The broadcasting room of the Boulder City Voice newspaper.
House trembled as he watched the thugs enter the newspaper office, then glanced at Joey standing with them and said shakily,
"Centurion sir... what, what are you doing?"
The K-10 "Iron Wall" heavy exoskeleton was Boulder Military Industries' prized creation. It was generally issued to heavy infantry serving at the front, as well as frontline officers such as squad leaders and centurions. Rumor had it that one punch from it could kill a two-headed ox.
Of course, most people wearing those things used guns and rarely fought hand-to-hand.
Knowing that, House was nearly scared stiff.
Joey glanced at House with a trace of disdain in his eyes.
He had never liked the guy much, though he had liked him for a while before. After the newspaper came along, he realized the man hardly ever spoke a word of truth. His words were as devoid of substance as nutrient paste.
"Come bring victory and glory to my children. Come become their example."
Joey turned and looked at Lovett, Alisa, and the rest of the Workers' Association.
"I'll leave it to you."
Lovett nodded and walked over to House, looking at the pale-faced clown as he said,
"We're borrowing the broadcast station."
He said borrowing, but House did not dare refuse. He nodded like a pecking chicken, forcing a fawning smile onto his pale face.
"P-please, use it! Do you need me to help calibrate the equipment, honored... worker sir?"
Judging by the wood shavings on his trousers, he must have been engaged in the noble trade of carpentry.
"No need." A worker stepped forward and shoved aside House, who was trying to cozy up to them. "I built your equipment myself... Damn it, hearing that duck voice of yours makes me sick!"