UNSCDF Chapter 48- High Command

Seattle, Washington, USA

UNSC Seattle Outpost

March 30, 2001

1850 Local Time

        After half an hour of wallowing in despair, Zyrok came to his senses. He remembered the conversation he had with Casey and Hawkes and reminded himself that he was Zyrok. Zyrok figured he might give it a try with Forester. If it doesn’t work out, he would still have the purpose to find Sarah. Zyrok walked to Forester’s office and saw her locking the door.

            “Hi.” Zyrok greeted.

            “Zyrok.” Forester smiled.

            Zyrok smiled back as Forester handed him a folder.

            “Follow me. We’ll discuss this report once we’re at High Command.” Forester waved at Zyrok to follow.

            “Oh, okay.” Zyrok examined the folder and followed Forester.

         The pair exited the building and walked to a heavily guarded building. Two sergeants greeted Forester and asked for Zyrok’s High Command badge.

            “Captain Zyrok is with me.” Forester explained.

            The sergeants nodded and allowed Zyrok to enter the building. Forester swiped her UNSC ID badge on an access panel and looked into a retinal scanner.

            “Welcome Lieutenant Forester.” the computer spoke and the metal door slid open.

            “Come on in Zyrok.” Forester waved as she stepped inside.

            Zyrok huddled inside as the door slid shut. Zyrok was amazed with what he saw inside the building as he followed Forester. There were scientists testing with colorful chemicals and engineers designing new body armor. It was Zyrok’s first time in a High Command facility and it was exactly what he had imagined it to be.

“Come on Zyrok.” Forester called as she realized Zyrok had stopped to observe a laboratory.

            “Oh, right.” Zyrok snapped out of his thought and jogged up beside Forester.

            “There will be plenty of time to see the facilities once we talk about that.” Forester pointed at the folder she gave to Zyrok.

            “What is this?” Zyrok glanced at the folder.

            “We’ll talk as we eat.” Forester took Zyrok to the cafeteria.

            As Zyrok entered, he noticed the tables organized in groups. One was the scientists in their white lab coats and the other was UNSC High Command officers.

            “Grab a seat Zyrok. I’ll get you your food.” Forester pointed at an empty table.

            “Okay.” Zyrok nodded and quickly sat down.

            After a few minutes of waiting, Forester approached Zyrok with two trays of food.

            “Would you prefer caviar with cooked potatoes or fresh vegetables with mixed nuts?” Forester placed the trays in front of Zyrok.

            “What do you want?” Zyrok looked at Forester.

            “Don’t worry about me, I get these daily. Choose one.” Forester laughed.

            “I’ll take the fresh vegetables. I haven’t had something fresh for a while.” Zyrok smiled and pulled the fresh vegetables tray in front of him.

            “Sure.” Forester smiled and took the other tray.

            “So about the folder…” Zyrok placed the folder on the table as Forester sat down.

            “Okay, this report talks in detail about the new zombies we had encountered.” Forester opened the folder.

            “Okay…” Zyrok munched on the lettuce.

            “The two-headed zombie that screamed and brought a horde over is now called the Siren. Remember the zombie with the tentacles?” Forester asked.

            “The one that took out our Pelican?” Zyrok asked.

            “Yeah, that one appeared to be another boss zombie similar to the Titan. The tentacle boss is now called the Wraith. The smaller size version is referred as the Tendril.” Forester explained as she flipped over some pages in the folder.

            “These new special zombies are getting harder to kill by the minute.” Zyrok commented.

            “It appears that the radiation from the nuclear plant meltdown has accelerated and mutated the virus.” Forester added.

            “Go figure.” Zyrok watched as Forester ate her caviar.

            “Hence, we are seeing different strains of the virus.” Forester continued to explain the report.

            “This could mean we might lose the war with the sudden shift of firepower the zombies have.” Zyrok concluded.

            “Exactly. As you remember, we already lost a Relief Center. The aggressiveness of the zombies combined with the boss could lead to the decimation of UNSC troops within a few years.” Forester nodded in agreement.

            “So what does High Command have in mind?” Zyrok asked.

            “My level of clearance doesn’t go that high. What I do know is that High Command is onto something big…” Forester’s voice trailed off as a tall man with a beard approached Forester.

            “Sir!” Forester stood up and saluted.

            Zyrok quickly stood up and saluted the man.

            “I assume that’s Zyrok you talk about in your report?” the man looked at Zyrok’s name stenciled on his shirt.

            “Yes sir.” Forester nodded.

            “Colonel Victor Black.” the man stuck out his hand.

            “Captain Zyrok, sir.” Zyrok shook Black’s hand firmly.

            “I’ve heard a lot of praise for you.” Black glanced at Forester.

            “Oh really, sir?” Zyrok asked.

            “Yeah, being Forester’s commanding officer for three years, the both of you have brought so much valuable Intel for the High Command.” Black smiled.

            “It’s nothing.” Zyrok smiled.

            “Your efforts are greatly appreciated. I’ll see you soon later tonight.” Black thanked and walked off.

            Forester and Zyrok sat down and watched Black leave the cafeteria.

            “What did he mean that he was going to see me later tonight?” Zyrok asked out of confusion.

            “Oh, I wasn’t finished.” Forester tapped the folder.

            “Continue, please.” Zyrok urged.

            “As Colonel Black mentioned, we make quite a team.” Forester smiled.

            “And…” Zyrok laughed nervously.

            “Well, the UNSC is onto something big…and we’re going to help them.” Forester spoke briskly.

            “How?” Zyrok was interested.

        “We’re going to search for a covert research facility that was abandoned by Secronom Inc.” Forester explained.

            “Secronom…the folks who started all of this mess. And where exactly is this facility located?” Zyrok rubbed his face in thought.

            “Intel from High Command points to Afghanistan.” Forester answered.

            “Afghanistan?” Zyrok almost spat out his food.

            “Yeah, the Middle East.” Forester laughed.

            “Why us? Isn’t there other marines that’s situated closer in the Middle East region?” Zyrok complained.

            “Well, we’ve got more combat experience with the special zombies. Nobody knows what Secronom might have in store for us when we enter their facility.” Forester replied.

            “Great…just great. As if I haven’t died enough times already…” Zyrok laughed sarcastically.

            “Don’t worry. We’ll be teaming up with a reconnaissance squad that’s situated down at the San Francisco Outpost.” Forester assured.

            “Okay…I can survive one hour longer than before…” Zyrok joked.

            Forester laughed at Zyrok’s joke and shook her head.

            “High Command will issue us some of their top gears to increase our survivability and performance.” Forester stated.

            “Okay. I will do it…” Zyrok wasn’t sure if he could say no.

            “Great. We’ll go see Colonel Black and depart with your marines to San Francisco.” Forester closed the folder.

            “Okay.” Zyrok nodded as he finished his food.

            “Sounds good. I’ll notify Jackal Squadron at the San Francisco Outpost to get prepared.” Forester finished her potatoes and stood up.

            “Let’s see the Colonel now.” Forester dumped the waste on her tray into a garbage bin.

            “Afghanistan…” Zyrok thought to himself quietly.
             Unsure of what would happen in the Middle East, Zyrok knew it was probably the only way to keep his mind busy. Perhaps he would find his true self over at Afghanistan or maybe confront his past and be at peace with it. Zyrok wasn't sure about his future. For now, it was his journey to find Sarah.

UNSCDF Chapter 33- Deep Reflections

Surrey, British Columbia, Canada

Scavengers’ Holdout

July 27, 1999

2115 Local Time

            Anthony took Charlie to their warehouse and opened the door.

            “Here’s our food storage.” Anthony pointed at bags marked with “Seeds” and “Millet”.

            “That’s quite a supply you got there.” Charlie widened his eyes in disbelief.

            “I’ll have my men load up fifty kilos of these.” Anthony waved a man over.

            “Thanks.” Charlie smiled.

            “I’ll also put in two boxes of fresh vegetables.” Anthony offered as he walked Charlie out of the warehouse.

            “Organic?” Charlie joked.

            “Of course.” Anthony laughed.

            “I’m really glad we got this alliance going.” Charlie spoke his mind.

            “I like this free trade agreement we got going.” Anthony directed Charlie to the farms.

       “Definitely increases the survivability of the human race.” Charlie watched two women dig up potatoes.

            “You married Lieutenant?” Anthony watched as the women waved at them.

            “No, I’m not.” Charlie waved at the women.

            “If you’re looking to settle down, this is a good place.” Anthony pointed at the surroundings.

            “I’m sure it is, but I’ve got duties and a personal goal I need to do.” Charlie replied with a straight face.

            “Ah, yes. You’re an officer in the UNSC, but do you really want a career in the military?” Anthony questioned.

            “Well, everyone has their reasons.” Charlie thought about Sarah.

            “Then what’s your reason?” Save humanity? I’m sure it’s not that.” Anthony asked as he sat down on a bench.

            “It’s complicated.” Charlie sat down beside Anthony.

            “Tell me, we’ve got time.” Anthony relaxed himself.

            “I don’t feel comfortable.” Charlie felt uneasy.

            “Hey man, I’m not here to judge. I’ve heard many different reasons as to why people enlist. I’m sure yours might be common.” Anthony looked at Charlie’s face.

            “I joined the UNSC in hopes of finding a girl I like in Australia.” Charlie said with one breath.

            “Wow man. Australia is far…” Anthony wondered.

            “Yeah, it’s insane isn’t it?” Charlie asked.

            “I don’t see it as insane. I see it as determination.” Anthony complimented.

            “Thanks. Sometimes I wonder if she knows I’m out there looking for her.” Charlie looked at the dark sky.

            “I’m sure she will.” Anthony reassured.

            “I hope so.” Charlie looked upset.

       “Cheer up big fellow, you’re making a lot of progress in the UNSC. You’ll find her one day.” Anthony patted Charlie’s shoulder.

            “Thanks.” Charlie’s face lit with some hope.

            “Let’s get you a drink.” Anthony got up and pointed at a building.

         “Sure.” Charlie got up and watched as the women on the farm headed indoors with a basket of potatoes.

            Anthony led Charlie to a building filled with lively music and people. Anthony walked up to the bartender and grabbed a seat.

            “Hop on. What can I get you?” Drink’s on me.” Anthony patted on a stool beside him.

            “Iced water would be fine.” Charlie sat down.

            “Water? You got to be kidding me.” Anthony laughed.

            “I don’t drink alcohol.” Charlie looked at people dancing around him.

            “I see, you’re still on the job.” Anthony waved the bartender over.

            “What can I get you sir?” the bartender asked.

            “I’ll have a glass of red wine and iced water for this young lad here.” Anthony replied and pointed at Charlie.

            “Alright, red wine and iced water coming up.” the bartender repeated in acknowledgement.

            “You dance Charlie?” Anthony looked at a couple of women dancing alone.

            “I’m fine. You go right on ahead.” Charlie scanned the crowd and saw Hawkes sitting at a table with three women.

            “Here you go.” the bartender interrupted and placed their drinks in front of them.

            “Very well Charlie, I’m going to dance.” Anthony took a sip of red wine and walked off towards the women.

            Charlie grabbed his glass and drank it halfway before walking over to Hawkes. Hawkes seemed to be enjoying himself as the women played around his uniform and hair. Charlie slowly stood in front of Hawkes amused until Hawkes finally realized that he was standing

            “Sir!” Hawkes jumped up and saluted Charlie.

            “At ease Hawkes.” Charlie returned a salute.

            The three women stared at Charlie like they’ve never seen a guy before. Charlie felt a little uneasy and turned his face around to Hawkes.

            “Ladies, that’s my Lieutenant.” Hawkes introduced.

            Two women approached Charlie and touched his arms. Charlie took a step back to distance himself from the women.

            “I’m sorry ladies, but I’ve got work to do.” Charlie lied.

            “You need some help boss?” Hawkes offered.

            “Yeah, I’m fine. I’ve got to oversee some operations.” Charlie made the story up.

            The women expressed their disappointment and then turned back to Hawkes. Charlie sighed and then walked out the building. Charlie looked at the starry night sky and sat down on a curb with the remaining glass of water in his hand. Charlie took a sip and watched as more people entered the building which he came out.

            “People here are having a good time even when outside the holdout is nothing but chaos and destruction.” Charlie thought and reflected.

            Charlie felt a surge of sadness sweep over him. He missed the good old days. Life seemed to be better before the apocalypse, but it seems like life remained the same at the Scavenger’s Holdout. Charlie finished his glass of water and slid an ice cube into his mouth. The coldness of the ice spread throughout his cheek and he coughed.

            “You alright Zyrok?” Hawkes sat down beside him.

            “Why’d you come out? I thought you were having a good time.” Charlie asked and crunched the ice in his mouth before swallowing.

            “I was, but I’ve never seen you look so down before. So what’s up?” Hawkes asked with concern.

            “Stars and the moon.” Charlie looked at the sky and replied with a serious face.

            “No seriously, what’s going on?” Hawkes spoke directly.

            “It is the stars and the moon.” Charlie stressed.

            “What about them?” Hawkes asked.

            “They remind me of someone.” Charlie sighed.

            “Who?” Hawkes questioned.

            “Sarah.” Charlie reached into his chest pocket and pulled out the poem he had written on his first mission.

            “Ah, a girl. What about Sarah?” Hawkes replied.

            “She’s the reason why I’m in the UNSC. I enlisted hoping to find her one day.” Charlie looked at his poem.

            “Don’t worry, we’ll find her. The Scavengers can help as well.” Hawkes assured.

            “You don’t understand.” Charlie sighed “She’s in Australia.”

            “Oh…” Hawkes paused for a moment.

            “It’s fine mate, I’ll have to take this journey alone.” Charlie replied.

            “You don’t need to. You’ve got me. What’s that in your hand?” Hawkes pointed at Charlie’s poem.

            “Oh, it’s a poem I wrote for her when I got stuck on that comms tower back in Abbotsford.” Charlie shrugged.

            “Oh that. May I see it?” Hawkes held out his hand.

            “Sure.” Charlie handed the napkin to Hawkes.

            “On that dark cold weary night…” Hawkes began to read.

            After a few minutes, Hawkes smiled and returned the napkin back to Charlie.

            “You’ve got some skills in poetry as well.” Hawkes complimented.

            “It’s really nothing, I won’t be famous anyways.” Charlie joked.

            “You should show this to her after seeing how much she means to you.” Hawkes suggested.

            “If I find her…” Charlie looked at the stars.

            “Come on, it’s getting cold out here. Let’s head indoors to chill.” Hawkes shivered as a gust of wind blew his hair.

            “Alright.” Charlie stood up and walked with Hawkes to a small building which was quieter.