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 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 34- Enemies of All Kinds

Reygi, Kandahar, Afghanistan

Secronom Research Facility

April 21, 2001

1900 Local Time

            “Timmins, get the defenses back online.” Williams rushed into the Control Room with Green.

            “On it.” Timmins ran into a room with a computer that was online.

            “They are going to get in any minute now. Hurry!” Williams readied his M16.

            “Sentry guns back online in five minutes. Systems are rebooting.” Timmins hollered.

            “Green, take position next to the doors.” Williams commanded as he saw the elevator numbers descending.

            “We’ve got to hold this area. If we lose it, we put the rest of the team below at risk.” Williams aimed his gun at the elevator doors.

            The elevator dinged and the door slid open. Three marines stood inside the elevator with sweat dripping off their faces.

            “Don’t shoot!” Reid called out.

            “We’re UNSC!” Morgan added.

            Williams glanced at the marines and lowered his gun.

            “I thought you guys were…” Williams exclaimed.

            “Dead? Captured? We managed to sneak out in time.” Reid interrupted.

            “Yeah.” Williams nodded.

            “Turrets online!” Timmins rushed out of his room to tell Williams.

            “You got the sentry guns back online…?” Morgan asked as he looked at Reid with a concerned face.

            “Yeah, the Russians won’t be coming in now.” Timmins replied proudly.

            “That’s good.” Reid said while thinking about the Russians getting slaughtered by the guns.

            “Get some rest marines. We’ll need it.” Williams replied.

            “Where are the defense controls? I want to see what other defenses this facility has.” Reid spoke to Timmins with the thought of shutting down the system.

            “There.” Timmins pointed at a computer inside the Control Room.

            “Okay, thanks.” Reid thanked with a gentle smile as he walked to the computer.

            “Green, take a look at the ground floor and tell me the progress of the Russians.” Williams ordered.

            Green hurried out of the room whilst Morgan and Mendoza sat down on a table and looked at the servers around them. Williams looked at a vent shaft above him and heard chatters and rumbles.

            “I think they are coming through this way.” Williams pointed at the vent with his gun.

            “Really?” Reid typed on the computer and stood up.

            “Staff Sergeant, something’s not right. The sentry guns are going back underground.” Green reported on the RaidComm.

            “What?” Williams shouted back.

            “Defenses are offline. The Russians and the militia are advancing!” Green replied in horror.

            “Get out of there now!” Williams ordered.

            “There’s too many of them. Argh!” Green shouted as gunshots rang in the background.

            “Green, come in. Green!” Williams rushed to the computer for the defenses.

            Williams looked at the computer and saw the message “Defenses offline by manual controls”.

            “What did you do Reid?” Williams turned to look at Reid with a Lock 17 in his hand.

            Before Williams could react, Reid fired a round into Williams’ chest and took him down.

            “What the hell?” Timmins raised his M16 at Reid, but was taken out by Morgan as he fired three rounds into Timmins’ back.

            Timmins collapsed to the ground with a thud and Mendoza nudged the body with his boot.

            “Thanks.” Reid thanked.

            “I can’t believe we killed the marines.” Mendoza looked a bit shocked.

            “We did what we had to do.” Reid reasoned.

            Out of the corner of Reid’s eyes, Williams reached for a nearby Washington 870 he had put aside. Williams crawled to the shotgun and grabbed it. Reid saw the body of Williams moving and turned.

            “Die traitor!” Williams pressed the trigger and a barrage of pellets flung Reid a couple meters into the air.

            Mendoza quickly fired five rounds of his M16 at Williams based on instinct. Morgan rushed to the fallen Reid and noticed that most of the shotgun’s pellets had torn through Reid’s flak jacket.

            “Reid! Can you hear me?” Morgan waved his hand over Reid’s face.

            “Oh…my chest.” Reid coughed blood as he clutched his injured chest.

            “Hold on.” Morgan reached into his backpack for medication.

            “Take this Sergeant. You are in command now.” Reid handed his radio to Morgan.

            “LT.” Mendoza knelt beside his commanding officer.

            “Guess I won’t have my revenge.” Reid closed his eyes and passed out.

            Morgan took out a morphine needle and injected into Reid’s arm. Mendoza grabbed the radio from Morgan and turned it on.

            “We are clear.” Mendoza spoke on the radio in a solemn voice.

            “Good.” Dimitri replied.

            “We need a medic.” Mendoza requested.

            “Got it. We’ll be there in one minute.” Dimitri replied.

            Morgan threw the used needle aside and took out a pack of bandages and wrapped it around Reid’s chest tightly. Suddenly, a group of soldiers rushed into the room and Dimitri walked from behind. Mendoza stood up to greet the Russians.

            “Medic here!” Mendoza shouted.

            “Thank you Mendoza.” Dimitri pulled out his Luger and shot Mendoza in the face.

            Morgan realized the act of betrayal and quickly spun around to shoot Dimitri, but was intercepted by Nikolai as he had already trained his AK47 at his head. Nikolai fired two rounds and struck Morgan in the neck and face. Blood spattered across the room and painted the servers with a hint of red. Morgan’s eyes were wide open as he collapsed to the ground. The gun clattered on the ground and Morgan fell on top of Reid.

            “What about the Lieutenant?” Nikolai pointed at the unconscious marine with his AK47.

            “Leave him be. We’ll let him bleed out.” Dimitri smiled in triumph.

            “What’s next sir?” Nikolai asked.

            “Let’s go underground and claim what’s rightfully ours.” Dimitri pointed at the room beside him.

            “Got it.” Nikolai nodded and waved a squad of militia to follow him.

            “Take as many men as you need to get the job done Sergeant. I’ll be waiting up here.” Dimitri walked out with Nikolai to the room adjacent to them.

            The soldiers walked into the room and noticed a section of the wall had slid open revealing a small room.

            “There.” Dimitri pointed with his Luger.

            Nikolai walked into the room with two squads following him. He looked at the elevator and pressed the button. After a few minutes, the hum of the elevator could be heard as it moved up the shaft.

            “Get ready.” Nikolai commanded as he trained his AK47 at the elevator doors.

            The doors slowly slid open and revealed nothing. Nikolai walked inside and the soldiers all squeezed in. Dimitri walked in front of the elevator and saluted Nikolai.

            “Sir.” Nikolai saluted back and pressed the elevator button down.

            The doors slid down and the elevator descended. Dimitri looked at some soldiers beside him and pointed at the room for them to guard.

            “Yes sir.” one soldier nodded and stood his ground beside the elevator doors.

Reygi, Kandahar, Afghanistan

Secronom Research Facility

April 21, 2001

2045 Local Time

            Zyrok dodged to the side as the multi-limbed zombie flew at him. A couple of limbs hit the door frame and snapped loudly. Schmidt and Nevarez unleashed a torrent of bullets into the zombie. The zombie attempted to snatch at Zyrok, but Zyrok was more agile. He jumped on top of the zombie and fired two rounds into the back of its head. As the marines finished the zombie, guns firing down the dark hallways echoed towards them.

            “Let’s go!” Zyrok commanded as he pointed at the dark halls with his flashlight.

            A figure ran past Zyrok’s flashlight and Zyrok fired one shot in the general direction.

            “Zyrok, this is 2-3. We have a man down. We’re holed up with Forester’s team in Room 5503.” May reported on the RaidComm with some frustration.

            Zyrok looked at a door beside him and saw a “Room 5530” sign on the wall beside the access panel.

            “Shit.” Schmidt looked at the sign.

            “We’re at least twenty rooms away.” Nevarez groaned.

            “Leg it!” Zyrok hustled.

            The three marines continued down the hallways when they came across a mob of zombies in the middle of the hall. Schmidt’s flashlight got a glimpse of the mob as he halted to a stop. The mob consisted of scientist and security guard zombies, but at the back on the ceiling were at least five multi-limbed zombies.

            “Run!” Zyrok turned around as he noticed the zombies growling at them.

            The marines turned around and ran back as fast as they could. They could hear the thundering of footsteps running behind them.

            “There!” Zyrok pointed at a small corridor to their left.

            Zyrok and his marines made a mad dash left and noticed the corridor they ran in was some sort of service corridor. Various pipes hung from the ceiling snaking room to room. Some were so rusted that water was leaking onto the ground creating small puddles.

            “Keep running down.” Zyrok pointed down the hallway as he splashed water onto the walls when he stepped on the puddles.

*          *          *

            “We have to make a run for the stairs. They are approximately three to four rooms left of here.” May suggested as she fired her M16 at some zombies entering the room.

            “Not like this. We have to carry Casey out of here.” Forester looked at Casey with a gash to his chest.

            “I’ll take care of Sarge.” Taylor knelt beside Casey and applied bandages to his wound.

            “I’m going to turn into one of them aren’t I?” Casey coughed.

            “Casey, I’ve got the nanite technology back at Base. We’ll get you the help.” Forester assured.

            “Alright marines, get ready to book it out of here.” May shouted as she reloaded her gun.

            “Ready Private?” Robertson smiled as he picked up Casey’s Sega-20.

            “You bet.” Christopher nodded.

            “Okay, on the count of three, we go. Forester, you and Taylor take Casey out as Robertson clears the way. Christopher and I will get your back.” May briefed.

            “Where’s Frederick’s team?” Christopher asked.

            “No time to ask. Let’s move in three…two…one…go!” May shouted.

            Robertson charged out of the room and pumped two shotgun rounds into a zombie. Forester bashed a zombie with Robertson’s M16 and waved at Taylor. Taylor carried Casey on his back and moved slowly out of the room.

            “Cover!” May shouted as she laid a heavy suppressive fire for Taylor’s retreat.

            Robertson continued blasting away any zombies blocking his path with his shotgun firing only when needed. May and Christopher continued shooting at many multi-limbed zombies headed their way. Forester fired a couple rounds to take out zombies beside Robertson and turned occasionally to assist with May and Christopher as she fired a few bursts at the crowd. Once Robertson reached the stairwell, he pushed the doors open and waved at the remaining marines making their way to him.

            “Come on!” Robertson hollered while quickly reloading his shotgun.

            Forester ran into the stairwell and got into position. As Taylor slowly made his way to the stairwell with Casey on his back, May and Christopher were having difficulties holding the line. Robertson looked at his shotgun and then looked at May and Christopher struggling to get back to the stairwell quickly. Robertson knew he had to take one for the team and divert the zombies. He rushed out the stairwell with the Sega-20 and tapped May on the back.

            “Run to the stairwell! All of you!” Robertson hollered.

            May nodded in appreciation and turned back. Robertson fired a barrage of pellets into the horde and knew he had to buy his team the time.

            “Go Christopher.” Robertson shouted.

            “Get back to us quickly.” Christopher replied as he ran back.

            Robertson looked at the mob of zombies and fired two rounds. He quickly turned around and ran towards the stairwell.

            “The stairwell doors won’t hold.” Robertson thought as he approached the doors.

            “Get in!” May fired a couple of shots.

            “No, the door won’t hold. I’m going to buy you some time. It was an honor!” Robertson replied with a saluted as he forcefully pushed the marines into the stairwell and closed the door shut as he walked out. Seeing his shotgun was out of ammo, he wedged it against the door handle and turned to meet the zombies.

            “Come and get me!” Robertson yelled on top of his lungs as he pulled out his Lock 17 sidearm.

            Robertson quickly dashed to the left continuing down the hall only firing a couple of shots behind him. As he expected, all of the zombies turned to chase him and was no longer going for the stairwell. One multi-limbed zombie flung itself from the ceiling at Robertson and knocked the marine down.

            “Eat lead!” Robertson punched the zombie’s head and fired four rounds into its face.

            The zombie collapsed to the ground and Robertson quickly got onto his feet.

            “Robertson, you copy?” Forester spoke on the RaidComm.

            Robertson ran into an open room and slammed the door shut. He panted and reloaded his pistol. Just as he was about to respond back on the RaidComm, he heard a deep growl behind him. His carelessness made him forget to check the room. As he turned slowly in horror, a multi-limbed zombie jumped on him and tore his armor off.

            “Argh! Ah!” Robertson screamed on the RaidComm as the zombie bit his chest and ripped out his internals.

            A pool of blood formed around Robertson’s body as the zombie munched on the marine. Robertson’s cracked helmet was a couple meters away from him covered in blood.

            “Roberson! Come in Robertson!” Forester’s voice came out of the helmet.

            The zombie turned its head to the helmet and growled.

            “Do you copy? Robertson?” Forester spoke on the RaidComm.

           The zombie smashed two limbs at the helmet thinking it was a prey. The helmet caved in and pieces flew everywhere. The zombie found no flesh and returned to feast on Robertson.

UNSCDF2 Chapter 32- Offensive Strike

Reygi, Kandahar, Afghanistan

Secronom Research Facility

April 21, 2001

1705 Local Time

            “The vents.” Frederick pointed at an open vent shaft inside the room marked “Controls”.

            “The Russians went out this way.” May spoke to Zyrok.

            “And…?” Zyrok raised an eyebrow.

            “Well, we found a secret room.” Cookson replied.

            “Tell me.” Zyrok pulled out his maps.

            “It’s not on the map.” Frederick pointed at the map.

            “It looks like a thick wall. I was under the impression that the walls were thick to protect the Control Room from explosions.” Zyrok studied the map.

            “So did we.” May replied.

            “What do we have?” Zyrok pointed at the vent.

            “A small room with an elevator and possibly a new entrance other than the vent to get there.” Cookson reported.

            “Then what are we waiting for? Let’s get going.” Zyrok hustled.

            “We’re waiting for you.” Frederick joked.

            “Williams and Green, go to the other side of the wall and await instructions.” Zyrok pointed at his map adjacent to the Control Room.

            “Yes sir.” Williams replied.

            “Frederick, Cookson, Taylor and I will enter the vents. The rest of you stay here.” Zyrok directed.

            “Copy.” Casey nodded.

            Cookson readied his M16 and was the first to crawl into the vent with Frederick following behind.

            “After you.” Zyrok waved for Taylor to go first.

            Once Taylor got in the vent, Zyrok turned his head back to look at the remaining marines and then crawled inside the vent. The vent was a tight squeeze as Zyrok and the marines pushed through.  After Zyrok climbed out of the vent, he noticed a small room with an elevator.

            “Williams, we’re in position. How about you?” Zyrok looked at his map and then tapped on the wall adjacent to the elevator. 
            “Captain, we’re all set and awaiting your orders.” Williams replied.

            “Ok, according to the map, and relative location…you should be here.” Zyrok looked at his map and then tapped on the wall adjacent to the elevator.

              “I don’t see anything.” Frederick examined.

            “Williams, tell me what you see in your room.” Zyrok spoke on the RaidComm.

            “I see computers, cabinets, and chairs.” Williams answered.

            “How about the walls?” Zyrok questioned.

            “Nothing, except a picture frame of the Secronom Inc. logo.” Williams replied.

            “Hmm…see if there’s anything behind that picture frame.” Zyrok wondered.

            “Hold on.” Williams answered.

            Suddenly the wall adjacent to the elevator slid open and Williams was standing at the end of the room with his hand on a button behind the picture frame.

            “That worked.” Green laughed.

            “Nice job gentlemen.” Zyrok congratulated the two marines.

            “Thanks.” Williams and Green replied in unison.

            “Now let’s see where this elevator takes us. Casey, bring the rest of the marines over here.” Zyrok pressed the single button on the access panel and spoke on the RaidComm.

            The marines stood patiently with their guns pointed at the closed elevators doors. After three minutes, the elevator doors opened and it was empty.

            “It’s almost as big as a freight elevator.” Robertson exclaimed as he walked in with the other marines.

            “Forester, this is Zyrok. We have reached a room where it appears to take us deeper underground.” Zyrok looked at the elevator buttons marked “B3” and “B50” and spoke on the RaidComm.

            “Zyrok, where are you guys at?” Forester replied.

            “Next to the Control Room. We found a main entrance to the hidden room.” Zyrok answered.

            “Copy, any signs of the Russians?” Forester asked.

            “No, not yet.” Zyrok responded.

            “Okay, I’ll bring the whole squad there. Give us a few minutes.” Forester requested.

            “Alright.” Zyrok responded with hesitation.

            “Someone’s got to watch the building while we head down.” Frederick looked around.

            “I’ll do it LT.” Williams volunteered.

            “I’ll stay with you Staff Sergeant.” Green replied.

            “Anyone else?” Zyrok asked.

            “I don’t mind Captain.” Timmins stepped forward.

            “Then it’s settled. The three of you guard the building while the rest of us head down.” Zyrok concluded.

            Zyrok checked his ammunition as he waited for Forester’s team to arrive. Frederick slid the magazine out of her SA80 and glanced at it briefly before placing it back. In a minute, Forester jogged into the room with marines.

            “All set?” Forester breathed heavily.

            “Yup.” Zyrok nodded.

            “Let’s go.” Forester waved at the marines to get inside the elevator as she stepped inside.

            Zyrok was the last to step inside the elevator. He looked at Williams, Green, and Timmins and nodded an appreciation for them staying behind.

            “See you soon.” Williams waved farewell as Zyrok closed the elevator doors.

            “Yeah.” Zyrok replied just in time as the doors slid shut.

            “Going down.” the elevator announced.

            The elevator descended slowly at first and then began to pick up speed as it continued down. Zyrok looked at his feet and then looked at the marines. Everybody seemed focused and excited about the new discovery of an underground level. As the elevator reached B50, the descent rate reduced and the elevator slowly came to a stop.

            “B50.” the elevator announced.

            The marines pointed their guns at the doors as the elevator doors slid open. In front of the elevator was a short walk before coming across a giant blast door.

            “Move out.” Frederick commanded.

            The marines quickly filed out of the elevator in an organized manner. As the marines slowly reached the blast door, Zyrok noticed the door was a quarter open. On the other side of the door was total darkness.

            “Russians got through here.” Taylor pointed at the access panel with wires hanging out.

            “Let’s make sure we beat the Russians in finding what we’re looking for.” Frederick turned the flashlight on her gun on.

Erazi, Kandahar, Afghanistan

Russian Communications Outpost

April 21, 2001

1710 Local Time

            “It is official now, the UNSC has found something.” Dimitri clapped his hands as he read a log of the RaidComm.

            “Sir, are we going there now?” Timothy asked.

            “Yes, Nikolai send out all of the militia forces to Reygi and capture the UNSC camp.” Dimitri commanded.

            “Yes sir.” Nikolai nodded and ran out of the room.

            Timothy grabbed his jacket from his chair and stood up to stretch.

            “Thanks for your help gentlemen.” Dimitri thanked and quickly pulled out his Luger sidearm.

            Everything happened so fast that it became a blur. Dimitri popped two rounds into Timothy’s chest and then turned the gun towards Miller. Timothy collapsed to the ground while Miller jumped from his seat.

            “Wait…wait!” Miller exclaimed in horror.

            Bang! Dimitri fired a round into Miller’s forehead instantly killing him. As Dimitri walked to Timothy, he noticed that the marine was still alive on the ground.

            “Why…?” Timothy coughed blood as he clutched his chest.

            “Sergei’s orders. It’s not personal…it’s just business.” Dimitri looked at the marine with an expressionless face.

            With that, Dimitri fired another round into Timothy, only this time shooting him in the head ending his life.

            “Get these bodies out.” Dimitri waved at two militia standing ground beside the entrance.

            As Dimitri walked out of the room, the two militia walked past him and began to clean up the mess.

            “All done sir.” Nikolai ran back with news.

            “Good.” Dimitri patted Nikolai on the shoulder.

            “What happened to the marines?” Nikolai noticed the two marines’ bodies carried out of the room.

            “Business.” Dimitri answered.

            “I see.” Nikolai’s voice trailed off unsure of what to say.

            “Let’s get going. We got a camp to capture.” Dimitri hustled.

*          *          *

            Reid sat down in his desk looking at some UNSC filed. Mendoza rushed beside him with a panicked look.

            “LT!” Mendoza gasped for air.

            “What is it?” Reid asked.

            “Russians! A lot of soldiers are on the way here.” Mendoza reported.

            “What? How?” Reid jumped up from his seat.

            “RaidComm.” Mendoza answered quickly.

            “Oh right. Let them know we’re here alone.” Reid walked to a desk with a microphone.

            “This is Lieutenant Reid with Morgan and Mendoza at the UNSC camp. Russian forces are inbound towards our location. Request reinforcements. Repeat, request reinforcements.” Reid broadcasted on the RaidComm.

            “Lieutenant Reid, this is Base. We hear you, but we can not assist. All the squads have moved to the Secronom facility.” Sears replied back.

            “Reid, Williams here. Echo and Jackal Squadron have gone underground and we are unable to contact them. I recommend you fall back to the research facility where your marines and the rest of us defend.” Williams suggested on the RaidComm.

            “They breached the perimeter.” Morgan rushed into the room.

            “No can do Williams, they’ve breached the perimeter. It’s last stand now.” Reid spoke with a worried face on the microphone.

            “Good luck Lieutenant, it was an honor meeting you.” Williams replied with sadness.

            As Reid was about to reply, five militia rushed into the room and pointed their guns. One Russian soldier rushed into the room and fired at the computer destroying the communications.

            “Freeze!” the Russian soldier pointed his USP at Reid.

            “Where’s Dimitri?” Reid held his hands in the air.

            The Russian soldier paused for a moment and pulled out his radio.

            “Dimitri, this is Nikolai. One UNSC marine wants to see you.” the Russian soldier spoke on the radio.

            “Tell Dimitri it’s Reid and his marines.” Reid urged.

            “Reid is looking for you.” Nikolai added as he spoke on the radio.

            “Well…well…well.” Dimitri walked into the room with two militia soldiers behind him.

            “Dimitri, nice to see you.” Reid greeted.

            “Nikolai, it’s okay. Lower the guns.” Dimitri commanded.

            Nikolai nodded and waved at the militia to leave the room.

            “What’s going on now? Are we striking?” Morgan breathed relief.

            “Yeah, it’s time to finish our operation.” Dimitri smiled.

            “Where are Timothy and Miller?” Reid looked around.

            “They are at the communications outpost assisting with all RaidComm transmissions.” Dimitri lied.

            “Oh, okay.” Reid said with some disappointment.

            “Now let’s put your double agent cover to its use.” Dimitri smiled evilly.

            “What do you mean?” Reid stared blankly.

            “Williams know the Russians are here, but he doesn’t know if you survived. You will take Morgan and Mendoza with you and enter the facility first. When they least expect it, kill them.” Dimitri pounded the desk beside him.

            “Ok, I’m not sure how many marines are with him.” Reid replied.

            “That’s alright. We’ll engage them once you’re in position. While they are busy fighting, shoot them in the back to make our job easier.” Dimitri reassured and tossed Reid his radio.

            Reid looked at the radio and turned it on.

            “Turn it on only when you need to use it. That’s our cue.” Dimitri explained.

            “Alright.” Reid nodded and turned the radio off.

            “We’ll give you a ten minute head start to get there.” Dimitri pointed at the doors.

            “Yes sir.” Reid acknowledged and ran off with Morgan and Mendoza.

            “These ex UNSC marines are so useful and…disposable.” Dimitri laughed.

            “I agree with you sir.” Nikolai spoke his mind.

            “Remind me to thank Sergei once this operation is done.” Dimitri requested.

            “Will do.” Nikolai nodded.

            “Let’s rally the troops before we attack the remaining marines holed up in the facility.” Dimitri walked out of the room.

            “Got it.” Nikolai waved at the soldiers standing guard by the doors.

            Nikolai stood next to the microphone and knocked it over. He smiled in satisfaction and stormed out of the room to rally the soldiers for the offensive strike.