UNSCDF Chapter 15- New Roles Mean New Responsbilities

Seattle, Washington, USA

UNSC Seattle Outpost

March 22, 2001

2000 Local Time

          Just as Zyrok was about to leave his room for a late dinner, Tory walked down the hallway and waved at Zyrok.

            “Zyrok, follow me to my office. Let’s have a chat.” Tory spoke as Zyrok closed the door.

            “Got it Major. What’s up?” Zyrok asked.

            “We need to debrief on what happened back at Fort Calhoun.” Tory replied.

            “Alright.” Zyrok walked with Tory.

            The gentlemen walked down the hallway and reached an office.

            “Take a seat.” Tory sat down and pointed at a chair in front of him.

            “Where do I start?” Zyrok sat down.

            “Let’s start with the data you recovered.” Tory replied.

            Zyrok began his story and talked on for almost half an hour until Tory asked about the casualties.

            “I understand that even though the mission was a success, there were many casualties.” Zyrok spoke with sadness.

            “Do you know how they died?” Tory asked.

            “To be honest, I was knocked out before all this happened.” Zyrok replied.      

            “Here’s the report from Forester. Your men sacrificed themselves for the UNSC.” Tory dropped a folder in front of Zyrok.

            “I see.” Zyrok opened the folder and skimmed the documents.

         “I’ve also heard reports that there were two Titans that took out our Relief Center down at Fort Collins. Is that correct?” Tory asked.

            “Yes, that’s correct.” Zyrok nodded.

          “We need to find more information about these Titans. I’m transferring a couple marines to rebuild your Echo Squad along with other marines you brought back from the last mission.” Tory explained.

            “Sir?” Zyrok asked.

            “Go ahead Zyrok.” Tory cut his conversation short.

            “Permission to speak freely?” Zyrok asked.

            “Go on.” Tory listened.

            “Personally, I don’t think any of us has the physical and mentality to go back and face the Titan after what we’ve been through.” Zyrok spoke out his thoughts.

         “I understand that, but only your team has the most experience because you encountered it.” Tory reasoned.

       “All we need is firepower and not manpower. The more people there are, the more potential casualties there are.” Zyrok spoke thinking about new marines he didn’t know die on a difficult mission.

            “What do you propose?” Tory took out a blank sheet of paper from his desk.

            “One Pelican with one Warthog carrying Echo Squad. All I need would be three more marines extra, not another squad.” Zyrok requested.

            “You sure about that?” Tory wrote it down.

            “Yes. One Pelican to do insertion and extraction. A Warthog to give us mobility and firepower from the turret. Just three more marines to add to Echo because that’s all I need for extra manpower.” Zyrok explained his request.

           “I’ll see what I can do. In the meantime, accept this.” Tory reached his drawer and took out two pins.

            “Captain?” Zyrok exclaimed as he saw the pins.

            “You’re promoted to Captain now.” Tory handed Zyrok the two pins.

            “I don’t deserve this.” Zyrok looked at the pins place in front of him.

            “Your leadership skills are exemplary. You’ve completed a lot of missions. Take it.” Tory replied.

            “I’ve lost men at Fort Calhoun. I think Forester deserves this more than I do.” Zyrok suggested.

            “Your men need to be inspired. Forester’s promotion is based on High Command. I’ve put in a good word for her, but High Command requires her to have a longer service period.” Tory explained.

            “Alright. Is Forester coming along?” Zyrok took off his old pins and replaced them with new ones.

         “Yes she will. High Command has an eye on this mission as well since it’s very important for all UNSC forces.” Tory stood up from his chair.

            “Thank you, sir.” Zyrok saluted.

            “Good luck Captain Zyrok.” Tory opened the door for Zyrok to exit.

            “Thank you.” Zyrok thanked and exited the office.

            Zyrok walked to the Mess Hall to see if he could find his marines, but didn’t see them.

            “Too late.” Zyrok looked at his watch.

            Zyrok went to the cafeteria and grabbed two plates of fresh vegetables. He sat alone at his table and munched on a carrot.

            “What’s an officer doing all by himself here this late in the cafeteria?” Forester walked up beside Zyrok and grabbed a seat in front of Zyrok.

            “Oh, hello Forester.” Zyrok swallowed his food “I’m currently eating my dinner.”

            “Just vegetables?” Forester looked at Zyrok’s plates.

            “Just today because I feel like eating something fresh.” Zyrok replied.

            “Ah, I see Captain.” Forester looked at Zyrok’s new pins on his collar.

            “It should’ve been you Forester. I did nothing.” Zyrok glanced at his pins.

            “It’s fine, Captain Zyrok.” Forester spoke the new rank out loud “Sounds good.”

          “Do you know that we’re going back to the hell hole to find out more info on the Titan?” Zyrok asked.

            “I know already. We all got briefed three hours ago.” Forested looked worried.

            “What’s wrong?” Zyrok asked.

            “Oh, it’s nothing really.” Forester put on a happy face.

            “You sure? You looked a bit worried.” Zyrok asked.

          “Yeah, it’s not big deal. I just think that our team would have to face a haunting past once we get back over there.” Forested replied with concern.

         “I had the same issues too. I told Tory, but he said we’re more experienced.” Zyrok voiced his thoughts.

            “Don’t worry about it. Take your rest, the mission begins the day after.” Forester got up and took a broccoli off Zyrok’s plate and smiled “Night.”

            “Goodnight Forester.” Zyrok looked as Forester walked away.

            Zyrok continued to eat his food and thought about Forester. He had made mistakes in the past with other women that showed interested in him and didn’t pursue anything more than friends. He was still attached to Sarah, but he felt like he had to loosen up. As Zyrok continued to eat and think, his own mental defense came into play.

            “You can’t go out with Forester. She’s a team member and an officer of High Command.” Zyrok’s mind spoke.

            Zyrok thought about it and decided to leave it as friendship for now. The last thing he wanted to do was to affect Forester and himself in the battlefield the day after because of any close feelings. Zyrok finished his food and left the cafeteria. He was a Captain now and he has new duties.

         “There will be no relationships for the time being.” Zyrok’s mind told him to focus on the mission coming up.