UNSCDF3 Chapter 2- Opening Moves

Arabian Sea, Coast of Mumbai, India

UNSC Perth

May 9, 2001

1300 Local Time

            Frederick sat in her quarters quietly in reflection of the events leading up to Zyrok’s sacrifice. Her memory was foggy, but she remembered Zyrok handing his UNSC dog tags and a piece of paper to Corporal Cookson, her teammate. The next thing she remembered very clearly was what he told Cookson that changed her.

            “Tell Sarah that I loved her till the very end.” Frederick mumbled on Zyrok’s words.

            Frederick stared at the wall briefly and frowned. Perhaps it was the last words and actions Zyrok did or maybe it was her past that made her somewhat attached to him. Everything she had gathered or heard from the others stated that Zyrok was killed in action, but a little part of her was telling her that he might still be alive.

            “Why am I even doing this?” Frederick asked herself loudly.

            Just as she was thinking a response to her own question, there was a knock on the door.

            “Come on in.” Frederick spoke loudly and snapped back to reality.

            The metal door slid open and Hariprasad walked in.

            “Are you busy Frederick?” Hariprasad asked in a soft voice.

            “No, not at all. In fact, I have a question for you Hariprasad.” Frederick’s eyes widened.

            “What is it?” Hariprasad asked with a curious face.

            “Here, take a seat.” Frederick moved a chair in front of her.

            Hariprasad sat down slowly keeping his eyes trained on Frederick unsure of what she was going to ask him.

            “So…” Hariprasad’s voice trailed off.

            “Tell me Hariprasad, do you think Zyrok’s still alive?” Frederick asked in a serious tone.

            “Well, I’m…” Hariprasad began to speak when suddenly Frederick raised her finger in front of him.

            “I want you to be honest with me.” Frederick interrupted.

            “To be honest, I really don’t know. A lot of evidence is pointing towards the death of Zyrok, but we have not recovered a body. That being said, I doubt we can find a body if the Secronom building got blown up.” Hariprasad said with a straight face.

            “Hmm…” Frederick rubbed her chin.

            “Why do you ask LT?” Hariprasad asked with a hint of curiosity.

            “Well…I’m sure Zyrok would do the same if it was us who made the sacrifice.” Frederick reasoned.

            “Oh, I’m sure. Zyrok seems like the type of guy.” Hariprasad agreed.

            “Indeed.” Frederick replied with a warm smile and looked away.

            “Permission to speak freely ma’am?” Hariprasad requested.

            “Go ahead…” Frederick stared at Hariprasad with an uncertain look on her face.

            “It’s Zyrok isn’t it?” Hariprasad asked softly.

            “What is?” Frederick looked a bit nervous.

            “This whole search…this operation. It’s all him.” Hariprasad stated.

            “Well, we are looking for Zyrok, aren’t we?” Hariprasad stated.

            “Exactly my point.” Hariprasad pointed.

            “Your point being?” Frederick looked somewhat annoyed.

            “My point being that you came to find Zyrok, but you didn’t bring Jackal Squadron with you. I find it odd.” Hariprasad spoke his mind.

            “I have my reasons.” Frederick stared at the ground.

           “Let me put the facts out and you tell me if I’m right. The reason Jackal Squadron is not here is because of Cookson. If I’m correct, you don’t want Zyrok to get upset or emotional if he sees Cookson. Assuming we find him in the mess in Afghanistan. Another thing is, I think you have a thing for Zyrok. I mean, I’m pretty sure Cookson believes Zyrok is alive.” Hariprasad gave his points.

            “You are very smart. You got some parts right…to an extent.” Frederick smiled nervously.

            “Oh really.” Hariprasad chuckled.

            “Keep this between you and me okay?” Frederick looked at the door.

            “You have my word LT.” Hariprasad replied seriously.

            Frederick stood up and slid the metal door shut. She looked around nervously with a slight smile on her face. Hariprasad smiled back warmly as Frederick took her seat.

            “Let me just say it bluntly. I like Zyrok and I enjoy his presence.” Frederick said in one breath.

            Hariprasad nodded in agreement not wanting to interrupt.

            “I mean, there’s not a lot of good guys out here or left in this world of zombies.” Frederick explained.

            “I know Frederick, but if you look hard enough, it’s not that hard. Let me tell you a bit about me.” Hariprasad replied.

            “Go on.” Frederick brushed her hair nervously.

            “Fact is, I’m a good guy. Well, according to my girlfriend. I would do anything for her such as taking a bullet for her.” Hariprasad pulled up his shirt to stomach to reveal a scar on his left hip.

            “What happened?” Frederick eyed the scar.

           “Long story, but I saved her and I wouldn’t hesitate to put myself in the line of fire again.” Hariprasad tucked his shirt.

            “Where is she now?” Frederick asked.

            “Oh, Heather’s in the US.” Hariprasad replied swiftly.

            “Then you shouldn’t be here Hariprasad. It’s a dangerous venture.” Frederick cautioned.

            “It’s our job. Only Sears and I are familiar with the terrains in Afghanistan. And our hidden assets…” Hariprasad smiled.

            “Hold on. I think the ship has stopped moving.” Frederick stood up and touched the wall.

            “We’re here?” Hariprasad asked.

            “Let’s go to the bridge. We’ll talk about this later. Remember, this is only between us okay?” Frederick stared.

            “Yes ma’am.” Hariprasad nodded.

            Frederick slid the door open and walked out with Hariprasad behind her. The pair walked up a set of stairs and out of a long hallway before reaching the bridge.

            “Lieutenant.” Parker greeted with a salute.

            “We’ve stopped.” Frederick looked out of the window and saw the ship sitting still in the water.

            “We are closing in on Karachi, Pakistan. We’ve sent out a small boat to scout ahead for us to dock.” Parker pointed at a raft speeding towards a distant land mass.

            “Don’t worry Frederick. My marines are good.” Blake interrupted as he stood up from a computer station.

            “It’s not the zombies that I worry about, it’s the Russians!” Frederick pointed at a small helicopter flying towards them from the port side.

            “Shit! Sound the alarm Parker!” Blake rushed to the helm.

            Parker ran to a lever and pulled it. A faint alarm was heard inside the ship.

            “Attention, this is not a drill! All hands on deck. Repeat, all hands on deck.” Blake spoke on the speakers.

            “Captain, call back the team?” Stewart hollered.

            “Call them back!” Blake ordered.

            “Sir.” Stewart acknowledged and spoke into his headset.

            “That’s a Mil Mi-24 chopper!” Frederick looked at the helicopter as it came into view.

            “Missiles incoming!” Parker shouted as she read a computer screen.

            “Get ready for a battle!” Blake grabbed the helm and turned left.