Viper: The Official Remaster

Chapter 7: Diamond Eyes

Viper saw it through the dim light, a black cartridge erupting with a cloud of orange as he lunged, bracing himself for the detonation of a nine-bang as he struck, parrying the path of the masked man's firearm away from his head and raising his own.

The assailant was ready, just barely managing to throw his body away from Ryker's pistol and catch the ominous blade instead deciding to retreat several steps back and fire, taking his best shots at the blur of gold and black as the orange cloud started to proliferate.

Two bullets smashed against Ryker's exoskeleton as his chest exploded in pain, with the third blasting apart the front half of his Five-Seven. Barely finding the willpower to throw himself into the darkness, he could almost feel the next several bullets split the air next to him as he landed.

Using the brief respite, the gas mask also disappeared, risking one last look at the laptop before slinking back. Engines thrummed to life as the newfound power rummaged through the factory, providing Ryker with a much-needed break from the deadly silence.

Viper: Sarah. An unknown chemical entered my mask. Scan my rebreather...

Sarah: Understood. Are you hit?

Viper: No. The suit saved me from two kill shots. My weapon's gone. I need that laptop.

A small pause split through their radio call before Sarah responded, the lights flickering a second time as she spoke as if the blinks of light themselves started to meld with the static.

Viper: Sarah?

Sarah: Tetrodotoxin and Salvia. Ryker, you-

Static overtook the radio as he started to move, slipping through the machines and listening for anything he could over several of the active generators. His heart beat in time with his steps, pushing the adrenaline through his veins as he approached the cracked computer from between the machines. The assailant had to be-

Intuition flooded Ryker's mind as he threw his head forward, his experience and awareness rewarding him with a half-second window to react as two rounds flew past. Viper reacted, reaching into the darkness and taking hold of the man's wrist before pivoting, successfully sending the attacker over his shoulder and into the dimly lit center of the room. The masked man rolled, recovering instantly and firing, missing Ryker a single time before his weapon clicked empty.

Stepping into the light, Ryker collected his breath, spinning the handle of his karambit around his index finger and turning his near-luminescent eyes to the man. His opponent didn't react, his expression was unreadable through the tinted glass of his gas mask, the man, in turn, drew his knife and took a low stance.

Viper: Tetrodotoxin. Powerful neurotoxin, that one. Salvia? I couldn't ask for a more potent hallucinogen... Add a stabilizer and an additive or two, and I'd say you have a pretty lethal weapon.

The man stood still, not giving anything to Ryker in response except for throwing his pistol to the floor. Going for a reload would be a death sentence. Both of them knew that.

Viper: Of course, my chemical proficiencies pale to yours. You're the expert here. Aren't you, Toxin?

A ghost of rigidness pistoned through his body as he joined Ryker in his walk, the two circling each other with a hidden vigor.

Viper: Put down the knife and leave, Alex. You're no good to your fiancé dead.

To Ryker's surprise, Toxin responded, his voice voice as metallic as the blade he held.

Toxin: Leave? I don't think so. No one from NATO should be here, and the fact you know of my fiancé just shot down your best chance at survival.

Ryker scoffed, stopping his stride and facing Toxin at a slight angle.