A Gentle Sniper

Chapter 2: Introductions

A/N: To everyone who read my story and followed/favourited/reviewed, welcome to my story.

I hope you all continue to enjoy the rest of this story as it develops.

One thing I should mention is that I have no schedule for this story right now, but I'll soon be able to give it more time, as my main story's second act reaches its end.

Now enough talking from me. Let's get this thing started.

…

Returning to his apartment later that day with a bag filled with groceries, Hiccup opened the door and was immediately greeted by the sight of a green-eyed, black bundle of fur.

"Hey bud," he smiled, closing the door behind him and crouching to scratch the feline under the chin.

Toothless purred contentedly for a few moments before tapping a paw against the arm of his human that was carrying the bag, simultaneously letting out a meow; a signal of the creature's desire for food.

"Alright, then bud. I'll give you something to eat. I've brought you some tuna this time.

Unfortunately, I only have the rest of the day before I have to deal with Snotlout tomorrow.

Although maybe I can bring Fishlegs over here and you can see Meatlug again the next time I have leave. What do you think, bud?"

Toothless's response came in the form of an unimpressed stare followed by a significantly more impatient meow.

Hiccup rolled his eyes at that before he turned and headed towards his apartment's kitchen. "Yeah, yeah. I'm on it."

…

"Finn is here Alvin," said Savage, entering Alvin's office and the balcony beyond it, where the man stood admiring the slate grey hills in the distance.

"Really? He's early. Well, send him in then," he said this without turning around, prompting Savage to nod and quickly leave.

"Alvin."

Alvin turned around to face the General with a welcoming smile stretching his features. "Finn. Ah 'ought you were meant to be in Berk today?"

The blond-haired, blue-eyed man with the white coat and blue ski goggles hanging around his neck nodded in response. "I was, but then our mole informed me that three undesirables were going to try and kill me off today."

After speaking, the man reached into the inside pocket of his coat and withdrew an envelope.

Alvin accepted and opened it, grinning when he saw what was inside. "So you decided to bring me more money early and you want to stay here."

"Until the heat dies down, yes. Consider that a gift. I do hope 2000 is sufficient."

"A very welcome gift. It is sufficient. My home is yours for as long as you wish."

Finn nodded. "So how is your plan progressing?"

"He will be leaving tonight."

"Excellent. I await news of success in your endeavour, old friend. Any news from our mysterious northern associate?"

"As common as an eclipse. Whoever our associate is, clearly prefers to stay hidden instead of talking to others. Now I have some final preparations to make. I'll have Savage show you to your room now."

…

"Same again captain?" The gun range manager asked. "Stress relief?"

Hiccup nodded. "That's right Gustav. Stress relief."

The young man disappeared for a few moments, before returning with a 9mm semi-automatic pistol, ear defenders and safety glasses. "You've got a neighbour today," he said pointing.

Hiccup looked over to see a girl with blond hair tied in an intricate braid over her shoulder, dressed in loose casual clothing and in the process of reloading a pistol. "Who is she?"

"Said her name is Astrid," Gustav muttered with a dreamy sigh.

"Uh… right. You went from normal to lovestruck in half a second… I'm going to go now." Putting on his ear defenders and safety glasses, he strode over to the range next to Astrid's with his gun in hand.

Then he flipped the safety off, breathed in and out, lined his pistol up with the target and fired.

"Headshot, wow. You're better than anyone I've seen. Even me, but it's close, so I think I can beat you."

It took Hiccup a moment to register the fact that someone had spoken, but then he noticed that it was his "neighbour", Astrid. "O-Oh, hello," Hiccup coughed awkwardly and finally looked her way. "Sorry, I was stuck in my thoughts there."

She giggled, a pleasant and somewhat melodic sound to his ears. "It happens. I was thinking about other things before I noticed you. What's your name?" she asked, extending a hand.

"Hiccup Haddock,"

"Astrid Hofferson. Wait, Haddock? As in the General?"

"Yeah, he's my dad."

"That sounds awesome to have a father like that."

In some ways, yes. In most others, no, thought Hiccup.

"It's… eventful."

Wait, did she say Hofferson?

"Did you say Hofferson? As in General Hofferson?" queried Hiccup.

"Yeah, he's my uncle. I call him uncle Finn," was her reply.

Oh for the love of Thor. Why must someone as attractive as you be related to him?

Wait, where did that thought come from? Now is not the time, brain! I thought I had gotten used to this kind of thing!

Ask her about something, like her job!

"Are you in the Berk Guard?" [1]

Crisis averted!

"No, I'm a police officer."

"That's cool. I wanted to be one when I was younger."

"What stopped you?"

"My dad. He wanted me to join the military instead."

"Oh, I wanted to do that, but my uncle and parents wanted me to work for Berk PD instead." Her face fell then. "They think it's not as dangerous as joining the Berk Guard."

"I know how that feels."

"Anyway," she continued, her face brightening again. "What rank are you?"

"Captain. Two others are captains that I know as well, with my partner about to receive the rank before he died."

"That's terrible. What was his name."

"Lieutenant Eretson. He was one of my closest friends."

"That's funny, my friend was talking about how her boyfriend died earlier. He had a similar name."

"Really? What's your friend's name?"

"Heather. But I'm sure it's just a coincidence, right?"

"No, that was Eret's girlfriend's name. Heather Oswalddottir, right?"

"Yeah, huh. Small world. Anyway, I should let you get back to your target practice. Nice talking to you." said Astrid, sending a dazzling smile his way.

"Likewise." he muttered, sending her one of his own smiles before she put on her ear protectors and glasses.

Looking back at his target, Hiccup lined his gun up with it before letting loose a round of shots from his pistol.

…

Returning to the headquarters of the Berk guard the following day, he was sought out by Major Belch, who placed a folder in his hands and winked before heading off again.

Shaking his head at his unofficial Uncle's odd behaviour, he decided to ignore it by focusing on the folder in his hands. Opening it, he found it was Snotlout's file.

Lieutenant Simon Jorgenson.

Nicknamed "Snotlout" by the other lieutenants, but everyone in the Berk guard is familiar with the name. His operational performance is rated as just above passable, with even Lieutenant Ingerman possessing a higher weapon handling skill, but preferring to work in communications.

Aged 27

Snotlout's name and rank up top, followed by a picture of the stocky black-haired man and the rest arranged below that.

Continuing to read, Hiccup found his weapons accuracy score.

Weapons handling skill overall: 53/100.

This is awarded based on his accuracy with any gun. (55% at best) and typical inability to score shots to a target's head, even with a handgun, with the next worst accuracy score with a handgun being 62% from Lieutenant Ingerman, much to the chagrin of Major Jorgenson.

Hand to Hand combat: It is in this area that Lieutenant Jorgenson excels amongst his peers, having the build and skill to go toe to toe with Lieutenant Eretson and is one reason the Lieutenant is still a member of the Berk guard.

Listening to orders: In this area, the Lieutenant is the worst in the Berk Guard, with a sense of arrogance resulting in the Lieutenant viewing himself to be better than those of higher rank. Despite this, there are methods available to make him do as asked during missions, which start and end with Major Jorgenson joining him on missions and barking orders.

Teamwork: Jorgeson tends to only work well with Lieutenant Tom Mogadonson and Lieutenant David Agnarsson, aka "Thuggory" and "Dogsbreath" respectively, amongst the other lieutenants.

They are named as such, on account of the former having an affinity of ending up in bar fights and the latter being allergic to both mint and peppermint and having numerous tooth fillings.

Wonderful. Unfortunately, I'm not them. He won't listen to me and he'll get himself killed, thought Hiccup. Right, now to find the muttonhead.

The voice of Major Belch came over the P.A system before Hiccup had taken more than five steps. "Captain Haddock and Lieutenant Jorgenson to mission briefing. I repeat, Captain Haddock and Lieutenant Jorgenson to mission briefing."

I wonder what Gobber wants now, thought Hiccup before he started walking in the direction of the room in question.

…

[1] This is the name for Berk's military in this story if you were wondering. It includes an Air force and Navy, but the Army is the largest division.