"No, I can't think negatively like that. Stay positive. Stay in loot-mode, Jetty. We can do this." Cooling his head and composing himself, Jet walks further down the hall, Aicaya closely behind him. He notices two small signs on the wall at the end: FIRING RANGE and EXPERIMENTAL ETHEREALS, the first sign pointing to the left and the second pointing to the right. "Now that sounds like it could be interesting." Turning his head, Jet notices a small metal door closely set into the wall which hadn't even been visible from the entrance. Stretching out his hand towards it seems to trigger some sort of automatic reaction as the door lights up a bright blue and slides apart to reveal a small circular room, aesthetically similar to the hall outside. With excitement rising, tension mounting, and blood pounding in his ears, Jet steps through and looks around at the unexpectedly bright room. Six pedestals spread out in a hexagonal formation are the only things in the room. The surface of each pedestal is covered with a large black box, roughly three by five feet long. Every pedestal has a small touchscreen display in front of it, and all the screens dimly glow with symbols of some kind. As Jet moves closer to the nearest one, he peers at the lit-up symbol- a drop of water. I wonder if... He places his hand on the display. It lights up brighter, and he removes his hand as text flashes across the screen. ETHEREAL AFFILIATION ANALYZED / MATCH CONFIRMED / RELEASING LOCK. With a hiss of steam, the lid of the box unlocks and slowly rises. "Wha- what'd you do?" Aicaya asks. "Just touched it is all. I think the symbols on the screen are like, your innate ether attribute or something to that effect. Going by what it's saying," he adds, looking closely at the text, "I'd say you can only open a box if your attribute matches up to it." Reaching inside and giddy with anticipation, Jet puts his hands into the box and feels around for whatever's inside. His fingers close against what feels like another, smaller box inside the depths of the first. "...I swear to god, if this is some kind of sick, twisted Babushka doll and not real loot, I am going to murder somebody." As he pulls out the case, though, hope sparks once again in Jet's heart. The case is roughly four feet long, one foot wide, and half a foot tall. Closing the first box and placing the case on the lid, he finds several snap-open locks lining the lid and promptly flips all of them into the "open" position. Fully opening the case, Jet feels a little like crying with joy. "♥♥♥♥. Actual loot. I... actually, what even is this?" Slightly confused by the weapon, he picks it up by the "handle." It's shaped almost like a sword, with a "blade" roughly three feet long and a hilt at the bottom, yet the blade isn't a solid chunk of metal as one would expect. Instead, the center of the sword is actually open space, about 2 centimeters in width, surrounded by two solid pieces of metal each about 2 centimeters in width. The left and right pieces are sharpened outwardly, as would be expected of a double-sided blade, yet they only appear to join at the very tip. In fact, as Jet looks closer, he realizes that only the edges really join, making a sort of "ring" at the tip of the sword- the actual point is also open space. As he turns it, he realizes that the two blades are actually four separate blades- a small space, roughly half a centimeter in width at the "inner" section of the sword and nearly invisible at the edges, splits the left and right halves of the sword. "Alright, seriously, that looks cool and all, but it also looks flimsy as ♥♥♥♥. How is this worth all of the bull♥♥♥♥ I went through to get it?" Inadvertently answering his own question, Jet glances down into the case and sees a small paper pamphlet on the bottom. Curious, he picks it up and flips it open to see design sketches of the sword and complex mechanical diagrams. Even to his relatively untrained eye, he can tell there's actually quite a bit of technology in the sword. He turns over one more page and comes to a section with some sort of general info on the thing:

• Prototype Codename: Deep Blue
• Ethereal Affiliation: Water
• Difficulty of Use: Moderate
• Functions: "The highly durable metal blades are nearly unbreakable, and practically speaking, normal wear and tear will have a negligible effect on their durability. The main feature of this prototype is the capability for a compatible-type user to concentrate ether into the weapon and efficiently create highly-pressured water beams from the center of the blade. Said beams can be emitted from the hollow spaces on the pseudoedges of the blade to use for wide, short-range cuts, and also from the hollow point of the blade, for narrow, long-range use. Contains a standard Ether Management Module to both maximize user output efficiency as well as automatically prevent overexertion of ethereal abilities."
• Additional Developer Notes: "This is basically a more feasible, and perhaps potentially more effective, version of the proverbial lightsaber. If we could get Sentience Grade AIs approved for use in the Mechanized Combat Squad project (the higher-ups are concerned about the use of any advanced AI in prototypes- they deem it wasteful) then this would be a highly effective weapon for the Guardian."

"...so I have a water lightsaber. Alright, that's pretty kickass, then." Jet slings the sheathed sword over his shoulder and pulls the carrying strap until it fits snugly and securely. "Guess my little plasma torch is back to being a tool instead of a pretend lightsaber, too," he decides, updating his mental inventory.
=============================================
Appearance: 6'1", short cut dark blue hair, brown eyes, medium build.
===Equipment===
Primary Weapon: K12 "Ripper" Carbine [0|170] // Underslung Shotgun [1|10]
---A state of the art carbine rifle, designed to fire normal, AP, or hollowpoint rounds as the situation demands. Moderate to long range, with a 3x scope that can be used as needed. For close quarters combat, it comes with an underslung shotgun, firing flechette rounds.
Secondary Weapon: DefCore MGL [1 HE|2 HE/4 FL/6 SM]
---The DefCore MGL (Multiple Grenade Launcher) is the next generation design of the tried and tested revolver style grenade launcher. Capable of firing six grenades without reloading, it allows for the elimination of multiple hostile personnel groups with minimal effort. Additionally, it can accommodate various different grenades types, allowing for a mixed load-out for maximum effectiveness.
Tertiary Weapon: Deep Blue
---A sword-like etherweapon made up of four extremely strong blades arranged in such a way that the center, point, and edges have hollow openings to emit strong beams of ethereally-created water. Contains an Ether Management Module, which optimizes ether use and prevents overexertion.
Armor: Utataku Robot Helmet (+2 to head protection)
---The hollowed shell of an Utataku ALHPA-1 Security Bot. Well-fitting and very protective.
===Inventory===
-Plasma Torch "Sword"
---A converted plasma cutter that projects a 3' long concentrated plasma "sword" when activated. Can cut through almost anything, given enough time.
-Ether Shard
---Used to contact the Agent
===Ether===
Passive Abilities
-Sociopath (+1 to actions that involve inflicting extreme pain)
-Endorphin Rush (+1 to injuries that would give a -1)
-Charming (+1 to persuasion)
Techniques
-Vapor Lance (Water, Single. Forms an extremely high pressured lance of water.)
-Torrent Cutter (Water, Directional. Forms an extremely sharp beam of water.)
Conditions

John walks out of the facility's atrium and moves towards the outside gate, sees Jackson waiting by the Proteus, and walks over. "Hey." "Yo. Yer not gettin' loot like everyone else?" "Eh, I don't think there's much worth getting. Decided to just come shoot the ♥♥♥♥ with you." "...to what?" "Uh, you know. Make small talk." "...son, that ain't a common phrase by any stretch of the word. I've been through half the galaxy and never heard it. Anyways... you sure you checked everywhere? Never know what you might miss if ya get too impatient. Not like I'm goin' anywhere yet."
=============================================
Appearance: Goatee.
===Equipment===
Primary Weapon: Utatku Experimental Anti-Material Rifle (UXAMR) [7|40]
---High-caliber bullpup rifle. Features a variable zoom scope with optional thermal imaging. Lightweight and easy to control.
Primary Weapon: Barrett TK101 [3|19]
---Based superficially on an old 21st century Anti-Material Rifle, this version has a cut down barrel combined with many improvements in general tech, with the result being an agile, short-to-medium range high-power rifle.
Secondary Weapon: Utataku Experimental Personal Defense Weapon (UXPDW) [50|150]
---Experimental PDW. Lightweight, with a fully symmetrical design, and a high-capacity magazine, this PDW is similar to the FN P90 in design, but with a lower recoil and more dependable operation.
Secondary Weapon: Quasi BF-14 [12|60]
---A basic fully automatic, small caliber repeater.
Tertiary Weapon: Fluted Knife (Accelerates using Air)
---6 inch combat knife designed so that Air can be pushed into it, causing it to vent out the back and speed up.
===Inventory===
-Ether Shard
---Used to contact the Agent
-Pack of Gum (4 pieces)
-Multitool
-Medkit (Bandages, morphine syringes, gauze pads, anti-septic cleanser, tweezers, scalpel)
===Ether===
Passive Abilities
-Wind at my Back (+1 to Air Techniques)
--Wind in my Veins (Able to shape and control generated Air at will)
-Gum Nom Nom (Chewing gum calms John down and reduces pain for five turns)
Techniques
-Kamaitachi (Air, Single. Launches a scything blade of air at a target.)
--Daikamaitachi (Air, Directional. A wider and stronger variant capable of slicing through reinforced metal with ease.)
-Rasenshuriken (Air, Area. Launches a condensed ball of rapidly rotating wind that explodes on contact, creating a sphere of effect where anything inside is slashed to pieces by razor winds.)
Conditions
Buckshot Wound (Chest, extracted + bandaged; vulnerable, taking damage here will deal extra harm)
Buckshot Wound (Right leg, extracted + bandaged; vulnerable, taking damage here will deal extra harm)

Aicaya painstakingly checks each of the alcoves to make sure that there are no usable weapons when she notices Jet walking towards the end of the hallway, his attention caught by something. She follows suit as he comes to a wall and looks at two signs, quite small and almost invisible from the beginning of the hall. Jet then turns right, and Aicaya notices a small door not too far away- also invisible from the beginning of the hall. He stretches out his hand and seems to trigger an automatic response as the door slides open and the room within lights up. She steps through after him and takes a look around. Six pedestals spread out in a hexagonal formation are the only things in the room. The surface of each pedestal is covered with a large black box, roughly three by five feet long. Every pedestal has a small touchscreen display in front of it, and all the screens dimly glow with symbols of some kind. As Jet moves closer to the nearest one, he places his hand on the display. It lights up brighter, and he removes his hand as text flashes across the screen. With a hiss of steam, the lid of the box unlocks and slowly rises. "Wha- what'd you do?" Aicaya asks. "Just touched it is all. I think the symbols on the screen are like, your innate ether attribute or something to that effect. Going by what it's saying," he adds, looking closely at the text, "I'd say you can only open a box if your attribute matches up to it." Aicaya takes a look around and sees a box with something similar to a rock on the display. "Hm. Ah, what the hell." She places her palm on the screen and, sure enough, it flashes brightly as the text ETHEREAL AFFILIATION ANALYZED / MATCH CONFIRMED / RELEASING LOCK flits across the screen. Just like the box Jet opened, the lid in front of Aicaya rises with a release of steam that initially obscures the object inside. After the vapor clears a little, she looks closely into the box and picks up the unwieldy weapon within. It resembles a small minigun with six barrels, a box at the back, and an overhand grip and trigger, yet there's no obvious source of ammunition- no belts, no boxes, no bullets inside the cas. A little confused, Aicaya then notices a sort of pamphlet at the bottom of the box and picks it up. The first two pages contain sketches and blueprints of the gun's design, while the next few pages contain some general information on the weapon:

• Prototype Codename: Meteor Shower
• Ethereal Affiliation: Earth/Metal
• Difficulty of Use: Moderate-High
• Functions: "Based on the design of a standard six-barrel 7.62mm minigun, this etherweapon functions by using the wielder's ether to rapidly create small projectiles and then fire them using a combination of magnetic acceleration and ethereal propulsion. The high velocity of the rounds causes them to shatter and create small explosions upon impact. While these explosions are not great enough to deal splash damage to surrounding targets, they function much like highly strengthened hollow-point rounds and are extremely effective against organic targets. Due to the user both creating and aiding in the firing of ammunition, several standard firearm components, such as a magazine, loader, and shell ejection system, are not necessary to utilize the weapon. This results in lowered weight, higher efficiency, and a non-existent failure rate in real-world trials. Contains a standard Ether Management Module to optimize usage and prevent overexertion, as well as an integrated power source with a minimum lifetime of one century."
• Additional Developer Notes: "Although this weapon theoretically has infinite ammo, it's important to note that the Ether Management Module essentially creates an 'overheating' restriction: after too much sustained fire and too substantial a drain on the user's ether pool, it will automatically lock down for approximately two seconds, which is a signal to the user that they've strained their ether usage. The wielder can keep firing as soon as the lock is lifted, but this is recommended only in emergency life-or-death situations. A side note: If we could get Sentience Grade AIs approved for use in the Mechanized Combat Squad project (the higher-ups are concerned about the use of any advanced AI in prototypes- they deem it wasteful) then this would be a highly effective weapon for the Brute."

A smile slowly spreads on Aicaya's face as she finishes reading the specifications of the weapon. "Oh baby, you and mama are gonna get along juuust fine. Nothing like a wall of bullets to back up some cannon fire. Hm, don't know if I'll need that MGL any more," she realizes. "I've got all the explosive firepower I want in the PUSHKA, and this'll be great for short to mid range stuff. Well, I guess I'll hang on to it for a little, at least until I can sell it," she decides, updating her mental inventory.
=============================================
Appearance: Shoulder-length black hair, green eyes, muscular build.
===Equipment===
Primary Weapon: PUSHKA Artillery Cannon [1 AB|9 HE/8 FG/3 AP/11 AB]
---High power long range cannon.
Secondary Weapon: Meteor Shower
---A minigun-like etherweapon that rapidly fires projectiles generated by the user's ether. Contains a standard Ether Management Module, which optimizes ether use and prevents overexertion. In an emergency, it can be fired indefinitely, although this poses potential dangers to the user's health.
Tertiary Weapon: CERBERUS Pile Bunker [1|16]
---Mounted on the back of the left forearm.
Armor: HIBISCUS Heavy Powered Combat Armour (+1 to all defense; +1 to strength)
---Powered armor that is highly durable and offers a great deal of all-around protection. Also increases user strength. Somewhat cumbersome.
===Inventory===
-9 High Explosive shells
-8 Fragmentation shells
-4 Armor Piercing shells
-12 “Hellfire” Airburst shells
-Utataku Experimental Multiple Grenade Launcher (UXMGL) [4 HE|0]
---The grenade launcher used by the Utataku Support squad-bot. Made of steel, it is hefty, durable, and has almost negligible recoil. Uses 40mm grenades. Can fire high-explosive, fragmentation, incendiary, flashbang, and smoke grenades.
-Ether Shard
---Used to contact the Agent
===Ether===
Passive Abilities
-Target Prediction (+1 to shooting at long range targets)
-Grounded (+1 to defense if stationary)
-Durable (Can carry an increased load)
Techniques
-Terra Spike (Earth, Single. Launches a rock spike at the target.)
-Terra Shatter (Earth, Directional. Launches a rock spike that then fragments into hundreds of small, razor-sharp rocks, which spread like buckshot. Effective over a wide area.)
Conditions

D scans the room, but it doesn't seem like anything inside is wieldable. He sees Jet and Aicaya walk to the end of the hallway and move right, apparently into a different room. Could there be something down there?
=============================================
Appearance: 6' dull grey humanoid skeletal cyborg with a red mono-eye.
===Equipment===
Primary Weapon: Custom ZIGER Rotary Autocannon [110|0] (FOLDED)
Secondary Weapon: Utataku Experimental Personal Defense Weapon (UXPDW) (Right/Left) [50/35|300]
---Experimental PDWs. Lightweight, with a fully symmetrical design, and a high-capacity magazine, these PDWs are similar to the FN P90 in design, but with a lower recoil and more dependable operation.
Tertiary Weapon: Bladed Shield (Right)
===Inventory===
-D-Series Armor Shell (Equipped)
---Heavy armor designed around the D-Series cyborg bodies, made from strong plasteel, they provide strong frontal protection compared to the armor's other parts. Doesn't restrict movement. Has five convenient compartments for storing things. Has Twin Lens-Based Lasers on the palms as a close to medium range weapon and Nano Blade Claw Fingers as a last resort close-quarters weapon.
-Monkey Wrench
---A heavy monkey wrench was one of the first things D-EYE5 found, he's fascinated by its use as a bludgeoning tool and adjustable size.
-Cherry Bombs [20]
---Harmless explosives made for children to play with. Not for human consumption.
-Rotten Sandwich
---Unlucky custodian's uneaten lunch, salami, Swiss cheese, with everything, used to be delicious. A little squishy.
-Bladed Shield
---An oblong plate made of refined titanium; one side has a very sharp, curved blade
-Ether Shard
---Used to contact the Agent
-Raw Metal Chunks
---Sliced up bits of Utataku Robot Armor. Can be used to manufacture ZIGER ammo.
===Ether===
Passive Abilities
Innate Targeting (+1 to ranged attacks)
-Plasteel Chassis (+1 to Defense)
-Nanobot Blood (Auto-repairs damage over time; takes longer to repair more extensive damage)
Techniques
-Psycho Mode (Lightning, Self. Overcharge self for increased reaction speed at the significant cost of accuracy of all attacks.)
Conditions

"Well, fine then." Mike looks around to see if there are any maintenance or supply closets or offices nearby, but the rooms are all simple 'arenas' and don't contain any utility supplies. "Guh. I wonder what's in that R&D wing that everyone else went off to. Maybe they've found something interesting by now. Hope there's some loot left for me."
=============================================
Appearance: 5'9"
===Equipment===
Primary Weapon: Jackson [3|39]
---A heavily modified semi-automatic rifle, derivative of the twentieth century M14. It has a significantly shorter barrel, a forward mounted grip, heavy metal plating, and several gruesome looking blades, enhancing its durability for and usefulness in close quarters combat. It's been re-chambered for the heavier rounds usually found in precision rifles.
Secondary Weapon: I-2 Custom [20|10]
---An older variant of the current standard issue ISC sidearm, it fires the same low velocity ammunition of the new handguns. Fitted with a lighter polymer slide and a shaved down grip, it sacrifices balance and accuracy to make it one of the lightest weapons produced.
Secondary Weapon: Utataku Experimental Recoilless Automatic Pistol (UXRAP) [20|50]
---A .45 caliber pistol using an experimental design, coupling a shock-absorbing frame, enlarged muzzle brake, ported barrel, and heavy grip to dramatically reduce recoil, leading to high accuracy even when using fully automatic fire. A high-capacity magazine and full-auto fire make this gun absolutely devastating at close to mid range.
Tertiary Weapon: Bayonet blades on Jackson
===Inventory===
-Backpack (Closed with zippers 'n ♥♥♥♥, so fairly inaccessible. Quite durable, and fireproof)
-- Toolbox (Various low-tech tools, wrenches, screwdrivers, wire-cutters etc)
-- Flashlight (With spare batteries)
-- 5 Rations
-- Combat Knife
-- Lighter
-Ether Shard
---Used to contact the Agent
===Ether===
Passive Abilities
-Improvise (+1 to creating and using improvised weapons in combat)
Techniques
-Surge (Lightning, Self. Improves muscle reaction and strength in the legs to vastly increase running speed and stamina.)
Conditions
Buckshot Wound (Abdomen, extracted + bandaged; vulnerable, taking damage here will deal extra harm)

"Hey." says John as he walks over. "Yo. Yer not gettin' loot like everyone else?" "Eh, I don't think there's much worth getting. Decided to just come shoot the ♥♥♥♥ with you." "...to what?" "Uh, you know. Make small talk." "...son, that ain't a common phrase by any stretch of the word. I've been through half the galaxy and never heard it. Anyways... you sure you checked everywhere? Never know what you might miss if ya get too impatient. Not like I'm goin' anywhere yet."
=============================================
Appearance: White skin, dirty blonde hair, orange eyes, roughly 6', medium build.
===Equipment===
Primary Weapon: JS-319 Shredder [30|0]
---This battle rifle made by Jirachi Systems has plenty of stopping power and accuracy, making it a reliable weapon at long range, but its full-auto fire selection means it's a monster at close range, too.
Secondary Weapon: JS-44 Rhino [3|17]
---A hefty .44 caliber revolver, the Rhino packs an enormous punch and is highly accurate even at long range. It uses special concussive cartridges that explode on contact to combine heavy penetrating power with the high damage of fragmentation.
Tertiary Weapon: Shredder Bayonet
===Inventory===
-M88 Grenades [4]
-Flashlight
-Ether Shard
---Used to contact the Agent
===Ether===
Passive Abilities
-Gunslinger (+1 to reflexes and reaction speed)
Conditions

"Aww, ♥♥♥♥ yeah. Me likey." Excited to test out his new toy, Jet eagerly hurries out of the R&D section, barely noticing Mike, D, and John as he passes them, and moves into the close-quarters arena and spots a battered group of combat bot "corpses." He slashes across a bot's chassis edge-on, slicing cleanly through with almost no resistance. "Whoa." Jet hadn't really even thought of using water ether in the attack, yet it's clear that he did- seems that the Ether Management Module makes ether usage much more natural, almost second nature. What's more, he didn't even feel the strain of the ether, so it clearly does a hell of a job optimizing usage.
=============================================
Appearance: 6'1", short cut dark blue hair, brown eyes, medium build.
===Equipment===
Primary Weapon: K12 "Ripper" Carbine [0|170] // Underslung Shotgun [1|10]
---A state of the art carbine rifle, designed to fire normal, AP, or hollowpoint rounds as the situation demands. Moderate to long range, with a 3x scope that can be used as needed. For close quarters combat, it comes with an underslung shotgun, firing flechette rounds.
Secondary Weapon: DefCore MGL [1 HE|2 HE/4 FL/6 SM]
---The DefCore MGL (Multiple Grenade Launcher) is the next generation design of the tried and tested revolver style grenade launcher. Capable of firing six grenades without reloading, it allows for the elimination of multiple hostile personnel groups with minimal effort. Additionally, it can accommodate various different grenades types, allowing for a mixed load-out for maximum effectiveness.
Tertiary Weapon: Deep Blue
---A sword-like etherweapon made up of four extremely strong blades arranged in such a way that the center, point, and edges have hollow openings to emit strong beams of ethereally-created water. Contains an Ether Management Module, which optimizes ether use and prevents overexertion.
Armor: Utataku Robot Helmet (+2 to head protection)
---The hollowed shell of an Utataku ALHPA-1 Security Bot. Well-fitting and very protective.
===Inventory===
-Plasma Torch "Sword"
---A converted plasma cutter that projects a 3' long concentrated plasma "sword" when activated. Can cut through almost anything, given enough time.
-Ether Shard
---Used to contact the Agent
===Ether===
Passive Abilities
-Sociopath (+1 to actions that involve inflicting extreme pain)
-Endorphin Rush (+1 to injuries that would give a -1)
-Charming (+1 to persuasion)
Techniques
-Vapor Lance (Water, Single. Forms an extremely high pressured lance of water.)
-Torrent Cutter (Water, Directional. Forms an extremely sharp beam of water.)
Conditions

"Check out the other half, then. Be right back, my treasure sense is tingling." Deciding to take Jackson's advice and check on the loot situation, John scurries back into the facility and heads towards the weapons room. As he nears the door, Jet walks out and passes him in a hurry, and then John hears a rapid series of small explosions followed by a muffled shout of ecstatic joy, causing him to quicken his pace and peer down the hallway. He catches a glimpse of Mike and D taking a turn near the end of the hallway- a hidden passage or room? Driven forward by curiosity, John half-runs into the room and sees Mike and D standing in the center of a ring formed by six pedestals. Each pedestal has a black case on top of it, two of which are already opened, and each pedestal has touchscreen scanner in front of it. Three of the touchscreens have lightning bolt symbols displayed, while the fourth has a symbol of a tornado on it. Walking forward and instinctively placing his hand against the air element scanner, John feels his pulse quicken as the screen brightens and text begins to flash across the screen: ETHEREAL AFFILIATION ANALYZED / MATCH CONFIRMED / RELEASING LOCK. The box on top of the pedestal hisses as the lid latches pop open and steam pours out. Gingerly pushing the lid all the way up, John peers inside to find a strange little "gun" nestled within the contents of the case. The body seems to be a sort of glowing tube with greenish light emanating from it, surrounded by steel rods both containing and connecting the tube to the handle. The trigger is located on a standard pistol grip, but there's an additional horizontal grip on the left side of the gun. There's a sort of barrel coming out a short distance from the tube at the other end of the gun, but arguably the most interesting feature are three "prongs" positioned around the barrel, separated by equal intervals of 120 degrees. As John Freeman picks up the weapon, he feels a strange sense come over him- a sort of calm or inner peace, as if it had been meant for him to find this weapon. I feel like the tube should be orange, though. Not sure why. Looking back into the box, he now sees a small pamphlet on the bottom. Delegating the gun to his left hand and picking up the pamphlet with his right, John flicks it open and flips past a few complex-looking technical diagrams until he comes to a page with some general info on the weapon:

• Prototype Codename: Vortex Driver
• Ethereal Affiliation: Air
• Difficulty of Use: High
• Functions: "Originally designed for utility purposes, the Vortex Driver utilizes air ether for two separate functions. The first is as a sort of wind cannon, concentrating air into a tightly pressured line resulting in massive force. At close range, the destructive power of the gun from even negligible amounts of ether is enough to cause a healthy human's internal organs to implode, and it can easily do the same to an ordinary combat robot. The second function of the Vortex Driver is essentially a supercharged vacuum capable of suctioning most objects with ease. The prongs at the end of the weapon can create a vacuum sphere that will 'hold' small objects and prevent contact with the weapon. Naturally, the weapon is capable of combining these two functions- ie, suctioning a projectile such as a piece of debris or even a piece of ordinance and then launching it at high velocity via the pressured air stream. Variable ether strength lends the weapon a high degree of versatility: it can be used almost indefinitely for handling small tasks such as moving debris and can be used for a moderate duration in combat. Some early tests have shown that users with a high enough degree of ether control, and a high amount of ether, can easily lift extremely heavy objects and fling them across the room. While the destructive potential of this weapon is vast, it is somewhat limited by the heavy strain caused by exerting such great forces. Contains a standard Ether Management Module to both maximize user output efficiency as well as automatically prevent overexertion of ethereal abilities."
• Additional Developer Notes: "Quite an interesting creation. No doubt, it has a lot of potential and could be used to wreak havoc against almost any infantry unit or small vehicle, but it is somewhat difficult to use given the unorthodox nature of the weapon and the heavy strain on ether caused by high usage of the weapon."

"...I was literally speechless with joy for a moment there."
=============================================
Appearance: Goatee.
===Equipment===
Held: Vortex Driver
---A high-powered etherweapon that can concentrate air into highly pressured beams or use it to suction objects. Contains an Ether Management Module, which optimizes ether use and prevents overexertion.
Primary Weapon: Utatku Experimental Anti-Material Rifle (UXAMR) [7|40]
---High-caliber bullpup rifle. Features a variable zoom scope with optional thermal imaging. Lightweight and easy to control.
Primary Weapon: Barrett TK101 [3|19]
---Based superficially on an old 21st century Anti-Material Rifle, this version has a cut down barrel combined with many improvements in general tech, with the result being an agile, short-to-medium range high-power rifle.
Secondary Weapon: Utataku Experimental Personal Defense Weapon (UXPDW) [50|150]
---Experimental PDW. Lightweight, with a fully symmetrical design, and a high-capacity magazine, this PDW is similar to the FN P90 in design, but with a lower recoil and more dependable operation.
Secondary Weapon: Quasi BF-14 [12|60]
---A basic fully automatic, small caliber repeater.
Tertiary Weapon: Fluted Knife (Accelerates using Air)
---6 inch combat knife designed so that Air can be pushed into it, causing it to vent out the back and speed up.
===Inventory===
-Ether Shard
---Used to contact the Agent
-Pack of Gum (4 pieces)
-Multitool
-Medkit (Bandages, morphine syringes, gauze pads, anti-septic cleanser, tweezers, scalpel)
===Ether===
Passive Abilities
-Wind at my Back (+1 to Air Techniques)
--Wind in my Veins (Able to shape and control generated Air at will)
-Gum Nom Nom (Chewing gum calms John down and reduces pain for five turns)
Techniques
-Kamaitachi (Air, Single. Launches a scything blade of air at a target.)
--Daikamaitachi (Air, Directional. A wider and stronger variant capable of slicing through reinforced metal with ease.)
-Rasenshuriken (Air, Area. Launches a condensed ball of rapidly rotating wind that explodes on contact, creating a sphere of effect where anything inside is slashed to pieces by razor winds.)
Conditions
Buckshot Wound (Chest, extracted + bandaged; vulnerable, taking damage here will deal extra harm)
Buckshot Wound (Right leg, extracted + bandaged; vulnerable, taking damage here will deal extra harm)

Aicaya looks at the four unopened cases. Three of the screens have a lightning bolt symbol on them while the fourth has a tornado. Deciding to test her new weapon, she walks across the hall and into the firing range to find a quite standard-looking firing range- minus the scale. It's as wide as the hall and the range extends to 100 meters. There aren't any visible targets, but as she steps forward, targets start popping up all over the range: humanoid targets as close as five meters away, snipers hidden near the back of the range, soldiers taking cover by the sides. "Hm. Alright, let's try this little puppy out." Hefting it up to waist-level, Aicaya pulls the trigger and feels a little tingle as the Ether Management Module does its thing- she doesn't even have to really think about it. The barrels begin to rapidly rotate, and a second later, projectiles are flying downrange at an enormous rate of fire. Six barrels firing at maximum potential causes quite a bit of recoil, but luckily, Aicaya's HIBISCUS lets her control it with ease- without it, her bones would probably be rattling from the shaking. While the gun itself makes surprisingly little noise, given that there's no ballistic propellant, the rounds do indeed explode on contact- small explosions, granted, but with 50 of them a second, it sounds and looks like a hellish firecracker going off. "WHOO! MAMA LOVES THIS TOY!" Aicaya shouts with joy as she lets the gun whir down. After about 10 seconds of constant fire, the targets are riddled with holes and some are simply blown to pieces. "GodDAMN that is a fine weapon."
=============================================
Appearance: Shoulder-length black hair, green eyes, muscular build.
===Equipment===
Primary Weapon: PUSHKA Artillery Cannon [1 AB|9 HE/8 FG/3 AP/11 AB]
---High power long range cannon.
Secondary Weapon: Meteor Shower
---A minigun-like etherweapon that rapidly fires projectiles generated by the user's ether. Contains a standard Ether Management Module, which optimizes ether use and prevents overexertion. In an emergency, it can be fired indefinitely, although this poses potential dangers to the user's health.
Tertiary Weapon: CERBERUS Pile Bunker [1|16]
---Mounted on the back of the left forearm.
Armor: HIBISCUS Heavy Powered Combat Armour (+1 to all defense; +1 to strength)
---Powered armor that is highly durable and offers a great deal of all-around protection. Also increases user strength. Somewhat cumbersome.
===Inventory===
-9 High Explosive shells
-8 Fragmentation shells
-4 Armor Piercing shells
-12 “Hellfire” Airburst shells
-Utataku Experimental Multiple Grenade Launcher (UXMGL) [4 HE|0]
---The grenade launcher used by the Utataku Support squad-bot. Made of steel, it is hefty, durable, and has almost negligible recoil. Uses 40mm grenades. Can fire high-explosive, fragmentation, incendiary, flashbang, and smoke grenades.
-Ether Shard
---Used to contact the Agent
===Ether===
Passive Abilities
-Target Prediction (+1 to shooting at long range targets)
-Grounded (+1 to defense if stationary)
-Durable (Can carry an increased load)
Techniques
-Terra Spike (Earth, Single. Launches a rock spike at the target.)
-Terra Shatter (Earth, Directional. Launches a rock spike that then fragments into hundreds of small, razor-sharp rocks, which spread like buckshot. Effective over a wide area.)
Conditions

D starts walking towards the room Jet and Aicaya had gone into after they both exit, and Mike shows up right behind him. As he enters the room, he notices six pedestals arranged in a circle around the room, each with a touchscreen on the front and holding a case on the top. Two of the six cases have already been opened. Looking at the remaining touchscreens, he sees a lightning bolt symbol on three of them and a tornado symbol on the fourth. Perhaps they are divided by elemental affiliation? John walks in and confidently strides to the only touchscreen with a tornado on it, places his hand on the screen, and causes the case to open. He takes a strange-looking gun out of the case, then reaches in and picks up a kind of pamphlet. After flipping through it and looking at the gun, he doesn't move or speak for a few seconds, then says, "I was literally speechless with joy for a moment there."
=============================================
Appearance: 6' dull grey humanoid skeletal cyborg with a red mono-eye.
===Equipment===
Primary Weapon: Custom ZIGER Rotary Autocannon [110|0] (FOLDED)
Secondary Weapon: Utataku Experimental Personal Defense Weapon (UXPDW) (Right/Left) [50/35|300]
---Experimental PDWs. Lightweight, with a fully symmetrical design, and a high-capacity magazine, these PDWs are similar to the FN P90 in design, but with a lower recoil and more dependable operation.
Tertiary Weapon: Bladed Shield (Right)
===Inventory===
-D-Series Armor Shell (Equipped)
---Heavy armor designed around the D-Series cyborg bodies, made from strong plasteel, they provide strong frontal protection compared to the armor's other parts. Doesn't restrict movement. Has five convenient compartments for storing things. Has Twin Lens-Based Lasers on the palms as a close to medium range weapon and Nano Blade Claw Fingers as a last resort close-quarters weapon.
-Monkey Wrench
---A heavy monkey wrench was one of the first things D-EYE5 found, he's fascinated by its use as a bludgeoning tool and adjustable size.
-Cherry Bombs [20]
---Harmless explosives made for children to play with. Not for human consumption.
-Rotten Sandwich
---Unlucky custodian's uneaten lunch, salami, Swiss cheese, with everything, used to be delicious. A little squishy.
-Bladed Shield
---An oblong plate made of refined titanium; one side has a very sharp, curved blade
-Ether Shard
---Used to contact the Agent
-Raw Metal Chunks
---Sliced up bits of Utataku Robot Armor. Can be used to manufacture ZIGER ammo.
===Ether===
Passive Abilities
Innate Targeting (+1 to ranged attacks)
-Plasteel Chassis (+1 to Defense)
-Nanobot Blood (Auto-repairs damage over time; takes longer to repair more extensive damage)
Techniques
-Psycho Mode (Lightning, Self. Overcharge self for increased reaction speed at the significant cost of accuracy of all attacks.)
Conditions

Mike walks into the R&D section and follows the sound of activity until he reaches the experimental armory. Seeing D, Aicaya, and Jet in a hallway, he joins D in walking towards a door and vaguely notices Jet carrying what looks like a sword as he walks past them. Mike and D see two doors at the end of the hall as they get closer and turn right, into the room that Jet and Aicaya had come out of. Mike notices six pedestals arranged in a circle around the room, each with a touchscreen on the front and holding a case on the top. Two of the six cases have already been opened. Looking at the remaining touchscreens, he sees a lightning bolt symbol on three of them and a tornado symbol on the fourth. Perhaps they are divided by elemental affiliation? John walks in and confidently strides to the only touchscreen with a tornado on it, places his hand on the screen, and causes the case to open. He takes a strange-looking gun out of the case, then reaches in and picks up a kind of pamphlet. After flipping through it and looking at the gun, he doesn't move or speak for a few seconds, then says, "I was literally speechless with joy for a moment there."
=============================================
Appearance: 5'9"
===Equipment===
Primary Weapon: Jackson [3|39]
---A heavily modified semi-automatic rifle, derivative of the twentieth century M14. It has a significantly shorter barrel, a forward mounted grip, heavy metal plating, and several gruesome looking blades, enhancing its durability for and usefulness in close quarters combat. It's been re-chambered for the heavier rounds usually found in precision rifles.
Secondary Weapon: I-2 Custom [20|10]
---An older variant of the current standard issue ISC sidearm, it fires the same low velocity ammunition of the new handguns. Fitted with a lighter polymer slide and a shaved down grip, it sacrifices balance and accuracy to make it one of the lightest weapons produced.
Secondary Weapon: Utataku Experimental Recoilless Automatic Pistol (UXRAP) [20|50]
---A .45 caliber pistol using an experimental design, coupling a shock-absorbing frame, enlarged muzzle brake, ported barrel, and heavy grip to dramatically reduce recoil, leading to high accuracy even when using fully automatic fire. A high-capacity magazine and full-auto fire make this gun absolutely devastating at close to mid range.
Tertiary Weapon: Bayonet blades on Jackson
===Inventory===
-Backpack (Closed with zippers 'n ♥♥♥♥, so fairly inaccessible. Quite durable, and fireproof)
-- Toolbox (Various low-tech tools, wrenches, screwdrivers, wire-cutters etc)
-- Flashlight (With spare batteries)
-- 5 Rations
-- Combat Knife
-- Lighter
-Ether Shard
---Used to contact the Agent
===Ether===
Passive Abilities
-Improvise (+1 to creating and using improvised weapons in combat)
Techniques
-Surge (Lightning, Self. Improves muscle reaction and strength in the legs to vastly increase running speed and stamina.)
Conditions
Buckshot Wound (Abdomen, extracted + bandaged; vulnerable, taking damage here will deal extra harm)

=============================================
Appearance: White skin, dirty blonde hair, orange eyes, roughly 6', medium build.
===Equipment===
Primary Weapon: JS-319 Shredder [30|0]
---This battle rifle made by Jirachi Systems has plenty of stopping power and accuracy, making it a reliable weapon at long range, but its full-auto fire selection means it's a monster at close range, too.
Secondary Weapon: JS-44 Rhino [3|17]
---A hefty .44 caliber revolver, the Rhino packs an enormous punch and is highly accurate even at long range. It uses special concussive cartridges that explode on contact to combine heavy penetrating power with the high damage of fragmentation.
Tertiary Weapon: Shredder Bayonet
===Inventory===
-M88 Grenades [4]
-Flashlight
-Ether Shard
---Used to contact the Agent
===Ether===
Passive Abilities
-Gunslinger (+1 to reflexes and reaction speed)
Conditions