UNSCDF2 Chapter 35- Very Important Business

Reygi, Kandahar, Afghanistan

Secronom Research Facility

April 21, 2001

2130 Local Time

            “Fall back! Retreat!” Zyrok continued to shout as his marines fired at the multi-limbed zombies climbing out of the vent.

            Zyrok’s Desert Fox was getting low on ammo and he looked at the marines attempting to open a door behind him.

            “It’s stuck.” Nevarez pulled on the door handle.

            “Hurry up people.” Zyrok fired a few rounds.

            Suddenly, the door slid open and Frederick stood on the other side.

            “Go! We’ll cover.” Frederick raised her SA80 and aimed behind Zyrok.

            Zyrok and his marines rushed out of the room while Frederick and Cookson covered. Hariprasad stood beside a room opposite to them and waved.

            “Get in.” Hariprasad shouted.

            The marines quickly filed into the room and Hariprasad slid the doors shut. The door was followed by immediate pounding as the zombies bashed against the door.

            “It will hold.” Hariprasad reassured as he tapped the doors.

            “Where are we?” Zyrok looked around.

            “Some sort of control room.” Frederick replied.

            “How did you find us?” Zyrok asked.

            “We heard people shouting and decided to take a look.” Frederick answered.

            “It wasn’t me.” Schmidt raised his hands in the air.

            “Probably me giving the orders.” Zyrok replied.

            “Perhaps, but it looks like being loud for once in a zombie apocalyptic world saved your life.” Frederick teased.

            “I guess so.” Zyrok muttered.

            “That’s it…?” Frederick crossed her arms.

            “What’s it?” Zyrok raised and eyebrow.

            “What Frederick meant was that she was looking for some sort of appreciation…” Cookson immediately understood Frederick’s meaning.

            “Oh, thanks.” Zyrok smiled and thanked Frederick.

            “That’s better.” Frederick scoffed.

            “Wow…” Zyrok exclaimed.

            “I’m just joking. Take it easy Charlie…I meant Zyrok.” Frederick laughed and looked away.

            “Hey guys, look at this.” Nevarez pointed at a computer that was online.

            “What is it?” Zyrok raised an eyebrow.

            Zyrok walked to the computer with Frederick beside him and tapped on the keyboard. The screen lit up and Zyrok sat down next to the computer.

            “You have one unread video log.” the computer spoke.

            Zyrok clicked the mouse and opened the file on the computer desktop.

            “Playing video log sequence Alpha Zulu Zulu 57.” the computer spoke.

            The screen displayed a scientist looking at the camera with a scared face.

            “This is Chief Medical Officer Jenkins from Level Zulu. Test subjects have mutated severely and got out of their holding rooms. Repeat, we have a breach!” the scientist spoke to the computer.

            In the background, two Secronom security guards ran towards Jenkins and grabbed him.

            “We have to go now. Doors are breached.” one guard spoke to Jenkins.

            From the computer, screams and gunshots could be heard in the background noise.

            “Initiate quarantine procedures Pappa Romeo Yankee. This abomination must be destroyed and not reach the surface. The release of them will destroy humanity.” Jenkins frantically spoke on the microphone.

            “Now sir!” the guard spun around and fired two rounds.

            “This is Jenkins signing off. Good luck and Godspeed.” Jenkins frantically spoke on the microphone.

            “From the looks of it, Jenkins didn’t make it.” Frederick guessed.

            “It appears that way…” Zyrok pointed at the door.

            “What’s quarantine procedures Pappa Romeo Yankee?” Cookson asked.

            “Let me check.” Zyrok typed on the computer.

            Zyrok clicked on his mouse and then typed in the database to look for the quarantine procedures. After a few minutes of searching, he found the file.

            “Quarantine procedures Pappa Romeo Yankee is the destruction of all assets in the facility in the event of a quarantine breach.” Zyrok read out loud.

            “Continue, please.” Frederick prompted.

            “All Secronom facilities are equipped with a self-destruct sequence in the event of an outbreak. Should the need for the quarantine procedures to be in effect, there has to be a loss of control of the facility.” Zyrok continued reading.

            “So where’s the self-destruct and how do we turn it on?” Schmidt interrupted.

            “Let me scroll down.” Zyrok moved his mouse down.

            “Hmm…” Frederick studied the computer screen.

            “The self-destruct sequence has to be manually primed in the central room located in Room B5535.” Zyrok read the monitor.

            “Where are we now?” Schmidt asked.

            “Room…B5550.” Frederick replied as she looked at a signage.

            “It’s not far.” Hariprasad commented.

            “Let’s check on May and Forester’s team and see how they are doing?” Zyrok suggested.

            “Good idea.” Frederick agreed.

            “Especially when we are going to blow this facility.” Schmidt added.

            “Forester or May, do you copy?” Zyrok spoke on the RaidComm.

            “Go ahead Zyrok.” Forester replied.

            “What’s your location and status?” Zyrok asked.

            “We’ve retreated with 2-3 to the second floor. Casey’s in serious condition and we believe Robertson is dead.” Forester reported.

            “I’m sorry to hear that.” Zyrok replied with a sigh and looked at the ground.

            “He was a good fellow.” Cookson muttered.

            “He was a hero.” Frederick corrected.

            “Indeed.” Zyrok nodded in agreement.

            “Captain, we need to Casey topside so he can get the nanites.” May interrupted on the RaidComm bringing everyone back to the present.

            “Copy, Forester and May, take your teams topside. We are going to see if we can shut this place down.” Zyrok responded.

            “Marines, time to move out.” Frederick slid a fresh magazine into her SA80.

            “Affirmative, 2-3 and 4-3 going up. Zyrok, what does this facility hold that High Command wants?” Forester asked.

            “Forester, all I see is a science experiment gone wrong. There is nothing valuable that we’ve uncovered.” Zyrok answered to the best of his ability.

            “Let me check.” Excuse me.” Frederick squeezed in front of Zyrok and began to use the computer.

            “Here, sit.” Zyrok stood up and offered Frederick a seat.

            “Thanks.” Frederick sat down with her eyes trained on the monitor.

            Cookson and Hariprasad sat down beside each other and began to chat about the new zombies. Later, Nevarez and Schmidt joined in on the conversation as they waited for Frederick to search the computer.

            “Those eight-legged freaks of nature sure gives me the creeps.” Schmidt shivered.

            “They almost resemble a spider…” Hariprasad commented.

            “Yeah man, eight legs and crawls about anywhere.” Nevarez nodded.

            “If they are spiders…why don’t we just kill it with bug spray?” Cookson joked.

            “Hahaha, very funny. If there even is one available down here to test…” Schmidt laughed.

            Zyrok looked at the marines enjoying their break and turned to face Frederick.

            “Anything?” Zyrok spoke softly.

            “Something…I think.” Frederick pointed at her screen.

            Zyrok looked at the screen and saw a piece of body armor. The armor somewhat resembled Zyrok’s Exterminator Mesh GT except it had thicker plates of armor.

            “Is it me or does it almost look like my armor?” Zyrok pointed at his chest.

            “Maybe this is what High Command was looking for.” Frederick guessed.

            “Forester, Zyrok here. Frederick has looked some sort of file regarding a new armor that Secronom has. Is that what High Command is looking for?” Zyrok asked on the RaidComm.

            “Well Zyrok, the armor High Command issued you was reverse engineered from Secronom’s early prototypes of the Exterminator series.” Forester replied.

            “Other than that, I don’t think Secronom has anything more to offer except those spider zombies.” Zyrok reported.

            “Alright, see if you can get your hands on the armor. We’ll be heading up shortly and will lose communications.” Forester requested.

            “Copy, we’ll find the research and then blow everything up.” Zyrok acknowledged.

            “Good luck marines. We’ll see you topside.” Forester ended the RaidComm transmission.

Kandahar Air Base, Kandahar, Afghanistan

Fire Team Kilo’s Camp

April 21, 2001

2135 Local Time

            “Screw it Sears, I’m grabbing a Pelican to provide some assistance.” Pruett stood up from his chair slightly agitated.

            “Pruett, if you leave this camp, we will also put ourselves in jeopardy.” Sears responded.

            “Sears, did you not hear on the RaidComm? Something is not going right at the facility.” Pruett reasoned.

            “So what do you propose Corporal? We fly there to check?” Sears asked.

            “Yeah. From the looks of it, Zyrok and the others are too deep underground for us to contact them on RaidComm. What if they come up and the Russians have taken over?” Pruett proposed his ideas.

            “Hmm.” Sears rubbed his chin.

            “Sir, I can go with Pruett.” a young marine spoke from his desk.

            “Parker, if you go, who else is going to monitor the radar?” Sears asked.

            “I’ll multitask.” Foo interrupted.

            “Two here and two out…is that a good idea?” Sears questioned the marines.

            “It’s not the best idea, but we’re preventing potential casualties if the Russians get there.” Pruett replied.

            “That’s true. What if they need a quick extraction from the hot zone?” Foo asked.

            “Exactly. So we should be ready.” Pruett agreed.

            “Fine, Pruett and Parker can take a Pelican and assess the situation. If at anytime you feel that the risks are too high, pull out.” Sears crossed his arms.

            “Got it Sarge.” Parker nodded.

            The two marines quickly exited the Command Center and rushed onto the airfield. Two Pelicans were neatly docked in the hangars with the blast doors halfway open. Pruett swiped his UNSC ID badge on an access panel and the blast doors fully opened.

            “Take Kilo 11. That one’s loaded with missiles.” Parker pointed at the Pelican in front of him.

            “Good stuff. We might need it.” Pruett walked aboard the Pelican and into the cockpit.

            “She’s a beauty isn’t she?” Parker pointed at the console.

            “She sure is.” Pruett ran his fingers on a smooth board of controls.

            “Our team customized it for the terrain here. Missile pods, mounted M60, and a rotating GAU-19 at its nose.” Parker smiled as he pointed at the controls.

            “That’s beast.” Pruett sat down on the pilot’s seat.

            “We can even see who is friend or foe if you have the right gear equipped, but that’s just a bonus. This puppy can bring a reign of terror.” Parker said proudly.

            “Ok, nice. Let’s get this off the ground. Do you want to man the turret at the back?” Pruett pressed the ignition button.

            “Ill hop on the turret when we get closer. For now, I’ll take a seat.” Parker sat on a seat beside Pruett.

            The engines of the Pelican roared to life as it began to lift off. As the Pelican ascended ten meters into the air and was clear of obstacles, Pruett pushed the throttle forward and the Pelican sped out of the hangar. Once the Pelican left the hangar, the blast doors sealed halfway.

            “Let’s get this job done.” Pruett grinned as he looked at the Secronom Research Facility in the distant and steered the Pelican towards it.

UNSCDF2 Chapter 31- Finding Level Zulu

Reygi, Kandahar, Afghanistan

UNSC Camp

April 21, 2001

1525 Local Time

            A troop transport Warthog approached the UNSC camp and was greeted by Reid and Mendoza. Zyrok stepped out of the passenger’s seat and waved the marines on the Warthog to get off. Casey turned off the ignition and grabbed his Sega-20 whilst Williams and Christopher jumped out the back of the Warthog. Frederick just sat coolly in her seat.

            “Captain, the guns are out.” Reid handed Zyrok a pair of binoculars.

            Zyrok took the binoculars and looked at the Secronom Research Facility in the distant. The sentry guns were no longer there and seemed to have gone back underground.

            “Good job.” Zyrok smiled in satisfaction as he returned the binoculars back to Reid.

            “Zyrok, shall we go?” Reid asked.

            “We’re going, but you and your team is staying behind to watch the camp.” Zyrok replied.

            “Sir, I would like to join you. Morgan and Mendoza can take care of this camp pretty well.” Reid requested.

            “That’s correct sir.” Mendoza replied in agreement.

            “No, we need you here in case the Russians or the militia show up.” Zyrok countered.

            “Understood sir.” Reid said with disappointment.

            “I’ll let you know if we need you.” Zyrok replied.

            “Camp, this is Forester. Are Zyrok and Frederick on their way here? We’re waiting at the entrance.” Forester spoke on the RaidComm.

            “Forester, this is Zyrok. We’ve reached the camp and are on our way there.” Zyrok replied back.

            “Get back on marines.” Casey ordered as he got into the driver’s seat.

            Williams grabbed a seat beside Frederick while Christopher sat in front of her.

            “See you soon Lieutenant.” Zyrok saluted Reid and got in the passenger’s seat.

            “Good luck sir.” Reid saluted back as he watched Casey turned the ignition on.

            Casey stepped on the accelerator and the Warthog sped forward towards the facility. As the Warthog passed the broken fence with a stationary troop transport Warthog, Zyrok turned his head.

            “Stop.” Zyrok shouted.

            Casey slammed on the brakes and Zyrok got out. Zyrok looked at the Warthog and then looked at the ground.

            “What is it Zyrok?” Frederick asked as she climbed out of the vehicle.

            “Powell…” Zyrok saw a half buried Powell in the sand.

            Zyrok ran to the body and knelt to the ground.

            “I’m sorry Powell, may you be in a better place now.” Zyrok reached for Powell’s UNSC dog tag and removed it.

            “Rest in peace.” Frederick approached Zyrok and placed her hand on Zyrok’s shoulder.

            “Let’s bury him.” Zyrok cupped his hands in the sand around him and poured it over the body.

            Frederick watched as Zyrok continued to put sand over Powell’s body and froze in thought. She knew that Powell was not part of Echo Squad, but Zyrok treated him like he was in their squad. Most officers would pick up the UNSC dog tags and leave, but Zyrok did more. Suddenly Frederick realized that she was motionless as Zyrok was burying Powell. She knelt to the ground and began to help Zyrok bury Powell. As Frederick assisted Zyrok, the rest of the marines seated in the Warthog rushed over and began to follow Zyrok’s actions. In a matter of minutes, Powell’s body was buried in a heap of sand.

            “Thank you.” Zyrok thanked the marines and stood up.

            “You’re different Zyrok.” Frederick whispered as she got up.

            “Huh?” Zyrok didn’t quite catch what Frederick said to him.

            “Oh, it’s nothing.” Frederick looked away and walked to the Warthog.

            “Williams, get the other Warthog and drive with us to the entrance.” Zyrok pointed at the Warthog between the broken fences.

            “Yes sir.” Williams replied and hurried off.

            Zyrok got back in the passenger’s seat and pointed at the main gates. Casey watched as the marines got on his Warthog and then sped to the gates where Forester and her marines were waiting.

            “Open sesame!” Casey hollered and smiled.

            Forester nodded and pressed a button inside a small room and the gates slid open. Casey slowly drove the Warthog to the building as Williams drove the other Warthog behind him.

            “Need a lift Lieutenant?” Williams stopped beside Forester and her team and offered a ride.

            “Sure, thanks.” Forester thanked and climbed to the passenger’s seat.

            The rest of Forester’s team climbed aboard the Warthog and sat comfortably in their seats. As Casey drove his Warthog to the building, Zyrok studied the exteriors and looked at the map he brought.

            “Park it there.” Zyrok pointed at a side door.

            “Aye sir.” Casey steered the Warthog left.

            Williams followed Zyrok and parked his Warthog beside Casey. All the marines got out of their vehicles and huddled next to a door.

            “Alright people, this is it. We’re here at the Secronom Research Facility and now we have to find whatever secrets it holds within.” Zyrok briefed.

            “Most doors require a Secronom keycard, so be on the lookout for these.” Forester held up two keycards in the air.

            “What’s the plan Zyrok?” Taylor asked.

            “Search the entire building.” Zyrok replied instantly.

            “Here, have one.” Forester gave Zyrok a keycard.

            “Are these hard to find?” Zyrok asked quietly.

            “Somewhat, but most of the time it can be found in the office desks.” Forester answered back quietly.

            “Marines, you are to report back to your commanding officers and await further orders. Forester and I will be in charge of Echo while Frederick will be in charge of Jackal.” Zyrok ordered.

            “Let’s get going soldiers.” Frederick shouted.

            “Frederick, May’s team is currently guarding the Control Room.” Forester interrupted.

            “Ok, thanks. Williams, Christopher, and I will head on over there.” Frederick thanked.

            Frederick opened the door for her marines to enter. Zyrok smiled at Frederick as she walked in and the door closed behind her.

            “Forester, you guys can go first. Taylor and Schmidt on me.” Zyrok looked at his watch.

            “Sir?” Casey looked at Zyrok.

            “Go with Forester.” Zyrok directed.

            Forester looked at Zyrok with a confused face, but decided not to ask Zyrok. Forester led her team inside as Zyrok took out his map.

            “Zyrok?” Taylor attempted to break the awkward silence.

            “Oh, right. The map we recovered from the Archives does not indicate Level Zulu, but the Archives mentioned about this level. I want to see if we can find it.” Zyrok explained.

            “Do you think it’s outside here?” Schmidt asked as he looked around.

            “Could be…the sentry guns in the map are shown on Level 1. However, you can see that the guns clearly go underground, but it’s not shown on the B1 map.” Zyrok flipped through the maps.

            “Are you suggesting we find the entrance to the sentry guns and see what’s down there?” Taylor pointed at the ground.

            “Something like that.” Zyrok nodded.

            “Then let’s got check it out.” Schmidt said enthusiastically.

            The marines ran to the side of the building where a sentry gun originally was. The ground had a metal cover enclosing the guns.

            “Do we pry it open or blow the cover off?” Schmidt stomped on the metal ground.

            “What’s with people and blowing things up?” Zyrok shook his head.

            “Because it’s fun?” Schmidt joked.

            “There’s an access panel right there.” Zyrok pointed at the edge of the cover.

            “I didn’t see that…” Schmidt’s voice trailed off as he felt stupid.

            Zyrok crouched beside the panel and swiped the Secronom keycard. The panel beeped and prompted for an access code.

            “Get me a bypass.” Zyrok ordered as he stepped away from the panel.

            Schmidt crouched and began to unscrew the access panel. Taylor watched as Schmidt studied the wiring and cut two wires. Zyrok removed his datapad from his belt and gave it to Schmidt.

            “Thanks.” Schmidt took the datapad from Zyrok and attached two cables to it.

            After a minute, four digits popped up and Schmidt pressed enter. The metal cover hissed and slid open.

            “Get ready.” Zyrok took out his Desert Fox sidearm and readied himself.

            The ground below was illuminated by some wall lights and the light outside. In the center was a sentry gun with a stockpile of ammunition.

            “Schmidt, take point. Taylor, watch our six.” Zyrok ordered as he quickly checked his Exterminator Mesh GT armor.

            Schmidt pointed his M16 down and saw a ladder. He slung the gun over his back and climbed down while Taylor watched from the top with his MSG-9 ready to shoot at any hostiles. Once Schmidt reached the bottom, he scanned the room with his M16 while Zyrok climbed down.

            “See anything boss?” Taylor yelled from the top.

            “No, it seems like it’s just a sentry gun and some computers for controls.” Zyrok walked around the floor.

            “A wild goose chase.” Schmidt sighed.

            “Alright, let’s head back up.” Zyrok replied in disappointment.

            “Zyrok, this reminds me of hunting the Titans.” Schmidt spoke his thoughts.

            “It sure does, but at least we’re not looking to pick a fight.” Zyrok climbed up the ladder.

            “I hope not.” Schmidt joked.

            “Zyrok, this is Frederick here. We found something in the Control Room. You have to come see it.” Frederick spoke on the RaidComm with a hint of surprise in her voice.

            “What is it Frederick?” Zyrok responded back.

            “Just come to the Control Room and see for yourself.” Frederick urged.

            “Alright Frederick, I’ll be there in a few minutes.” Zyrok laughed lightly.

            “Level Zulu?’ Taylor guessed.

            “Don’t know Taylor, but let’s see what Frederick and her team have in store for us.” Zyrok slid his pistol back into his holster.

UNSCDF2 Chapter 3- Restless Passion

San Francisco, California, USA

UNSC San Francisco Outpost

April 2, 2001

1300 Local Time

            Captain Zyrok looked out of the rear of the Pelican as it descended onto a platform. Beside the platform were seven marines lined up in an organized fashion to greet them. As the Pelican shut off its engines, Zyrok waved at his marines to exit out first. He stood up slowly and examined his new body armor. High Command had issued him a special type of armor called the “Exterminator Mesh GT”. The armor was lightweight and durable. On top of that, the armor covered the body from the neck to the shins.

            “All set sir.” a young marine with stubble exited out the cockpit followed by another young marine.

            “Foo, get Pruett and line up outside with the others.” Zyrok spoke to his marines.

            “Understood. Pruett, let’s go.” Foo turned around and waved at the marine behind him.

            Zyrok watched as Echo Squad formed a single file directly adjacent to the other marines.

            “Ready Zyrok?” a woman exited the cockpit wearing the same armor as Zyrok greeted him.

            “I’m always ready Forester.” Zyrok joked.

            “Nice to see your enthusiasm.” Forester laughed.

            Zyrok watched as Forester removed her helmet and decided to do the same as well. Zyrok walked out of the Pelican and was greeted by a female lieutenant.

            “Second Lieutenant Jenny Frederick reporting in with Jackal Squadron, sir.” the Lieutenant saluted.

            “At ease Lieutenant.” Zyrok smiled.

            Forester stood behind Zyrok as he looked at Jackal Squadron. Zyrok looked shyly at Frederick as he was drawn by her appearance. He wished he had his helmet on to hide his face.

            “Meet Echo Squad.” Zyrok pointed at his men.

            Frederick turned to look at his men and face Forester.

            “Ma’am, Jackal Squadron welcomes High Command.” Frederick saluted crisply.

            “19^th Battalion transferred from Australia. I’ve heard you’re the best reconnaissance team.” Forester saluted back.

            “That’s correct ma’am.” Frederick replied smoothly.

            “Australia…” Zyrok overheard the country being mentioned and thought to himself quietly.

            Zyrok zoned out into thought as he remembered Sarah and his pursuit to find her. This was probably the closest encounter with Australians in his UNSC career. He knew one thing was certain. This was a military battalion and Sarah would not be here. She would still be in some UNSC Outpost in New South Wales, Australia.

            “Sir?” Frederick interrupted Zyrok’s deep thought.

            “Huh?” Zyrok snapped to reality.

            “Let’s head inside.” Frederick pointed at the marines disassembling and heading towards a building with Forester trailing behind.

            “Oh.” Zyrok looked around and only saw Frederick standing beside him.

            “You alright sir?” Frederick asked with concern.

            “I’m fine, thanks. Oh, there’s no need to address me with a sir. Just call me Zyrok.” Zyrok smiled.

            “Okay.” Frederick nodded and waved at Zyrok to follow.

            “So, how long have you been here?” Zyrok asked.

            “Do you mean in the UNSC or here as in the USA?” Frederick looked at Zyrok.

            “USA.” Zyrok specified.

            “Since 1999, why do you ask?” Frederick responded.

            “I’m just interested. So you’ve been assisting with the American battalion?” Zyrok concluded.

            “Pretty much.” Frederick nodded.

            “I head the Aussies are tough.” Zyrok commented.

            “You bet.” Frederick laughed.

            “Guess my assumptions were correct.” Zyrok rubbed his chin.

            “Do you come from an Australian background?” Frederick asked.

            “Um…no.” Zyrok thought about Sarah for a brief moment.

            “It’s just that you seem to be particularly interested with our culture. The Americans here think they own everything.” Frederick explained.

            “Well it’s safe to say I’m Canadian eh?” Zyrok joked.

            “Hahaha.” Frederick laughed at Zyrok’s joke.

            “No joke, I’m a Canadian.” Zyrok smiled.

            “Oh Zyrok, you’re funny. I haven’t seen an officer with a sense of humor these days.” Frederick grinned at Zyrok.

            “When we get the time, I’ll you about how my UNSC career began.” Zyrok opened the doors to the building.

            “Oh, we’ve got plenty of time to talk in Afghanistan.” Frederick smiled as she walked inside.

            “I see our men are interacting well.” Zyrok watched as his marines joked around with Jackal Squadron.

            “Let me tell you my squad. That’s Staff Sergeant Hank Williams sitting at the end of the table next to Sergeant Elizabeth May. Oh, the big looking fellow, that’s Lance Corporal Charles Robertson sitting adjacent to Private Steve Christopher. The other two sitting beside your marines are Corporal Michael Cookson and Lance Corporal Jonathan Green.” Frederick pointed.

            “Ok, my turn. Funny thing is, there’s always a big fellow in a team. Anyways, the big guy there is Sergeant Major Fred Casey sitting beside my two pilots, Lance Corporal Brandon Foo and Lance Corporal Brandon Pruett. The marine with a rifle slung to his back, that’s Corporal Mark Taylor, he’s a great marksman. Sitting beside your marines and talking to Cookson is Private Aaron Nevarez and Lance Corporal Joshua Schmidt. And I’m Captain Zyrok.” Zyrok pointed at his men and then pointed at his chest.

            Frederick laughed at the last comment Zyrok made and pointed at a table to sit.

            “Everything fine?” Forester walked up to Zyrok and grabbed a seat beside him.

            “Yup.” Zyrok nodded with a smile.

            “Zyrok, we’ll need to eat quickly. We’ll be departing in less than fifteen minutes.” Frederick looked at her watch.

            The three officers sat together at the table munching away their meal quickly.

            “So how are we getting there?” Frederick interrupted as she looked at Zyrok eating.

            “Oh, we’re going to attach a troop pod to our Pelican.” Zyrok spoke after he swallowed.

            “Speaking of which…” Forester stood up.

            “Yeah, let Foo and Pruett get the aircraft prepped.” Zyrok nodded.

            “I’ll go let them know.” Forester nodded and walked off.

            Zyrok watched as Forester approached his pilots and then watched Foo and Pruett rushed out of the building. Forester walked back swiftly and sat down.

            “All set.” Forester smiled.

            Zyrok watched as a marine bearing the rank of Corporal approached his table of marines. Casey pointed the marine towards them and the marine jogged towards them.

            “Excuse me sir, ma’am.” the Corporal saluted.

            “What can I do for you Corporal…Milo?” Zyrok looked at his name stenciled on his shirt.

            Frederick looked at Zyrok coolly as he interacted with the marine. Usually, officers don’t like to be bothered during their personal time, but Zyrok didn’t seem to mind at all.

            “Sir, Sergeant Major Casey over there said that you folks worked alongside my brother?” Milo asked.

            “Hmm, you name rings a bell.” Zyrok scratched his head.

            “Oh, Corporal Jason Milo.” Forester pitched in.

            “Where is he?” Milo asked.

            “Look Corporal, Jason was a great man. I don’t know how to tell you this.” Forester spoke solemnly.

            “What? What do you mean by that?” Milo’s expression turned to sadness.

            “I could say that his sacrifice saved the team.” Forester replied.

            Zyrok stood up from his seat and offered it to Milo.

            “Take a seat son. Lieutenant Forester was there when all hell broke loose down at Fort Calhoun.” Zyrok patted Milo.

            Frederick watched as Zyrok stood beside Forester as she detailed the events prior to Jason’s sacrifice. Milo wiped his wet eyes and looked at Forester.

            “I’m sorry.” Zyrok spoke apologetically.

            “His death was not in vain. In fact, he inspired us all with his last words.” Forester replied.

            “What did he say?” Milo spoke quietly.

            “UNSC.” Forester looked at Milo.

            “Thank you for this news.” Milo stood up.

            “If there’s anything we could do for you, let us know.” Zyrok added.

            “Thank you sir, ma’am. That would be all.” Milo saluted and walked off.

            Zyrok looked at his watch and widened his eyes.

            “Oh, we have to go now.” Zyrok exclaimed.

            The officers stood up and exited the building. Zyrok watched as Echo Squad and Jackal Squadron got on the Pelican.

            “Come on Zyrok.” Casey waved at the officers.

            “Saved you a seat.” Taylor patted a seat beside him next to the opening.

            “Thanks.” Zyrok sat down.

            “I know you like to look out.” Taylor smiled.

            “I’ll take the cockpit seats.” Forester walked past Zyrok.

            Zyrok watched as Forester entered the cockpit and then turned to look at Frederick.

            “Over here Lieutenant.” Williams called from the rear.

            Frederick walked past Zyrok and nodded her head slightly. Zyrok nodded back with a grin and watched Frederick settled down on her seat.

            “Alright marines, fasten your seatbelts, we’re dusting off.” Pruett called out from the cockpit.

            As the Pelican slowly ascended into the air, Zyrok looked outwards at the people walking by. There were civilians walking about and marines patrolling. What caught Zyrok’s eye was a gorgeous looking blonde that stood motionless looking at their Pelican. As the Pelican blew gusts of hot air to the ground, the girl’s hair fluttered so beautifully. Suddenly it dawned on Zyrok, that girl looked a lot like Sarah. As Zyrok rummaged around his armor to find the photo of Sarah he had kept with him all those years looking for her, the Pelican had reached sufficient altitude and the girl was no longer in view. He sighed with disappointment as the Pelican hatch closed.

            “It can’t be…she’s in Australia.” Zyrok closed his eyes as he reassured himself.

            For now, Zyrok would need his rest. He will ask members from Jackal Squadron later in Afghanistan if they had seen Sarah during the time they were deployed in Australia.