Valhalla [Story in progress]

It was the only life I had ever known. It was the only life I will ever know. I remember stories about huge cities built above ground, before the contamination was discovered. That would’ve been over 200 years ago. Startled from my thoughts by the sudden stop of the tram, I stood and walked out.

Valhalla. The greatest underground survival center constructed when the contamination began. Maybe the only one left. We didn’t know. Suddenly I feel the end of a prod in my back. I turn to see a rookie VAST agent looming next to me. “State your name and ID, civilian.” VAST stood for Valhalla Agency of Security and Transportation. They were mega-cops. We, were mega cops. “I am VAST Captain Eric Jacobs, shield EJ-2014.” He looked a little taken aback. “Sir, my apologies.” He saluted stiffly. If I had ever seen a VAST agent near tears, it was this one, right about now. I saluted back. ”Carry on, son. Glad to see you’re doing your job.”

Working for VAST was a real honor. We were the most powerful entity on the planet, for now. Our own little army. The resources we had at Valhalla could easily wipe out any other survival center, if god forbid, it ever came down to that. Swiping a passcard, I entered into the mess chamber. The largest public room. It could hold the entirety of Valhalla’s population. At the moment it was entirely empty, other than the automated employees. Robots. The shiny metal backbone of our city. While we slept, they did everything. Cleaning, repairing, building. Without them, Valhalla would never succeed. Strolling past several of them, I proceeded into the kitchen area to raid the storage room. One of the distinct advantages of having a VAST passcard. I selected a meal, scanned it, placed it in the auto-cooker, and waited.

I heard a reverberating crack, the sound of a firearm being discharged in the main chamber. Instinctively, I spun and dropped to my knee, facing the door with my weapon drawn. Slowly, I crept to the door and cracked it open. No one was there. I raised my wrist to my face. “This is VAST Captain Jacobs, I am in the mess chamber, and request backup. A firearm has been discharged, and the suspect is not in view.” The tiny earpiece crackled to life. “VAST operator Michaels, sir. I’ve cued two patrols to your area, first priority.” I breathed a sigh of relief. “Appreciate the assistance, Michaels. Nos es gladius.” I normally wouldn’t have been so cautious, but not being on duty, I didn’t have my riot gear on. “My pleasure, sir. Nos es gladius.”

After three or so minutes, I heard the sound of heavy footsteps. These weren’t civilian issue. I knew the sound. Magnum CBs. VAST issue. “VAST Captain Jacobs here. Locators on, men.” I looked down at the screen embedded in my wrist mounted comm. unit. Two green blips showed up. After tuning to their frequency, I began to move into the main chamber. “Officers, do you have me on IFF?” If I wasn’t, they would shoot on sight. “Affirmative, sir. We have you in the green.” I stood and walked a few paces to a corner. The chamber was completely empty, save the officers and myself.

I walked over to the officers. “Did either of you see the suspect?” “No sir, we didn’t see anything.” “Alright, check the hall and try to find weapon discharge.” “Will do, Captain.” I turned around, and left for the barracks. I was going on patrol tonight for sure, and I wanted to make sure I was ready.

Back at the barracks I headed straight for my equipment room. With a swipe of my passcard, the large blast doors opened, revealing the most sophisticated armor and weapons VAST had to offer. I began suiting up. Shedding my civilian clothes, I pulled on the black jumpsuit that was standard issue for officers. That was followed by the chest and shoulder guards, and the arm guards, with integrated communications and detection systems. Next I selected my weapon. I usually chose the Magnum SR-2, a submachine gun that packed quite a punch. Unsure of what the night would bring, I opted for its big brother. The Magnum SR-10 was a scoped assault rifle with a 50 round magazine, armor piercing bullets, and an IR detector that integrated directly with my helmet’s HUD. Sliding the rifle into the rack on the back of my armor, I grabbed my helmet and put it on. Everything went black for a moment while the suit initialized.

With a slight hiss, the screen and life support systems came to life. I re-secured the door and headed over to the transit station. In public, things were different when I wore my armor. People didn’t look at me. They didn’t acknowledge me. They just knew that I was there. I was feared and respected. I loved it. Looking off to my right, I noticed a civ lurking around the door to the tram control center. “Civilian, identify yourself.” He looked up at me with beady eyes. “Charles Laren, Valhalla District C.” A scroll appeared on my HUD, and after a second of searching, it pulled up his profile. “Lets see…Charles Laren, 27. Transient. Previously arrested for…oh my. We can’t have this now.” He looked frightened. He knew what I was about to say, and he had a right to be afraid. “…arrested for contaminating water tunnels 182, 183, and 184.” He went white.

The ground water had been contaminated ages ago. That was why survival centers like Valhalla were created. Contamination of the water supply was one of the most vile crimes that could be committed. He was a repeat offender, with an outstanding warrant. “In accordance with VAST rules and regulations, I have no choice other than to arrest you for your crimes.” He bolted.

The world has seen bad ideas come and go. Trying to run from VAST is one of them. We control Valhalla. Every facet of existence here is controlled by us. Nos es gladius. We are the sword. We are the defenders, but we can cut them down just as easily. I spoke into the microphone inside my helmet. “Do you have him?” “Yes sir, tracking now.” “Take him out.”

I watched as a security turret cleanly fired a bullet into his chest. He fell. He didn’t move. “This is Jacobs. I can confirm elimination. Well done.” I walked forward, stepped over the body, and boarded the tram to the mess chamber.