Yes, Catbert, I just had to come up with a name for the thing.
	As for the rest of the FFML: the only reason you're seeing this is that Catbert's mail server has decided that he's over his quota.
	Whatever this is, it's... interesting.  By all means, let this evolution run its course; at this rate it's a good read.  Now, let's see what I can dig up for our friend Robert by way of hardware aside from the blades (heh, this is the sort of thing I live for!).
	Let's start with the basics.  First, I recommend a good sidearm, such as the Beretta M9 9mm automatic (15 rounds/clip).  This is current issue for the US Army and other militaries, and is quite reliable - the average mean rounds fired between failures is on the order of ten thousand.  A covert variant, with integral sound suppression and subsonic ammunition, could be made available.  Alternatively, give him a Calico gun (this weapon, distinguished by its helical-feed magazine, has made appearances in Armitage III, the occasional seaQuest episode, and - most prominently - as an 'alien weapon' in _I Come In Peace_).
	Next, we have a choice: SMG, rifle, or shotgun.  For the SMG my choice would be an H&K MP5 or a Steyr subgun, both of which use the same 9mm ammo as the pistol.  There are many rifles I would recommend:

*H&K G-11
 4.7mm caseless (50 rounds/clip)
 As rifles go, this weapon has a very accurate three-shot-burst - all the rounds will land within a radius equal to one-thousandth of the range.
*Steyr AUG
 Bullpup-configured weapon seen in _Die Hard_.  Has so-far-unique translucent clips; like the Calico, it is part of a family of weapons. (see http://www.remtek.com/steyr/index.htm for more information on Steyr's fine products)
*M-16A2
 Well, if it's good enough for the US Army and Marine Corps...

	With the exception of the G-11, these rifles can accept underbarrel grenade launchers.  Usually seen in the 25-40mm range, these make available a whole slew of specialty loads from fragmentation to napalm to reduced-lethality ordnance.  This is an advantage shared to a slightly lesser extent by shotguns... and my endorsement goes to the Pancor Jackhammer, a full-auto-capable monster crafted largely of composites and sporting ten-round drum clips which can be hand-loaded or changed entirely.  Said clips can also be used as impromptu landmines.
	And this is just stuff available today.  I have more esoteric items available from lots of other places: Abuse, Descent 2, Half-Life...

-Arthur Edwards
 White Knight of the Order of Mihoshi Enthusiasts
 http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/Towers/7210/index.html