UNSCDF Chapter 38- Angel From Above

Roosevelt National Forest, Colorado, USA

Old Radar Station

March 26, 2001

1920 Local Time

            Zyrok hung on the wall with his left arm being tugged upwards and his legs dragged downwards. Zyrok swung his right arm into a crevice and attempted to pull himself up. He looked upwards and saw a Pelican block the sunlight.

            “Don’t move!” Taylor took out his Lock 17 and pointed at Zyrok.

            Zyrok saw the pistol pointed at him and closed his eyes. Bang. Bang. Bang. Zyrok could hear the bullets whiz past his ear. Taylor took out a few zombies grabbing his legs and aimed again. Zyrok could feel himself move upwards as Taylor took out a few more zombies. Taylor slid his empty pistol into his holster and assisted Pruett. Zyrok watched as he reached the edge and a sea of hands reached towards him and pulled him onto the roof. Zyrok lay flat on the roof in exhaustion as he saw the Pelican slowly descend next to the roof edge.

            “We’re safe sir. We did it.” Nevarez patted Zyrok.

            “Uh huh.” Zyrok moaned in pain.

            “Let’s get him on board.” Casey pointed as the Pelican hovered over the edge.

            Nevarez, Casey, and Pruett lifted Zyrok off the ground and ferried him to fully loaded Pelican. There were piles of wooden crates occupying many seats.

            “Find whatever seats you can get.” the pilot called from the cockpit.

            Casey pointed at a seat beside the cockpit door and watched Nevarez and Pruett strap Zyrok to his seat. Taylor and Schmidt squeezed between a seat while Pruett headed into the cockpit. Casey and Nevarez grabbed a medic kit from under a seat and began to administer Zyrok’s wounds.

            “Good to go?” the pilot called.

            “Yeah, let’s get out of here.” Casey shouted as he pulled out a roll of bandages.

            “Lance Corporal Pruett.” Pruett offered his hand to a young man with stubble.

            “Lance Corporal Foo.” the young man shook Pruett’s hand.

            “Let’s lift off.” Foo shouted to the back and flipped a switch.

         The Pelican lifted into the sky as the zombies swarmed frantically under it. Pruett grabbed a seat beside Foo and looked out the window.

            “That’s quite a horde you got.” Foo looked at the horde below them.

            “Yeah, I’m glad we’re safe now.” Pruett took a breath of relief.

            Casey sprayed a bottle of antiseptic spray onto Zyrok’s back. Zyrok groaned in pain and clenched his hands. Nevarez took out a morphine needle and injected the dose into Zyrok’s arm.

            “This will make it better.” Nevarez smiled.

            “I’m cold.” Zyrok shivered.

            “You are either in shock or your adrenaline rush is over.” Casey examined Zyrok’s bloody back.

            “Have my jacket.” Nevarez took off his jacket and placed it over Zyrok.

            “I feel like I’m dying.” Zyrok shivered.

            “No your not. You’ve just lost a lot of blood.” Casey looked at the blood stained seat.

            “How’s Zyrok doing?” Pruett stood at the cockpit door.

            “Not too well. We need to get him to the nearest medical facility.” Casey stared at a dizzy Zyrok.

            “Closest one is at Layton, Utah. That’s the one Forester is at.” Pruett answered.

            “How long?” Casey looked at Pruett with concerned eyes.

            “I’d say a few hours tops considering it’s carrying a full load.” Pruett looked at the crates.

            “Ask the pilot to head there.” Casey ordered.

            “Yes sir.” Pruett acknowledged and went inside the cockpit to inform Foo.

            “Hang in there Captain.” Nevarez gently nudged Zyrok.

            Zyrok continued to shiver as he sat on his seat. He could feel himself breathing shallowly as his head spun. He looked at his men standing beside him and he could not make out who was who. His vision was blurred and he could feel himself lean forward. There was no strength in him to cling on to his seat. Luckily, Zyrok was strapped to his seat so he didn’t fall off. The morphine was kicking into his system and his back no longer throbbed with excruciating pain. Zyrok was fatigued and dizzy. He felt his eyelids become heavy and vision darkening. Before he knew it, Zyrok was laying unconscious on his seat.

Layton, Utah, USA

UNSC Layton Outpost

March 26, 1999

2200 Local Time

            “How’s he doing doctor?” Casey stood outside the door which Zyrok was undergoing an operation.

            “Moderate lacerations to the back and his right hand. He should be fine in a few days after a blood transfusion.” the doctor replied as he watched Casey stare outside the window.

            “Yeah, he’s lost a lot of blood.” Casey looked at he doctor.

            “I’m surprised that he hasn’t got himself infected from contact.” the doctor pulled out a notepad.

         “Oh, he’s got nanites in him. It was one of the perks given to him by High Command.” Casey responded with a smile.           

            “Then he’ll need his dose of Nerotonin-2.” the doctor jotted down some notes.

            “He hasn’t been administered yet?” Casey asked.

            “Well, we didn’t know he had nanites.” the doctor put his notepad away.

            “Oh.” Casey shrugged.

        “Well, I’ve got to inform the others and get him a dosage.” the doctor replied and walked into the room.

        Casey decided to see how Forester was doing and figured it might be a while for the operation to finish. Casey walked down a hallway and saw Pruett sitting beside Forester. Forester sat upright on her hospital bed with a heart monitor beeping beside her.

            “Hi Casey.” Forester greeted.

            “Hello Forester, how are you doing?” Casey looked at Forester and then Pruett.

            “I’ll go for a break.” Pruett stood up and walked out the door.

         “I’m fine. Doctor says I can be out after two more days. I heard about Zyrok. Any updates?” Forester worried.

            “Zyrok’s currently undergoing an operation. He seems to be doing fine.” Casey assured.

            “He’ll pull through. I know he will.” Forester smiled with optimism.

            “He always does.” Casey laughed.

            “How was the mission?” Forester asked.

          “Mission is complete. Other than a close encounter with a massive tentacle boss and crash landing the Pelican, we’re fine. Just fine…” Casey laughed lightheartedly.

            “New zombies…I wonder what else is out there after the radiation.” Forester wondered.

            “I don’t want to find out. We need out rest.” Casey shrugged.

            “Yeah and our CO is injured.” Forester pointed out.

        “We should be able to take our time off. After all, we got the DNA samples.” Casey sat beside Forester.

            “Well, I’m going to get some rest.” Forester closed her eyes.

            “I’ll sit here and rest too if you don’t mind.” Casey sat comfortably and closed his eyes.

            “Sure, I don’t mind.” Forester grinned.

            “I’m sure by the time I’m awake, Zyrok would be out in general care.” Casey laughed and listened as the heart monitor steadily beeped in the background as Forester fell asleep.

UNSCDF Chapter 37- The Paths of Life

Bankstown, New South Wales, Australia

UNSC Relief Center

August 3, 1999

1100 Local Time

            Taylor, Cookson, and Sarah stood in front of the “Wall of Fallen Heroes” and watched as a sergeant stuck a plaque marked “Private Daniel Johnson” next to a wall full of plaques. The sergeant looked at Cookson and saluted before walking off.

            “We are in your debt.” Taylor looked at the plaque.

            “Thank you Private Johnson.” Sarah stood still as she remembered his sacrifice.

            “He was a great man to the very end.” Cookson touched the plaque.

            “Cookson, I can’t express how sorry I am for you to lose your friend. Thank you for coming to get us.” Taylor placed his hand on Cookson’s shoulder.

            “Everyone makes sacrifices…” Cookson thought of Az.

            “Thank you.” Sarah leaned and placed her head beside Cookson’s arm.

            “I’m glad you are all safe.” Cookson brushed Sarah’s smooth hair.

            Taylor looked at the pair and decided to give them some space.

            “Oh, I have to meet up with an officer.” Taylor interrupted as he looked at his watch.

            “I’ll see you soon Taylor.” Sarah replied as Taylor walked off.

            Cookson held Sarah’s hand and gently pulled her away from the wall. Sarah smiled joyfully and watched as Cookson grabbed her to bench. Sarah sat down comfortably on the bench as Cookson stood in front of her.

            “Sarah, close your eyes.” Cookson requested.

            “Why?” Sarah looked at Cookson in the eyes.

            “I want you to imagine a place without zombies. Close your eyes and I’ll tell you the imagery and you can picture it.” Cookson explained.

            “Okay.” Sarah closed her eyes.

            “Good. Imagine life with any troubles or worries. Neither chaos nor destruction. Imagine everyday being happy and carefree.” Cookson spoke as he moved behind Sarah.

            Sarah smiled as she imagined the place Cookson had spoken. Sarah felt a nice cool breeze of wind blow her hair and bird chirping nearby. She saw herself running bare foot on the warm sand down in Gold Coast, Queensland. She saw birds flocking in the clear blue sky and the sound of water splashing on the shores. She smiled warmly as she saw herself lying on soft tall grass looking at the starry night at the Royal National Park in New South Wales. She could hear the crickets chirping in the distant and wind shuffling through the tall grass. Life seemed so good.

            “Open your eyes Sarah.” Cookson whispered into her ear softly.

            Sarah slowly opened her eyes and saw Cookson stick both hands from behind her holding a bouquet of red roses.

            “This is for you.” Cookson presented the roses.

            “Aw…this is so sweet of you.” Sarah took the roses and smelled them.

            “It’s so hard to find roses these days. Took me a while.” Cookson walked up in front of her.

            “I know.” Sarah sniffed the roses and smiled.

            “Sarah, I’ve been thinking about it for the past couple of days.” Cookson spoke nervously.

            “Thinking about what?” Sarah wondered.

            “I want to spend the rest of my life with you.” Cookson spoke and blushed.

            With that, Cookson crouched onto one knee in front of Sarah and reached into his pocket. Sarah gasped and was speechless.

            “Sarah Parks, will you marry me?” Cookson presented Sarah a small box and opened it to show her a silver ring.

            “Oh my gosh…” Sarah covered her mouth.

            “It’s not the typical ring with a big rock on it. This ring was passed on by my grandfather to my father.” Cookson looked at a Sarah with shy eyes.

            Sarah looked at the ring and then looked at Cookson. She didn’t know what to say to Cookson.

            “I want to spend the rest of my life with you and give you the life that I described. I want you to be the happiest girl in the world. We can take the journey together. What do you say?” Cookson looked at a speechless Sarah.

            “I…” Sarah tried to find the courage to say the words.

            Cookson smiled and continued to crouch holding the ring in front of Sarah.

            “I do.” Sarah blurted out and smiled.

            “I love you Sarah.” Cookson took the ring out of the box and slid it onto Sarah’s left hand.

            “I love you too.” Sarah looked at the ring on her finger and looked at Cookson.

            Cookson sat next to Sarah and gave her a passionate kiss. Sarah savored the moment and kissed Cookson for a very long time. Cookson brushed her hair as he kissed and felt her luscious lips pucker his lips. Cookson was happy that Sarah had agreed to marry him. He was never going to let her go and finally had someone to love and be loved back.

Richmond, British Columbia, Canada

UNSC Richmond Outpost

August 3, 1999

0945 Local Time

            With the new alliance with the Scavengers, the civilians were allowed access to live at either place. Civilians were given the opportunity to live under the UNSC government of the Scavengers’ government. This new access allowed the alliance to become stronger and more stable. Charlie was temporary referred to as the UNSC’s liaison officer until a suitable candidate was found so that Charlie could return to his other duties.

            “Hi Zyrok.” Mary greeted Charlie as he entered the cafeteria.

            “Hello Mary, how are you?” Mary took off her apron and stepped out of the counter.

            “I’m fine, thanks.”  Charlie smiled.

            “I see your career is taking off.” Mary grabbed a seat as Charlie sat down.

            “Yeah.” Charlie nodded.

            “A liaison officer? That’s a big role. I still can’t believe you opened up an alliance with the Scavengers.” Mary spoke with disbelief.

            “It’s only a temporary position. Someone should have offered an alliance a long time ago. We’re all the remaining humans left on this planet. Why not work together?” Charlie explained.

            “I’m glad all is going well for you. How are you with finding Sarah?” Mary asked.

            “Thanks. I still haven’t made contact with her. Perhaps she’s busy or the UNSC has taken control of her communications.” Charlie sighed.

            “Don’t give up.” Mary placed her hand on Charlie’s hand.

            “Thanks. I won’t.” Charlie reassured.

            “Hey Zyrok.” Mary looked at Charlie.

            “Yeah?” Charlie returned with a glance.

            “I wish all the best for you and your life.” Mary wished.

            “What do you mean?” Charlie wondered.

            “I’m officially moving to the Scavengers’ Holdout tomorrow.” Mary spoke and smiled lightly.

            “Why?” Charlie looked with concerned eyes.

            “Well, I want to live a normal life. The Scavengers seem to be the one that offers a life that was similar before the apocalypse.” Mary reasoned.

            “Too militaristic here?” Charlie asked.

            “I think so. I want to give the Scavengers a try.” Mary spoke her mind.

            “Very well. I wish you all the best as well.” Charlie wished.

            “Thanks. Look, before I go tomorrow, I’ll come see you.” Mary said with a smile and stood up.

            “Okay…” Charlie spoke sadly and stood next to Mary.

            “You can still visit me at the Holdout. After all, you’ve got access.” Mary patted Charlie’s chest.

            “I guess so.” Charlie muttered.

            “Don’t worry too much.” Mary smiled and walked off.

            Charlie stood motionless as he watched Mary enter behind the counter and put on her apron. He watched as she served food to a few marines before Mary noticed Charlie watching. Mary smiled and turned back to doing her work.  

            “Perhaps I worry too much.” Charlie mumbled under his breath.

            Charlie looked at his watch and decided to head to his office.

            “Perhaps I worry because I care…” Charlie told himself as he waved at Mary and left the cafeteria.

UNSCDF Chapter 36- The Last Stand

Roosevelt National Forest, Colorado, USA

Old Radar Station

March 26, 2001

1850 Local Time

            Zyrok and Pruett ran up beside Casey and the others. The zombies were violently shaking the fence as the marines shot at them.

            “The fence isn’t going to last long.” Casey observed as the fence began to swing back and forth.

            “We got to hold the line. Help isn’t on the way till another twenty five minutes.” Zyrok fired his pistol.

            “We’re low on ammunition Captain.” Schmidt reloaded his pistol.

            “Use whatever you can to fend off the zombies.” Zyrok pointed at a rusty iron pipe on the ground.

            Nevarez shouldered his empty M16 and took out his Lock 17. Taylor fired his M21 slowly and made sure that every round took out a zombie. Pruett watched nervously as the zombies growled viciously.

            “This is why I’m a pilot!” Pruett sprayed his pistol at the zombies.

            Zyrok watched as three Bones squeezed past the horde and stood in front of the fence.

            “Fall back!” Zyrok shouted as the Bones began to swing.

          With three hits from the Bones, the fence toppled over and flung dirt in the air. The marines ran backwards firing whatever they had to slow down the brutal horde. Zyrok put away his empty USP and took out his bowie knife. A zombie ran at him with its arms out and lunged at him. Zyrok was agile and he took a step to the left and grabbed one of its arms. He stuck his leg out and tripped the zombie and knifed the zombie to the back of its head. Casey swung his Washington 870 like a baseball bat. Every zombie that ran at him was returned with a well placed hit to the skull. Pruett, on the other hand, was not doing so well as the others. A zombie charged at him and pinned him to the ground. Pruett was pushing the zombie’s head away from his face with both hands and was having a hard time breaking free. Schmidt jumped up behind the zombie pinning Pruett and impaled its head with an iron pipe. Schmidt reached to his belt and gave Pruett his combat knife.

            “Thanks man.” Pruett dusted himself and took the knife.

            Zyrok watched as a Bone whacked Nevarez to the ground and growled loudly. Nevarez fired his Lock 17, but did little damage. Zyrok sprinted towards the Bone and jumped onto its back just before the Bone was going to pummel Nevarez. The Bone roared and spun around in circles trying to shake Zyrok off. Zyrok held onto the Bone tightly with his left hand and jabbed the bowie knife with his right hand into the Bone’s neck. The Bone hissed and cried out loud as Zyrok yanked the knife sideways severing its head. The Bone collapsed to the ground and Zyrok rolled on the dirt. He looked at his right hand and saw blood beginning to seep through the bandage. He ignored the pain and stood up to face two zombies running at him.

            “This is useless. We need to find safety,” Nevarez shouted in exhaustion.

            “Let’s see if we can get on top of the building.” Casey pointed at the radar station.

            “Go guys.” Zyrok ordered as he snapped a zombie’s neck and decapitated another zombie beside him.

         Pruett and Nevarez ran towards the building while the rest were fending off the horde. Zyrok watched as Casey, Taylor, and Schmidt stood beside him fighting.

            “Taylor and Schmidt, go!” Zyrok ordered as he saw Nevarez boost Pruett to the roof.

            “Sir.” Schmidt handed Zyrok his iron pipe.

            “Thanks.” Zyrok took the iron pipe and sheathed his knife.

            A Bone ran up to Casey and swung at him. Casey attempted to block the swing with his shotgun, but miscalculated. The Bone sent Casey flying a few meters and knocked his shotgun away from him. Casey was injured, but he stood up to face the Bone. Casey shouted a war cry and lunged at the Bone with his combat knife. The Bone swung wide and missed Casey by a couple of inches. Casey slid under the Bone and slashed at its legs. The Bone growled in pain and fell to its knees. Seeing the opportunity, Casey hopped onto the Bone and viciously stabbed its head repeatedly until the Bone was no longer moving.

            “Go Casey!” Zyrok smashed a zombie to the side of the head with his pipe and heard a sickening crack.

            Casey nodded and ran towards an eager Nevarez standing beside the building. Nevarez boosted Casey to the roof and watched as Zyrok fought the horde by himself.

            “Come on Captain!” Nevarez shouted.

            Casey, Pruett, Schmidt, and Taylor watched from the roof as Zyrok held an iron pipe with his left hand and a bowie knife with his right. The horde began to circle around him as he swung wildly at the zombies. Zyrok turned to head towards the building when a Bone stepped in front of his path. Zyrok felt that he was a goner, but he was going to give it his best shot and die heroically. Zyrok gritted his teeth and ran towards the Bone. The Bone, however, was walking slowly towards him as if it was not afraid of him. Zyrok watched as the Bone grunted and slammed his fist forward at him. Zyrok rolled sideways and dodged the hit. The Bone jumped at him and pummeled the ground with its feet where Zyrok originally stood. Zyrok bashed the pipe to its arm when suddenly he felt a sense of agonizing pain to his back. He turned around and saw a tentacle zombie swinging at him. Zyrok winced in pain as he felt blood dripping out from his broken Reactive SLX. The armor had absorbed some of the damage and had served its purpose. With that, Zyrok threw his knife at the tentacle zombie’s head and dropped his armor to the ground and watched as more zombies crowded around him. He held the pipe with both hands and watched as the Bone advanced towards him. Zyrok was in a lot of pain and he was exhausted. He moaned in pain and charged at the Bone. The Bone did an uppercut, but was parried by Zyrok’s pipe. Zyrok saw blood drip from his hand down the pipe as he countered the hit.

            “My turn.” Zyrok smiled as he spat blood on the ground.

            Zyrok crouched and put a well placed stomp to one of its knee. The knee snapped and the Bone fell to one side. Zyrok quickly turned and dispatched an incoming zombie as it was just about to claw at him. The Bone roared and swung at Zyrok, but Zyrok easily stepped back and dodged the shot.

            “You can do it boss.” Casey and Taylor encouraged as they watched from the rooftop.

            “I can do it.” Zyrok muttered under his breath to realize that all he needed to do was to kill the Bone so he could get to the roof.

            “Kill the Bone and get out. There are more zombies coming.” Taylor shouted as he scanned the area behind Zyrok with his M21 scope.

            Zyrok turned his head quickly and saw three more Bones and two more tentacle zombies. He shifted his weight forward and brought the iron pipe down on the Bone’s head, but was blocked by its muscular arms. Zyrok danced left and right until he stood in front of the Bone and jabbed the pipe upwards into his jaw and penetrating through its skull. The Bone collapsed and lay in a pool of blood. Zyrok climbed on top of the Bone and ran towards Nevarez. Zyrok could hear the thundering footsteps and the vicious growls as the horde chased after him.

            “You go up first.” Zyrok commanded as he stood beside Nevarez.

            “You go first boss.” Nevarez offered.

            “No, you go first. That’s an order.” Zyrok ordered.

            “Alright, let’s make it quick.” Nevarez watched as the horde was a couple meters away from them.

            Zyrok crouched and boosted Nevarez to the roof. He cursed at the pain in his back and hand after he boosted Nevarez.

            “Come on boss. Jump!” Nevarez stuck his hand out over the roof.

            “We got you.” Casey stuck his hands out.

            Zyrok watched as his marines stuck their hands out to catch him. He hadn’t seen this camaraderie before in his team. He smiled and jumped upwards. The first jump was off and he was nowhere near the hands.

            “You can do it Captain. We’ll catch you.” Taylor reassured.

            Zyrok looked at the horde behind him and swallowed his fear. He took a few steps back and ran towards the wall. He jumped and managed to slip his right fingers to Nevarez’s hand.

            “Got you.” Nevarez held Zyrok’s hand tightly.

            Zyrok swung his left hand upwards as he began to feel himself slip from Nevarez’s hand as blood oozed out of the bandage. Pruett managed to get a hold of Zyrok’s left hand just in time as his right hand slipped from Nevarez’s grasp.

            “Pull!” Pruett shouted at the marines beside him.

            The marines pulled Pruett back slowly and Zyrok began to ascend. Suddenly, Zyrok felt his legs get pulled downwards as the horde below him clawed at his dangling legs. Zyrok felt intense strain to his left arm and saw himself beginning to descend downwards as more zombies grabbed his legs.

            “Nooo…” Casey shouted.

            “Pull harder people.” Pruett held Zyrok’s hand tightly refusing to let go.

            “It’s not working.” Nevarez pulled Pruett with all his might.

            “I’m not going to lose you Zyrok.” Casey shouted and pulled Pruett.

            Zyrok knew the inevitable was going to happen. He was going down and he was losing his strength in his arm.

            “First casualty of this mission and it’s going to be me…” Zyrok thought.

UNSCDF Chapter 35- Lost in Chaos

Roosevelt National Forest, Colorado, USA

Stormy Peaks

March 26, 2001

1300 Local Time

         Zyrok opened his heavy eyelids and watched as blurry figures walked around him. One figure approached him and stood in front of his face.

            “Zyrok’s awake!” Nevarez spoke out loud.

            Zyrok rubbed his eyes to clear his vision and saw his marines crowding around him while he leaned on a tree trunk.

            “Give him some space.” Casey pushed through the marines and knelt next to Zyrok.

            “Come on, let’s go.” Taylor waved.

            “How are you doing boss?” Casey handed Zyrok his water bottle.

            “I’m fine. How long have I been out?” Zyrok looked at his injured hand.

          “A few hours. You lost a lot of blood and we stitched you up.” Casey lifted Zyrok’s right hand and examined the dressing.

            “Thanks.” Zyrok took a sip of water and poured some over his head.

            “You should be fine as long as you don’t apply too much pressure on it.” Casey placed Zyrok’s hand on the ground gently.

            “Ok. Where are we?” Zyrok turned his head.

            “We’re safe boss. We’re a kilometer away from the grass clearing.” Casey pointed left.

            “I wonder where we are…” Zyrok reached to his belt for his datapad and felt an empty slot.

            “Did you lose it?” Casey asked as Zyrok fumbled his belt frantically.

            “I must have lost it when I was climbing the valley.” Zyrok slowly stood up.

            “So we’re lost?” Casey concluded.

            “Not yet…” Zyrok looked at the sky.

            “I don’t see anything.” Casey squinted his eyes.

            “We’ll need to go to higher elevation and find out where we are.” Zyrok pointed up.

            “I’ll get Nevarez to climb a tree.” Casey waved Nevarez over.

            “Sir?” Nevarez asked.

           “Nevarez, climb a tree and tell me if you see any smoke from our crash site. We need a reference point.” Zyrok directed.

            “You got it Captain.” Nevarez placed his gun on the ground and walked to a tall evergreen tree.

            Zyrok watched as Casey gave Nevarez a boost to a thick tree branch and saw Nevarez slowly make his way up.

            “Woah, this is high.” Nevarez called out as he looked down.

            “See anything?” Zyrok yelled.

            Nevarez pulled himself to another branch and scanned the horizon. He turned his head and continued to scan.

            “I think I see smoke.” Nevarez pointed right.

            “Are you sure that was from us? Any more smoke?” Zyrok hollered.

            “Nope.” Nevarez looked around.

            “Alright, thanks. You can come down now.” Zyrok shouted.

            Zyrok took a stick off the ground and began to draw on the dirt. He marked a circle of where they were and a triangle of the smoke location.

            “Any ideas?” Casey studied the dirt drawings.

          “We are here. I remember that the radar station is a few kilometers northwest of the crash site.” Zyrok scratched his head.

            “We’ll depart west of this location in ten. Let the others know.” Zyrok pointed behind him.

            “Ok.” Casey nodded and walked off.

            Zyrok looked at his watch and then picked up his backpack. He took out his USP and checked how many rounds he had left. There were three rounds left and he decided to replace with his last fresh magazine from his belt. Schmidt walked over swinging his arms in a circular motion while Pruett followed behind.

            “How’s the shoulder?” Zyrok asked.    

            “Casey helped me pop it back.” Schmidt touched his shoulder and patted gently.

            “How about you, sir?” How’s your hand?” Pruett asked.

            “I’ll live.” Zyrok laughed.

            “We’re set.” Casey interrupted as he walked over with Taylor and Nevarez.

            “Let’s get going. The faster we get there, the faster we can go home.” Zyrok began to jog.

         The group of marines followed closely behind Zyrok and they navigated through a wet muddy terrain. Zyrok was watching carefully where he was stepping so that he wouldn’t slip and get himself all muddy. After a few minutes of navigating through the mud lands, the marines began to climb upwards on a hill. At the peak, Zyrok saw a radar dish protruding over the tree tops.

            “There!” Zyrok pointed.

            “Sweet.” Taylor replied with excitement.

            “Come on, let’s double time it.” Zyrok waved and ran down the hill.

            Zyrok led his enthusiastic group down the hill and past crowded foliage until they reached a fence. Zyrok looked left and right for a gate and saw nothing so he decided to scale the fence. The marines shouldered their weapons and began to climb beside Zyrok. The radar station was quite small. There was only a small building beside a radar tower that blended in with the trees.

            “Casey and Schmidt, establish a perimeter while the rest of us head inside.” Zyrok waved his hand at the fence.

            “Copy boss.” Casey nodded and walked off with Schmidt.

            Zyrok took his remaining marines in front of the building door and formed a single file.

            “Three tangos inside.” Nevarez peeked through a window.

            “Breach and clear on me.” Zyrok stuck up his hand.

         Taylor took out his Lock 17 and stood in front of the door. Nevarez readied his M16 and stood behind Zyrok. Pruett turned and watched Nevarez’s back holding his pistol firmly.

            “Three…two…one!” Zyrok waved his hand downward.

            Taylor approached the door and kicked it down. Zyrok held his ground as Nevarez moved past him and entered the room. Gunshots followed after Nevarez was inside with Taylor running inside to clear.

            “Clear!” Nevarez shouted.

            Zyrok and Pruett headed inside and saw three zombie corpses peppered with bullets.

            “Get this thing working.” Zyrok pointed at a microphone on a dusty desk.

            “Yes sir.” Pruett put his pistol on the desk and began to operate the computer.

            “Taylor, guard the entrance.” Zyrok ordered.

Taylor replied with a nod and walked out the door. Zyrok watched as Pruett turned on the microphone to hear fizzes and static.

“What’s wrong?” Zyrok approached Pruett.

“It’s not receiving any frequencies.” Pruett hit the microphone with his hand.

“Hmm. Is it possible to use our helmet communications and use the radar dish to amplify ourselves?” Zyrok took off his helmet.

“It’s possible. I’m going to need time.” Pruett took Zyrok’s helmet and grabbed a couple of wires from nearby computers.

            “Captain, we’ve got a situation.” Casey ran inside the building with Schmidt.

            “What’s up?” Zyrok turned and looked at him.

            “I think the horde found us. I saw them moving past the bushes outside the fence.” Casey reported.

        “Hold the line then. We are getting very close to contacting for help.” Zyrok looked at Pruett connecting cables to his helmet.

            “Yes sir.” Casey replied and ran out with Schmidt.

            “Nevarez and Taylor, go assist them.” Zyrok called out.

          Nevarez walked out in a brisk manner and then jogged with Taylor to catch up with Casey and Schmidt.

            “How’s that radio going Pruett?” Zyrok asked impatiently.

            “Just about…there. Done.” Pruett turned to the computer and pressed a button.

            Zyrok walked over to the desk and looked at the dirty monitor. He smiled and then sat down in front of the microphone.

            “This is Captain Zyrok of Echo Squad. Does any UNSC personnel read, over?” Zyrok broadcasted on the microphone.

            Pruett shook his head as he heard no response from the receiver.

          “This is Echo Squad from the UNSC. If there is anyone out there, please respond.” Zyrok spoke with frustration.           

            “It should work.” Pruett walked beside Zyrok and looked at the microphone.

            Pruett looked at the wires connecting the microphone and followed it under the table.

            “No wonder. The wires got chewed. I’ll reconnect in a few seconds.” Pruett tied the severed wires together.

        “Thank goodness. I was starting to doubt if the microphone was working.” Zyrok breathed with relief.

            “Done, try again.” Pruett walked back to the computer.

       “This is Captain Zyrok of the UNSC. Are there any UNSC personnel out there?” Zyrok broadcasted.

            “This is Delta 327, go ahead for Captain Zyrok.” a man replied back on the receiver.

            “Delta 327, we are currently under fire and request extraction. How copy?” Zyrok asked.

            “Captain, what’s your location over?” the man asked.

            “We’ve crash landed somewhere in the Roosevelt National Forest and are currently at an old radar station.” Zyrok answered.

        “Copy that. I’m currently flying an unarmed Pelican over Boulder, Colorado carrying supplies. Adjusting my heading to get you guys out.” the man replied.

            “Copy, thanks.” Zyrok replied.

            “ETA twenty five minutes. Pop smoke when I tell you.” the man replied.

            “Twenty five minutes?” Zyrok asked.

            “Sir, my Pelican is carrying a heavy load.” the man replied.

            “Understood, do your best. Zyrok out.” Zyrok ended the communication.

            “Sir?” Pruett looked at Zyrok frozen in thought.

         “Pruett, get ready to fight for your life in the next twenty five minutes.” Zyrok snapped back to reality.

            “Understood.” Pruett took his pistol off the desk and cocked it.

         “We’ve got a whole lot of fight coming our way…” Zyrok walked out the building as he heard multiple gunshots echoing within the forest.

UNSCDF Chapter 34- An Intense Day

Bankstown, New South Wales, Australia

UNSC Relief Center

August 1, 1999

1010 Local Time

            “Here, try the Lock 17.” Taylor showed Sarah a pistol from a briefcase.

            Sarah took the pistol and a full clip of magazine from the case. She slid the magazine into the gun and cocked it.

            “Take two extra clips in case.”  Taylor pointed at two full magazines sitting in the case.

            “I’m not that bad of a shot.” Sarah laughed.

            “No, we’re going outside the center. Always bring more ammo if you can. You’ll never know what we’ll encounter.” Taylor pulled out his Lock 17 sidearm and checked the ammo.

            “Outside?” Sarah laughed nervously.

            “Yeah, pistol is short range. The best training is to get up close in the environment.” Taylor pointed outside.

            “Alright, let’s get this over with.” Sarah slid the pistol into her belt.

            Taylor took out a Zylon vest from his backpack and handed it over to Sarah.

            “Take this, a girl can never have enough protection.” Taylor joked.

            Sarah laughed and accepted the armor. She fitted the armor onto her chest and tightened the straps. Taylor approached her and adjusted the straps on her back.

            “You got to make sure it’s a good fit so you’ll have mobility plus protection.” Taylor examined the armor firmly snug on Sarah.

            “It is.” Sarah patted her chest.

            “Well, let’s get going.” Taylor headed towards the gates.

            Sarah picked up her pace and quickly followed Taylor out through the gates. Taylor led Sarah into the surrounding communities and quietly avoided zombies until they reached a small park. Taylor set his backpack on a park bench and took out his water bottle. Sarah watched as Taylor drank a gulp and decided to have a drink as well.

            “You ready?” Taylor pulled out his sidearm.

            “Yup!” Sarah nodded and took out her pistol.

            “There, one o’clock.” Taylor pointed at a zombie in front of them.

            Sarah held the pistol firmly with both hands and pointed at the zombie’s head. She pulled the trigger and heard a mediocre bang as an empty casing spewed out of the gun. The zombie in front of them collapsed to the ground and remained motionless.

            “Not bad.” Taylor complimented.

            “I can shoot you know…” Sarah smirked.

            “Two zombies, five o’clock.” Taylor pointed behind her with his pistol.

            Sarah spun around and fired at one zombie. The shot was successful and made the zombie drop dead, but it attracted the zombie beside and made it run towards Sarah. Sarah panicked by the sudden sprinting zombie and quickly pulled off a shot. She missed and fired again, but only got its shoulder. Taylor watched as the zombie got closer and lifted his pistol to the zombie’s head in a graceful manner. Sarah watched as Taylor coolly fired a round and brought the zombie down.

            “Don’t lose your composure. A sprinter is no different than a walker.” Taylor lowered his gun and turned to look at Sarah.

            “I didn’t expect it would run at me with this much speed.” Sarah took a breath of relief.

            “Well, this is field training. You got to be in the zone to actually learn better.” Taylor looked around for nearby zombies.

            “Huh.” Sarah exclaimed.

            “Look Sarah, I don’t doubt your ability to shoot or your mark marksmanship. The world is constantly changing by bringing new variables to each shot you make. Only practice will make perfect as you gain all sorts of experience.” Taylor explained.

            “Thanks?” Sarah laughed nervously.

            “There, three zombies down beside the park bench.” Taylor pointed at three zombies clumped over a dead corpse.

            Sarah nodded and the aimed her pistol at the closest zombie. She fired one round and took the zombie down. The other two zombies turned their heads to her and ran. Sarah took a deep breath and focused at the closest zombie and fired. A clean headshot made the zombie fly forward face first into the ground. Sarah paced her breath and fired at the last zombie. The zombie got shot in the eye and cart wheeled into a nearby bush.

            “See? You’ll get the hang of it.” Taylor encouraged.

            “Thanks.” Sarah smiled.

            “More zombies inbound.” Taylor pointed behind Sarah as two zombies walked towards them.

          Sarah aimed quickly and fired at the zombies. The zombies were taken out swiftly and Sarah reloaded her gun with a fresh magazine.

            “I think we have a problem.” Sarah pointed beside Taylor as she saw a crowd of zombies entering the park.

            “It must have been too much noise.” Taylor picked up his backpack.

            “I don’t think so. The pistol is pretty quiet.” Sarah studied the gun.

            “Or by sheer luck that we were next to a horde.” Taylor watched as more zombies entered the park.

            “Run?” Sarah watched with fear.

            “Good idea. We should find shelter to hide.” Taylor turned around and began to run.

            “Why not head back to the center directly?” Sarah asked as she ran beside Taylor.

            “Too far. Plus we can’t outrun a horde.” Taylor pointed at a building outside the park exit.

            “So we hide?” Sarah asked.

            “Like a storm, we wait till it passes unless we’ve got superior firepower to take them all out.” Taylor ran up to the building door and pushed the doors open.

            “Not with these.” Sarah held her pistol and laughed.

            Taylor closed the door as Sarah got in and got a glimpse of the horde scattering all over the park. Taylor grabbed a table and a few chairs and wedged the door shut as a makeshift barricade.

            “Can’t we call for help?” Sarah wondered.

            “I don’t have any radio. Only the UNSC has them.” Taylor said with disappointment.

            “Taylor and Sarah sat on the ground as the moans and groans got louder as the zombies approached the door. A few knocks and scratches on the door, but it seemed the zombies haven’t seen them. Suddenly, Sarah screamed. Taylor spun around to see a zombie in a janitor’s uniform tackle Sarah to the ground. Taylor ran up to the zombie and pried the zombie off and snapped its neck.

            “You alright? Did you get bit?” Taylor lifted Sarah to her feet.

            “I’m alright.” Sarah dusted herself.

            “It’s my fault, I should have made sure the area was clear.” Taylor apologized.

          “Don’t worry about it. I’m worrying about getting out now…” Sarah watched as the barricaded door shook violently as the zombies outside pounded and bashed.

            “Shit! They must have heard us.” Taylor stomped the ground in frustration.

*          *          *

            Cookson left his room to look for Sarah. Although he had not been fully healed, he decided to lightly jog around the center to catch a glimpse of Sarah training with Taylor. Cookson approached the training grounds where Sarah and Taylor usually trained, but saw no one. He saw a marine patrolling the area and decided to ask.

            “Excuse me!” Cookson called out.

            The marine turned to look at Cookson and immediately identified him.

            “Cookson! How’s it going?” the marine greeted.

            “Johnson?” Cookson was shocked.

         “Yeah, that’s me. We finished out task last night and I got shipped back. Sydney is one hell of a mess.” the marine took off his helmet.

            “Any word of Az?” Cookson asked.

            “I’m sorry, but we’ve got nothing.” Johnson shook his head.

            “That’s ok. By the way, have you seen Sarah and Taylor?” Cookson asked.

            “You mean a police officer with a girl around the same age as you?” Johnson replied with a question.

            “Yeah, them. Where are they at?” Cookson nodded.

            “Oh, they left the center about twenty minutes ago.” Johnson looked at his watch.

            “Know where?” Cookson asked.

            “Check with the gate guards. They might know more than I do.” Johnson pointed at the gate.

            “Alright, thanks.” Cookson expressed his gratitude.

            “No worries. I’ll be at the radar tower if you need me.” Johnson replied and walked off.

            Cookson quickly walked to the gate and approached a marine sergeant sitting in an office.

            “What can I do for you Corporal?” the sergeant asked and stood up.

            “I would like to know if you got info about a Sarah and a Taylor leaving the center, sir.” Cookson asked politely.

            “Give me a second.” the sergeant walked to his computer and typed.

            Cookson stood patiently as the sergeant typed and stared at his monitor.

            “A Sarah Parks and a Taylor White left the center half an hour ago to do some firearms training.” the sergeant spoke sitting down.

            “Whereabouts did they go, sir?” Cookson asked.

        “Let me check…somewhere near the Bankstown Memorial Park.” the sergeant studied the computer.

            “Thank you, sir.” Cookson replied.

            “You going out?” the sergeant asked.   

            “Not right now sir. I’ve got to get prepped.” Cookson replied.

            “I’ll see you in a bit then.” the sergeant smiled as Cookson walked off.

            Cookson decided to go find Johnson at the radar tower to get Intel about the surrounding areas near the park. He approached the tower and swiped his UNSC ID badge on the door. He saw a flight of stairs and groaned. After a few minutes of climbing the stairs, he reached the top and saw a couple of marines sitting in front of their work stations looking at the radar.

            “Cookson!” Johnson patted Cookson on the back as he approached behind him.

            “There you are. I was wondering if you got info about the Bankstown Memorial Park. I want to meet up with Sarah and Taylor, but I figured to check ahead for nearby hostiles.” Cookson requested.

            “Sure, no problem. I think the Memorial Park is in Sector Lima Three.” Johnson looked at a map on the wall.   

            Johnson studied the map for a minute and pointed at it to show Cookson.

            “Lima Four, my bad.” Johnson laughed.

            “That’s somewhat far.” Cookson looked at where Johnson pointed.

            “Let’s head to my computer.” Johnson pointed at an empty workstation.

            Johnson logged in the computer and typed “Lima 4” into the radar program. Cookson watched as the computer began its scan and watched as hundreds of blips popped on the screen.

            “What’s that?” Cookson pointed at a blip.

            “On no…not good.” Johnson exclaimed.

            “What’s wrong? Are those zombies?” Cookson was worried.

            “That’s a horde you got there. Question, did you say Sarah and Taylor were over there?” Johnson stood up from his seat.

            “Yeah…” Cookson muttered

            “I’m going to let my sergeant know bout his.’ Johnson printed the radar chart and walked off.

            Cookson stared at the computer screen watching the blips move on each scan. Johnson ran up beside him and grabbed his jacket.

           “Sarge knows about it, but all our assets are in Sydney. There’s nothing we can do for them.” Johnson said solemnly.

            “God damn it! That’s two civilians out there.” Cookson replied with frustration and pounded the table.

            “What’s the noise?” a bald man in his late twenties with stripes of a sergeant approached Johnson and Cookson.

            “Sir!” Cookson saluted.

            “Look Corporal, I’ve told Johnson already that all our assets are down in Sydney. We can’t do a search and rescue.” the sergeant looked at the radar refresh on Johnson’s computer.

            “They are civilians. Isn’t it our duty to protect them?” Cookson asked.

            “You’d be willing to risk your life for them?” the sergeant questioned.

            “Rather than sitting here and watching a monitor and doing nothing at all.” Cookson replied briskly.

            “I’m game as well. I don’t want to be responsible for someone’s death which I knew I could have done something to save them.” Johnson backed Cookson up.

            “Very well. If you insist on going, I’ll let you folks talk a Warthog and rescue them.” the sergeant replied with a sigh.

            “Thank you sir.” Cookson smiled.

            “Just letting you know, if you call for backup, there will be none.” the sergeant took a set of keys and handed them to Johnson.

            “I understand the risks.” Cookson watched as Johnson placed the keys on his belt.

            “Good luck marines. I just wish there would be more good soldiers like you.” the sergeant wished.

Bankstown, New South Wales, Australia

Bankstown Memorial Park

August 1, 1999

1430 Local Time

          Sarah and Taylor watched from the second floor window as the zombies crowded below the building. Sarah took out her water bottle and glanced at the remaining water.

            “We’re never getting out of here are we?” Sarah sighed.

            “Don’t worry. Sooner or later someone will realize that we’re missing and come looking for us.” Taylor replied with optimism.

            Suddenly, a Warthog sped to the intersection and began to drive into the park. Sarah and Taylor watched as one marine drove the Warthog while another fired the turret.

            “Is that Cookson?” Taylor looked closely at the marine on the turret with uncertainty.

            “Oh my gosh, it’s Cookson!” Sarah jumped up with excitement.

            The horde of zombies turned towards the marines and began to run at them. Cookson gracefully laid down a heavy cover fire and slowly took out a lot of zombies row by row. Taylor bashed the window and fired a shot in the air in hopes of getting the marines’ attention.

            “Over here!” Sarah shouted.

          Cookson seemed to catch a glimpse of Sarah shouting from a building and waved at her. Sarah watched as the Warthog turned towards them and accelerated towards the building. The Warthog sped into the horde of zombies splattering the first few zombies before halting to a stop. Taylor and Sarah watched in horror as the driver got pulled out of his seat and get ripped to pieces. Cookson turned the turret and gunned down the nearby zombies next to the vehicle before jumping off the turret. Cookson took out his M16 and fired a few rounds before entering the driver’s seat. He reversed the Warthog and ran a zombie over with the back wheel. He quickly turned the wheels and drove through some bushes and broke through a metal fence before rolling to a stop outside the building Sarah and Taylor was in.

            “Get on!” Cookson shouted as he quickly jumped onto the turret.

            Sarah and Taylor quickly ran down to the ground level and removed the barricade. They opened the door and saw Cookson fire furiously at the horde.

            “It’s overheating!” Cookson reduced the rate of fire.

            “Cookson!” Sarah exclaimed.  

“Taylor, man the wheels. Sarah, get on the passenger seat.” Cookson spoke as sweat dripped from his face.

Taylor hopped into the driver’s seat and watched as Sarah got on. He stomped on the gas pedal and drove the Warthog away from the incoming horde. Cookson reduced firing as the zombies grew more distant. Suddenly, a zombie pulled himself up from the front bumper and climbed on the hood. Sarah pulled out her Lock 17 and fired a shot. The zombie slid off the hood and got trampled by the wheels.

“We’re safe…we’re safe now.” Taylor took a deep breath as the UNSC Relief Center came into view.

Bankstown, New South Wales, Australia

UNSC Relief Center

August 1, 1999

2145 Local Time

Sarah stepped out of her shower and put on a white fuzzy robe. She wiped the foggy mirror and looked at herself. She smiled and began to brush her long silky blonde hair. After a few minutes of straightening her hair, she took a hair dryer and dried her hair. She exited the bathroom and heard two knocks on her door. She looked out the peephole and saw Cookson standing outside her door. She opened the door and smiled.

“Woah Sarah, you look stunning.” Cookson gasped.

“Thanks.” Sarah played with her hair.

“If you are busy, I’ll come back later.” Cookson looked at Sarah’s robe.

“Nope.” Sarah pulled Cookson’s shirt and closed the door.

“You know, I was really worried about you out there today.” Cookson sat down on a chair.

“I know. I thought we weren’t going to be rescued, but you came fore me.” Sarah smiled happily.

            “Well that’s because I…” Cookson blushed.

            “Shh…I love you.” Sarah placed her index finger on Cookson’s lips.

            Sarah pulled Cookson up from his seat and kissed his lips. Cookson breathed lightly and kissed Sarah on her cheek. Sarah unbuttoned Cookson’s uniform and removed his outer jacket and tossed it to the ground. Cookson closed his eyes as he kissed Sarah passionately and ran his hand over her face. Sarah pushed Cookson gently onto her bed and took off her robe. Sarah was bare of any clothes and was striding towards Cookson lying on the bed.

            “You are so beautiful.” Cookson looked at a naked Sarah.

            “I am yours.” Sarah hopped on the bed beside Cookson.

            Cookson quickly took off his shirt and unbuttoned his pants. Sarah touched Cookson’s chest and then kissed him on the neck. Cookson smiled as he slid his hand across her back and came down on her cure buttocks. Sarah got on top of Cookson and grabbed Cookson’s dreamy face with both hands.

            “I love you.” Cookson grabbed Sarah’s face over and kissed passionately as he slid his manhood inside her.

            “I love you too.” Sarah’s face turned red when Cookson began to push inside her gently.

            Cookson reached his hand out and massaged Sarah’s breast while Sarah slowly rocked back and forth on top of Cookson. Cookson moaned as he felt Sarah intensifying with each thrust. Sarah smiled and gently scratched Cookson’s back as she felt a sense of pleasure she hadn’t experienced before. It was a magical night for the both of them. A night which they will remember and cherish in their lives.