Chapter 49

“If we do our job well, you won’t be. Armor is just a precaution.” Kira

checked that no one was nearby, then whispered, “I would like to keep you in

one piece.” She bit into the bar.

“I’ll do anything that helps me stay that way.” He smiled back.

Kira found her newest set of powered armor propped in a nearly empty

rack inside the prep area. There were six other backup suits, and she located

one that would be the best fit for Leon. After finishing their snacks, she

detached the weapons, since Leon wasn’t rated to fire them, just leaving the

armored body shell and helmet.

“You ever been in something like this before?” she asked him.

“No, never.”

“Well, it’s straightforward. It’ll augment anything you do. The pressure

sensors for grip are pretty smart, so you don’t have to worry about accidently

crushing bones if you go to shake someone’s hand—unless you push it.

When you make a movement, if the sensors detect excessive force, they’ll