UNSCDF Chapter 6- The Insertion

Fort Calhoun, Nebraska, USA

Insertion Alpha

March 20, 2001

1230 Local Time

            Zyrok sat at the seat behind the cockpit door of the Pelican and looked at Echo Squad calmly sitting down and chatting. On the turret stood an excited Hawkes as he looked at the places the Pelican passed by.

           “Alright Echo Squad, we will be approaching Insertion Alpha in three minutes.” the pilot spoke on the RaidCall.

            “Copy that.” Zyrok replied.

            “All right gentlemen, lock and load!” Zyrok shouted out loud as he pulled out his USP.

            “Sound off!” Casey shouted as he pumped his Washington 870.

            “All good here Sarge.” Stevens checked his M16.

            “Same here.” Taylor adjusted his M21 scope.

            “Ready.” Stewart slung his UMP to his back.

            “I’m good.” Hawkes hollered as he took a glance at his M16.

           The Pelican descended slowly over farmlands and landed at a patch of tall grass. Hawkes scanned the fields with the turret and looked at Zyrok.

            “Clear!” Hawkes shouted.

            “Everyone out!” Zyrok commanded.

            “Let’s go marines. Out! Out! Out!” Casey stood up from his seat and waved at the marines.

            The men quickly jumped out of the Pelican and formed a circle in the field.

            “Good luck Echo Squad.” the Pelican pilot spoke on the RaidCall as the Pelican lifted up.

          Zyrok looked as the Pelican turned its heading back to the base and another Pelican approaching towards them.

            “Good luck Zyrok.” Forester spoke on the RaidCall and waved at Zyrok.

            “Good luck Forester.” Zyrok waved back.

            Zyrok took out his datapad and pressed some buttons. He looked at it for a minute and then placed it onto his belt.

            “Alright marines, Omega Squad’s camp is two kilometers east of here. We’ll split up into two squads and approach it Southwest and West from the camp.” Zyrok directed.

            “Stewart and Taylor on me.” Zyrok pointed.

         “Alright, you heard the LT. The rest of you form up on me.” Casey waved his hand in a circular motion.

            “We’ll be call sign Echo 1-3.” Zyrok spoke to Casey.

            “We’re call sign Echo 2-3 then.” Casey responded.

            “Copy, let’s move.” Zyrok stood up and hustled his men to move.

            “See you later LT.” Casey waved and walked in a different direction.

          Zyrok led his men through some tall grass and then motioned to crouch. In the center of the grass field stood a spiked muscular zombie. Zyrok thought about whether to kill it or not, but decided it would be in the team’s interest to complete their objective.

            “We’ll go around it. Our task is to go to Omega Squad’s camp.” Zyrok looked at the zombie as it stood still.

            “Good idea, we’re not even sure how to fight it.” Stewart looked at the zombie.

            “We’ll just have to go around using the grass for cover and keep ourselves quiet.” Zyrok motioned to move right from the zombies.

Fort Calhoun, Nebraska, USA

Insertion Bravo

March 20, 2001

1245 Local Time

          Forester watched as their Pelican lifted off. The group of marines gathered around Forester and waited for their orders.

            “Alright marines, I’ll form Tango 1-3. Sergeant Mitchell, Corporal Milo, and Private Tyler on me.” Forester gave out instructions. “The rest of Fire Team Tango will form Tango 2-5.”

            “Understood.” Stokes nodded.

            “Copy ma’am.” Mitchell replied.

            “Tango 2-5 would enter the power plant while 1-3 would be searching the labs.” Forester directed.

            “Understood LT.” Mitchell acknowledged with a nod.

            “Let’s move people.” Stoked shouted.

            “Good luck Sergeant.” Forester waved him goodbye.

            Stokes led his men to the building next to the power plant and entered last before taking one more glance at Forester’s team.

           “Alright, the lab is a couple hundred meters from here. Let’s get a move on it.” Forester pointed at a charred building.

            “Keep your eyes sharp.” Mitchell steadied his MSG-9 as he looked into the scope to observe the surrounding areas.

            “Will do Sarge.” Milo held his UMP close to his chest.

          “Be careful, we might encounter the mutated zombies. Engage only when under attack.” Forester pulled out her SIC Apollo sidearm and walked forward.

            “Not sure if we’re lucky if we encounter the zombies or not.” Tyler scoped with his SA80.

            “Doesn’t matter. We’re here to find Omega Squad. Let us be lucky in finding them.” Mitchell replied with a grin.

          “Or what’s left.” Forester interrupted as she looked at a severed arm on the ground with a UNSC insignia.

            “Damn.” Milo replied with disgust.

            “Keep searching.” Mitchell urged on.

            “Suddenly a zombie ran out from behind Tyler and knocked him to the ground.

            “Argh.” Tyler shouted in pain as he smashed face first into the ground.

            “Kill it.” Mitchell shouted and ran at the zombie.

          Milo pulled out his combat knife and slashed at the zombie’s back as it tried to reach for the fallen Tyler. To Milo’s surprise, his knife couldn’t cut through the skin. Mitchell ran up beside the zombie and swung the stock of his MSG-9 to the zombie’s head. The zombie fell to the ground and growled. Both Mitchell and Tyler whacked the zombie with their guns until the zombie’s head was caved in.

            “What the hell is this?” Milo looked at the zombie’s skin.

            “A burnt zombie.” Forester approached and gave Tyler a hand.

           “That was some serious whacking. These guys are a lot tougher.” Mitchell looked at the caved in face.

            “You alright Tyler?” Forester asked with concern.

            “I’m alright LT, just didn’t expect it.” Tyler replied.

        “Other than a crack on your visor, your armor looks normal.” Milo walked up beside Tyler and examined his gear.

           “A crack? That’s nothing, I’m just glad to be alive.” Tyler picked up his SA80 that he dropped on the ground.

            “Let’s get moving and check your corners.” Forester waved.

            Forester led her team to the doors of the laboratory. The two metal doors were pried open halfway.

            “Lights on.” Forester took out her flashlight from her belt and shone in the darkness while holding her SIC Apollo.

            “Copy that. Milo watch the entrance. Nothing gets in and nothing gets out.” Mitchell commanded as he turned on his flashlight on his MSG-9.

            “Yes sir.” Milo stood at the entrance as the team walked into the darkness.

           “Weapons free people.” Forester flipped the safety switch off as she saw three mutilated bodies on the ground.

            “Looks like the scientists.” Tyler studied at the bodies.

            “No signs of Omega yet.” Mitchell spoke and looked around.

            “Tango 2-5, this is Tango 1-3. See any signs of Omega yet?” Forested spoke on the RaidCall.

            “Not yet ma’am, we’re about to enter the plant.” Stoked replied.

            “Copy that, 1-3 out.” Forester replied.

          “Sergeant, can you put a flare here to mark our path?” Forester pointed at the ground as they reached a forked path.

            “Sure thing LT.” Mitchell took out a flare and dropped it on the ground.

            “Now what?” Tyler asked as he looked left and right down the dark halls.

            “I’ll take the left and you take the right.” Forester spoke to the men.

            “You sure LT?” Mitchell asked with concern.

            “Yeah, no worries Sergeant.” Forester replied.

            “Alright, let’s move Tyler.” Mitchell took point and turned right.

         Forester looked at the men disappear into the darkness and she looked at the flare. She took one more look behind and turned left. She approached the first door and went inside. There were smashed computers and paper all over the ground. She directed her flashlight to a broken desk and noticed a helmet. Forester picked it up and examined the helmet.

            “This is UNSC’s.” Foresters concluded.

           Suddenly, a crash came from behind her and Forester quickly turned around and pointed her gun, but saw nothing. Another noise came from behind her and Forester spun around to see a burnt zombie with military equipment. The zombie ran at her swinging its arms at her randomly. Forester took a step to the right and dodged the blow. The zombie growled and took another swing, but Forester dodged again. Forester kicked the zombie and fired a round to its chest. It did not kill the zombie, but made it more aggressive. Forester fired two rounds into the head and brought the zombie down. She stood over the body and looked at the name tag. On the armor was the name “Willow” stenciled on it. She looked at the badge on its arm and saw the Omega Squad insignia.

            “Damn, the zombies got him.” Forester reached down and pulled off Willow’s UNSC dog tag and placed it into her pocket.

            Forester searched the body for any ammunition and found none. She reached into the back pocket of the body and found a notepad. She flipped it open and saw a hand drawn sketch of a burnt zombie with notes about the zombie characteristics.

            “This is good Intel.” Forester told herself and placed the notepad into her pocket.

            “This is Tango 2-5, encountering hostile…backup over.” Stoked spoke on the RaidCall.

            “Tango 2-5, this is Tango 1-3. Please repeat over.” Forester spoke back not sure what Stokes need backup for.

            “1-3, we’re pinned down by a massive… Oh no! It got through! Run people!” Stokes replied.

         “Copy 2-5, we’ll be on our way. What’s your location 2-5?” Forester turned and walked out the room.

            “We’re at power plant three. Man down! Cover fire marines. Argh!” Stokes communication ended.

            “Come in 2-5. Come in 2-5, over.” Forester spoke with concern and got no reply.

        “All units in Tango 1-3, rendezvous at Milo’s location at the front door.” Forester spoke on the RaidCall.

            “Copy LT. We’re heading back.” Mitchell replied on the RaidCall.

            “This doesn’t look good.” Forester thought to herself as she ran past the flare on the ground.

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Sketch of the "Girl in My Gaming Group" 1

Sketch dedicated to the "Girl in My Gaming Group"
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Chapter 46- The Positive Shield

             Over the few weeks of getting still picked on by my boss and feeling down, I’ve come to the realization of so much negative impact my boss has made in my life and personal well being. One day I decided that dwelling in this cloud of negativity is not going to help me. It’s time for me to think and be around positive people. Life is too short to be focusing all my energy and well being from this boss at my work.

            This is what I consider the positive shield. Keeps me positive with life, self esteem high, and remain as a human without being hardened by body armor. This is a new defense, one that works without changing personality or harming others. So far it has proven to be useful within my hostile work environment. My boss wants to feel in control of everyone and he would do anything it takes to obtain in. Threats, talk you down, embarrass you, you name it. He wants control, I’ll give him it. No matter how bad the situation is, I have control of whether to take it in or not. This shield does not allow the negativity to pierce into me. One day he made a big deal of a tiny mistake I had made. He yelled at me in front of other people and put on a mad face. He would make me feel like an idiot and that I did not know what I was doing. My confidence and self esteem crushed gives him control and power over me. How I react is what fuels him. So I can make him believe he got me inside, but I’m actually intact and have high morale.  In order to achieve this, the shield would be the way.

            Like all shields, they must be repaired or recharged after it takes a beating. So what happens when my shield is damaged? I look at all the positive things in my life and tell myself that I should not take in these petty things my boss is doing to me. When I reflect on how supportive and positive my friends are, I feel renewed strength and energy. The person whom I feel has been the most positive and caring person is the girl from my gaming group. In the darkest night, her warmth and light shines me a path and lights up my hope. The positive shield is operational once again as I face a new unknown day.

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UNSCDF Chapter 5- The Assembly

Auburn, Washington, USA

UNSC Communications Relay Station

March 19^th, 2001

1300 Local Time

           Word got around the UNSC marines that new breeds of zombies are roaming the streets. There were a few zombies that had a burnt feature to their skin. They were stronger and were able to take a lot more damage than normal zombies. Another variant the marines had discovered were bulky muscular zombies. These zombies seem to have developed hardened bones and had spikes growing out of their arms and backs.

            “What’s with the new zombies Sarge?” Tyler asked.

          “I don’t know, all I heard was that it was probably from some radiation from a nuclear plant that melted down in Nebraska.” Mitchell replied.

            “It’s quite possible.” Danny commented.

            “I don’t care what they are. If they’re not human, shoot it.” Milo pitched in on the conversation.

            “Great, zombies are now officially harder to kill.” Tyler concluded sarcastically.

            “Pretty much.” Danny nodded his head with a smile.

            Patrick walked beside his Dad and looked at the men talking.

            “What’s up Patrick?” Danny asked.

           “The printer is printing out lots of paper and making funny noises.” Patrick pointed at the printer in the office.

            “I’ll go take a look Patrick.” Mitchell stood up from his chair and walked up towards the office.

            Mitchell picked up the paper and looked at it. He flipped the pages and skimmed it. He smiled and headed to the group of men.

            “What’s up Sarge?” Milo asked as he saw Mitchell’s smile.

            “We’re going to Seattle.” Mitchell grinned.

            “What do you mean?” Tyler asked.

            “Since the UNSC is coming to pick up Danny and Patrick, they are also transferring us out of this station.” Mitchell explained as he flipped the papers in his hand.

            “Man, that’s great!” Milo looked pleased.

            “Get ready to pack gentlemen.” Mitchell patted Tyler.

            “So what are we doing in Seattle anyways?” Tyler asked.

            “Don’t know. All I know is that it’s issued by High Command.” Mitchell looked at the papers in detail.

            “Hot damn, what did we get ourselves into this time?” Milo jumped from his seat.

            “I don’t know guys. This paper is so vague on the details.” Mitchell shrugged.

            Tyler and Milo walked off to their quarters to pack. Danny and Patrick had clueless looks on their faces.

            “What about us?” Danny asked.

            “You’ll be living in the Seattle Outpost with the other survivors.” Mitchell reassured them.

            “I guess we won’t see you folks anymore?” Danny asked again.

            “I guess so. The UNSC High Command wants us to do something.” Mitchell replied.

            “Well then, I offer my sincere thanks for taking care of us these past few days.” Danny stuck out his hand.

            “No problem.” Mitchell shook his hand.

            “Say thank you Patrick.” Danny nudged Patrick.

            “Thank you, sir.” Patrick thanked.

            “No problem Patrick.” Mitchell saluted him.

            Patrick saluted back and giggled. Danny took Patrick to their rest area. Mitchell looked at his watch and then got a seat next to the radar.

            “Two more hours and I’ll be out of this hell hole.” Mitchell looked at the radar.

Richmond, British Columbia, Canada

UNSC Richmond Outpost

March 19^th, 2001

1500 Local Time

            A middle aged man with a stubble walked into the briefing room filled with marines. All the marines stood up and looked at him.

            “At ease. Take a seat.” the man said.

            Zyrok and Forester sat in the front row while the rest of Echo Squad sat in the back. In the adjacent row, Fire Team Tango was there.

            “As of 1400 local time, we’ve received an order from High Command to initiate a search and rescue operation down in Central US.” the man briefed.

            “Captain Yashin, I assume all of us here are going?” Zyrok spoke out loud.

            “That’s correct, the team was chosen by Lieutenant Forester’s report." Yashin nodded.

            “So that’s what the evaluation was about.” Zyrok looked at Forester.

            “Yes and no. Other parts included in assessing the facilities.” Forester smiled.

            “So what exactly are we searching for this time?” Zyrok asked.

            “I haven’t been informed about it. All I can tell you is that you will be flown to the Seattle Outpost and be briefed there.” Yashin replied.

            “Captain, I guess I’m flying all of us there?” Stewart raised his hand.

            “That’s correct Corporal.” Yashin replied.

            “Alright.” Stewart grinned.

            “You will depart for Seattle at 1700. So get packing and good luck soldiers!” Yashin spoke and left the briefing room.

            Zyrok stood up and looked at Fire Team Tango. The team composed of five men which was led by Sergeant Jonathan Stokes. Zyrok didn’t really know Stokes’ team that well, but he figured that he’ll get to know them on the ride there.

            “Echo Squad, form up.” Zyrok shouted.

            “See you later Zyrok.” Forester walked up to Zyrok and waved goodbye.

            “Yeah, later Forester.” Zyrok replied.

            “What’s up boss?” Casey walked over and grabbed a seat next to Zyrok.

            “I want everyone to put on their game faces on. It’ll be our first time seeing High Command.” Zyrok spoke.

            “You got it LT.” Taylor smiled.

            “I always have my game face on.” Hawkes joked.

            “No you don’t.” Casey eyed Hawkes.

            “I’m ready Lieutenant.” Stevens replied.

            “How’s that bruise on your chest?” Zyrok asked.

            “Slowly fading, sir.” Stevens replied.

            Zyrok looked as Stokes led his men out of the briefing room and waved at Zyrok before leaving. Zyrok waved back and then turned to face his men.

            “Stewart, get the Pelican prepped up for flight.” Zyrok directed.

            “Okay sir.” Stewart got up from his seat.

            “I’ll see you all in one hour next to the Pelican with your gear.” Zyrok stood up.

            “Copy that boss.” Casey replied.

            “Dismissed.” Zyrok walked to the entrance.

            “Alright men, hustle up!” Casey ordered the men to move as Zyrok opened the door for them.

Seattle, Washington, USA

UNSC Seattle Outpost

March 19^th, 2001

2000 Local Time

            Major Ryan Tory grabbed his folder and left his officer. High Command had issued him an operation and he had to assemble a team. Since Forester was out doing research and she saw some action in Vancouver, he felt that she could use the people she met and work together on this operation. However, he knew that a squad was not enough for the operation, so he needed an extra squad and some extra marines. Luckily, word got out that the UNSC Communications Relay Station at Auburn encountered survivors and he felt the team there should suffice. He still needed an extra squad so he asked his friend in Richmond, Captain Nicholas Yashin, to bring along a team. Tory looked at his folder at the team he had assembled. Echo Squad, Fire Team Tango, and three marines from Auburn seemed like a good team. He smiled and closed the folder. He walked down a corridor and was greeted by Forester.

            “Sir, everyone is assembled and ready at the briefing room.” Forester saluted.

            “Nice to see you back on site, Forester.” Tory saluted back, “Let’s get going.”

            The officers entered the briefing room and were immediately greeted by Zyrok.

            “Good evening, Major.” Zyrok saluted.

            “Good evening, Lieutenant.” Tory saluted back.

            “Grab a seat Zyrok, we’re about to start.” Forester pointed at an empty seat.

            “Sure no problem.” Zyrok walked to the chair and sat down.

          “All right ladies and gentlemen. You are probably wondering why you are here.” Tory stood at the podium with his folder opened.

           “As you have heard, the two new breeds of zombies have been discovered recently in the Central US. It is in fact a mutation of the virus caused by the nuclear plant that melted down in Fort Calhoun, Nebraska.” Tory looked at his papers.

            “You’re right Sarge.” Tyler nudged Mitchell and whispered.

            “Hot damn, are we going there?” Milo spoke to Mitchell.

           “Yes you are. The radiation has already been cleared and safe to enter.” Tory replied as he overheard Milo’s conversation.

            “As of 1230 local time, we lost communication of Omega Squad that was doing a reconnaissance on gathering Intel about the nuclear plant meltdown and the new zombies. The primary objective is to find Omega Squad and extract them out of the hot zone. Secondary objective is to recover UNSC assets from Omega Squad’s camp situated two miles out.” Tory pointed at a map on the wall.

            “Where will we be dropping in?” Casey raised his hand.

          “Two Pelicans will be dropping you folks off at Insertion Alpha and Insertion Bravo.” Tory pointed at one place near the camp and the other near the nuclear plant.

            “How many teams are there?” Mitchell raised his hand.

            “Two teams, let me look at the assignments.” Tory flipped his papers.

         “Echo Squad would be commanded by Lieutenant Zyrok. Sergeant Major Fred Casey, Corporal Jonathan Hawkes, Corporal Mike Stewart, Corporal Mark Taylor, and Private Zack Stevens would be in this team.” Tory read the list.

          “Fire Team Tango would be commanded by Lieutenant Forester. Sergeant Jonathan Stokes, Sergeant Steve Mitchell, Corporal Jason Milo, Corporal Steve Michaels, Corporal Adam Wilson, Lance Corporal Neil Stanley, Private Thomas Hemmings, and Private Brandon Tyler would be in this team.” Tory flipped the page.

            “Sounds good, sir. Are we in Fire Team Tango for good?” Mitchell asked.

            “For now, we’ll see after this mission Sergeant.” Tory replied.

            “Am I flying one of the Pelicans?” Stewart raised his hand.

            “Not this time, you’ll be flown in by our pilots here.” Tory answered.

            Tory looked around for any raised hands and saw none. He closed his folder and looked at the men.

        “Alright people, get your rest today. You’ll be departing for Nebraska in 0600 tomorrow.” Tory exclaimed and walked out of the room.

            “Echo Squad, let’s get geared up in half and hour. I want people armed and ready.” Zyrok spoke to his marines.

            “All right marines in Fire Team Tango, we’ll do a quick overview of this mission in the meeting room in one hour.” Forester shouted out loud.

            Zyrok looked at Forester and smiled. He knew this mission was going to be interesting and exciting.

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UNSCDF Chapter 4- An Unexpected Turn

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Pacific Center Mall

March 15^th, 2001

0900 Local Time

Hawkes and Casey entered the hardware store on the second floor. It was semi-barricaded at the front with blocked windows. It took Hawkes and Casey quite some difficulty to squeeze inside.

            “Hello! Anyone here?” Casey hollered assuming that the hardware store was a makeshift holdout.

            “I don’t hear anyone and it’s dark.” Hawkes turned on his flashlight attached on his M16.

            “Private Stevens, come inside and watch the entrance.” Casey spoke on the RaidCall.

            “Roger that, I’m coming in.” Stevens spoke back on the RaidCall.

            Casey turned on his flashlight on his shotgun and pointed it at the entrance they squeezed through. Stevens’ head popped in and then he squeezed inside.

            “Take point here.” Casey shone his light at the entrance, “We’ll go take a look.”

            Casey and Hawkes slowly walked past some broken boards and furniture and then split up in different aisles. Casey swept his gun back and forth as he advanced down the aisle. Hawkes panned his gun left and right as he walked down aisle by aisle. Casey turned to a closed door and slowly reached the handle. Casey wanted it to be stealthy and not be like the mistake they had made in the sports store. He slowly turned the handle and pushed the door open slowly. He stuck the barrel of his gun forward and turned his head in. The light revealed a radio, food, and bottles of water.

            “There are survivors here.” Casey told himself as he picked up some water bottles and food and placed it into his backpack.

            Hawkes continued to sweep the aisles and reached the storage room. He steadied himself as he poked his gun into the darkness. He approached a heavy duty metal door and heard some whispers. Stevens stood his ground and looked around as he shone his light at the cash registers. He suddenly turned around to the entrance thinking that he had heard a noise. He tightened his grip on the gun and walked forward. Click. Stevens froze as he felt a gun barrel touch the back of his helmet.

            “Freeze!” a man said from behind Stevens. “Drop your weapon.”

            “We’re here to help.” Stevens lowered his M16 and placed it onto the ground.

            “Turn around slowly.” the man ordered as he nudged his gun at Stevens’ back.

            Stevens turned around and saw a man holding a Webster 1942.

            “Who are you?” the man asked.

            “Private Zack Stevens from the UNSC, sir.” Stevens pointed at his name stenciled on his flak jacket.

            “Thank goodness, I thought you might be those looters who steal from other survivors.” the man lowered his gun.

            “We’ve received a transmission and we’re on a search and rescue mission.” Stevens said.

            “I’m Tim Owens, the last survivor here.” the man looked relieved.

            “What happened to the others?” Stevens asked.

            “A horde was roaming here and got them all.” Tim looked upset.

            “Well, let’s get going then. I’ll notify my Sergeant.” Stevens looked around and then decided to use RaidCall.

          “Sarge, I’ve found the last remaining survivor. He’s with me at the entrance.” Stevens spoke on the RaidCall.

            “That’s great. Regroup at the entrance and I’ll notify Zyrok.” Casey commanded.

            “What about my stuff?” Tim pointed at a direction down the aisles.

            Suddenly, a series of machine gun fire echoed from the back of the store.

            “Run now!” Hawkes ran out of the storage room spraying at a horde of zombies chasing after him.

            “Forget your stuff! Get outside first.” Stevens picked up his M16 and dragged Tim out the entrance.

            As Hawkes ran towards the entrance, Casey slid beside him and pumped three rounds into the crowd.

            “Go!” Casey shouted.

            “Got it.” Hawkes squeezed out of the entrance and quickly reloaded his M16.

            “Zyrok, do you read over?” Stevens spoke on the RaidCall.

            “Loud and clear. What’s the noise downstairs?” Zyrok spoke back and asked.

            “A horde of zombies are attacking us. Request backup on the second floor hardware store next to the elevators.” Stevens called for help.

            “Copy that, we’re on the way.” Zyrok replied.

            Casey squeezed out the entrance quickly as the zombies attempted to pull him. Hawkes laid down a heavy cover to hold the zombies from pouring out. The barricade gave way and the horde poured out.

            “Run!” Casey shouted as he fired his shotgun.

            Stevens and Tim ran towards the escalators next to the elevators and realized there were more zombies running upwards.

            “Bottom is compromised!” Stevens fired bursts at the oncoming zombies.

            “Head up, Zyrok can cover us.” Casey ordered.

            Hawkes emptied his gun and placed a new clip and headed to the escalators.

           “Go, go, go.” Hawkes tapped Stevens’ shoulder and took his place holding the zombies from coming up.

            Stevens reloaded his gun and ran up the escalators.

            “Clear!” Stevens shouted.

            Casey and Time ran up the escalators and stood next to Stevens.

            “Hawkes, get up here. Cover fire people.” Casey shouted.

            Hawkes stopped firing and slung his gun over his back as the zombie horde and the mob of zombies downstairs ran at him. Hawkes ran up the escalators while the men laid down heavy support fire. When Hawkes reached the top, he turned around and fired a couple of shots.

          “This is Zyrok and Taylor on the fourth floor in position. Head for the roof, we’ll provide cover.” Zyrok spoke on the RaidCall.

            “Got it LT, on it.” Casey waved at the men to head up.

            The men hurried up the next set of escalators while Taylor fired continuous headshots at the zombies behind them. Zyrok was standing next to the entrance to the roof stairs waving them to head up. Casey took out some shells from his belt pouch and loaded his shotgun. He pumped one round to one zombie’s head and another to its chest. Casey stood beside Zyrok and watched as Stevens, Hawkes, and Tim got up.

            “Taylor, get in here now!” Zyrok shouted as he fired at a zombie behind Taylor.

            “Yes sir!” Taylor swung his sniper rifle over his back and sprinted towards Zyrok.

            Zyrok and Casey fired furiously at the oncoming zombies. When Taylor headed up, Zyrok and Casey headed inside and closed the door. The zombies pounded furiously and violently while Casey and Zyrok pressed against the door trying to keep the door from bursting open.

            “Try this. It’s empty anyways.” Taylor offered his M21.

            Zyrok took the M21 and wedged it between the door handles. It was going to hold, but not for long.

            “We need to call for evac now!” Zyrok waved at Taylor to head to the roof.

           Casey and Taylor ran up the stairs and regrouped with an exhausted Stevens, Hawkes, and Tim sitting on the ground. Zyrok took one last look at the M21 wedge and ran up the stairs.

            “This is Echo Team to Foxtrot 515 requesting immediate evac on the Pacific Center Mall roof over.” Zyrok spoke on the RaidCall.

           “We read you Echo Team, we just left base headed for the extraction point. Rerouting flight path. ETA ten minutes.” Stewart replied.

          “Listen up gentlemen, our ride isn’t going to be here in another ten minutes. Reload all guns and prepare to defend the rooftops.” Zyrok spoke to the men.

            Stevens took out his clip and looked at the near empty clip. He put the clip into his belt pouch and took out a full magazine. Casey loaded two shells into his shotgun and pumped it. Hawkes looked into his ammo pouch and saw one clip remaining. He pulled out his Lock 17 and loaded the gun. Taylor just looked at everyone loading their primaries and shrugged. He reached for his Lock 17 and cocked the handgun. Tim sat on the ground as he emptied the barrel of his revolver. He checked his pocket to find two rounds remaining. He slid the bullets into the revolver and set his gun down beside him as he watched the marines form a defensive line in front of the entrance. Zyrok walked to the edge of the stairs and looked at the door. The handles and door frame was loosening as the zombies continued to bash violently.

            “Get ready.” Zyrok shouted as he formed up in the defensive line.

            “Tim, get behind us.” Casey shouted at Tim who looked scared.

            The door frame broke and the zombies poured up the stairs.

            “Fire!” Zyrok shouted as five more zombies appeared.

            Casey blasted one round at the first zombie and then sprayed another round at the emerging horde. Stevens fired single shots towards the heads in attempt to hold the line. Hawkes fired bursts of two into the masses of zombies trying to lay a light cover. An endless wave of zombies continued to pour out onto the rooftops. The marines began to move back slowly as some of the marines reloaded.

            “Down to my last clip.” Hawkes shouted as he placed his last magazine into his gun.

            “Take mine Hawkes, I still have one more.” Stevens hurled a magazine at him.

            “Thanks bud!” Hawkes caught the magazine with one hand and continued to fire.

            Casey took the last shell from his belt and fed it into his shotgun. A zombie leapt at him and made him swerve his shot. Casey swung the butt of his shotgun and slammed it hard to the zombie’s skull.

            “I’m out!” Casey swung the empty shotgun at a zombie and slung it to his back.

            Casey kicked a zombie and pulled out his Lock 17 and fired. Taylor fired his Lock 17 as he noticed a zombie approaching a reloading Stevens.

            “Thanks Taylor. Last clip guys.” Steven smiled at Taylor and continued to fire.

            Zyrok fired his USP into the crowd and checked his spare clips. He knew his team wasn’t going to survive against a horde with just pistols. He looked at his watch and then looked at the sky.

            “They must be here.” Zyrok scanned the skies and saw nothing.

            “LT, I’m running low on my sidearm.” Taylor shouted as he reloaded his gun.

            “Here, take mine instead.” Zyrok tossed him his USP and his remaining clips.

            “What about you sir?” Taylor grabbed the USP and asked.

            “I’ll use my knife.” Zyrok pulled out his bowie knife and charged at a zombie.

            “Out! Switching to secondary.” Hawkes switched over to his pistol.

            Tim looked at the zombies pouring out and then at the marines shooting down zombies with nothing but their pistols and knives. He noticed a zombie behind Zyrok and placed a well aimed shot. Bam! The zombie head exploded as the bullet hit its skull. Zyrok turned around and nodded thanks.

            “Argh!” Stevens screamed as two zombies whacked his flak jacket.

            Casey ran to Stevens and fired at the two zombies. Casey looked at Stevens’ damaged flak jacket and helped Stevens up to his feet.

            “Thanks Sarge.” Stevens looked at his chest.

            “Fall back!” Zyrok ordered, “Fall back!”

            The men slowly retreated to the edge of the roof and formed a box around Tim. Hawkes was down to his last clip and Casey was down to three rounds. Stevens has switched over to his golf club and was swinging the club randomly. Both Zyrok and Taylor had reverted to using melee as the zombies ran at them. Suddenly, an engine noise came from behind them and a Pelican lifted upwards.

            “This is Foxtrot 515, ready for evac. Need a hand?” Stewart spoke on the RaidCall.

            “About time you got here.” Zyrok spoke with enthusiasm.

            The Pelican turned around and a female marine stood on the mounted M60 turret. She fired the M60 into the crowd as the Pelican docked next to the edge of the roof.

            “Get on!” the woman shouted.

            “Hurry up! Double time!” Zyrok shouted to his men.

            Tim and Stevens got inside and quickly sat down. Taylor looked at Zyrok and then got on.

            “Go LT, I can hold them off.” Hawkes fired his gun while Casey covered Zyrok as he began to move.

            The woman turned the turret to the front line of the zombies and sprayed down some heavy cover.

            “Go!” the woman shouted.

            Casey and Hawkes turned and didn’t look back as the zombies chased after them. Once all the men go onto the Pelican, the woman fired suppressing fire as the Pelican lifted off. The woman dismounted and then sat down in front of Zyrok.

            “Lieutenant Forester from Seattle.” the woman offered her hand.

            “Nice to meet you Lieutenant, I’m Zyrok.” Zyrok shook her hand.

            “We have a lot to talk about.” Forester spoke looking at Zyrok’s men.

            “I’m sure we do.” Zyrok said with exhaustion.

            The Pelican lifted into clouds and headed towards the Richmond Outpost.

UNSCDF Concept Art 1

UNSCDF Chapter 1 Concept Art 1
*Exclusive on Memoirs of Zyrok*

UNSCDF Chapter 3- Be Careful What You Wish For

Auburn, Washington, USA

UNSC Communications Relay Station

March 15, 2001
0930 Local Time

Corporal Jason Milo sat on his chair staring at the radar. He took out his clipboard and took note of the blips he saw on the radar. He jotted down the number and resumed to stare at the screen. A middle aged man with a beard walked over to Milo and took a seat beside him.

            “Same old same old Sarge. Just a few zombies walking around.” Milo turned and spoke to the man.

            “Good. You take some rest Milo, you’ve been staring at that screen for three hours.” the Sergeant patted his back.

            “You know Sarge, the three of us have been stationed here for four months. We should get in on the action.” Milo stood up and waved at a young man sitting by a computer typing.

            “I agree with Milo, Sarge.” a man overheard and shouted as he continued to type.

            “Just finish that report Private Tyler and you can get your rest.” the Sergeant shouted back.

            “Got it Sarge.” Tyler put on a serious face and resumed to type his report.

            Milo went to the kitchen and poured himself some hot coffee. He grabbed the cup and headed up the stairs to the rooftop. He looked at the clear skies and then looked at the horizon. The city of Tacoma was in smoke and the buildings damaged. He looked around and found a stool to sit on. Milo was tired of being stationed here at the station. Everyday he would get up, look at the monitor, do reports, sit on the roof and do nothing, and then go back to sleep for the next day. Milo wanted to join the action and fight alongside his brother, Corporal Daniel Milo. It’s been one year since Milo has seen his brother. All he knew was that he was serving in the 7^th Company stationed at the San Francisco Outpost. Milo took a sip of his coffee and thought about the life before the apocalypse. Suddenly the alarm bell went off and Milo jumped up from his seat. He knew the alarm meant there was a horde of zombies coming to the station.

            “Finally, we’ve got some action.” Milo cheered himself up as he drank all his coffee and headed downstairs.

            “Here, grab this Milo.” the Sergeant handed Milo a UMP.

            “Thanks Mitchell.” Milo took the UMP from the sergeant.

            “Tyler, you watch the entrance with your SA80.” Mitchell pointed at the sealed front door.

            “Copy that sir.” Tyler hurried off.

            “Milo, you and I will take them out from the top.” Mitchell swung his MSG-9 over his shoulder.

            “This will be like shooting fish in a barrel.” Milo flipped the safety switch off and walked up the stairs.

            Mitchell laid his MSG-9 on the roof edge to steady his aim while Milo stood beside him holding his UMP.

            “How many?” Milo asked as he saw a horde of zombies slowly moving towards them.

            “Radar showed us around fifty.” Mitchell replied.

            “Great, fifty versus three.” Milo put on his game face.

            “We have higher ground and we have weapons.” Mitchell reassured Milo.

            “I see them coming.” Milo pointed at the horde approaching their fence.

            “I’ll take them out first.” Mitchell aimed his sniper rifle at the horde.

            Mitchell fired five rounds and took down five zombies. He looked at the horde becoming more aggressive and waved at Milo to shoot. Milo fired a couple of rounds into the horde and looked as the zombies fell down one by one. Mitchell resumed sniping and grabbed out a magazine from his pocket. As the two men fired at the horde, the bodies began to pile up. The bodies were starting to become a ramp over the chain linked fence.

            “Get ready Tyler.” Mitchell spoke on the RaidCall.

            “Copy that Sarge. Locked and loaded.” Tyler replied back on the RaidCall.

            Milo emptied out his magazine and placed a fresh clip into his UMP. The gun was providing a good cover fire, but the zombies continued to scale the fence. Mitchell placed his MSG-9 on his back and took out his Lock 17 and started firing at the horde of zombies.

            “Pistol’s way better than a sniper at this range.” Mitchell fired as the zombies climbed over the fence.”

            “I’ll lay down some cover for you.” Milo fired a bit faster at the oncoming zombies.

            “Couple more left. We can get Tyler to assist us.” Mitchell scanned at the remaining mob of zombies.

            “Tyler, open the main entrance and assist in taking out the remaining zombies. Be careful Private.” Mitchell spoke on the RaidCall.

            “Copy that boss, on it.” Tyler spoke on RaidCall with enthusiasm.

            From the rooftops, Mitchell fired his pistol at the zombies near the entrance while Milo provided a light cover on the climbing zombies. The door below them slid open and Tyler walked out with his SA80 in his hand. He fired bursts of three at the nearest zombie and then whacked a zombie with the butt of his gun before placing a round into its head. In less than a minute, the marines had cleaned all the zombies and regrouped at the entrance.

            “Nice work gentlemen.” Mitchell congratulated his men.

          “This is the first time they got past the fence.” Tyler looked at the dead zombie corpses on the ground.

            “Let’s clean up people. Milo, you take all the corpses and throw them outside our base. Tyler, you do a perimeter check and see if all fences are good or need repair. I’ll go load up our magazines and watch our radar in case anything gets here again.” Mitchell directed his men.

            “Yes sir.” the men replied in unison and walked off to begin their duties.

            “Finish early and we’ll have lunch early.” Mitchell shouted as he headed outside.

Kent, Washington, USA

Near Kent Elementary School

March 15, 2001
0950 Local Time

Thirty five year old Danny Millows and his twelve year old son Patrick walked on the streets searching for food. It’s been two days since they had food. They headed back to a barricaded home and rested on the couch.

“Dad, I think we should go to Tacoma. It’s a big city there and there must be some food.” Patrick rubbed his belly.

“Patrick, the bigger the city, the more zombies there are. We should go to Auburn instead.” Danny suggested, “It’s easier for us to survive there.”

“Sure Dad, any place will do as long as we get food.” Patrick nodded his head in agreement.

“Auburn is a couple of mile. We can use whatever gas we got at the house for the car and head there on a one way trip or we can try walking there.” Danny told his son the options.

“I don’t think I can walk that much with an empty stomach” Patrick looked sad.

“I know, but it’s a gamble with the last bit of fuel we got left in hope of food.” Danny looked at his son and explained.

“Mommy would have wanted us to drive.” Patrick looked upset.

“I know she would have.” Danny felt tears in his eyes, but held himself from crying.

It’s been one month since he had lost his wife to the zombies. They were at the community center looting for supplies when they got attacked. She got bit and had gotten infected. Danny remembered when his wife asked him to kill her before she became a zombie. He remembered how he promised to continue living and to protect their son.

“I hate zombies Dad, Mommy would have been alive if it wasn’t for them.” Patrick punched the ground.

“Me too Patrick. Me too.” Danny focused on the present and then stood up on the couch.

“Come on Patrick. Let’s pack what we can carry and drive to Auburn.” Danny told Patrick as he handed him a backpack.

“I’ll get our weapons and our medic kit.” Patrick rushed off upstairs.

“I’ll get the last remaining gas and fuel up our car then.” Danny went to the kitchen to find fuel.

Danny looked around the pictures on the wall and smiled. He saw pictures of his son growing up and pictures of his wife on their honeymoon. He took down a family portrait and placed it in his backpack. He crouched under the kitchen sink and took out a tank of gasoline. He opened the lid and peered inside.

“Less than half a tank.” Danny examined and closed the lid.

Danny looked around the countertops and placed two chef knives into his backpack. He picked up the tank and walked into the garage. He went to his tool box and took out nails and a claw hammer. He looked at the mini storage unit he made for his wife and opened it. He grabbed three flares, five candles, and one BBQ lighter.

“Dad, I’m done.” Patrick stood at the garage door entrance.

“Good, put your backpack into the car.” Danny pointed at a burnt orange sedan.

“Oh, I forgot to take the fire poker.” Patrick dropped his backpack and ran back into the house.

Danny opened the fuel door on his sedan and emptied the tank into the car. He looked at the fuel meter in his car to realize that it only had one quarter of his fuel tank filled.

“Hopefully, it should be enough.” Danny thought and reassured himself.

Patrick rushed back into the garage with a fire poker in his hand and then sat down at the back seat of the car.

“You ready?” Danny placed his backpack at the passenger seat.

“Yes Dad.” Patrick spoke with excitement.

Danny walked to the garage door and lifted the door. He looked left and right for zombies.

“Coast is clear.” Danny smiled and got into the driver’s seat.

Danny turned the ignition and locked the doors. The car slowly went on the road and then sped up on the empty street. Danny swerved a couple of times to avoid hitting zombies walking down on the streets and then turned onto a ramp onto the highway headed for Auburn. Danny drove on the highway past a couple of broken cars and then glanced at the backseat. Patrick was asleep holding his backpack as the sun bathed on his cheeks. Danny entered the outskirts of Auburn and passed a ruined airport. He exited down the ramp and headed towards the outer rural communities in Auburn. He continued driving down a street until he came to a forest. He parked his car and looked at the tank. The empty tank lit up on the dashboard and Danny frowned. He turned off the engine and woke up Patrick.

“Our fuel is near the bottom.” Danny picked up his backup and slung it over his back.

“Are we there?” Patrick rubbed his eyes.

“Almost, I think we can take a look around. This forest looks clear of zombies.” Danny grabbed a chef knife from his backpack.

Suddenly, sniper shots echoed near the forest followed by machine gun firing.

“Get down.” Danny shouted as he crouched next to the car.

Patrick ducked behind the car and grabbed his fire poker. The gun shots continued to fire from behind their car, but no bullets flew at them. After a couple of minutes, the firing died down.

“If there was shooting, there must be other survivors and that means there’s got to be a base.” Danny said.

“Or zombies got them like Mommy.” Patrick looked frightened.

“Don’t worry, let’s check it out. If it doesn’t look safe, we’ll head back to the car and go elsewhere.” Danny stood up and looked around.

Auburn, Washington, USA

UNSC Communications Relay Station

March 15, 2001
1200 Local Time

            Mitchell walked to the radar and looked. Two friendlies near the buildings and two blips near the outer perimeter. He studied at the two blips’ movement and looked as one blip moved first and then followed by the other.

            “That must be human.” Mitchell examined.

            “Tyler and Milo, be ready for two friendlies approaching our station.” Mitchell spoke on the RaidCall.

            “Copy that Sarge.” Milo replied back.

            “You got it boss.” Tyler responded with enthusiasm.

            Mitchell grabbed a set of binoculars beside his desk and headed for the rooftops. Mitchell looked into the binoculars at the edge of the forest and noticed a man and a child running towards their station. He waved his hand back and forth at them in hopes to catch their attention.

            “I see them Sarge.” Tyler spoke on the RaidCall.

            “Go and bring them in.” Mitchell ordered.

            “On it sir!” Tyler spoke back.

            Mitchell watched as Tyler run towards the two survivors and huddled them towards the station. Mitchell rushed down the stairs and saw Tyler talking to the man and the child.

            “That’s my Sergeant.” Tyler introduced Mitchell to the two survivors.

            “Sergeant Steve Mitchell.” Mitchell offered his hand.

            “Danny Millows and my son Patrick.” the man shook Mitchell’s hand and patted Patrick’s shoulders.

            “Welcome to the UNSC Communications Relay Station.” Mitchell placed his binoculars onto the desk.

            “I’m all done Sarge. Bodies are removed.” Milo spoke on the RaidCall.

            “Excuse me sir, do you have any food?” Patrick asked politely.

            “Of course we do. Tyler, show them to the kitchen.” Mitchell spoke to Tyler.

            “Thank you so much Sergeant.” Danny thanked as Tyler led them to the kitchen.

            Milo entered to the room and walked up to Mitchell.

            “Milo, go have some lunch and introduce yourself to them in the kitchen. I’ll watch the radar.” Mitchell sat down next to the radar.

            “Thank you, sir.” Milo hurried off with a smile on his face.

            Mitchell looked at the computer screen and then heard people chatting loudly.

            “This place is going to be livelier.” Mitchell smiled at his thought.