UNSCDF3 Chapter 13- Holding Prisoners

Erazi, Kandahar, Afghanistan

Russian Communications Outpost

May 12, 2001

0810 Local Time

           Blake woke up to the sound of car horns honking. He had a black cloth over his head with his hands tied behind him. He heard the sound of a door opening and some minor flashes of sunlight penetrate the dark cloth.

            “Move!” a soldier shoved from behind him.

            Blake’s muscles ached and his head pained as he walked a coarse road. He remembered missiles hitting the bridge and the shockwave sending him out the window. The darkness immediately followed as he splashed head first into cold water. Next, he recalled the sound of a helicopter nearby as he floated on a piece of debris. It was a UNSC Falcon, but he was too weak to call out. His head throbbed with pain and he passed out on the sea and back into the darkness. The events after involved another helicopter, but it was the Russians this time. He was airlifted and then placed into a van transporting him to an unknown location.

            “Sit down!” a soldier pushed Blake onto a chair.

            Blake felt his hands locked to the armrests of the chair followed by the sound of a door opening.

            “Mr. Blake, what a surprise.” a man spoke in front of the captive marine.

            “What do you want?” Blake scoffed.

            “Everything.” the man removed the cloth from Blake’s head.

            Blake noticed he was in a small room with a light hanging above him. The man was behind him and had his hands on his shoulder.

            “Who are you?” Blake spoke angrily.

            “Who am I? Hahaha.” the man spun the chair to face Blake.

            “I am Dimitri, your enemy, of course.” the man opened his arms in pride.

            “Why are you here?” Blake questioned.

            “Let me be clear with you Captain Blake…I ask the questions here.” Dimitri punched Blake in the stomach.

            “Screw you.” Blake spitted.

            Dimitri nodded to his soldiers standing next to the door. Two soldiers knocked the chair holding Blake to the ground and began to kick him.

            “If you haven’t noticed Captain, I am in charge of you now. Until you are clever to see that, some things won’t be changing.” Dimitri stormed off.

            “I’ll kill you.” Blake coughed as the soldiers continued to kick him.

            “Huh, we’ll see.” Dimitri laughed and walked out of the room.

            Dimitri walked down the halls when a tall man with a scar on his cheek approached him. He saluted Dimitri and looked at him.

            “Captain Dima, a job well done.” Dimitri complimented.

            “Thank you sir.” Dima replied.

            “I must say, Captain Blake is quite a fighter.” Dimitri crossed his arms.

            “I’m not so sure about the others.” Dima said with confidence.

            “Others?” Dimitri smiled.

            “Five marines, sir.” Dima pointed down the hall.

            “Good, let’s see what they can offer us.” Dimitri rolled up his sleeves.

            “Right this way sir.” Dima led Dimitri towards the captured marines.

Clifton, Karachi, Pakistan

UNSC Cobra Squad’s Camp

May 12, 2001

1000 Local Time

            “How are they doing?” Frederick asked Parker as she examined Dau’s vitals.

            “He’s holding.” Parker recorded some notes.

            “Lieutenant, I have something.” Sears rushed into the room with a piece of paper.

            “What is it Staff Sergeant?” Frederick turned her head.

            “We know the Russians came back to pick up the survivors, but we don’t know how many people made it.” Sears reported.

            “Calm down Sears. Tell me.” Frederick listened attentively.

            “They transferred our marines by car into Afghanistan. Erazi, to be exact.” Sears looked at the paper.

            “Is the Intelligence reliable?” Frederick was interested.

            “I believe so ma’am. Blake’s emergency transponder was turned on prior to him entering Erazi.” Sears read the paper.

            “Blake, he’s alive?” Frederick’s eyes widened.

            “Appears so.” Sears replied.

            “Okay, I hate to be pessimistic, but what if it’s a trap? A trap set by the Russians to kill all of the remaining marines.” Parker interrupted.

            “That’s a possibility…” Frederick thought deeply.

            “It is possible, but what if it isn’t?” Sears challenged.

            “What if it is?” Parker asked.

            “Okay people. We need to do an assessment of our risks.” Frederick waved at the marines to follow her.

            “Guys, I think I may have the solution.” Johnson rushed into the room holding a tactical map.

            “What’s that?” Frederick looked amused.

            “Oh, that map…I totally forgot about it.” Sears brushed his hair.

            “It’s Fire Team Kilo’s assets.” Johnson handed the paper to Frederick.

            “A Pelican?” Frederick flattened the map on a table.

            “Yeah, it’s a supply Pelican modified for heavy payloads. It’s slower and lacks firepower.” Sears read the map.

            “Problem…the Pelican is in Afghanistan.” Parker reminded.

            “Yeah, we go in by Falcon and take the Pelican with us.” Sears explained.

            “Russians are stationed in that area. Once we lift it up, we’ll get blown out of the sky.” Parker pointed at the surrounding buildings.

            “Damn it. Any ground assets available?” Frederick studied the map.

            “Warthogs and Mongooses.” Sears quickly replied.

            “Still, like I said, Afghanistan.” Parker frowned.

            “Where’s the other map?” Sears flipped the maps.

            “On the desk, but it’s incomplete so I didn’t bring it.” Johnson answered.

            “Incomplete?” Frederick looked impatient.

            “Ma’am, Hariprasad was the one doing it.” Johnson replied quietly.

            “Sears? What about you?” Frederick turned to look at her Sergeant.

            “I’ll see what I can do. I was focused on assets within Afghanistan because we’d never expect to go beyond the borders.” Sears replied.

            “And Hariprasad was?” Frederick questioned.

            “No, nobody was. Hariprasad and another marine had set up communication relay stations outside of Afghanistan.” Sears answered.

            “And they seemed to have failed when the Russians knew where we were when we discovered the Secronom facility.” Frederick crossed her arms.

            “I believe so, but that doesn’t mean we have lost our assets.” Sears replied optimistically.

            “Alright, let’s head to the central room and get that map completed to the best of our ability.” Frederick rolled up the maps.

            “Ok.” Johnson and Sears replied in unison.

            “Parker, stay here and watch Dau and Hariprasad.” Frederick pointed.

            “Yes ma’am.” Parker nodded and turned.

            Johnson opened the door and waved at the marines to pass.

            “After you.” Sears motioned for Frederick to go first.

            “Thanks.” Frederick smiled warmly as she passed the two marines.

UNSCDF3 Chapter 9- Decisive Business

Downtown Kandahar, Kandahar, Afghanistan

British Embassy

May 10, 2001

2000 Local Time

            “Zyrok…” Sarah nudged an asleep Zyrok.

            Zyrok quickly woke up and found out that he had dozed off while Sarah was taking a nap.

            “Door…” Sarah pointed at the handle.

            Zyrok quickly got up and placed his ear to the door to listen for sounds. The handle moved a bit, but was locked. Zyrok could hear a faint moan outside so he motioned for Sarah to take cover behind a desk. Then, he quietly pulled a chair and wedged it against the handle. Feeling satisfied, Zyrok walked towards Sarah and sat down beside her.

            “Sarah…I…I’m sorry. I should have been watching out for you.” Zyrok apologized and stumbled on the words.

            “It’s alright.” Sarah looked at her feet.

            “It’s not alright. How long did I sleep?” Zyrok asked.

            “Half an hour? I don’t know…” Sarah guessed.

            “That’s quite some time. Anything could have happened.” Zyrok exaggerated.

            “Zyrok, it’s okay. I was awake when you fell asleep. You watch me…I watch you.” Sarah reassured.

            “Okay.” Zyrok nodded and understood their partnership.

            Zyrok never really had a daughter, but he treated Sarah like she was his own if he had one. He didn’t have kids of his own, but somehow he had learned to how to take care of people. Being in the UNSC hardened him, but deep down within Zyrok, his soft side was still with him. It was because of Sarah, the girl from Australia, that showed him that he could be who he was and not be judged. He didn’t need to change his personality to satisfy others and that the good people would see for who he was.

            “Are we getting out any time soon?” Sarah asked.

            “I don’t think so. Not tonight.” Zyrok turned to look at the door.

            “We can sleep here tonight then.” Sarah patted the ground.

            “Alright, go make yourself cozy. I’ll go barricade the door.” Zyrok walked to the door.

            “Okay.” Sarah began to clear some waste from the ground beside her.

            “Remember to save me a spot.” Zyrok joked.

            “Hahaha…I will.” Sarah laughed lightly.

Arabian Sea, Coast of Karachi, Pakistan

UNSC Perth

May 10, 2001

2245 Local Time

            “How’s he doing?” Frederick asked a marine checking the heart rate monitor beside Hariprasad.

            “Stable. He’s lucky he got the nanites in time.” the marine jotted down some notes.

            “How close was he till turning?” Frederick pointed.

            “I’d say a few hours depending on his immune system.” the marine estimated.

            “Lieutenant Frederick.” the dark skinned marine Sergeant greeted from behind Frederick.

            “Yes?” Frederick spun around.

            “Sergeant Dau, ma’am.” the Sergeant saluted.

            “You’re the Sergeant from the medical team.” Frederick returned the salute.

            “That’s correct ma’am. I’m here to report that my men will head over to the camp once Captain says we’re all clear.” Dau answered.

            “Blake didn’t like the stunt we pulled did he?” Frederick smirked.

            “No comment ma’am.”  Dau refused to choose sides.

            “Well, if he didn’t like it, I apologize. We weren’t going to leave a man behind.” Frederick explained her actions.

            Daniels walked into the medical bay and placed a folder beside Frederick.

            “What’s this?” Frederick looked slightly amused.

            “Nanites…we’re out.” Daniels opened the folder to reveal an inventory checklist.

            “Is Hariprasad going to be fine then?” Frederick pointed.

            “Oh he’s fine. If one of us gets bit, we’re screwed.” Daniels looked agitated from the information he had found.

            “Don’t you have a backup?” Frederick looked at the folder files.

            “Nanotechnology is expensive. For a team not working for or under High Command and receiving one shot of this technology is considered a privilege.” Dau replied.

            “So what do you want me to do?” Frederick looked at the two marines.

            “There’s nothing we can do. Even if we request for a shot, it will be days before it arrives. By then, if a person is infected, he or she would have turned.” Daniels frowned.

            “Any chance the Russians may have their hands on this technology?” Frederick wondered.

            “Not likely. This technology is a well-guarded secret. Reverse engineering is nearly impossible especially with the current technology the Russians have.” Dau responded with some confidence in his voice.

            “Lieutenant Frederick, please report to the Bridge.” Stewart’s voice sounded on the speakers.

            “Gentlemen, we’ll talk about this later. It looks like they need me up there.”  Frederick pointed upwards.

*          *          *

            “Do you think they made it?” Sears asked Parker.

            “Yeah Sears, they made it back to the ship.” Johnson walked in with a piece of paper.

            “What’s this?” Sears pointed at the paper.

            “Transmission from UNSC Perth stating their arrival.” Johnson handed the paper to Sears.

            “Good…good.” Sears looked pleased.

            “I think we have fully set up this camp.” Parker glanced at the empty crates stacked against the wall.

            “First floor secured and barricaded?” Johnson asked.

            “Yup.” Sears nodded.

            “Then we can get some rest. It won’t be a while since Frederick and the others arrive here. If they do, it will probably be around tomorrow afternoon.” Johnson sat down on a cot.

            “Marines…slacking?” Sears teased.

            “Correction, sir. It’s resting for a big day.” Johnson eyed Sears with a grin.

            “Hahaha.” Parker laughed and sat down on her cot.

            “Fine, get ready for the big day tomorrow.” Sears waved at the marines to rest.

            Parker took off her flak jacket and placed it beside her cot. She flattened the bed sheets and lied down while Johnson adjusted his pillow. Sears watched as the marines rested in their cots and walked over to another room. He sat beside the radar and briefly closed his eyes. The hum of the computers and the radar beeps flowed so melodiously that Sears accidentally dozed off. Unknown to the marines, blips began to show up at the edges of the radar.

Erazi, Kandahar, Afghanistan

Russian Communications Outpost

May 10, 2001

2300 Local Time

            A tall soldier dressed in full Russian combat uniform walked down a hall with a folder in his hand. He knocked on a wooden door and opened it. In the room was a man sitting with his back to the door.

            “What is it?” the man asked without turning.

            “It seems that one of our patrol choppers encountered something.” the soldier placed the folder on the man’s desk.

            “What?” the man questioned.

            “A ship…belonging to the UNSC.” the soldier answered.

            “And the problem? Disposed of?” the man looked out his window.

            “No sir. Our chopper got shot down.” the soldier replied nervously.

            “When was this?” the man tapped on the window.

            “Yesterday, sir.” the soldier stood uncomfortably.

            “And you did not think it was important to let me know?” the man turned around to face the soldier and appeared to have significant age.

            “Sir, we originally believed it to be weather.” the soldier pointed at the report.

            “Then you better believe that I will shoot you if you don’t send out two choppers. Now!” the old man pounded on the table furiously.

            “Yes sir!” the soldier scurried out of the room quickly.

            “Useless morons.” the old man sat down on his chair.

            The old man skimmed the report of the transmissions of the destroyed helicopter. He flipped at some maps and studied them.

            “Why are the UNSC using ships? Was there something else in Pakistan?” the old man wondered.

            After some thought, the old man went to his computer and pulled up a file. He skimmed the documents and smiled. Next, he reached for his radio across the desk and turned it on.

            “Captain Dima, this is Dimitri. Commence Operation Thunderstorm.” the old man spoke on the radio while gazing at the computer screen.

UNSCDF3 Chapter 8- Not as Easy Surviving

Downtown Kandahar, Kandahar, Afghanistan

British Embassy

May 10, 2001

1800 Local Time

            Sarah and Zyrok approached a burnt smoking structure with the words “British Embassy” painted on its wall. The gates and fencing seemed intact, however, the battlements on their left was in ruins. Rubble and debris scattered the ground where a section of battlement once stood. A charred vehicle was parked beside the gates with a burnt corpse in the driver’s seat.

            “Hmm…” Zyrok studied.

            A zombie wearing a standard military outfit limped towards Sarah. She gave a small cry and swung her golf club at the zombie. The zombie growled and waved its arms in an attempt to grab the little girl. Before Zyrok could step in to help, Sarah whacked the zombie to the ground and placed a deadly blow to its skull.

            “Nice.” Zyrok complimented.

            Zyrok crouched to the deceased zombie and saw an ID card on his chest. He examined it and realized it was an access card to the embassy.

            “Let’s head inside.” Zyrok pointed at the destroyed battlement.

            As the pair made their way past the battlements, corpses and bullet shells littered the ground. Zyrok walked up to a SA80 and picked it up. He looked at the magazine and noticed three rounds remaining.

            “It’ll have to do.” Zyrok cocked the gun.

            The front door to the embassy was riddled with bullet holes and burnt marks. It was obvious that a siege took place and the British had lost.

            “Do you know what happened?” Zyrok asked.

            “The zombies got through. We were sent on a military truck, but we crashed. I…was the only one that made it.” Sarah looked at her feet.

            “How long was this ago?” Zyrok stepped inside the building with his newly acquired SA80.

            “Almost a year…I think.” Sarah scratched her head.

            “And you survived that long. Wow…” Zyrok was impressed.

            “I stayed at my parents’ house before it got overrun.” Sarah answered.

            “Did you see us last month?” Zyrok asked.

            “Yeah, but I didn’t know who were the good soldiers. You guys were fighting each other and not the zombies. If I didn’t see my country’s flag, I don’t feel safe.” Sarah followed Zyrok closely.

            Zyrok clicked on the flashlight attached to his gun and scanned the halls. Blood trails and claw marks were etched on the walls. The two walked up to a metal detector and walked around it not wanting to set off any alarms. After a few meters down the hall, they reached the cafeteria. Trays, plates, and utensils saturated the room making it hard to walk without making too much noise. Zyrok panned his flashlight across the room slowly. A person was crouched beside a table moving the trays.

            “Hello?” Zyrok directed the flashlight at the person.

           The person turned its head and his face lit up. Half of his face was decomposed with the lower half of his jaw missing.

            “Sarah...get back slowly.” Zyrok trained his gun at the zombie while backing up slowly.

            The zombie remained in its position when suddenly Sarah cried out loud. Zyrok quickly turned his head and realized that Sarah backed out into a zombie soldier.

            “Sarah!” Zyrok shouted as the zombie tackled the little girl to the ground.

            The zombie that once remained motionless now stood up and ran towards Zyrok. Zyrok hopped onto the zombie pinning Sarah and thrusted his kukri into its neck severing it. Quickly, Zyrok lifted Sarah to her feet and pulled her to the entrance. The zombie ran over the trays and plates causing a moderate level of noise.

            “You alright? You bit?” Zyrok looked at Sarah who was in a state of shock.

            The pair hurried away from the cafeteria and to the nearest room they could find. Zyrok slammed the door shut and locked it. It was a small office with the table turned upside down. He flipped the table over and placed Sarah on the table to closely look at her.

            “Sarah, are you alright?” Zyrok looked at Sarah’s arms.

            “Huh…” Sarah stared blankly at the door.

            “I’m sorry I didn’t watch the back.” Zyrok examined Sarah’s head for injuries and bite marks.

            Next, Zyrok looked at Sarah’s legs and thoroughly scanned for any infections. There was none so Zyrok decided to search the room.

            “Sarah, take deep breaths. It will help you relax.” Zyrok searched the desk.

            Inside the desk were office supplies and nothing more. Zyrok decided to search the cabinets and drawers next to the wall.

            “Jackpot.” Zyrok’s eyes widened as he found two bags of potato chips.

            Sarah turned her head and licked her lips.

            “Here.” Zyrok gave a bag to Sarah who graciously accepted it.

            Zyrok watched as Sarah quickly finished off her bag and looked at the empty packaging.

            “Here, have mine.” Zyrok gave the other bag to Sarah and resumed back to searching.

            After a thorough search, Zyrok only managed to find cash and a few important paperwork. Other than that, the rest was useless junk. Sarah walked to Zyrok and gave him the remaining potato chips. He glanced to see half a bag full and gave it back to Sarah.

            “Eat up, you’re going to need the energy.” Zyrok gave the food back.

            “Thanks.” Sarah stuffed the bag into her pocket.

            “Get ready.” Zyrok unlocked the door slowly and quietly as possible.

            Zyrok glanced at the hall and saw two zombies walking away from them. He clicked on his flashlight and directed across the hall to look for a new place to search.

            “Stay close.” Zyrok waved behind him.

            Sarah crept up slowly behind Zyrok and held onto her backpack with both hands. Zyrok made a quick dash to a room a couple meters down the hall. Again it was another office. A corpse lied on the floor and Zyrok nudged it with his boot while training his SA80 at its head.

            “It’s dead. Come in Sarah.” Zyrok whispered.

            Sarah got into the room and closed the door for Zyrok while he observed the room for threats.

            “Start looking.” Zyrok pointed at a drawer next to him.

            Sarah nodded and began to open the drawers. Zyrok opened a closet and found a small fridge. He opened it and saw three bottles of soda.

            “Sarah, you thirsty?” Zyrok picked up the bottles of soda.

            “Yeah.” Sarah said quietly as she looked through the drawers.

            Zyrok walked over beside Sarah and placed a bottle on top of the drawer.

            “Thanks.” Sarah closed the drawers as she found nothing useful.

            Zyrok opened one bottle and quickly drank the soda as Sarah did the same. He placed the last bottle in his backpack and resumed searching. Zyrok knew his thirst was fulfilled, but not his hunger. Sarah seemed to be fine after the bottle of soda.

            “I found something.” Sarah picked up a bag of mixed nuts lying on the ground.

            “Go on, eat up Sarah.” Zyrok eyed the bag.

            Sarah ripped the bag open and grabbed a handful of the nuts.

            “Here.” Sarah handed Zyrok the bag.

            “Thanks.” Zyrok took the bag.

            “You’re hungry too.” Sarah smiled in understanding.

            “Are you tired?” Zyrok munched on the nuts.

            Sarah nodded and walked up beside Zyrok. Zyrok sat down on the ground next to the wall and placed his backpack in front of him.

            “Get some rest. I’ll take watch.” Zyrok spoke softly.

            Sarah sat down beside Zyrok and leaned her head against his shoulder. She closed her eyes and Zyrok looked at the door for any potential intruders. In a few minutes, Sarah was sleeping soundly beside Zyrok.

Arabian Sea, Coast of Karachi, Pakistan

UNSC Perth

May 10, 2001

1810 Local Time

            “Captain, they are not going to make it.” Stewart stood up and watched as a distant Falcon tilted sideways.

            Blake pulled out his binoculars from a nearby drawer and looked at the Falcon.

            “They’ll make it…” Blake studied the aircraft’s movements.

            “Sir, the waters are rough. In addition to the strong winds, they won’t be able to land.” Stewart looked at the turbulent sea.

            “Where’s the current coming from?” Blake looked at the rough waters.

            “Starboard current at 20 knots.” Stewart looked at the computer monitor.

            “Alright, I’ll turn the ship starboard side.” Blake walked to the helm.

            As the ship slowly turned to face the current, the ship began to drift backwards.

            “Counter the current and push the engines to 20 knots.” Blake ordered.

            “Sir?” Stewart placed his hand on the throttle.

            “Do it. Theoretically, we should be motionless.” Blake reasoned.

            “Aye sir.” Stewart pushed the throttle forward and looked at the speed indicator.

            Bit by bit, the forward current had little to no effect as the ship countered the speed.

            “What about the wind?” Stewart looked as the ship remained virtually still in the sea.

            “That’s up to the pilot. We already gave them a stable landing spot.” Blake replied.

*          *          *

            “UNSC Perth, this is Charlie 121. We see the ship, request landing procedures. Winds are too strong up here for us to make decisions.” Daniels spoke on the RaidComm headset.

            “Charlie 121, proceed two kilometers east and turn heading 180.” Stewart replied.

            “Roger, two kilos east turn heading 180.” Daniels repeated and flipped some switches beside him.

            “Can you land this bird?” Frederick asked impatiently.

            “Yeah.” Stewart turned the Falcon left.

            “Charlie 121, prepare descent to 1000 and reduce airspeed.” Stewart spoke on the RaidComm.

            “Copy UNSC Perth. Descending to 1000 and reducing airspeed.” Daniels pulled the throttle back halfway.

            The Falcon slowly wobbled towards UNSC Perth as Daniels listened to Stewart’s instructions.

            “Charlie 121, you are good to go. Continue steady descent and reduce power to one quarter.” Stewart looked out the window at the back of the ship.

            “Roger UNSC Perth. Resuming descent and powering to one quarter.” Stewart pulled the throttle a bit back and pushed a lever down.

            “UNSC Perth, this is Frederick. Is the medical team on standby?” Frederick spoke on the RaidComm as the Falcon was just a couple of meters above the landing platform.

            “Lieutenant Frederick, team’s ready once you land.” Stewart waved out the windows.

            A dark skinned marine bearing the rank of a Sergeant waved his marines to move as the Falcon successfully landed on the pad.

            “Go! Go! Go!” the Sergeant yelled as Frederick carried Hariprasad off the aircraft.

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.