The Emperor's Jubilee II

[Samus Aran]

“Are you done yet?”

Samus ignored Adam’s voice, focusing on her summoning. She’d been thinking about this one for a while, and wanted to make sure it was perfect. The Chozo had left her many wondrous artifacts, back in her own world. But they’d had a philosophy, and their technology had reflected that. They were not warriors by nature, but scientists and philosophers. Samus had been fighting her entire life, and it left a pretty good picture of the gaps in her arsenal.

First was the Block Beam, a beam that allowed her to materialise large, heavy blocks. Samus was actually surprised that the Chozo hadn’t gotten to this one first. Or perhaps they had, and it was still on some planet in her own galaxy, waiting to be discovered. While her Power Suit could take a few hits, it was always better to let something else take the hit. Something solid. Maybe it was the Chozo in her that made her decide not to opt for a simple, portable shield, instead going for the option with options. She’d been on enough adventures to know that somewhere, somehow, it would come in handy.

Second was something much simpler, and something she knew the Chozo would never fully approve of. A gatling beam. She’d seen many used in the Federation over the years, and even had an opportunity to try one once. It had sat in her mind ever since, the idea gestating and evolving with every new big gun she saw. It had to be the right balance of weight, accuracy and power. Modular, too.

Through the visor of Samus’s helmet, Adam watched his once-subordinate work. He knew that the intense look of focus on her face was the truest thing she had to a smile. As for himself, he no longer had a mouth to smile with, but he felt his emotions prickle with happiness, pride … and behind it, despite trying not to, worry. He hoped that whatever Samus was cooking up would be enough for this world’s enemies. Death was not permanent here, but the experience of it – the pain, the suffering – he did not want Samus to ever have to go through. To come back from it was to come back different. Changed, somehow. His mind – his programming – remained conflicted on the practice.

Samus held her arm cannon up. “Done.”

“Are you going to tell me what you made?”

“Take a look,” said Samus, picking up the helmet and putting it back on.

Adam scanned the suit. “Interesting. You’ve outdone yourself, lady.”

“Yeah.” Samus turned to the door. “Let’s hope it’s enough.”

It only took a few minutes to return to the hallway, where Proto Man was waiting. “Finally,” he said. “Where’s Nanoha?”