UNSCDF2 Chapter 20- A Web of Lies

Kandahar Air Base, Kandahar, Afghanistan

Fire Team Kilo’s Camp

April 19, 2001

0930 Local Time

            “So I heard you are Sarah’s husband…” Reid walked into an officer and greeted Cookson as he was reading some papers.

            “What can I do for you Lieutenant?” Cookson asked.

            “Oh, I just wanted to say how wonderful it is to meet Sarah’s husband in person.” Reid grinned.

            “Okay…what do you mean?” Cookson eyed Reid suspiciously.

            “Well, while I was at the San Francisco Outpost, Sarah and her police friends really helped me and my team work on obtaining Intel about the Russians. Their police work was very helpful.” Reid smiled warmly.

            “Ah…that’s Sarah.” Cookson smiled.

            “I must say Cookson, you have quite a catch on this on.” Reid joked.

            “Yeah, she’s something isn’t she?” Cookson laughed.

            “Oh yes she is. Quite something…” Reid forced a smile as he began to feel enraged about what Sarah had done to him.

            “Oh Lieutenant Reid, you are not the first person to talk about my wife since my arrival here.” Cookson spoke his mind.

            “What do you mean?” Reid looked a bit nervous.

            “Well, Captain Zyrok seems to know about my wife too. It’s funny how small the world is and how Sarah’s connected to everything.” Cookson reflected.

            “It’s almost as if fate is playing its cards.” Reid thought about the chances of actually finding Sarah’s husband.

            “You can say that.” Cookson jotted some notes on his papers.

            Reid looked at Cookson busily writing and turned his head to the door. There was nobody behind him and now was the chance for him to strike and fulfill his vengeance. Cookson looked so innocent and unaware of what Reid’s real intentions were. Reid reached into his gun holster and pulled out his Lock 17.

            “Woah there Lieutenant, what are you doing?” Cookson nearly jumped as he saw Reid pull out his pistol.

            “It’s not personal.” Reid looked at his gun in hand.

            “Guys!” Green rushed into the room and interrupted Reid.

            “What?” Reid turned around.

            Seeing it as a missed opportunity, Reid decided not to gun down Cookson for his own safety and innocence.

            “What?” Reid turned around.

            “What’s wrong with the gun Lieutenant?” Green pointed.

            “Reid?” Cookson stood up behind him with his hand on his gun holster.

            “Well, I said it’s not personal.” Reid pointed the gun on himself.

            “What’s going on?” Green was confused.

            “Reid, put the gun down and we can talk this out.” Cookson waved his hands in a downward motion.

            “It’s too late. I can’t handle the truth now. For God sakes, it’s too late.” Reid sat down with a depressed face.

            “Truth? Too late?” Green asked.

            “Look Cookson, you are lucky. I am not.” Reid cocked his pistol.

            “Reid, tell me what’s going on.” Cookson spoke with sincerity.

            “Cookson, I’m her ex. I know I made mistakes in the past, but I’ve changed. I’ve changed for her. As time went by, I spent in isolation trying to be a better person. I was too late and she was married. I told myself that once I see her husband, I would be convinced. Convinced that it was over for me. Now that you are here in front of me, I am assured of my fate.” Reid closed his eyes and squeezed out a few tears.

            “Why are you giving up now?” Cookson asked softly.

            “There’s no chance for me now. I can see why Sarah chose you. You are a good man and I have dark pasts.” Reid stuck the barrel of the pistol into his mouth.

            “You may have dark pasts, but look at you now. You are no longer the person you hated being.” Cookson pointed out.

            “Yeah Reid, think this out.” Green supported.

            “It’s not that easy.” Reid frowned.

            “It’s never easy, trust me. Once we get out of here, we’ll get you the help you need Reid.” Cookson offered.

            “Speaking of which, this is why I’m here to inform you.” Green interrupted.

            “What?” Reid replied in annoyance.

            “Echo Squad has made the discovery of the Secronom facility.” Green replied.

            “What? Where?” Cookson’s eyes widened.

            “They accidentally stumbled on it and the rest of our squad is heading there.” Green replied.

            “So that’s what you folks are looking for in the middle of nowhere? Secronom?” Reid looked slightly interested.

            “Yeah, come on Reid. Join us and we can get out of here and find you the help.” Cookson offered his hand.

            Cookson stuck out his hand in front of Reid for a long five minutes. Reid looked at Cookson and then Green. He sighed and removed the gun from his mouth.

            “Alright…” Reid grabbed Cookson’s hand and stood up.

            “Trust me.” Cookson watched Reid slid his pistol back into his holster.

            “Alright then, let’s get going.” Green spoke excitedly.

            “Give me a minute or two to clear my mind.” Reid shook his head.

            “Sure, take it easy.” Cookson nodded.

            “Green, can you contact my men to get ready?” Reid asked.

            “Sure thing LT.” Green replied.

            “I’ll meet you guys at the Mess Hall once I’ve cleared my mind.” Reid sat down.

            “No problem.” Green replied and walked off with Cookson.

Reygi, Kandahar, Afghanistan

Secronom Research Facility

April 19, 2001

1215 Local Time

            “I’d say this looks pretty small for a facility.” Nevarez pointed at an office building enclosed by a chain-linked fence.

            “The fence is electrified…” Casey pointed at a sign on the fence.

            “Let’s test it out.” Taylor pointed at a few zombies a few meters away from them.

            “BBQ, anyone?” Schmidt ran towards the zombies.

            Schmidt ran to the three zombies and began to shout. This attracted the zombies’ attention and aggravated the zombies to chase after him. As Schmidt neared the fence, he quickly spun around and shoved two zombies into the fence. The fence crackled with high voltage electricity and fried the zombies to crisp. The last zombie was easily taken out by a good old fashion hand combat which Schmidt had been trained by the UNSC. A trip and a snap to the neck was all it required to dispatch one zombie.

            “Okay, it’s electrified.” Zyrok concluded as he pointed at the charred zombie corpses stuck on the fence.

            “Now what do we do?” Nevarez asked.

            “No way I’m going to cut it.” Schmidt joked.

            “It’s simple. Grab a Warthog and ram it down.” Zyrok pointed at their troop transport Warthog parked down the dusty streets.

            “I’ll ram it.” Casey volunteered.

            “No, I’ll do it. It’s the responsibility of Fire Team Kilo to do this job. Especially with this kind of risk.” a young bald man stepped forward to Zyrok.

            “Okay Powell.” Zyrok nodded.

            “Here are the keys Corporal.” Casey tossed the keys towards Powell.

            Powell quickly snatched the keys with one hand and ran to the Warthog.

            “Stand back, you don’t want bits and pieces of debris or electricity striking you.” Zyrok pointed for cover behind some rocks.

            “You heard the Captain, hustle!” Casey ordered.

            As the marines took cover, Powell drove the Warthog down the asphalt and rammed the chain-linked fence. The fence crashed to the ground and electric sparks flew everywhere. The high intensity of the electricity seemed to have temporary shorted out the Warthog’s engines. Suddenly an alarm blared and red lights flashed.

            “Intruder alert! Intruder alert!” the alarm sounded.

            The ground next to the building shook and a turret rose up from the dirt. In less than ten seconds, four more turrets surfaced from the ground from the edges of the building.

            “Intruder alert! Sentry guns online.” the alarm blared.

            “Get out of there now Powell!” Zyrok shouted in horror as two turrets turned towards a surprised Powell.

            “I can’t.” Powell turned the Warthog’s ignition, but had no effect.

            “Ditch it!” Casey shouted.

            Powell climbed out of the Warthog and began to run when the two turrets fired. Zyrok and his marines watched in terror as the sentry guns fired short controlled bursts of armor piercing rounds into Powell’s back. Powell collapsed to his knees as the bullets ripped through his body and then slammed into the ground lifeless.

            “Nooo! Man down!” Zyrok shouted.

            “We can’t save him, he’s dead.” Casey grabbed Zyrok’s shoulders.

            “God damn it! It’s my fault!” Zyrok blamed himself and stomped on the ground.

            “It’s nobody’s fault. Who knew about the sentry guns?” Taylor reassured Zyrok.

            “Nobody did…now what?” Nevarez replied as he looked at the turrets scanning the vicinity for targets.

UNSCDF2 Chapter 19- Secrets and Feelings

Kandahar Air Base, Kandahar, Afghanistan

Fire Team Kilo’s Camp

April 18, 2001

1545 Local Time

            “Wake up sir.” a Prviate named Timmins shook Zyrok.

            “What? Huh?” Zyrok groggily said.

            “Jackal Squadron managed to successfully pull off a rescue mission.” Timmins replied excitedly.

            “Rescue mission?” Zyrok rubbed his eyes.

            “Frederick went to intercept a prisoner transport and saved three marines.” Timmins answered.

            “What? Under whose authorization?” Zyrok got out of his bed.

            “Frederick, sir. Why?” Timmins had a confused face.

            “I have doubts.” Zyrok replied.

            “Why?” Timmins scratched his head.

            “Where are they now?” Zyrok walked to the door.

            “Mess Hall, sir.” Timmins followed closely.

            “Forester?” Zyrok asked.

            “Her team is still out sir.” Timmins answered.    

            “Alright, contact Forester and tell her to head back. I’ll go to the Mess Hall to take a look.” Zyrok commanded.

            “Understood sir.” Timmins saluted and ran off.

            Zyrok paced himself quickly to the Mess Hall and saw Jackal Squadron talk to three marines sitting on a couch.

            “Officer on deck!” Williams shouted.

            Everyone stopped talking and turned their heads towards Zyrok.

            “At ease. Frederick where are you?” Zyrok scanned the crowd.

            “Here sir.” Frederick stood up from her seat behind Green.

            “Please see me.” Zyrok eyed the marines sitting on the couch and then walked out of the room.

            Frederick looked around and saw the marines staring at her. She nodded to Williams before walking out to see Zyrok. Zyrok stood a couple meters away from the Mess Hall entrance with a serious face.

            “You okay Zyrok?” Frederick asked.

            “We need to talk…in my office.” Zyrok looked around.

            Zyrok led Frederick to his office and pointed at a chair for Frederick to sit. After Frederick sat down, Zyrok looked out the door and then closed it shut.

            “Zyrok, do you mind telling me what’s going on?” Frederick looked at Zyrok with concerned eyes.

            “What was that?” Zyrok waved his hand out the door.

            “What?” Frederick asked.

            “The marines.” Zyrok answered briskly.

            “Our squad rescued them a few hours ago.” Frederick answered.

            “I know that. Who authorized it?” Zyrok demanded.

            “Sir, I did.” Frederick answered.

            “Why did you do it?” Zyrok questioned.

            “Zyrok, Forester was out and you were in the medical room. I assessed the risks and acted on behalf of the UNSC’s interests. Is something wrong?” Frederick asked.

            “Remember the talk we had yesterday?” Zyrok asked.

            “Yes, but those are still our men. The UNSC. We can’t let them be in the hands of terrorists.” Frederick explained herself.

            “I understand, but why are the Russians letting them live? They must have a bargaining chip.” Zyrok challenged.

            “With all due respect Zyrok, I think you’re over thinking it.” Frederick countered politely.

            “We better be cautious.” Zyrok warned.

            “Zyrok, I take full responsibility for my actions.” Frederick replied.

            “I hope you are right Lieutenant. Our long range communications are down and if a situation arises, we may be in trouble.” Zyrok theorized.

            “Trust me Zyrok.” Frederick looked into Zyrok’s eyes.

            “Oh, I trust you alright, no question about it. The question is…can we trust them?” Zyrok stared back into Frederick’s eyes.

            “Thank you Zyrok. I guess we’ll find out, but we will be ready.” Frederick thanked.

            “I plan to have zero casualties after the mission is over. Then again, it’s impossible. This is war.” Zyrok sighed.

            “Zyrok, you’re really a different officer.” Frederick complimented.

            “Thanks.” Zyrok blushed.

            “I thought I was going to be in trouble for what I did, but you were understanding.” Frederick replied.

            “What’s done is done, you can’t change the past, but you can shape the future.” Zyrok spoke.

            “This is what I mean.” Frederick pointed at Zyrok and laughed.

            “Haha. Hey Frederick, mind if I ask you a question that might be somewhat out of the blue?” Zyrok laughed nervously.

            “Shoot.” Frederick nodded.

            “Back in Australia or the USA, how’s Sarah doing?” Zyrok asked softly.

            “Oh, she’s doing well. She’s actually a police officer. Lance Corporal, I think.” Frederick replied with a soft smile.

            “Is she happy?” Zyrok asked.

            “Yes she is. Still thinking about her Charlie?” Frederick asked.

            “All the time…all the time.” Zyrok took out the photo of Sarah from her chest pocket.

            “She must really mean something.” Frederick guessed.

            “Everything I’ve got.” Zyrok nodded.

            “I’m sure she’s proud to have you by her side.” Frederick assured Zyrok with a warm smile.

            “I hope so…” Zyrok looked at the picture and placed it back into his chest pocket.

            “Keeping it close to your heart, I see.” Frederick pointed.

            “Oh, yeah. All the time.” Zyrok patted his chest.

            “That’s sweet of you.” Frederick laughed lightly.

            “What about you Frederick?” Zyrok asked.

            “Jenny. You can call me Jenny, Charlie.” Frederick corrected.

            “Jenny, do you have a special someone?” Zyrok asked.

            “Umm...I used to…” Frederick stared blankly at the wall.

            “Please continue, I’m not going to judge.” Zyrok assured.

            “Well, there was a guy who I thought was the person I would marry. I later found out that he was cheating on me and I was hurt real bad.” Frederick closed her eyes.

            “It’s alright, you can trust me.” Zyrok assured.

            “I don’t know Charlie, I don’t feel comfortable talking about it.” Frederick looked away.

            “It’s fine, I’m not going to pressure you into doing things you aren’t comfortable.” Zyrok spoke softly.

            “I’m sorry, I just don’t want to be hurt again.” Frederick looked down at the ground.

            “Don’t be sorry. You did nothing wrong. My doors are open anytime if you want to talk.” Zyrok smiled.

            “Thanks Charlie, you are very understanding.” Frederick gave her appreciation.

            A knock on the door interrupted Zyrok’s train of thought.

            “Yes?” Zyrok called out.

            “Sir, it’s Timmins. Forester is back, do you need to see her?” Timmins replied.

            “Yes please.” Zyrok replied back and looked at Frederick.      

            “I’ll see you later Zyrok.” Frederick stood up.

            “Yeah, we sure will.” Zyrok laughed.

            Zyrok watched as Frederick opened the door and walked out.

            “Ma’am.” Timmins greeted Frederick with a crisp salute.

            “Timmins.” Frederick saluted back.

            “Timmins, tell Forester to come see me here.” Zyrok ordered.

            “Yes sir.” Timmins nodded and walked off.

            Zyrok looked at his desk and frowned. Like most UNSC officers’ desks, they usually have a portrait of their family or children, but Zyrok’s desk was empty. On his desk were only a mug, a datapad, some folders, and his computer. The only photo he could put on his desk was Sarah, but he didn’t want it leaving his side so he always kept it close to his heart. No matter how dark Zyrok’s past was and how much he got hurt, Zyrok still continued to be loyal and faithful. He had a rough idea of what Frederick went through, but until she gave the details, Zyrok wasn’t really sure of Frederick’s feelings. At least she opened up a little bit and Zyrok was beginning to know the real Frederick behind the uniform. On the other hand, Forester seemed quite reserved. She almost never talked about herself and is a work-oriented person. Maybe the years serving in High Command turned humans into machines. Machines that acted in the best interested of the UNSC without feeling or emotion. Just as Zyrok was thinking of Forester, Forester stood at the door.

            “Zyrok?” Forester quietly knocked on the door.

            “Come on in and close the door behind you.” Zyrok greeted.

            Forester walked in and gently closed the door.

            “What have you heard so far?” Zyrok asked.

           “Timmins brought me up to speed on my way here. Other than that, I heard you have concerns?” Forester explained.

            “Ok, let me make it as concise as possible.” Zyrok replied.

            “Go on.” Forester urged.

            “Well, yesterday you voiced your uncertainties with the hostages and the Russians. Now that they are here and we don’t have time to investigate, we must keep our eyes open.” Zyrok spoke his mind.

            “I agree, has Frederick been notified?” Forester asked.

            “Yes, she has.” Zyrok nodded.

            “Alright, I’ll go inform Sears and his men.” Forester stood up and walked to the door.

            Before Zyrok could ask other things on his mind, Forester opened the door and looked at her watch.

            “I’ll catch you later.” Forester bid her farewell.

            “Yeah…bye.” Zyrok scratched his head and watched Forester walk down the hallway.

            Zyrok laughed quietly about his previous thoughts about Forester. She hadn’t changed one bit at all. She was still the hard worker and mission-oriented girl. If Zyrok wanted to find out more about her, he would have to do a lot more digging. In the meantime, he would have plenty of time to know all the marines that he would be working with during his stay in Afghanistan especially the rescued marines.

UNSCDF Chapter 42- Haunting of the Past

Seattle, Washington, USA

UNSC Seattle Outpost

March 30, 2001

1500 Local Time

            Zyrok sat by his desk looking at a five-paged report he had typed of what happened at Colorado. The mission was a success and a big step for understanding the new zombies. Even though there were no casualties, Zyrok felt that it was a failure because of all the near misses. There were some parts where he would have lost his marines or gotten himself killed. He got up his seat and walked crisply out the office with the folder under his arms.

            “Captain!” a young man with stubble greeted him.

            “What can I do for you?” Zyrok inquired.

            “Lance Corporal Brandon Foo reporting for duty.” the man saluted.

            “Nice to see you join the team. Have we met before?” Zyrok saluted back.

            “I was the Pelican pilot that extracted you.” Foo answered.

            “Oh, my deepest thanks.” Zyrok stuck out his hand.

            “Sir, it’s nothing.” Foo shook Zyrok’s hand.

            “The rest of the team is probably in the Mess Hall. You can introduce yourself over there.” Zyrok pointed at the elevators.

            “Oh, thanks.” Foo nodded.

            “Down one level.” Zyrok motioned downwards.

            “Ok.” Foo smiled and walked off.

            Zyrok walked slowly down an empty hallway with his mind focused on the mission. He walked and turned around the corner and bumped into Forester.

            “Oh, sorry.” Zyrok snapped to reality as he looked at the person he had bumped into.

            “Oh, it’s you…” Forester gave Zyrok an evil, but playful glare.

            “Yeah it’s me.” Zyrok pointed at his name stenciled on his shirt.

            “Haha. Where you headed?” Forester laughed.

            “Major Tory’s office. Just finished my report.” Zyrok held his folder and shook it.

            “Have fun. I’ve got to report twice. One for Tory and the other one for High Command.” Forester sighed.

            “It’s fine. I know you can do it.” Zyrok smiled.

“Thanks. Oh, by the way, do you want to go for dinner later tonight?” Forester asked.

“Yeah, sure. Where and when?” Zyrok looked amused.

“I’ll take you to the High Command building. We have more delicate foods served there.” Forester smiled.

            “Oooh!” Zyrok widened his eyes.

            “How about 1900 at my office to meet first?” Forester looked at her watch.

            “1900 sounds good.” Zyrok agreed.

            “Well then, I’ll see you soon.” Forester walked around the corner.

            Zyrok stood motionless for a few minutes in thought. Forester had asked him for dinner and he was really shocked that he had agreed. His logical mind was kicking in place and warning him that he shouldn’t pursue a relationship.

            “Are you ready for this?” Zyrok’s mind asked him.

            “I don’t know…” Zyrok replied in thought.

            “Remember what happened with Sarah?” Zyrok’s mind interrogated.

            “Sarah…” Zyrok’s heart stun.

           Zyrok felt a sea of sadness swept over him. Sarah was gone. Zyrok could feel his eyes water as he stood motionless. He had kept his past locked away for three years and now the chest was open and pouring out his dreaded past. Zyrok quickly shook away his thought about Forester and Sarah and rubbed his wet eyes. It has been a long time since he had experienced that kind of emotion. Zyrok looked down at his folder to remind himself of his duties he had to do for Tory. He hurried himself outside Tory’s office and knocked gently.

            “Come on in.” Tory called out.

            Zyrok opened the door and stood in front of Tory with a crisp military salute.

            “At ease, Captain. Take a seat and close the door while you’re at it.” Tory pointed.

            Zyrok nodded and turned to shut the door. He closed the door gently and grabbed a seat in front of Tory’s desk.

            “Here you go, sir.” Zyrok handed the folder to Tory.

            Tory took the folder and opened it. He quietly read the first page of the report as Zyrok watched seriously. Tory flipped the page and continued to read. Zyrok was becoming nervous by the minute as the silence dawned on him.

            “This is good stuff.” Tory finally broke the silence as he read halfway through the third page.

            Zyrok breathed relief and felt himself ease up. He didn’t know how Tory was going to interpret his report.

            “You know, I know how you feel about your marines. Hence, you make a great Captain.” Tory finished the report and closed the folder.

            “Thanks. I still think those near misses could have been avoided.” Zyrok spoke his thoughts.

            “Well, we’ll be prepared next time in case we encounter the same thing. I’m glad everyone made it back in one piece. Zyrok, you got to know…near misses and casualties are bound to happen. This is a war.” Tory explained.

            “I know sir. If there’s a way to reduce risk, I’m up for it.” Zyrok replied.

            “War is risky.” Tory smiled.

            “The safety and the mission is my priority one.” Zyrok countered.

            “Then what comes first? The mission or the marines?” Tory challenged.

            “Well sir, both are equally important. But, if I had to pick one as the first priority, I would go for the marines.” Zyrok addressed his points.

            “Go on…” Tory was amused.

         “Sir, without the marines, the mission can’t be completed efficiently or fully.” Zyrok explained in detail.

            “Point made.” Tory nodded in agreement.

            “Thank you sir.” Zyrok smiled.

            “It’s funny how my other officers tell me that it’s the mission that comes first.” Tory grinned.

            “Well, I don’t see my marines as an UNSC asset. Instead, I see them as one of us, human.” Zyrok reasoned.

            “Perhaps…I guess I would have to find out how my officers think.” Tory took a pen and jotted on a notepad on his desk.

            “Well, everyone is different.” Zyrok replied.

            “True. I definitely know one officer pretty well…” Tory’s voice trailed off.

            “Who?” Zyrok asked with a curious face.

            “You.” Tory pointed.

            “Me?” Zyrok laughed nervously.

            “Yes, you. Every time we talk or I go through your reports, I get a better sense of you than my other officers.” Tory explained.

            “Why is that?” Zyrok was puzzled.

            “I have no clue either. Perhaps it’s because you didn’t start of with a military background…” Tory guessed.

            “Perhaps…” Zyrok rubbed his chin.

            Tory reached into his drawer and pulled out a set of stamps. He placed the stamp on the ink pad and pressed it down. He placed Zyrok’s folder in front of him and brought the stamp on top of the folder. Zyrok watched as Tory stamped the stamp in the center of his folder and saw the words “Top Secret” imprinted on it.

            “Why top secret?” Zyrok asked out of curiosity.

            “Well, High Command needs to see this and we need to keep this Intel about the new zombies and bosses to ourselves.” Tory explained as he watched the ink dry.

            “I’m assuming we don’t want to spread panic?” Zyrok hypothesized.

            “Exactly. The last thing we want out marines to lose is hope and morale.” Tory took the folder and filed it into a locked cabinet.

            “Indeed.” Zyrok nodded in agreement.

            “Go get some rest Zyrok. You and your team deserve it.” Tory smiled as he looked at Zyrok.

            “Thank you sir.” Zyrok stood up and saluted.

            “No problem.” Tory saluted back.

            Zyrok opened the door and closed it as he left. He paused for a second and looked at his watch. It was still early to meet up with Forester. He decided to head back to his quarters to rest wanting to clear his mind and forget his troubles. He took the elevator down and walked past the Mess Hall. Zyrok glanced at Foo fitting well with his squad and smiled as he continued to walk towards the lobby. He pushed the side door open and walked to a concrete building adjacent to where he exited. He swiped his UNSC ID badge and the doors unlocked. Zyrok walked down a hallway and pushed a stairwell door open. After a few flight of stairs, he entered a quiet hallway and walked to his room. Zyrok unlocked the door and unbuttoned his top collar. The room felt stuffy and hot. Perhaps Zyrok was stressed or perhaps the room was just hot. Zyrok walked to the window and opened it. A breeze of cool air blew on his sweaty face and he smiled as he felt himself relax. He took his shirt off and sat on his bed. After thinking for a quick minute, he decided to take a refreshing shower. Zyrok stepped into the washroom and undressed himself. He stepped into the shower and felt the coldness of the ground numb his feet. Zyrok turned the handle towards “Hot” and stood underneath the shower. Warm water drained out of the shower and splashed onto Zyrok’s bare back. Zyrok turned and placed his head under the stream of refreshing water and closed his eyes. He could feel warm water trickle down his face and drip off his open mouth. As the hot steam fogged up the glass door to his shower, a soft steam lifted from Zyrok’s feet to his head as water splashed onto the ground. This sudden surge of heat brought Zyrok’s mind to the past.

            “Sarah…” Zyrok felt himself slowly getting emotional as he let warm water shower over his head.

            Zyrok felt his eyes water and breathed heavily as he blew water out of his mouth. Sarah was gone and his past as well. Zyrok ran his fingers through his wet hair and brushed it back gently. He shook away his thoughts of Sarah as he wiped his eyes. To his surprise, he was immediately haunted by his memories of Mary.

            “Why…” Zyrok cried out loud and knelt to the ground in despair.

            He had bottled up his past for three years and all it took was for Forester to ask him for dinner to trigger it all. Zyrok sobbed quietly as water continued to fall over his slouched body. In the washroom, there were only the sounds of water colliding with the ground and a man sobbing in despair. It was just that and nothing more.

UNSCDF Chapter 18- The Revisit

Seattle, Washington, USA

UNSC Seattle Outpost

March 24, 2001

0725 Local Time

            Zyrok sat in his office and checked his computer for mail He noticed a folder marked “Important! Please Read” and clicked it to read the contents. Tory had sent him a list of the three new marines he had assigned into Echo Squad. He looked at the list and noticed two familiar names.

            “Lance Corporal Brandon Pruett and Private Aaron Nevarez.” Zyrok read the names out loud.

            He looked down the list as he saw a “Lance Corporal Joshua Schmidt” at the bottom of the list. Zyrok closed the folder and decided to meet his new marines before departing for the mission in two hours. Zyrok exited his office and went to the Mess Hall. Zyrok glanced over the first few tables as he noticed a loud Casey pounding the table and laughing. Zyrok approached his men and tapped Casey on the back.

            “What’s the commotion?” Zyrok asked amused.

            “Oh, we’re just enjoying the time while we can.” Casey laughed.

            “Sir, Lance Corporal Joshua Schmidt reporting for duty.” a young marine with a cool composure stood up from his seat and saluted Zyrok.

            “Nice to meet you Schmidt.” Zyrok saluted back.

            “I was telling Schmidt not to overestimate the Titan.” Taylor spoke to Zyrok.

            “Indeed, the Titan took out a lot of marines on our previous mission.” Zyrok nodded in agreement.

            “Yes sir.” Schmidt nodded back.

            “Alright, I want you folks geared up in one hour before departing. I’ll see you folks soon.” Zyrok waved goodbye and left the Mess Hall.

            “Zyrok!” Pruett ran up beside him.

            “Yes Pruett?” Zyrok turned around.

         “The Pelican is already loaded up with the Warthog you requested, sir.” Pruett replied with satisfaction.

            “Good job. We’ll regroup one hour before departure to get geared up. Take some rest.” Zyrok patted Pruett’s shoulder.

            “Got it sir.” Pruett saluted and walked off.

            Zyrok wanted to see what armor upgrades he could get and headed over to the armory. He went to the counter and asked the marine in charge for an upgrade of his armor.

            “Captain Zyrok, you can choose whether you want a SN-42 or a Reactive SLX. Both are fine pieces of armor.” the marine took out the armor.

            “I’ll take the SLX.” Zyrok grabbed the armor and placed it on him.

            The armor was a good fit and lightweight. The SLX had a better look than the flak jacket he originally wore. Zyrok adjusted the side straps and then patted his chest. It felt nice and comfortable as he tested its mobility.

            “Thanks.” Zyrok thanked the marine and walked out.

Fort Collins, Colorado, USA

Insertion Kilo

March 24, 2001

1250 Local Time

            “Alright, we’re here. Everybody out!” Zyrok commanded as Pruett landed the Pelican in the outskirts of the city.

            “Pruett, drop the Warthog off and hold position at Extraction Point Hotel until further notice.” Zyrok spoke to Pruett before jumping off the Pelican with the other marines.

            “Got it sir. Detaching Warthog. Good luck sir.” Pruett pressed a button and detached the Warthog.

            “See you soon Pruett.” Zyrok waved as the Pelican lifted off.

            Forester hopped into the passenger’s seat as Nevarez manned the turret.

            “I’ll drive.” Casey volunteered.

Zyrok watched as Taylor and Schmidt huddled over beside him and waited for instructions.

“Forester, your call sign is Echo 2-3 and ours 1-3. We’ll enter the rooftops to scout ahead while you’re on the ground doing the devastation.” Zyrok smiled.

“Sounds good Captain.” Forester saluted.

“I love it.” Nevarez fist pumped the air.

“Alright, let’s move.” Zyrok commanded as he motioned his men to head towards the city.

“Let’s roll.” Forester told Casey as Zyrok hurried off with his men.

Casey drove past some ruined buildings and cars and then stopped as he saw a group of zombies blocking their path.

“Shall I?” Nevarez pointed his turret.

“Don’t. Ammo is limited, so splatter them.” Forester waved her hand forward.

“Gladly.” Casey peddled to the metal.

The Warthog screeched as the tires spun on the dry pavement and then jerked forward. The zombies turned to the noisy Warthog and walked forward. The speeding Warthog rammed the zombies and splattered them all over the road.

“Whoot.” Nevarez shouted.

Forester smiled as she pointed at an intersection to make a turn right.

“We should reach the Relief Center in a couple of blocks. We might be able to grab a vehicle and give one to Zyrok.” Forester explained.

“Alright. Let’s do this.” Casey continued driving down the road.

Fort Collins, Colorado, USA

City Park

March 24, 2001

1500 Local Time

            “We’re almost at the vantage point for scouting.” Taylor pointed at a building far away.

            “I’d say it’s another few kilometers.” Schmidt sighed.

            “Come on folks, we can do it.” Zyrok encouraged.

            Zyrok took point as he turned around a corner.

            “Holy crap!” Zyrok spun around and ran back to his men.

            “What?” Taylor steadied his M21.

            “The Titan is right around the corner.” Zyrok pointed.

            “Let’s get to higher grounds.” Taylor pointed at a building across the street.

            “Double time, let’s hurry.” Zyrok directed.

          Zyrok ran onto the street as he saw the Titan roaming beside other zombies. Zyrok saw a two-headed zombie next to the entrance of the building and watched in horror as the zombie screamed a high pitch scream.

            “Get inside now!” Zyrok shot the two-headed zombie and waved frantically as the Titan turned its head and ran towards them.

            Zyrok and his men closed the door and quickly ran up the stairs. The Titan began to bash the building as Zyrok watched from the rooftop. Below the building, a horde of zombies had gathered around the base and there was no way out.

            “Echo 2-3, this is Echo 1-3. Do you copy, over?” Zyrok spoke on the RaidCall as Schmidt guarded the rooftop entrance.

            “Go ahead 1-3, what’s up?” Forester replied back.

            “We are being engaged by the Titan and a horde of zombies. Request support.” Zyrok looked as the windows below them shattered from the Titan’s blows.

            “Solid copy 1-3. We’re on our way. What’s your location over?” Forester asked.

          “We’re near City Park on the roof of a building.” Zyrok responded quickly as he looked for a way out.

            “Copy 1-3, we’re coming ASAP, 2-3 out.” Forester replied and ended the RaidCall.

            Zyrok looked as the Titan knocked out the foundations of the building saw the building began to tilt.

            “Aw hell.” Taylor complained as the left corner of the roof smashed into another building.

            “Brace yourselves!” Zyrok shouted as the building tilted and smashed into the adjacent building.