Naturally, the soldiers did not ask more about David’s build nor did he divulge anymore. He was already being treated as a meat shield and they knew as well as he did he was entitled to his secrets.

The next ten minutes passed in relative silence. Just after the APC stopped, David grabbed the M-134 at his side and an audible clank was heard as David just fed all four uses of his {Supply Depo} he had been using during the drive into the ammo feed. Which meant he now could shoot it continuously for a total of thirty-five seconds before having to use his permanently generated ammo.

Taking point, David exited the APC first and scanned the area before looking to the building entrance. At first glance, it looked like someone bombed it already. There was a multitude of bullet holes all over its walls. Facing the building as the others came out of the APC, David began by testing the M-134 by spinning the barrels for a few seconds before slowly winding them down. The sergeant came to his side with his M16 at ease.

“ What was that about?”

David turned toward him and changed the grip of his weapon to carry it by the carrier with his right hand.

“ Weapons check. I have not tested it since I replaced the barrel not long ago. If it did not spin smoothly as it did, then I would have to leave it behind.”

The Sargeant nods understanding as he starts to do a field check of his own weapon. Which causes the other to do the same.

“ All right, we are Alpha team. We clear the main hall of hostels and any rooms we pass. Bravo will be right behind us. They sweep for traps and clean up the room beyond the first. We do not allow unswept areas to be behind us unless Beta is in the process of clearing them. Once Bravo gives the go-ahead, we then move to the next intersection or set of rooms. This will be the signal that Charle team is clear to loot. Be mindful that Delta is in the garage and both Echo and Foxtrot are on perimeter overwatch. Take note Foxtrot is in command. So if they tell you to jump. You better hope you are high enough off the ground grunts. Do you read me?”

A collective ‘Huraa’ came from the soldiers and tapped David’s arm with the but of his rifle.

“ Lead in big guy.”

David could barely keep his sigh internal as he drew his revolver with his left hand and held it in a ready stance like the robocop. With his arm extended then his elbow bent to have the gun pointing straight up. Leading with his left, David kept his minigun slightly behind him as he entered the doorway.

[Entering dungeon: Research Station 188]

Not really caring about the notice, David waited till his two escorts were behind him and he was given the signal to proceed. The first room they encountered looked to be a reception hall for some fortune 500 main HQ. Taking a few cautious steps forward, David started heading toward the reception desk. The two behind him were clearly using him as cover. Once at the receptionist's desk, he noticed tons of scattered paperwork on it. That did not mean the two behind him left their cover on his back.

“ Hey tweedle-dee and tweedle-dum, how about using the desk as a cover. That is solid granite. Then call in the rest of Alpha.”

Parker immediately takes a position to David’s left while Smith keeps his spot as he signals the rest of Alpha to move up. It felt like an hour for the rest of them to meet him at the desk.

“ All right, Smith, since you can’t get off our armored giant’s ass you get to look at the paperwork. Focus on a map of this place.”

David turned slightly to look at Smith.

“ Also try to look for the name and logo of the company that used to own this place. When we came in I got a notice that this is a dungeon. That implies it is guarded and has some treasure. So anything official-looking probably has relevant information. Also, look for sticky notes. Like under the counter. If those computers work you might get us some access.”

Smith and the others gave him a look and David merely started facing toward the security checkpoint. If he had to guess that is where the safe zone for the dungeon ends. All David could think was he was sure of nothing except he did not like this situation at all, not one bit.

“ All right Tin Man, time to move. Parker, you are by yourself while Smith gives this desk the attention he would his porn stash. We will let Bravo do a sweep after you secure the door. Once they are done we move up to you and Smith will hopefully have something for Charle. Then he will rejoin our Jolly Green Giant as he leads us deeper.”

David took a moment to look at the sergeant again.

“ You are trying to use a different pun when you reference me aren't you.”

The Sergeant laughs heartfeltly.

“ Ain’t no fun if we can’t make fun of the NGO. Not until we find the first surprise anyways.”

David starts moving as he did before but stops at the end of the counter.

“ Honestly, I hope you are joking around all day Sargeant. You and your boys can meet me at the soup kitchen when we get back. Pizza and beer on my rich ass.”

That got a smile from them. David just hoped they all made it to the party, especially himself.