UNSCDF2 Chapter 2- Australians' Pride

San Francisco, California, USA

UNSC San Francisco Outpost

April 2, 2001

1015 Local Time

            Corporal Michael Cookson woke up from his bed next to a beautiful girl sleeping soundly beside him. He got off the bead and put on his clothes.

            “Don’t go.” the girl mumbled half awake as Cookson walked up beside her.

            “Sarah, it’s time.” Cookson knelt beside her and placed a gentle kiss on her forehead.

            “Already?” Sarah opened her eyes and rubbed them with her soft hands.

            “Yeah, Jackal Squadron is going to team up with another squad and head over to Afghanistan.” Cookson spoke with disappointment.

            “I know.” Sarah pulled herself up and hugged the bed sheets.

            “There’s nothing in Afghanistan, so there’s no need to worry about me.” Cookson smiled as he brushed Sarah’s smooth velvety hair.

            “Still…I’ll miss you.” Sarah looked at Cookson with soft eyes.

            “I’ll miss you too.” Cookson hugged Sarah.

            The couple’s moment was interrupted by a knock on the door.

            “Corporal Cookson!” a woman’s voice called out from behind the door.

            Cookson released his embrace and rushed to the door.

            “Ma’am.” Cookson opened the door and saluted a tall woman dressed in full military gear bearing the rank of Sergeant.

            “Get packing Corporal. Lieutenant Frederick doesn’t like to wait for her men to get ready.” the Sergeant ordered.

            “Yes Sergeant May.” Cookson saluted.

            “Very well, the team’s meeting up at the briefing room at 1200.” May replied and walked off.

            “Mike?” Sarah called out from the bed.

            “Yes dear?” Cookson closed the door and turned to look at Sarah.

            “Is it time to go?” Sarah asked.

            “Yeah.” Cookson walked beside his bed and pulled out a military backpack.

            “I’m going to feel lonely here.” Sarah voiced her thoughts.

            “Don’t be. Whenever you feel lonely, I will be here.” Cookson touched Sarah’s chest.

            “Thanks.” Sarah smiled and touched Cookson’s hand.

            “Besides, these few years here, you’ve made a lot of police buddies. Go see if you can upgrade to SWAT.” Cookson smiled.

            “I’ll try…” Sarah thought for a moment.

            Cookson shouldered his backpack and walked to the door. He slowly turned on the handle and pulled it open. Cookson turned his head to look at Sarah one more time.

            “I love you.” Cookson smiled warmly.

            “I love you too. Come home soon.” Sarah waved.

            “I will.” Cookson walked out and closed the door.

            A marine who appeared to be in his mid twenties ran up beside Cookson.

            “Must be hard, isn’t it?” the marine asked.

            “Well, look who we have here. Lance Corporal Jonathan Green.” Cookson stuck his hand out at the marine.

            “Cookson.” Green shook Cookson’s hand firmly.

            “So, you were saying?” Cookson asked.

            “Oh, I said that it must be hard leaving your wife here.” Green repeated.

            “Yes it is. On the bright side, there’s nothing in Afghanistan so it will be a quick tour.” Cookson replied as he walked towards the elevator.

            “My thoughts exactly. Oh well, since we’re a good reconnaissance squad, let’s get the job done and head home fast.” Green patted Cookson’s shoulder.

            “After you.” Cookson pointed at the opened elevator.

            “Thanks.” Green smiled.

            Cookson followed Green and went to look at the elevator panel.

            “Wait up guys!” a young marine ran towards the closing elevator doors down the hall.

            Suddenly, a boot stuck between the doors as a tough looking marine wielding a Washington 1100 prevented the doors from closing.

            “Robertson!” Green said with surprise.

            “Hello folks.” Robertson spoke in a deep tone as he stepped inside the elevator.

            “Let’s wait for the rookie.” Green pointed at the marine jogging towards them.

            “Hustle Private!” Robertson hollered.

            The marine ran inside the elevator and Cookson closed the door shut.

            “Glad to see most of the team here.” Cookson exclaimed.

            “Corporal Cookson, Lance Corporal Green, and Lance Corporal Robertson.” the Private saluted.

            “You got to move faster Christopher. In a firefight, that few seconds waiting for you could have jeopardized the whole team.” Robertson cautioned.

            “Yes sir.” Christopher looked at his feet.

            “Don’t be hard on him.” Cookson stared at Robertson.

            “Well it’s true Cookson.” Robertson patted Christopher’s back.

            “Just don’t stress it Christopher.” Cookson reassured with a smile.

            “Look Private, I’ll watch your back. Hell, we’re a team!” Robertson spoke with enthusiasm.

            “Hell yeah!” Green laughed.

            “Don’t mess with the Aussies!” Robertson patted his chest proudly.

            “Thanks guys.” Christopher smiled lightly.

            The elevator reached the ground level and the marines briskly exited the elevator in an organized manner. They walked down a corridor and saw Sergeant May standing by the door.

            “Not bad, looks like everyone is here.” May looked at the group.

            “Where’s Staff Sergeant Williams?” Green asked.

            “He’s already inside with Lieutenant Frederick.” May opened the briefing room door.

            In the center of the room stood a tall good looking female lieutenant who appeared to be in her early twenties. Beside the lieutenant was a bald man with a beard looking at a grid map.

            “Gentlemen.” Frederick nodded at the men entering the room.

            “Oh, great, you’re here.” Williams walked towards May.

            “All here ma’am.” May reported to Frederick.

            “Take a seat marines.” Frederick pointed at the chairs.

            All of the marines except Williams grabbed a seat. Williams grabbed a couple folders from Frederick’s table and distributed to the marines.

            “You are all aware that we’re going to Afghanistan with another squad as of yesterday. Here’s what you don’t know.” Frederick grabbed a folder from her table and opened it.

            The marines opened their folders and saw the word “High Command” typed on top of the page.

            “High Command?” Green asked out of curiosity.

            “Yes, High Command wants us to locate a covert research facility belonging to Secronom Inc.” Frederick pointed at a map of Afghanistan on the wall.

            The silence in the room was replaced by whispers and side conversations.

            “Marines!” Williams shouted to get their attention.

            “Thank you Staff Sergeant.” Frederick nodded.

            “Continuing on, Echo Squad from the 701^st Battalion will be accompanied by a High Command officer. Captain Zyrok will be leading Echo Squad accompanied by First Lieutenant Jane Forester. Questions?” Frederick closed the folder.

            Robertson raised his hand into the air as Frederick finished.

            “Robertson?” Frederick looked at him.

            “What are we looking or doing in the facility?” Robertson asked.

            “That’s classified. Our job is to locate the facility and follow whatever Forester wants us to do for the High Command.” Frederick replied.

            “Great, it’s like a needle in a hay stack. Wait, a needle in a sandbox.” Green laughed.

            “Sounds about right.” May laughed at Green’s joke.

            “Alright then, Echo Squad and Forester will be arriving in less than an hour. Head to the armory and get geared up.” Frederick looked at her watch.

            “We’ll regroup at platform Alpha for our ride.” Williams added.

            “Let’s make a good impression and show that the Australians are better than the Americans. Dismissed.” Frederick concluded and turned to her table.