Viper: The Official Remaster

Chapter 4: Death Mask

Avalon Base, located in the pivot near Ottawa and New York, was quite a strategic position to place a NATO base if Ryker was being honest. The East Coast and DC in general were only several hours out, given the speeds of the hyper-jets stationed on the base, as well as the ability for Rainbow to flux between countries at will.

The air was light and the sun was out, the weather itself offering him a seemingly pleasant greeting into his new life as his boots hit the sidewalk. Predictably, the base was buzzing with activity. Squads running drills, people walking while nose-deep in their laptops, and the occasional vehicle. The town itself stationed downhill from the base held the nickname "Little Ottawa." Cute, if not a little on-the-nose.

Sam had sent a message the second Ryker had left, the older agent likely getting the notification a former White Mask lieutenant was now roaming free on the base. An interview was set for several hours, likely regarding the successful rescue mission that had just taken place. Two grocery deliveries and a security installation company were arriving later in the morning, neither of which interested Ryker in greeting.

Turning down the sidewalk, Ryker stretched his legs and then started to pick up for a jog, mindlessly finding Sam's number and pressing "call." He answered as fast as Grim had, although speaking with a far more personable tone.

Sam: I was wondering when I'd get your call. I'm happy you accepted the offer, kid.

Viper: I liked the healthcare benefits.

A chuckle rumbled Ryker's earpiece as Sam cleared his throat.

Sam: You aren't going to like the tests.

Viper: I can take a leak in a cup, Sam. You already have my blood on record.

A second chuckle lightly shook in Ryker's ear, with the accompaniment of the ruffle of papers.

Sam: Listen, kid. You're already in Fourth Echelon. Grim already had enough combat info on you to offer you the job, but I want to see it for myself.

Ryker rounded the corner and started south, deciding to walk through a structured on-base neighborhood. The wind was a welcome addition to the cardio and the cool air only aided in his breathing as he continued to unsuccessfully fence Sam through the phone.

Viper: Because the two missions in six days don't give you adequate data on my capabilities?

Sam: Because a lot has changed in the two years since we met. That day you chose death over obeying the White Mask Syndicate. I remember it like it was yesterday. I know you do, too.

Ryker stopped in his tracks, readjusting his earpiece and wiping the cold sweat from his forehead.

Sam: Now, I'm going to watch you give everything you got with this second chance.

Viper: Well, I've heard worse pep talks. Fine. What do you have for me?

Sam: There's an indoor stadium on the edge of town where operators, R&D, and members of other NATO programs test different weaponry, as well as their skills. That's where you're headed shortly, while you're out.

A final turn finished the block, the neighborhood sidewalk gifting plenty of shade from the prying sun as Ryker picked up the pace of his jog.

Sam: You're a half mile from Nøkk's residence as well. I'll send it to your phone, assuming you have her radio.

Viper: I can leave it in her mailbox. That being said, I still need to know if you have a timeframe. I was under the impression I had an interview scheduled for-

Sam: Not anymore. It's important you come. Someone is sitting across from me chomping at the bit to meet with you that isn't Anna Grímsdóttir.

Viper: Ah, that's why she's called Grim. Sort of a play on words.