Halo: Predator Lost Ch 11. This is porn but it's not what you think
After Lunch Winter went to the machine shops in the base. The modular construction technology was a heavily evolved version of Three-dimensional printing technology and various forms of machining. The end result was the capacity to build nearly anything in very short order.
Even so, making new hardware to replace existing ones still took a lot of time. Then there was the retraining aspect. In terms of logistics in a war of attrition simpler is better but in this case. The UNSC wasn't just simple it was downright stupid, incompetent, and woefully lacking in imagination. Sure their Admiral Cole was a tactical genius in space warfare and their armies had shown they can easily match and even beat the Covenant on the ground given their flexibility.
But whoever wrote their book on war was a pussy. Thus the time was nearing to prove a point. The humans may salivate at the prospect of new technology which could give them an edge and yet they haven't even bothered to look into their own history and discover they had the technology the whole time. They merely lack the proper will to use it.
While their nuclear production is unknown the lack of using tactical nukes on worlds to wipe out large enemy formations has been absent. The sheer lack of mines, traps and other instruments has been heavily lacking even without nukes. Then comes the biggest issue of all, which has been utterly confusing and has been plaguing Winters's mind for days.
How in the living Paya does a krifing 8gauge shotgun only have a range of five meters? It wasn't the barrel type, ammo was fine, the powder was also fine. Nothing seemed to explain just why something which defied basic physics was operating the way it did and it was pissing him off.
So the first thing he did was build a ported barrel with a full choke. Seeing as how the magazine was on top the holes were drilled at a 45degree angle to clear the tube and pump handle. each port was angled thirty degrees toward the shooter to better offset the recoil. Finally, the powder was swapped out in favor of a faster burning type. The increase was only by ten percent to not cause overpressure and blow up the weapon.
First was the full choke barrel. Surprisingly this actually fixed much of the issue but not quite. Then it finally clicked, upon closer inspection of the shell's internal components, it was the wad. Some idiot had designed it without the cup and only the cap that separated the powder from the projectiles.
After inspecting the other M45s the barrels had been pitted from the loose balls, which gradually decreased accuracy and range. Punching in the needed data for the propper wading. The next series of 00 and 0000 buckshot was now hitting the target at 45 meters. with a standard cylinder bore.
Once that was done a hundred shells were being produced to provide examples for tomorrow. The next one though was a Frag 8 fin-stabilized slug. Based on the old Frag 12 but thanks to the UNSCs advances in explosives these new slugs should detonate up to three meters.
Next came the MA5 series of rifles. while relying on the guns sensors for targeting data is effective the lack of any ability to put on sights or scopes is one of many drawbacks. In fact, the large size of the weapon only makes it slightly smaller than its 21st-century counterparts in the AR-10 models, depending on the barrel length. Though even at a total length of 41.5inchs or 37 collapsed it makes the weapon longer than both the assault rifle and battle rifle, but still shorter than the DMR.
Thankfully, the power difference is minimal despite the barrel reduction and should still take the same number of rounds to drop a shielded target. The advantage is reloading speed as it is much easier to insert a new mag and hit the bolt release than it is with bullpup weapons. Not to mention the added benefit of packing other devices more easily on the weapon.
Looking at the time it was easily 03:00 in the morning and the subspace test would be in a few hours. So after storing all the equipment and just before he could leave, a woman was at the entrance. She wore a white lab coat and a black shirt and pants but unlike Sarah, this woman had a very distinct demeanor that Winter couldn't quite read.
"Hello, I'm Doctor Emily I came here to ask if you are willing to do some tests later but then I got so enraptured by what you were doing I decided to watch instead. Rarely do I see such passion in one's work, so deep that time becomes meaningless" Biting her lip, Winter couldn't help but see and smell arousal from the female.
Clicking and tilting his head this female was acting very strange.
Finally, after a minute of daydreaming, she came back to her senses."None of the tests are invasive I assure you well except for one and I'm sure you'll agree that with just the two of you, blood is going to be a problem should you fight in this war. As such it would be a good idea to build up a blood bank no?" The accent of the female was light and sounded almost like one from Germany.
Winter was very wary about this but nodded anyway.
"Good, we'll begin after tomorrow's tests and demonstrations" She walked off leaving Winter confused and on edge.
Still making it to his room he called it a night.
A few hours later the next day.
The freighter had moved into position about one lightyear in the nearby star system but before this was done the needed frequencies were inputted along with backups in case the first two didn't work. If no contact could be received after one hour then the freighter was to head back for calibration.
The time was near and everyone was to bear witness to seeing if this would work. The system was supposedly capable of audio and visual both would be used to ensure full functionality.
Inside the base, the subspace system had been linked with all radio antennas that had been reinforced. Thus, Colonel Stein was in the main com room, which monitored all communications and would be the focal point for this test. The Predators were both monitoring the systems out in the corner and out of the way with Sarah and Mike seated in front of a pair of consoles that would activate or receive the signal.
"All systems are green, the subspace generator is operating within design limits." Sarah then turned to the Colonel "Sir permission to contact the freighter Arco?"
At that moment the room went silent, the Colonel had been assured this would work, hence why the design was so large and so surprisingly simple. The plan was that Algolis would make the first contact within five minutes of the time window. After five minutes the remaining frequencies would be used. Still should this work, it could mean many things but for now, the time had come.
"Open a channel both visual and audio Specialist".
"Yes sir". Activating the com system Sarah spoke. " Arco this Algolis command do you read, I repeat this is Algolis command do you read?"
Seconds or minutes passed no one could tell as it felt as though the air had gone still as everyone waited with bated breath. Too bad the one thing they forgot to check was the sound system.
" Algolis command we read you loud and clear!" In an instant chairs were knocked over, and those who didn't have earbuds in had their hands on their ears. Sadly those that still did have them were in greater pain and practically jumped out of their skins.
Even Winter and Scythe were affected as they were disoriented but only for a short moment still, Scythe reacted before another word could be said and dialed down the volume.
On the Arco, Kowalski was cringing right now and checked the audio volume as well.
Shaking his head Colonel Stein despite the brief pain was now smiling and gave a legit chuckle. " Well I'll be darned it works, Arco can you send us the survey of everything you can see with your scopes through this thing?"
Kowalski turned his head at some technician and within three minutes the data which showed the Arco's position was indeed downloaded into the base computer. The data showed they were near a gas giant with red rings of asteroids circling it.
The data taking longer was foreseen but right now this was truly incredible. Looking at the two predators Stein could practically kiss them " You two just made millions of credits overnight. Arco you are cleared to take the devices you do have to Reach for further development, I imagine you'll be quite busy setting up the relays needed to increase the transfer speed of data"
"Yes sir, helm lay in a course for Reach, this the Arco, out" Cutting off the connection everyone now shook hands and roared in celebration
Scythe and Winter left while everyone was in the galls of a job well done.
"I've run the calculations thanks to the declassified navigation data and suffice to say at the oomans current speed it would take over a year to reach Yeager one and over three to make it to Yautja prime. That is one way and the stasis units ooman ships use aren't big enough for us. I've also looked into their slipspace drive and as is typical with every form of FTL engine. One screw up and you're atomized.
Anyway did you run into an albino-looking scientist by the name of Emily?" Scythe asked as they walked through corridors on their way to the range, where Winter will give a presentation of various faulty weapons.
Winters skin crawled with that, the woman and her data file showed zip as clearance levels weren't high enough. "I'll be meeting her after we are done here."
Reaching the range there was a surprisingly large number of people present, many of whom had the ONI symbol on their uniforms. The range had also been modified to include armor examples of both human and covenant along with associated weaponry along with targets made of Titanium plates further down.
"Greetings before we get started with your presentation we'd like for you to inspect and try out these Covenant weapons and see how they compare. The armor our soldier's use can take a handful of hits before turning into slag but it varies" Said an Agent that had no name on his uniform
Scythe and Winter inspected the weapons. The first thing to note was the horrible ergonomics of the weapons, clearly, they weren't designed with five fingers in mind. Picking up what was supposed to be a plasma rifle Winter more or less aimed it downrange and fired a burst. "hmm" He clicked. The rate of fire was good but the power cell when finished made the weapon useless, the overheating system was normal but the firepower was something to be desired.
Scythe likewise picked up a plasma carbine which could be reloaded. again the weapon was able to turn the armor into slag after a few shots.
"Well, what do you think?" Smiled a large man who'd been studying these weapons for some time now
Winter wasn't impressed, unholstering his one plasma pistol which looked more akin to a grenade launcher. He aimed it downrange and fired once.
The group watching went slack-jawed. The massive ball of plasma vaporized a three-foot hole right through the Titanium plate in one shot. Winter wasn't finished since actions spoke louder than words.
He grabbed a weapon designated M5A1. This weapon was made the other day in order to fix many issues with the current weapons in service. The first major difference was the lack of anything forward of the trigger. Instead, a quad Picatinny rail system was now fixed on the weapon with an advanced optical sight and grenade launcher. The weapon also incorporated a better mag release and bolt hold-open system yet still compatible with mainline UNSC magazines.
Combined with an improved flash suppressor the weapon upon Winters squeeze of the trigger sent rounds into the target making nice white dents in a tight grouping. Demonstrating the weapons greatly improved accuracy.
Next was Winter's personal favorite the improved M90 shotgun. Once again more people were floored at how the weapon was now reliably hitting the targets thirty meters away. Until Winter tossed a new shell at one of them which showed a bright silver-looking projectile inside. Then an explosion is heard as Winter fires five of these little devils into the targets.
Under his mask, Winter was grinning as much as he could in it. Still just to show off an additional five shells were added, holding the trigger, Winter slam fired all five shells in three seconds. While not part of the original design, Winter added it to this one as a specially made M90 shotgun. This new and improved masterpiece of destruction is one he was keeping. Since unknown to the ONI he had discreetly used their technology and his knowledge to create the first-ever plasma repeating shotgun.
Building a new matrix was relatively easy as the UNSC had all the needed elements and materials to make it. As such as soon as the safety is held for three seconds the weapon transforms into a makeshift plasma caster. Heck even as it sits the plasma packs used for the burner would work too. He was now salivating at what this will do to living targets.
Meanwhile, everyone in the room including Scythe was staring at Winter strangely as he caressed the weapon in a fashion one would normally do when making love to a woman.
Scythe had heard many rumors regarding Winters exploits but now it was clear why he had never mated. One rumor had it that sending in Winter to destroy an outbreak was the equivalent of sending a cruiser. Which he demonstrated when he did just that but now it was clear, Winter had the same propensity for destruction as his father Striker. In short, weapons were his passion, and battle zones were his element.
"eh em, would you like to be alone or do we need to leave the room before you get frisky" Stated commander Mitchel
Broken out of his thoughts and putting the M90 on his back, Winter then using his wrist device submitted the needed changes in the arsenal to everyone in the room. While he would normally do more. A data ping noted it was time to meet Dr. Emily in the medical lab.
Walking through the corridors Scythe had to say something.
"Do you think me stupid Winter, I saw those modifications you made, how much sleep have you've been getting?" Asked Scythe with a somewhat concerned click.
"Plenty, while you've been reading and cutting up the shuttle, I've been doing what I do best improvise, adapt, and should the situation show it, kill. That said I took the energy sword they showed, I'm thinking of taking its technology and build something far more usable. You're more proficient at close combat. So I'll see what I can do when there is time." Winter could already think of a few designs.
Before Scythe could answer back they had reached their destination. Opening the door the color of the room was as white as a snow. In the center stood the woman who could almost blend in with it with her skin tone alone.
"Good, your here. now if you please I need you to strip down to nothing. normally we'd put you into a medical gown but we don't have any in your size. Now then let us begin." She said with a straight face.
Stripping down to nothing the Predators had long since gotten used to this. However, the smell of arousal once again permeated the air. and the source was the ooman. They were one of the ugliest species known and yet this insane specimen of an ooman was getting aroused?
First was the MRI, then an ultrasound, followed by the scans from other devices the predators had never seen before. After that two liters of blood were taken from each of them. This was followed up by running on a treadmill at best speed, weight, stamina, dexterity, and jumping tests were all conducted.
During these tests, Emily noticed the difference. The one named Winter was taking these physical tests like nothing, while Scythe showed some strain but barely enough to notice. Speed, reflexes were also very high but what really stood out was their bones. The bone density they had was greater than that of the composites grafted into the Spartan IIs, fascinating.
Such a thing will make her job far easier but a sample of their bones will be needed. Not sure they are going to like that but oh well.
The final and by far the most painful test was a bone sample. For this Winter almost roared as a tiny amount was harvested from his thigh. Scythe did better, as the pain wasn't much at all.
"Okay then, that is everything, do be back here to donate blood as soon as you've regenerated your supply. Oh and Winter it is good to see we have more in common than just our work ethic" Biting her lip again and eyeing him up and down.
Scythe didn't understand until he actually looked closer at his friend. Sure enough, Winter was true to his name as he was very pale, not quite as deathly white as the ooman but still.
Not liking the idea of being stared at like a piece of delicious meat Winter moved to his armor and clothes. Putting them on at a speed that even Wolf would be proud of he got out of there as quickly as he can Scythe following soon after internally chuckling at Winters discomfort.
Once all the data and samples were compiled Dr. Emily smiled.
This chapter was longer than others on account of eleven being my favorite number.
As for the M45 and M90 shotguns which are basically the same shotgun with different magazines.
I tried my darndest to find a legit reason why the shot pattern in-game was so pathetic. To be frank the wadding aspect was the best I could come up with but in reality, the weapon would never have such a short-range period. Thus I must now rant.
Outside of the Battlefield franchise. Every single game has this stupid idea that Shotguns are point-blank weapons only. While one can claim game balance the most logical explanation is the idiots developing the game didn't bother to buy a shotgun and go to the range. Well, that and the Hollywood fallacy.
Now as for the power difference between the predator plasma tech and covenant weapons the answer is simple. Predator's plasma casters have a slow rate of fire but have demonstrated just how powerful they are on several occasions. By contrast, Covenant weapons have a much higher rate of fire but lack destructive force.
Thanks to halo odst, we know even basic armor the infantry wear can stand up to a few hits from Covenant weapons.
Also thanks to Robert C. for mentioning the adaptability of UNSC AIs. That said since Algolis is a small colony, I imagine Reach is where everything goes for further development. Oh, and Type three AIs like Cortana didn't show up until later in the war. So type II AIs are what's being used at this point.
Now as for slam fire, for those of you who don't know what a Browning 1897 shotgun is. Slam fire is when you hold the trigger and every time you slam the pump handle forward it will fire off a shell. This allows for a very high rate of fire but is not the most accurate.
Also, I must apologize for the odd use of both metric and imperial styles. Since I've come to use and understand both so much they are starting to get blurred a bit.
Now then Review, I demand you review, you will give me knowledge and in return, I'll give you credit.
Thanks to all who read this.