Lore/The Fall

***December 28th, 2015 - 12:00***
***Reaper HQ, Panau***
*Oliver arrives at Reaper HQ and goes directly to Commander Jane’s office. He presents to her an idea of a grand party to celebrate New Year’s.*

“It’ll be great, Commander!” claims Oliver with joy, “Imagine how fun it would be if everyone, especially all the Leaders, came to a neutral place to celebrate the new year.” Jane folds her arms and asks, “So, you want to throw a big party with our enemies?” Oliver gulps and explains, “Well uh, when you put it that way… Yeah, pretty much. I mean, if you take the initiative here, people will look up to you, especially the un-communistic villages. Ya know, for our *just cause*!” Bethany pitches in, “I, *too*, agree sis. We haven’t had any fun since we were young. I think it’s a great idea!” Jane hesitates for a moment but nods anyway, “Fine, go ahead. I’ll send word out to all Reapers.”

*With Commander Jane’s approval, Oliver sends out invitations for the grand New Year's celebration held at the Panau Falls Casino. While word gets around, Oliver flies to his office.*

***December 28th - 16:00***
***Mountain Office, Panau***
*After taking one last look, Oliver types in the deactivation codes into his computer and leaves. As he gets on his bike, all the data from his computer gets erased and the gasoline ignites. Oliver drives off as his office burns down.*

***December 31st - 23:55***
***Panau Falls Casino, Panau***
*Evening lights were set up around the buildings, and drinks were available to everyone in the bars. The guests arrived a few hours before midnight and began socializing. Roach Boss Adam Drewry-West had lost some weight but still had Eric Gannon fetching him and Rico snacks as they spoke with Shaman Yoshiaki Yasuo and Quinn Liddy about their border villages. As General Shawn Michaels enters the building, Secretary of Defense Krpajda Murosson along with Politician and ex-General Kieran Thompson chat about the recent rebellious activities. Avenger Nate Price drinks a bit and attempts to flirt with Bethany Smithers and Commander Jane Valkyrie, all the while Initiates Akeno Gremory and Jun Loo laugh at him. Avenger Efe talks with Alexov about his future plans, who casually looks around, while ReaPairs Inc. Owner Geoffrey Kensinger hands Merchant Stanley Richard a ReaPairs Inc. business card in attempts to hire him. Director Rolf Myrtoft and Edward Nytes of the CIA casually walk around the party, making sure to stay out of Oliver’s sight.*

*A small stage had been set up on the bridge above the freezing waterfall. A few minutes before midnight, Oliver decides to make a speech on the stage.*

Oliver exclaims, “Good evening ladies and gentlemen, and welcome to the Panau New Year’s party!” Everyone applauds as Oliver continues, “It’s nice isn’t it? Not trying to kill each other for a change...”

*As Oliver keeps talking, Peacekeeper and Enforcer troops slowly move in. Lilith, who was leading the operation, was walking around the party, carefully whispering into her earpiece.*

“All squads, report in.” commands Lilith into her earpiece. She hears, “Squad one, ready. Squad two, ready. Squad three, ready.” After a moment, Lilith raises an eyebrow and asks, “Squad four, respond now.” “... Squad four, in position. I have a clear shot.” responds Dexter. Lilith states, “Hold fire, I want to take him in alive if possible.”

*Aiden Sykes leads the two squads that slowly rappel down the towers, and squad three leader Odin Vance positions himself at the entrance of the garden. Squad four hides in the foliage far away from the event, consisting of Dexter Moser and his spotter, Winston Wolfe.*

Wolfe says, “If what you said about Nytes is true, then this operation is a mistake.” Dexter scratches his ear and replies, “Oliver has many secrets, possibly more than me. I can’t trust Nytes at all, but I’m not Oliver and I can never know his true intentions. I mean, much of that ‘assassination’ and ‘Deathwatch’ business was sketchy, at the very least.” Winston raises an eyebrow and inquires, “Are you saying that the evidence could be true?” Dexter fidgets with his ear again as he responds, “If there is even a hair of a chance that those files and the evidence is true, then we need to bring him in and find out the truth.”

*While Dexter bolts his rifle, Lilith becomes nervous as Oliver continues with his speech.*

“... and you know what, I’m no angel, but I’m married to one and she looks heavenly tonight.” announces Oliver as he winks at Izzy. “How about a toast? To all our angels,” continues Oliver as he glares at Nytes, “who we would *sacrifice* anything for!” As everyone tips their glasses, Oliver glances at his watch and says, “There’s 15 seconds left, let’s do the countdown!”

*While everyone begins chanting the countdown to New Year’s, Oliver gets his bow and strikes a flaming arrow.*

“He’s got a weapon!” reports Dexter as he positions his scope directly over Oliver’s chest. Lilith orders, “All squads, move in now! Take him down!”

*He grips the bow tightly while staring at Nytes, then looks up at the fireworks. As Oliver draws his bow, the squads move in on his position. Once he shoots, the flaming arrow rushes through the crisp air like a beacon of light. Everyone looks up at the impending fireworks and see the two squads rappelling down the towers.*

Oliver attempts to say, “It is my great pleasure to wish you all a hap-”

*A loud sniper shot cuts Oliver off, and just as Lilith clears the crowd, the fireworks begin to go off in the background. Astonished at what she just saw, Lilith races to attempt to catch Oliver while people panic and take cover inside the buildings.*

*Blood splatters all over his sharp tuxedo as Oliver falls over the ledge and into the dark abyss of the freezing waterfall.*