Prompt: 019 Alive

Character:Edward

Edward sat at the bar with the group of soldiers. They were the best source of information he had so he was trying to make friends with them. He'd been buying pitchers of beer all night not only to get their trust but to get them a little dunk. Drunk people had looser tongues, let information slip easier. It hadn't been hard to get them to talk to him. He had simply approached them a man who wanted to buy some soldiers a drink. They'd invited him to sit with them and had right away started to make friends.

Edward sat back, a fake friendly smile plastered on his face, listening to one of the soldiers tell a story from a mission. "The fools all hunkered down in the building as though it would actually save them from the tank. One blast from the main cannon and they would have all been dead. That was when we got the order that they had something inside we had to recover. That meant we couldn't use the tank, had to go in on foot."

"What are you complaining about?" a second soldier asked. The second soldier was more muscular than the rest, sticking out. His hair was shaved down and his upper body seemed almost too big for his shirt. There were scars on his hands and Edward would bet there were more hidden. "You didn't have to go in and get it. That was my squad's job." The man turned toward Edward before continuing. "I'm part of an ODST squad that specializes in retrieving things and killing anyone hat gets in our way. We were sent in to get it back. See rebels think they can handle the UNSC but they somehow always forget about the ODST. They're never ready for the biggest and baddest humanity has to put forward when a job needs to get done."

Edwards attention was now focused on the man's words. This was a chance to learn something new from a person that was a part of it. Edward wouldn't openly admit it. It he was also genuinely interested. He'd heard a lot of rumor about the ODST but had never been sure what was true.

"We threw some flash grenades in, couldn't use frags because that would risk damaging the objective. With the enemy distracted and impaired we went charging in. Basically if we find someone and they aren't in ODST armor we fill them with lead. We clear out the place and the other soldiers come in behind us. We clear the path, but it's the job of the other soldiers to retrieve the object," the ODST explained. "In the end there were twenty four dead rebels and no injuries on our side."

"I've heard of the ODST but I've never met one or heard them talk about their duties." Edward leaned a bit toward the man, indicating he was interested in the conversation. "So how'd you become an ODST?"

"Well you can do it several ways. I signed up for the training but sometimes people are pulled from normal training to ODST if they show they've got the right stuff." The man looked Edward over and smirked. "Why you asking?"

"Well, my current line of work has started to bore me. I used to go to work and I enjoyed the challenge of it, but now…I need something new." Edward's words were light and casual.

"Well, being an ODST isn't easy. You could give it a try, but the training would likely eat you alive. It's not for the faint of heart." The large man leaned a bit toward Edward. "Though if you can somehow manage not to die or drop out, there's nothing like being an ODST." The marine's gaze turned a bit distant, as though not really looking at Edward. "There's nothing like the feel of being dropped from orbit, charging into a building, or that feeling when you pull the trigger. Makes you feel alive."

Edward smiled charmingly. How easily he was able to convince people he was a normal person with a pleasant disposition. "So basically you're legal paid killers?"

The ODST shrugged. "Some call us that. What we do, the people we kill, are legal, and we do get a pay check." The scowled and leaned a bit on the table. "Most people have a problem with that."

"Well, I'm not one of them. I understand that the UNSC and their actions are necessary. Only fools think that order can be kept without spilling a little blood." Edward motioned toward the pitcher on the table. "I know it's hard work, that's why I'm treating you all to some drinks. A civilian should treat the soldiers who keep him safe every once in a while."

The first soldier laughed and raised his mug. "I hear that. See, I told you it was all right to let him join us." He elbowed the soldier beside him and the other man just glared at him.

"Damn, you're so drunk you don't even remember you were the one that objected." The annoyed soldier shook his head. "We should get him back to the barracks." The soldier stood up and grabbed his friend's arm. He and another soldier dragged the drunk soldier to his feet.

Edward watched them get up and move out of the bar. The ODST hung back watching his friends leave. He turned back to Edward and looked him over. "You really serious about being an ODST?"

Edward paused for a second as he decided now to answer. He let the cheerful smile drop from his face, changing to a blank, emotionless mask. "I am looking for a change in my employment and a challenge such as the ODST seems to be ideal."

The ODST narrowed his gaze then shook his head. "Fine, but keep in mind, normal marine training is like a walk in a sunny park compared to the hell of ODST training." Edward nodded, not really concerned with the warning. The ODST nodded back and turned, moving out bar. Edward sat back in his seat, contemplating what course of action to take.