UNSCDF3 Chapter 17- Without Options

Jinnah Town, Quetta, Pakistan

Government Officer Residence

May 14, 2001

1600 Local Time

            “Check out this puppy.” Dau lifted a M82A2 sniper rifle from a wooden crate.

            “Yeah, I’ll just mind my own business.” Johnson sat in the passenger seat of a Warthog.

            “Can you guys seriously help?” Frederick rolled a fuel barrel with Daniels to the Falcon docked on the intersection of the street.

            “Yes ma’am.” Johnson hopped off the vehicle and went to push a fuel barrel.

            “Hey guys, where’s Hariprasad?” Frederick watched Daniels link cables to the Falcon.

            “That way.” Dau pointed at the building right of him with his newly acquired sniper rifle.

            There was a sound of a vehicle coming from the corner of a building which heightened Frederick’s defenses.

            “Incoming! Get to positions.” Frederick ordered.

            The marines quickly got to their nearest cover and readied their guns. A Warthog skidded around the corner and halted to a stop in front of the Falcon.

            “It’s Hariprasad!” Dau looked in the scope of his sniper rifle.

            “A Gauss hog.” Frederick looked at the unique turret on Hariprasad’s Warthog.

            “Ma’am, here’s a surprise.” Hariprasad touched the hood of the vehicle.

            “You sure did surprise us.” Johnson got of his cover.

            “That thing is beast.” Dau admired the gun with awe.

            “How come we don’t see more of these on the fields?” Frederick asked.

            “This is an early prototype built by the engineers in High Command. It’s been made to combat the boss zombies, but we haven’t tried it yet.” Hariprasad explained.

            “Good, maybe we can take out the choppers with it.” Frederick smiled.

            “It doesn’t have that much ammunition. I’d say ten rounds and we’re out.” Hariprasad sighed.

            “Oh, that’s a shame.” Frederick looked disappointed.

            “Don’t forget we have the other Warthog.” Johnson interrupted.

            “Gentlemen, new plan.” Frederick suddenly thought of an idea.

            “Yes LT?” Dau looked interested.

            “We’ll leave the Falcon here and drive the two Warthogs to the Pelican’s location. Then we combine out firepower and attempt to rescue Blake and maybe others.” Frederick briefed.

            “And what about Zyrok ma’am?” Hariprasad asked.

            “We’ll have air support with ground support. I’m sure we can establish a capable means of finding him.” Frederick reasoned.

            “Last time I checked, the Russians still have air superiority.” Johnson joked.

            “That’s true, but we have better gear now.” Frederick pointed at Dau’s M82A2 and the Gauss hog.

            “And one Pelican once we reach our destination.” Hariprasad reminded.

            “Exactly.” Frederick crossed her arms.

            “Might I say that we’re a bit…outnumbered?” Johnson spoke truthfully.

            “That may be true marine, but we aren’t UNSC marines for no reason. We are good at what we do.” Frederick looked at Johnson with a cold stare.

            “Understood ma’am. Cobra Squad’s still with you.” Johnson replied firmly.

            “To the end.” Daniels shouted.

            “Hoorah!” Dau cheered.

            “Alright marines, let’s get formed up.” Frederick patted the hood of the Gauss hog.

            “Ma’am?” Johnson asked.

            “Daniels, you drive the Gauss hog with Dau. Hariprasad, drive the other Warthog with Johnson on the turret. I’ll take the passenger seat.” Frederick climbed into the seat of the Warthog and looked at her Lock 17 sidearm.

            “You heard the LT, get a move on it.” Johnson climbed onto the turret and rotated it to check.

            “Time to pop some heads.” Dau smiled mischievously as he got onto the Gauss cannon.

            “Don’t waste it.” Daniels hopped into the driver’s seat of the Gauss hog.

            “Nah, trust me.” Dau grinned.

            “I bet I’m a better driver than Hariprasad.” Daniels joked.

            “We’ll see about that…pilot.” Hariprasad shot a glare and honked his horn.

            “May the best operator win then.” Daniels smiled.

“Hey Hariprasad, I think you’ll lose. We’re Spec Ops remember?” Johnson teased.

            “True, but I know this terrain better than you do.” Hariprasad countered.

            “Alright…alright. Let’s move!” Frederick waved forward.

Erazi, Kandahar, Afghanistan

Russian Communications Outpost

May 14, 2001

1845 Local Time

            “How do you like it here?” Dimitri sat at the end of a table eating with Zyrok and Sarah.

            “It’s pretty good.” Zyrok replied with his mouth full.

            “What about you Sarah?” Dimitri pointed with his fork.

            “Good.” Sarah nodded without looking into Dimitri’s eyes.

            “Look Zyrok, my men need someone with skills leading them to the Secronom Research Facility.” Dimitri spoke seriously.

            “You want to go back down there?” Zyrok stopped eating.

            “Well, what’s down there that needs to be destroyed so badly?” Dimitri put down his fork.

            “Look Dimitri, don’t go down there. Secronom was researching the Nerotonin drug and it mutated. All I know was that we received a log from the chief scientist asking it to be destroyed to prevent it from reaching the surface.” Zyrok explained briefly.

            “Interesting…” Dimitri rubbed his chin.

            “The zombies…they had multi-limbs.” Zyrok described.

            “Zyrok, look we’re all about finding a cure for the virus.” Dimitri continued to eat.

            “Really now?’ Zyrok asked uncertainly.

            “Yes, if you have information to share, so do we.” Dimitri nodded.

            “Such as?’ Zyrok studied his plate and turned to take a quick glimpse of Sarah.

            “Such as you folks failing on the containment of the spider zombies.” Dimitri replied.

            “What? No!” Zyrok pounded the table.

            “You somehow brought it back to North America and now levels are at a critical. Why we want to go down again is to recover their research…do you understand?” Dimitri briefed.

            “I don’t believe it.” Zyrok shook his head in disbelief.

            “Here’s a report.” Dimitri waved at a soldier holding a folder.

            The soldier placed a grey folder in front of Zyrok and walked away. Zyrok opened it and scanned the contents. There were pictures of spider zombies on the streets of San Francisco and the destruction of various UNSC outposts.

            “My god.” Zyrok closed his eyes and shut the folder.

            “The situation is pretty bad.” Dimitri nodded.

            “What can I do to help?” Zyrok offered his knowledge.

            “Are you willing to take a team down underground?” Dimitri asked.

            “Research info right?” Zyrok asked.

            “Anything else that you can offer us that you know?” Dimitri wondered.

            “Secronom was working on a piece of armor.” Zyrok replied.

            “Armor?” Dimitri looked intrigued.

            “It appeared to be a prototype, but we’re not sure if it was functional.” Zyrok answered.

            “Did the UNSC take it?” Dimitri grabbed a plate of dessert.

            “Yeah, my Lieutenant took it. As far as I know, they made it out alive.” Zyrok took his plate of leftovers and set it aside.

            Dimitri rubbed his chin and smiled as he enjoyed his dessert and the information Zyrok had given him. Zyrok’s knowledge may be of more use to him than he had hoped for.

Downtown Kandahar, Kandahar, Afghanistan

British Embassy

May 15, 2001

1010 Local Time

            “The Pelican should be there.” Hariprasad stood at the adjacent building overlooking the British Embassy.

            “Well, I don’t see it.” Johnson took out his binoculars.

            “That’s because it’s stored underground in the facility.” Hariprasad pointed at the center courtyard inside the embassy.

            “Well, can someone explain why I see the Russians?” Dau looked through the scope of the sniper rifle.

            “They’re here?” Frederick took Johnson’s binoculars and looked at two Russians patrolling the outside gates.

            “Damn it!” Frederick kicked the railing on the roof in frustration.

            “Plans LT?” Daniels crossed his arms.

            “Time is running out. We have to split into two teams to get more work done.” Frederick brushed her hair.

            “I’m guessing we’re taking the Gauss to Blake’s location?’ Hariprasad guessed.

            “Yes, it’s a risk we have to take with the ammo it has.” Frederick nodded.

            “What are the teams?” Johnson asked.

            “Since Daniels can fly a Pelican, he’ll head with you and Dau.” Frederick looked at Johnson.

            “You going to be alright LT?” Dau raised an eyebrow.

            “I’ll shoot, Hariprasad drives.” Frederick tossed the car keys to Hariprasad.

            “Yes ma’am.” Hariprasad caught the keys with one hand.

            “Good, we’re call sign 2-2. Dau, you’re 1-3.” Frederick patted the RaidComm device on her helmet.

            “Test, test…do you read?” Daniels tested the RaidComm.

            “Loud and clear, over.” Hariprasad replied.

            “Guys, why are the Russians scrambling?” Dau looked at the Russians rushing out of the embassy preparing to set up defenses.

            “Did they know we’re here?” Frederick waved at the marines to crouch.

            “I don’t think so, but I doubt it was a coincidence…” Johnson replied.

            “I highly doubt it too.” Frederick agreed.

            “Is it me or when we used the RaidComm, the Russians became alert?” Hariprasad voiced his concerns.

            “You think the Russians know our frequencies?” Johnson asked.

            “Let’s give it a try.” Frederick suggested.

            “Hey, are there any UNSC marines out there? I’m lost a couple of blocks south of the embassy. Anyone copy?” Hariprasad played with the RaidComm.

            Frederick studied the movement of the Russians and saw them preparing a van full of soldiers. In a few minutes, the van exited the embassy and went onto the streets south of the embassy.

            “Yup, RaidComm is out. Now what?” Johnson crossed his arms in frustration.

            “Encryption.” Frederick replied instantaneously.

            “That could work…” Daniels rubbed his chin.

            “It will work unless we tell others our encryption code.” Frederick removed her helmet and turned some dials on the communications.

            “Code ma’am?” Hariprasad asked.

            “Sierra Pappa 215.” Frederick replied.

            “Alright marines, you heard the LT. Encrypt to Sierra Pappa 215.” Johnson ordered.

            “Move out marines!” Frederick motioned at the stairwell.

UNSCDF3 Chapter 6- Reaching Out

Downtown Kandahar, Kandahar, Afghanistan

521 Apartments

May 10, 2001

1545 Local Time

            Zyrok opened his heavy eyelids while his head throbbed with pain. He moaned and looked around to see where he was. It was the same room which he had entered to find the girl. As Zyrok tried to touch his head, he realized that his hands were tied to his back against a table. Suddenly, a little girl with black smudges on her face approached Zyrok with a golf club.

            “No, don’t!” Zyrok shouted as the girl lifted the club.

            The girl stopped and studied him like a toy. She nudged Zyrok’s legs with the club and watched for a reaction. However, Zyrok decided to remain calm even though he could have easily snatched the golf club with his feet.

            “It’s okay…it’s okay.” Zyrok reassured with a soft smile.

            The girl walked up beside Zyrok’s backpack on the ground and searched it. She pulled out a bag of mixed nuts and examined it.

            “Go ahead, you can eat it.” Zyrok studied the girl’s movements as he attempted to wriggle his hands free from the ropes.

            As the girl opened the bag of nuts and sniffed it, Zyrok slowly loosened the knots. The girl put one nut in her mouth to taste and then quickly stuffed the remaining contents into her mouth.

            “This girl is hungry.” Zyrok thought as he managed to pull one hand free.

            In a split second, Zyrok pulled himself free and quickly stood up. The girl cried and snatched her club, but Zyrok was faster and yanked the club out of the young girl’s hands. Upon realizing what had happened, the girl cried and ran to a corner as Zyrok blocked her escape. She covered her face and huddled in the corner whimpering in fear.

            “I’m not going to hurt you.” Zyrok crouched and threw the golf club away.

            She shivered and covered her eyes. She was terrified and her breathing speed increased.

            “Hey…hey. I’m a soldier and I’m not going to hurt you.” Zyrok said in a soft voice.

            Zyrok sat on the ground next to the girl and looked at her. She was young and her parents were probably dead or had become zombies. Zyrok looked around the room and saw a picture frame. He picked it up and saw the girl with a man and a woman behind her.

            “Is this you?” Zyrok held the picture close to the girl.

            The girl removed her hands from her face and looked shyly.

            “You got a name? I’m Zyrok, can you talk?” Zyrok spoke quietly.

            She nodded her head and looked at the photo. Tears streamed down her face as she studied the photograph.

            “It’s alright. It’s okay.” Zyrok slowly made his way to the girl and comforted her with a hug.

            “Everything’s going to be okay now.” Zyrok whispered.

            The girl sobbed and hugged Zyrok tightly as tears dripped from her face. Zyrok patted her on the back and released his embrace. He looked at the girl and wiped her face with his shirt sleeve.

            “There, you’re all clean. Don’t cry, you are so pretty.” Zyrok cleaned the girl’s face.

            The girl smiled shyly and touched her cheeks. Zyrok knew the girl wasn’t a local because of her skin color and her hair.

            “You’re not from here aren’t you?” Zyrok asked.

            Within a second, she reached into a pocket and produced an ID card. Zyrok took the card and examined what it wrote.

            “Your parents worked at the British embassy?” Zyrok examined the card.

            A nod was all it took to acknowledge and answer Zyrok’s question. Zyrok knew that their chances of survival increased drastically if there was an embassy. There was going to be food, water, shelter, and defenses. If he was lucky, he might be able to contact the UNSC.

            “Where’s the embassy?” Zyrok asked politely.

            The girl pointed at the window and Zyrok stood up to see where she was pointing. From the height of the current building, Zyrok noticed a fancy structure with a British flag on the room. The only problem was that the building was dark and smoke came out of it.

            “Did you come from there?” Zyrok pointed at the embassy.

            She nodded with a scared face and Zyrok understood what she had experienced.

            “Do you have food or water?” Zyrok looked around the room.

            Zyrok watched as the girl ran into a closet and pulled out a small bag. Inside the bag were two bags of candy and one bottle of water.

            “Can I drink some water? I haven’t drank in a while.” Zyrok pointed at the water.

            The girl opened the bottle and handed it to Zyrok with an uncertain look. Zyrok took the bottle graciously and poured a bit into his dry mouth.

            “Thanks.” Zyrok thanked as he handed the bottle back.

            “Look, I’m going to go to the embassy to see if I can get us some supplies.” Zyrok walked across the room to pick up his kukri and Desert Fox on the ground.

            He turned to the entrance and began to remove the barricade.

            “Don’t go…” the girl spoke in a pleading voice.

            “Oh…so you talk.” Zyrok turned his head.

            “Yeah…” the girl nodded.

            “What’s your name?” Zyrok asked.

            “Sarah.” the girl responded.

            The name hit Zyrok like a train and he froze. His facial expressions changed and he stopped in his tracks.

Clifton, Karachi, Pakistan

UNSC Cobra Squad’s Camp

May 10, 2001

1550 Local Time

            Hariprasad fell to the ground and tried to move away from the sea of hands. One zombie grabbed his leg and sank its teeth into the flesh.

            “Argh!” Hariprasad screamed in pain.

            Suddenly, a few shots came from behind him followed by the sounds of heavy footsteps. Bullets whizzed past Hariprasad and struck the zombies.

            “You alright?” Parker rushed over with her MSG-9 rifle.

            “Hell, I’m bit.” Hariprasad looked at his left leg with a bloody bite mark.

            “Hold on.” Parker pulled out a medic kit from her belt and took out a roll of bandages.

            Hariprasad winced in pain as Parker sprayed an antiseptic spray on the wound. Hariprasad knew he hadn’t taken the nanite shot and that only High Command issued to key members.

            “I’m not going to make it…right?” Hariprasad stared at his leg.

            Frederick and Sears rushed out of the building with guns in their hands and knelt beside the injured marine.

            “You alright?” Sears asked with concern.

            “No Sarge.” Hariprasad pointed at his leg as Parker was applying pressure to the wound.

            “What happened?” Frederick looked at the dead zombies.

            “Turned a corner and they were there.” Hariprasad pointed at the edge of the structure.

            “Damn it. Do you have nanites?” Frederick asked.

            “No, do you have the shots?” Hariprasad looked worried.

            “No…I think it’s on UNSC Perth.” Frederick waved her hand behind her.

            “Yeah, it is in the medic bay on the ship.” Parker added.

            “Take him onto the Falcon and airlift him out of here.” Sears pointed at the roof.

            “Problem…when I was up there, UNSC Perth sent a transmission saying it can’t allow the Falcon to land due to weather.” Frederick pointed at the distant stormy clouds.

            “Aw hell, what are our options?” Sears crossed his arms in frustration.

            “Um…” Hariprasad looked lost.

            “Let’s bring him inside and figure out our options. It will be a while till we get reinforcements.” Frederick waved.

            “Agreed.” Sears assisted Hariprasad to his feet.

            Parker walked a few meters and picked up the M16 Hariprasad had dropped while Frederick assisted by opening the doors.

            “How long do I have before I turn?” Hariprasad spoke with a groan.

            “Listen, I’m not going to let you turn.” Sears reassured.

            “I’m the first casualty and we haven’t even found Zyrok.” Hariprasad chuckled weakly.

            As the pair continued walking, Parker and Frederick assisted by opening the doors. Suddenly Hariprasad stopped talking and collapsed to the floor.

            “He’s unconscious.” Sears checked the pulse of his comrade.

            “Don’t you die on me Hariprasad.” Frederick shook her head in frustration.

UNSCDF3 Chapter 1- The Team

Adelaide, South Australia, Australia

UNSC North Haven Outpost

May 1, 2001

1100 Local Time

            “Frederick, are you sure you want to do this?” a tall blonde brunette Sergeant asked a tall blonde bearing the rank of a Second Lieutenant looking at her watch.

            “Yes May, you and the others are staying here.” Frederick replied briskly.

            “Are you sure you don’t need our help?” May crossed her arms.

            “No May, Jackal Squadron will remain here in Australia. Besides, I’ve got Staff Sergeant Sears and Private Hariprasad from Fire Team Kilo to be my guides.” Frederick answered.

            From the dark cloudy skies, a Pelican slowly appeared from the clouds and descended on a platform beside the two marines. A young dark skinned marine rushed out clutching a MP5 and saluted Frederick.

            “Hariprasad.” Frederick saluted back.

            “Lieutenant.” Hariprasad waved at Frederick to climb aboard the aircraft.

            “Nice to see you again.” May greeted.

            “Yeah, sure is Sergeant.” Hariprasad nodded.

            “May, you’re in charge until I get back. Make sure the team doesn’t slack off.” Frederick joked.

            “Alright ma’am.” May grinned.

            Frederick brushed her hair behind her back and walked inside the Pelican followed by Hariprasad.

            “The LT inside?” the pilot hollered from the cockpit.

            “Yeah Sears, she’s on. Let’s go.” Hariprasad shouted in response.

            “Buckle up.” Sears replied as he closed the hatch at the rear of the Pelican.

            Just as the hatch was about to fully lock into place, Frederick smiled at May before turning her head to face Hariprasad.

            “What’s the plan Lieutenant?” Hariprasad asked curiously.

            “Find Zyrok.” Frederick replied easily.

            “Are you sure he’s…?” Hariprasad’s voice trailed off.

            “Alive? I hope so.” Frederick answered Hariprasad’s question and frowned.

            The Pelican slowly ascended into the sky and got engulfed by the dark clouds. Sears looked at the console on the Pelican and flipped some switches above him. The lighting in the Pelican hull dimmed to a faint eerie red.

            “Take some rest. It will be a few hours before we reach Perth.” Sears announced.

            “Perth?” Frederick’s eyes widened with surprise.

            “We’re going to Perth first to get a ship.” Hariprasad said with a grin.

            “A ship?” Frederick scratched her head.

            “Since we don’t know the situation in Afghanistan, we’re going by sea.” Sears reasoned.

            “As we get close, we’ll get airborne again. That way we should have some sort of surprise for the Russians if they are still there.” Hariprasad added.

            “Ah…I see.” Frederick closed her eyes to rest.

            On Frederick’s belt, her datapad beeped. Frederick pulled it out and it displayed “Incoming Transmission.” She pressed a button and a blonde female marine with a ponytail smiled.

            “Lieutenant Forester.” Frederick looked at the screen.

            “Lieutenant Frederick, sorry that I’m not able to join you. As you already know, we are trying to hold onto the remaining UNSC Outposts from the mutated zombies and the new spider zombies.” Forester spoke calmly.

            “I know.” Frederick nodded.

            “Since Echo Squad is in need of a Commanding Officer, High Command has ordered that I take Zyrok’s place and assist other UNSC forces in the zombie extermination. Also, I’ve heard that only you and the rest of Fire Team Kilo are on this search.” Forester briefed.

            “That’s correct.” Frederick looked at Sears in the cockpit and then H

ariprasad sitting in front of her.

            “Well, I’ve managed to pull some strings for you knowing that you might encounter the Russian forces in Afghanistan.” Forester smiled.

            “Thanks, I appreciate it.” Frederick thanked.

            “Upon arrival in Perth, a Captain Matthew Blake will rendezvous with you to board his ship along with Cobra Squad.” Forester continued to brief.

            “Cobra Squad?” Frederick raised an eyebrow.

            “Cobra’s a small specialized team focused on quick elimination of targets as well as locating assets.” Forester answered.

            “So…Spec Ops?” Frederick concluded.

            “Pretty much. Anyways Frederick, we’ve got work to do there. Good luck and I’ll see you later.” Forester ended the transmission.

            “We got ourselves a team.” Hariprasad grinned.

            “Yeah.” Frederick placed the datapad back onto her belt and closed her eyes to rest.

Perth, Western Australia, Australia

UNSC Fremantle Outpost

May 1, 2001

1315 Local Time

            “We’re here Lieutenant.” Hariprasad gently shook a sleeping Frederick.

            “Ah.” Frederick rubbed her eyes and stood up to stretch.

            The hatch of the Pelican opened and an Outpost was visible below them. A breeze of cool air rushed into the warm hull.

            “Refreshing.” Frederick breathed deeply and walked out of the Pelican.

            Two marines dressed in black combat gear armed with M16s greeted Frederick.

            “Second Lieutenant Frederick.” a young brunette marine offered her hand.

            “That’s me.” Frederick shook the marine’s hand.

            “Lance Corporal Laura Parker of Cobra Squad.” the marine introduced herself.

            “Corporal Chris Johnson.” the marine adjacent to Parker stuck his hand out.

            “Nice to meet you.” Frederick shook Johnson’s hand firmly.

            “Follow me ma’am, chopper’s waiting for you.” Johnson waved.

            “What about the Pelican Corporal?” Sears stepped off the Pelican and slung a backpack over his shoulder.

            “UNSC Perth can’t carry a Pelican. So a Falcon is the alternative.” Johnson answered.

            “Get your gear marines, we’re moving out.” Frederick ordered.

            “Understood.” Hariprasad nodded.

            Once the marines of Fire Team Kilo got their gear, they quickly hurried behind Frederick. After a couple meters of walking, a Falcon was docked on a platform with its rotors still spinning steadily.

            “Hop on!” Parker shouted over the roar of the rotors.

            Frederick nodded and climbed into the center seats whilst Parker and Johnson mounted on the side M60 turrets. Sears sat beside Frederick while Hariprasad sat directly in front of her.

            “Welcome aboard ladies and gentlemen. I’m Corporal Jeff Daniels.” the pilot chirped on the comms.

            “Strap in.” Johnson shouted and gave a thumbs-up sign to Daniels.

            “And we have a go.” Daniels pushed the throttle forward and the Falcon dusted off the ground majestically.

            The hum of the propellers quieted down as the engines reached its optimal speed. Below the Pelican was a clear harbor with ships neatly docked at their ports.

            “Which one is UNSC Perth?” Frederick pointed at the boats below them.

            “It’s not here Lieutenant. Perth is docked in the Rocky Bay on Rottnest Island.” Parker answered and pointed at a distant land mass a couple hundred kilometers away.

            “Carrier? Frigate?” Frederick asked.

            “Destroyer class.” Johnson said proudly.

            After a few minutes, the Falcon descended over a medium ship. The aircraft circled the ship once as Frederick eyed the ship. On the starboard side, the words “UNSC Perth” were painted on the hull.

            “Meet UNSC Perth. Home to Cobra Squad.” Daniels chirped proudly on the comms as he eyed the ship.

            The Falcon landed at a platform at the rear of the ship and Johnson and Parker quickly got out.

            “This way Lieutenant.” Parker waved as she pointed at the bridge a couple meters away.

            “Ok.” Frederick nodded and followed Parker up some stairs leading to the bridge.

            Parker opened the door to the bridge and a tall man with a beard in his late thirties turned his head from the ship controls.

            “Captain Matthew Blake.” the man greeted and tipped his officer’s cap.

            “Second Lieutenant Jenny Frederick.” Frederick saluted.

            “Parker, we’re all set?” Blake asked Parker as she stood motionless next to the bridge door.

            “Yes sir we are.” Parker nodded.

            “Stewart, release the anchors and leave this bay.” Blake commanded to a young man sitting at some controls with markings of a Private First Class.

            “Aye Captain.” Stewart acknowledged by pressing a button on his console.

            “Grab a seat Lieutenant, let me give the instructions to my marines and we’ll talk.” Blake fished out a pair of binoculars from his utility belt and eyed the horizon.

            “Parker, get the controls.” Blake commanded as the marines from the Falcon entered the bridge.

            “Understood.” Parker paced quickly to the controls.

            Frederick grabbed a seat nearby and waved at Sears and Hariprasad to sit. Blake walked to a printer and read a piece of paper.

            “Stewart, forward throttle to sixty percent. Parker, turn heading to 270. Johnson, system check on weapons.” Blake ordered and sat down in a seat centered in the middle of the bridge.

            “Accelerating forward.” Stewart pushed the throttle forward.

            “Turning 270.” Parker repeated and turned the helm right.

            “Checking weapons.” Johnson pushed a series of buttons.

            The ship turned and quickly left the dock as members of Cobra Squad navigated the ship. In a few minutes, the land of Australia was no longer in view as the engines reached its speed.

            “Weapons are a go, sir.” Johnson looked at a computer and flashed a thumbs-up.

            “Excellent! Ladies and gentlemen, Middle East, here we come.” Blake clapped his hands in excitement.

            “Hell yeah!” Johnson and Stewart shouted in enthusiasm.

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.