“Careful Oh-Eight, we don’t know what that thing is capable of.” Lia reminds me as I pick up the oddly shaped rifle, inspecting it. It looks like Vex tech, that’s for sure. Curved in odd ways, yet oddly comfortable to hold, and unlike other Vex weaponry, it seems like a human can use it like any other weapon. The weapon is colored an odd shade of yellow, with a scope that, from the front, is a bright, neon red, like the eye of a machine peering into my soul. That is, if an Exo like me even has one.
“Don’t call me Oh-Eight.” I remind her. “Anyways, it seems safe to me.” I get up, slinging the rifle over my shoulder. “Think I should have Banshee check it out? He’d probably know a lot more about this rifle than any of us.” I look around at the rest of the raiding party, examining their spoils of war and rejoicing at our victory. None of the others besides Lia seems to notice my shiny new toy. Understandable, considering everybody is a bit overwhelmed by the happiness of our victory. We did just take down the Vault of Glass, after all. After a bit more celebration, and after giving the Warlocks a bit of time to study the room, ending up just as confused as they were with any other section of the place.
We transmat out, heading to the tower to have a full celebration. When we land, we’re greeted by a group of fellow Guardians, decorations up and ready for the party. It’s a fun time; no place hosts a party quite like the Tower, after all, though I get the feeling a few people, particularly Shaxx and Arcite, aren’t too thrilled to see party streamers and confetti all over their work stations. Still, the party goes on long into the night, ending at around four AM. With the crowds finally dispersed, and the Tower a lot quieter, I head over to Banshee, setting the odd rifle down on the counter in front of him.
“Found it in the Vault.” I casually explain to the fellow Exo, whose expression goes from tired and bored to confused and intrigued. He picks it up, examining it for a minute or two, occasionally making a “hmm” noise to himself.
“Now this is an odd one.” Banshee begins, and by the glint in his eyes, I can tell he’s about to go into a deep explanation of the gun. “It’s Vex tech, yet it’s more of a Fusion Rifle than any of their weaponry. Now mind you…” He looks up at me, before back down to the gun. “I use the term ‘Fusion Rifle’ very, very lightly. Unlike most Fusion Rifles…” He picks up the gun, aims at a wall, and pulls the trigger, sending a flash of light at the wall, creating a scorching hole. “There’s no charge time, see? But it only fires one bolt. But if I hold down the trigger…” He does so, shooting a few blasts into the same wall. “It fires them in short succession, one after the other.”
“So how does it work?” I ask, thoroughly interested in this gun. This could be incredibly effective in melting down some enemies, after all.
“I have no idea.” The Gunsmith answers blankly. After a long pause, I respond.
“What?” I ask, and the Gunsmith repeats what he just said. “No idea? None at all?” I ask, just to make sure I’m hearing him correctly. He shakes his head in response. “How do you not know anything about it? Your job is smithing guns!” I remind him.
“I know that, I know that.” He tells me, clearly a bit ashamed at his lack of knowledge on this issue. “Hand me a Handcannon and I can tell you the caliber of the bullets in an instant. Show me a Shotgun and I’ll tell you just how bad it kicks before you even fire it for the first time. But this?” He shakes his head. “This is not my field of expertise. What this is, is a Vex gun that we can use. Ikora would likely know more, but…” He doesn’t finish.
“But what? What is it?” I ask Banshee, tilting my head in curiosity.
“Well, Vex or not, it’s a fine weapon in every aspect. And knowing Ikora, she’ll likely confiscate it. Would be a shame to let it go to waste, right Guardian?” He asks.
I chuckle in response. “Yep, sure would.” I say, giving a knowing smile. “Well, thanks for the inspection.” I take the gun and hoist it over my shoulder, enjoying how it weighs just right for me.
“Are you kidding me? This is the least bored I’ve been all month. If you find anything else like it, lemme take a look, okay?” He asks, with me giving a confirmatory nod as my answer. I walk away from the Gunsmith. Despite it being the dead of night, I feel like going out hunting, and what better a time to use my new trophy?
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Nice story