UNSCDF2 Chapter 11- Marines in Need

Haji Aziz Maina, Kandahar, Afghanistan

Kandahar Ghazni Highway

April 6, 2001

2000 Local Time

            A Warthog and a Mongoose sped out from a corner and skidded as it turned right. The vehicles came to a stop beside a building and Frederick pulled out her datapad.

            “They are two blocks away and stationary.” Frederick examined her datapad.

            “Shall we wait for the rest of the team?” Hariprasad asked.

            “No, time is valuable here.” Frederick replied.

            “What now ma’am?” May asked.

            “We’ll get Cookson and Christopher to do a recon of the area before we commence rescue.” Frederick waved at Cookson.

            Cookson drove the Mongoose up beside Frederick and listened to her orders. He nodded in acknowledgement and drove off down the streets with Christopher.

            “May, man the turret. Hariprasad and I will look around.” Frederick got out of her seat.

            Hariprasad scanned the buildings with his M16 and then huddled next to Frederick.

            “Lieutenant, the area is patrolled by armed men with snipers on the roof.” Cookson spoke on the RaidComm.

            “Anything else?” Frederick asked back.

            “The marines seem to be captured inside a building, but it’s heavily guarded by a turret.” Cookson reported.

            “Copy, it’s going to be a hell hole once we commence our rescue.” Frederick replied.

            “Head back and we’ll plan out our rescue when the rest of the team gets here?” Cookson asked.

            “Negative, the both of you will be on lookout and provide us constant updates of hostiles.” Frederick ordered.

            “Copy, holding position.” Cookson replied back.

            “Hariprasad, get on the Warthog. We’re going to get into position.” Frederick commanded.

            “Copy that.” Hariprasad nodded and jumped into the driver’s seat.

            “Are we going to engage first?” May turned the turret around.

            “Staff Sergeant Williams, how’s the backup coming along?” Frederick spoke on the RaidComm.

            “We’re one block away ma’am.” Williams spoke back.

            “Well commence extraction from the west. You bring the troop transport Warthog to our location and then attract the attention to you.” Frederick ordered.

            “Yes ma’am. I’ll dispatch Private Timothy and Corporal Taylor to your location. We’ll commence distraction on your mark.” Williams responded.

            “Ok, thank you Williams.” Frederick thanked.

            The three marines sat on the Warthog patiently as they waited for their troop transport Warthog to arrive. After a few minutes, Frederick saw a Warthog turn around a corner and stopped beside them.

            “Glad to see you Lieutenant.” Taylor greeted.

            “How many marines on Williams’ side?” Frederick asked.

            “Just Green and Robertson.” Taylor replied.

            “Sounds about right.” a young marine spoke from the driver’s seat.

            “Timothy, anyone from Fire Team Kilo coming here?” Frederick asked the driver.

            “No ma’am. They need to run operations.” Timothy shook his head.

            “How about the rest of Echo?’ Frederick looked at Taylor.

            “I don’t know.” Taylor shrugged.

            “Forget it, time is of the essence.” Frederick looked at her watch.

            “Plans?” Taylor asked.

            “Cookson’s our eye from above. Williams’ our distraction. We’re the rescue team. It will be a quick snatch and grab.” Frederick explained.

            “These militia are well equipped. I suspect that they are receiving aid.” Taylor spoke out.

            “Militia or not, it’s time to show that you don’t mess with the UNSC. Especially the Aussies because we mean business!” Frederick spoke proudly.

            “Hell yeah.” May agreed.

            “Let’s get ready now.” Frederick adjusted her helmet.

            “Locked and loaded.” Taylor cocked his MSG-9.

            “Williams, commence fire.” Frederick ordered on the RaidComm.

            “Roger, commencing fire.” Williams replied back.

            “Stay safe and watch out for snipers.” Frederick cautioned.

            “Copy that.” Williams acknowledged.

            “Good luck, Frederick out.” Frederick shut off the RaidComm.

            In the distant background, gunshots were increasing substantially as Williams’ team attracted the hostiles’ attention.

            “Cookson, report in situation.” Frederick spoke on the RaidComm.

            “Lieutenant, multiple hostiles converging towards Williams’ team.” Cookson reported.

            “Copy, keep us posted. We’re moving in.” Frederick waved forward.

            “We got two people on the lookout. We got your back LT.” Cookson assured.

            The two Warthogs sped down the dusty streets and parked beside a building before an intersection.

            “Hold Timothy. We’ll engage hostiles first.” Frederick eyed May.

            “Let’s shoot some terrorists.” May nodded.

            “Copy.” Timothy nodded with a grin.

            “I’ll cover your back here.” Taylor wielded his sniper rifle.

            “Sounds good. Time to save some marines.” Frederick patted Hariprasad to drive.

            Taylor watched as Frederick and her marines drove down the road and began to fire to their right. Taylor looked at the roof with his scope and saw a sniper perched on the ledge. He smiled as he aimed the sights on his head and fired.

            “Gotcha.” Taylor laughed.

            “Nice.” Timothy congratulated.

            “Hmm, another one.” Taylor looked at another roof and fired.

            “You’re getting all the action.” Timothy complained.

            “Don’t worry, we’ll get some action soon.” Taylor pointed at a turret firing at Frederick’s Warthog.

            “I’ll drive, you snipe.” Timothy started the vehicle’s engines.

            “Sounds good.” Taylor smiled.

Haji Aziz Maina, Kandahar, Afghanistan

Haji Aziz Complex

April 6, 2001

1950 Local Time

            “I don’t like to repeat myself. Why are you here?” the old man spoke to a restrained Zyrok.

            “I’ve told you already. We are doing reconnaissance of the area.” Zyrok replied vaguely.

            “I know that, but what are you looking for?” the old man questioned.

            “You’re not a local aren’t you?” Forester spoke out with arms and legs tied to a chair.

“I ask the questions here.” the old man walked to Forester and slapped her face.

“You coward.” Foo shouted out.

“Who let this idiot speak?” the old man waved at an armed man standing at the back of the room.

“The man walked up to Foo and took out his pistol. The old man nodded and pointed at Foo’s injured leg. The armed man jabbed his pistol onto Foo’s wounds and laughed as the marine cried in pain.

“Still feel like talking?” the old man taunted.

“You are pathetic.” Zyrok spoke as he watched Foo moan in pain.

            “Look Captain Zyrok, if you don’t start giving me the answers I want, your soldiers are going to experience a world of pain.” the old man looked at Zyrok’s name on his uniform.

            “I’ve already told you, we are doing recon.” Zyrok repeated.

            “You are not really cooperating with us.” the old man sighed.

            “I am.” Zyrok spoke seriously.

            “Let me give you a little motivation.” the old man looked at the armed man and then pointed at Foo’s right leg.

            “No…” Foo watched in horror as the armed man pointed the gun on his thigh.

            “Captain Zyrok, if you don’t start giving me clear answers, I’m going to place a bullet into your friend’s leg.” the old man demanded.

            “Don’t.” Forester eyed Zyrok.

            “Your call…” the old man looked at Zyrok.

            “Zyrok, please.” Foo looked at Zyrok.

            “I’ll count to three. One…two…” the old man looked at the armed man.

            “Wait!” Zyrok blurted.

            “Zyrok, don’t.” Forester interrupted.

            “Shut up. Tell me Captain.” the old man punched Forester in the stomach.

            “We’re doing recon for research of new zombies and how different environments affect virus strains.” Zyrok lied.

            “Hmm, it’s still not good enough. Three.” the old man rubbed his chin.

            The armed man smiled and fired his pistol into Foo’s right leg. Foo cried out in pain as the bullet pierced though his leg.

            “God damn it! What are you looking for?” Casey finally spoke in frustration.

            “The same thing we’re looking for. I know pretty well that you aren’t here for that.” the old man looked at Casey.

            “Which is?” Casey asked.

            “I want to hear you tell us first.” the old man demanded.

            “You got the wrong people.” Casey replied.

            “Captain Zyrok, you know what you are here for.” the old man stared.

            “I’ve told you to the best of my ability.” Zyrok cried out loud.

            “Let me enlighten you while I carve up your girlfriend.” the old man pulled out a kukri from his belt and walked up to Forester.

            “We’re a research team! For god sakes.” Zyrok shouted.

            “Shall I carve her pretty white face or should I cut out her sparkling blue eyes?” the old man smiled evilly.

            “Leave her alone!” Casey spoke out.

            The old man walked up to Casey and punched him right in his gut. Casey coughed and winced in pain. Just as the old man was about to punch Casey again, two armed men rushed into the room.

            “Dimitri, they’re here.” a strong and well-built man reported.

            “Can you guys take care of the intruders?” the old man replied.

            “No sir, they’ve got a lot of firepower this time. We need to get you to the other bases.” the strong man spoke briskly.

            “Ok, Trosha, kill the hostages once we go.” Dimitri pointed at an armed man standing beside the strong man.

            “Yes sir.” Trosha nodded.

            Zyrok watched as Dimitri and the strong man ran out of the room and heard distant gunshots echoing from the halls. He turned his head to Trosha and watched him lift his AK47 at his head. Time wasn’t on their side this time. He closed his eyes and accepted his fate. Bang!

UNSCDF2 Chapter 10- Strong Dissent

San Francisco, California, USA

UNSC San Francisco Outpost

April 11, 2001

1200 Local Time

            Reid walked out of a building handcuffed beside two marines. He held his head down in shame as he walked by a crowd of bystanders who’ve got nothing productive to do at the Outpost.

            “Get out of here!” a woman yelled.

            “You better be locked up for good!” an old man spoke.

            “Dirty marine!” a young girl hollered.

            Reid shook his head as he watched the onslaught of hurtful words pelleted his self esteem. He was a good man with a good life and one simple gesture to a woman was all it took for his tower to come crashing down. Reid scanned the crowds and saw Sarah standing beside her police buddies at the back of the crowd.

            “Sarah Parks! You will pay for this! I will make you suffer!” Reid yelled out loud.

            “Move along.” a marine beside him shoved him to keep walking.

            “I will hunt you down and you will pay!” Reid shouted.

            Reid watched as Sarah and her police buddies turned away from the crowd and entered a building as if they didn’t hear him. He continued down his path and turned a corner. Reid approached a Pelican and saw four marines dressed in full combat gear from head to toe armed with MP5s. The marines beside Reid shoved him inside the Pelican to the four marines and walked off.

            “Strap him in.” a marine commanded.

            Two marines buckled Reid to a seat in the center and sat down beside him on each side.

            “Get ready for liftoff.” the same marine spoke and walked to the cockpit.

            Reid watched as the third marine sat down in front of him and looked at his watch. The Pelican began to ascend and Reid looked at his feet. His life was ruined and his way out seemed unlikely. Once the Pelican reached altitude, the Pelican hatch closed and the interior lights turned on. Reid watched as the marines sitting in front of him and left of him stood up.

            “What?” the marine right of Reid exclaimed as the two marines knocked him out with their fists.

            “Who are you?” Reid watched in horror.

            The two marines removed their helmets and revealed their faces.

            “Surprised to see us?” Morgan joked.

            “Hornet Squadron’s got your back.” Miller smiled.

            “You guys know this is punishable by death?” Reid opened his mouth in shock.

            “We know.” Miller nodded.

            “Quick, get in the outfit. We’ll swap prisoners.” Morgan released Reid.

            “There are two pilots and another marine there.” Reid pointed at the cockpit doors.

            “Don’t worry. We’ve got it all planned out. Corporal Mendoza and Corporal Timothy are the pilots. We had to do a little shift trade.” Morgan laughed.

            “Hurry.” Miller urged.

            “We’ve going to assume the other guard doesn’t realize yet.” Morgan pulled out a black cloth and tape from his pocket.

            As Reid dressed up, Morgan taped the unconscious marine’s mouth shut and placed a black cloth to cover his head. Reid sat down into position and concealed his face with his helmet. Just at the same time Miller buckled back to his seat, the cockpit doors opened and the marine walked out.

            “Hey, what’s with the black cloth over his head?” the marine asked.

            “Idiot kept on blabbering about his revenge.” Morgan replied.

            “You sure he can breathe in that?” the marine pointed.

            “Oh yeah, he can breathe and he needs to calm down. I don’t want this trip to be painful.” Miller added.

            “Whatever, it’s better not to have him starring at me for the whole trip.” the marine sat down beside Morgan.

            Reid just kept his mouth shut as he was afraid that his voice might be recognized. Reid watched the Pelican lights dimmed down a bit as it reached its cruise speed.

            “A couple of hours and we’ll be done. I prefer zombie killing than prisoner transport.” the marine folded his arms.

Fairbanks, Alaska, USA

UNSC Compound

April 11, 2001

1415 Local Time

            “Why is the flight so long?” the marine stood up and stretched.

            “Chill dude.” Miller waved his hands.

            “I’m wondering if the pilots know the way.” the marine walked into the cockpit.

            “Sit tight, we’re landing.” a pilot called out.

            Reid watched as the marine sat down to his seat and strapped himself in. He could feel the Pelican slowly descending as the interior lights slowly faded. Then, the Pelican hatch opened and Reid could see a medium-sized facility below them. It was half the size of the San Francisco Outpost, but seemed to be very vacant. Perhaps everyone was inside due to the coldness of the North.

            “Thank goodness we got full suit.” Miller shivered.

            “I agree. I prefer the South.” the marine nodded in agreement.

            “Almost zero zombies up here.” Miller pointed out.

            “Almost no life up here.” the marine joked.

            The Pelican descended onto a snowy landing pad and two marines dressed in parkas rushed to the Pelican with SA80s.

            “Take them.” Morgan spoke to the marines.

            “Come on inside. Get some hot food to eat before you go.” one marine waved as the other marine grabbed the prisoner.

            The prisoner suddenly woke up and began to struggle. The two Alaskan marines tackled the prisoner to the ground as he wriggled violently. Reid stood up and watched as the marine whom they were flying with aided to restrain the prisoner. Miller rushed to the cockpit whilst Reid and Morgan watched the three marines tackled the prisoner onto the snow. After a scuffle, the black cloth came off and his face was revealed.

            “That’s not Reid!” the marine exclaimed.

            Morgan looked at Reid and then rushed to the Pelican hatch lever beside the rear opening and flipped it.

            “Stop!” the marines shouted and aimed their guns as the closed Pelican.

            “Mendoza, get us out of here now!” Morgan shouted as he heard bullets hitting the hatch.

            “Copy Sarge!” Mendoza shouted.

            The Pelican lifted up and the marines outside pelleted the aircraft with bullets. Suddenly, an alarm went off from the facility and brought spotlights onto the Pelican.

            “Get us out of here Mendoza!” Morgan shouted as he heard the deafening siren.

            “We’ll be clear of range in five minutes. The engines don’t operate that efficiently when you gun it upwards.” Mendoza replied.

            “Everyone strap in!” Timothy hollered.

            “Why?” Reid grabbed a handrail.

            “We are about to get shot down by missiles!” Timothy exclaimed.

            Reid rushed into the cockpit and grabbed a seat behind the two pilots. Miller and Morgan quickly sat down and buckled on their seatbelts. Reid looked out a cockpit window and saw around twenty marines firing below them. In the group of marines, five held missile launchers.

            “Missiles launched!” Timothy watched as warning lights flashed on his computer.

            “Banking left. Hold on!” Mendoza swerved Pelican.

            “More missiles aft side.” Timothy flipped a switch.

            “Deploy countermeasures.” Mendoza commanded.

            “Deploying.” Timothy pressed a button.

            Three missiles flew towards the back of the Pelican when suddenly a barrage of flares erupted from the aircraft’s tail. Mendoza pushed the thrusters forward to exit from the UNSC Compound’s fire, but the missiles pursued. One missile hit a flare and exploded while two passed the heat distraction from the nearby flares.

            “Deploy again.” Mendoza commanded.

            “It’s too close to deploy.” Timothy commented.

            “Get the hatch open. We’ll gun the missiles down with the turret.” Reid stood up.

            “Copy LT.” Mendoza nodded as he continued to speed the Pelican forward.

            The Pelican hatch opened and revealed a determined Reid mounted on the M60 turret. He began to spray a hail of bullets at the missiles trailing behind the aircraft. As one missile got close, Reid was able to shoot it down in midair causing a bright flash light in the sky. The other missile came from a few meters left of the explosion and Reid aimed. He fired, but destroyed it too late as the explosion flung shrapnel to the hull and blew one of the rear thrusters off.

            “We’re hit!” Reid yelled as he saw fluid leaking from the side of the aircraft spraying a mist of yellow into the sky.

            Reid ran into the cockpit and grabbed a seat. The Pelican was beeping and alarming as the two pilots frantically commandeered the damaged Pelican.

            “Left thrusters are gone and fuel line has been severed.” Timothy reported to Mendoza.

            “With some luck, we can land this bird.” Mendoza spoke with optimism.

            “They’ll find us.” Reid interrupted.

            “Where to then?” Mendoza spoke with frustration.

            “Russia or Canada? I have no idea where we are.” Reid replied.

            “Canada’s heavily UNSC controlled, but not Russia.” Timothy answered as he looked at a map.

            “The Soviets are not allies with the UNSC. Both places we’ll get shot. I’ll steer to the closest country.” Mendoza turned the Pelican a few degrees west.

            “Which is?” Reid asked.

            “Russia.” Mendoza pointed forward.

            “We have enough fuel?” Reid asked.

            “Just about enough. If we crash, there will be no explosion as most the fuel is either used up or leaked out.” Mendoza looked at a computer screen.

            “Alright, Russia here we go.” Reid said with a straight face.

UNSCDF2 Chapter 9- Knocked Down to Nothing

San Francisco, California, USA

UNSC San Francisco Outpost

April 8, 2001

1300 Local Time

            Reid sat on his chair handcuffed as he faced a panel of three officers.

         “Second Lieutenant Daniel Reid, please stand.” an officer with markings of a Captain spoke out loud.

            Reid stood up with a serious and unpleasant face.

            “Do you know what you are charged under Lieutenant Reid?” the Captain asked.

            “No sir.” Reid shook his head.

            “Very well.” the Captain nodded to another officer beside him with markings of a First Lieutenant.

        “Lieutenant Reid, you are charged with assault, harassment, and abuse of authority.” the First Lieutenant read from his folder.

            “How do you stand?” the Captain asked.

            “Not guilty. Definitely not guilty, sir. Officer Parks was the first to strike me.” Reid blurted.

            “Ok.” the Captain nodded.

            “And why am I exactly in restraints? It should be her instead of me.” Reid exclaimed.

            “Stand down Lieutenant. Speak until you are spoke upon.” an old man with markings of a Major spoke out and held his hand in the air.

            “Sorry sir.” Reid shut his mouth.

            “Lieutenant Reid, an investigation is underway and as of right now, the incident is not in your favor as there is a witness.” the Captain explained.

            “With all due respect Captain, did the witness punch my face?” Reid asked.

            “We can not answer that question.” the Captain replied.

            “Fine. Can you tell me what I will be faced if I am found guilty?” Reid stared.

            “You will be looking at military imprisonment as well as removal from the UNSC.” the Captain answered.

            “This is outrageous!” Reid spoke angrily.

            “This is some serious charges you got Lieutenant.” the Captain spoke in a calm tone of voice.

            “Lieutenant Reid, this is just a preliminary hearing. We haven’t decided on a verdict yet.” the Major spoke.

            “Understood sir.” Reid nodded.

            “We will continue with this later.” the Captain waved at two Sergeants standing at the back of the room.

            “Until now, you will be held up in our cell until we have a clear picture of what happened.” the Major added.

            The two Sergeants each grabbed Reid’s arms and walked him out the courtroom. Reid walked slowly to his cell and watched the metal door slid open. The two Sergeants walked him in and then unlocked his handcuffs. Reid sat down on a bed and watched as the marines exited and locked the door as they left. Reid stared at the wall in front of him thinking about the day of the incident. Perhaps he was over friendly or too intrusive, but Reid felt like Officer Parks shouldn’t have slapped him. Everything else that happened later was a blur. Reid pulled at his hair in frustration as he thought about the life ahead of him. Suddenly, the metal door slid open and a Sergeant walked in holding handcuffs.

            “You have a visitor.” the Sergeant locked Reid’s wrists together.

            “Who?” Reid asked.

            “Sit and wait.” the Sergeant pointed at a chair.

            “Ok.” Reid sat down obediently.

            Reid waited on his chair and saw Morgan enter the cell.

            “You have ten minutes.” the Sergeant spoke to Morgan and closed the door as he exited.

            “Morgan, what are you doing here?” Reid was surprised.

            “LT, I heard about the incident. How’s court marshal?” Morgan asked.

            “Terrible. It’s because of Sarah Parks.” Reid crossed his arms.

            “The word outside seems to be you attempting to kidnap Sarah. So far, the public is not pleased. When I mean public, I mean civilians.” Morgan reported.       

            “What?” Reid shouted.

            “From the UNSC side, it seems to them that you were harassing a married police officer.” Morgan continued.

            “I was being friendly.” Reid explained himself.

            “I know. I believe you man. The thing is, both parties are not standing in your favor.” Morgan nodded.

            “This is wrong. This is unfair.” Reid replied angrily.

            “Tell me about it. Since you are here, Lieutenant Baker is now our CO. I hate him. Always bossing people around and making all of us feel expendable.” Morgan shook his head.

            “Yup, sounds like Baker.” Reid laughed.

            “Look, Hornet Squadron believes in you. We all like our lives when you led us to glory.” Morgan patted Reid.

            The metal door slid open and the Sergeant waved at Morgan.

            “Time’s up.” the Sergeant touched his watch.

            “We got your back LT. We’ll see you on the day of sentencing.” Morgan stood up and walked to the door.

            “Thanks. Tell the others that I said hi.” Reid stood up.

            Morgan left and the Sergeant removed Reid’s restraints. Reid walked over to his desk as the Sergeant exited his cell locking the door behind him.

San Francisco, California, USA

UNSC San Francisco Outpost

April 10, 2001

1400 Local Time

            “Lieutenant Reid, please stand.” the First Lieutenant spoke out loud to a courtroom seated with marines and some civilians.

            Reid stood up looking tired and looked at the panel of three officers.

            “Second Lieutenant Daniel Reid, after undergoing a detailed investigation, you have been found guilty of assault, harassment, and abuse of authority.” the First Lieutenant read out loud from a piece of paper.

            “What?” Reid shook his head in disbelief.

            “In violation of UNSC protocols, you are now hereby stripped of all medals, rank, and affiliation with the UNSC. You will also be sentenced to two years in military imprisonment in Alaska.” the First Lieutenant continued to read.

            “This is madness.” Reid shouted.

            “Is there any questions Daniel Reid?” the Captain asked.

            “This is immoral! You’re taking away everything I have. And why the hell am I going to Alaska?” Reid shouted.

            “You’re going to Alaska for the general public’s safety. The citizens here don’t want you locked up here. Plus, you are not what represents the UNSC. Therefore you are going to a UNSC base up north free of civilians and zombies.” the Captain explained calmly.

            “You guys disgust me! All of you!” Reid shouted at the panel.

            “Take him away.” the Major waved his hands.

            Five marines standing beside the wall walked to Reid and grabbed him. Reid struggled to break free, but was pinned down by the marines. Eventually, the marines dragged Reid out of the courtroom while everyone watched.

            “This is madness! It’s madness! I hate you Sarah Parks! I hate you!” Reid shouted as he was dragged into a room.

            “The court is now adjourned.” the First Lieutenant proclaimed.

            The panel exited out from a door behind them and the civilians walked out chattering on what had just happened. As the last of the marines left, only two marines sat in their seats.

            “Miller, assemble the team. Tell them it’s time.” Morgan spoke with a sigh.

            “Yes sir.” Miller replied and stood up.

            “I hate to go down this road, but we have no choice.” Morgan stood up and stretched his arms.

            “Me too.” Miller nodded in agreement.

UNSCDF 2 Chapter 8- Rejection

San Francisco, California, USA

UNSC San Francisco Outpost

April 6, 2001

1900 Local Time

           

            Sarah sat at the end of the table beside Patrick and watched Fields sit down in front of her.

            “Heard you’re interested in SWAT.” Fields glanced at Sarah.

            Sarah nodded as she was chewing on her food. She took a napkin and wiped her mouth.

            “That’s correct.” Sarah spoke with a smile.

            “It’s a dangerous task.” Vickers spoke out beside Fields.

            “I know.” Sarah looked at Vickers with a serious face.

            “You sure about that? I mean, I lost a good friend yesterday.” Vickers spoke with a raised eyebrow.

            “We all did.” Fisher joined in on the conversation.

            “I’m aware of the risks.” Sarah nodded.

            “It’s your call.” Vickers shrugged.

            “Leave her be Vickers.” Fields nudged Vickers gently.

            “Am I the only one concerned for her safety?” Vickers spoke out.

           “No Vickers, if she wants to join SWAT and hone her survival skills, she can protect herself. Am I correct Sarah?” Fields eyed Sarah.

            “SWAT sounds pretty neat and yes, it will improve my skills.” Sarah answered.

            “Besides, a big girl like her can handle herself.” Fisher smiled warmly.

            “Exactly.” Sarah crossed her arms.

            “Welcome to SWAT then.” Fields stuck his hand out.

            “Thanks.” Sarah shook Fields’ hand.

            “We’ll start training tomorrow morning. Bright and early.” Fields laughed.

            “Define early.” Sarah stared.

            “0700.” Fields smiled.

            “Aww…” Sarah whined.

            “Hey, didn’t say SWAT was going to be easy.” Fields joked.

            “Fine.” Sarah held her head high.

            The group finished their dinner and went their ways. Sarah was the last to leave the cafeteria because she felt someone was watching her. After scanning the cafeteria and seeing nothing, Sarah exited the room and immediately bumped into Reid.

            “Reid…” Sarah muttered under her breath.

            “Hello Officer Parks.” Reid smiled.

            “What do you want?” Sarah looked annoyed.

            “Well, some appreciation for our help would be a good start.” Reid glanced.

            “Thanks? Look Reid, I know what you are doing.” Sarah shot an evil stare.

            “And what exactly am I doing Sarah?” Reid asked with a playful look.

            “I never told you my first name…” Sarah crossed her arms.

            “Well I did.” Reid smiled.

            “Go away.” Sarah turned around and began to walk.

            “Sarah, wait…I mean Officer Parks. Wait.” Reid ran up beside Sarah.

            “Stalker.” Sarah mumbled as she continued to walk.

            “Look, I think we started off on the wrong foot.” Reid tried to clarify.

            “Nope. You’ve made it very clear.” Sarah replied.

            “Oh have I?” Reid challenged.

            “Reid, let me make it very clear to your right now if I didn’t last time.” Sarah pointed at Reid’s chest.

            “Go on.” Reid scorned.

            “I’m married. You see this ring on my hand? I’m married!” Sarah stuck her ring in Reid’s face.

            “Geesh, there’s no need to be so uptight about it.” Reid looked upset.

            “Uptight?” Sarah replied angrily.

            “Serious, that’s a better word.” Reid corrected.

            “This is a serious topic.” Sarah exclaimed.

            “I didn’t make it serious to begin with.” Reid shrugged.

            “Wait till my husband knows about this. He will show you what’s serious.” Sarah threatened.

            “Well, did you know that attacking an UNSC officer has severe penalties?” Reid countered.

            “Not if there is just cause.” Sarah laughed.

            “Just because you’re a police officer doesn’t mean you can use the law. If you’re on UNSC grounds, you play by our rules. There’s no real government except our watch.” Reid challenged.

            “Back off Reid…I’m warning you.” Sarah pointed her finger at Reid.

            “Or what?” Call your husband over?” Reid taunted.

            Sarah had just about enough with Reid. She had made it very clear to Reid by now that she wasn’t interested in him. She walked up to Reid and planted a big slap across his face. Sarah’s actions seemed to have infuriated Reid as he grabbed Sarah’s arm and twisted. Being experienced in the military, Reid was able to force Sarah onto her knees as he manipulated Sarah’s balance.

            “Look, I don’t want to hurt you, but you leave me no choice. You assaulted an officer of the UNSC.” Reid reached into his back pocket and pulled out a pair of handcuffs.

            “Let me go!” Sarah yelled as she struggled to get free.

            “Want to add resisting arrest?” Reid threatened.           

            “Let me go!” Sarah shouted out loud.

            “Hey! She said let go.” a woman spoke from behind Reid.

            Reid turned around just in time to see Fisher punch Reid right in the face. One blow was all it needed for an unaware Reid. He dropped to the ground with a hard thud.

            “You alright? I was worried what took you so long to head back.” Fisher helped Sarah to her feet.

            “Thanks Fisher. What about him?” Sarah looked at Reid lying on the ground.

            “Restrain him and report what happened to an officer.” Fisher took Reid’s handcuffs and cuffed his hands behind his back.

            “Ok.” Sarah nodded.

            “Go find someone. I’ll watch this jerk.” Fisher nudged Reid with her boot.

            Sarah kicked Reid’s body gently and then stormed off to look for help. She was furious with Reid and wished her husband was there to aid her. Luckily, her police buddies still got her back and she was glad.