have royally screwed up. You're not going to destroy me are you?" The AI asked.

I sat at the controls and lifted off. "Plot course to Professor Lawson's camp." The course appeared and I boosted the ship to maximum wasting fuel and not caring what Shades might have to say about it. "No, I'm not going to destroy you, this time. However I'm changing your defaults so that you'll remind Shades when transporting for Shadow Tech things don't go missing, no matter how good the profits may be."

I put the ship down in the center of the camp. Just seeing the set up I could tell it wasn't a research station. This was a hunting lodge. The camp consisted of a single hangar, large landing pad made from the shuttle's crate, and a building made from the new hospital design with the barracks level of the hangar crate beside it forming a single structure. Around the perimeter was a fence identical to the one around the base. No wonder Shades had been making so many trips. It also meant that the support ship had provided more than a laser dug trench. The weapons crate was next to the hangar. It had been opened, but only the sniper rifle had been removed. The lock on the rifle's case had been busted open but everything was still in its place.

I entered the hangar and found a red enhanced suit with a giant cat's head mounted on the front and gold wings on the back. I rode the lift up and crawled inside I gagged at the smell. Larson obviously spent hours in the suit without bothering to clean it out. I didn't have much choice. I strapped in, overrode the security, and stepped out to the weapons crate. I was surprised to find that the wings, like the cat's head, were only decorative. I replaced the sniper rifle and then moved the crate under the Lawless. The cargo clamps locked on immediately. I returned the suit and returned to the Lawless' cockpit.

"Shades has been trying to contact you."

"Ignore her." I headed back toward the base passing the shuttle on the way. I lowered the crate at the hospital.

"Slider, your rifle has arrived. The case has been broke into so I need you to check and make sure the rifle hasn't been damaged."

"Tiger, this supply crate only has two weapons. My new baby and Lee's toy."

"Well then, Lee, you can equip it on that makeshift armor but don't go firing it just yet."

"With only a single drum of ammo? You better believe I'm going to wait until it is absolutely necessary. So what should we do with the crate?"

Lee asked.

"Hook it back up and I'll take it back to base. I'm sure maintenance can find a use for it. Even it’s just to patch weld over broken armor." I headed back for the main base. I sat the ship down exactly where I started.

"Rogue, I'm adjusting your programming. For the next year you will inform Shades that you are displeased every time she tries to commit a crime. You will also inform her that she now owes me a sniper rifle case every time she arrives at a port. I've entered all the pertinent data on the case required to settle her debt."

"Command accepted."

I got up and left the ship.

"Tiger! I should charge you with going AWOL, you know that don't you?" The Commander yelled.

"Sorry, Sir. I was just repatriating some stolen equipment."

"I don’t like the Professor, but do you really think a rifle is worth pissing him off?"

"Yes. Leaving aside the fact that he isn't here on some research mission, the rifle in question is a rare highly sought after sniper rifle with custom upgrades that I personally bought for Slider. Let me clarify that, I paid for that sniper rifle with my own funds, not on the Shadow Tech account, as a gift. The other item in the stolen crate was Lee's mini-gun, which I didn't realize would be sent without his new suit, but will make a world of difference the next time we're attacked. To put it in perspective imagine it was your heavy armor that got 'lost in transit'. I'm certain shit is going to fly, but Shades is the one in the firing line."

"Brace yourselves, the shuttle is back." Shock yelled.

"No matter what happens don't shift. Larson is a professional hunter, not a scientist. I don’t want him getting ideas about hunting us. In fact, get to your suits and stand ready."

I was surprised as all the pilots, except myself and the Commander, scrambled to their armor. As the shuttle sat down Drake, Fox, Cold Snap, Hazard, Violet, Shadow, Phantom, Djinn, Cutter, Hacker, and Driver's suits stood at attention. Larson stormed out closely followed by Shades.

"Alright Asshole, where is my property?"

"Are you missing something?" I asked innocently.

"You know damn well what I'm talking about!" he yelled.

"Well, I'm sure we can look around. Do you have a receipt?"

"Hah! I told you he'd say that. I always write up receipts." Shade laughed.

Larson waved a pad at me. I took it, read the receipt and grinned. One weapons crate ID number 1GDHGGC579. Huh, that's easy enough that is over there attached to the Lawless."

Larson immediately headed for the crate.

"You're up to something." Shades said, eyeing me suspiciously.

"I'm always up to something."

"That's not what your fox said." Shades said with a sneer.

There was a distinctive sound of grinding metal as Fox's suit clenched its fist.

"I do believe Fox disagrees with that statement."

Suddenly Larson was right in my face. "The crate is empty. Where are my weapons?"

"What weapons?" I asked.

"My sniper rifle and gatling cannon! You fucking thief!"

"I have no idea. Honestly we only have one of each of those items on this base-"

"Those are mine. You just stole them!"

"I don't know what you're talking about." I pulled my own data pad out of my flight suit. I then pulled up the receipts for both the weapons. "As you can plainly see both of the weapons are fully documented as belonging to individuals on this base. Where as you have a receipt for a shipping crate. The crate is right there attached to the transport that brought it here, so obviously it hasn't been stolen, though I must say you really over paid for an empty crate. Oh, and Shades, you owe me a replacement case for a sniper rifle. It seems the case was damaged in transit. Rogue has all the details, and if you read your contract you are fully liable for any and all missing or damaged items sent out by Shadow Tech. Seeing as the rifle was a personal gift to one of the men under my command I will be requiring a replacement."

Shades glared at the red and orange suits. "Which one was it for?"

"I don't know why you're glaring at Fox and Drake. Oh, you thought it was a member of my team. No, I'm in overall command of mobile operations. My sniper's team is currently on duty elsewhere."

"I don't give a flying fuck what you are I'm pressing charges. You, you're his commanding officer I-"

"You will be getting in your shuttle and leaving my base." The Commander ordered.

"Listen, you can't order me around. I'm a civilian professor here to study-".

"You're an opportunistic intestinal parasite, here to turn this planet into a hunting ground. However, as this is still a Bug infested world it falls under military jurisdiction. So take your crate, waddle back to your little hunting camp, and stay the hell away from my base. If I see you come within standard weapon range of the outer fence I'll consider it an act of aggression and order you shot. If you were looking for military support you really should have set up near the other base." The Commander yelled.

Larson headed for his shuttle. "This isn't the last time you here about this. I have important friends."

The commander actually laughed, a dark frightening sound. "So do I, and luckily for me, they've been assigned to my base."

"You must be talking about Slider, Kicker, and Lee." I said.

He shook his head, "Yeah, I must be, but don't tell them that."

"So Shades, going to stick around for some more dino-burger and trading?" I asked.

"No. I've got a business partner to calm down."

"Look at the bright side, as long as you leave that cargo container you don't have to pay him back."

"Listen, he is my business partner. I've invested a lot into his hunt club and you being an asshole isn't going to help me."

"Would you prefer to break your contract with Shadow Tech and never have to deal with me again? I'm sure I could have a new pilot for Lawless out here within two weeks and the company could work out some sort of payment plan for the replacement of the rifle case. Hell, I'll even fly you over to Larson's camp so you don't have to walk."

"You're an absolute asshole. I'll see you on my next run." Shades stalked up the Lawless' ramp and within minutes she had taken off in the direction of Larson's camp.

I sighed "Everyone, you can stand down. That went better than expected." I yelled. I was stunned as all 11 suits saluted me. I returned the salute and they headed back to their hangars.

"That was impressive. I really do mean it when I say I'm glad you were assigned to my command."

"So am I. Some Commanders can be such hard asses."

"Hah, Shades may have a point about your sarcasm."

"Sir, with you leave, I'd like to go and contact some friends. Larson is likely to kick up a stink about how we are treating his 'research mission'. I'd liked to castrate that ploy by bringing in a professional military research team. Have you ever heard of Badlands?"

"You're telling me you know Badlands and his Exploration Team?"

I laughed, "Of course, Shadow Tech provides over a third of their funding and equipment. Of course they'll likely want to set up here on the base, but they would maintain full autonomy."

"Since we're unlikely to get the troop or tech reinforcements they can set up their auxiliary base in the clearing. If they decide it would be worth their time to come out here."

"Trust me, when Badlands hears there are supersized dinos here it would take the full space fleet to slow him down, but he would still get here."

"What are you waiting for? Go make the call, and that's an order."

"Yes, Sir."

***

 NOTE: Infantry Suits are based on Bandai’s 30 Minute Missions Portanova model kits.