User:BIFROST/Ouverture

Chapter One
July 25th, 2552, 12:00 Hours, VanaValter Super-Metropolitan center, Le Cheir Coffeehouse.

"Contact spotted. Got a clear bead on him, cyclops?" The words hung in the air for a second. "Copy that Big poppa, contact is in my sights and ready to pull a spasm. Just tell me when to welcome, over." The cold, sarcastic tone in Delila's voice assured Aksel that she had a clear angle. "I'd rather try a more diplomatic approach this time." He said.

Aksel approached the mousy man cautiously, making sure to show him that he meant no immediate harm. They'd been spending the last 6 days tracking their way through street thug after street thug to find him. Based on his appearance he was about 40, balding and a little pudgy. Not exactly what Aksel would consider an important person.

"Excuse me." Aksel said with a friendly, yet authoritative tone. "hmm? What is it?" The man said rudely. "Don't tell me you're another goddamned tax collector! Capitalist UEG pigs should know I pay my bills like everyone else. I don't care if theirs a so called "War" on they can wait a few wee-" Aksel cut him off. "Know, just a capitalist UEG pig here to ask a few questions." Aksel chuckled, attempting to be friendly.

"Well what is it then?" The man asked, still flustered and apparently ignorant of Aksels humor. "Let me start with the legalities first, I am Lieutenant Commander Aksel Valmor. I'm here on account recent reports suggesting an Insurrectionist presence here on Yggdrasil. I was wondering if you could help by answering a few questions?" The man was annoyed before, but as soon as Aksel mentioned insurrection he both tightened up and immediately seemed to relax at the same time.

"Insurrectionists you say? Sounds serious." The man said nonchalantly as he sipped his mug of coffee. "I'm afraid it is. You don't seem that worried though..." "Well why should I? VanaValter is the safest place on Yggdrasil." The man seemed to be particularly venomous with his statement. "Besides, you and I both know this whole thing is being blown out of proportion. The insurrection isn't nearly as powerful as it used to be, what with the whole "Covenant destruction" charade." "I assure you sir that the covenant threat is very real." "Believe what you want." The man said mockingly. "Listen sir, do you mind coming along with me so we can talk more privately?"

"Sure thing but let me do this real quick." The man said as he reached for his glasses case. His eyes settling on a waitress nearby. "Oh god, don't do this" Aksel thought."Please don't be doing what I think you're doing." The man took off his glasses and opened the case to reveal nothing before folding up and placing them inside. Aksel's mind was calmed a bit.

The man got up from his seat and payed his bill, preparing to head off with Aksel. "Quick question Mr.Valmor." The man said as he handed the bill to the waitress. "Yes?" Aksel said. "Why didn't they lend you any body armor for this?" "Damnit" Aksel said. Instinctively, Aksel attempted to grab the mans arm. Surprisingly he wasn't quick enough and he already had the waitress in his arms, a detonator in hand.

"Listen up fuckers!" The man yelled, assuring he had everyone's attention. The crowd of confused restaurant goers looked up. "All of you brainwashed masses, are gonna give me a nice wide path! It's that or little miss vanaheim here gets her guts thrown everywhere like everyone else!" The girl was screaming, tears welling up and running down her cheek. "Shut the fuck up!" The man yelled. People began to panic and the noise grew.

"Delila...." Aksel spoke into his com mic. "Shoot to kill?" Delila asked. "That's. Not. An option." "Can't get a clear shot then C'mmander. That girls in the way..." "Do it." Aksel said solemnly. "You sure c'mmander?" Delila questioned. "On my mark..." Aksel replied. "William, you there?" "Already know commander" Will said. "Good" Aksel said as he turned his attention back to the insurgent. "Listen friend, you aren't gonna win this."

"And why the hell not? I've got the upper hand! You ODST fucks never are willing to endanger civilians!" "I'm not ODST." "What?" The man snapped. "Try again." Aksel said calmly "Oh fuck yo-" "Mark!" Two shots rang out, one twenty feet away, the other just under half a mile. The first bullet entered the mans kneecap. The second, through his hand, then the girl, then his chest.

Two bodies fell to the ground. The man screamed in pain as he collapsed. Nothing came from the girl. Aksel looked down, a neutral expression on his face. He grabbed the man and cuffed him. "This is Sierra-113, I have the package and am requesting evac, over" Aksel said into his mic. "Roger Sierra-113, evac is a go. Nice job, over." Almost instantly a UNSC pelican landed in the small street. Aksel saw the outline of Will's MJOLNIR armor slinking into an alleyway. Two MP's exited the pelican and grabbed the insurgent, carrying him into the drop ship. Aksel followed behind. When they were all in the pelican flew up out of the street, heading toward Camp Killahnger.