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 3- Missiles and Bullets

Arabian Sea, Coast of Karachi, Pakistan

UNSC Perth

May 9, 2001

1750 Local Time

            “Two missiles inbound!” Parker shouted.

            “Stewart! Flak cannon.” Blake ordered.

            “Aye sir.” Stewart replied and pressed a series of buttons.

            At the front of the ship, a turret turned to face the missiles. Within a second of setting into position, a series of flak rounds exploded in the sky between the missiles and the ship. Luckily, the flak rounds managed to kill off the incoming missiles before it struck the ship.

            “Chopper’s at starboard side now.” Frederick pointed.

            “It’s going for our boat.” Hariprasad spoke in horror as a fury of bullets flew towards Cobra Squad’s boat.

            “Launch the SAM, now!” Blake shouted.

            “Already on it.” Parker navigated her console and slammed the controls.

            At the side of the starboard, two missiles launched in the air and trailed towards the Russian chopper. The Russians stopped firing and evaded with countermeasures. One missile missed, but the other continued to pursue. The Mi-24 made a sharp turn and fired a missile at the missile. Boom! The explosion rocketed the sky and pieces of debris fell into the water.

            “Fire again.” Blake ordered.

            “Sir.” Stewart acknowledged.

            “Captain, how can we help?” Frederick offered.

            “We have twin GAU-19 guns at the front of the ship. Controls are simple. Point and fire.” Blake pointed at a turret beside the flak cannon.

            “On it.” Frederick waved at Hariprasad.

            Just as Frederick and Hariprasad exited the bridge and ran towards the sky. Two explosions ripped through the silent waters as the SAM missiles struck the Mi-24’s countermeasures.

            “Better hurry.” Frederick urged.

            “Agreed.” Hariprasad answered.

*          *          *

            “Full speed ahead.” Johnson pointed at UNSC Perth.

            “Daniels, Perth wants us to fire our turrets instead.” Sears listened to his RaidComm transmission built inside his helmet.

            “The M60?” Daniels pointed at the machine gun mounted in front of the boat.

            “Yeah.” Sears pushed the throttle forward and turned the boat left.

            The Mi-24 fired its missiles at UNSC Perth, but was only countered by the flak cannons. At the front of the ship, a turret with two GAU-19s swiveled to face the helicopter. A blaze of armor piercing rounds lit up the sky.

            “That’s our cue!” Sears pointed as he sped the boat closer towards the Russian chopper.

            Daniels rotated the M60 turret and unleashed a torrent of bullets. A sea of bullets flew in the air followed by SAM missiles from UNSC Perth. In a matter of minutes, the bullets had dealt sufficient damage to the helicopter’s hull and the Mi-24 began to smoke.

            “They’re getting away.” Johnson pointed as the helicopter attempted to retreat.

            “Not on my watch.” Daniels got off the turret and ran towards the boat’s compartments.

            Daniels reached in a large compartment and took out a M82A2 sniper rifle.

            “Holy smokes, you guys have these?” Sears’ eyes widened in surprise.

            “Yeah, we’re Spec Ops remember?” Johnson reminded.

            Daniels mounted the sniper rifle stand on the boat’s ledge and aimed at the distant retreating chopper.

            “Hit the fuel lines.” Johnson pointed at the smoke trailing from the chopper.

            Daniels adjusted the elevation and slid a bullet into the chamber. He fired once and a loud bang was heard. The round struck the rear of the chopper, but did little damage.

            “Again.” Johnson encouraged.

            Once more, Daniels reloaded and slid a bullet into the chamber from the magazine. Daniels turned the gun a bit and fired. This time the armor piercing round struck the missiles the chopper was carrying and exploded. The explosion consumed the helicopter into a ball of flame and quickly plummeted into the water below.

            “Nice!” Sears complimented.

            “Looks like my training paid off.” Daniels joked.

            “Sure did.” Johnson laughed.

            “Let’s head back now.” Sears turned the boat back towards UNSC Perth.

Downtown Kandahar, Kandahar, Afghanistan

521 Apartments

May 9, 2001

1800 Local Time

            A young soldier wearing torn military outfit ran out of a vacant building. His face showed tiredness and dehydration from the desert heat. The soldier continued running down an alley and took cover in the shade. He unbuttoned his outer wear and used it as a hood to block the heat scorching his face. On his undershirt, the word “Zyrok” was stenciled on the back.  Zyrok walked back out of the street and into a convenience store that was semi-barricaded.

            “Ugh.” Zyrok grunted as he pushed away a wooden board to reveal a small opening into the building.

            As soon as Zyrok crawled inside, he pushed the wooden board back into place. Inside the store were some food and a makeshift bed built from cardboard and towels. He sat down on his bed and removed his hood. With a sigh, he emptied his pockets of the looted items he had found beside him. There was a bag of mixed nuts and two batteries. Zyrok placed the two batteries into a radio and turned the switch. A faint signal was heard and then turned to complete silence.

            “Useless.” Zyrok took the batteries out and threw them aside.

            Food rations were running low and Zyrok had scavenged most parts of the city. It was only a matter of time before he would go hungry. Just the thought of starving to death or scavenging in the hot sun demoralized him. He had sacrificed himself and destroyed the Secronom Research Facility. He had made sure Sarah’s husband didn’t die and that the majority of the team went home alive. Zyrok was certain that his team would assume that he was dead. The past few weeks alone in hiding and survival mode brought Zyrok to his senses.

            “It has always been fate.” Zyrok chuckled in reflection.

            Zyrok lied down on the ground and looked at the dusty ceiling.

            “It’s over…the game is over.” Zyrok opened a bag of mixed nuts and munched on it.

            Popping the nuts in his mouth, Zyrok quickly finished the whole bag. It did not fulfill his hunger, but it was going to last him for another day. Zyrok reached into his pocket and pulled out his wallet.

            “Oh Sarah…I can’t believe I lasted this long.” Zyrok spoke to a wrinkled photograph of a beautiful Caucasian girl with a smile on her face.

            The photograph had faded over time leaving parts of the photo in discoloration. Zyrok closed his eyes and smiled warmly as a tear trickled down his cheek.

            “If only you know…if only you knew.” Zyrok whispered as he put the photo close to his heart.

            Zyrok wiped his face sadly with his shirt sleeve and decided to sleep. He was about to give up living by himself in the city of Kandahar. Life was too hard and no one was there with him except the Russians nearby still trying to figure out what Secronom had to offer. He pulled out his Desert Fox pistol and pulled the gun slowly to his head. He was ready and he wasn’t afraid to die. Zyrok had done the things he had wanted to do in his life and he was satisfied. Even with the imperfections along the way, he was pleased. He felt…peace.