The part was called M/AM-FINN  and according to the display, it had an 
infinite amount of ammo because it drew it’s ammo from the very fabric of 
space.  The weapon takes in huge amounts of anti-matter, witch makes up over 
98% of the universe, and directs it to a single point.  When enough of the 
anti-matter is compressed into one point, the weapon brings the anti-matter 
into the material universe, and as soon as any atom of material touches the 
anti-matter, it causes a powerful explosion as the anti-matter suddenly 
converts to matter.  The anti matter converts to whatever matter touches it 
and causes the explosion.  If the weapon goes off inside an ACs armor, the 
explosion will destroy the AC completely, but there will also be a lot of 
extra metal debris from the converted anti-matter.  Well that’s how I 
explained the technical mumbo-jumbo to Trish anyway, it was a little over her 
head.  

    “Jeez.  How did you dodge this thing?  There is no way to know where the 
explosion will happen.”  “You know, I don’t know.  I have been wondering that 
myself.  Sometimes during a mission, I dodge things that I didn’t even know 
were coming, or I shoot at an empty spot for no reason, only to find that 
once my shot reaches that spot, an enemy has moved there.  So far I have just 
chalked it up to pure dumb luck, but lately, I don’t know.”  “What are you 
telling me you’re psychic?”  She was laughing now.  “I’m thinking of a number 
between four and six.”  “Five.”  She was almost falling over now in laughter. 
 “No I don’t think I’m psychic.  But I think that something weird is going 
on.”  “Well, if it keeps you alive, I guess it can’t be bad right?”  “Yeah, I 
guess.  I just wish I knew what was going on.”  “I’m sure you will find out 
sooner or later, for now let’s just have some fun.”  

    We walked away from the FINN part and walked over to the hand held 
weapons.  Trish was looking at a new sniper rifle the Mirage seemed to be 
proud of.  It was called MWG-RF/SRF/200.  It was half again as heavy as it’s 
predecessor but the extra weight was worth the advances.  The attack power 
was increased by 50% and the range by 20%.  The weapon now held 200 rounds 
and could switch from sniper mode with a fire rate of 40, to rapid fire mode, 
where the weapon could be shot at fire rate of 12.  All in all, it was a very 
well designed weapon and the price was reduced, for the show, from 120,000 
credits, to 85,500 credits.  “You know Kur.  If I buy those legs over there, 
I could have the load capacity to use this gun.  What do you think?”  “Well, 
I don’t know.  Those legs seemed to have kind of a high energy drain didn’t 
they?”  “All lightweight bipeds have a high energy drain.  Actually, the 
drain on those legs would be less than the ones I have equipped now.”  “Well 
in that case, I’d say to try them out in the arena and see if they work as 
well in reality as on paper.”  “I think I will.”  Trish lead us to the booth 
at the front of the Mirage display area and began talking to the display 
manager about a test drive of the legs and rifle parts.  “Sure, I can let you 
try them out.  All I need is for you to lead my mechanics to your AC and we 
will have the parts attached.  Of course, if you decide not to purchase the 
parts, you will be charged a 1,000 credit service fee to have your old parts 
put back on.”  “Ok, that’s fine.”  We began walking back towards the hall 
leading to the arena where all of the Ravens parked their ACs.  “I’m sorry 
sir.  As a security precaution we can only allow one person to come with us.  
You will have to wait for your friend here.  Thank you.”  

    Well, that gave me some time to check out a few more parts.  I walked 
back to the weapons section of the Mirage display and found a large area 
covered in energy weapons and plasma blades.  As I wondered around, I found 
some very powerful back mounted units, capable of a great deal of damage.  
Some of them were even stronger than the LIC-10 my AC originally had mounted 
on it when I found it.  Eventually though I made it to the display with the 
KARASAWAs.  There were several different models of the worlds most famous 
weapon.  There were 5 versions of the SAWA before the one I had, the oldest 
one being over 120 years old.  It wasn’t even a plasma weapon, it shot 
lasers, probably why people still call the SAWA a laser rifle.  But my 
attention was drawn to the newest version as soon as I saw it sitting there 
on it’s display rack.  It was a thing of beauty.  It was a bolder design than 
mine, kind of a retro look to the older SAWAs.  But it was definitely a much 
better design overall.  It was a little lighter, not so much lighter that it 
was amazing, but a lighter KARASAWA is always good.  And along with the 5% 
weight reduction, came a 25% power increase, and a 50% increase in ammo.  I 
had to have this weapon.  It was so much better than the one I had that I 
felt old from just owning it.  The price of the new one was reduced because 
of the show, but it was still 120,000 credits.  But it is worth it.

    I made a mental note not to leave here without that weapon and moved off 
to the plasma blade section.  I found several very good blades for sale and 
was ecstatic to see a MOONLIGHT sitting there on sale for a mere 25,000 
credits.  I was going to buy it right then and there, but I decided to check 
out the new types of blades they had first.  There was a new blade that also 
has a shield generator on it so you could have the best of both words I 
guess.  There was also a blade that had a limited ammo machine gun built in.  
And also a new version of the blade I have, but almost as strong as a 
MOONLIGHT.  It weighed the same but the strength was almost doubled.  I kept 
looking but never found a new version of the MOONLIGHT blade anywhere.  So 
finally I stopped looking and started to read more about some of the other 
new blades I skipped by while searching.  One of them caught my eye a little. 
 It’s name was MLB-STARLIGHT.  I was surprised to find out as I read on, that 
it was the replacement to the MOONLIGHT blade and that the MOONLIGHT would be 
discontinued indefinitely.  I was shocked.  The blade every Raven wanted to 
have was never going to be seen again.  

    I continued reading about the new blade and soon forgot about the 
MOONLIGHT.  The STARLIGHTs damage rating was 3,100 and it’s range rating was 
10.  This thing was a serious piece of work.  The problem was that it weighed 
more than a MOONLIGHT but just barely.  It also looked more pleasing to the 
eye.  For all it’s power, I always thought that the MOONLIGHT was an ugly 
weapon.  But the STARLIGHT was much more stream lined with smoother edges, 
but it didn’t loose that tough-as-hell look either.  The STARLIGHT, unlike 
almost every other product in the show room, was not on sale however, and it 
cost a lot more that I was willing to pay for a MOONLIGHT.  It’s a good thing 
this isn’t a MOONLIGHT though because I am going to spend the 75,000 credits 
to buy it.  

    By the time I was done looking at the STARLIGHT, Trish was back with me 
and talking about the parts she wanted.  “They are attaching the legs right 
now.  It shouldn’t take them more than a half hour.  Until then though, did 
you find anything you might buy?”  “As a matter of fact I did.  A new 
KARASAWA and a new blade called the STARLIGHT.”  I told Trish all about the 
parts and she agreed they were good purchases, especially for my type of AC.  

    We continued walking around looking at different parts until we heard 
Trish’s name called over the intercom in the show room.  We made our way back 
to the arena and found Trish’s AC with the new sniper rifle and legs attached 
to it.  She climbed inside and I made my way to the spectators area.  Trish 
was directed to go to a different level of the arena because this level was 
serving as a parking garage at the moment.  She boosted up and a door on the 
ceiling opened and let her fly up to the sand covered desert arena above.  
Some worthless old MTs that were operated by remote control walked out onto 
the field and were quickly taken out from over 1,500 yards away by Trish and 
her new sniper rifle.  Then five more of the MTs came out of some doors right 
behind her and she spun quickly on her new legs and began firing in rapid 
fire mode, quickly destroying all five of the moving targets.  Not a one of 
them ever had a chance.  Trish began to run and boost around, testing out the 
new legs under her core.  She jumped high into the air and actually did a 
back flip.  Only my AC and the most maneuverable of lightweights are capable 
of flips without boosting, so I am pretty sure Trish was happy with her new 
legs.

    After her test was over, I waited for Trish to meet me back at the break 
room for some lunch.  It was only 10:45 but we had both been up for more than 
seven hours and we were both hungry.  I was sitting at the table when 
Stephanie walked up behind me and tapped me on the shoulder.  I turned and 
saw her standing there with a big bruise across her face and a swollen nose.  
“You better get out of here.  Trish will be here any minute and she won’t 
think twice about finishing breaking your nose.”  “Well, thanks for the 
warning, but I can handle myself.  She just caught me off guard last time.  
Anyway, I was just wondering if you are interested in those parts now?”  
“Sorry Stephanie.  I might have worked for you but after what happened today, 
I don’t think I should.”  “What?  You are going to pass up an opportunity 
like this, just so you can screw some slut?”  I stood up and looked down at 
her with obvious anger across my face.  “You watch what you say about her, 
you hear me?  I don’t want, nor do I need your opportunities.  I can make my 
own damn money and buy my own parts.  If you want a Raven to work for you I 
suggest you go find somebody else because I’m not doing it.”  

    Stephanie started to look a little worried now and took a step backwards. 
 Her face suddenly changed and she reached her hand out and ran it up my 
chest to my neck.  “Well since you don’t want my companies parts... maybe you 
want mine?”  She stepped closer and pressed herself against me.  I backed 
away from her and grabbed her by the wrist.  “If you ever touch me again I’ll 
break your arm.”  I quickly turned around and sat back down at my table.  
Partly to hide the effect she had on me with her suggestiveness and partly to 
wait for Trish.  Stephanie was very angry now and I could see tears forming 
in her eyes.  I looked away because I can’t stand to see women cry, it makes 
me want to help them, and helping Stephanie was the last thing I wanted to 
do.  Stephanie wiped her eyes and walked quickly out of the break room.  I 
almost felt sorry for her.  She was so used to getting her way, and getting 
everything she ever wanted, but now here I am and I’m not giving in to her.  
It must be driving her crazy.  Oh well, she’s a bitch and deserves it.

    Shortly after Stephanie left, Trish walked in and I could see the 
excitement in her face.  “I did it!  I bought the legs and the rifle!  Did 
you see me?  Those parts are so much better than my old ones that it’s not 
even funny.  That sniper rifle was so much better than I thought it would 
be.”  She gave me a big hug and continued talking on and on about her new 
purchase.  I wasn’t really paying much attention anymore because I could see 
Stephanie watching us from the door way to the show room.  She was definitely 
crying now and her face was twisted in anger and hatred.  We never really got 
alone well, but I am positive that I have made a powerful enemy today.

    Once Trish was done talking about her new part, I told her about the new 
KARASAWA and the STARLIGHT that I was planning to buy.  “You know, I am going 
to still have that old blade of mine.  It’s about the same weight as yours 
but a little stronger, you can have it if you want.”  “Really?  You’d give me 
a part?  For free?”  “Yeah, it’s yours if you want it.  I won’t be needing it 
anymore.”  “Wow, thanks Kur... You aren’t just trying to get in my pants are 
you?”  Well I wasn’t expecting that at all.  “Um, no, well... I was just...”  
A huge smile broke out across her face and she started to laugh.  “I was 
kidding Kur, don’t worry about it.  Ya goof.”  She gave me another huge as I 
sighed in relief and then we both walked back out into the show room.  We 
walked around some of the other corporations displays and found a couple of 
interesting new parts, but nothing worth mentioning.  

    We finally made it to the ancient parts museum at the back of the show 
room.  There were some very old ACs all over the place.  There was even one 
of the two first ACs ever built.  It didn’t have interchangeable parts and 
looked like a metal person actually.  There were two 200 mm cannons attached 
to the shoulders, a large titanium/kevlar shield in the left hand, and a 60 
mm machine gun in it’s right hand.  The most amazing thing was that although 
the AC was nearly 400 years old, it still worked perfectly.  It was the 
second AC ever commissioned, and it’s first mission was to destroy the first 
AC ever made.  The AC was incredibly slow compared to today’s standards, and 
couldn’t fly or even run.  It could walk at a nice pace but if it needed to 
move quickly, it had to kneel and ride on the giant tires on it’s knees and 
ankles that were powered by huge diesel engines.  It was first used by the 
old United States government, but then the earth government took over a few 
decades later and used the AC as a weapon to persuade the last remaining 
nations to join the earth government.  Shortly after that it was stolen by a 
rebel group and used to assassinate the president of earth.  The AC was 
captured and shipped to Mars where it was studied and then mass produced with 
interchangeable parts, and thus the evolution of today’s modern AC.  The AC 
was only rediscovered inside of an old satellite in orbit around Mars.  

    “Wow, it’s hard to believe that all of this came from that dinky little 
robot.  Imagine being the Raven of that thing and knowing that what you were 
doing would change the course of human history.  Amazing”  Trish had a point 
there.  If it wasn’t for that old AC, the earth government might have failed, 
the corporation might not have existed, and who knows what life would be like 
now.  Every person living in a city knows that being killed by an AC battle 
is a pretty common way to die.  It is just accepted as a fact of life.  What 
if the ACs didn’t exist?  Would we just be piloting some other giant weapon 
for the corporations?  Or would there actually be the world peace that the 
earth government promised us?  Ah, the past is the past, we just have to do 
our best to make the future better.

    We continued walking through the exhibit and found a few of the old solid 
weapons like huge steel swords, and maces.  There were a couple of morning 
stars and halberds, pikes and other pole arms, and even a big club.  There 
were old pictures and movies of ancient AC battles all over the place and it 
was some of the slowest action I had ever seen.  We read about the ancient 
generators the early ACs used and were amazed that a diesel generator could 
produce enough power to run an AC.  After the diesel generators there were 
the ACs that were charged up and ran on batteries for a quieter stealth like 
performance, and then finally, almost 150 years later, they made the first 
nuclear powered generators.  The early types would explode and leak radiation 
whenever they were damaged and the Ravens of the day were considered to be 
crazy suicidal types.  Some times the generators would just up and explode on 
their own from the bouncing of the AC running or jumping.  Eventually they 
created the more powerful, safer generators of today.

    The day was passing very quickly and the show was going to close in an 
hour or so.  We quickly walked back to the Mirage display and I paid for the 
new KARASAWA and STARLIGHT parts that I wanted.  They were put in a single 
crate and shipped to my AC in the arena.  By the time we made our way back to 
the arena/parking lot, there were two crates next to our ACs.  There was a 
smaller crate near mine and a larger one near Trish’s, holding her old legs 
and rifle inside.  We climbed into our respective ACs and activated them.  I 
grabbed my crate in my ACs left hand and waited for Trish.  “Um Kur?  My AC 
can’t lift my crate.  It’s too heavy.”  Great.  “You think it can carry MT 
crate?  I’ll carry yours.”  “I don’t know, let me try.”  I set my crate back 
down and Trish walked over and tried to pick it up.  “I can lift it but I 
can’t walk with it.  I guess that’s what I get for being a lightweight pilot 
huh?”  Shit.  What were we going to do now?  “Ok ok I got an idea.  Set the 
crate down and hold on.”  I walked over and picked my crate back up in my 
left hand and attacked my old KARASAWA to the clip on the thigh and picked up 
Trish’s larger crate in my right arm.  The weight wasn’t too bad for my AC 
but I wouldn’t be able to boost very well.  “Ok Trish, get behind me and grab 
my AC by the arms, we are both going to carry these things at the same time.  
Trish did what I said and we had a pretty easy time of lifting our selves out 
of the arena and out into the city.  

    We made it to Trish’s house without much incident, well some incident.  
Trish’s hand slipped off my arms and I almost dropped our crates but we 
managed to get ourselves straitened out.  I put Trish’s crate in her garage 
and we got out of our ACs to say goodnight.  “Well, I guess I’ll see you 
later Kur.”  “Maybe tomorrow?  I am probably going to be at the Cortex all 
day.”  “Maybe but I think I might be busy all day, I have another mission 
tomorrow and it might be a long one.  But hey, if I get back early, I’ll look 
for you ok?”  “You know, I might take a mission tomorrow too, I could always 
use some more money.  Well anyway.  Good night Trish.”  I leaned in and to my 
surprise she kissed me full on the mouth and with some tongue.  It was the 
first time we kissed like this and I sure as hell wasn’t going to be the one 
who broke it up.  Eventually though we did stop kissing and Trish smiled and 
walked into her house.  I turned and walked back to my AC parked in the 
street and found a group of kids gathered around the feet.

    As I walked closer one of the older kids, maybe 12 or 13, picked up a 
rock and threw it at my ACs head.  It fell short and bounced off the core, 
falling back to the ground near the kid who threw it.  “Hey!  You break it, 
you buy it kid!”  They all turned and looked at me.  “Is this thing yours 
mister?”  “Yes it is.  What do ya think?”  I was being nice to them just 
because I remember how fascinated I was with ACs when I was their age.  “It 
sure is big.  It’s gotta be slow.  What rank are you?”  “Well first of all, 
you would be surprised how fast it can move, and second, I haven’t joined the 
arena yet.”  One of the other kids looked at the child who asked the 
questions and socked him in the arm.  “I told you he wasn’t an arena Raven.  
I know the name of every Raven in the arena and their ranks.  All 365 of 
them.  And I know that I have never seen this guy before.”  “You know the 
rank of every Raven huh?”  “Yep.  Go on, test me.”  “Ok I will.  Who has the 
highest ranked heavyweight AC?”  “That’s easy, his name is Cooper Frank, he 
has a big biped kinda like yours and he is ranked A-8.”  I had no idea if he 
was right or not but I just nodded my head in agreement.  “Pretty good, well 
hey, it was nice talkin to you kids but I got to get going.”  “Hey mister, 
are you coming back here anytime?”  “Sure, I happen to be good friends with 
the lady who lives in that house.”  They all started laughing when I pointed 
to Trish’s house and then started walking away.  “You mean you’re friends 
with old lady Schoviak?  Jeez man, she’s like 90 or something.”  Before I 
could tell them I was friends with Trish and not her mother, they all ran 
down the street and into a house.  I climbed back up into my AC and flew back 
to the Cortex garage.

to be continued