UNSCDF3 Chapter 18- Into the Wasp's Nest

Erazi, Kandahar, Afghanistan

Russian Communications Outpost

May 15, 2001

1100 Local Time

            “Are the UNSC nearby or not?” Dimitri shouted at a soldier monitoring the RaidComm channel.

            “I don’t know sir. We dispatched two teams to search for them, but it appears to be a wild goose chase.” the soldier gulped.

            “Look, did you or did you not intercept a transmission soldier?” Dimitri demanded.

            “Yes we did sir.” the soldier replied nervously.

            “Then find them before they find us.” Dimitri hit his hand on a table.

            The chatter in the room reduced to nothing as the soldiers stopped to look at Dimitri. A second later, everyone resumed to their duties and the noise level was back up.

            “Dima!” Dimitri waved.

            “Sir?” Dima walked up beside Dimitri briskly.

            “Relocate all prisoners as a precaution.” Dimitri ordered.

            “Where to sir?” Dima asked.

            “Hmm…somewhere the UNSC would not find them if they are still alive. I don’t care where, just move them.” Dimitri replied in annoyance.

            “Understood sir.” Dima walked out and waved at two soldiers sitting nearby at a desk.

           

*          *          *

            Carroll sat on the ground fiddling her cell lock with a paperclip she had found. Being tired and dizzy from the lack of nutrition she had been getting as a prisoner was beginning to take a toll on her. Everson had already passed out a couple of times and she had become submissive to the Russian captors.

            “Hey Everson, wake up. You have to strong.” Carroll whispered.

            “Uh huh.” Everson nodded blankly.

            To Carroll’s surprise, the door suddenly swung open with two soldiers.

            “No more…no more.” Everson begged.

            “Dima…” Carroll stared as Dima walked in.

            Carroll had a hatred for that man because Dima had no heart. She begged for mercy, but instead he brought more soldiers to harass her.

            “We’re going, let’s go.” Dima shouted.

            “What’s going on?” Carroll questioned.

            “Shut up.” Dima slapped Carroll across the face.

            One soldier picked Everson off her feet and slung her to his back while the other dragged Carroll out of her cell. Everson was not even struggling as she had become almost frail. Carroll, however, was putting up a fight with the remaining energy she had left.

            “Look, obey and I won’t punch your face.” Dima squeezed Carroll’s cheeks tightly together.

            Carroll nodded and gave in to Dima with a sigh. She’d rather stay awake and conscious if she found the opportunity to escape.

            “Dima, what about the others?” a soldier asked by pointing down the hall.

            “No orders from Dima so I’m guessing the Captain and the girl is staying behind.” Dima yanked at Carroll’s arm to keep up with their pace.

            Carroll had overheard their conversation and began to think if the Captain that Dima was referring was Blake or someone else. One thing she knew was that the only surviving marines were Everson and herself so it was unlikely that it was Blake. AS the Russians led the prisoners out of the hall and into a service corridor, Carroll had a quick glimpse into a room that was open. Blake was tied to a chair passed out with a pool of blood.

            “You’re not supposed to see that.” Dimitri popped out of the room and closed the door.

            “What did you do to him?” Carroll shot a deadly glare.

            “Take her away.” Dimitri waved the Russian soldiers off.

Downtown Kandahar, Kandahar, Afghanistan

British Embassy

May 15, 2001

1120 Local Time

            “You think they saw us?” Daniels crouched under a sedan.

            “Negative, no signs of alertness.” Dau peeked through the scope of his sniper rifle.

            “Marines, we’ll need to be fast. Once the bird is fired up, it will draw all the attention.” Johnson explained his plan.

            “Got it.” Daniels acknowledged with a smirk.

            “Let’s move.” Johnson waved for the next cover.

            The marines quickly scattered to the next cover which was a destroyed military truck. Johnson pointed at an open window beside the main entrance to the embassy and the marines quickly moved about. One by one, the marines quickly hopped inside and took cover just in time as a Russian patrol turned around a corner.

            “Where’s the Pelican?” Dau asked quietly.

            “According to Hariprasad, three levels down.” Johnson pointed at the ground.

            “Man, I better hope it’s fuelled up.” Daniels wished.

            “Let’s stop worrying and let’s get moving.” Johnson ordered.

            “Sure thing boss, I want to get out of here as soon as possible. It’s like we’re going into a wasp’s nest.” Dau replied gladly.

            Johnson took point and opened the door to the halls. A Russian soldier was talking to two local militia studying some posters on the wall.

            “Quickly, let’s go.” Johnson whispered.

            The marines turned right and tiptoed down the halls into the next available room. Dau pushed the door open and saw a militia with his back to the door. He quickly lunged from behind and placed his hand over his mouth to prevent him from crying out for help. In a swift motion, Dau twisted the head sideways and assassinated the militia.

            “Hide him.” Johnson suggested as he pointed at a closet.

            Dau dragged the body into the closet and closed it gently. Johnson picked up the radio from a table and studied it.

            “Looks broken.” Johnson tossed the radio to the ground.

            “Let’s move before they find out that one of them is missing.” Daniels replied.

            The marines agreed and proceeded out the room and into a stairwell. At the bottom of the stairs, there was a locked security door with an access panel.

            “Hariprasad said the code was 19971.” Johnson punched the numbers.

            The panel lit green and the door hissed open. The dark hall lit up one by one as the fluorescent lights turned on.

            “Looks like nobody is home.” Dau remarked.

            “Spread out and watch your sectors.” Johnson ordered.

            “Aye sir.” Daniels took point.

            At the end of the hall was another sealed blast door.

            “Code is 29911.” Johnson told Daniels as he studied the access panel.

            Again, the door hissed open and a hangar was revealed. A Pelican with a troop pod was docked in the center.

            “Hey!” a shout was heard from behind the marines.

            A pair of militia had entered the first door and began to run at them.

            “Shit, they found us.” Daniels dashed for the Pelican.

            “Seal the door!” Johnson aimed his gun and fired.

            Dau rushed to the inside panel and slammed on a button. The blast door closed shut and a few faint gunshots were heard.

            “It won’t be long before the systems get overridden.” Johnson patted the heavy door.

            “Dau, get the fuel cables attached!” Daniels shouted from the cockpit.

            “On it!” Dau placed his gun on the ground and began to roll a barrel of fuel.

            Johnson climbed aboard the Pelican and noticed a lot of weapon and food crates.

            “Get the crates off. The lighter we are, the more agile.” Daniels exited the cockpit and picked up a metal crate.

            Dau linked the fuel lines to the Pelican and pressed a button to begin pump. Once the fuel began to be pumped into the aircraft, Dau quickly assisted the others in removing the crates.

            “Mostly food rations aboard this Pelican.” Daniels threw a small crate off.

            “Guys…they are cutting through…” Dau pointed at the blast door.

            Sparks were flying off the metal door frame and parts of the door had turned scorching red as the metal melted.

            “Any weapons on this Pelican?” Johnson quickly shoved a food crate off the ship.

            “Only a GAU-19 mounted at the nose with a couple of countermeasures.” Daniels inspected.

            “Will this be of help?” Dau removed a fully loaded M60 from a weapon crate.

            “Yes, but we better get airborne.” Johnson nodded.

            “How?” Dau looked up at the metal ceiling.

            “Hangar door controls…there!” Daniels pointed at a small office adjacent to the blast doors.

            “I’ll get it. Daniels, get the Pelican fired up!” Johnson ordered while running.

            Johnson looked at the blast doors and noticed that a quarter portion was still remaining before the Russians and militia came crashing the party. It was going to be a one-way trip for the marine; he’ll have to defend until the Pelican got to safety. As he ran past a crate, he picked up a loaded M60 and dashed into the office.

            “Controls…where are they?” Johnson frantically looked at the panel of buttons.

            From the window of the office, the Pelican had already lifted a meter off the ground and the blast doors had been cut open.

            “Get it up higher!” Johnson shouted on the RaidComm as soldiers came pouring in.

            At last, Johnson found a lever marked “Hangar Doors” and flipped it. The roof shook a little as it began to slide open.

            “What about you?” Daniels spoke on the RaidComm as the Pelican reached to the top.

            “I’ll buy you enough time. Good luck marines.” Johnson bashed the office window and mounted the M60 machine gun.

            A sea of bullets peppered the unaware soldiers and took them down by surprise. Suddenly, a Russian soldier crouched to the ground and fired a RPG.

            “Holy…” Johnson watched in terror as the RPG flew towards him.

            “God damn it.” Daniels watched below as the RPG destroyed the office into a ball of fire.

            The Pelican flew out of the open courtyard and was shot by small arms fire.

            “RPG!” Dau looked at a soldier firing from the roof with precision.

            “Evasive maneuvers. Hang on!” Daniels shouted and cranked the flight controls upwards.

UNSCDF3 Chapter 17- Without Options

Jinnah Town, Quetta, Pakistan

Government Officer Residence

May 14, 2001

1600 Local Time

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

            “Incoming! Get to positions.” Frederick ordered.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

            “Yes LT?” Dau looked interested.

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

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

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

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

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

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

            “Exactly.” Frederick crossed her arms.

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

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

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

            “To the end.” Daniels shouted.

            “Hoorah!” Dau cheered.

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

            “Ma’am?” Johnson asked.

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

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

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

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

            “Nah, trust me.” Dau grinned.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Erazi, Kandahar, Afghanistan

Russian Communications Outpost

May 14, 2001

1845 Local Time

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

            “Interesting…” Dimitri rubbed his chin.

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

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

            “Really now?’ Zyrok asked uncertainly.

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

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

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

            “What? No!” Zyrok pounded the table.

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

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

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

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

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

            “The situation is pretty bad.” Dimitri nodded.

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

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

            “Research info right?” Zyrok asked.

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

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

            “Armor?” Dimitri looked intrigued.

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

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

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

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

Downtown Kandahar, Kandahar, Afghanistan

British Embassy

May 15, 2001

1010 Local Time

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

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

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

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

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

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

            “Plans LT?” Daniels crossed his arms.

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

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

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

            “What are the teams?” Johnson asked.

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

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

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

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

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

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

            “Loud and clear, over.” Hariprasad replied.

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

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

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

            “I highly doubt it too.” Frederick agreed.

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

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

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

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

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

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

            “Encryption.” Frederick replied instantaneously.

            “That could work…” Daniels rubbed his chin.

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

            “Code ma’am?” Hariprasad asked.

            “Sierra Pappa 215.” Frederick replied.

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

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

UNSCDF3 Chapter 16- Interrogations

Erazi, Kandahar, Afghanistan

Russian Communications Outpost

May 14, 2001

0950 Local Time

            “Here’s the first marine, Captain Blake.” Dimitri waved at a Russian soldier outside.

            The soldier walked out and dragged a marine into the room. The marine had a pale look on his face as if he was still in shock from the siege of his ship.

            “Blake, here’s Private Thomas. I understand that he has nothing to offer me so I put his life on the line for what you have.” Dimitri shoved the pale marine to his knees.

            “What do I have?” Blake looked at Thomas.

            “Knowledge. What did you guys take out of the facility?” Dimitri demanded.

            “I don’t know.” Blake answered swiftly.

            “Wrong answer.” Dimitri pulled out his Luger sidearm.

            “Please…” Thomas begged for his life.

            “Dimitri, I swear I have no idea what the UNSC took out. That’s not my job.” Blake looked at Dimitri’s gun.

            “Then what’s your job?” Dimitri asked impatiently while studying his gun.

            “To retrieve UNSC asset.” Blake replied refusing to tell Dimitri of Zyrok.

            “Shame, I already know what you are here for. Your friend here, told me much more in detail.” Dimitri jabbed the Luger into Thomas’ back.

            “What do you want?” Blake pleaded.

            “Everything, but time’s up for Thomas.” Dimitri put a pullet into Thomas’ head.

            “No! You bastard!” Blake cried as Thomas dropped lifelessly to the ground.

            “You hesitate too much. You should know that I’m an impatient man.” Dimitri waved at the soldier beside him.

            The Russian soldier exited the room once again, but this time he dragged in a female marine.

            “Meet Lance Corporal Everson. She may know you, but you don’t know her. I should warn you, that I have no mercy in killing women if I don’t get information out of you.” Dimitri threatened.

            Everson looked at Blake and then Thomas’ body beside her. Her eyes lit up with fear as she watched Dimitri wave around his gun.

            “Now Dimitri, you don’t have to do this. Tell me exactly what you want and I’ll tell you.” Blake attempted to calm Dimitri down.

            “What do you have to offer me that she doesn’t have to tell me?” Dimitri yanked on Everson’s hair.

            Everson cried out loud and tried to wriggle herself from Dimitri’s grasp. Dimitri pulled out a combat knife and placed it by her throat.

            “Move and you die.” Dimitri warned.

            Everson stopped moving and nodded obediently. Tears streamed down her face and Blake watched helplessly.

            “I’ll tell you our RaidComm frequencies.” Reid blurted.

            “Already got that, we had defectors from your marines the first time you set foot here.” Dimitri sighed.

            “What? How?” Blake looked surprised.

            “Heard of Lieutenant Reid and his squad?” Dimitri asked.

            “I think I have…” Blake raised an eyebrow.

            “Well, you failed. I’m wasting too much time.” Dimitri looked at the sharp blade pressed against Everson’s neck.

            “Please…I beg you. Please don’t kill me. I’ll make it worth your time.” Everson begged for mercy.

            “My time?” Dimitri scoffed.

            “We can talk behind closed doors.” Everson responded.

            “Consider yourself lucky Blake. Everson can make a deal better than you.” Dimitri removed the blade from Everson’s neck and took her out of the room.

            Blake sighed in frustration as he knew what Everson was dealing with Dimitri. It shamed him that his marines had to belittle themselves to survive. Their pride and dignity was now turned to a class lower than the undead. Blake was angry at what the Russians were doing, but he was helpless.

New Karachi, Karachi, Pakistan

Khursheed Begum Park

May 14, 2001

1000 Local Time

            “Rise and shine.” Johnson shook an asleep Hariprasad.

            Their flight to reach the nearest camp was detoured when they encountered Russian helicopters patrolling in the vicinity. As a safe measure, Frederick called Daniels to land and take cover for a full day before moving out.

            “Ready?” Frederick walked in with her full combat gear.

            “All geared up and ready ma’am.” Daniels slung a backpack over his shoulder

            “Then let’s go. No time to waste, if Blake is still alive…we don’t have too much time.” Frederick warned.

            The group of marines exited the room and out of the building. In the middle of the street was the Falcon glistening in the morning sunlight.

            “Same game plan boys.” Frederick motioned the marines to move.

            Daniels hopped inside the cockpit and threw the backpack beside his seat whilst Frederick sat on her seat and buckled up.

            “Airborne in one minute people. Get strapped in.” Frederick hushed.

            The sound of seat belt buckles clicking could be heard simultaneously as the marines got into their seats. In a few seconds, the Falcon dusted off the ground and was in the clear skies.

            “How far are we out?” Johnson yelled over the roar of the rotors.

            “I’d say at least ten kilos out.” Hariprasad studied the buildings below.

            “Let’s hope this isn’t a wild goose chase.” Dau added.

            “Dude, it’s stationary.” Johnson reminded.

            “Fine, no need to get so technical here.” Dau smirked.

            Hariprasad grabbed a pair of binoculars from under his seat and scanned the distant lands.

            “You see it?” Frederick asked.

            “Not yet….not yet.” Hariprasad turned his head and placed his binoculars down on his lap.

UNSCDF3 Chapter 15- Reunion

Erazi, Kandahar, Afghanistan

Russian Communications Outpost

May 13, 2001

1150 Local Time

            Dimitri looked at Blake tied to a chair while being interrogated by his men. Blake was a strong marine and was able to resist most of the torture the Russians had in store for him. Dima tapped Dimitri on the back to bring his attention.

            “Sir, the soldier we caught at the British Embassy is ready for interrogation.” Dima reported.

            “Good, show me.” Dimitri ordered.

            “Follow me sir.” Dima walked down the hall.

            The pair approached a door where a soldier stood guard. Dima nodded and the soldier opened the door. In the center of the room was Zyrok tied to a chair.

            “Why am I not surprised?” Dimitri laughed as he immediately recognized the captive marine.

            “And should I be surprised?” Zyrok mocked.

            “I see the UNSC left you to die.” Dimitri pointed.

            “I’m sure they’ll come and find me.” Zyrok answered swiftly.

            “I’m not so sure about that. Wouldn’t they have sent a team out to get you? After all Captain Zyrok, you helped your team carry away valuable information.” Dimitri challenged and crossed his arms.

            Dimitri had decided to he wanted to do his interrogation differently. Instead of torturing, he was going to lie to Zyrok and make him defect. It would be much easier if he spilled everything instead of forcing out partial and potentially inaccurate info.

            “What do you want Dimitri?” Zyrok struggled in his chair.

            Dimitri grabbed a chair beside the wall and sat down in front of him. Dima stood next to the door with his arms crossed unsure of what Dimitri’s intentions were.

            “Look, I want to help you. I know you’ve been abandoned by your team and you’ve also managed to bring along a girl.” Dimitri spoke softly.

            “Don’t you dare hurt her!” Zyrok growled.

            “Oh no, we’re not going to hurt her.” Dimitri replied.

            “Yeah right, your incompetent soldiers cut her neck in the scuffle.” Zyrok spoke angrily.

            “I’m sorry to hear that, I will find whoever it is responsible. Look Zyrok, we don’t hurt women and children.” Dimitri sighed.

            “I find that hard to believe.” Zyrok scoffed.

            “Fine, as a gesture of goodwill, I will remove your restraints and reunite the girl with you.” Dimitri waved at Dima.

            “What do you want? You weren’t a good person the last time I checked.” Zyrok watched as Dima removed his handcuffs.

            “People change…just like how the UNSC ditched you.” Dimitri reminded.

            “Are you that certain?” Zyrok rubbed his wrists.

            “Well, wouldn’t they be here by now?” Dimitri laughed.

            “Where’s Sarah?” Zyrok demanded.

            “Oh, that’s her name? I’ll have her sent over here.” Dimitri nodded at Dima.

            Dima walked to the door and opened it. He waved his hand out and a soldier escorted Sarah to the door.

            “Sarah!” Zyrok called out.

            Sarah turned her head and saw Zyrok and felt a sense of relief. The soldier let Sarah go and she quickly ran towards Zyrok. Zyrok embraced Sarah with a tight hug and crouched to look at her neck.

            “I’m so sorry.” Zyrok spoke apologetically.

            “Now that the reunion is over, let me offer you accommodation.” Dimitri waved at the door.

            “Follow me.” Dima spoke in a flat tone.

            Obediently, Zyrok grabbed Sarah’s hand and walked her out. After turning a few corners, the pair had been escorted to a room.

            “This is your quarters.” Dima opened the door.

            “Not bad…what’s the catch?” Zyrok examined the room.

            “We’re locking you here until we trust you.” Dima replied and watched Sarah lie on the bed.

            “Ok.” Zyrok nodded.

            “We’ll see you tomorrow.” Dima closed the door and locked it.

            Zyrok turned to look at Sarah and then walked to her. He sat down on the bed beside her and yawned. They were both exhausted and confused by the Russians’ act of kindness.

            “Sarah, come closer so I can look at your neck.” Zyrok patted the empty spot on the bed.

            Sarah crawled up beside Zyrok and raised her head. A cut was visible on the neck, but it was a flesh wound.

            “You’re going to be fine. It’s a small cut.” Zyrok assured with comforting eyes.

            Sarah looked down at Zyrok and touched her neck. Zyrok noticed a plate of biscuits beside the bed and motioned for Sarah to eat.

            “Let’s eat while we can.” Zyrok suggested as he picked up a biscuit.

            “Okay.” Sarah began to munch on her biscuit.

            Suddenly, the door opened and a soldier walked in with two trays. It contained a can of tinned tuna and the other was a can of tinned salmon. The soldier placed the tray beside Zyrok and walked out.

            “Wow.” Zyrok looked amazed.

            The soldier walked back in with two bottles of water and handed it to Zyrok.

            “Lunch.” the soldier mumbled and walked out.

            “What do you want Sarah?” Zyrok pointed at the tin cans.

            “I don’t know.” Sarah shrugged.

            “Well, in Canada we have a lot of salmon.” Zyrok chuckled.

            “I’ll take tuna.” Sarah decided.

            “It’s up to you. Salmon has more nutrients than tuna…I think.” Zyrok laughed.

            “As long as I’m full, I don’t care.” Sarah smiled.

            “Here, take the salmon. I want the best for you.” Zyrok handed the tinned salmon to Sarah.

Clifton, Karachi, Pakistan

UNSC Cobra Squad’s Camp

May 13, 2001

1400 Local Time

            “Gentlemen, are you ready?” Frederick looked at Dau and Hariprasad sitting on the couch.

            “Yes ma’am.” Dau stood up slowly.

            “We’ll make them pay.” Johnson walked in the room wielding a Washington 1100.

            “I’m ready LT.” Hariprasad gritted his teeth and stood up.

            “We’re going to do a quick snatch and grab of the assets if they are still there.” Frederick briefed.

            Daniels rushed into the room with his helmet on while holding a Lock 17 pistol.

            “Falcon’s ready ma’am.” Daniels holstered his sidearm.

            “Let’s go gentlemen.” Frederick ordered.

            “What about Parker and Sears?” Hariprasad asked.

            “They’re staying behind to watch base.” Frederick replied.

            The group of marines quickly headed for the roof and gathered around the Falcon.

            “Ok, listen up marines.” Frederick clapped.

            “Dau and Hariprasad, get on either side of the mounted turrets. Daniels, get it started up. Hariprasad, take a seat, we’ll be needing you soon.” Frederick commanded.

            “Understood.” Daniels rushed into the cockpit and closed the hatch.

            Frederick watched as the marines got into their positions before setting foot on the aircraft. Once she was in, Daniels lifted the Falcon off the ground and steered right. From a distance, the shores littered with ship debris and bodies.

            “What a mess…” Dau examined the distant shores.

            “A slaughter.” Johnson replied.

            “I knew people on that ship.” Dau spoke with a hardened look.

            “We all did.” Johnson sighed.

            “Alright, we’re going to increase altitude.” Daniels chirped on the comms.

            Daniels ascended the Falcon into a steady climb until it was just below the clouds. The wind was choppy, but the aircraft remained leveled. From the ground up, the Falcon looked like a small speck in the sky hiding from any potential threats.