UNSCDF3 Chapter 4- Yellow Smoke

Arabian Sea, Coast of Karachi, Pakistan

UNSC Perth

May 10, 2001

0845 Local Time

            “Alright Blake, we’ll be back in a couple of hours.” Frederick waved at Blake as she climbed into the boat with her marines.

            “All set?” Sears looked at the marines seated in the boat.

            “Yeah, we’re ready.” Johnson spoke for himself and Parker.

            “Let’s go before the sun really starts to burn.” Hariprasad pointed at the sun.

            Sears pushed the throttle forward and sped the boat away from UNSC Perth. The boat sailed across the choppy waters and came across a wooden dock. Two zombies stood motionless on the dock looking for meat to eat. Johnson aimed his SA80 at one zombie whilst Parker fired her MSG-9 rifle at the other zombie. In a split second, the two zombies dropped to the ground dead unaware of what hit their heads.

            “Move out.” Frederick ordered as she clutched her SA80 and hopped onto the dock.

            Hariprasad wielded his M16 and jogged up beside Frederick.

            “Where can we set up a base?” Hariprasad pointed at some buildings nearby.

            “We need to find a place where there’s cover, but also room for a Falcon.” Frederick pointed at the Falcon on UNSC Perth.

            “Leave that to us ma’am.” Parker interrupted with a smile.

            “Lieutenant, we can do it.” Johnson pulled out a set of binoculars from his backpack.

            “I’m coming with you guys.” Frederick cocked her SA80.

            “What about us ma’am?” Sears asked.

            “You and Hariprasad can watch the boat.” Frederick replied swiftly.

            “Alright.” Sears walked back to the boat and sat down.

            “Move out Cobra!” Frederick commanded.

            The three marines hurried into the city keeping alert of their surroundings. Johnson took point while Parker watched the back. After a few blocks, the group saw a mob of zombies roaming around in the intersection.

            “Hold up.” Johnson halted to a stop.

            “Should we go around?” Frederick asked.

            “I don’t know, but this place looks like a good base.” Johnson pointed at a building behind the mob of zombies.

            “It sure does…little windows and a roof big enough to land a Falcon.” Parker eyed the structure.

            “Behind the mob of zombies…” Frederick reminded.

            “We can take them out. I count roughly…twenty…thirty of them?” Johnson estimated.

            “Shall I call Fire Team Kilo to assist?” Frederick suggested.

            “That won’t be necessary Lieutenant.” Parker adjusted her scope on the MSG-9.

            “You ready Parker? I’ll beat you to kills this time.” Johnson laughed.

            “Try me.” Parker grinned and aimed her rifle.

            “What about me?” Frederick joked.

            “We’ll see.” Johnson fired a round into a zombie’s head.

            The moment the first shot was fired, the mob of zombies turned to face their threat. As they slowly paced themselves to the marines, Parker was lining up headshots one after the other.

            “This is too easy.” Parker bragged as she quickly reloaded her gun.

            “Watch this.” Johnson ran towards the mob and fired two rounds at the closest zombie.

            Johnson bashed the butt of his gun at one zombie and fired; killing two zombies in one fluid motion. Frederick fired a couple of shots and watched the two marines pick off the zombies with deadly precision and skill. Shots echoed the vacant streets as the marines continued their shootout. After a few minutes, the silence resumed and tons of corpses littered the streets.

            “Wow…” Frederick’s face hinted slight amusement.

            “Welcome to Cobra.” Johnson kicked a dead zombie with his boot.

            “Spec Ops at its finest.” Parker slapped on a new magazine into her gun.

            “Indeed.” Frederick nodded quietly.

            Frederick waved forward as she led the team to the building. She bashed the door open with her shoulder and quickly clicked on the flashlight on her gun. A zombie sprung from the darkness and charged at her. Showing her preparedness, Frederick shoved the barrel of the gun into the zombie’s mouth and fired once. Immediately after the shot echoed into the darkness, vicious growls were heard nearby.

            “Light them up.” Frederick ordered as her flashlight illuminated a group of hungry meat-eaters.

            Johnson ran to a table and steadied his gun on the table to shoot whilst Parker went to prone position and began to snipe. On the other side, Frederick was firing burst of three in an attempt to hold the line while using the muzzle flashes from her gun to brighten their surroundings.

            “Reloading!” Frederick emptied out her spent clip.

            “Covering!” Johnson responded by increasing his rate of fire.

            “Take them out marines.” Frederick inserted a fresh clip into her gun and quickly pummeled a zombie with the stock of her gun.

            Parker felt the lack of mobility from her MSG-9 and immediately switched to her USP sidearm. She stood up and fired the pistol with superb accuracy as she danced around the zombies. Just when a zombie was about to get her when the pistol ran out of ammo, she quickly ducked and tripped the zombie. Pulling her combat knife from her belt with one hand and bashing the pistol on the downed zombie, Parker thrusted the sharp blade into the zombie’s forehead putting a stop to the zombie’s flesh-eating career.

            “More zombies…three o’clock.” Frederick warned Johnson.

            Johnson turned his head right and saw a few zombies headed his way. He slung the SA80 to his back and pulled out his sidearm. He charged with his USP firing as he met face to face with his threat. Upon meeting the last zombie in his path, he slid on the floor and tripped the zombie. The zombie growled and slashed its arms wildly, but it was not fast enough to get a hold of the agile marine. Johnson hopped onto its back and grabbed its head with both hands and twisted sideways. A sickening crack was heard and Johnson let go of the zombie. Johnson turned to realize that all the threats had been neutralized and quickly ran towards Frederick.

            “All clear.” Johnson breathed deeply.

            “Huh…I didn’t even break a sweat.” Parker joked.

            “Well Parker…you used more rounds.” Johnson pointed at the spent shells scattered around the floor.

            “Marines…” Frederick attempted to bring the team back to focus.

            “Sorry.” Parker apologized quickly.

            “The two of you can clear the upper floors one by one. I’ll call Kilo here.” Frederick pointed at the stairwell.

            Johnson nodded and waved at Parker to follow him. Frederick tugged her flak jacket and sat down comfortably on a chair.

            “Fire Team Kilo, this is Frederick. Do you copy?” Frederick spoke on the RaidComm.

            “Loud and clear LT. What can we do for you?” Hariprasad replied back.

            “Come to our location. I’ll pop yellow smoke.” Frederick walked out of the building and unclipped a smoke grenade from her belt.

            “Alright ma’am.” Hariprasad responded.

            Frederick pulled the pin and gently rolled the smoke grenade across the street. A small bang was heard and yellow smoke began to form.

            “Visual contact with smoke.” Sears spoke on the RaidComm.

            “UNSC Perth, this is Frederick. Area is clear. Repeat, area is a go. Send in the Falcon.” Frederick looked at the sky and spoke on the RaidComm.

            “Roger, Falcon on station and ready to go.” Daniels replied with enthusiasm.

            “Hit it then.” Frederick commanded.

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.

UNSCDF2 Chapter 29- Russian Intrusion

Reygi, Kandahar, Afghanistan

Secronom Research Facility

April 21, 2001

1055 Local Time

            “Watch for the sniper!” May shouted as a bullet whizzed past her and hit the ground.

            “Where is the sniper?” Green ducked for cover as a hail of bullets hit his Mongoose.

            “Two o’clock.” Robertson saw a muzzle flash behind a boulder.

            “Cookson and Hariprasad, flank him.” May spoke on the RaidComm.

            “Copy ma’am.” Hariprasad readied his gun as Cookson cocked his M16.

            “Covering.” May shouted as she stepped out of the cover and fired a heavy suppressive fire towards the sniper’s location.

            Green and Robertson fired single shots from their guns around the vicinity of the sniper while Cookson and Hariprasad ran across the open to get into flanking positions. Suddenly, another Russian soldier appeared from the air shaft and fired her AK47 at Cookson’s cover. May fired back, but missed as the Russian soldier crouched behind a piece of debris.

            “Why are the Russians here?” May slid a fresh magazine into her M16.

            “They must have found out somehow.” Robertson took cover as bullet impacted the Mongoose’s engines and smoke erupted.

            “We need to find a new cover.” Green suggested as two sniper rounds hit his Mongoose’s tires and popped.

            “Oh man, those are heavy hitting rounds.” Robertson pointed at Green’s Mongoose.

            “Cookson, how many hostiles do you count?” May spoke on the RaidComm.

            “Two so far ma’am.” Cookson replied back.

            “Our team is being beat by two Russians? That’s unacceptable! Let’s clear it up before Forester brings her team.” May replied in disappointment.

            “Ideas Sarge?” Hariprasad asked on the RaidComm.

            “We need to take out the sniper first.” May replied.

            “Robertson and Green, I want you to alternate suppressive fire at the soldier by the shaft. I will be responsible for taking out the sniper.” May ordered.

            “What about us ma’am?” Cookson interrupted as he overheard May on the RaidComm.

            “Lure the sniper out. Don’t worry, we got your back.” May reassured.

            “Copy, understood.” Cookson replied and took a deep breath.

            Cookson was feeling a bit nervous because he wasn’t sure how good the sniper was in terms of accuracy. He had depended on his team when he needed them and now it was his turn to show trust in his squad. If he hesitated, he would probably jeopardize his whole squad.

            “On my mark…go!” May shouted her order on the RaidComm.

            Robertson and Green stepped out of cover to lay down a suppressive fire while May aimed her M16 at the boulder the sniper was camping. May watched Cookson and Hariprasad got out of their cover and ran towards a rock a couple meters away. May saw the barrel of the sniper rifle extend out of the boulder and moved down to see a head. She did not hesitate nor take a breath as she quickly fired three single shots. May knew that even for less than a second later, the sniper would have shot her marines. May looked at the sniper collapse to the ground as two rounds struck his head.

            “Got it.” May declared.

            “Flank the AK47.” May waved her marines to walk towards the air shaft.

            Green and May alternated suppressive fire as Robertson readied his gun. Cookson and Hariprasad approached from the side with guns ready to shoot. Once the marines reached the shaft, there was no Russian soldier to be seen.

            “She got down.” Hariprasad pointed at a cable swinging from the edge of the air shaft.

            “Cookson and Green, go check the sniper. See if we can get some information about the Russians.” May commanded as she turned her head back.

            Cookson nodded and ran off with Green jogging after him. Cookson saw a bearded Russian with two bullet holes to the side of his face. He flipped the body over and saw the name “Yuri” stenciled on his uniform.

            “A Dragon SVD.” Green picked up the sniper rifle beside the body.

            “Man, that’s some good shit the Russians have.” Cookson exclaimed.

            “I’m taking it.” Green slung the sniper rifle over his back.

            Cookson searched the body and found a couple of magazines and a USP. Cookson tossed the sniper rounds to Green and placed the looted USP into his backpack. As Cookson reached into Yuri’s back pocket, he found a wallet. He opened it and saw a family photo. Yuri was standing beside a woman holding a baby in her hands. Suddenly Cookson thought of Sarah as he looked at the photo.

            “Behind the uniform and body armor is a human with a life. Perhaps a story to tell and a family waiting back home.” Cookson sighed as he closed the wallet.

            “I know what you mean.” Green nodded quietly.

            Cookson took the wallet and placed it into his backpack. He stood up and looked at May and the others preparing their ropes.

            “Why are you taking the wallet?” Green asked curiously.

            “If his family is waiting back home, they deserve to know. It’s better to let them know Yuri died a hero than disappear or go missing in action.” Cookson explained.

            “Huh?” Green scratched his head.

            “Don’t worry. When you have a family of your own, you would understand all of this.” Cookson patted Green on the back.

            “It’s good being single. I don’t have to worry that much like you do.” Green joked.

            “Let’s regroup.” Cookson turned away from the body and jogged towards May.

            “Alright, let’s wait for Forester’s team.” May looked at her watch.

            “Okay.” Robertson took out his water bottle and took a sip.

            “Forester, this is May here. Area is secure. One hostile escaped into the shaft.” May reported on the RaidComm.

            “Roger that May. I’m glad you have secured the area. We will track them down together. ETA three minutes. Forester out.” Forester ended the RaidComm transmission.

            “Good work people, Forester seems impressed.” May complimented.

            “That’s how the Aussies do it.” Robertson clapped.

            “Of course.” May laughed.

Erazi, Kandahar, Afghanistan

Russian Communications Outpost

April 21, 2001

1145 Local Time

            “What do we do Nikolai?” Timothy listened to the speakers as Nikolai stood behind him.

            “We already lost a Russian soldier.” Miller added.

            “We’ll send a team to assist.” Nikolai evaluated his options.

            “What team?” Dimitri walked into the room as he overheard the conversation.

            “Sir, it seems like the UNSC has engaged our soldiers.” Nikolai reported.

            “One casualty so far that we heard.” Miller pointed at the speakers.

            “Shall we send in a team to assist Dimitri?” Nikolai asked.

            Dimitri rubbed his chin and frowned. He had dispatched two teams already and the progress was nominal. In fact, he had no idea what the status of Vladamir’s team or Sasha’s team was. All he knew was that one Russian is dead or perhaps more.

            “No, we’ll wait and see what the UNSC has in their sleeves.” Dimitri concluded.

            “Sir, those are our men out there, not local militia.” Nikolai pointed out.

            “I understand Sergeant, but in the best interests of keeping our competitive edge, we must conserve our forces and summon when the time is right.” Dimitri reasoned.

            “Yes sir.” Nikolai nodded and shut his mouth.

            “Any more questions?” Dimitri asked.

            “No sir.” Nikolai shook his head.

            “Marines?” Dimitri asked.

            “I have one.” Timothy raised his hand.

            “Speak.” Dimitri prompted.

            “Dimitri, do you have any plans for Reid’s team?” Timothy asked.

            “The cover Reid has is valuable and will be useful when the time comes.” Dimitri answered briskly.

            “Time?” Timothy raised an eyebrow.

            “No need to worry marine, we have it all planned out.” Dimitri assured.

            “Okay.” Timothy nodded and pretended to understand.

            “Gentlemen, let’s get back to work.” Dimitri pointed at the desk and walked inside an office.

            “I don’t trust him.” Miller whispered to Timothy as he sat down in his desk.

            “Just wait it out and see.” Timothy whispered back and put on his headset.

UNSCDF2 Chapter 4- A New Challenge

Kandahar Air Base, Kandahar, Afghanistan

Fire Team Kilo’s Camp

April 6, 2001

1600 Local Time

        Staff Sergeant Ryan Sears brushed his mustache as he adjusted his sunglasses. He had been deployed at Afghanistan with his Fire Team for more than three months sitting and doing nothing. It was nice that a Pelican carrying two squads of marines came here and brought back liveliness a few days ago. His team was given the duty to offer accommodation and necessary support to aid in the search for a covert research facility.

            “Sir.” a young dark skinned marine drove up beside Sears on a Mongoose.

            “Private Hariprasad, any news?” Sears watched as Hariprasad exited the Mongoose.

            “No Staff Sergeant.” Hariprasad reported.

            “Let’s hope Echo or Jackal got something.” Sears watched as two Mongooses sped down the roads towards them.

            “Well, it’s sand and dust out there.” Hariprasad kicked the ground.

            “Get inside and get some rest Private.” Sears pointed at a big tent behind him.

            “Sir.” Hariprasad nodded and walked off.

            Sears squinted his eyes as the incoming Mongooses reflected sunlight to his eyes. Frederick got off her vehicle while Green and Robertson exited their Mongoose. Sears saluted Frederick and watched her remove a duffle bag from the rear seat of her Mongoose.

            “What’s that ma’am?” Sears looked curious.

            “Oh, just our reconnaissance gear.” Frederick turned and smiled.

            “We’ll take that Lieutenant.” Green walked up beside Frederick and offered help.

            “Thanks. Get inside and get hydrated.” Frederick handed Green the bag and swiped sweat off her forehead.

            “Understood.” Robertson thanked and walked off with Green.

            “Echo back yet?” Frederick looked around.

            “Nope. I heard they went to the city. They should be back in less than ten minutes.” Sears replied as he looked at his watch.

            “Let me contact them.” Frederick walked over to the Mongoose and wore her helmet.

            “Echo, this is Jackal, come in over.” Frederick spoke to the RaidComm communications built inside the helmet.

      Frederick waited for a few minutes when suddenly she heard gunshots coming from the communications.

            “Jackal, this is Echo. We are currently engaging local militia who thinks we’re responsible for the outbreak.” Casey replied on the RaidComm.

            “Militia?” Frederick asked.

            “Militia, stragglers, hostiles, terrorists…you name it.” Casey replied.

            “Do you need assistance Echo?” Frederick perked her eye.

            “That won’t be necessary Lieutenant.” Casey replied.

            “How many hostiles are you fighting?” Frederick asked.

            “I’d say there must be at least thirty of them.” Casey reported.

            “Thirty? How many UNSC marines?” Frederick widened her eyes.

            “Six including me. Don’t worry Lieutenant, we’ve got Zyrok and Forester here. They are no match for the UNSC.” Casey replied with enthusiasm.

            “Copy that, stay safe. Jackal out.” Frederick shut off the communications.

         Something in Frederick told her that she should bring some marines just for backup. A High Command officer was present and it would be nice to show that Jackal Squadron was different.

            “Staff Sergeant, I’m going to need one of your men to show us the way.” Frederick commanded.

            “Yes ma’am. Anything else?” Sears asked.

            “A Warthog with a turret should suffice.” Frederick answered.

            “You got it.” Sears acknowledged and headed inside the tent.

            Frederick walked to Jackal Squadron’s tent and saw her marines relaxing on their seats.

            “Officer on deck!” May shouted.

            All the marines stood up and looked at Frederick.

            “At east marines. May, Cookson, and Christopher, come with me.” Frederick exited the tent.

            As Frederick exited the tent, she saw a Warthog drive towards them.

            “Private Austin Hariprasad at your service.” the driver greeted.

            Sears got out of the passenger seat and saluted Frederick.

            “All fuelled up and ready for action.” Sears reported.

        “Excellent. May, get on the turret. Cookson and Christopher, take a Mongoose.” Frederick delegated the tasks.

            “Got it Lieutenant.” May climbed on the Warthog and readied the turret.

            Cookson and Christopher hurried off to a nearby Mongoose and turned on the ignition. Cookson got on the driver’s seat while Christopher sat in the back. Feeling ready, Frederick climbed into the passenger’s seat on the Warthog.

            “Let’s roll!” Forester pointed forward.

Haji Aziz, Kandahar, Afghanistan

Safdar Kalay District

April 6, 2001

1730 Local Time

            “Suppressive fire two o’clock!” Casey shouted as bullets whizzed past him.

            “Covering!” Foo stepped out from an abandoned car and sprayed with his M16.

            “Captain! We need to get out of here!” Taylor sniped a shooter on the roof with his MSG-9.

            “Alright marines. Head into the buildings, we’ll get cover there.” Zyrok pointed at a ruined building behind them.

            “Sir, what about the Warthog?” Casey pointed at their troop transport Warthog in the middle of the road.

            “Forget it.” Zyrok shook his head.

            “Lance Corporal Simon, get ready to move.” Forester yelled from her cover.

            The streets were a mess. The exchange of gunfire had taken out all zombies in the vicinity. The only thing left was humans fighting each other.

            “On my mark in three…two…one!” Zyrok waved his hand and shouted.

            “Cover!” Casey pumped his Sega-20 shotgun into the buildings that had armed men shooting at them.

            The marines got out of their cover as Casey and Foo covered. Foo watched at the rooftop and noticed a man armed with a RPG.

            “RPG! Get down!” Foo shouted.

            The man fired and the missile smashed into their Warthog and created a massive explosion. Just as Simon was sprinting towards cover, debris from the Warthog smashed into his head and decapitated him.

            “Man down!” Zyrok slid across the coarse pavement into cover.

            “Cover Casey and Foo!” Forester commanded as she fired her USP at some militia.

            Taylor steadied his MSG-9 and aimed. Pacing his breathing, Taylor was able to snipe off distant shooters. Casey saw the cover fire and waved at Foo.

            “Now!” Casey hollered.

            The pair quickly got out of cover and sprinted towards Zyrok’s position. Casey ran a bit faster than Foo and turned around just in time to see a bullet pierce Foo’s left leg.

            “Gah!” Foo cried as he fell to the ground.

            Casey pulled out his Lock 17 sidearm and fired randomly as he ran up beside Foo. He grabbed Foo’s flak jacket and dragged him into the building whilst shooting with one hand.

            “Everyone inside now!” Zyrok shouted as he went inside the building.

            “Taylor and Casey, watch the entrance!” Forester commanded as she approached the injured Foo.

            “We’re pinned.” Zyrok reloaded his Desert Fox.

            “It’s a flesh wound.” Foo winced in pain as Forester wrapped bandages to his leg.

            “We need to find a way out.” Zyrok looked inside the building.

            “I’ll take a look around.” Forester volunteered.

            “RPG!” Casey yelled as he ran from the entrance.

            Taylor spun around and ran behind Casey. In less than a few seconds, the wall behind them exploded as the missile smashed into the building. Zyrok saw time slow down as his men flew in the air followed by a gust of dust sweep into the building. Zyrok coughed as a surge of hear swept over him. Gunshots resonated in the background and the sound of his marines yelling brought Zyrok back to focus.

            “Medic!” Casey hollered.

            “Taylor!” Foo crouched beside an unconscious Taylor.

            “Fall back!” Zyrok watched as figures entered the building armed with AK47s.

           Zyrok fired his pistol at the figures whilst Casey and Foo lifted Taylor up and dragged him to the back of the building. He paused for a moment to think. Zyrok was certain that sooner or later that they would all get killed before they even found the research facility.

            “This is Echo Squad requesting any UNSC reinforcements. We’re pinned down at a building in the Safdar Kalay District. Anyone copy?” Zyrok spoke on the RaidComm as he ran backwards while firing.

            Zyrok unclipped a frag grenade from his belt and threw it behind him. A small bang shook the ground and Zyrok went into a room with his marines.

            “This is worse than zombies.” Foo reloaded his M16.

            “This is Echo, any UNSC personnel copy? We have casualties and request backup.” Zyrok broadcasted on the RaidComm.

            “They’re coming in.” Casey spoke to Forester as he saw a group of militia run into the building.

            “This is it people. Our last stand, let’s give them hell.” Forester cocked her USP.

            Zyrok nodded to his men and smiled. It had been quite a career for him and ultimately every path ended somewhere. Zyrok heard gunshots firing outside and he could see bullets ripping through the door. A minute of silence followed and Zyrok aimed his gun at the door. The door opened slowly and a gun barrel protruded.

            “Let’s do it boss.” Casey nodded as he steadied his gun.

            “It’s been a great honor.” Zyrok turned to look at his men.

            Forester smiled at Zyrok and muttered something under her breath. Zyrok looked at Taylor unconscious beside Forester and looked at Foo. Foo looked at his leg and grinned at Zyrok.

            “Fire!” Zyrok shouted as the door swung open.