"I'm looking to diversify my portfolio," she replied with a knowing tilt of her head.  "I've got a very nice place to start, but unfortunately there's this guy, a Star, who wouldn't exactly appreciate seeing it in action.  So, I need something I can carry for protection and not get undue attention for."  If Tomoko had any significant shadow experience, she would understand the code - Lafiel owned an illegal gun, one that Lone Star would lock her up for, so she wanted one she could carry street legal.