[ Southern Mid-Childa / September 22, 0078 11:58 ]

The outside of a small civilian Device shop didn't look like any shady business. Teana knew better.

The inside of it was a cluttered affair, lined with glass stands and colorful Devices of all kinds and forms. The owner, an overweight man in his forties, stood behind the counter. He tensed upon seeing her uniform but his assistant, working on the stand to her left, just gave her a glance and turned away.

"How may I help you, young lady?" The owner asked with a pleasant smile, as Teana walked over to him.

"Captain Teana Lanster of the Battalion 386. Mr. Zerpan, I have a few questions about your business."

"My business is perfectly legal, Ma'am," Zerpan tensed even more. "And I am not required to answer any questions about it without a court order."

"Oh, I am sure the court won't mind me questioning you—once they learn about your little mass weapon side venture…" Teana didn't have time for subtlety.

Zerpan's eyes widened as he thought of a reply. His assistant paused for a second, too.

Without turning, Teana raised Cross Mirage in her left hand and fired. A blast of orange light smashed the assistant into the stand he was working on, showering him with glass. The staff-shaped Storage Device he tried aiming at her cluttered harmlessly across the floor.

Zerpan tried reaching under the counter but she didn't give him a chance. The other Cross Mirage gun was pointed straight at his forehead.

"This gun is loaded with a mass bullet that you have sold," Teana hissed, her eyes narrowing, "and that someone has used to kill my friend. Right now, all I want to do is to return it safely to you… or to the killer. It's your choice."

Sweat ran down his face, grey with fear. He threw another quick glance down. Teana's finger tightened on the trigger.

"Go ahead. Make my day."