UNSCDF Chapter 47- A New Life

Bankstown, New South Wales, Australia

UNSC Relief Center

August 9, 1999

1300 Local Time

            Over the past few days after the conversation with Charlie, Sarah wasn’t sure if she had said the right words. She didn’t want to dwell upon it too much because she loved Cookson. Even though she knew Charlie loved her, there was nothing she could do. She was married and she was happy. Australia was slowly liberated bit by bit as the Australian Army and the UNSC forces fought tooth and nail at the major cities. Sydney was on the verge of becoming free of the infected and almost ready for civilization. Sarah sat on the bench where Cookson proposed to her and looked at the bright skies.

            “Sarah!” Cookson called out from behind with an enormous military backpack.

            “Mike.” Sarah greeted.

            Sarah had begun to call Cookson, Mike, instead of Michael or Cookson. There was no need for her anymore to address her husband by his last name.

            “What are you doing with that?” Sarah pointed at the backpack.

            “Oh, it’s a long story.” Cookson sat down beside Sarah and dropped his backpack on the ground.

            “Tell me Mike.” Sarah stared.

         “Long story short, our battalion is getting redeployed at the United States of America.” Cookson replied.

            “What? What?” Sarah complained.

            “Australia is slowly heading towards recovery and can survive with one less battalion. On the other hand, the US is in very bad shape. They need all the assistance they can get.” Cookson answered.

            “What about our life? Life here is slowly getting better and now you’re going?” Sarah whined.

            “I know dear, but this is our life. We can’t fully have a peaceful life until all the zombies are exterminated.” Cookson waved his hands around.

            “Why do you have to go Mike?” Sarah looked at Cookson with soft eyes.

            “I have to fight to ensure the future of mankind. Also, it’s not just that. It’s our future together that I’m fighting for.” Cookson reasoned.

            “I don’t want to lose you.” Sarah hugged Cookson.

            “You won’t. You’re coming with me. I’ve already spoke with my commanding officer and he has agreed to let you come with me.” Cookson whispered into Sarah’s ear.

            “Really?” Sarah's eyes widened with joy.

            “Yes, really. We will take the journey together. I’m not going to leave you behind here.” Cookson kissed Sarah’s lips.

            “I love you Mike.” Sarah kissed Cookson passionately.

            “I love you too.” Cookson brushed Sarah’s hair as they kissed.

            The couple made out for a few minutes before Cookson realized the time.

            “Oh, Sarah.” Cookson called out.

            “Yes?” Sarah smiled.

            “We’re departing in less than two hours. You may want to start packing.” Cookson glanced at his watch.

            “Okay.” Sarah stood up.

            “We’ll meet up in an hour’s time here.” Cookson pointed at the bench.

            Sarah nodded and watched Cookson hurry off towards a group of marines. Sarah quickly ran to her room and grabbed the largest backpack she could find. There wasn’t really much she could take with her except the memories she had at the Relief Center. She opened up her drawers and took out all her clothes. At the bottom of the drawer was a police badge. It was Taylor’s police badge which he had given to her before he died. Sarah sniffed as she felt sorrow and picked up the badge.

            “Oh, Taylor.” Sarah examined the badge as a tear trickled down her face.

            Sarah was going to honor his death and continue her duties as a police officer. With that, she clipped the badge onto her belt. Sarah continued to search her room for whatever she could stuff in her backpack. After a period of searching, she was done. Her backpack was nearly full and she was satisfied with what she packed. She walked to the door and took one last glance at her room. All the memories she had in that room won’t be forgotten. She smiled and closed the door. Sarah slung the backpack over her shoulder and walked out of the building. In the distant, Sarah could see Cookson sitting patiently at the bench waiting for her.

            “Mike!” Sarah called out.

            Cookson stood up and walked towards Sarah.

            “Here, let me take that.” Cookson took Sarah’s backpack and slung it to his back.

            “You don’t have to. You already got a backpack.” Sarah pointed.

            “It’s fine. I can manage.” Cookson smiled.

            “Thanks.” Sarah grinned.

            “You packed everything you need?” Cookson asked.

            “Yup.” Sarah nodded.

            “Heard the States are colder than here.” Cookson commented.

            “Oh…” Sarah scratched her head.

            “Don’t worry. The UNSC over there can accommodate us.” Cookson assured.

            “Okay.” Sarah smiled.

            “Come on, let’s go.” Cookson pointed towards the landing pads.

            Sarah took a glance at the park bench and cherished the moment. It was such a magical day when Cookson proposed to her. She hoped that one day she’ll see the day Cookson described. Sarah spun around and quickly followed behind Cookson as he saluted to a marine with markings of a Colonel. Sarah smiled as she walked past the Colonel and saw a Pelican equipped with a troop pod.

            “Hop on.” Cookson waved at Sarah to get on first.

            Most of the seats were already filled at the back so Sarah decided to sit near the entrance. She wanted to see a last look at Bankstown before they lifted off. Cookson quickly grabbed a seat beside Sarah and placed his arm around her. As the final marines settled down on their seats and strapped in, the Colonel walked into the Pelican.

            “Good luck gentlemen! Let’s show the Americans what the Aussies are made out of!” the Colonel saluted and stepped off the Pelican.

            “Hoorah!” the marines shouted excitedly as the Colonel waved at the Pelican pilot to lift off.

            Sarah watched as the Pelican lifted off and the whole Relief Center came into view. From the edge of her seat, she could make out the places she trained with Taylor and the park where Cookson proposed. The Pelican continued to lift as she saw the Bankstown Memorial Park and the building where Taylor and her fought for their lives. Next, the Pelican flew over the battle-torn city of Sydney. Sarah saw a lot of aircraft flying over the city before the Pelican lifted up into the fluffy clouds. Somewhere in Sydney, Azrie al-Rahman was still out there, but she will never know what exactly happened to him. The Pelican hatch closed and locked shut as the pressurization began. The interior lights lit a gloomy faint red and the chatter of the marines died down. It was going to be a long way to North America from Australia. Sarah closed her eyed and leaned her head against Cookson’s shoulder.