NationStates Jolt Archive

OOC: This is for people who signed up in the other thread, its still open as long as you track down the sign-up and post there first.

IC:

(2018)
‘Saviors in the Shadows: The True Story of the Shenyangi Alfa Teams’ (Documentary):

Shenyang has dealt with the undead for centuries, in all that time the people had become quite adept at dealing with the occasional undead outbreak. That is widely believed to be why the events of ten years ago were so disasterous. A nation full of people who knew what to do, but who were unprepared for the kind of outbreak they encountered.

As we all remember, the Shenyangi response was entirely appropriate to the situation. Unfortunately, the response came too late. The afflicted had already spread the disease over an area too large and loosely defined for an effective military response.

The events we will chronicle in this documentary took place during the second half of the worst recorded undead outbreak in world history. The government saw the need for foreign assistance to save what remained of Shenyang, what they devised, was the Alfa Team…

IC: The Present Day

Outbreak Containment Command (Shenyang):

The situation in Shenyang couldn’t have been more critical. The entire Northwest defensive sector was completely red, the reports coming in from the containment line was getting more frantic as each minute passed. The radio kept relaying messages from the lines as things got worse and worse.

“Checkpoint Sierra-051, we’re gonna be overrun! Requesting immediate air support! GET US SOME GOD DAMNED… BISENTI! ON THE LEFT! GET US CHOPPERS OVER HERE RIGHT NOW!”

The messages coming in were all the same, too many afflicted, too few soldiers to contain them. The Outbreak Containment Center (OCC) chalked a flight of gunships over to the embattled checkpoint, for all the good it’d do.

__
Alfa Team HQ: Ft. Jackson: 50 miles from Line of Containment:

The commanding officer of the newly formed ALFA Teams was pacing back and forth. He was getting the reports from OCC, and his units were desperately needed to help clear the embattled sectors. Here he was standing in a command room, waiting for that the majority of ALFA Team 1 to arrive.

“Dispatch teams 2, 4, and 7 to Sector Sierra-051, teams 3 and 5 to Sector Sierra-044, and teams 6 and 8 to Sector Sierra-093. All other teams can go to deployment alert, warm up some more Scimitars. Those checkpoints need back-up, and if any point fails, we’re looking at the apocalypse.”

“Yessir.”

A wiry 2nd Lieutenant relayed the message.

The CO looked out the window, in time to see the Scimitar dropships take off.

“We need the rest of the team Alex, and we need them now.”

The CO was talking to his second-in-command, it was obvious from his voice that he was reaching his breaking point, that he was losing hope.

“I know Nikolai, I know, they’ll be here soon.”

Nikolai didn’t say anything, he merely nodded.

“We should get ready.”

“You’re right, Liuetenant Eversman, keep me appraised of the situation.”

“Of course sir.”

The two men left the room, heading for the exit. Eversman stared after the two men.

“Bravest damned fools I ever met…”

He went back to monitoring radio traffic.

OOC: Let the fun begin!

"Gorobets, if you keep polishing that badge it will fall off," admonished Captain Igor Petersen, the highest-ranking Wolven soldier that would be joining the Alfa teams.
"S-s-sorry sir," yelped PFC Sygiria Gorobets, her hand immediately dropping away from the badge on her beret. "I just want to make a good impression."
"As do I Private," agreed Petersen, "but perhaps we should impress them with our soldiering and not our shiney kit? I'm sure the last thing these people need is parade ground soldiers," he grimaced as he remembered the intel reports that had been fowarded to him. Short of a massive miracle, the nation seemed doomed. "Take your beret off and put your helmet on, I've got a feeling we're going to be needed very quickly." Both soldiers stopped outside of the HQ and folded their berets away into their DPM jackets, then unclipped their helmets from their webbing and put them on their heads.
"Shall I load sir?" Gorobets enquired, trying to keep the nerves from her voice.
"Not yet Private, not yet. But keep all your kit with you." The two Skgorrians had arrived with all the kit on them that they needed to go into the field. Captain Petersen had his AK-101 slung over his shoulder, whilst PFC Gorobets had her PK machine gun in her hands.
"Let's go then," ordered the Captain and both Skgorrians walked into the chaos that was the HQ building.

The three S.T.F. soldiers sat aboard the dropship. It would be their first large-scale non-monitored battle against an Infection like such. They had experience in clearing out housing facilities in bad neighborhoods across the GWO, but never so many hostiles. The team was checking their ammunition, gas mask calibrations, Armor Monitoring Program, and their weapons. They had Heavy-Class Combat Chainsaws strapped to their back, except for the sniper of the team, who had replaced his with a Medium-Class at the last moment. As they put their masks on, the lens turned on, producing a faint but noticable red glow. The lens were shaped like "Mad/Eagle Eyes" for intimidation. They put on their helmets, which were based off of the classic Nazi Germany Wehrmacht design, but made out of enhanced metal, Kevlar, and Boron Carbide. Their uniforms were stark black, with white "S.T.F." printed on the front and back of each vest.

Sky Approaching Outbreak Containment Command, Fort Jackson, Shenyang:

The Black Merlin Helicopter had been flying for around an hour now across the lands that was Shenyang it had been clear when the Vetakan Naval Fleet had arrived that Shenyang was a land stained in blood and destruction of the undead. The Black Merlin via its attached CCTV Cameras had been sending live footage back to the Fleet, Vetakan Defence Force High Command and the OBSAT PDA's of the Vetakan Alfa Team. Commanded by Captain Richard Sharpe codenamed "Zulu Alpha" he and his two man team would as per Shenyang Protocal do what it could to stem the massive outbreak that had gripped the once prosperous nation.

Vetakan Defence Force High Command was extremely concerned regarding the Shenyang crisis and although the Shenyang had refused the initial Vetakan Offer of 2000 Troops and 20 Ships the Vetakan Department of Foreign Affairs was doing what it could persuade the Shenyang. Furthermore although the Vetakan Command and Cabinet would refuse to comment on the subject rumor had it that President Pearce had already made a number of late night phone calls to leaders of the United Federation of Allied Nations and the QC regarding a "Final Solution" possibility of using Nuclear Ballistical Weapons to stem and destroy the virus however these where mearly rumors for now Vetaka would commit its best men these three men, the three heroes.

Eventually the Merlin desended and landed its rotors kicking up dust on the makeshift landing pad, the helicopters side doors opened and three kit laiden heavily armed men exited the Helicopter which rose back into the sky and sped away. Entering the chaos of the command building was in his element:

"Harper find us a base room, Harris a nice drink would be nice?"

"Sir" came a number of replies.

Sharpe made his way through the Command Building finding his way eventually to the Command Room entering he immediately snapped to attention at the sight of his Commanding Officers as orderd by the VDF High Command:

"Sir, Captain Richard Sharpe, Zulu Alpha Commanding Officer of the Vetakan Alfa Team attached to VSIS Paranormal Investigations under the Command of Vetakan Defence Force Special Operations Command. Me, my team, and my nation are here to help, Sir. I request operational order Sir?"

Air Space over the Outbreak Containment Command

The Osprey VTOL raored to a landing, dropping its ramp and disgorging is single ocupant. Edward harrison stood on the hard cement of the landing pad, taking in hi surroundings before slining his rifle over his shoulder. He casually walked towards the nearest building, trying to appear at ease even though his mind was screaming at him to be ready for anything.

FSS Valkyrie Blade LAC-23, 1000 Zulu
The three Marines that walked into the hangar bay were some of the best. As part of the Commonwealth Marine’s Force Recon, they were trained to infiltrate behind enemy lines and fight their way through insurmountable odds. In command of the trio was Gunny Sergeant Jonathan Strauss. A veteran of two wars, he was a tried and true Marine that bled gold and red. At his side stood Corporal Marcus Grant and Private Yvgenni Trosky.

The flight deck of the Marine amphibious carrier was preparing for action. On the forward catapults, two Rafale-M Marine fighters were being prepared for launch. At the size of a WWII era Essex-class carrier, the Valkyrie Blade was capable of landing over 2000 Marines onto any hostile shore. But that was hardly the case for today. On the aft elevator, a UH-1Y Venom and a pair of Supercobras was lifted to the flight deck, its crew and passenger element of three men alongside her. As the helicopter was prepared for launch, the Marines watched as the fighter’s took off on their mission to provide close-air support. The helicopter was readied and the three men piled in. The engines began to whine, and the three man fireteam piled in.

Switching on an overhead boombox, Corporal Grant began Jimi Hendrix's "Voodoo Child." As the helicopter lifted off, he began to air-guitar to the song on his XM-8 sniper rifle.

"Corporal...?" the Gunny began.

"Sir, I've played this at the start of every operation, and we've always come back," Grant answered.

Ft. Jackson

The helicopter approached the fort, recieving permission to land on one of the many helipads. In true combat fashion, the Huey zoomed up to almost a thousand feet before nosing down in an almost-vertical dive. At about thirty feet it leveled out and landed lightly on the ground. The Supercobras made one final orbit before returning to the carrier.

"Semper fi!" one of the crewchiefs of the Huey told them as the Marines exited.

"C'mon you sorry sonsabitches," the Gunny growled, "Y' wanna live forever?!"

Nikolai Kupchenko and Alex Marshall walked out to meet the incoming soldiers. They were clad in Urban Digital camouflage gear, covered with tan body armor vests. They pulled off their helmets and looked at the assembly of soldiers before them.

"If there ever was a motlier..."

"I know Alex, I know."

They stopped the soldiers outside in the HQ lobby. They started with standard introductions, everyone ought to know who they're working for.

"Alright, for those of you who've never met us, which is most of you, we ought to introduce ourselves. I'm your commanding officer, Captain Nikolai Dmitri Kupchenko, tac-name: Talisman. If you have any questions about this operation, then ask me or my XO."

The younger man spoke up now.

"Alexander Marshall, 1st Lieutenant. I'll be your XO, any of you who out-rank me try pulling rank if I give you an order, and I'll ensure you don't do it again. You can refer to me by my tac-name: Joker."

Captain 'Talisman' gestured for the members already on-site to follow him, and for 'Joker' to wait for the stragglers.

"We'll be heading for the briefing room, once we have most of the members here, we'll begin. Feel free to talk amongst yourselves while we wait, if you have any questions, feel free to ask."

Sergeant First Class Kal Elpoon had been delayed in his flight from Drosk, and then he had had more problems trying to get his military class gear into the foreign nation. Damn the government for not just sending a military delegation. He had gotten a cab to take him to the square of this HQ and was now entering with his ruck sack over one shoulder. He saw a good sized assembly and overheard the last few words of the two men standing in the front. Dammit, late again he thought to himself as he tried to join the group non-chalantly... he decided he would stand by the Skgorrians and hope to God he wouldn't get called out on his tardiness...

OOC: lol, Joker an' Talisman ^_^ is HB1 around [clears throat] ok, let's get srious

IC:

"So, who are you?" a random soldier asked the Gunny.

"M!" he shouted.

"Mean as Hell!" he and the other two responded.

"A!"

"All the time!"

"R!"

"Rough n' tough!"

"I!"

"In the mud!"

"N!"

"Never quits!"

"E!"

"Every day!"

"S!"

"Semper fi! Marines, oo-rah!"

Have adequately answered the question, or at least, in the Gunny's mind, he circled his men around him and went over their initial briefing.

"Make no mistake," Strauss reminded them. "We are in the meat grinder here. If in doubt; kill."

OOC: i've never played Marines, so I just had to do that once ^_<

Captain Kupchenko waved nanchalantly to the group before him and headed into the building toward a briefing room.

1Lt. Marshall waited for the stragglers to arrive.

The briefing room, despite the rather haphazard building that served as the HQ, was relatively modern, and included the top-flight Shenyangi technology. A projected display showed the Alfa Team logo. At each seat, there was a small IFF transponder, one for each member of the field unit.

"Take one of those each. It will allow the Shenyangi IFF systems to keep us updated on where you are while in the combat zone. Basically, it's our tracker for when something goes south on us and someone can't be found."

He activated his, on IFF systems he showed up as 'A:Frnd:Talisman' in green.

"This system allows us to avoid mowing any of you down if we call in close air support. Cuts fratricide down substantially, but not perfectly."

"Damn fine system they got here," the Gunny said as he took his.

"Definitely better equipment than we had at Heartbreak," Corporal Grant answered.

"Heartbreak?" PFC Trosky asked as he checked the strap of his XM-8 SAW.

"Before your time, kid," the Gunny answered.

Kash got up after praying, he held the book of Kash under his combat vest and put on his face covering, he loaded his AK-47 and his pistol as he walked in to meet the rest of the team.

OOC: Sorry for being damned late.

The Bellanusian aircraft, a small jet, with military symbols emblazoned across its wings circled the Shenyangi headquarters before touching down. A door in the fuselage opened, and a man of average height stepped leapt to the ground, holding a kitbag and rifle. He was dressed in woodland camo BDU, with his name sewed onto the left chest pocket, "Perrington".

At a run, he moved towards the tent around which a group of figures stood, all armed. The aircraft behind him sped away, on its return journey, meanwhile, as Perrington arrived at the tent he offered an apologetic salute and click of the heel.

"Sorry for being late gentlemen, blame my pilot."

Edward took the IFF tracker and jammed it in his pocket. "I still prefer the good old days when we didn't have these." He muttered.

As they waited, Corporal Grant sung along to the music he was listening to on his mp3 player.

"You mess with her you'll see a man get mean," he sang. "She's my sweet lil' thang-"

Meanwhile, the Gunny was running through fire discipline with Trosky. It wasn't that Strauss didn't trust the plucky PFC, but as the greenest member of the Wyverns, he had to make sure his team worked in a well-coordinated and cohesive unit.

Air Space over the Outbreak Containment Command



The UH-65 Rogue hovered over the pad, and it gently lowered itself to the ground, and as soon as it was stopped, two men stepped out. One of them, had greying hair in some places, but it was still jet black, as was the man's mustache. A person could tell by the man's toughened, hardened looks, that he had fought the undead before, in fact many times. The man's name was John Macked, he was a colonel in the Marine Corps, considered by many in Calizorinstan, the de facto undead fighter.

He motioned for his friend, Steve Bjornnes to step out, who had blonde hair and blue eyes, and Steve had a confident look in every stride, as the two walked toward the building.

Sergeant Garry ‘Gaz’ Collins braced his kit bag with his foot as the helicopter banked hard to the right, the local pilot they had enlisted to take them to the forward base was cheap for a reason. Captain Roger McKenzie on the other hand was engrossed in the scenery; he strained out the side of the helicopter trying to catch a glimpse of the operational area.

“Sir,” called Gaz, pointing out his side of the helicopter at Fort Jackson, “There she is, looks like a shithole.”

“Well,” grumbled McKenzie picking up his kitbag and unbuckling his belt, “Its home for the next few months. When we set down make sure you’ve got everything.”

The helicopter made a crunching sound as the pilot put it down a bit too hard, “End of the line!” shouted the Pilot over his shoulder.

“Cheers,” screamed Gaz as he thrust out of the helicopter, pulling his kit with him. His civilian clothes were almost instantly covered in dust from the landing pad.

“Right,” yelled McKenzie over the roar of the helicopter, “I’m going to go find the briefing room, see if you can find however is in charge of the transit accommodation and get us set up.”

Col.Macked and Lt.Bjornnes strode confidently into the building, and Colonel Macked said to Lieutenant Bjornnes "I am not sure how different these undeads are from the ones I've faced, but always try for a headshot! It will eliminate a zombie in a second!" Steve nodded, and they started to look for the briefing room.

General Jack Granger stood in front of the wall of monitors commonly referred to as 'The World in a Nutshell'; it was a fitting title. It was single most complete display of up-to-the-second events occurring in the world from Credonia to the borders of the Gholgoth Alliance, all courtesy of Dominion Intelligence.

What the General was focusing on, however, was close to home. Extremely close. As in, right across the border. Satellite imagery was showing checkpoint after checkpoint being overrun and Shenyangi forces either routed or consumed. As of 0900 Dominion Standard Time Dominion Defense Force troops were positioned along the RS-Shenyang border.

No action was going to be taken until a full meeting of the Board of the United Defense Directorate was convened to address the threat and decide jointly what was to be done. This revelation was what had Granger thrown into a rage.

He paced back and forth, cursing under his breath as Checkpoint Sierra 050 was in the process of getting overrun. The Dominion's special unit for dealing with the undead, Section 13, was tied up overseeing the border defenses and ensuring the undead stayed out of the country at all costs. However, he had sent for one individual who had not been deployed to the border.

A First Sergeant escorted a tall man in full navy blue body armor; a badge was affixed over the front left chest section. Victor Kirk of the Civil Authority was a police officer and therefore was allowed to remain in the Capital. After repelling a large outbreak in First City and then serving a brief stint in an anti-vampire squad, he was more than happy to return as a simple patrolman. His wish was short-lived.

The General turned, "Officer Kirk, nice to finally meet the man who formally organized and rallied CA forces in First City during the outbreak. As you can see," he gestured to the monitors, "the situation is dire. The Shenyangi military is completely bogged down and our hands are tied until the Board in that damn beurocratic conference decides what to do."

Kirk cocked his head slightly, "Then why am I here General? I'm not under military jurisdiction and my transfer request specifically stated no more undead unless absolutely necessary."

A smile curled the corners of the General's mouth, "Our hands are tied, except for one loophole. The Shenyangi government has put out a formal request for help in the form of small units of special operators. With Section 13 tied up at the border, you're our main man. This is not a debate, and you are to saddle ASAP because the chopper's ready to lift off. Make me proud."

Kirk had to be gently guided toward the armory and then assisted in getting his equipment. It wasn't until he was in the elevator to the roof that it finally hit him and his training kicked in. After years of fighting these things, his emotions were too fried to influence him. Solemnly, he boarded the CH-53K, which lifted off and shot toward the provided coordinates of ALFA Team’s forward operating base.

IC:

Colonel Macked looked around the forward operating building for the Alfa Team, and he whispered to himself "I am back in the job of fighting outbreaks of the inflicted after all these years. But I still know about them, so I should do fine." He hoped that somebody would lead him to the briefing room.

Alex saw John and his partner wondering around. He walked over.

"Long time no see, briefing room is just down the hall, on the left, we're short of time, so we'll catch up later."

He gestured toward the briefing room.

Alex saw John and his partner wondering around. He walked over.

"Long time no see, briefing room is just down the hall, on the left, we're short of time, so we'll catch up later."

He gestured toward the briefing room.

John nodded and said "Thanks, see you later.." He motioned to Steve and they walked down the hall, and entered the briefing room and sat down.

"All right," the Gunny said, "Let's go see what this is all about."

As Trosky fell in step, he noticed that Grant hadn't budged. Strauss went back and ripped one earphone from the Corporal's ear.

"Fall in," the Gunny ordered. "We're going to the briefing."

"Sorry, Gunny," Grant apologized, putting away his mp3 player andshouldering his weapon. "Hey," he added, "Y' think they got some chow for us?"

The two Skgorrians stood for a moment, looking at the soldiers that they would be serving with. Upon seeing the troops from the Free United States, Petersen shuddered.

"What is it sir?" Enquired Gorobets quietly, leaning in close so that they would be heard.

"I thought I heard their pompous posturing as we were waiting in here," spat Petersen as he waved a hand at the marines in a disgusted manner. "If they really were that tough, they wouldn't need to go around yelling 'Mean as Hell'. What's that other nonsense they're on about, 'In the Mud'? I had no idea that being dirty was a prerequisite for being a good soldier. Now look, they've left one of their men behind." He nodded in the direction of the marine listening to a music player and Gorobets let out a giggle before quickly clamping a hand over her mouth.

"Come on," Petersen sighed, "let's get on to the briefing room." Gorobets walked off first, Petersen following behind. As Petersen walked past the Free United States soldier, he heard him ask about food. This was the final straw for Petersen, who had spent his entire career trying to be as professional as possible.

"Stop being such a bloody muppet and move your arse to briefing, you disgrace of a soldier. Are you here to eat or do a job?" Petersen glowered at the soldier, hostility quite evident in his tone of voice and his posture.

IC:

Colonel Macked looked up at the Skigorrians and sighed audibly, and said to Steve "I've known a few Skigorrians in my time, and they're good soldiers. But they can be a bit foul tempered sometimes.." He just kept his cold blue eyes away from the Skigorrians..

The two Skgorrians stood for a moment, looking at the soldiers that they would be serving with. Upon seeing the troops from the Free United States, Petersen shuddered.

"What is it sir?" Enquired Gorobets quietly, leaning in close so that they would be heard.

"I thought I heard their pompous posturing as we were waiting in here," spat Petersen as he waved a hand at the marines in a disgusted manner. "If they really were that tough, they wouldn't need to go around yelling 'Mean as Hell'. What's that other nonsense they're on about, 'In the Mud'? I had no idea that being dirty was a prerequisite for being a good soldier. Now look, they've left one of their men behind." He nodded in the direction of the marine listening to a music player and Gorobets let out a giggle before quickly clamping a hand over her mouth.

"Come on," Petersen sighed, "let's get on to the briefing room." Gorobets walked off first, Petersen following behind. As Petersen walked past the Free United States soldier, he heard him ask about food. This was the final straw for Petersen, who had spent his entire career trying to be as professional as possible.

"Stop being such a bloody muppet and move your arse to briefing, you disgrace of a soldier. Are you here to eat or do a job?" Petersen glowered at the soldier, hostility quite evident in his tone of voice and his posture.

OOC: WTF? this is a game y' know O_o. and you never heard that Marine Corp rhyme. i'm Navy and even i've heard it. btw, if you read th post, he already got up and fell in.


IC:

"Hey," Grant said, wheeling around from his trail position. "I'm a Marine, not a soldier, y' damn grunt."

"Grant," the Gunny said, stepping between him and the Skgorrian soldiers. "Stand down. Save it for the enemy."

"Oo-rah, Gunny," the Corporal answered. "The Corps teaches respect after all."

OOC: WTF? this is a game y' know O_o. and you never heard that Marine Corp rhyme. i'm Navy and even i've heard it. btw, if you read th post, he already got up and fell in.

OOC: Yes it is a game, don't take it personally. I'm assuming you're asking if I've never heard that rhyme? No, never have. I'm not a Yank, and our Marines don't do stuff like that.

Sorry, your post didn't make it clear that he had already gone to the briefing room. Assume he's calling after the soldier. I was simply roleplaying my character, who has spent years proving himself against others to get to where he has now, and at a significant disadvantage to them. Such macho displays would irritate him. Skgorrians tend not to be very tolerant, ask anyone who remembers the Pact of Iron :P

IC:

Petersen laughed at the angry Marine.
"Was calling me a 'grunt' supposed to irritate me?" He chuckled, looking away from the soldier to brush some dust off the SS runes on his jacket in a disinterested manner. "I've been called far worse before, and called people far worse." He looked up and opened his mouth to say more, but the intervention of the NCO made him think better.
"Sir, the briefing room?" Prompted Gorobets, feeling very uneasy about the whole situation.
"Right, right," nodded Petersen, clapping Grant on the shoulder in a friendly manner. "Respect for the strong, that's what they teach us in the Guard, and despite your misgivings you've got to be something if you're here," he grinned in a friendly manner. "See you in there," and with that Petersen and Gorobets walked off, checking gear on their webbing as they went.

OOC: Yes it is a game, don't take it personally. I'm assuming you're asking if I've never heard that rhyme? No, never have. I'm not a Yank, and our Marines don't do stuff like that.

Sorry, your post didn't make it clear that he had already gone to the briefing room. Assume he's calling after the soldier. I was simply roleplaying my character, who has spent years proving himself against others to get to where he has now, and at a significant disadvantage to them. Such macho displays would irritate him. Skgorrians tend not to be very tolerant, ask anyone who remembers the Pact of Iron :P

IC:

Petersen laughed at the angry Marine.
"Was calling me a 'grunt' supposed to irritate me?" He chuckled, looking away from the soldier to brush some dust off the SS runes on his jacket in a disinterested manner. "I've been called far worse before, and called people far worse." He looked up and opened his mouth to say more, but the intervention of the NCO made him think better.
"Sir, the briefing room?" Prompted Gorobets, feeling very uneasy about the whole situation.
"Right, right," nodded Petersen, clapping Grant on the shoulder in a friendly manner. "Respect for the strong, that's what they teach us in the Guard, and despite your misgivings you've got to be something if you're here," he grinned in a friendly manner. "See you in there," and with that Petersen and Gorobets walked off, checking gear on their webbing as they went.


Colonel Macked eyed the two Skgorrians with some interest, then checked the magazine on his Hali-53, and started to write in his notebook for a future auto-biography.

Steve meanwhile looked around and he said "I wish that they'd hurry up and come and brief us!"

OOC: where are you that Marines don't do that?

"Let it go, comrade," the Gunny said, placing a hand on his shoulder.

"'You've gotta be something if you're here,'" Grant mocked. "Doesn't he know that all soldiers are equally inferior to Marines?"

With that, the Wyverns resumed their walk towards the briefing room.

IC:

Col.John Macked noticed the Wyverns entering the briefing room and he stood up, his blue eyes sparkling with a mix of joy and sadness, and he said in a calm, serious voice "I am Colonel John Macked, and this is my colleague Lieutenant Steve Bjornnes.."

"Gunnery Sergeant Jonathan Strauss," the Gunny introduced himself with a salute. "This is Corporal Marcus Grant and PFC Yvgenni Trosky. We're the Wyverns, Charlie Company, 6th Battalion, 3rd Marines."

"Gunnery Sergeant Jonathan Strauss," the Gunny introduced himself with a salute. "This is Corporal Marcus Grant and PFC Yvgenni Trosky. We're the Wyverns, Charlie Company, 6th Battalion, 3rd Marines."

John nodded and he said "Pleasure to meet you Sarge, Corpal, and Trosky, anway, My company was Beta Company, 7th Battalion, 9th Marines. I am apparently a candidate to be the Commandant of the Calizorinstani Marine Corps, but anyway, I've fought the undead before, the first time when I was 24, about twenty five years ago."

OOC: Great Britian, and Her Majesty's Royal Marine Commandos.

The two Skgorrians entered the room, and Petersen burst out into a smile.
"Oh, are we saying our hellos? How charming. Well in that case please let me introduce myself, I'm a man of wealth and taste...no I jest. Captain Igor Petersen of the 1st Den of the Imperial Guard of the Emperor of the Wolf." Petersen doffed his helmet and performed a half-bow. He then turned to Gorobets. "Do go on dear."
"Urm..hi," waved Gorobets sheepishly at everyone, almost dropping her PK in the process. "Private First Class Svetlanka Gorobets of the 1st Den of the Imperial Guard of the Emperor of the Wolf." She then turned to Petersen and whispered. "Should I say anything else?"
"That will do nicely dear," smiled the Captain before turning back to everyone else.
"I assume we're going to start bragging about who we've fought, how many we've killed and how big our genitalia is any second now, if we've not already started by now. If we haven't, can we get it over and done with as soon as possible please," he stated dryly.

OOC: Great Britian, and Her Majesty's Royal Marine Commandos.

The two Skgorrians entered the room, and Petersen burst out into a smile.
"Oh, are we saying our hellos? How charming. Well in that case please let me introduce myself, I'm a man of wealth and taste...no I jest. Captain Igor Petersen of the 1st Den of the Imperial Guard of the Emperor of the Wolf." Petersen doffed his helmet and performed a half-bow. He then turned to Gorobets. "Do go on dear."
"Urm..hi," waved Gorobets sheepishly at everyone, almost dropping her PK in the process. "Private First Class Svetlanka Gorobets of the 1st Den of the Imperial Guard of the Emperor of the Wolf." She then turned to Petersen and whispered. "Should I say anything else?"
"That will do nicely dear," smiled the Captain before turning back to everyone else.
"I assume we're going to start bragging about who we've fought, how many we've killed and how big our genitalia is any second now, if we've not already started by now. If we haven't, can we get it over and done with as soon as possible please," he stated dryly.

Steve blushed a tinge when he saw Gorobets, and then he recovered and he said "I'm a member of the Calizorinstan "Falcon" Elite Special Operations, High Value Leader Capture/or Elimination team. John here, is quiet, but he's quite the undead fighter from what I've heard.."

John said "Now, we've got that over with, we can get on to buisness. I am 99.9 sure that these undead can be killed by a single headshot. Hard with an automatic weapon, but a single burst will do the trick. I remember holding of with my other 7 squadmates 80 undead for 24 hours, and I pray I won't have to do that here.."

ooc; oh, Mama Bear's Marines (as in, America is GB kid).

IC:

"This war just got a whole lot better," Trosky muttered, referring to his Skgorrian counterpart.

"Hey, kid," Grant muttered. "Remember the reason why we're here."

"Aye, sir."

OOC: Got in one. I must say that I have never heard of the Kingdom being refered to as "Mama Bear" before, but I like it :D

IC:

Petersen listened to the Calizorinstani's advice, he looked an old hand at this game.
"Quite right," he added after John had finished. "A shot to the head is the easiest way to kill anything. Let's also not forget the sheer destructive power of our basic weapons. A 5.56 round will literraly shred the torso of an unprotected fully grown male human, let alone the power of a 7.62 round like me and Gorobets are using." Petersen patted his rifle reassuringly. "Also I'd recommend everyone get a lightweight hazmat suit and gas mask, the last thing we want is a spray of blood to infect you. And who knows, the virus might eventually become airborne." Petersen shuddered, whilst Gorobets went pale at the thought.
"Also," he added, "I'd just like to voice what I'm sure we're all thinking. If one of us gets bitten or infected in the other way, no mercy. I know you're all probably veterans of this sort of thing, but believe me I know what it's like to shoot your friends." Petersen spoke slowly, his voice lowering and taking on a very sad tone.

OOC: that makes US the troublemaking kid ^_<. an' canada's the effeminite lil' brother (j/k in case any canadians are offended)

"If it comes down to it," the Gunny said as he responded to Peterson, "We'll make sure it's done right. Marines take care of their own."

OOC: Got in one. I must say that I have never heard of the Kingdom being refered to as "Mama Bear" before, but I like it :D

IC:

Petersen listened to the Calizorinstani's advice, he looked an old hand at this game.
"Quite right," he added after John had finished. "A shot to the head is the easiest way to kill anything. Let's also not forget the sheer destructive power of our basic weapons. A 5.56 round will literraly shred the torso of an unprotected fully grown male human, let alone the power of a 7.62 round like me and Gorobets are using." Petersen patted his rifle reassuringly. "Also I'd recommend everyone get a lightweight hazmat suit and gas mask, the last thing we want is a spray of blood to infect you. And who knows, the virus might eventually become airborne." Petersen shuddered, whilst Gorobets went pale at the thought.
"Also," he added, "I'd just like to voice what I'm sure we're all thinking. If one of us gets bitten or infected in the other way, no mercy. I know you're all probably veterans of this sort of thing, but believe me I know what it's like to shoot your friends." Petersen spoke slowly, his voice lowering and taking on a very sad tone.


John sighed and he said "I brought a hazmat suit that's lightweight and a gas mask, just in case. I believe I'll unpack it and wear it on our first mission. I do not want to underestimate the infected, if I should become infected, kill me. You may write down that I died honorably, but I do not intend to become infected, I've been on these missions before."

He said "I guess that's all I have to say on the subject."

OOC: Lulz, I've got a good friend who's Canadian. So far I've been able to look past it :P

IC:

Petersen nodded in acknowledgement to Marine but said nothing else, as he was lost in his own thoughts, and by the look on Petersen's face, they were not happy thoughts indeed.

Gorobets pulled off her helmet and ruffled her short brown hair. "Glad to be out of that," she said to no-one in particular as she attached the helmet to her webbing. Feeling rather awkward and not knowing what else to do, she pulled out her beret and began to shine the capbadge with a rag that she produced from her jacket. If anyone looked closely enough, they would see that badge was a wolf's head with the SS lightning bolts behind it.

Kash packed his hazmat suit and maske onto his backpack, he took a sit with the others and checked his weopons to the fullest degree, his AK-47 had an old look, as it was over fifteen years old. he added " If I become one of the undead, I will have no regrets, do with me as you please, be it let me roam this earth between Celestis and the Abyss or finish my journey to the plains."

OOC: Lulz, I've got a good friend who's Canadian. So far I've been able to look past it :P

IC:

Petersen nodded in acknowledgement to Marine but said nothing else, as he was lost in his own thoughts, and by the look on Petersen's face, they were not happy thoughts indeed.

Gorobets pulled off her helmet and ruffled her short brown hair. "Glad to be out of that," she said to no-one in particular as she attached the helmet to her webbing. Feeling rather awkward and not knowing what else to do, she pulled out her beret and began to shine the capbadge with a rag that she produced from her jacket. If anyone looked closely enough, they would see that badge was a wolf's head with the SS lightning bolts behind it.

Steve sat next to Gorobets and he said "So, how did you get into the infected elimination buisness?" John just unpacked his hazmat suit, and put it on, and took out the gasmask, and he said "I can't believe that High Command thought it was a good idea to send a Colonel out to the front to fight the infected, what do they want, me to get eliminated?"

OOC: Lulz, I've got a good friend who's Canadian. So far I've been able to look past it :P

IC:

Petersen nodded in acknowledgement to Marine but said nothing else, as he was lost in his own thoughts, and by the look on Petersen's face, they were not happy thoughts indeed.

Gorobets pulled off her helmet and ruffled her short brown hair. "Glad to be out of that," she said to no-one in particular as she attached the helmet to her webbing. Feeling rather awkward and not knowing what else to do, she pulled out her beret and began to shine the capbadge with a rag that she produced from her jacket. If anyone looked closely enough, they would see that badge was a wolf's head with the SS lightning bolts behind it.

"In any case," the Gunny said, "Marines don't die. We just go to Hell to regroup."

http://cgi.ebay.com/MARINES-DON'T-DIE-marine-usmc-army-military-T-shirt_W0QQitemZ270198884990QQcmdZViewItem?IMSfp=TL0712260819a36670

"In any case," the Gunny said, "Marines don't die. We just go to Hell to regroup."

http://cgi.ebay.com/MARINES-DON'T-DIE-marine-usmc-army-military-T-shirt_W0QQitemZ270198884990QQcmdZViewItem?IMSfp=TL0712260819a36670

John nodded and he said "I heard that all the time I was in the Marine Corps, then when I was vice chief of CSOCOM, I heard that except for "Falcons" in place of Marines.." He wiped his Hali-53, and checked the magazine.

John nodded and he said "I heard that all the time I was in the Marine Corps, then when I was vice chief of CSOCOM, I heard that except for "Falcons" in place of Marines.." He wiped his Hali-53, and checked the magazine.

"Your Marines sound like my kind of people," Gunny Strauss answered.

Gorobets half jumped out of her seat in surprise that someone was coming to sit next to her.
"W-w-well I was a member of the Youth Legion when the rock hit and then all of the Atopians died so we wanted war but the Nazis said no which really sucked because fascism inherently calls for struggle and so most of us either got totally dissillusioned with the whole fascism thing or joined the Wolf cult and then the coup happened and the Emperor took over and I had no idea what I would do with my life so I tried construction but that was no fun so I tried opening a shop but no-one had any money so I joined the Army and got to fight the July Loyalists and some undead out in the wastes and I did really well in one mission so they put me in the Guard and here I am."
Gorobets took several very deep breaths to recover and tried to sit still, but kept on glancing over at the Calizorinstani.
"A-a-and you?"

Kupchenko looked around the room. He'd seen some rather... unorthodox... units in the past, but these soldiers set the record. He heard infighting, cursing, and a few things he wasn't sure what they were. He placed his helmet on the table before him, and took a deep breathe.

"...time to dive into the fireworks..."

He looked at the people assembled before him.

"Alright listen up. You're here to do a job and I damn well expect you to do it. I ought to bring you all up to speed."

The projection behind him changed from a spinning logo to a map of Shenyang. The Northwest Defensive Sector was pulsing red.

"Now, the map behind me shows the quarantined zone of Shenyang. As you can see, one sixth of the nation is currently in total lockdown. You don't go in, and you don't go out unless you're military and you've been screened."

Several yellow dots appeared around the perimeter, several green dots resolved within the sea of red.

"Yellow shows designated refugee screening points. These points are the most secure along the defensive zone, and currently, they're still being overrun by the flood of people trying to escape. Green indicates military bases we still have contact with. These have become the only confirmed points of safety within the quarantine zone. They are recieving the full support of the Shenyangi military in an effort to save as many people as possible, but they are under persistent attack."

Blue dots appeared, ringing the perimeter in several tiers.

"Blue shows containment checkpoints. These are placed in chokepoints, to keep the zone contained. We were lucky enough to have this happen in an area which is ringed by impassible mountains. For the moment, we have the zone contained within the first tier, however we have 2 fallback levels, which should serve to prevent a full scale breach of the perimeter."

A lone white dot appeared south east of the zone, and about a dozen purple blips began pulsing.

"White is this base, and purple shows other Alfa Teams or special operations units deployed into the control zone."

The image changed again. Now it showed a video feed from the mission data recorder of an ODST sniper within the control zone. In the corner the IFF tag read:

'O:Frnd:Darkleaf'

The video showed a city which was currently abandoned. The occasional undead roamed the streets, but otherwise, it was dead still. From the video feed and Darkleaf's commentary, she was on the roof of a small building, gathering intel for a sweep by an ODST squad. In the distance, smoke curled from a fire, creating a dark smear on the overcast sky.

"Now, we've been locked into this deadlock for the last 6 months, and we've been unable to make any real headway. Our job is to make some headway, get containment rolling, so that this whole mess can be mopped up. Unfortunately, at this point that means we're running around as mobile reinforcements for embattled checkpoints.

We've got a situation brewing at the moment, and we're going to be sending you in to avert a disaster."

The sniper took a shot, her EBR Wraith sniper rifle whispered, and a zombie fell to the dust without anything more than a thud.

The video changed to show live visual feed from a UAV stationed over the quarantine zone perimeter. An overlay showed the checkpoint in the area, Sierra-062 (said Sierra-0-6-2), and a massive force of undead moving in slowly, maybe 5 miles per hour tops, at a range of about 20 miles.

"Now, this is the checkpoint we'll be deploying to support. That mass you see is a classic chain mob. Estimates show that this should contain anywhere from 1000 to 5000 individuals. Sierra-062 is staffed by a platoon from the 1st Marine Airborne. They're a light infantry unit, and they're not equipped to deal with that many targets at once. Any questions?"


OOC: You should have questions, I haven't stated the operation plan yet, just as a note.

Gorobets half jumped out of her seat in surprise that someone was coming to sit next to her.
"W-w-well I was a member of the Youth Legion when the rock hit and then all of the Atopians died so we wanted war but the Nazis said no which really sucked because fascism inherently calls for struggle and so most of us either got totally dissillusioned with the whole fascism thing or joined the Wolf cult and then the coup happened and the Emperor took over and I had no idea what I would do with my life so I tried construction but that was no fun so I tried opening a shop but no-one had any money so I joined the Army and got to fight the July Loyalists and some undead out in the wastes and I did really well in one mission so they put me in the Guard and here I am."
Gorobets took several very deep breaths to recover and tried to sit still, but kept on glancing over at the Calizorinstani.
"A-a-and you?"

Steve said "That sounds very interesting, I was in a small town called "Meca'V'du" fighting the radical Islamists in the north, the Khilistanians. Think Klingon in their appearance, anyway, a virus spread through the town, infecting their whole army, so we had to fight the undead then.."

He shuddered and continued "Anyway, we soon found out that the single burst in the head took care of them, and thus in a couple of days, we had mopped up the town. I got the Silver Star in that battle.."


"Your Marines sound like my kind of people," Gunny Strauss answered.

John smiled weakly and he said "They would, I'm proud of the men in my division."

OOC:

O:Frnd:Darkleaf should read as:

O:Frnd: Darkleaf

IC:

John asked "Will we be supported by other Alfa Teams, or are we on our own?"

Petersen raised his hand.
"Sir, a few questions. 1 - what about artillery, air or armoured support? 2 - what are our extraction options in case we cannot hold them? and 3 - at what point do we fall back, when we're all dead or before then?"

Kupchenko looked around the room. He'd seen some rather... unorthodox... units in the past, but these soldiers set the record. He heard infighting, cursing, and a few things he wasn't sure what they were. He placed his helmet on the table before him, and took a deep breathe.

"...time to dive into the fireworks..."

He looked at the people assembled before him.

"Alright listen up. You're here to do a job and I damn well expect you to do it. I ought to bring you all up to speed."

The projection behind him changed from a spinning logo to a map of Shenyang. The Northwest Defensive Sector was pulsing red.

"Now, the map behind me shows the quarantined zone of Shenyang. As you can see, one sixth of the nation is currently in total lockdown. You don't go in, and you don't go out unless you're military and you've been screened."

Several yellow dots appeared around the perimeter, several green dots resolved within the sea of red.

"Yellow shows designated refugee screening points. These points are the most secure along the defensive zone, and currently, they're still being overrun by the flood of people trying to escape. Green indicates military bases we still have contact with. These have become the only confirmed points of safety within the quarantine zone. They are recieving the full support of the Shenyangi military in an effort to save as many people as possible, but they are under persistent attack."

Blue dots appeared, ringing the perimeter in several tiers.

"Blue shows containment checkpoints. These are placed in chokepoints, to keep the zone contained. We were lucky enough to have this happen in an area which is ringed by impassible mountains. For the moment, we have the zone contained within the first tier, however we have 2 fallback levels, which should serve to prevent a full scale breach of the perimeter."

A lone white dot appeared south east of the zone, and about a dozen purple blips began pulsing.

"White is this base, and purple shows other Alfa Teams or special operations units deployed into the control zone."

The image changed again. Now it showed a video feed from the mission data recorder of an ODST sniper within the control zone. In the corner the IFF tag read:

'O:Frnd:Darkleaf'

The video showed a city which was currently abandoned. The occasional undead roamed the streets, but otherwise, it was dead still. From the video feed and Darkleaf's commentary, she was on the roof of a small building, gathering intel for a sweep by an ODST squad. In the distance, smoke curled from a fire, creating a dark smear on the overcast sky.

"Now, we've been locked into this deadlock for the last 6 months, and we've been unable to make any real headway. Our job is to make some headway, get containment rolling, so that this whole mess can be mopped up. Unfortunately, at this point that means we're running around as mobile reinforcements for embattled checkpoints.

We've got a situation brewing at the moment, and we're going to be sending you in to avert a disaster."

The sniper took a shot, her EBR Wraith sniper rifle whispered, and a zombie fell to the dust without anything more than a thud.

The video changed to show live visual feed from a UAV stationed over the quarantine zone perimeter. An overlay showed the checkpoint in the area, Sierra-062 (said Sierra-0-6-2), and a massive force of undead moving in slowly, maybe 5 miles per hour tops, at a range of about 20 miles.

"Now, this is the checkpoint we'll be deploying to support. That mass you see is a classic chain mob. Estimates show that this should contain anywhere from 1000 to 5000 individuals. Sierra-062 is staffed by a platoon from the 1st Marine Airborne. They're a light infantry unit, and they're not equipped to deal with that many targets at once. Any questions?"


OOC: You should have questions, I haven't stated the operation plan yet, just as a note.

"What's our operation plan, then?" Strauss asked, his gravelly voice echoing through the room.

Kupchenko shook his head and smirked.

"Good questions, all of them, but you missed one very important one. Anyone care to ask what we're going to do?"

He looked around, seeing that no one had thought of it.

"I'll address the support question first. There is a limited support capability in that region, not enough to stop this mob, and beginning fire missions now would only lead them to the control point. Air support is limited to attack choppers, same problem."

He adjusted the view outward, so everyone could see the surrounding area to this zone.

"We'll be inserting via MC-117D Scimitar dropship into this area here."

He highlighted a town just behind the mob.

"From there, we'll find something to detonate. When I say that, I mean we need something that will explode big time. Propane fill stations, gas stations, anything with a large amount of explosive potential. The Afflicted have been shown to be easilly distracted, and an explosion on the scale of a gas station going up is more than enough to get them moving toward us instead of the checkpoint. From there, we'll be dragging them away, and at that point, once they are on a new course into the quarantine zone, we'll extract via dropship. Unfortunately, we can't keep the exfil bird on station for the duration of the mission, so we're looking at a minimum of a 20 minute wait before exfiltration, so that means we've got to holdout that long."

He looked around again.

"Armor is unavailable, we'll be too deep into the QZ, and bringing in armor from the perimeter may well get the attention of the mob away from the explosion.

All other ALFA teams are currently occupied with similar operations around the QZ, so this mission, its just us and any support we can call in. We may, and I stress may, be able to call in support from the airborne unit's aviation unit, however I can't confirm that we're going to be getting any back up at all this op."

The checkpoint will remain in place, and hopefully they'll be able to hold against any persistant attackers."

Kash replyed " I have another question brother, how many days rations will we recieve, or will we loot?."

"Short term op, we're only going to be on site this mission for between 1 and 3 hours. Take a single day's rations, and if I catch anyone looting, I'll ensure that you're out of this unit faster than you can try and explain it."

"As a demolitions expert," Gunny spoke up, "I volunteer my unit to set up the explosives."

The helo touched down and Victor disembarked; it took off almost less than a second after landing. Kirk was directed toward the briefing room and jogged toward it.

"Can't believe I was forced into this again..." he muttered under his breath as he approached the door.

He walked in and closed it quietly, quickly surveying the individuals in the room. It seemed everyone had already arrived and the show was already on the road. Rather than interrupt the briefing, most likely things he already knew plus a sitrep, he elected to remain silent until acknowledged.

IC:

John felt the adrenaline rushing through him already, and Steve felt the same, John thought to himself "No doubt, this will be an interesting mission.."

"Alright, you're clear for setting the explosives, as soon as we choose a target on site."

He deactivated the map.

"Time to get going, hit the armory if you need gear or equipment, then hit the tarmac in 5, you're going in, and you're going in now."

He left the room and headed for the tarmac. He passed Joker.

"Its showtime Joker."

"Lovely."

The boarded the MC-117D dropship and headed up to the cockpit to confer with the pilot.

"Alright, you're clear for setting the explosives, as soon as we choose a target on site."

He deactivated the map.

"Time to get going, hit the armory if you need gear or equipment, then hit the tarmac in 5, you're going in, and you're going in now."

He left the room and headed for the tarmac. He passed Joker.

"Its showtime Joker."

"Lovely."

The boarded the MC-117D dropship and headed up to the cockpit to confer with the pilot.

John and Steve put on their gas masks, for they already had put on the lightweight hazmat suits, and they had loaded their guns, and walked onto the tarmac, and into the MC-117D dropship.

"All right," the Gunny said as they boarded the dropship. "Remember the rules of gunfighting. 1. Anything worth shooting is worth shooting twice; ammo is cheap, life is expensive. 2. In ten years no one will remember the details of caliber, tactics or stance; just who lived and who didn't. 3. If you're not shooting, you should be communicating, reloading and running. 4. Always cheat=always win. THe only unfair fight is the one you lose. 5. Remember to tactical reload and scan 360 degrees. 6. Only hits count. A close-miss is still a miss. Also...when in doubt; KILL!"

"Oo-rah, Gunny," Corporal Grant said, chambering a round into his sniper rifle.

"Aye aye," Trosky replied.

Joker came out of the cockpit. His helmet was secured to his gear, hanging out of the way. He reached down and brought up his TAR-21 Tavor II assault rifle. He ejected the mag, checked its current level, reloaded it, then charged the weapon and switched the rifle from safe to full-auto.

He took a seat as he loaded an M1014 shotgun. This in turn lead to his XD pistols, and finally, his M1911A1. He got up and hopped up and down several times, trying to ellicit any sounds. He heard a slight jingle as one of his grenades made a noise. It was silenced by a roll of tan tape. He looked up at the Calizorinstani soldiers.

"John, good to see you, its been a while. How have things been on your end?"

He realized that he'd never met the other soldier.

"Oh, 1st Lieutenant Marshall, tac-name: Joker, I'm your XO."

He offered his hand.

--

In the cockpit Talisman and the pilots were discussing the route. It would be a high and fast run toward the LZ.

Joker turned to the Marines. He wasn't too keen on their gung ho attitude, not any more anyway. Still, he didn't want to make anyone feel unwelcome. They'd signed on for this suicide mission, so why should he insult them?

He saluted the marines, a common sight in Shenyang, officers saluting enlisted men. Respect isn't given, its earned after all.

"Don't forget the number one rules of war, 'friendly fire, isn't' and 'the only thing more accurate than incoming fire is incoming friendly fire.'"

He tapped his head, as though hit, to illustrate his point.

"You're my kinda officer, sir," the Gunny said. "You musta been a non-com in a past life."

Joker came out of the cockpit. His helmet was secured to his gear, hanging out of the way. He reached down and brought up his TAR-21 Tavor II assault rifle. He ejected the mag, checked its current level, reloaded it, then charged the weapon and switched the rifle from safe to full-auto.

He took a seat as he loaded an M1014 shotgun. This in turn lead to his XD pistols, and finally, his M1911A1. He got up and hopped up and down several times, trying to ellicit any sounds. He heard a slight jingle as one of his grenades made a noise. It was silenced by a roll of tan tape. He looked up at the Calizorinstani soldiers.

"John, good to see you, its been a while. How have things been on your end?"

He realized that he'd never met the other soldier.

"Oh, 1st Lieutenant Marshall, tac-name: Joker, I'm your XO."

He offered his hand.

--

In the cockpit Talisman and the pilots were discussing the route. It would be a high and fast run toward the LZ.

John said to Joker "It's been good, I was back at my government desk job until last week, when the High Value Leader Capture or Elimination Squad restarted, first mission in a long while, anyhow it was a terrorist leader, Al-Faqar, and I eliminated him personally. Other then that, it's been peaceful, I married Jenny, and now I have a two year old son named Charles.."

He looked misty eyed then he said "This is my colleague from the HVLCES, Lieutenant Steve Bjornnes.." Steve took the hand that Joker offered and he said "It's a pleasure to meet you. I haven't been in the inflicted fighting business for very long, but with John, who's a veteran of these things, I've got an advantage over most newer guys."

Steve asked Joker "Say, how do you know John here?"

Edward ejected the magazine from his M1911 then slapped it back in. "Any idea how this outbreak started?" He asked. " And what are our orders on civies in the early stage of infection."

OOC: Cal, your guy the one from the QCS and TCBS threads?

OOC: Yes, I am the one from the QCS and TCBS threads.

OOC: Cal, your guy the one from the QCS and TCBS threads?

The Droskian hadn't said much, he wasn't much of a talker but what he'd been hearing was scaring the shit out of him. He had never faught undead, hell he still didn't quite believe they existed. He had been told all his life they didn't exist and his government still at this very moment denied their existence. He began moving towards the transport fully dressed in kevlar body armor holding his M-4 rifle in the normal movement position, he decided he'd stick close to the loud ass marines and the Skgorrians, they seemed to know what they were doing.

"What's all this talk about undead?" he asked one of the Skgorrians as they approached the transport. "They aren't real are they?"

The two Skgorrians quickly put on their hazmat suits, Gorobets doing hers with significantly less grace than the more experieneced Petersen. They left the gask masks off for the time being, clipping them to their webbing as they made their way to the dropship. Upon hearing the question posed by Edward, Petersen dedicided to volunteer an answer.
"Shoot 'em," he replied curtly. "100% infection rate means they're not going to come out of this one alive."
Gorobets, trembling in fear of yet more social contact with unknowns, decided to volunteer an answer to the Droskian soldier.
"Y-y-yes they're real as the Captain would say 'Get used to it' just shoot 'em and they'll be dead." Gorobets breathed a sigh of relief as they neared the dropship and she could focus on clambering in, rather than talking to strangers. Meanwhile Petersen had found himself a seat next to the Free United States marines, and he took his seat with a grin.
"Alright gents? Can I assume all this macho swaggering will stop when we hit the ground or are you going to be shouting tedious one-liners at each other the whole time?"

OOC: Apologies for missing so much of the thread, I've been away from home and busy, so typing time is scarce.

He had sat through the briefing in silence, listening and making notes. As Perrington clambered aboard the dropship he eyed the others. The Marines were loud, past what he could internally tolerate, Perrington planned to stay away from them as much as possible.

He broke his revery to check his rifle, it was simple, and clean. After opening the bolt he loaded the rifle, then went back to inspecting the others from his lone seat. Their equipment was better than the standard he was issued with, but Perrington wasn't envious. If it kept them alive, good for them, his kit would keep him alive, and that was that.

After a few more equipment checks he lay back on the seat and shut his eyes, waiting.

Captain Sharpe, Harper and Harris had all sat at the back of the briefing room and had mainly sat in silence apart from the odd whisper between each other regarding the mission. As the Shenyang Command Staff had briefed them Sharpe had taken out his OBSAT PDA from its holster and had logged into the system the small SPEC OPS MK II PDA internal CPU buzzed and signalling it had connected to the OBSAT System. Sharpe was now part of a massive network that was the communications backbone of the Vetakan Government and its Military.

Just as OBSAT Space Command had promised Sharpes team had been designated its own Observation Satellite, its own Thor Weapons Platform and a constant designation of 2 Long Range High Altitude Bombers that could be called in and utilized the PDA's small screen signalled that the Thor Weapons Platform was in Defensive Standown Orbit over the Pacific Ocean and could be in attack range within 90 minutes. The Observation Sat was hovering over the Shenyang Mainland and was in immediate deployment range. Finally the 2 Long Range Bombers where currently in High Altitude Skips over the Atlantic and where 1 hours range away. Sharpe sighed before bring online his teams spy satellite he gave his authorization and awaited validation from OBSAT Space Command which was given within 45 seconds or so. With validation given the Obversation Spy Sat suddenly fired its retro rockets in a very controlled manner altering the orbit of the Spy Sat bring it closer to the earth a few seconds past before it requested its target co-ordinates, Sharpe looked up at the briefing screen just in time to see the lone zombie collapse to floor from the Snipers shot, Sharpe smiled weakly before inputting the co-ordinates of the missions location the PDA buzzed its acceptance as the Satellite zoomed in on the co-ordinates and readjusted with that done Sharpe was free to Zoom In and Out he soon found the slow advancing horde and sighed again his Air Support was out of range and his Thor Platform was out of the question for now. Sharpe activated the Earth Scan system and informed the OBSAT System to do a complete Scan of the mission area and all its Assets that of course would take some time but when it was completed it would show all identified Military and Possible Supply Systems it was an expensive piece of technology and one that was still in its test stage but on the whole it had brought good results when used.

He showed his team members and they both agreed for this mission the Vetakan Team would be best suited to attacking the Enemy whilst the other teams executed the Plan nodding the agreement they rose from the chairs and followed the other teams out into the open air boarding the Drop Ship they took their seats. Captain Sharpe and his team checked their weaponry and ensured they all worked properly they nodded their readiness before they all burst into the traditional Chant of the White Phoenix Tribe chanting in English so as not cause offence the three Vetakans roared:

"I BOW TO NO MAN, I SHALL BOW TO NO MAN, THOSE WHOM I SHALL BOW TO SHALL BE THOSE WITH HONOUR, COURAGE AND LOYALTY. I CALL UPON MY GOD, MY SPIRIT AND MY PHONENIX TO PROTECT ME AND THOSE FIGHTING WITH ME. VETAKA AND MY TRIBE IS PEACEFUL, WE SHALL FIGHT FOR PEACE WE SHALL FIGHT TO LIFE"

They repeated the Chant three times before they fell silent and Sharpe rose from his seat, he walked to the front of the aircraft and turned on his heel he bowed to one knee before the rest of the Alfa Teams roaring as he went:

"WE BOW TO NO MAN"

Rising to his feet he smiled as best he could and shouted to the Air crafts occupants:

"Me and My Team shall do what we can to cover those executing the Plan, We shall advance forward to meet the Horde and do what we can to halt them. We shall not engage them hand to hand or within close range but we will use our Scopes to pick them off, Just get those explosives in place. Saluting his Commander he returned to his chair and sat down"

Captain Petersen was not a happy man. He could quite happily deal with just the macho displays of the Free United States Marines, but the Vetakans had pushed him over the edge.
"I couldn't give a crap about who you bow to," the irrate Skgorrian snarled, jumping out of his seat and striding forward to confront Sharpe. "If you want to ponce around and yell out your own crap then that's fine, just don't irritate us with the rest of it! Oh, and another thing," he added, the fury rising in his face as it turned red, "how about you listen, you waste of space! You're here to operate under Shenyang command, so rather than piss around and make your own mission, how about you sit down, shut up and follow orders? We've got enough to worry about without you morons."

Sharpe Smiled at the Skgorrian Captain he yet again bowed before the man and yet again spoke:

"I bow to no man"

He then rose to his feet and walked towards Captain Peterson his hands out to his sides he stood before him and snapped to attention in Salute before looking deep within Petersons Eyes:

"You fight with honour, courage and bravery. I have read the stories of Skgorria and that is one of the reasons I hold you in such high regard, Sir. Damn right I am under the Command of Shenyang but quit screwing around, if we are to win this day then it will take more than what we have, this is not a conventional enemy they have no morals, they have no battle plan, they have no weapons, they have no goals, conventional warfare doesn't exsist with this enemy. All they know is hunger and that hunger will drive them here, drive them to take this world. My loyalty to this mission and to my commanders is not in doubt, my orders are to save that checkpoint and whilst you are rigging explosives I intend to do what I can to buy you more time"

He let his words register before he carried on:

"I apologise that I am scared Sir and I apologise if my rituals offend you but don't you ever question my loyalty to this mission and my commanders ever again."

Sharpe rose his hand to his chest and reached into his suit pulling out a Wooden Phoenix on a leather band he smiled and forced it into Petersons hand:

"May the Phoenix watch over you". spoke Sharpe in no more than a whisper.

He then yet again snapped to salute in front Perterson and returned to his seat.

OOC: I am going to be gone for a couple of hours or more, just to let everyone know.

IC:

John saluted the Vetakans and introduced himself and his friend and he said "I'm Col.John Macked, and this is my friend, Lt.Steve Bjornnes.." He felt the excitement building up, but he didn't let it show..

"Bu..what?" Petersen spluttered, clearly taken aback from the Vetakan's deference. For almost all of his time in the Guard he had suffered abuse and insubordination from many, as he had not been a member of the SS. The SS had been elevated to an almost godlike status by both the National Socialist government and the people themselves, indeed he as well as every member of the Armed Forces wore the SS runes as well as the Wolf's head on their uniform. That I was in 'Grand Skgorria' certainly did not help matters he thought as he took his seat in stunned silence, still holding the wooden phoenix.
"Sir?" Gorobets looked up from her badge polishing to see if the Captain was okay. He quickly shook his head, clearing his mind, and put the phoenix in his jacket pocket.
"I'm fine Private," he assured Gorobets with a smile. "Just remembering my days in the Army," he added by way of an excuse, although he quickly regretted it as he knew the inevitable question would follow.
"Who did you serve with sir?" Gorobets innocently asked, finally folding the beret away and picking up her PK machine gun.
"The Grand Skgorria Division," he stated curtly, shifting his gaze into nowhere in particular and falling silent.
"Oh," blushed Gorobets as she quickly busied herself with blacking her PK to avoid any unnecessary shine.

"Bu..what?" Petersen spluttered, clearly taken aback from the Vetakan's deference. For almost all of his time in the Guard he had suffered abuse and insubordination from many, as he had not been a member of the SS. The SS had been elevated to an almost godlike status by both the National Socialist government and the people themselves, indeed he as well as every member of the Armed Forces wore the SS runes as well as the Wolf's head on their uniform. That I was in 'Grand Skgorria' certainly did not help matters he thought as he took his seat in stunned silence, still holding the wooden phoenix.
"Sir?" Gorobets looked up from her badge polishing to see if the Captain was okay. He quickly shook his head, clearing his mind, and put the phoenix in his jacket pocket.
"I'm fine Private," he assured Gorobets with a smile. "Just remembering my days in the Army," he added by way of an excuse, although he quickly regretted it as he knew the inevitable question would follow.
"Who did you serve with sir?" Gorobets innocently asked, finally folding the beret away and picking up her PK machine gun.
"The Grand Skgorria Division," he stated curtly, shifting his gaze into nowhere in particular and falling silent.
"Oh," blushed Gorobets as she quickly busied herself with blacking her PK to avoid any unnecessary shine.

Steve managed a weak smile at Gorobets, and he said to her "I'd bet that John here would have a lot of undead fighting stories, one of his most memorable that he's told me is.." He took a deep breath and continued "His fifth mission in the QCS, an undead fighting squad like Alfa Team, he and the team were dropped into a pond, and as soon as they came out, they were surrounded by vamps and various undead, although not at once, as the got onto the road.."

John picked the story up "These vampires were very hard to kill, it was truly difficult trying to eliminate them.."

Gorobets look at Steve and tried to return the smile, but all she could muster was making her bottom lip quiver.
"V-vampires?" She exclaimed loudly, "you mean like with fangs and the sucking of blood and turning into bats? we had to read Dracula at school and that freaked me out, I have no idea what I am doing here." Gorobets closed her eyes and gripped her PK so tightly that her knuckles went white. She opened them again quickly and smiled sheepishly.
"Sorry, I'm not very good with people I don't know they make me very nervous I like to think I am getting better don't you agree?"
At this, Petersen leaned over.
"This man bothering you Private?" He asked, looking at Steve and measuring him up with his eyes.
"No sir! He's being very nice to me, just telling me about some time that one of his friends fought vampires."
"Vampires eh? That sounds interesting," grinned Petersen. "Please continue...Lt Bjornnes is it?"

As Colonel John Macked saluted the Vetakan Commander, Sargeant Harper rose to his feet and strode forward he returned the salute of the Calizorinstan Officer and bowed to his knee just had Sharpe had done:

"I Bow to no man" he chanted

Rising to his feet he smiled:

"I am Sargeant Patrick Harper, our Commanding Officer is Captain Richard Sharpe and that is Private Daniel Harris. We are all White Phoenix Tribespeople hence the rather strange rituals we have undertaken. It is good to meet you Colonel and I look forward to fighting with you on the battlefield. Id love to listern to your stories if we make it back in one peice"

Harper smiled and spoke again allowing the Colonel to take in his words:

"I have your back, Sir"

"Oh, you'd be amazed by what governments deny that actually exists. Vampires, zombies, aliens, you name it. Its probably out there, and there's probably someone tasked with fighting it. I've never seen dragons, but then, who knows, maybe the fly-boys get to fight them and I don't know about it."

He sat down and stared out the back of the craft, waiting for the rest of the team to arrive. The three other crew members for the dropship arrived next. Each went to their station, the flight engineer took his seat up front, then the 'door-gunners' headed to their miniguns. They were a serious group, not prone to being too friendly. Each gunner quickly checked their weapon, then sat back in their seats, confident that when the time came, their weapons would function as designed.

Up front, Talisman finished talking to the pilots. He came back into the cargo compartment and had a hushed conversation with the engineer. There was some quick pointing in various directions, but none of it was intelligible.

Gorobets look at Steve and tried to return the smile, but all she could muster was making her bottom lip quiver.
"V-vampires?" She exclaimed loudly, "you mean like with fangs and the sucking of blood and turning into bats? we had to read Dracula at school and that freaked me out, I have no idea what I am doing here." Gorobets closed her eyes and gripped her PK so tightly that her knuckles went white. She opened them again quickly and smiled sheepishly.
"Sorry, I'm not very good with people I don't know they make me very nervous I like to think I am getting better don't you agree?"
At this, Petersen leaned over.
"This man bothering you Private?" He asked, looking at Steve and measuring him up with his eyes.
"No sir! He's being very nice to me, just telling me about some time that one of his friends fought vampires."
"Vampires eh? That sounds interesting," grinned Petersen. "Please continue...Lt Bjornnes is it?"

"You get the feeling that Gorobet's elevator doesn't go to the top floor?" Trosky whispered to the Corporal.

"Quiet," warned Grant. "They might hear you." He glanced at the Skgorrian. "Maybe..." he concluded.

"Zip it up," the Gunny told them sternly. "We got a mission to accomplish."

"Aye, Gunny," Trosky and Grant answered.

Gorobets look at Steve and tried to return the smile, but all she could muster was making her bottom lip quiver.
"V-vampires?" She exclaimed loudly, "you mean like with fangs and the sucking of blood and turning into bats? we had to read Dracula at school and that freaked me out, I have no idea what I am doing here." Gorobets closed her eyes and gripped her PK so tightly that her knuckles went white. She opened them again quickly and smiled sheepishly.
"Sorry, I'm not very good with people I don't know they make me very nervous I like to think I am getting better don't you agree?"
At this, Petersen leaned over.
"This man bothering you Private?" He asked, looking at Steve and measuring him up with his eyes.
"No sir! He's being very nice to me, just telling me about some time that one of his friends fought vampires."
"Vampires eh? That sounds interesting," grinned Petersen. "Please continue...Lt Bjornnes is it?"

Steve said "Well, I wasn't there, but it was apparently quite a fight in an old warehouse building, where John and his friends fought the vampires. There was one vampire that was very tough to kill. Then there was the time that they fought robotic supermen.."

As Colonel John Macked saluted the Vetakan Commander, Sargeant Harper rose to his feet and strode forward he returned the salute of the Calizorinstan Officer and bowed to his knee just had Sharpe had done:

"I Bow to no man" he chanted

Rising to his feet he smiled:

"I am Sargeant Patrick Harper, our Commanding Officer is Captain Richard Sharpe and that is Private Daniel Harris. We are all White Phoenix Tribespeople hence the rather strange rituals we have undertaken. It is good to meet you Colonel and I look forward to fighting with you on the battlefield. Id love to listern to your stories if we make it back in one peice"

Harper smiled and spoke again allowing the Colonel to take in his words:

"I have your back, Sir"

John smiled a bit and he said "Thank you, I may need your cover against these inflicted.." He grabbed his Hali-53, and held it tightly.

“There was a essence bird in that briefing room sir,” smirked Gaz, strapping on his assault vest, “I wonder if she’s the dirty type?”

McKenzie flashed a smile, “I doubt you’ll ever find out, besides weren’t you seeing that intelligence clerk in Hampcourt?”

“Seeing... is a strong word,” laughed Gaz, “Right. I’ve been sniffing around their QM stores, bullets and bombs, plus 2 days rats and enough PE4 to make one hell of a bang.”

“Claymores?” asked McKenzie, looking over the table will all their equipment laid out on, “We’ll need NVGs and see if you can get hold of any flares as well.”

“Right I'll get right on that, meet you at the transport?”

“Yep, see you there,” said McKenzie pulling his baseball cap on and heading for the door. Gaz went back to packing his Bergen, thinking dirty thoughts.

As the rest of the Alfa teams were conversing, the S.T.F. Agents maintained their silent preparations. They looked around at the others and eavesdropped, but they didn't make any attention gathering gestures. It was in their blood. They had no need for HAZMAT suits, as their Government Protective Undersuits completely protected them from gasses and liquids, while also serving as a last line of defense against ballistics. With each movement an Agent made, a layer of chainmail underneath the outer ballistic armor (Plate and Kevlar/Boron Carbide) produced a faint sound.

"Robotic supermen? We used to have some of those," remebered Petersen. "Gorobets, surely you remember the propaganda reports on 'Project Ubersoldat' ?" She looked up in thought for a moment, then nodded. "Well," continued the Captain, "I can't remember the specifics of them but they were over 2 metres call and covered in metal. Completely resistant to small-arms fire, the so-called perfect intimidation weapon. They never entered widespread service, but I have no idea what happened to them. For all I know they're sitting in some service depot somewhere," he postulated glumly. "Bloody Nazis, they did come up with some daft ideas."

"At least they're gone now sir," chirped Gorobets happily, only for Petersen to give her withering glare.

"Private, who did you spend your first tour of duty fighting?"

"U-urm, the July Loyalists?"

"And?"

"Sp-Special Action Divsion."

"So the Nazis aren't gone, are they? The July Loyalists remain a very real threat," he spat, "but at least most of the SAD are gone."

Gorobets nodded excitedly, "I know I know! I was there when we overran their main base and I did so well I got into the Guard," she beamed at the memory. "Death to the Nazis, long life to the Wolf!"

"Long life indeed," sighed Petersen, sitting back in his chair in exasperation. Whilst PFC Gorobets was an impeccable soldier, she could be a chore at times. He took a quick look around at the other troops in and nearing the transport, of particular interest to him were the three troops who had kept themselves to themselves. Petersen approved of such professionalism, but wanted to know who they were just in case he needed to call on them in an emergency. "Oi, you!" tended not to be the best thing in such times.

"Hey, you!" Petersen called, trying to get the attention of the three silent soldiers. "I'm Captain Petersen of the Imperial Guard, who are you lot?"

OOC: GWO, this is aimed at you, although anyone else who wants to talk to the 'delightful' Captain is welcome to :P

"Shit" whispered Kal to himself. What the hell had he been signed up for now. Oh well nothing to do but to man up and make it through, thats all any of them could do now he figured. He listened to the stories about vampires and his blood told even colder than it was.

"Can't we just outwait the infected? I mean if they die and then comeback won't their bodies still be breaking down? Won't they just rot?"

The Droskian knew this would probably draw unfavorable comments upon himself but he wanted to know his enemy...

Petersen turned his attention to the newcomer, but to his utter surprise it was Gorobets who spoke up.

"D-d-d-decomposition takes a very long time in l-l-lots of cases. P-p-plus they're attacking the rest of the nation and i-i-if we just leave them then they will gather in strength and in-infect us all." Gorobets' heavy nasal breathing could surely be heard by many, and was only stopped when the Captain put his hand on her shoulder.

"At ease Private, take it easy," encouraged Petersen in a gentle manner. Gorobets nodded tensely, and then closed her eyes.

By the Wolf he thought, this is turning into a right scene. I only hope we get off the ground soon so these people have something else to think about, besides wondering what the matter is with my subordinate.

Victor quietly walked into the dropship and fastened himself in. This would be his third 'X Case' campaign and he wasn't looking forward to it. He checked that his two guns: a DM-32 Carbine and a .40 caliber Dominion Service Pistol, were secure and then looked over the rest of his gear.

He had forgone all manner of grenades, save two smoke, one red and one green, and a white phosphorus grenade in case of emergencies. He had his standard nightstick, which could extend from its compact 1 foot length to a full two and a half feet, a 16 inch fighting knife sharpened to within a molecule blade width, and spare ammo plus whatever rations he could squeeze in.

Despite level 5 Dragonskin body armor, the dark blue color of the ceramic and the badge on his chest made it fairly obvious he was a cop. Despite this fact, he was surprised that he showed a bit more tact than some of the special forces operatives present.

Probably because I know all too well what I'm getting into; this isn't a time for idle talk. It's a time to make peace with yourself because chances are you or one the men and women around you won't be here on the return trip. This whole thing's gonna be a bloody mess... he thought ruefully.

"Robotic supermen? We used to have some of those," remebered Petersen. "Gorobets, surely you remember the propaganda reports on 'Project Ubersoldat' ?" She looked up in thought for a moment, then nodded. "Well," continued the Captain, "I can't remember the specifics of them but they were over 2 metres call and covered in metal. Completely resistant to small-arms fire, the so-called perfect intimidation weapon. They never entered widespread service, but I have no idea what happened to them. For all I know they're sitting in some service depot somewhere," he postulated glumly. "Bloody Nazis, they did come up with some daft ideas."

OOC: GWO, this is aimed at you, although anyone else who wants to talk to the 'delightful' Captain is welcome to :P

Steve said to Gorobets "It seems as from what the Colonel has said, that those supermen were very hard to defeat, thus he had to resort to using his .50 cal rife at some point. He and another one of the team was split up from the others, it was just him and two other guys."

Steve continued "It was a jolly scared to death situation as the Colonel calls it, but he managed to keep cool,which isn't easy to do with robotic soldiers attacking your position, and eventually they were extracted. But then one of the team, Dmirti, mental health snapped, and he kidnapped the only female on our team!, and they had to rescue him, and to top it off, inflicted were chasing after them!"

John said to the Captain "It seemed at the time, I did wonder why they used us to fight the robotic supermen, when they could've carpetbombed the town instead! Why, would they send us in, if our bullets were generally ineffective, and only the .50 cals could penetrate?"

Gorobets opened one eye and peered out of the corner of it at Steve whilst he told the story. The other one was kept tightly closed, but her breathing had returned to normal levels. She began to open the other one and turn towards Steve, but as soon as he said "mental health" she sat up straight and froze with a neutral expression on her face. Slowly she began to relax and offered a weak smile to the Calizorinstani soldier.

"I-I-do hope that none of these people tries to kidnap me," she joked hesitantly.

"They won't," stated Petersen, his attention still on someone else. "The Guard takes care of its own, if anyone lays a hand on you then they'll lose a hand." He whipped his around to focus on Steve, looking him straight in the eye. "And I mean anyone," he stressed. He turned his head back as if nothing had happened, leaving Gorobets to nod happily.

"W-we had to state that in our oath to the Pack, we even got to meet the Emperor, such a nice man although his glasses were a bit funny," she frowned. "I-I wonder why he didn't just get contact lenses? They're so much more convenient."

Gorobets opened one eye and peered out of the corner of it at Steve whilst he told the story. The other one was kept tightly closed, but her breathing had returned to normal levels. She began to open the other one and turn towards Steve, but as soon as he said "mental health" she sat up straight and froze with a neutral expression on her face. Slowly she began to relax and offered a weak smile to the Calizorinstani soldier.

"I-I-do hope that none of these people tries to kidnap me," she joked hesitantly.

"They won't," stated Petersen, his attention still on someone else. "The Guard takes care of its own, if anyone lays a hand on you then they'll lose a hand." He whipped his around to focus on Steve, looking him straight in the eye. "And I mean anyone," he stressed. He turned his head back as if nothing had happened, leaving Gorobets to nod happily.

"W-we had to state that in our oath to the Pack, we even got to meet the Emperor, such a nice man although his glasses were a bit funny," she frowned. "I-I wonder why he didn't just get contact lenses? They're so much more convenient."

Steve said "I promise you Sygiria, that nobody will kidnap you. I wouldn't dare do it. Anyhow, I don't think that anything will happen to you. I'll watch your back okay?" He held out his hand, he thought that she was one of the prettiest girls he had seen, and he told himself inside his head to stop that and to be professional.

John wiped his brow and he said "I wonder when we will leave, we've been sitting here for a while now.."

Captain Kupchenko stood at the front of the aircraft. He saw the team slowly trickling in. He looked at the tactical PDA he now carried, it showed a live satellite feed of the soon to be embattled outpost. The mob was drawing nearer to the outpost, he estimated they had a maximum of 3 hours now, the undead were moving faster than expected.

He looked at the soldiers again, the men and women he'd be throwing into hell in order to buy those defensive squads a chance, and a slim one at that. Never in Shenyangi history had such an audacious plan worked. Of course, never in Shenyangi history had one been needed. He made a decision as to whether he'd need to check his gear this mission. He pulled his MSG-90 sniper rifle, and did a check to see how it was working. He checked that everything was in order, from the brass catcher to the Horus Vision scope.

He pulled a roll of camouflage tape from his vest and wrapped the fore grip and stock in OD and tan tape. He sighted down the scope and quickly wiped the lenses. He closed the lens covers and checked the mag next. He used custom double-drum ‘beta-style’ magazines, with 40 round capacities. A glance at the back of the mag showed it was full. He silently charged the weapon, did a quick brass check, then set the weapon to safe. He placed the weapon in his lap and began checking his XM-10A2 carbine. Atop the weapon was a 4x thermal scope, not his usual choice, but the undead still presented a viable thermal signature, and in an urban environment, a thermal scope might prove useful. After a full check of the weapon he set it to safe and leaned it on the wall of the dropship. Out came his Springfield Armory XD-45 pistol. He tested the green laser sight, and did a mag check, after a quick overview of the firearm he holstered it, slung his XM-10A2, and rested his hands on the MSG-90. He decided that he ought to give some sort of motivational speech to those who were here.

“Alright, listen up. We’re going to be dropping into hell. I want everyone to be on top of their game, no one screws up, and no one dies. Confirm your targets, and use your heads, circumvent anything that’s too dangerous to engage. Oh, and try to stick with someone, for all you new guys, pick a buddy with experience. Maintain contact at all times, I don’t want anyone going Rambo on us and getting infected. It’s gonna be a long day.”

He sat back, and considered telling the GWO troops that their undersuits were going to make things really difficult for them if they didn’t want to attract attention, and the attention of a mob of undead hell-bent on consuming you isn’t something anyone ever wants, but all too often gets. It was too late to deal with that now.

Joker got up and went around the cabin. He affirmed Gorobets statement.

“It’d take about 5 years for the undead from the start of the outbreak to decompose far enough to no longer be a problem. Unfortunately there’s a large portion of the zone which is within the bounds of the Shenyangi tundra. In that region we could be dealing with this outbreak after I’m dead and buried. Without any intervention, we’re looking at decades of clean-up, and that’s decades of danger for the Shenyangi people, decades of economic strain due to the loss of all assets within the QZ, and decades of self-imposed international quarantine. We can’t do that to the citizens, and we won’t do that to Shenyang.”

The pilot’s voice came over a set of speakers in the cargo bay, she had a slightly punchy voice, obviously a city girl, born and bred.

“We’re takin’ off in five, once we’re airborne it’s gonna be a 45 minute flight to your insertion point. I can’t promise you that we’ll be able to pull you out immediately after your call. You’ll be looking at 20, maybe 30 minutes before we can be on site to get you out, plan accordingly.”

The dropship’s jets warmed, and a high pitched whine filled the cabin.

John said to Gorobets "You can be my buddy if you like, I have years worth of fighting undead experience, if you stick with me and Steve, and your Captain, you'll make it through.." He checked his Hali-53, and he looked about the cabin and he whispered to himself "So, we'll be storming the gates of hell once again.."

"Once we insert," the Gunny instructed, "Grant will take point and have first priority of eliminating hostiles. Trosky, you'll be glued to his six and provide support as needed. I will provide rear security. Remember your fields of fire and maintain fire discipline. Trosky, since our rifles are equipped with suppressors, you will fire only if we can no longer hold them off. You're SAW announces our presence like a flare."

John said to Steve "You cover my back when we land, and whatever happens, stick with somebody, that could save your life. Remember, headshots! Always try for those, any others, and those may not work, but you will know for a fact that a headshot will down an inflicted." Steve nodded and he said "Aye sir, that I will do!, I will cover you!"

"so, it starts all over again." Edward said to no one in particular. "Word of advice to all you rooks who've never faced these things, if you can't get a clean head shot, go for a shot that'll incapcitate it, namley in or around the knee cap, then finish them off later. And always, always use your environment to your advanatge, if you see something that could slow their advance, by all means, you'd better use it." He chuckled. " Maybe one of thse days I'll have to tell you rooks about the old days."

"so, it starts all over again." Edward said to no one in particular. "Word of advice to all you rooks who've never faced these things, if you can't get a clean head shot, go for a shot that'll incapcitate it, namley in or around the knee cap, then finish them off later. And always, always use your environment to your advanatge, if you see something that could slow their advance, by all means, you'd better use it." He chuckled. " Maybe one of thse days I'll have to tell you rooks about the old days."

John clapped his hands slightly and he said "Here here! I agree to that Edward, if we get back from this mission in one piece, we'll have to tell you new guys about the old days! I remember when I was new, this was all confusing, but I soon made sense of it in short order, I had to, to stay alive. Every minute of this mission your blood will be pounding, and you will be continually figuring out how to stay alive and survive until we are extracted, believe me, this will happen."

He said "If anyone thinks this will be a milk run, don't even count on it, I know I made that mistake on my first mission, and it went haywire real fast. It won't be easy, but when you're done, it'll be rewarding to get rid of this threat to Shenyang."

Gorobets glanced down at Steve's hand, looked up again, looked down and rested the butt of her PK on the floor so the barrel would lean against her leg. She reached over and took Steve's hand, but rather than shaking it in a conventional manner she locked her thumb around his and put her hand so both wrists touched in the warrior's grip.

"T-thanks, s-sir," she stated, gripping his hand tightly for a second before releasing it. She then grinned when Joker confirmed her statement, and began to whistle a dainty little tune.

Upon hearing of the offer made by John, Petersen turned around.

"Gorobets will be my buddy Colonel, as much as you seem competent it would be a deriliction of my duty if I did not take personal responsibility for those under my command in every way I can. I'm sure you understand," he said placatingly. "However if the offer of me and the private pairing up with you and the captain here," he nodded in Steve's direction, "is still open then I'd like to take you up on that. We've both fought the undead before but I'm not going to throw away the help of those more experienced than myself."

Gorobets glanced down at Steve's hand, looked up again, looked down and rested the butt of her PK on the floor so the barrel would lean against her leg. She reached over and took Steve's hand, but rather than shaking it in a conventional manner she locked her thumb around his and put her hand so both wrists touched in the warrior's grip.

"T-thanks, s-sir," she stated, gripping his hand tightly for a second before releasing it. She then grinned when Joker confirmed her statement, and began to whistle a dainty little tune.

Upon hearing of the offer made by John, Petersen turned around.

"Gorobets will be my buddy Colonel, as much as you seem competent it would be a deriliction of my duty if I did not take personal responsibility for those under my command in every way I can. I'm sure you understand," he said placatingly. "However if the offer of me and the private pairing up with you and the captain here," he nodded in Steve's direction, "is still open then I'd like to take you up on that. We've both fought the undead before but I'm not going to throw away the help of those more experienced than myself."

John replied to Petersen "I completely understand sir, why you would wish Gorobets to be your buddy, so I will honor your request. The offer is still open of you and the private pairing up with me and Steve, so I'm glad you accept it. You seem to be experienced yourself, but I'll give you help in all I can regarding the inflicted. We all need to help each other, if we are to get through more then one mission."

Petersen sighed in relief,

"Thankyou Colonel, that's good to hear. As hard as this mission sounds, I am sure things will transpire to make it a lot harder. What's the old saying, 'no plan survives contact with the enemy'? Oh, how many times has that happened to me," he groaned, shaking his head.

Gorobets was busying herself checking the boxes for her PK machine gun. First of all she checked that each box was fully each individual round, looking to see that each one was secure on the chain and that there were no imperfections or obvious defects with the round. She had stopped humming and was now singing quietly.
"Die Fahne hoch! Die Reihen fest geschlossen! "

Petersen sighed in relief,

"Thankyou Colonel, that's good to hear. As hard as this mission sounds, I am sure things will transpire to make it a lot harder. What's the old saying, 'no plan survives contact with the enemy'? Oh, how many times has that happened to me," he groaned, shaking his head.

Gorobets was busying herself checking the boxes for her PK machine gun. First of all she checked that each box was fully each individual round, looking to see that each one was secure on the chain and that there were no imperfections or obvious defects with the round. She had stopped humming and was now singing quietly.
"Die Fahne hoch! Die Reihen fest geschlossen! "

John sighed and he said "I have a feeling there will be a point where all haywire breaks loose and the plans fall apart, like you say "No plan survives contact with the enemy." Although, I'm not too worried about it, because it's not worth worrying about personally, just concentrate on doing your part and you'll be fine."

John sighed and he said "I have a feeling there will be a point where all haywire breaks loose and the plans fall apart, like you say "No plan survives contact with the enemy." Although, I'm not too worried about it, because it's not worth worrying about personally, just concentrate on doing your part and you'll be fine."

Edward chuckled. "We don't need a plan, just an objective, hold position X and clear out area Y, as long as the squad doesn't break up, we'll be good." he chuckled. "Unless some thing that keeps reforming no matter how many times you shoot it pops up, then we're all gonna to die. But," hew held up his hands. "I tend to be the doomsayer these days, but its an actual possibility. Its happened."

Gaz secured the harness and stuffed his daysack under the seat, he smirked as he tried to catch Gorobets's eye. McKenzie on the other hand was spending his time looking around the cabin, trying to sum up his follow operators.

"What do you think of them," called Gaz over the whine of the engines.

"They look like a solid group, we'll see how they operate on the ground however," said McKenzie, checking the safety on his weapon, "Listen, when we hit the LZ make sure your the first to the high ground with that rifle of yours, god knows what the situation is down there."

"Right boss," Gaz said, all the while gazing at Gorobets, "It'll be alright, just like Brent..."

"Only on a bigger scale," replied McKenzie.

"Lucky I brought more rounds this time," smirked Gaz, patting his assault vest, "Have you got your letter?"

"Oh yeah," said McKenzie reaching into his top pocket and fishing around for a dirty, crumpled envelope, "Same one as always."

"Same," smiled Gaz, who thrust his letter into McKenzie's hand, "I'll pick that up in a few hours."

McKenzie did the same, "Listen, if this goes bad... take care of Sarah, and if I come back dead... make sure."

"I tell you what, I'll never get used to that, certainly wouldn't be saying it in the green army,” noted Gaz.

"That’s why we get paid the big bucks," laughed McKenzie, "Fast Cars, Fast Girls and all the beer you can drink."

"See the horrors of the world... and shoot them,” chuckled Gaz, turning his attention back to Gorobets.

"Amen to that,” said McKenzie, closing his eyes and returning to his thoughts.

John clasped his hands and prayed a couple of Christian prayers, and then he looked up and he said "I always pray for my safety, figuring that if nothing else, it gives me peace of mind before I drop.." He took out a book, and a picture dropped from it, which was John sitting in the cockpit of a Calizorinstanian Marine Corps F-14D "Bombcat", grinning, with a different hair cut, a flat top, and he looked much younger.

Edward looked at the photo before resuming his bored gaze at the floor. "So, you still fly?" He asked. "Been a while since I flew, last thing I flew was a chopper that I was extracted in."

Edward looked at the photo before resuming his bored gaze at the floor. "So, you still fly?" He asked. "Been a while since I flew, last thing I flew was a chopper that I was extracted in."

John said "Yeah, I'm both a Spec Ops guy and on weekdays, a F-14 jock. Actually, now that we're cutting back on F-14 units, I may actually switch to the F-18E Super Hornet. But this undead fighting job is my sideline business, it seems CSOCOM decided that I needed to get back into the business again.." He said "I'm more clean and shaven then I'm usually am, but I don't really look like a fighter jock do I?"

John said "Yeah, I'm both a Spec Ops guy and on weekdays, a F-14 jock. Actually, now that we're cutting back on F-14 units, I may actually switch to the F-18E Super Hornet. But this undead fighting job is my sideline business, it seems CSOCOM decided that I needed to get back into the business again.." He said "I'm more clean and shaven then I'm usually am, but I don't really look like a fighter jock do I?"

Edward shrugged. "The flyboys in the Union wear old style bomber jackets with their unit and squadron designation sewn into them, but they usually have some kind of facial hair." He took a glance at Johns face. "But the way you look now, I'd say you've been doing more ground work, always hated it when the COs chew you out for having a 'stache or beard."

Edward shrugged. "The flyboys in the Union wear old style bomber jackets with their unit and squadron designation sewn into them, but they usually have some kind of facial hair." He took a glance at Johns face. "But the way you look now, I'd say you've been doing more ground work, always hated it when the COs chew you out for having a 'stache or beard."

John said "Well, that's because I've been mostly training up my muscles and body for a return to this, and to special ops in general. There hasn't been much movement from the Khilistanians in the north. My squadron, the VFA-122 "Blackjacks" call the Khilstanians "Khilistines", they're basically radical muslim extremists."

He continued "However, they've not been attacking us for at least 4 years, that was when the last war ended. Oh they've been attacking on and of, but one strafing run from our F-14's, which usually are from my squadron, discourages them."

John said "I wish I was flying, but CSOCOM stuck me with a return to undead fighting, since I am often called in Calizorinstan the "de facto" expert on fighting and hunting the undead."

John said "Well, that's because I've been mostly training up my muscles and body for a return to this, and to special ops in general. There hasn't been much movement from the Khilistanians in the north. My squadron, the VFA-122 "Blackjacks" call the Khilstanians "Khilistines", they're basically radical muslim extremists."

He continued "However, they've not been attacking us for at least 4 years, that was when the last war ended. Oh they've been attacking on and of, but one strafing run from our F-14's, which usually are from my squadron, discourages them."

John said "I wish I was flying, but CSOCOM stuck me with a return to undead fighting, since I am often called in Calizorinstan the "de facto" expert on fighting and hunting the undead."


"Id be out on the front lines right now, we've got our own little terrorist cell, calling themselves the Imperialists, appearently they want a return to Imperial Terra, but, they're just a nuisance." He took a quick swig from his canteen. "And just like you, I'm considered the expert on the undead, that, and the other expert was killed makes me the leading man to put out on the field." He shurgged, "But then again, I wouldn't have it any other way."

"Id be out on the front lines right now, we've got our own little terrorist cell, calling themselves the Imperialists, appearently they want a return to Imperial Terra, but, they're just a nuisance." He took a quick swig from his canteen. "And just like you, I'm considered the expert on the undead, that, and the other expert was killed makes me the leading man to put out on the field." He shurgged, "But then again, I wouldn't have it any other way."

John said "Yeah, these Khilistines would love to hook up with the Imperialists or any other group against our democratic government if they had the chance. Well, now we will be facing another type of nuisance, except these aren't laughable or passed off very easiily.."

He said "Didn't I serve with you in the QCS and the TCBS Ed?, you look familiar to me for some reason."

"Yeah, we served three stints, the whole UH affair, the massive outbreak in Shenyang, and the whole true blood thing, quite frankly, I still don't know what the rcket was about on that one."

John said "I am quite tempted to think it was those three stints that got us proclaimed "Undead experts" by some of the higher ups, well, I wonder where Dagger 4 and 5 are, and what happened to Saya?" He sighed, and he said "Well, I'd hope that Saya wasn't inflicted.."

John said "Yeah, these Khilistines would love to hook up with the Imperialists or any other group against our democratic government if they had the chance. Well, now we will be facing another type of nuisance, except these aren't laughable or passed off very easiily.."

He said "Didn't I serve with you in the QCS and the TCBS Ed?, you look familiar to me for some reason."

"Yeah, we served three stints, the whole UH affair, the massive outbreak in Shenyang, and the whole true blood thing, quite frankly, I still don't know what the rcket was about on that one."

John said "I am quite tempted to think it was those three stints that got us proclaimed "Undead experts" by some of the higher ups, well, I wonder where Dagger 4 and 5 are, and what happened to Saya?" He sighed, and he said "Well, I'd hope that Saya wasn't inflicted.."

Ed shurgged. "Dags 4 and 5 are never far away when this stuff happens, as for Saya, she's resistent, remeber? I think she probably settled down with 5 or something like that." He looked out the single window. "Eh, stuff like that is never for me, I'm an old war horse in comparision to these guys, borken in and reliable."

Ed shurgged. "Dags 4 and 5 are never far away when this stuff happens, as for Saya, she's resistent, remeber? I think she probably settled down with 5 or something like that." He looked out the single window. "Eh, stuff like that is never for me, I'm an old war horse in comparision to these guys, borken in and reliable."

John sighed and he said "I feel old with those Skgorrians over there, and the new Marines, and Steve. My, I feel like I am at my peak!, as that old Toby Keith song sums me up "I ain't as good as I once was, but I'm as good once, as I ever was.", man these newer kids are going to be surprised when they get into their first encounter with the undead."

Edward chuckled. "Those rooks wouldn't last a second if we left them to their own ways, lucky for us, our first mission had one vet, wonder what happened to him?"

John chuckled and he said "Who was the one vet, I forgot?, now this mission has two vets instead of one, I'd bet if we weren't assigned to this team, this team would have a harder time fighting for their lives.."

John sighed and he said "I feel old with those Skgorrians over there, and the new Marines, and Steve. My, I feel like I am at my peak!, as that old Toby Keith song sums me up "I ain't as good as I once was, but I'm as good once, as I ever was.", man these newer kids are going to be surprised when they get into their first encounter with the undead."

Edward chuckled. "Those rooks wouldn't last a second if we left them to their own ways, lucky for us, our first mission had one vet, wonder what happened to him?"

John chuckled and he said "Who was the one vet, I forgot?, now this mission has two vets instead of one, I'd bet if we weren't assigned to this team, this team would have a harder time fighting for their lives.."

"This team wouldn't even be able to fight for their lives, if it was jst them, with no info on their enemy, they'd waste their ammo on torso shots, and their government, being the secretive people they are, would withhold life saving information in order to avert mass panic, as for the vet we had..." He tapped his finger against his chin, then snapped his fingers. "William Lawrence, father of the Lawrence protocol."

McKenzie coughed, opening an eye, “The Lawrence Protocol?” he called over the engine whine.

McKenzie coughed, opening an eye, “The Lawrence Protocol?” he called over the engine whine.

"Yes, its an outbreak plan, the immediate sealing of the infected area, followed by deployments of small squads equipped with the essentials for combat against the inflicted, usually semi-automatic weapons and blades of various lengths supported by up to date satalite imagery. Usually it gets the job done, and if it doesn't, a tactical nuclear bomb is deployed. Its currently in its early stages, but so far it has proven highly effective as long as the men maintain discipline."

"Yes, its an outbreak plan, the immediate sealing of the infected area, followed by deployments of small squads equipped with the essentials for combat against the inflicted, usually semi-automatic weapons and blades of various lengths supported by up to date satalite imagery. Usually it gets the job done, and if it doesn't, a tactical nuclear bomb is deployed. Its currently in its early stages, but so far it has proven highly effective as long as the men maintain discipline."

John nodded and he said "That's right, I remember now. That's I hope what Shenyang is using with the Alfa Team, I hope we'll be taking off soon.."

OOC: I'm going to bed, good night!

OOC: Calizorinstan... Alex and Nikolai are D5 and D4 respectively. They've been detached from Dagger Team, so now they're using their internal Dagger Team tac-names as opposed to designations.

Sharpe was getting agitated at the lack of action, many of the Alfa Teams had little to no experience in battling the undead, the evil and creatures of beyond this realm. Many of them thought the enemy to be conventional, to be normal, to be human however Captain Sharpe and his men new better. Captain Sharpe, Sargeant Patrick Harper, and Private Daniel Harris had more experience fighting such an evil enemy than they cared to talk about. Captain Sharpe was part of the famous Vetakan Defence Force 101st Commando Unit which was deployed in the early hours of the Haywood Zombie Outbreak it was Sharpes unit which was wiped out when bad intelligence saw his unit dropped on top a Horde infested Shopping Mall the ensuring battle saw a 30 man unit wiped out in a matter of minutes by the time the Chinnook returned for the extraction only Captain Sharpe, Sargeant Harper and Private Harris remainded alive.

From their on the three man team deployed to the Vetakan Zombie outbreaks of Boscastle, Boxtimeland and Rigley, from their they trained with the Wagdogian Vampires, they joined the White Phoenix Tribesman to train and learn the basics of Bow, Sword, Spear and Rifle. With such training learnt they began to deploy and fight the smaller outbreaks across the world, they began to hunt down those creatures that where evil such as the Evil Vampires, the Evil Werewolves and the Evil Goblins the Vetakan 3 men went on to founder Vetaka's Paranormal Investigation Unit and its Paranormal Counter-Operations Unit they trained them and led them.

During these dark days Sharpe never lost his hope, he never lost his good will and good spirit. During his time training with the White Phoenix Sharpe had learnt to be proud of his experience, proud of his skills, proud to be a warrior, proud to be a White Phoenix tribe they all had. Hence the rituals whilst they where proud they where never arrogant or ignorant. Sharpe checked his weaponary for what seemed like the 25th time, he looked around to catch Harper and Harris do the same. He cursed under his breath the worst part of any mission was the wait to be deployed. The Whine of the engine relived his stress but he still roared:

"About fucking time"

He looked around and a number of the other men and women had a smiliar look of relief in their eyes.

John sighed and he said "I'd wish they'd hurry up, I'm getting tired of sitting here!" He almost bellowed the last, his frustration was growing, and his patience was wearing thin.

"Patience old man," laughed Petersen, "I'm sure we'll get sent to our deaths anytime now. Personally I'm glad that we're hanging around a little bit longer, lets us pick up more bodies. However it would be nice to get going..."

"Yes yes," Gorobets chimed in, "the sooner we get out there, the sooner we get back. Or get dead. Either one could happen."

"Patience old man," laughed Petersen, "I'm sure we'll get sent to our deaths anytime now. Personally I'm glad that we're hanging around a little bit longer, lets us pick up more bodies. However it would be nice to get going..."

"Yes yes," Gorobets chimed in, "the sooner we get out there, the sooner we get back. Or get dead. Either one could happen."



"Sent to our deaths? Maybe you rooks, but not us."

"And what makes you so fraggin' immune to infection?" Spat Petersen, annoyed at the marine's comment. "Do zombies not infect those who are retarded from birth?"

"Also," chimed in Gorobets, "w-why are you calling us birds? We're not birds, silly people. You should know the difference," she chastised, shaking her head.

The pilot's voice came back again.

"Alright, we've waited as long as we can, I'm takin' off."

The whine of the engines rose to a roar and the craft lifted verically off the ground. It wobbled slightly as the pilot checked all systems, they showed green.

"This is your pilot, you can call me Venus-4, you're onboard my bird, Penelope, today. We're lookin' at a high speed, high altitude run to your insertion point, followed by a sweep of the area with our GAU-2/A gattlings. Once we're sure that the LZ is clear, you're getting dropped in. Hang on."

She gunned the throttle, and the craft only somewhat smoothly transitioned from forward hovering to forward flight. The vehicle quickly ascended. Since the back wasn't pressurized they couldn't go too high, but none the less, the air was a little bit thinner.

The flight was relatively smooth in the clear mountain air. Talisman got up to give a quick bit of direction.

"We're looking at a 40 minute flight people, get ready, watch the scenery, whatever you want. When he hit the dirt I want a flawless op."

He took his seat again.

"And what makes you so fraggin' immune to infection?" Spat Petersen, annoyed at the marine's comment. "Do zombies not infect those who are retarded from birth?"

"Also," chimed in Gorobets, "w-why are you calling us birds? We're not birds, silly people. You should know the difference," she chastised, shaking her head.

"Rooks, its an abbreviation of rookie. As for me, no, I;m not immune to infection, but I do have years of experience in this field, if you want to saty alive, stick with John, Alex, Nikolai or me, we'll get you through."

Gorobets' face lit up in laughter.

"I-I knew that, silly man!" She winked at the Marine and kept on chuckling to herself, then began to move her head as she tried to see out of the windows. "Penelope seems very nice," she muttered to herself.

Petersen chose to respond to the Marine.

"We'll be sticking with John, though of course we'll all be watching out for everyone. Right Gorobets?" He called, and the Guardswoman nodded vigorously without turning around.

The pilot's voice came back again.

"Alright, we've waited as long as we can, I'm takin' off."

The whine of the engines rose to a roar and the craft lifted verically off the ground. It wobbled slightly as the pilot checked all systems, they showed green.

"This is your pilot, you can call me Venus-4, you're onboard my bird, Penelope, today. We're lookin' at a high speed, high altitude run to your insertion point, followed by a sweep of the area with our GAU-2/A gattlings. Once we're sure that the LZ is clear, you're getting dropped in. Hang on."

She gunned the throttle, and the craft only somewhat smoothly transitioned from forward hovering to forward flight. The vehicle quickly ascended. Since the back wasn't pressurized they couldn't go too high, but none the less, the air was a little bit thinner.

The flight was relatively smooth in the clear mountain air. Talisman got up to give a quick bit of direction.

"We're looking at a 40 minute flight people, get ready, watch the scenery, whatever you want. When he hit the dirt I want a flawless op."

He took his seat again.

"Flawless op, you got it boss." Edward checked the magazine on his XM-8. "So, these frackers can run now, is tha right?"

Gorobets' face lit up in laughter.

"I-I knew that, silly man!" She winked at the Marine and kept on chuckling to herself, then began to move her head as she tried to see out of the windows. "Penelope seems very nice," she muttered to herself.

Petersen chose to respond to the Marine.

"We'll be sticking with John, though of course we'll all be watching out for everyone. Right Gorobets?" He called, and the Guardswoman nodded vigorously without turning around.


"trsut me, when we hit the LZ, it'll be hard contact from beginning to end, their will be no rest, not even for a second, kepp your head up, ears open and have an itchy trigger finger, just wtach where you're shooting."

"Oh yeah, gotta love mutated strains. Still not well coordinated though."

Joker shifted in his seat. He wondered how his wife was, she was out of Shenyang at the moment, visiting family in Mereshka. He couldn't contact her, they were both out of cell service at the moment.

"Look soldier, marine, ducktape, whatever you call yourself," sighed Petersen at the United Human Countries soldier, "I really appreciate the concern but I am a Captain and a Guardsman after all. I didn't get where I am through sitting behind a desk. I've fought men before, and monsters as well. So don't go treating me like I'm fresh out of boot camp, and I'll try not to let my overwhelming contempt for your macho posturing encourage get the better of me. Deal?"

"Hey! cut it out, save it for the undead people."

Talisman's red eyes flashed with annoyance and anger.

"Oh yeah, gotta love mutated strains. Still not well coordinated though."

Joker shifted in his seat. He wondered how his wife was, she was out of Shenyang at the moment, visiting family in Mereshka. He couldn't contact her, they were both out of cell service at the moment.

"So, anything in their way will trip them up, sounds simple, unless they hunt in packs." He tapped his rifle butt against the floor. "Going to guess they do that."

"Not really on purpose, sometimes they just seem to follow one another, other times they move around solo, but they'll all show up at a loud sound. Like an explosion, or Venus-4's gun runs. This'll be interesting."

Joker shook his head, it wasn't going to be a fun mission, then again, they never were.

"Look soldier, marine, ducktape, whatever you call yourself," sighed Petersen at the United Human Countries soldier, "I really appreciate the concern but I am a Captain and a Guardsman after all. I didn't get where I am through sitting behind a desk. I've fought men before, and monsters as well. So don't go treating me like I'm fresh out of boot camp, and I'll try not to let my overwhelming contempt for your macho posturing encourage get the better of me. Deal?"

"Macho posturing? Hardly, it's called teaching you rooks something that'll keep you alive, ask Alex or Nikolai, they'll tell you the same thing. These things are quite different from anything anybody has faced before."

"And things like basic fire discipline and constant alertness are thing that we all know. Added to the fact I've fought things like these things, I don't appreciate being called a rookie," spat Petersen.

"Not really on purpose, sometimes they just seem to follow one another, other times they move around solo, but they'll all show up at a loud sound. Like an explosion, or Venus-4's gun runs. This'll be interesting."

Joker shook his head, it wasn't going to be a fun mission, then again, they never were.

"Call me psychotic, but this is going to be fun. Been a while since I shot at anything that moved faster then a limp."

"And things like basic fire discipline and constant alertness are thing that we all know. Added to the fact I've fought things like these things, I don't appreciate being called a rookie," spat Petersen.

"Well then, I stand corrected, I apologize."

"Apology accepted," sniffed Petersen, falling silent for the time being. Gorobets got up and whispered in the ear of the United human countries trooper.

"He-he worked hard to get where he his. He gets very touchy about that sort of thing," and with that she sat down and started to fiddle with the cocking handle of her PK.

"Apology accepted," sniffed Petersen, falling silent for the time being. Gorobets got up and whispered in the ear of the United human countries trooper.

"He-he worked hard to get where he his. He gets very touchy about that sort of thing," and with that she sat down and started to fiddle with the cocking handle of her PK.

Steve said "I think Gorobets, I agree with you, I don't think Ed should be playing around with Petersen, he might get burned.." John sighed and he said "So, after a five year break, I have to fight the undead once again.."

"Apology accepted," sniffed Petersen, falling silent for the time being. Gorobets got up and whispered in the ear of the United human countries trooper.

"He-he worked hard to get where he his. He gets very touchy about that sort of thing," and with that she sat down and started to fiddle with the cocking handle of her PK.

Edward noded then looked out the window. He took a photo out of his pokcet and stared at it, it was a faded photo that was worn from being folded, in it, The original QCS members sat in the old Osprey with Frank leaning out of the pilots seat. He allowed himself a small smile Simpler times he thought, then replaced the photo and resumed examaining his rifle.

Steve said "I think Gorobets, I agree with you, I don't think Ed should be playing around with Petersen, he might get burned.." John sighed and he said "So, after a five year break, I have to fight the undead once again.."

Edward sat back in his seat. "Has it really been five years? Seems like yesterday we were saving the world, guess things are a bit different this time."

Talisman glanced out the back of the craft, they were getting close, he knew the route they were taking, pretty soon they'd be on the deck engaging a mob of zombies. He began trying to calm down and center himself.

"By the numbers," the Gunny reminded them.

"Aye," his subordinates responded.

Contrary to their earlier posturing, the Marines were now quiet and focused, their professional training taking over as they waited for battle. Grant zeroed the scope of his sniper rifle, making the soldier across from him uneasy as he stared down the barrel of the gun. Meanwhile, Strauss made sure he had prepared charges set. The faster they could blow their target, the faster they could exfil. Trosky on the other hand set up the next two drums for his SAW.

OOC: i have to go to work in a 1/2 hr, so i won't be back 'til 2000 hrs. US central. just an fyi.

John sighed and he said to Ed "Five years is a long time, it just seems like yesterday, that a young Lieutenant named John Macked, was gathered in the Breakroom with Alex, Nikolai, and you Ed, all discussing about the missions. This really has put a damper to the Marine Corps plans for me, I was scheduled to be promoted next month, but now.." He sighed and shook his head.

"I'm sure you'll be back in time for your promotion," sympathised Petersen. He took out his service pistol and cocked it, chambering a round. He then took up his AEK rifle and inserted a magazine.

Meanwhile, Gorobets hefted up the machine gun and slapped a box onto the bottom of her weapon. Pulling the cocking handle back, she released it and it slid forwards easily. Both Skgorrians then put on their gas masks and ballistics helmets.

"I'm sure you'll be back in time for your promotion," sympathised Petersen. He took out his service pistol and cocked it, chambering a round. He then took up his AEK rifle and inserted a magazine.

Meanwhile, Gorobets hefted up the machine gun and slapped a box onto the bottom of her weapon. Pulling the cocking handle back, she released it and it slid forwards easily. Both Skgorrians then put on their gas masks and ballistics helmets.

John put on his gas mask, and so did Steve, and they slammed in the magazine in their Hali-53's, and loaded their pistols, they already were wearing the hazmat suits. John said "Well, I thought you guys might like to see a picture of the original QCS.." He brought out a picture, faded somewhat, like Ed's, except the members were lined in front of the Ospery. He pointed to himself, the 38 year old in the front row, holding a FN2000, and wearing what appeared to be a Master Chief type suit. He chuckled and he said "Yep, that was us, we were young once..."

Gorobets took the picture, cocking her head as she looked at it.

"N-nice armour sir," she said. "W-we'll have to get a picture of us when we all get back." She passed the picture to Petersen, who studied it for a second and gave it back to the Colonel.

"I'll show you my pics when we get back," he promised. "They're with my gear, I don't want anything to happen to them whilst I'm out here. At least if I get infected out there, there will be something of me to bury."

Gorobets took the picture, cocking her head as she looked at it.

"N-nice armour sir," she said. "W-we'll have to get a picture of us when we all get back." She passed the picture to Petersen, who studied it for a second and gave it back to the Colonel.

"I'll show you my pics when we get back," he promised. "They're with my gear, I don't want anything to happen to them whilst I'm out here. At least if I get infected out there, there will be something of me to bury."

John smiled and he said as he took the picture from Petersen's hand "Thanks, I brought it with me, but I wasn't sure how it would affect my mobility. The last time I used it, it didn't affect it at all, but now, I am not sure. I am hoping that we all make it out without losing anyone."

He sighed and he said "The most amazing thing about the QCS, was the fact we were new, and in all of 12 missions I was with the QCS, we never lost a man to infection or otherwise.."

"Then let's hope we can duplicate that success here. We've got enough firepower to level a city here, and you should see Gorobets with that PK." On hearing her name, Gorobets waved happily, her expression completely concealed behind the gas mask. All anyone could see were her eyes, peeking out of the green rubber mask.

"S-sir," she ventured. "Sh-should we say the Pact?"

Petersen sighed, "I suppose so Private. Even though I hate this sort of thing, tradition must be upheld." Both of the Skgorrians began to thump the butt of their weapons on the deck of the aircraft at a steady rate.

"We trust in the Wolf to lead us through," began Petersen. Gorobets then joined in.

"Almighty Wolf
Lend us Your nose to find the Prey
Lend us Your legs to catch them
Lend us Your teeth to rip their throat out!" They both fell silent for a second, then threw their heads back and let out a wolf howl. It was a chilling sound, designed to terrify the opposition and anyone else in range of it.

"Whatever you might say about this rubbish," spoke Petersen, "it's good once in a while I guess."

"Then let's hope we can duplicate that success here. We've got enough firepower to level a city here, and you should see Gorobets with that PK." On hearing her name, Gorobets waved happily, her expression completely concealed behind the gas mask. All anyone could see were her eyes, peeking out of the green rubber mask.

"S-sir," she ventured. "Sh-should we say the Pact?"

Petersen sighed, "I suppose so Private. Even though I hate this sort of thing, tradition must be upheld." Both of the Skgorrians began to thump the butt of their weapons on the deck of the aircraft at a steady rate.

"We trust in the Wolf to lead us through," began Petersen. Gorobets then joined in.

"Almighty Wolf
Lend us Your nose to find the Prey
Lend us Your legs to catch them
Lend us Your teeth to rip their throat out!" They both fell silent for a second, then threw their heads back and let out a wolf howl. It was a chilling sound, designed to terrify the opposition and anyone else in range of it.

"Whatever you might say about this rubbish," spoke Petersen, "it's good once in a while I guess."

John smiled and he said "Almost sounds like the Klingon Death Ritual, but it's interesting, I've got a tradition of my own, dating back from the early kings of Calizorinstan.."

He chanted "Almighty Father, we will now bond with thee, we ask that you will send King Constantine the 1st, that he may send your holiness and success in defeating these creatures of darkness that we may send them back to the holes in the ground from which they sprung.."

He then let out a roar "Constantine! We are ready warriors!, give us the strength of your sainthood to defeat these they enemies, and stamp them beneath our feet! YAH!" He raised his gun up in the air, and then lowered it, and he smiled and he said "That's my little before battle tradition, it's always worked."

John smiled and he said as he took the picture from Petersen's hand "Thanks, I brought it with me, but I wasn't sure how it would affect my mobility. The last time I used it, it didn't affect it at all, but now, I am not sure. I am hoping that we all make it out without losing anyone."

He sighed and he said "The most amazing thing about the QCS, was the fact we were new, and in all of 12 missions I was with the QCS, we never lost a man to infection or otherwise.."

"We were lucky, we all had scrapes with death." he chuckled. "Mine was on the business end of an electircal cannon, damn ner fried my nervous system." He shrugged. "Suppose since all of you boys are doing it, might as well add in the blessing Union marines are taught. Die Feind werden knwo null Barmherzigkeit , null Erbarmen bis zu die Kampf ist geworben , die See- standhalten und schneidig in dieser dunkel Male , und dazu , kleiden die shinning anstecken zu Sieg. The enemy shall know no mercy, no pity until the fight is won, the marines stand firm and fast in these dark times, and with it, become the shinning light to victory. Not much of a blessing, more of a morale booster, we got chewed out at boot if we didn't memeorize it"

The MC-117D Scimitar dropship ran on a direct route to the drop zone. The rear hatch was open, and the skies howled over the roar of the jet engines. Out the back of the craft, it didn’t seem all that bad; in fact the mountains were actually quite beautiful.

Looking forward was a different story. Smoke curled into the skies from the expanse ahead. Some of the fires were visible, even from their altitude, and it only served to further impress upon the Alfa Teams the fact that they were on a mission into Hell. The dropship dodged through the pillars of smoke as best they could, but it was impossible to evade them all. The thermal updrafts buffeted the aircraft rather severely. The door and tail gunners stared down at the area below them. As Nikolai stared out behind the aircraft, the embattled checkpoint, and the chain mob, came into view.

It looked like a sea of people was crashing against the checkpoint. The flashes of the soldiers’ weapons looked like a string of flashbulbs, tripping one after the other. The sounds of the battle reached the craft. A horrifying moan drifted into the cabin, it was overlaid with a cadence of the gunfire; the constant hammering of XMG-10A2 machine guns and the rapid cracks of XM-10A2 rifles.

Finally, the craft reached its drop zone; a parking lot outside a mall. The dropship made several passes, the gunners unleashing their GAU-17/A miniguns on anything that made the mistake of moving, or looking like it could move. Cars exploded, the walking dead were shredded by a hail of bullets, and pavement was torn up, creating a cloud of fragments and dust.

After the third run, the Scimitar hovered over an open area in the lot, about 1.5 meters up. Nikolai and Alex jumped out of the back and moved 8 meters away, taking positions to cover the team as they disembarked.

Once everyone was clear the craft lifted upward and then headed off, back the way they’d come. It would be the last friendly unit they’d see until the exfiltration bird arrived.

“Alright people, move out.”

The two SAS members began heading for the mall. The roof, which was 3-stories up, would provide a better vantage point to get the lay of the land. Nikolai’s MSG-90 slowly swept the area before he took the trail position. It was clear, for now.

OOC: I assume we're supposed to follow the SAS troops?

Petersen put his rifle in his shoulder and looked around, the rifle following his eyes. Once more into the breech old chap... he thought, keeping alert as he followed the SAS men.

A transformation had happened in Gorobets. No longer was she unsure of herself, now she strode forward with confidence. Despite the weight of the PK, she seemed to move it without any trouble.

The time for chitchat and other business had stopped. They were on the ground, and it was time to do what they had come here to do.

OOC: No pointless running for me :P

OOC: Unless you plan to run around until you find something explosive, they'll get it done in about a minute.

Joker was on point. He kicked in the door and moved in with his M1014. As he headed for a staircase he heard the muted crack of Talisman's suppressed MSG-90. The noise wasn't loud, but it was enough. A zombie, throat ripped out, likely the source of its infection, burst through a door. A blast of #1 buckshot blasted its head, caving the face, then bursting it like a cherry tomato. The suppressor cut the sound better than normal, as Joker had finally switched ammo to a subsonic load. The shell bounced off the wall nearby, clacking to the floor.

"Slash 1, forward area clear."

"Roger"

Joker waited for someone else to take point up the stairs.

The Wyverns took the initiative and took the stairs, the Gunny leading the way with his XM-8 rifle at the ready. He stopped and held his fist in the air, halting the advance. There was the sound of movement up ahead. A door opened, and a zombie, flesh on its face stripped off, caught sight of them. Strauss dropped it with a three round burst, each hit square on target. They continued their sweep, engaging two more as they traversed the unknown terrain.

IC:

John and Steve grouped up with Petersen and Gorobets and John looked keen, and his confidence in completing the mission was growing and he said looking around "I say we go kick some zombie!" He raised his Hali-53 and started moving towards the mall, and a zombie popped up in the mall, growling and John in a flash had his Hali-53 aimed at the head of the zombie, and he fired a lethal burst, and the zombie was down.

"A mall, how cliched." He losed a string of shots into several inflicted's craniums before following John. "In all my years, i've never gone to an infested mall, always blew the damn places to pieces, wonder if its really what everyone thinks?"

Reaching the summit, Strauss motioned for Trosky to kick the door leading to the roof, leaving the two silenced weapons ready to respond. Kicking it down, the team was through in a flurry, sweeping the open area in slow, practiced arches. Gunny ordered them to move out with hand signals, the trio fanning out to cover a wider area. In the space of ten minutes they had traversed the area, finding no hostiles up top.

"Slash 1/Wyverns," the Gunny said over his radio, "Rooftop clear. Awaiting further instructions."

OOC: i also have a sniper in my team in case you want us to provide that.

Petersen was impressed with John's accuracy and speed. All that rubbish he gave us about being old clearly hasn't slowed him much. He motioned for Gorobets to follow him, and the 2 Skgorrians followed the Calizorinstanis.

As they entered the mall, he saw the remains of several zombies that had clearly been dispatched by the soldiers who had entered before him. He heard a rustling to his left and saw a zombie, missing one of its legs, slowly dragging itself along the ground towards him. Petersen thumbed off the safety catch and put a single round into the creature's head. Any other man might've felt a trace of pity or compassion for this thing that was once human, but not Petersen. He'd been brought up with National Socialist propaganda that desensitised him to the suffering of most humans, and the Empire of the Wolf wasn't exactly the most caring of regimes either.

Gorobets continued to follow her officer, scanning the area with her PK. Too quiet too quiet too quiet her mind raced, something something something going to happen. Nonetheless, she kept her cool and followed the team as they made their way up the stairs.

IC:

A zombie lunged from out of a door, but John jumped back, and at the same time, fired an accurate burst to the head from his Hali-53, and the zombie fell to the ground. Steve, had caught a couple of zombies by surprise, and shot them both in the head with his MR-63 SMG. John and Steve continued to move forward through the mall.

John said "It's too quiet, I don't like it at all. Reminds me of the time when a huge group of zombies would come out of nowhere.." It was quiet all right, all too quite and John said to Gorobets and Captain Petersen "Keep on your guard, there are probably more coming, they just may be regrouping, so stay sharp." As they climbed the stairs, John heard a sound that sounded like a zombie, so he cautiously looked up the stairs, and to his amazement, two zombies were standing there, for some reason, back turned! In a flash, he drew his Colt 1911 and fired two shots, one into each of the zombies heads, they crumpled with a "Grrr.." to the ground. He continued up the stairs, Steve and the Skgorrians following.

Edward followed Joh towards the stairs when something caught his eye. "I've got an idea, cover me." He dashed towards a small sporting goods store, shattered the window with the butt of his rifle, then dispatched the zombies within with a combination of his rifle and trench spike. He dragged a case of caping size propane tanks out seconds later. "Improvised incicndearies." He tossed one cansiter into the enarest group of afflicted, followed by a shot from his M1911, the cnaister exploded in a burst of fire, igniting several of the afflicted, then threw the rest at a large group shambling towards them. He raised his rifle. "Not the time for a one liner." He said, then fired. Most of the afflicted caught fire instananeously, the rest were ignited when the others made contact with them. "Lets hope that keeps them busy for a while."

Edward followed Joh towards the stairs when something caught his eye. "I've got an idea, cover me." He dashed towards a small sporting goods store, shattered the window with the butt of his rifle, then dispatched the zombies within with a combination of his rifle and trench spike. He dragged a case of caping size propane tanks out seconds later. "Improvised incicndearies." He tossed one cansiter into the enarest group of afflicted, followed by a shot from his M1911, the cnaister exploded in a burst of fire, igniting several of the afflicted, then threw the rest at a large group shambling towards them. He raised his rifle. "Not the time for a one liner." He said, then fired. Most of the afflicted caught fire instananeously, the rest were ignited when the others made contact with them. "Lets hope that keeps them busy for a while."

John had an idea of inspiration, he went into an empty room and threw a microwave out the window, and while it was flying through the air, he also threw a grenade out, so that when the microwave landed, it would explode, and hopefully catch fire, and keep more of the inflicted busy.

He, and Steve went up a flight, and John leaned to one side and he said "Right, let's break in to this room, and catch the inflicted by total suprise!" Steve said "I'm ready Chief, when you are.." John waited, and then raised his rifle, and kicked down the door, and there was a lone zombie, which spun around, and attempted to come towards them, but John was ready, in a flash he had fired a burst towards the head, which caused the zombie to crumple, and it was dead.

He said "What else could we use to keep the inflicted busy?" He was keeping alert though, and so was Steve.

"Gunny, I think I found our bomb," Grant said. He had set up on a high point of the roof and had abandoned his rifle for a set of multi-spectrum binoculars.

"Go ahead, Corporal," the Gunny replied. He and Troksy, on the other hand, had gone about securing the entrance ways to the roof.

"To the southwest, an intersection with three gas stations," Grant reported. "One is likely empty, though, cause there's a tanker abandoned in the lot. We could wire all three to go."

"Oo-rah, good work Marine," the Gunny answered. "I'll let 'em know."

"Gunny, I think I found our bomb," Grant said. He had set up on a high point of the roof and had abandoned his rifle for a set of multi-spectrum binoculars.

"Go ahead, Corporal," the Gunny replied. He and Troksy, on the other hand, had gone about securing the entrance ways to the roof.

"To the southwest, an intersection with three gas stations," Grant reported. "One is likely empty, though, cause there's a tanker abandoned in the lot. We could wire all three to go."

"Oo-rah, good work Marine," the Gunny answered. "I'll let 'em know."


John had heard this from the room, and he said "Right, Steve, Capt.Petersen, and Gorobets. I believe that we should go blow up some gas stations, and distract the zombies, before the overrun the check point. The best way would be to construct a crude sort of time bomb, so we have time to run away from the explosion. With that done, it should serve as a distraction."

Steve fired at a zombie that had opened a door silently, he had whirled around, and shot the zombie in the head and Steve said "We must be on guard guys.."

OOC: i thought shenyangs op called for us to blow up the station as a part of the mission. if so, he'd given me the ok to do it 'cause the gunny is a demo expert (written in his bio in the ooc board).

Edward noded. "I'll take a look." He activated the low-light scope on his rifle, then swept it over the darkened end of the room, exposing a corpse with half its head missing. "All right, I think I got an idea." He pulled a frag grenade from his belt and a micro-charge. "Allright, everyone knows a frag generates a small exlopsion when it goes off, and with explosions, heat." He pointed to the micro detonator. "I stick this on the frag, set it near a pump, and I detonate it when we're clear," He set the detonators timer to one minute and thiry seconds but didn't activate it. "These things are used for blowing door handles off, so it'll set off the frag when it goes, we've got one minutes and thiry seconds before the micro det goes, maybe a second before the frag catches, and when it does we've got our distraction. Any other ideas?"

Edward noded. "I'll take a look." He activated the low-light scope on his rifle, then swept it over the darkened end of the room, exposing a corpse with half its head missing. "All right, I think I got an idea." He pulled a frag grenade from his belt and a micro-charge. "Allright, everyone knows a frag generates a small exlopsion when it goes off, and with explosions, heat." He pointed to the micro detonator. "I stick this on the frag, set it near a pump, and I detonate it when we're clear," He set the detonators timer to one minute and thiry seconds but didn't activate it. "These things are used for blowing door handles off, so it'll set off the frag when it goes, we've got one minutes and thiry seconds before the micro det goes, maybe a second before the frag catches, and when it does we've got our distraction. Any other ideas?"

IC:

John said "I've got no others, that seems like a viable plan to me, let's execute it. I volunteer for the mission, I've got a couple of frag grenades." Steve said "No Chief, I'll do it, I can't risk you.." John said sharply "I'm your senior and as such, I order you to let me go.." Steve said "Alright, I'll let you.."

John grabbed his Hali-53 and he said "Ed, do you want me to run out there now, and do it,and run back here, or what's the plan?"

IC:

John said "I've got no others, that seems like a viable plan to me, let's execute it. I volunteer for the mission, I've got a couple of frag grenades." Steve said "No Chief, I'll do it, I can't risk you.." John said sharply "I'm your senior and as such, I order you to let me go.." Steve said "Alright, I'll let you.."

John grabbed his Hali-53 and he said "Ed, do you want me to run out there now, and do it,and run back here, or what's the plan?"

"Well, either I do it, or I cover you while you do it, take your pick."

"Wait!" Snapped Petersen. "We should wait for orders. This is a Shenyangi op, I'm sure they have a plan." Gorobets, briefly glancing over from her constant vigilance, gave a nod.

OOC: My way of saying we should wait for Shenyang

"Wait!" Snapped Petersen. "We should wait for orders. This is a Shenyangi op, I'm sure they have a plan." Gorobets, briefly glancing over from her constant vigilance, gave a nod.

OOC: My way of saying we should wait for Shenyang

John nodded and he said "I know, but have you thought of the chance that ours might be more thought up, and maybe a better plan.." His Scottish accent was showing through, he was firing up and he said "Aye, we shall wait."

"Wait!" Snapped Petersen. "We should wait for orders. This is a Shenyangi op, I'm sure they have a plan." Gorobets, briefly glancing over from her constant vigilance, gave a nod.

OOC: My way of saying we should wait for Shenyang

Edward shurgged. "I did ask if anyone had any other plans, so the second Alex or Nikolai come up with one, we'll do that, as for now." He leaned outside the door and glanced down the hallway, then ducked back in and shut the door. 'We've got a horde of inflicted headed our way."

Petersen briefly dropped his guard and stared agape at John.

"By the Wolf, you can't just go second-guessing superiors like that!" He exclaimed. Like many Skgorrians, Petersen had been raised to be a strong believer in authority. However he suppressed his outrage when he heard Edward's news.

"Well what do we do? Do we stay cooped up in here or go out there and engage them?" He asked, tapping the trigger guard on his rifle.

Kirk stayed near the dropzone for a moment, sweeping with his carbine. He caught sight of two of them, a man and a woman, shambling toward him. The man had on what was left of a tuxedo, the white cumperbun stained with dried blood and dirt. The woman had what was once a white wedding gown. It was now reddish brown and the train was ripped off.

The spectacle caused an involuntary shudder to run down Kirk's spine. Almost age 50 he thought he'd seen everything, but it took him a nanosecond longer to process just what he was seeing. Blinking back a quick tear, he raised his rifle and zeroed the sights in on the woman's head.

"Sorry folks, honeymoon's over."

Two loud reports sounded as a 6.5 Grendel round ripped through the skulls of each, dropping them instantly. As Victor lowered his weapon he noticed he was shaking. Not just the usual shake from adrenaline, but fear. A fear he long trained to overcome. A fear he thought he'd suppressed. But something about seeing that couple and what happened to them shook him to his very core. He stood motionless in the lot, oblivious to the sound of moaning growing steadily louder.

"First City...It's First City all over again. I...I can't do this..."

His channel was open the entire time, and his rifle slipped from his left hand and hung down by his side loosely from his right.

He shook his head, his training desperately trying to take over.

"My God, what am I doing? Can't freeze. Need to find cover. CAN'T...FREEZE."

It had now been a few minutes and he could make out multiple forms trudging up the street toward the parking lot. He looked at the mob, then down at his rifle, then back at the mob. His mind was paste as he tried to rationalize some course of action to take.

His vision blurred and suddenly the streets and burning buildings weren't unfamiliar to him. He was back in First City, in the Residential District; it was the hardest hit. He was no longer out in the open but behind a loose barricade of concrete barriers supplemented by a Civil Authority Stryker APC which fired into the mob with its .50 caliber machine gun. The bullets sounded like they were more sporadic and from smaller cailber weapons, but that never registered. He was too busy staring at the individuals beside him.

Figures clad in the same body armor as he were with him behind the barricade, ushering civilians past and firing relentlessly into the mob. The same mob as before, but once again he failed to notice the discrepency.

One of the officers turned and called to him, "Victor! God dammit Kirk get your ass up here and help us out!"

"Higgins? But you're-you're- I mean, you were- What the hell?"

He ran up to the barricade and joined his comrades, periodically shouting advice and encouragement.

“Keep it on semi! Shoot for the head! That get’s ‘em! Good shot Higgins, keep up the fire! That’ll show them to stay in their holes!”

To anyone not monitoring his channel, it would have looked as though Kirk pulled himself together and was now decimating the mob that was fast approaching. Even though he wasn’t killing them at a fast enough rate to get them all before they reached him, he didn’t seem to care.

Anyone who did hear him over the radio would have realized that he was undergoing an emotional breakdown. His subconscious had brought him back to a past event in an effort to save him. But that could only last so long...

"Kirk!" Edward reeled back and gave him a right hook to the face. "Get up man, first city was years ago! C'mon!" He tossed Kirk back as the horde pounded on the door. "Dammit!" He let losse a burst, tearing holes through the door. "Fall back!" He turned and picked up Kirk. "C'mon buddy, no time for regret."

"Sir!" Snapped Gorobets. "Someone else on our radio channel. He's going off the rails sir."

Any form of smart comment was washed away by two things - Petersen's gentlemanly qualities and the idea that someone else was out there and not being protected by the group. He followed Edward back and helped him carry Kirk until the zombies neared the there of them. Calmly he raised his rifle and let out a burst, felling four of the undead but more kept coming.

Edward dumped Kirk where the rest of the group had assembled, then checked his pulse. "Highly erratic, he's either in shock or took quite a hit, and since he collapsed in front of me, he's in shock."

"Joker, stay here, I'm going back."

"Sir..."

"I said stay Marshall!"

Kupchenko burst through the door, on the roof, jumping over the rail to reach the lower floor where Kirk was secured. He set a record pace as he moved through the back area, though he wasn't paying attention to that, he had a man down, and it hadn't even hit the fan yet.

Over the radio he could be heard telling everyone to hold for his arrival.

He skidded into the room where Kirk was seated. He wlaked up the delirious man, slightly winded. He grabbed his helmet and pulled his head up so they were eye to eye. His blood red eyes drilled into the distant, confused grey ones before him.

"Kirk! Snap out of it! You're here in Shenyang, you're with the ALFA teams, GET A GOD DAMNED GRIP!!!"

He shook Kirk violently and reiterated the need for Kirk to rejoin reality.

"Do you hear me OFFICER KIRK!? I AM ORDERING YOU TO GET A GRIP!"

Kirk was in a state of confusion. He was engaging the undead at the barricade when some kind of force knocked him flat on his rear. He tried desperately to raise his rifle as Higgins picked him up and began carrying him away.

"Damn that was a hell of a blast! C'mon buddy, let's roll! We gotta fall back!"

His vision blurred again, but this time he was on the floor of a building staring into the helmeted face of the man he knew as Dagger 4 screaming at him to come around.

"Dag...," he murmurred, "No. Not anymore. Shenyang. The mission..."

The mild glaze over his eyes melted away and he shook his head repeatedly, now grasping where he was. He shook off his commanding officer's hold and stood up.

"Dammit, I told them three was too many!" he looked at his teammates standing around him, "I'm fine, let's get rolling here. Those troops at the checkpoint need our help."

He racked a round into the chamber of his carbine and switched the integrated scope to thermal. He spied the undead pounding on the door and lined up the head of the closest.

He fired. It dropped. He repeated the process until they stopped coming. After about the fifth round there was enough of a hole in the door to see clearly out of. He switched the scope back to normal and started for the door.

"Let's go. I've got a little score to settle with these bastards."

His fear was almost gone now, replaced by a rage that was only kept in check and funneled productively through the discipline of his training. Though he would no longer be a problem, he was on the verge of breaking the third rule of Dominion Undead Engagement Doctrine: Don't make it personal.

Edward snapped a burst through the door. "So boss, whats the plan for the gas station?" He took a look over at his side and saw Kirk pumping rounds through the door. "Kirk, glad to see you snapped out of it, mild shell shock can be a bitch, ay?"

OOC: Hope you'll let me do this boss.

Outside, on the street.

"Yes, he's inside." A single man in civilian suit and long coat stood outside. "And the afflicted?" Said the man on the other end of the call. "Converging on their location." The man on the other end sighed. "Detonate the gas station, and don't forget to apply the mask." The man flipped the cell phone closed then pulled out a PDA. "Bis zum Ende, Genosse." He said, then activated the bomb.

Petersen briefly dropped his guard and stared agape at John.

"By the Wolf, you can't just go second-guessing superiors like that!" He exclaimed. Like many Skgorrians, Petersen had been raised to be a strong believer in authority. However he suppressed his outrage when he heard Edward's news.

"Well what do we do? Do we stay cooped up in here or go out there and engage them?" He asked, tapping the trigger guard on his rifle.

John said "I apologize Capt.Petersen, it's just that being of Scottish blood makes me naturally prone to sometimes second-guessing my superiors, and it's just, oh never mind, we're in a war, I'll tell you about it afterwords." He had helped with Kirk, and he ran up to the door, and also started popping rounds at the inflicted.

He fired his grenade launcher at the crowd of inflicted to devastating affect and he roared at the inflicted "You picked the wrong Scot to mess with!"

"What the Gorram is going on down there?" the Gunny radioed. From their vantage point, the Wyverns had a bird's eye view of the whole scene. It seemed like one of the men had suffered a psychotic break.

"What darn fool comes into combat with that kinda baggage?" Corporal Grant wondered.

"Reckless is what it is," the Gunny continued. "Now we gotta worry 'bout our sixes bein' blown off too."

Grant's answer was cut off as he fired off two rounds in quick succession. On the ground to the northeast, two hostiles fell to the ground.

Shaking his head, Petersen ejected his magazine and checked. It was nearly empty and had to reload soon. If I get the chance to reload that is, he wondered. First overtly macho prancing, then insubordination and now this guy is utterly, utterly nuts. I can't believe this. He motioned Gorobets to come to him and spoke quietly so that no-one could hear as he began to put extra rounds in his magazine that he was taking from a pouch on his webbing.

"Private, if that man compromises the mission again, I will kill him. If they kill me in revenge then do not attack the rest of the team. This mission is more important that anyone's life, mine included. Acknowledge orders."

"But, but..." Gorobets stammered, lowering the barrel of her weapon is belief.

"We don't have time for this!" Hissed the Captain, finish loading the magazine and inserting it back into the rifle. "Acknowledge at once!"

"Orders recieved and understood sir," acknowledged Gorobets reluctantly. He is Pack, how can I not avenge him? She wondered, puzzled at his actions.

"Thankyou Private," sighed Petersen, "now perhaps you could put that weapon to good use at the door." He indicated the breach where the undead could be seen. Without a word, Gorobets walked over to the hole and put her machine gun through it and squeezed the trigger.

Over the din of the 7.62 rounds firing and undead roaring as their unnatural lives were terminated, Petersen called out.

"We need to be moving! I have no idea how long this door will hold."

“They’re in the poo sir,” stated Gaz starring at the sight picture on his rifle, “Multiple targets moving through the building.”

“What’s the entrances look like?” asked McKenzie, “Any chance we can get over there?”

“Jam packed with infected, no chance.”

Gaz and McKenzie were set up in one of the high rises nearby, so far they hadn’t run into any infected and were now in the perfect position to provide cover fire. Problem was, now that the explosives had gone off they couldn’t risk drawing the infected off, leaving them pretty useless for the moment.

Shaking his head, Petersen ejected his magazine and checked. It was nearly empty and had to reload soon. If I get the chance to reload that is, he wondered. First overtly macho prancing, then insubordination and now this guy is utterly, utterly nuts. I can't believe this. He motioned Gorobets to come to him and spoke quietly so that no-one could hear as he began to put extra rounds in his magazine that he was taking from a pouch on his webbing.

"Private, if that man compromises the mission again, I will kill him. If they kill me in revenge then do not attack the rest of the team. This mission is more important that anyone's life, mine included. Acknowledge orders."

"But, but..." Gorobets stammered, lowering the barrel of her weapon is belief.

"We don't have time for this!" Hissed the Captain, finish loading the magazine and inserting it back into the rifle. "Acknowledge at once!"

"Orders recieved and understood sir," acknowledged Gorobets reluctantly. He is Pack, how can I not avenge him? She wondered, puzzled at his actions.

"Thankyou Private," sighed Petersen, "now perhaps you could put that weapon to good use at the door." He indicated the breach where the undead could be seen. Without a word, Gorobets walked over to the hole and put her machine gun through it and squeezed the trigger.

Over the din of the 7.62 rounds firing and undead roaring as their unnatural lives were terminated, Petersen called out.

"We need to be moving! I have no idea how long this door will hold."

Steve who had heard this said to Gorobets "If he does what I think he's going to do, if he does.." He looked glum and he said "He's far more experienced then anyone else on this team!" John meanwhile was running out the door, firing at anything that moved.

Steve sighed and he said to nobody in particular "I wish we can get all of this sorted out, and we'll all be friends again."

"Indiginous personnel approaching," Grant radioed. From his perch, he could see a small mob of undead moving in.

"Take 'em out," the Gunny answered.

Grant responded by firing off a small burst. His silenced shots continued, but so did the mob's advance.

"Trosky, wait until their in range and support Grant," Strauss ordered as he brought his own rifle to his shoulder. He fired off rounds in semi-automatic, dropping several.

IC:

John and Steve decided to drop any grudges against the Skgorrians forever, seeing as how their lives were constantly in danger. John kept firing and he said "I think we should wait for the plan from Joker, or someone else, but we can't stay here all day, else we'll become one of them." He fired a lethal semi-automatic burst, and he threw a couple of grenades to keep the undead at bay.

"All right," the Gunny said, the first mob dealt with. "Trosky, we'll go down and set up the explosives. Grant, you'll stay behind and provide cover for us." The Gunny reached into his satchel and pulled several completed C-4 charges, making sure they were ready for detonation. "Any other forces wishing to lend assistance. We're preparing to move out to the gas stations."

The Gunny checked his weapon, loading a fresh magazine and checking the safety off of his .45 MEU pistol. Trosky followed suit, hooking a fresh 500 round mag into his SAW.

"All right, let's move out."

Strauss went first, sliding down a service ladder to the ground below. He dashed behind the cover of an abandoned car and waited for Trosky to join up. The private was only a few seconds behind, and with a hand on his shoulder, the Gunny stood up and ran for the next point of cover, waving Trosky forward as he took a firing position.

Edward emptied another clip into the horde beating on the door. "Dammit, they just keep coming! Who's gonna blow the gas station?" He fired another half of his clip into several afflicted. "I swear, this is almost as bad as first city!"

Bugger this, Petersen thought. His commanders were not responding and discipline seemed to be breaking down. On top of that, the undead were mounting in numbers. This will go against everything I stand for sighed Petersen, flicking on his radio so he could reach everyone.

"Alfa team, this is Petersen. If anyone has a way of completing our mission then do so. Our command chain is unresponsive and our mission must be accomplished. I will take full responsibility."

Bugger this, Petersen thought. His commanders were not responding and discipline seemed to be breaking down. On top of that, the undead were mounting in numbers. This will go against everything I stand for sighed Petersen, flicking on his radio so he could reach everyone.

"Alfa team, this is Petersen. If anyone has a way of completing our mission then do so. Our command chain is unresponsive and our mission must be accomplished. I will take full responsibility."

John fired at more undead and he said "They just keep on coming!, someone needs to do something or we'll be overrun!" Steve fired a grenade at the undead from the grenade launcher at the undead, causing a couple to drop.

The two Marines had made it to the intersection, but a mass of undead was keeping them from crossing and setting up the charges. As Trosky crouched his way to the cover of an overturned car, his foot almost slipped into the storm drain. The Gunny looked at it. If he remembered anything from the block-to-block fighting of the North Gate War, it was how to use urban geography as an advantage. He shimmied over, taking his pack off and squeezing down into the drain. He stuck his rifle out and motioned for Trosky to follow suit. Once the Private was in, they began their subterranean trek.

The journey wasn't long, and thankfully it was the storm drain and not the sewer they had to travel through. In a reverse of their entrance, the Gunny emerged, setting up a firing position while covering Trosky's climb. They made for the first gas station.

Meanwhile, Grant was having a field day trying to keep the hordes off of the other members of the Alpha Teams and at the same time keep an eye on the Gunny and Private Trosky. Once they emerged from the drain, Grant abandoned his cover of the Teams and kept his eyes on the Gunny. The first charges were already set, and the Gunny was getting ready to head for the next gas station. It'll be over soon, he mused, firing on a small group that wandered too close to the Gunny.

Joker pulled his TAR-21 and let loose from the rooftop of the mall.

"This is Joker, all units, cut a hole to the gas station, you are cleared to move, I'll support from the roof."

Talisman had been on the radio with a support base just beyond the zone.

"God Damn it! Get me some one who has the authority!"

"You're gonna have to calm down sir, I'm working as fast as possible..."

"Listen soldier, we're 50 miles inside the QZ with a mob bearing down on us and your dragging your heels getting me close air support. I'm not calming down!"

"This is Captain Ellerby, what do you need Talisman?"

"Finally. I need something to clear me a hole from the Gonda Mall to the intersection of Rt. 5 West and Rt. 21 North. Preferably something persistent, but I'll take one quick hit at this point."

"Alright, I'll get a strike inbound, ETA, 10 minutes."

"Roger that."

Talisman ran back to the roof. He swung his MSG-90 over the edge of the roof and fired, shattering the head of a zombie approaching the Calizorinstani soldiers.

He kept firing. In the distance, above all the noise, a slight noise built. 11 minutes later, a trio of Shenyangi AV-8D Harrier IIIs ripped over the mall low, gun pods roaring. The roar of the pods was deafening, the 25mm HEI rounds tore up the undead and the pavement. The three aircraft turned tight, VIFFing to pull around in less than half the time it would otherwise take. They lined up and fired their guns and rocket pods, clearing a surface path to the gas station for the remainder of the Alfa Teams.

Joker ran to the loading dock, found a truck, and hotwired it. Talisman jumped down to the roof as the vehicle turned around to the front of the mall.

"Everyone, mount up, we're getting to that gas station, and we're getting there ASAP."

After a final run, the Harriers turned and ran for the border, their weapons dry and their fuel tanks draining. As the truck left the parking lot the thump of approaching helicopters could just barely be heard in the distance.

Joker pulled his TAR-21 and let loose from the rooftop of the mall.

"This is Joker, all units, cut a hole to the gas station, you are cleared to move, I'll support from the roof."

Talisman had been on the radio with a support base just beyond the zone.

"God Damn it! Get me some one who has the authority!"

"You're gonna have to calm down sir, I'm working as fast as possible..."

"Listen soldier, we're 50 miles inside the QZ with a mob bearing down on us and your dragging your heels getting me close air support. I'm not calming down!"

"This is Captain Ellerby, what do you need Talisman?"

"Finally. I need something to clear me a hole from the Gonda Mall to the intersection of Rt. 5 West and Rt. 21 North. Preferably something persistent, but I'll take one quick hit at this point."

"Alright, I'll get a strike inbound, ETA, 10 minutes."

"Roger that."

Talisman ran back to the roof. He swung his MSG-90 over the edge of the roof and fired, shattering the head of a zombie approaching the Calizorinstani soldiers.

He kept firing. In the distance, above all the noise, a slight noise built. 11 minutes later, a trio of Shenyangi AV-8D Harrier IIIs ripped over the mall low, gun pods roaring. The roar of the pods was deafening, the 25mm HEI rounds tore up the undead and the pavement. The three aircraft turned tight, VIFFing to pull around in less than half the time it would otherwise take. They lined up and fired their guns and rocket pods, clearing a surface path to the gas station for the remainder of the Alfa Teams.

Joker ran to the loading dock, found a truck, and hotwired it. Talisman jumped down to the roof as the vehicle turned around to the front of the mall.

"Everyone, mount up, we're getting to that gas station, and we're getting there ASAP."

After a final run, the Harriers turned and ran for the border, their weapons dry and their fuel tanks draining. As the truck left the parking lot the thump of approaching helicopters could just barely be heard in the distance.

OOC: Do John and Steve get in the truck, or walk, or get in a helicopter to the gas station.. Also, after this mission is over, you could have something like the Breakroom from the QCS, and the TCBS..

OOC: The choppers are attack choppers, more than 10 minutes out, its up to you if they run or ride. As for the breakroom, sure I don't see why not.

"Gorobets!" Yelled Petersen as he grabbed her shoulder, her attention still on putting 7.62 rounds into zombies. "Time to go!" She nodded and quickly stood up as both of the Skgorrians raced over and clambered onto the truck.

"Glad to see you're still with us gents," called out Petersen to the Shenyangi troops as he emptied a magazine into the undead horde. Gorobets sat in the truck, cleaning her weapon from a jam whilst she called out over the radio.

"Gorobets to Alfa Team, get on the truck. Haste recommended"

OOC: The choppers are attack choppers, more than 10 minutes out, its up to you if they run or ride. As for the breakroom, sure I don't see why not.

OOC: Okay.

John and Steve leapt with surprising agility for the age they were, into the truck, and Steve said "I'll be glad to get back in one piece.." John gripped his Hali-53 tightly and he said "Captain Petersen, I apologize for the way I acted earlier, I shouldn't have acted the way I did?" He held his hand out.

Petersen let his AEK hang on the sling and took John's hand.

"No probs Colonel," grinned Petersen, shaking his hand firmly. "If you really want forgiveness then you'll let me or Gorobets buy the beers when we get back. Right private?" He called at Gorobets, but there was no reply from the woman as she was busy reloading a box of ammunition for her PK.

Petersen let his AEK hang on the sling and took John's hand.

"No probs Colonel," grinned Petersen, shaking his hand firmly. "If you really want forgiveness then you'll let me or Gorobets buy the beers when we get back. Right private?" He called at Gorobets, but there was no reply from the woman as she was busy reloading a box of ammunition for her PK.

John smiled and he said "That's fine with me, right Steveo?" He winked, he used the nickname for Steve he rarely used and Steve ignored this. He said to Gorobets "Well, I don't mean to start too much of a chit chat, but my brother's a Navy Seal.."

Kirk received the message, "He wants a hole to the gas station, we'll give him one. Stand clear!"

He grabbed the white phosphorus grenade from his vest, pulled the pin, cooked it for a second or two, and threw it into the most concentrated mob of undead between him and the objective.

The grenade detonated in puff of white as any undead who walked into the burning cloud of death were instantly immolated. Kirk leveled his rifle and took out the ones still intact enough to stand and began slowly advancing, firing as he went. One unfortunate zombie got too close, and in one fluid motion Kirk dropped the rifle on its sling and pulled his nightstick.

He whipped the zombie across the face, breaking its jaw and sending it staggering. As it regained balance, he brought the protruding knob down in its head, caving in the skull. Just as quickly, he resheathed it and brought his rifle to bear on a group of five closing fast. For the moment his advance was stopped as more moved in, but he hoped it was enough of a start for the group to press the gap.

Gaz squeezed the trigger and breathed out slightly when a faction of a second later an infected fell to the ground. He was watching Kirk from his vantage point on the 5th floor of the office building they were still in, picking off zombies that got a too close, “How long sir?”

“Until they’re clear, then we’ll get the frak out ourselves,” said McKenzie, he was looking through his rifle sight, letting off a few rounds every now and again... even at this range it was fairly hard to miss, "We've still got that little surprise for them, can't leave before we set it off can we!"

"This is Unit 53 to Joker," Kirk's voice intoned over the radio, "Feels like we've got a lot more than a city's worth swarming us here. Our little party must be attracting roving bands from the surrounding countryside. We're gonna need to pull this stunt a bit more quickly.

I'm down to about half my ammo and if they keep up the hard advance I'll be into melee with them a lot sooner than I'd care to think about."

He let out a grim laugh, "It really is like First City, but worse. This time we don't have the luxury of barricades and Strykers to fall back on. How long could all this have been going on so that a totally unprepared city's police force had more resources available than a nation's military with a plan for dealing with outbreaks. Talk about it hitting the fan."

He first off a few more single shots, his training deliberately avoiding burst not to mention auto. There were so many every shot had to count. Despite the cooling fans in his armor he was breaking out in a cold sweat.

I sure hope we're making a difference at those checkpoints, because if we're not diverting them toward this position now, I'd to be us when we do...

"Oh yeah, we're such a popular pair."

Joker fired his TAR-21 out the driver's window one handed. The sutained burst cut down several undead. He glanced at the back of its Beta C-mag, 50 rounds left.

The undead were beginning to close in on the truck from the south.

On the roof Talisman fired several times, one after the other, undead dropped before his sustained semi-automatic fire. He fired his 41st shot and automatically ejected the mag without even looking, he was so practiced with the weapon that he knew exactly how many shots he could take before having to reload.

In under 5 seconds he'd reloaded and was firing once more. He hadn't looked at the weapon once, instead he had been trained on the undead before him, assessing targets, tracking motion.

The muted crack of his MSG-90 still cut through the insessent moan that the undead were producing.

"Move, Now!"

The truck lurched as Joker floored it. Talisman shifted his weight to compensate, even still the round he fired went wide. The tires spun for a moment, creating a cloud of debris from the half-dozen gun runs. Finally the wheels caught and the truck moved forward toward the mob. The vehicle rolled through them like a freight train. Joker's rifle roared as he fired again and again to keep his door clear.

Talisman fired again and again into the mob, amid the sea several dropped with 7.62 entry wounds and massive exit wounds.

The noise of the choppers drew nearer still.

((OOC: Shenyang, check your TGs please))

As the helicopters got closer, the S.T.F. team prepared to cover the other Alfa teams as they grabbed ammo and put WIA/KIA on the one Utility helicopter. Then one of the pilots loudly shouted, "Oh shit!" as the rotors stopped turning. The helicopter had not only sprung a gas leak, but the meter had broken. "Mayday, mayday, heli-" one of the pilots said before the S.T.F. Agents quickly grabbed them and hurried to the side-door on the helicopter. One by one they jumped off, pilots still in hand. As the earth sped towards them, the agents pulled their ripcords, and the gray parachutes flew out of their packs. The Agents had landed in one of the worst areas of the city. The buildings were mainly rundown, even a few shanties were visible. The Agents set the pilots down and ordered them to follow. "Alfa teams, this is the S.T.F. Attachment. Our helicopter has crashed and we're stuck in the middle of a cesspool of zombies, we need a pick-up ASAP! Uploading GPS coordinates now!"

The Agents began hurrying into a rundown building that was three stories tall, but very narrow. Essentially, it had a staircase in the middle with one room's space on either side. They quickly went through the building to ensure nothing was in there, and then barricaded the enterance. They took up defensive positions, surely the sight of their parachutes attracted zombies.

Grant had gotten in the truck along with the rest of the Alphas. He rode on the roof, still providing what cover he could for the Gunny and Pvt. Trosky. The Gunny had already set up the first round of explosives, and was heading to the tanker truck next.

OOC: the gunny is pretty much done, so is the truck coming to exfil him and trosky?

Gorobets stood up and looked at John with a very intense expression.

"Sir, we have far more important things to worry about right now. Chit-chat later?" Petersen's jaw dropped, what on earth was she saying? He briefly wondered what had caused her to come out of her shell so drastically before hearing the truck's engine roar as it pulled away. Gorobets moved to the back of the vehicle and opened fire, the heavy rounds of her machine gun tearing zombies to shreds. A wild, feral grin slowly appeared across her mouth, it almost seemed as if she was enjoying herself.

Not one to be outdone, Petersen pulled one of his grenades out of his webbing and quickly removed the pin, then threw it into the mob that was pursuing the truck. He was rewarded with a staisfying fireball that instantly killed some zombies and set fire to many more. Petersen's radio then crackled with the report from the STF team.

"Frakking amateurs!" He yelled, thumping the side of the track with an open palm. "They couldn't have just waited could they?" The fury was clearly evident on his face and in his voice, but hopefully by now the Alfa team was getting used to his outbursts. Petersen made his way to the front of the cargo area of the truck and called out to Joker, who Petersen respected even more now after seeing the ease with which he was driving and shooting.

"Joker, can we help those STF troops?"

Kirk chimed in, "This is Unit 53, I'm also on foot; I'll join the Skgorrians on bailing out the STF."

He stopped for a moment and cut down the latest roving band of zombies, then let out a chuckle, "God knows I stopped making headway here almost ten minutes ago and I'm fresh outta Willy P (white phosphorus)."

The S.T.F. team sat waiting for the inevitable crowd of zombies hurrying down the street. 5 minutes.

Then it came, a massive horde of zombies trying to find their next victims. "I've never seen so many meatsticks in my life," said FC-IEU74, mounting his FHASAW on a window port of the second floor facing the zombies. The Sergeant, FC-IEU98, stayed on the second landing of the stairs, keeping a bead on the staircase in front of him. The pilots stood with FC-IEU74, aiming their pistols out of the window. The sniper, FC-IEU73, was on the roof, loaded with Raufoss Explosive rounds. Then the crowd came into range. U74 began firing his SAW/Mountable Machine Gun into the crowd, sending zombie bits into the air. U73 was much in a much more peaceful form of combat, targeting the groups that came closest to the building.

"Harrison here, I'm on foot, I'll link up with Kirk and the skgorrians at the nearest opportunity." Edward fired several burst into several afflicted that wandered to close, then whipped around and narowly dodged an afflicted that dashed right at him. "Definently not like old times." He muttered. He fired his rifle once into the back of its skull. "Kirk, this is Ed, if your recieving, I'm kind of pinned down at the auto repair shop, its right at the end of the block where the gas station is."

Gorobets stood up and looked at John with a very intense expression.

"Sir, we have far more important things to worry about right now. Chit-chat later?" Petersen's jaw dropped, what on earth was she saying? He briefly wondered what had caused her to come out of her shell so drastically before hearing the truck's engine roar as it pulled away. Gorobets moved to the back of the vehicle and opened fire, the heavy rounds of her machine gun tearing zombies to shreds. A wild, feral grin slowly appeared across her mouth, it almost seemed as if she was enjoying herself.

Not one to be outdone, Petersen pulled one of his grenades out of his webbing and quickly removed the pin, then threw it into the mob that was pursuing the truck. He was rewarded with a staisfying fireball that instantly killed some zombies and set fire to many more. Petersen's radio then crackled with the report from the STF team.

"Frakking amateurs!" He yelled, thumping the side of the track with an open palm. "They couldn't have just waited could they?" The fury was clearly evident on his face and in his voice, but hopefully by now the Alfa team was getting used to his outbursts. Petersen made his way to the front of the cargo area of the truck and called out to Joker, who Petersen respected even more now after seeing the ease with which he was driving and shooting.

"Joker, can we help those STF troops?"

OOC: It was Steve I meant to start the chit chat..

IC:

John was just as furious as Petersen, and he fired at the zombies from the truck, and he was respecting Joker. He threw a grenade over the side at the zombies, and he fired his Hail-53, shredding more undead.

Steve fired at the zombies that were nearing the truck with his Desert Eagle, blowing up some of the zombie's heads.

"Received," Kirk looked toward the shop-and right the horde was still trying to hold off, "En route, I won't get there looking like roses."

He strapped the DM-32C to his back drew his DSP in his dominant hand and a combat knife in his other. Taking a deep breath, he moved the breach he created, shooting any undead just out reach and plunging the knife through the skull of anything closer.

He was making headway, but he was rapidly getting bogged down. With only 2-man deep layer of undead between him and Ed, he braced his legs,m slashing at any trying to grab him, and used his body to url himself though the mob. He'd somehow cleared it-as hands lashed out and grabbed him, pinning him to the ground. He fought to free his gun hand as rotten teeth started biting into his armor with little success.

"God damn, son of a-" he finally frred himself, sending .40 cal. rounds penetrating multiple zombies at a time. He slashed with the knife, severing the arms that moments ago had him pinned. He was back to his knees now in semi-crouch, firing at all undead in the immediate area but once he went down they all swarmed in toward him. Anyone else would have lost it, but as far as he was concerned, he suffered his breakdown for the day, and there was no place for fear here.

"Ed, this is 53," he said between deep breaths, "Almost there..."

He loaded a new clip into the pistol and shot a a hole in the mob. Not a big one, but just enough to...He dove for it, rolling to his feet. He was through!

"Inbound bringing company!" he jogged the rest of the way to the repair shop, reshouldering his rifle and picking off the zombies besieging Edward's position, "You have no idea how close to becoming lunchmeat I was getting hear."

His body armor was now marred by the torn kevlar mesh and scrathing on the ceramic of multiple bite marks and his right sleeve was ripped. Upon a quick check he determined he wasn't bitten. All the same his arm would be covered in disinfectant when this was over. He checked his ammo: only the 50 round helical in his carbine and three clips for the DSP left.

"Ed, I'm coming on your nine. My ammo's near gone. This is getting dire, I say we take our chances moving now, and get the STF back to the mall," he turned to fire back at the oncoming mob, "because I think our friends here are losing patience."

He'd later realize how stupid he was for pulling that stunt. He could very well have been infected. But at the moment so many neurons in his brain had overloaded from his breakdown that he was emotionally dead. He didn't care about his own safety, and barely the safety of his comrades. All he kinew at this point was there a job to finish. So unthinking, unfeeling, he moved toward the repair shop to bail Ed out.

The machine gunner, sniper, and pilots were indeed killing off many of the zombies attacking, but nu erous zombies still came towards the building. The zombies were literally piling on top of each other trying to get through the barricaded door, and some came in through windows on the first floor. U98 was busy clearing the staircase with shotgun shells, and one of the pilots came down to assist.

"53, roger, moving to your position, looks like the roles have reversed, eh?" He fired several burst through several heads, then drew his knife and gripped it with his left hand, "Things are getting hairy Kirk, glad you came to bail me out, but being lunch meat doesn't sound that appealing." He withdrew a flash bang. "I think I can get a quick fix." He pulled the pin and tossed it into an alley, looking away just at it detontaed. Blinding light and waves of sound rippled from the alley, drawing the attention of mst of the afflicted. He fired the next few bursts at the afflicted that had yet to move out, then tapped Kirk on his shoulder. "Its clear for now, we should fall back with the others."

IC:

John fired his Hail-53 at some zombies that attempted to climb into the truck, and they fell onto the ground and he said to Petersen "I'm looking forward to getting out of this spot.."

edward activated his radio. "John, we need pick up, and we need it now, we drew the afflicted away with a flash bang, but once they start shambling again, we're gonna become deli sliced real quick."

edward activated his radio. "John, we need pick up, and we need it now, we drew the afflicted away with a flash bang, but once they start shambling again, we're gonna become deli sliced real quick."

IC:

John relayed this information to Joker and he said "We need to pick up Ed and the gang, and get them to the extraction point!" He said to Ed "Joker's going to pick you guys up.." He fired his gun at more inflicted.

The zombies had broken through the barricade to the building, and that could be seen like a wave rippling through the horde. U98 quickly tossed his FSIAAS shotgun towards the pilot, who caught it and began firing on the zombies. U98 withdrew his chainsaw, revved it up, and swung it at any zombies close enough towards him, sending flesh and organ/bone bits around the room. Some of these pieces stuck on him, along with blood splatters from the chainsaw. Outside, the zombies kept flowing into the building.

Despite the Agent with a chainsaw and pilot with an auto-shotgun, the zombies slowly were coming up the stairs. This was no time for heroics, and so the Agent quickly retreated to the second floor and turned around to see the pilot with a group of zombies on top of him. His foot had been caught on the stairs, and now he was hopelessly piled on by the Infected. Seeing as the zombies were just now behind him, U74 dismounted his FHASAW from the windowsill and began spraying the group of zombies coming up the stairs. U98, now without a primary weapon, withdrew his Python, setting the chainsaw on a table next to him. While many people complained about the Python's slow reloading capabilities, U98 didn't.

"Allright, we'll hold out until you arrive." He tossed another flash bang farther down the alley, attracting the afflicted that were wandering back. "And you'd better hurry to, I only have two more flash bangs."

"Allright, we'll hold out until you arrive." He tossed another flash bang farther down the alley, attracting the afflicted that were wandering back. "And you'd better hurry to, I only have two more flash bangs."

OOC: I have to wait for Shenyang, so that explains the IC delay.

OOC; Okay, in the mean time, drawing my nation map.

OOC: But it does give me time to catch up!

IC:
Kirk turned and nodded, the relief on his face hidden by the helmet, "Good call. We've got their coordinates, let's-"

He listened as Edwatd called for the ride.

"Do we have time to wait for that? I mean, we haven't heard from the STF since the initial distress call. If they're still alive we should go on foot and let the truck catch up. Plus, we may need those two flashbangs as a diversion when we get there. It'll be tougher going, but it's better than sitting here. What I wouldn't give for a patrol car right about now..."

"U73! Get on the radio and tell the rest of Alfa that we lost one of the pilots!" shouted the Sergeant into his gas mask mounted radio. The Sniper threw an incendiary grenade into the crowd, setting several of them on fire. He quickly broadcast out to the city, "Alfa Teams, this is the S.T.F. Attachment. One of the pilots we took from the helicopter is dead, I repeat, a pilot is dead!"

IC:

John said to Petersen "I wish Joker would hurry up, Ed is in danger, and the S.T.F team is missing! By jingo, this missions turning to quicksand fast." He kept firing at the undead, and he hoped that they would be extracted soon.

The truck pulled up at the auto shop. Talisman was firing away with his XM-10A2 by now, the weapon cracked with each two round burst. The dull thud of Joker's M1014 shotgun reverberated inside the cab.

"It's time to move boys, if you're heading for the crash site pile out, anyone heading for the gas station, hop on and get ready!"

A string on bursts from the roof sounded like a twelve round automatic burst, a half dozen undead dropped without faces.

"Loading!"

Joker increased his volume of fire to pick up the slack of Talisman reloading his XM-10A2.

The truck pulled up at the auto shop. Talisman was firing away with his XM-10A2 by now, the weapon cracked with each two round burst. The dull thud of Joker's M1014 shotgun reverberated inside the cab.

"It's time to move boys, if you're heading for the crash site pile out, anyone heading for the gas station, hop on and get ready!"

A string on bursts from the roof sounded like a twelve round automatic burst, a half dozen undead dropped without faces.

"Loading!"

Joker increased his volume of fire to pick up the slack of Talisman reloading his XM-10A2.

John whooped inside his head, as he fired the guns at the undead, and he was headed for the gas station. He bet that Ed would be happy at the arrival of the truck.. Steve fired his M-60 SAW that he carried at the inflicted, it was just shredding the undead like paper.

Ed chuckled. 'You guys are better then an aged bottle of bourbon!" He climbed aboard the tuck and slid into the cabin. "Looks like I owe each of you a round of drinks." He fired a burst at several afflicted, each round found its mark.

Ed chuckled. 'You guys are better then an aged bottle of bourbon!" He climbed aboard the tuck and slid into the cabin. "Looks like I owe each of you a round of drinks." He fired a burst at several afflicted, each round found its mark.

John chuckled as he fired more rounds at the inflicted, each hitting an inflicted's head, and he said "Glad to have ya back Ed."

"was it really a party without me?" He emptied the last of his clip into several afflicted, then ejected the clip and felt for a fresh one. "Aw frak, I'm out of ammo!"

"was it really a party without me?" He emptied the last of his clip into several afflicted, then ejected the clip and felt for a fresh one. "Aw frak, I'm out of ammo!"

John handed Ed his Hali-53, and a four magazines worth of ammo and he said "Here, you take it, Steve and I will take turns with the fun of destroying undead.."

"A hali-53..." He sighted it and let loose a single round through an afflicted's skull. "Nice gun." He let out a small burst into the crowd, dropping several more. "When is this damn truck gonna move?!"

"A hali-53..." He sighted it and let loose a single round through an afflicted's skull. "Nice gun." He let out a small burst into the crowd, dropping several more. "When is this damn truck gonna move?!"

John said "I brought the Hail-53, because I thought it'd be good for killing undead, do you agree?" He reached for Steve's M-4, because Steve already had the M-60 and he said "I'll borrow it for a pinch.." He fired the M-4 at undead with remarkable accuracy for the quickness of the shots.

U98 had run out of ammo with his Python, so he reached for his Chainsaw while U74 kept firing his FHASAW into the zombies, but the seemingly endless amount flooded the staircase. "We gotta fall back upstairs, we'll make our stand there!" said U98, pulling the still-firing U74 up another staircase with one hand, carrying his chainsaw in the other. They were now on the third floor. Any further and they would end up on the rooftop, where the sniper sat firing explosives into the incoming groups. They knocked over a table and a file cabinet, and the U74 mounted his FHASAW on the barricade, while U98 stood with his chainsaw at the ready. The zombies turned the corner into the narrow staircase, and U74 opened fire on them. The sniper had begun lobbing every grenade he had, ranging from fragmentation and flashbangs to white Phosphorus and Incendiary.

The truck moved again, by now Talisman was firing again, this time in semi-auto. The Beta C-mag on his rifle slowly drained of ammor as he fired from prone back at the mob. For a moment he wondered if the firefight alone had attracted the mob, a glance toward the checkpoint showed it hadn't.

The truck rolled to a stop at the gas station. Talisman stayed of the roof, but Joker climbed out, XD-45 in hand. He ran to the tanker truck, confirmed it was safe, then moved into the covenience store.

Talisman kept him covered, then swung around to overwatch the other stations. He decided it would be a very good time to call for evac, since things would be getting hairy real quick once the stations went up.

"Venus-4, this is Talisman, requesting exfil at LZ-3, repeat, exfil at LZ-3."

"Roger that Talisman, Venus-4 ETA 20 minutes."

"All units, rally at the west parking lot of the mall in less than 2-0 minutes or you're staying here. Repeat, rally at west lot in 2-0 minutes for evac. All units on bomb duty, hurry up and then get on the truck we're heading back ASAP."

He fired on a few undead on the far side of the intersection. They dropped and didn't get up. Just then he heard the sound of feet on the roof next to him. The steps were irregular, uncoordinated. He glanced left to see a zombie had gotten onto the truck, he had no idea how. It lunged forward and he rolled away. It continued toward him and he kicked it back off the truck. He walked to the edge and fired several rounds into the beast before it could get up.

--

At that moment, at the embattled checkpoint, 2Lt Mitchell was realizing how bad the situation was. He'd known that if this mob arrived they'd be screwed, but now that they were within sniper range, he realized how screwed. The valley was flooded with the dead. At his command, the snipers began taking their shots. There were 4 snipers in his unit, 2 with XDM-10A2 rifles, and 2 with Barrett M-107A1 rifles. The 4 snipers did their best to thin the ranks, but 4 semi-automatic sniper rifles couldn't hope to stop the mob before them.

From the looks of things, they had 10 minutes before the mob crashed into their defensive line. They had a half dozen humvees in position to let loose with their M-2HB machine guns, and the squads were in good positions to fill the pass with weapons fire, still, this was beyond their capabilities.

Over the cracks of the sniper rifles the 1st Lieutenant could hear his heart speeding up. He adjusted his glasses, as they'd slid down his nose.

--

At this moment the AH-1V gunships which had been deployed behind the harriers arrived over the crash site. They provided gun cover for the survivors and tried to cut them a hole, even still, they'd need the rescue team to get out in time.

John said "I brought the Hail-53, because I thought it'd be good for killing undead, do you agree?" He reached for Steve's M-4, because Steve already had the M-60 and he said "I'll borrow it for a pinch.." He fired the M-4 at undead with remarkable accuracy for the quickness of the shots.

"its pretty good, on par with my XM-8." He gave several afflicted cranial ventiltion. "But I'm used to my rifle, kind of like an extension of my own body, you know?"

"its pretty good, on par with my XM-8." He gave several afflicted cranial ventiltion. "But I'm used to my rifle, kind of like an extension of my own body, you know?"

John nodded and he said "Yeah, but you're rifle has no ammo right now, I'd give you some, except I'm not sure if Steve and I have any for the XM-8. I know how you feel, I loved the FN2000 when I used it.." He fired at more inflicted and killed more.

Kirk watched as people jumped aboard the truck, "Alright then, twenty's all I need!"

He immediately overlaid the coordinates to the map displayed in his HUD and set out for the STF team. He'd just gained a visual on the building they were holed up in-and the mob pouring in. Hurriedly, he leveled his rifle on the group.

"God help me," he muttered before yelling, "HEY! OVER HERE YA ROTTING MINDLESS CITY RATS! WANT LUNCH?!?!?"

He opened up on the mob, diverting most of the attention of the mob in the street. There was no telling how many were inside. Not only that, it was one on a few dozen and he was down to his last 50 rifle rounds. This'd be a close one...
EDIT:
That was when the gunships came in. Long, sweet ropes of lead spewed from their cannons as the mob disintegrated in front of Kirk.

"Hallelujah! The cavalry's here!" he then tried raising them, "This is Unit 53 to helos, give me two minutes and I'll get the rest of the team out to you!"

He sprinted toward the house, clearing out a mass of undead advancing up the stairs with his knife and nightstick. They seemed distracted by whatever was upstairs.

At that moment an AH-1 turned and sprayed down the street. It's 20mm guns (1 chin, 2 pods) filled the air with rounds.

The pilot confirmed that everything was dead except for the Slaughterian, who had nearly been hit by an errant shot. The pilot fired a pair of rockets into the street to ensure it was clear, then swiveled to engage another group.

Kirk was still fighting his way through the stairwell and still hadn't heard anything from the choppers, "Helos, this is Unit 53. I'm clearing the house as we speak. Please confirm if you will be able to land and exfiltrate the STF team. For God's sake, a seat on the skids is better than the hell down here!"

At that moment an AH-1 turned and sprayed down the street. It's 20mm guns (1 chin, 2 pods) filled the air with rounds.

The pilot confirmed that everything was dead except for the Slaughterian, who had nearly been hit by an errant shot. The pilot fired a pair of rockets into the street to ensure it was clear, then swiveled to engage another group.

John fired the M-4 some more, taking down more undead, and then saw the gunships, and he was awed by their work. But he turned his attention back to the mass of zombies, and he threw grenades at them, and he growled "That ought to keep them busy for a while.." He sat down and reloaded the M-4 Carbine.

Joker finished clearing the store in time to see Talisman jump down from the truck. He ran to the tanker and planted three pounds worth of C-4 on the side of the tank, and then slammed another pount onto the fill port nearby.

He jumped back onto the back of the truck. Joker hopped behind the wheel and fired up the engine. The truck swung around and headed back the way it had come.

--

Norn-88 heard the radio call. The pilot responded as quickly as possible.

"Roger that, make it to the roof and we'll give you a lift."

The gunships were ready to pick up the survivors, as soon as they got a call to do so.

Joker finished clearing the store in time to see Talisman jump down from the truck. He ran to the tanker and planted three pounds worth of C-4 on the side of the tank, and then slammed another pount onto the fill port nearby.

He jumped back onto the back of the truck. Joker hopped behind the wheel and fired up the engine. The truck swung around and headed back the way it had come.

--

John said to Joker "Where is our next destination?" He fired the M-4 at more undead, and then sat down and awaited the reply.

"We're heading for the parking lot. We're not missing that exfil bird."

He ran down several undead, severely jostling the trailer, and nearly threw Talisman off the truck.

"Keep this truck right-side up you dumb-ass!"

"Thank God," Kirk murmurred, then reopened the channel, "Affirmative, sit tight."

He continued plunging the now rapidly dulling knife into the skulls of zombies in his way, grunting in alarm when the occasional one turned and engaged him. Fortunately their numbers were thinning and very few outside had found their in at this point.

He reached the top of the stairs and before turning the corner (years of policework taught him to always be cautious when guns were involved) called out, "STF team, this is Officer Victor Kirk of the Dominion Civil Authority, currently serving in the Alfa Teams. If you folks don't mind I'm here to get you out of here.

Listening carefully, you'll hear rotors over the moaning of the dead. Gunships are waiting on the roof to get us all the heck out of here. I'm turning the corner now, please hold your fire."

With that he slowly lowered his gun, began turning the corner, and-

OOC: -and I can't go any further until GWO comes back.

"We're heading for the parking lot. We're not missing that exfil bird."

He ran down several undead, severely jostling the trailer, and nearly threw Talisman off the truck.

"Keep this truck right-side up you dumb-ass!"

John said "Good, because Ed's out of ammo, I'm running low on my M-4, and Steve's out of M-60 ammo." Steve was resorting to firing his Desert Eagle at the undead as they passed, and John handed the M-4, still with ammo back to Steve, and John pulled out a Uzi, and fired at more undead, ripping several undead's heads apart.


Steve said to Gorobets "We're going to the exfil bird, and then mission over." He fired at more undead using the M-4 and Desert Eagle interchangeably.

Joker finished clearing the store in time to see Talisman jump down from the truck. He ran to the tanker and planted three pounds worth of C-4 on the side of the tank, and then slammed another pount onto the fill port nearby.

He jumped back onto the back of the truck. Joker hopped behind the wheel and fired up the engine. The truck swung around and headed back the way it had come.

--

Norn-88 heard the radio call. The pilot responded as quickly as possible.

"Roger that, make it to the roof and we'll give you a lift."

The gunships were ready to pick up the survivors, as soon as they got a call to do so.

OOC: argh. after all this inactivity, i miss out on so much because of work!

IC:

"Ready for boom," the Gunny told Talisman, referring to th radio detonator he had in his hand. The charges were all linked, and on the order, both the tanker and the gas stations would go up in a blazing inferno. Trosky piled onto the truck first, with Struass right behind him. With word of the exfil bird, the Gunny was still not ready to let out a sigh of relief. He'd have the victory dance once they were RTB.

OOC: if i'm absent, you can rp me blowing the charges.

IC:

Steve ran out of ammo in his M-4, so he continued to fire with the Desert Eagle at the undead. John threw his last grenade out the back at the undead, and probably with blowing up the gas station there wouldn't be too much more undead to handle.