//------------------------------//
// V - Taking Up Arms 
// Story: Carbon: Equestria 
// by Alfoals Trottenbauer 
//------------------------------//

"Right then, show them around the place." Sparks told the patrol leader.

The artificial atmosphere gave off it's own sort of light.  This meant that exterior lighting wasn't needed save for the spotlights the snipers used on the towers.

They were headed for an armory. A strange model of firearm were hung on the racks.

"This is the VIPR, standing for Versatile Individualized Projection Rifle. It's base is an assault rifle, but has three different modes. The weapons specialist will take it from here." He explained.

A stallion walked up to the group, levitating the weapon. It's safety was on.

He got up close to the three, showing the gun's side.

"This is a selector switch, you can change from single fire, to burst, or rapid."

He moved a hoof to three buttons.

"These are buttons for different modes, the one on top is Assault Rifle mode, middle activates the Auto shotgun above, and the bottom starts Sniper Rifle mode." He continued,

"The scope up top can zoom up to 600% of your normal eyesight, though I would suggest using the sniper mode before attempting to shoot an enemy that far. Any questions?"

"Why so many modes?" Short Circuit asked.

"Well, this is the only weapon we give out as of standard issue, so it must have as many uses as possible." He explained.

The patrol leader led them to a firing range to demonstrate the weapon's capabilities.

"First, we'll start off with burst fire." He explained.

He flipped the switch and fired three rounds at intervals at a target.

"Now rapid fire." The leader said as he flipped the switch.

He fired and it almost completely emptied the clip.

"Automatic shotgun." He said as he pressed the middle button and fired.

By this point, the target was nearly destroyed. The shells ejected from the back at a constant rate.

"And finally, sniper mode." He said, pressing the bottom button.

The barrel extended with a click, and a red laser emitted from the bottom of the barrel. He fired. The sound of the shot hung in the air.

"As shown in this demonstration, the VIPR is a weapon of all purposes." The leader remarked.

Commander Sparks quietly trotted in next to them, smiling.

"I'm certain that Captain Valence demonstrated the weapon properly." The general stated, surprising the four.

The patrol leader, Captain Valence jumped, then nodded.

A common soldier burst through the range's door, panting, his coat scorched and covered with soot.

"We're being attacked!" He shouted urgently.

"Get your weapons, no time to waste!" Sparks commanded the three.

Tapped Wire, System Crash, and Short Circuit galloped out of the range and into the war-ridden base, the only thing standing between them and the armory.