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 12- Taking Care of Each Other

Downtown Kandahar, Kandahar, Afghanistan

British Embassy

May 11, 2001

1205 Local Time

        “Not a bad day after all.” Zyrok looked at a stockpile of canned goods in a small closet.

        “Take everything?” Sarah picked up a can of tinned hotdogs.

        “Not all, but some. These canned foods are heavy and decrease our speed.” Zyrok looked at a shelf full of tinned vegetables.

        “Alright.” Sarah grabbed three cans and stuffed it into her backpack.

        Zyrok did the same except he got five cans. Sarah looked at Zyrok and grinned as she grabbed one more can into her backpack.

        “Not so greedy now…” Zyrok teased.

        “That one was for you…since you eat a lot.” Sarah reasoned.

        “Oh…calling me fat now eh?” Zyrok shot an evil glare.

        A clatter was heard outside the closet and Zyrok quickly spun around gun ready. He motioned for Sarah to stay quiet and he slowly stuck his head out the closet. A zombie was walking aimlessly in the room kicking over broken bottles. Zyrok charged out of the room to attack the zombie when suddenly he slipped on some papers which happened to be in his way. He fell to the ground with a loud thud and the zombie immediately headed for him. Before Zyrok could get a clean shot at the zombie, the zombie had pounced onto the marine and clawed at his chest. A few pieces of fabric got ripped from the flak jacket as the zombie attempted to reveal Zyrok’s organs. Zyrok elbowed one arm away and kicked the zombie in the stomach. This only enraged the zombie making it harder for Zyrok to get back on his feet. The flak jacket was deteriorating rapidly as the zombie went on a clawing rampage.

        “Argh!” Zyrok cursed as he tried to block the hits.

        Zyrok knew he was going to die and all it took was one normal zombie to catch him off guard. He attempted to pull out his kukri, but only got it knocked away from his hands. A shadow casted over Zyrok and Zyrok looked up. Sarah swung the golf club sideways into the cheekbones of the flesh-eating monster sending its lower jaw flying off. The zombie looked up at Sarah and roared with fury. Taking advantage of the opportunity, Zyrok manipulated the zombie’s center of gravity and tossed it aside. He made a quick dash for the kukri and impaled the blade into its right eye.

        “Thanks Sarah.” Zyrok panted.

        “You…” Sarah pointed at Zyrok’s chest as he stood up.

        Zyrok looked at his chest and saw blood dripping off the body armor. He touched his chest and winced in pain as the adrenaline wore off. Sarah looked at Zyrok with concerned eyes and held her weapon waiting to strike.

        “Sarah, I’m alright.” Zyrok sat down to rest.

        “Zyrok…you…” Sarah held the club firmly in her hands.

        “I need to rest.” Zyrok breathed deeply.

        “You are going to turn aren’t you?” Sarah looked with worried eyes.

        “The blood not transmitted directly. Besides, I had my shot of nanites.” Zyrok touched his chest to examine for internal injuries.

        “Huh?” Sarah was confused.

        “The UNSC has a technology to fight the virus. It’s expensive and hard to make. I was fortunate enough to get a shot.” Zyrok explained slowly.

        “Will you turn?” Sarah pointed at the dead zombie corpse beside them.

        “No Sarah, I won’t. But, I still need to get patched up. After all, I can still bleed to death.” Zyrok removed his flak jacket slowly.

        Upon closer inspection, the chest had a moderate amount of swelling and some open cuts. Zyrok knelt to one knee and opened his backpack. He rummaged through the contents and found a roll of bandages.

        “Help me.” Zyrok lifted up his shirt.

        Blood that once dried underneath the shirt was wiped off making the wounds open again.

        “Ahh…” Zyrok looked at his chest as blood oozed out.

        “What can I do?” Sarah took the bandages from Zyrok.

        “Wrap it over my chest. Wrap it tight to apply pressure.” Zyrok directed.

       Sarah unrolled the bandages and began to wrap it around Zyrok’s bloody chest. After the first layer was applies, what was once a white cloth had now turned to a dark shade of red. Carefully, Sarah began to wrap a second later when it ran out.

        “Any more in my backpack?” Zyrok held the loose end of the bandage for Sarah.

        “I don’t think so…” Sarah emptied out the contents in Zyrok’s backpack.

        “Ok, clip on the safety pin and hold the bandage in place.” Zyrok handed a safety pin from the package of the medical supply.

        “Ok.” Sarah replied quietly.

        Slowly and carefully, Sarah clipped the safety pin from the loose end and attached it to the dressings.

        “There, I’m done.” Sarah turned to face Zyrok.

        “Thank you Sarah.” Zyrok flipped his shirt down.

        Zyrok touched his chest and felt a soft layer of medical dressing. Feeling satisfied, he got up to his feet and placed all the supplies back into his backpack.

        “This?” Sarah held up the damaged flak jacket.

        “No, I don’t need it any more. It’s no good.” Zyrok took the flak jacket and tossed it aside.

        “Oh okay.” Sarah looked at the armor on the ground.

        “Let’s get going. We need to find medical supplies too now.” Zyrok looked at the blood marks on the ground.

        The pair exited the room simultaneously and went on to the next room. The room was similar to the previous room they were in except everything was in perfect order as if no one had touched it.

        “Shame…” Zyrok laughed.

        “What?” Sarah raised an eyebrow.

        “A perfect room in good condition. After we loot it, it will be just the same as the other rooms.” Zyrok walked to a desk and opened the drawers.

       “Maybe we can find things that weren’t looted.” Sarah walked to a metal cabinet mounted on the wall.

        “Perhaps…” Zyrok removed the drawer and dumped the contents on the desk.

        Paper, pens, and coins rolled on the desk and fell onto the ground. Nothing useful was there for the plucking so Zyrok cleared the desk by pushing everything to the ground. He continued to proceed with the next drawer. One by one, the drawers in the desk were emptied onto the desk and later tossed to the ground like all junk.

        “Nothing useful.” Zyrok sighed in frustration.

        “I found some antibiotics.” Sarah held a small bottle of white capsules.

        “That’s good. I think I need a few pills for my chest.” Zyrok studied the medical ingredients marked on the bottle.

        “Here, I’ll go look at the other things.” Sarah gave the bottle to Zyrok and resumed her search.

        Zyrok read the application label and popped open the lid. He grabbed two pills out and tossed them into his mouth and swallowed it.

        “Done, thanks for finding this.” Zyrok placed the bottle into his backpack and watched Sarah.

        “Yeah, no problem.” Sarah replied without turning her head.

        “Hey Sarah…” Zyrok walked to a drawer beside him.

        “Yeah?” Sarah continued searching.

        “Do you think we will be found?” Zyrok turned his head.

        “I don’t know. Why do you ask?” Sarah tossed useless items to the ground.

        “I don’t know…I just don’t know.” Zyrok resumed his search in deep thought.

        “You are a soldier, I think they can find you.” Sarah replied innocently.

        “I am…” Zyrok nodded.

        Zyrok knew he shouldn’t give up hope. Sarah had been in this position for sometime and he needed to be strong for her and his own sake. He bit his lip and continued to search without saying anything for the next five minutes.

        “You okay Zyrok?” Sarah turned to look at Zyrok.

        “I’m fine, thanks for asking.” Zyrok smiled and closed his hands into a fist.

Erazi, Kandahar, Afghanistan

Russian Communications Outpost

May 11, 2001

1300 Local Time

        Dimitri stood behind two soldiers looking at their computers whilst talking on their headsets.

        “Status report.” Dimitri crossed his arms.

        “Captain Dima’s forces have engaged the UNSC.” one soldier took off his headset and looked at Dimitri.

        “And…” Dimitri asked impatiently for the results.

        “A victory sir. Although we lost two scout choppers, it was sufficient enough to wipe out the ship and its entire crew before the rest of Dima’s men got there.” the soldier answered.

        “Any survivors?” Dimitri smiled evilly.

        “A few stragglers in the sea. One that we found was a big fish…” the soldier looked at his desk and pulled out a piece of paper.

        “Oh?” Dimitri raised an eyebrow.

        “A Captain Blake. I’m guessing he was the captain of the ship.” the soldier handed the paper over to Dimitri.

        “Very good work. Inform Dima of his excellent work. Tell him to bring the prisoners over here for interrogation.” Dimitri ordered.

       “Yes sir.” the soldier placed his headset and resumed typing on his computer.

        “The UNSC is in my hands again…this time it won’t be that easy for them to escape.” Dimitri grinned.

        “What’s that sir?” the soldier removed his headset.

        “It’s nothing. Get to your business. I want this settled as soon as possible.” Dimitri waved the soldier away.

        The soldier nodded silently and immediately turned to his computer to relay Dimitri’s orders. Dimitri glanced at the two soldiers and stormed off down the halls without saying another word.

UNSCDF3 Chapter 10- Full Assault

Downtown Kandahar, Kandahar, Afghanistan

British Embassy

May 11, 2001

0750 Local Time

            Zyrok woke up groggily and wiped his eyes. He got off the ground and looked at Sarah curled up next to the wall. It was still early for Sarah to wake up, so Zyrok decided to check his backpack’s contents. Food supplies were dwindling and Zyrok knew they had to keep searching. After half an hour, Sarah slowly opened her eyes and yawned.

            “Get a good sleep?” Zyrok asked.

            “Not really…ground was too hard.” Sarah pulled out her bag of potato chips from her pocket.

            Zyrok sat down beside her and removed the bottle of soda from his backpack.

            “This is the only one left so we have to share.” Zyrok handed Sarah the drink.

            “Here, have some.” Sarah handed her bag of chips.

            In a few minutes of sharing, the pair had finished their looted food from the day before and knew they had to continue searching to survive. Zyrok walked to the door and slowly unlocked it. He pulled out his kukri and gently pushed the door wide open. The halls were partially illuminated by the rising sun, but most corners remained in the dark.

            “Come on, let’s go.” Zyrok whispered.

            Sarah picked up her golf club and clutched it with both hands as Zyrok approached a locked room with an access panel. He reached into his pocket and swiped the looted ID card on the panel. A green light lit up and the sounds of the locks releasing could be heard. Zyrok opened the door and realized that it was not a room, but a corridor.

            “Watch my back.” Zyrok walked into the corridor with Sarah and the door clicked shut.

            “I remember this…” Sarah touched the walls.

            “What do you remember?” Zyrok stopped in his tracks to listen.

            “They were in and we were evacuated. We ran together, but something happened.” Sarah stared at the end of the corridor where it turned left and right.

            “What happened?” Zyrok looked at where Sarah was staring.

            “They didn’t follow. They told me to go or else we all wouldn’t make it.” Sarah pointed at the end of the corridor.

            “Who are they?” Zyrok walked towards the end of the corridor slowly.

            “My…parents.” Sarah felt her eyes water.

            “I’m sorry.” Zyrok quickly replied apologetically.

            “And I never saw them ever since…” Sarah sighed deeply.

            “Maybe they made it out alive.” Zyrok attempted to bring hope back into Sarah.

            “And they haven’t found me?” Sarah countered.

            Zyrok knew deep down that Sarah’s parents most likely did not survive the outbreak due to the fact that most people didn’t survive the initial pandemic and Zyrok was one of the lucky ones. A majority of Zyrok’s friends and family had perished, but he didn’t give up. His determination to find Sarah focused him and gave him the strength to face his fears. A couple of days before, he was looking for a purpose in life. Now he was taking care of a girl who he has never met and carried the name Sarah.

            “Afghanistan is a big place Sarah. Maybe they haven’t found you yet.” Zyrok reassured.

            Zyrok knelt down beside a corpse wearing body armor and flipped it over. A bullet hole was visible in the center of the forehead with parts of the flesh decayed over time. He removed the flak jacket and placed it onto himself. After strapping the body armor nice and snug to his chest, Zyrok pointed at the first open room that was missing its door.

            “Quiet…I see something.” Zyrok raised his SA80 and pointed his flashlight at a figure hanging from the ceiling.

            The flashlight revealed a zombie with a rope tied around its neck. It was still alive as it waved its arms at Zyrok attempting to eat the living.

            “Sarah, hand me the golf club.” Zyrok stuck out his hand.

            “Here.” Sarah presented the club.

            “Look away.” Zyrok held the club firmly with both hands.

            Sarah had a general idea of what Zyrok was about to do. She turned her head and heard the zombie growling. Zyrok swung the weapon at the zombie’s head twice with blunt force and saw pieces of its skull chip off. With one last hit, the club had cracked the skull in half and the zombie became lifeless.

            “Ok, you can look now.” Zyrok patted Sarah’s shoulders.

            Sarah spun around and looked around the room. A stool was flipped over which may indicate it was used for the person to hang themselves.

            “Here, hold on to this.” Zyrok handed the golf club back to Sarah.

            Sarah took the club with one hand and walked around the room. She opened a drawer and began to quickly search the contents. Again, she found nothing useful and sighed in frustration. Zyrok, on the other hand, seemed to have found a small stash of supplies. He uncovered two bottles of water and a large bag of potato chips.

            “You’re lucky.” Sarah exclaimed as she eyed the looted supplies.

            “Don’t worry, you find something sooner of later.” Zyrok smiled with optimism.

            Zyrok gave Sarah a bottle of water and the bag of chips. Then, he placed the other water bottle into his backpack.

            “Let’s go.” Zyrok walked to the door and glanced at the dead zombie hanging from the ceiling.

            Sarah picked up her backpack and slung it to her back and quickly exited out the room with Zyrok.

Arabian Sea, Coast of Karachi, Pakistan

UNSC Perth

May 11, 2001

0755 Local Time

            Frederick woke up to the sound of alarms blaring and flashing red lights. Explosions could be heard from outside the room. She looked out the small window and saw explosions in the water.

           “Attention all marines, we are under attack. Repeat, we are under attack!” Stewart’s voice sounded on the speakers.

            Frederick rushed out of her quarters and quickly made her way to the bridge, she noticed the windows were shot out and a few bodies on the ground.     

            “Glad you’re still in one piece Lieutenant.” Blake rushed from a computer with blood dripping from his face.

            “What’s going on?” Frederick looked out the windows.

            “Two Mi-24 choppers attacking the ship.” Blake pointed to the right of the ship.

            “Russians?” Frederick looked as the choppers circled around.

            “I presume.” Blake ran to a computer and typed something.

            “Captain, missiles inbound!” Stewart shouted.

            “Flak rounds!” Blake pointed.

            The flak cannon turned and fired into the sky. Since there were two choppers, the number of missiles flying towards UNSC Perth increased. Although some missiles got taken out, a majority missed the flak rounds.

            “Launch countermeasures.” Blake ordered.

            “Launching!” Stewart hit the buttons.

            A couple of flares shot up into the sky and diverted a few missiles, but three missiles continued its course. The first one slammed into the tip of the ship and left a small crater while the second and third missiles impacted the flak cannon and blew it to oblivion. The ship shook sideways in the water as the shockwave from the explosions spread throughout the ship. Frederick watched as marines frantically attempted to put out the fire on the ship deck while a couple of marines were using the mounted M60 turrets in an attempt to take down the attack choppers.

            “Attention all marines, this is the Captain. Use whatever weapons we have to take down the helicopters!” Blake spoke on the speakers.

            Frederick watched as the twin GAU-19 guns turned and fired at the choppers. The Russians were smart and split their formation so that they were coming from both sides.

            “Autocannons!” Blake shouted at Stewart.

            “On it.” Stewart rushed to a console.

            Two cannons on each side of the ship turned and fired explosive rounds into the sky. The Russians retaliated by unleashing a barrage of missiles and a hail of armor piercing rounds.

            “Counter it with what we have Stewart.” Blake pushed the ship throttle forward.

            “Flares and missiles left. Firing everything.” Stewart reported.

            The ship’s defenses attempted to take out the threat, but it was greatly outnumbered. Two missiles slammed into the mid-section of the ship creating a massive hole and two more missiles hit the twin GAU-19 guns. UNSC Perth was up in flames and smoke after the Russian assault.

            “Hull integrity at forty percent. Engine rooms one and two are flooded.” Stewart reported.

            Suddenly, Dau and another marine ran into the bridge.

            “Captain, major casualties on all levels sir.” Dau reported.

            “Dau, take your marines and Frederick’s team off this ship.” Blake assessed the situation.

            “Sir?” Dau looked at a Blake and a frozen Frederick.

            “Get to the Falcon now!” Blake shouted as the Mi-24 choppers fired their missiles again.

UNSCDF3 Chapter 8- Not as Easy Surviving

Downtown Kandahar, Kandahar, Afghanistan

British Embassy

May 10, 2001

1800 Local Time

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

            “Hmm…” Zyrok studied.

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

            “Nice.” Zyrok complimented.

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

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

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

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

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

            “Do you know what happened?” Zyrok asked.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

            “Huh…” Sarah stared blankly at the door.

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

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

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

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

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

            Sarah turned her head and licked her lips.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

            “Stay close.” Zyrok waved behind him.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

            “Here.” Sarah handed Zyrok the bag.

            “Thanks.” Zyrok took the bag.

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

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

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

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

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

Arabian Sea, Coast of Karachi, Pakistan

UNSC Perth

May 10, 2001

1810 Local Time

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

*          *          *

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

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

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

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

            “Yeah.” Stewart turned the Falcon left.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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