Dead World (OS Zombie)

[maoyurui]

REVIEW THREAD: http://otaku-streamers.com/community...218#post459218

Dead World
By Maoyurui

Prologue

The world is in chaos… it has been turned upside down…
These are the known written records of the events that led us to this new world…

Manhattan, New York City USA
October 21, 2012 2:13 PM
A mysterious ailment has spread in the lower districts of Manhattan. The first reported victims of this mysterious ailment are 3 street people. According to reports the 3 said persons reported at a local public clinic for having nauseas and fever. Other signs of the ailments are eye swollen and skin rashes. 3 Hours later 7 children from a local elementary school have been reported having the same symptoms and was confined to Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital. Initial findings suggest that the ailment may be a new strand of the H1N1 virus. The children were immediately moved to isolation and the CDC was immediately contacted. At the same time the first 3 victims were also moved to an intensive care unit of the Metropolitan Hospital Center for more careful observation. An hour later new findings of the victims suggest that it they have contracted a new type of virus similar in nature to a N1H1 but not of the same strand.

Chicago City USA
October 29, 2012 11:15 AM
17 more victims with the same symptoms as that in Manhattan was reported in different parts of the city. The CDC was immediately called in to confirm if it was the same virus strand as that of Manhattan. The mayor of the city addressed the public not to panic and that the CDC is on the case. As a precaution, the mayor asked local authorities to help in monitoring public order. The mayor also deployed emergency medics to key points of the city in case of emergency.

United States
October 31, 2012
Similar cases of the New York and Chicago incidents are reported at different states. Los Angeles was one of the most heavily affected with a total report of 103 people affected by what people now considered a “Plague”.

Washington DC, USA
The White House
November 3, 2012 2:30 PM
An emergency broadcast was held. The President addressed the public not to panic and has insured them that the CDC is on the case and counter measures have already been in place. Mean while he asked local hospital to turn over any patient with the same symptoms to the CDC immediately for isolation and to local authorities to ensure the public order and safety.

Salonika, Greece
November 12, 2012 1:00 PM
The first known incident of the same plague outside of the United State is reported. 23 individuals of random origin were reported to have contracted the virus. The Greek government immediately responded by isolating the victims in hopes not to spread the disease. Help was asked by the Greek government to the United States in trying to find the cause and for preventive counter measures. An emergency team was dispatched by the US government to aid the Greek Government.

Europe
November 15, 2012
Reports of the same plague have spread to different parts of Europe. England and Germany was one of the most affected. In England alone 102,305 civilians were reported to have contracted the disease, while in Germany 211,200 cases where reported. Totaling other infected victims all over Europe, the count has reached a total of 1,297,108 million are already infected. Without any additional info on how the virus spreads W.H.O. declared a PHASE 1 threat.

Beijing, China
November 18, 2012
The first report of the disease reported on Asia. The same symptoms of the virus have been confirmed but the unusual thing about this one is that the victim seems to also suffer from dehydration and heighten aggression. Something not seen in the cases found in US and Europe.

Manhattan, New York City USA
November 20, 2012
The first victims of the virus have finally died. This led to mass panic due to the fact that the other infected mostly the children may also suffer the same fate. Parents of the children infected with the disease pleaded for a hasty solution to the government and the CDC. The CDC replied that they are doing what they can, but the nature of the virus has led all the researches perplexed. Stating that no other type of viruses have been such a problem since the HIV/AIDS virus.

Europe
November 23, 2012
80% of the victims of the plague have been declared on coma while the rest has been declared clinically dead. Mass burial was being prepared for those who have died. This incident made world researchers and expert think that the virus that spread in Europe might have been different or a mutated version of the one plaguing the United States and the one reported on China.

Asia
November 26, 2012
More reported case of the type of infection was reported to different regions of China. Heavily afflicted cases was reported on major cities such as shanghai and Beijing. The violent nature of those infected has caused the Chinese government to dispatch riot and military units on the scene to bring order. Emergency medical personnel’s where also dispatched. Meanwhile North Korea, according to American Intel reports that the country is also suffering from the same problem as China. The difference is that the attacks are coupled by cannibalism. Reports are vague, but this “Infected Cannibals” has high resistance to pain or even couldn’t feel pain. This is due to reports that the military has already lethal force in order to bring the infected yet to almost no avail. In Japan and South Korea, similar victims have been reported with the same identical infection as that found in the US. Both the S. Korean and Japanese government have immediately dispatched contingency plans for a possible outbreak.

Manhattan, New York City USA
November 26, 2012
In US shores a report has come for police assistance on a morgue about a bizarre incident. The incident involves a person cannibalizing the dead within the morgue. When police arrived at the scene, they were shocked to see a man eating a corpse. Police officers tried to talk to the person but kept on defiling the corpse. One of the officers fired a warning shot; finally they have gotten its attention only to find out that it was coming towards them in a slow and shabby manner. The officers tried to plea to him to stand down but the man continued to move forward. The other officer tried to take down the man, using a baton, only to be over powered and bitten to the arm. The other officer had no choice but to fire on the man. But the man continued to chew his partner. In the end a fatal gunshot to the head stopped the man. The injured officer was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment for loss of blood. Mean while the man who assaulted the officer was finally identified. To the horror of the other officer on the scene and reporters, it was found out that the assaulter was actually one of the first victims of the plague. His body was supposed to be scheduled to be embalmed for burial that day. Meanwhile a disturbing report of one of the children that was first infected has woken up and was found out chewing on the other children in isolation. The nursed that was scheduled that day screamed in horror as she sees the act of cannibalism the child is performing. Upon noticing the nurse, the child immediately pursued the nurse, much in the manner of the man found in the mortuary. But this time the child was not walking in slow manner but in a rather fast and aggressive manner. The nurse immediately runs towards the door and has lucky escaped in time and closed the door to the ward room from the outside. The parents of the child could not believe of what had happened and forcefully went to the isolation room; minute’s later screams can be heard from the room. When authorities arrived, they were horrified to see the parents being eaten not only by their child, but apparently, by some of the other children who have already woken up. Multiple gunshots were heard later.

Mexico City, Mexico
November 28, 2012
An outbreak of what sort to be, a combination of the symptoms of the viruses seen in Beijing and Manhattan was reported. Aggressive and fast, this infected didn’t care who they attack. Even animals were not saved from their rampage. Initial reports indicate that the infection spread when a boy was taken to a nearby hospital for bite treatment, due to a stray dog attacking the boy from out of nowhere. A hour later the boy went into a frenzy and started to bite people. According to escaped witnesses, a total 3 persons where first bitten by the boy, a female nurse, the boy’s father and the doctor. Half an hour later the bitten victims show signs of fever, uneasiness and aggression coupled with some rashes on the skin. Later the 3 started biting other people, the rate of infection this time was much faster and a few hours later a full scale epidemic engulfs the city of Mexico. The police were not enough to stop it and contacted nearby cities and the military for immediate assistance. This is the first incident that an animal has carried the virus and transferred it to a human.

November 30, 2012
Europe
Some of the victims who died from the first wave of the plague have been reported to have been reanimated. Due to earlier preparations by the countries in Europe because of what happened in the United States and Mexico, the number of reanimated corpse was lesser because most of them where either burned or buried deep. But what they didn’t expect that this infected ones, although similar in nature from its US and South American, are more slow. But the unique thing about them is that they move in groups. Also they have been observed to show very little intelligence. This is because some of them actually tries to open doors and will actually not engage soldiers alone. Also these types of walking dead are more resilient than their Mexican counter parts. The Mexican infected can be killed by enough bullets put in their body. But like the US version, this European version seems only to go down with a fatal shot in the head. Also the spread of the virus from being bitten isn’t as fast as the Mexican counterpart but not as long as the ones in the United States.

Asia
Mass reports of infected has risen even to the remote regions of South East Asia and Hawaii. In China, massive hordes of infected are running rampant in the major cities. The infected seems to have evolved to an extreme case by region. Some reports say that some infected can run as fast as a car or can leap 10 feet. Some experts dismiss this as just an effect psychologically on people who went through the ordeal. Meanwhile on other parts of Asia, some of the victims actually claim that they know what they are doing. The problem is they cannot stop because of a hunger they can’t control. Most begged to be killed on the spot while most want to be saved only to attack their rescuers. This victim’s after hours of exposure finally looses to the hunger and no more remorse can be seen in their actions.

Other parts of the World
Africa and Middle East
Reports say of animals being infected by some sort of virus similar to what has been seen in Mexico. Numerous reports of animals attacking humans have been reported. Those who have survived this assaults turns to aggressive behavior and assaults anyone. By far they are the most aggressive and strongest variant of infected reported in the world. The only difference seen between this case and the Mexican case is the fact in the absence of potential prey; the victims also attack each other.

Australia
The plague has reached Australia or what seems to be a variation of it. But what is unique about the victims is that they seem to be moving in packs and not just in groups. Most noted for their agile movements this type of infected seems to follow an alpha male who is usually the strongest, most agile and hard to take down. The victims seem to work on an ambush type tactics rather than most of its counter parts. Making them one of the most dangerous infected ever encountered.

North Korea/China Border
December 1, 2012
3:15 PM
The last survivors of the country pleaded on the borders of China for Asylum. The Chinese Government ignored this plea.
11:37 PM
The N. Korean survivors tried to sneak-in to China. They were caught and everyone was shot.

China
December 3, 2012 4:00 PM
China’s intelligence bureau has declared a massive horde of the undead are headed into china territory. With the state the country is in and its capital still in turmoil, the Chinese government ordered the launch of tactical nukes to be targeted to N. Korea. When UN officials denounced the deed, China claims that it is to protect their land from anymore infestation; further more China stated that N. Korea is already an undead land. Even with the UN’s protest China bombed N. Korea.

December 4, 2012
The W.H.O. finally declared a PHASE 6 situation. W.H.O. also released special notes about the infections going around the world. According to the research conducted by the collaboration of experts gathered around the world, the different strands of the viruses collected from the victims and infected shows that it actually came from the same strand of virus. The virus is most closely related to that of the rabies virus found on all mammals. The RNA found on the virus, although similar to that found on the rabies virus, has a very unique replication process. Furthermore, it replicates much faster inside the victim’s body and attacks the cells at a much faster rate than that of the other viruses. It was also found to adjust to its host unique genome and uses its cell to trigger the body to get more needed plasma and protein while making its way to the brain. Thus producing the hunger of the victim or in most cases shuts down the body until the virus reaches the brain where it takes over its function and cutting all unneeded process of the body except what is needed for that of eating. Lastly the virus seems to evolve. How or why leaves even the experts baffled. The virus leaves more questions than answer. In an effort to subdue the spread of the virus even more. The world’s governments formed an organization for monitoring, tagging and cleaning up the worlds infected and together with world experts and W.H.O. hope to find a cure for the virus. The group was formally called Order of Salvation or simply called the OS group. This is for preventing another catastrophe that has be fallen N. Korea. Under the United Nations, OS has the power to draft and deploy military power anywhere around the world and can override any chain of commands except that under orders from the UN counsel. Places in the world where also marked by the UN as Green, Blue, Red, White and Black Zones. Green being no infected, Blue as safe zones, Red as dangerous zones with a chance of survivors still present, White zones where no data can be gathered and Black where only the hardest concentration of the undead are or no more living Humans are present. Also it has been found that only mammals are affected by the virus.

OS Main head quarters
Unknown location
December 22, 2012 12:30 PM
Only after almost two weeks OS have filed a report on the state of the world. Roughly 45% of the world’s population has been turned and 21% dead. The remaining living accounted humans are either in a Blue or Green zones, while the missing unaccounted for are probably be still living somewhere within the Red Zones. Also they have noted through satellite reports that most living undead supposedly existing only on parts of the world were sited on locations far from their supposed locations. This has strengthened the claim of W.H.O. that the virus mutates with its host. What’s worse is the fact that new types of living undead whose capabilities are unknown are sited at Black zones. With this report, the UN has made a color identification chart to differentiate the danger factors of the different living dead.

January 21, 2013
Incidents of nuclear powered plants due to absence of human intervention have melted down. Countries, that has been over run and has relied on nuclear power, like the United States has lost the majority of its electrical power. Communications and transportation capabilities that are already down last year has now mostly been lost. By calculations of UN and OS experts, the world and its society will finally crumble in two more years.

A new dark age has started.

The world has now been totally engulfed in darkness. Children cry, while mothers wept for their lost husband and child. People scream for the comfort and release of death… But it will never come. For it is written…

“During those days men will seek death, but will not find it; they will long to die, but death will elude them.” -Revelation 9:6-

Cause now… we live in a…

DEAD WORLD.

[maoyurui]

Dead World: Book One ~From the Ashes~
By Maoyurui

Chapter One
Fated Meetings

California, USA
In some long forgotten street
March 2018 2:35 P.M.

Amidst these long forgotten streets a lone soul is seen running. The sun high-up and scorched in its heat and as if endless debris, the lone soul, the young woman dashes enduring the heat and fatigue she’s feeling. She runs ferociously. She has never run like this before in her entire life. All the training and simulations she has done before cannot compare to what she’s going through right now. During her time in training she was always on top.

Dominating anyone; both in physical and strategic combat in her class. She never lost nor does she plan on ever losing to someone or something. Her superiors always impressed by her performance made it possible for her to rise in rank faster than anyone within her field. She also attracted the attention of even higher forms of authority. Authorities that now hold the fate of mankind in their hands. Brought to them and trained by them she now exceeds their expectations.

She performed admirably to any mission given to her. She was the best. She’s not like the rest. She was already prepared for anything. She has control. She was unstoppable. That was what she always thought, not until she ended up in this kind of situation. With all her training, pride and ego being like nothing, but washed up in a drain. She now realized for the first time, that no amount of training or experience can really prepare you for everything.

There are still things in this world that you cannot hope to comprehend, situations you cannot be prepared, cannot be controlled. And she’s learning it the hard way. But what she thinks now doesn’t matter. What matters now is that she must run. Run to live. Because if those who are chasing her caught her. It’s all over. Everything will be gone in that instant. She chooses a route that looks more like an obstacle course.

She knew that it will not stop them. Slow them perhaps to an extent, because she has seen them move and they move not like the others. They are not like the ones she or anyone she knew has encountered before. Nor they were even briefed to something like them. For all she knows is this might be the very first time anyone have encountered them. She knew of the risks of the mission and that there might be some unforeseen circumstances that they might encounter.

But she never expected something like this, like them. She continues to run dodging and jumping over debris. The adrenaline rushing in her veins made her reflexes act fast, agile and her senses more aware of her surroundings. If only it was even enough to stop those who are chasing her. Wishful thinking she says to herself. As she ran towards unfamiliar streets; passing too much debris and long dead bodies lying on the ground dried by the sun.

She saw the way in front of her getting wider. This is bad for her. She knows that if she continues and run on an open road, they would eventually catch up and it will be the end of her. She stopped and frantically looked around her. She knew she must make her stand somewhere, but where? She must make sure that place she will make her stand will give her an advantage over them. She looks around. She takes notices the buildings surrounding the streets. Most are intact.

Some of it looks like small warehouses and most like shops. This must be a trade district of sort before everything went upside down. Old sign’s crumbling down show hints that this may have been a market place. What’s left of it. She searches for any open building or warehouse door. She knew she’s taking a chance. She might end-up in deeper trouble if she chooses a wrong building to enter. Either way she thought she will die one way or another.

But going into a place that she can take some of them down would be much better. As she moved forward she saw a small warehouse made of concrete. Not like the other ones that are made of wood. She runs towards it. She’s in luck. The building wasn’t locked, it was open and she went in. Inside it was full of mostly hardware supplies. Wood, cement, metals, pipes and other things you usually see in a hardware can be seen all around.

You really can’t say about the quality though. The warehouse must have been opened for so long that moisture must have gotten to them. The previous people who worked there must have left in a hurry. She tried if she can close the warehouse door but to no avail. It was rusted shut. She looked around some more and saw some iron drop down staircase drawn up. It was connected to a catwalk about 15 feet above her with a window on it. If only she could reach it.

The high elevation would surely help her. The window might even help her escape. Since the warehouse is also near enough to other buildings that jumping from there might be possible. Then she notices something else. There appears to be a large sack in the catwalk. Odd she thought. It seems out of place from everything else in there. No time to think about it she said, time to ready herself. She knows that those who are chasing her will not stop and will eventually get to where she is.

She counts the remaining bullets in her gun. 7 left. She knew she must make her shots count. She tried searching for another weapon just in case. She found an old iron pipe. Heavy and strong enough to be used as a melee weapon, the tip of it were cut off, but how she really didn’t care, the pointed edge made by the cut will be an excellent weapon for piercing. And just in time. She hears the sounds of glasses shattering and of debris falling from a distance.

She knew that it’s them. They have found her. Did they just brute fully forced their way from all that she went through? She asked herself. Although she’s not really surprised by it, with their sizes and strength it would be no problem for them. Quickly she positions herself on one of the pillars supporting the warehouse. The distance of the pillar was far enough away from the door. The door’s opening is just wide enough for one person to fit in or one of them and luckily there is only one door.

Perfect. She can just take them down one by one as they try to enter. If one of them does go through she knew it will be her end. But she won’t go down fighting. She waits. Her breathing is heavy. Lots of sweat is running down her cheeks. This is her last stand. The tension of waiting has put her mind to unrest, thinking of things like, “Did they make it?”. After a long time, of not knowing any emotions, of burying it all; ironically the emotion she now felt was the same one that made her bury it in the first place. She now feels… FEAR. “If only…” she mutters to herself…

3 Days earlier
Military Convoy
Somewhere in the Red Zone Formally known as Central Valley, California

The sounds of vehicles moving on these roads have not been heard for a very long time. Not since man has last set foot on this deserted highway. The dust created by the moving APC’s in their wake can be seen like a herd of rampaging machines moving in unison under the sun. In an open area just outside of a small town in the outskirts of a city the convoy stopped. For a brief moment there is silence. The noise the convoy created was now silenced and the dusts now settling out.

One of the lead APC’s top hatch opened. A man pops out and looks around with high-tech binoculars and scouts the area. The man then signals inside and the lead APC a M1126 Stryker Infantry Carrier, it opens its back door. Quickly soldiers emerge forming a perimeter, looking for any suspicious movement from their surroundings.

One of the men gave a hand signal pointing the others to locations near the convoy to investigate. After a few more moments another signal was given saying that the Area is clear.

One of the soldiers inside of the middle APC approached a man sitting at the front, saluted and said

“Colonel we have arrived at the destination sir.”

The man that was called Colonel stood-up. He is about 6’2 feet tall; Muscular in build has a light black skin and black hair with little spots of white signs of age. In his black eyes, you can see the wisdom and benevolence. He has the presence of authority about him and that is not just because of the fact that he is a high ranking officer. His name is Colonel Benjamin Oliver Reginald.

Colonel Benjamin Oliver Reginald.

“Very well Sergeant, please tell the men to get ready to deploy and set-up camp, send some men to tighten our security of the area. Go in pairs and tell them not to stray far. Keep an eye for anything suspicious. We are in the Red Zone so we have to be careful. We do not know what we may expect.”

“Understood sir.”

“Also tell the men to use suppressors. We don’t want to attract any more attention than we can handle and tell them to remain in constant radio contact.”

“Yes Sir.”

”Oh and sergeant go tell the captain to go see me immediately.”

“Aye sir!”

The sergeant salutes and went on his way. The Colonel un-boards from the APC he is on. He looks around. His men busy preparing to set up camp, some are setting up tents. Others are securing the perimeter by setting up post lights. He looked at the ruin the small town about a mile from their campsite. He sighed heavily at the sight.

“Such a waste. All the lives that must have been lost there. Times really are tough for the human race.” He muttered to himself.

The Colonel looked some more around the camp site. He saw some large grass growing around. He called to his attention one of the soldiers to come to him.

“You private, Take some men with you and cut the surrounding grasses around the perimeter.”

The Colonel looked at the tall grass surrounding the right side of the convoy about 6 meters away.

“With grasses tall like that who knows what may hide in there. We don’t want any surprises.”

“Sir yes sir! We’re on it sir!”

The private saluted and went on his way. As the Colonel looks on the private running away, it reminded him of how young he used to be when he joined the army. Back then, you get sent to war to defend your country. You do what you have to do. Killing in the battle field was as plain as eating and drinking. That was then. Now he wonders what kind of future these soldiers will have. It used to be much easier.

You point a gun at your enemy, if they engage you pull the trigger and kill. Sure there are casualties, but that is to be expected of being a soldier. You either kill or are killed. But now the enemy is not “Human” in terms. Because when you shoot a human they end up dead or just injured. This time around just shooting down the enemy is not enough. You have to make sure it will not get up. Because if you don’t, you either die a horrible death; or end up becoming one of them. As the Colonel was contemplating all of this, a young woman approaches her.

“Sir”

She salutes as the Colonel looked her way.

“Captain Ara Michaelis is reporting in Colonel Reginald sir”

Captain Ara Michaelis

Her tone strikes the Colonel as serious. Too serious. Something about her presence seems cold and distant. Not only that, she looks young. Maybe in her early 20’s he thinks. But her eyes although beautiful seems emotionless. Like a dark abyss waiting to engulf anything in its path. The Colonel took a good look at the captain. She has a well build body. Slender, with a height complementing her body size. Just by looking the Colonel already deduced the physical capability of Ara to be high.

The Colonel’s experience with many soldiers male or female has given him the ability to be able to have an idea of their capabilities just by looking at how they stand and by the proportion of their body. A skill that can only be acquired by someone who had experienced handling soldiers through a life time. And by far Captain Ara’s exceed others that the Colonel has encountered or was under his command. But that cannot hide the fact that the captain is still young.

“What is command thinking sending someone so promising and young like her on such a dangerous mission?” The Colonel said to himself.

In the Colonel’s hand he held profiles of the additional recruits assigned to him. He scrolled the records for info for his new second command. Normally before an assignment is to be given and deployed, the command structure is established during the briefing. But in this case his previous second in command was just replaced right before they left the Blue Zone. All military protocol was turned upside down with the last minute changes made by high command.

None the less he cannot do anything about it but follow. Orders are orders after all. And he isn’t exactly in good terms with the higher-ups of questioning them on their recent activities in or out of the Blue Zone. Suddenly replacing his adjutant right before they‘re about to leave the Zone and replacing him with someone who might look promising but looks so young and might have little to no experience. He was never even given time to know his 2nd in command’s replacement or even debriefing her.

The excuse that his adjutant will be placed on an important mission seems absurd. They know how vital this mission is and he needs Everyman he can trust and with experience with “Them” in the field. He has no idea of what to expect from this replacement aside from the fact that this one, is highly recommended by high command.

“So Captain, According to your records you were a former French Military?”

“Yes Sir.” Captain Ara answered in a reserved voice.

“At ease captain, I’m just asking you these questions to know my new second in command.”

“I’m not interrogating you or anything so relax.”

“As you say Sir”

Then the Colonel continued

“You are one of the first to be deployed during the first fall-out in France 3 years ago, prior to that you already experienced encountering them during the minor skirmishes on French soil.”

“That will be correct sir.”

The Colonel looked at Captain Ara with a puzzled looked. He saw in her someone who has no emotions. No traces of it even a faint hint.

“Captain I did say at ease didn’t I?”

“I am at ease sir”

The Colonel just shook his head and continued reading the report.

“It also says here that after before the 2nd fall-out you were assigned to a Special Unit in the French Military and later after the 2nd fall-out, you were chosen to be trained for a special unit…”

“The Special unit under the UN’s OS operative…”

“Yes sir that will be precise.” Captain Ara replied.

When the Colonel read this he was even more puzzled.

“Why would Command assign someone like her to be in my unit? Not only was that she was part of OS.” He thought to himself.


The Colonel was a bit uneasy about all of this. He decided not to show Captain Ara any signs of his concern.

“Is there a problem Colonel?” Said Captain Ara that broke the Colonel’s Silence. But it seems the captain already saw through him.

“Is it because I was formally under OS? I assure you Colonel my former place in the OS will not hinder me from following your order to the letter. As long as it doesn't jeopardize our mission."

The Colonel baffled by such a response, responded in a calm voice authoritative voice.

“Ah, No problem at all captain. The fact you came from a Colonel Special Force such as OS makes it more of a welcome addition to our troops. Surely you can give more help with your expertise to the troops.”

“Very well Sir.” Ara answered in a serious tone.

“Now captain, can you tell me of the experiences of encountering them.”

“What is it particularly do you wish to know sir?”

“Well to be precise I wish to know have you encountered the types seen in the Red Zone?” The Colonel said.

“No sir. I haven’t. In fact sir this is the first time I was assigned to a Red Zone.”

Colonel Reginald already had a hunch that the Captain might not have any experience in the Red Zone. Her records did say that she was part of a campaign in the French Military in cleaning up what used to be Yellow Zones. This zone’s where common during the first-fall out but the term was later removed because of the threat has risen before the 2nd fall-out. Also when she was assigned to the OS, they sent her to do various missions in different Blue Zones around the world.

It’s a common fact that flight and sea travel is a commodity that even the military has little privilege to do. So the fact that the captain has gone from one part of the world’s blue zone's to another says she is good. But missions within or just outside the Blue zones are not that extreme. The Red Zone on the other hand and what’s in it is in a whole new level. Only a few have gotten in and gotten out of the Red Zones.

If it wasn’t even the most important job and there are others who are going to do it, most men who survived will not even dream of returning to this kind of place. The Red Zones are unpredictable. What you might have encountered outside will be dwarfed by what you might find inside. Not only is that The Red Zone is unpredictable. Even with satellite feeds from the UN, it is not enough to signify or prepare anyone for what is inside.

Given that it is not like the Black or White Zone where because of circumstances satellites cannot see through, the unpredictability of the dangers in the Red Zone is still high enough to give ordinary soldiers a run for their money. He and some of his men particularly his former adjutant knows how dangerous the Red Zone is. They have visited the Red Zone more times than anyone send into it. They lost good soldiers there.

Yet still when they thought that they have already seen what the Red Zone has for them, that zone surprises them with something new. The fact that his most experienced and trusted adjutant was replaced by someone like the captain doesn’t make it easy. Sure the captain may have especial training and have experienced encountering “them”, but not those in the Red Zone. Something the Colonel doesn’t like at all. He's contemplating on these things was broken when the captain spoke.

“Sir is there any other reason why you have called for me. I doubt reading my profile is the main reason for summoning me in the middle of our camp preparations.”

Colonel Reginald smiled in what Captain Ara said.

“Right to the point I see Captain.”

“As it should be Colonel, Sir”

Colonel Reginald knew that by the tone of Captain Ara that she is being sarcastic. In other cases most senior officers will be in a fit if someone lower than them say such things in that kind of tone. But the Colonel just let it slide for he knows that Captain Ara is all soldier and a real professional just by looking. The only problem the Colonel is having right now is the fact that why would, someone like the Captain who by all accounts, could have her own unit was assigned to her. But that is something that only High Command knows, the Colonel said to himself.

“Well captain. I did call you for a reason aside from reading your profile. As I said earlier I want to get to know my new 2nd in command better and by this talk I think I have got to know you a bit better.”

“May I speak freely Sir?”

Puzzled by what the captain may say the Colonel replied

“You may”

Captain Ara replied

“I don’t think just by this little “Chit-chat” you could easily determine a soldiers worth.”

Captain Ara continued

“It’s only in the battlefield where you can show a soldier’s worth, in finishing the mission. Sir.”

The Colonel just scratched his head. He thought that the captain is more of a machine than a human being. He can’t believe someone so young is so obsessed with nothing more than completing a mission.

“Captain, there are things more important in this world than the mission…”

“May I speak freely Again Sir?”

“Go ahead”

“Sir if there is something more important than the mission then there won’t be any need for structure and a chain of command for the military.” The captain continued “The mission is what gives us soldiers a reason to be who we are. Without it there is no reason to be a soldier. Sir.”

Colonel Reginald was quite amused of what Captain Ara said. To him, Captain Ara shows the characteristics of someone trained for the sole purpose of just “The Mission”. This may turn-out to be an asset or a huge liability. The Colonel believes that in this kind of times such thorough loyalty to accomplish a mission is not needed. Rather the ability to pick what is best for those who are following you is.

“Captain, I’m well aware of the importance of “The Mission”. Believed me when I was young I was just like you. But times have changed. Sometimes there are more things more important to prioritize than any mission.”

“And what may that be sir?”

“Life” Answered the Colonel. “Now don’t get me wrong about what I’m saying” the Colonel continued as he sees the Captain’s face puzzled.

“It is true that on the battlefield, a soldier must sometimes take lives. But we only do it because it’s our job. Job that in order to accomplish a soldier must find it necessary to take away someone else’s life, for the good of his country. But you know as well as I do that most of it because if we don’t kill, our enemies might not show the same mercy.”

For the first time in their conversation, the Colonel saw a change on the captain. He was not sure what it is but the closest he can guess is that the captain may be contemplating on what he is saying.

The Colonel continued “But there are also times that even if an enemy has tried to kill you, if he will not be able to defend himself we show mercy.”

Ara spoke “Sir that will leave you vulnerable and a high risk of retaliation is inevitable. The most logical way to bring about the success of a mission is to eliminate any possible threat. It is illogical to think of saving your enemy or even mercy when you know that at any given time he can betray you.”

“But that is what makes us different from any other creatures, or “Them”.” The Colonel replied.

“We have the ability to spare lives. And now more than ever we have more reasons to preserve human lives.”

“Remember this captain. Not all who you deemed as an enemy will betray your kindness. It is also true that not all who you deemed as an ally will always be true to you.”

Captain Ara does not say anything to what the Colonel said last. She knew that what Colonel Reginald said is true. But the fact still remains that an enemy is still an enemy. To her it does not hold any logic on how life is more important than a mission. Much more if it is an enemy. To her completing a mission means you have done something good for others and you have saved lives by completing your mission.

She has been taught, that being a soldier means doing what you have been told without question. To not ever hold emotions in the battle field for if you do it will only mean your death. Logic is more important and emotions will be just a hindrance. The mission is all you have to think of. Nothing more. Anything else is just trivial.

Somehow the Colonel sensed what the Captain was thinking. As of now anything he has to say will not matter. For the Captain does have a point. They have a very important mission to complete.

“Captain”

“Yes sir”

“As for the reason why I called you, I’m going to assign you to a mission tomorrow at 0800 hours.”

“What is the nature of the mission sir?”

“It’s just a routine scout mission. We need to know what we might be up against before moving forward with the mission.”

“Who will be in my team sir?” Ara asked.

“You will know tomorrow. The briefing will start at 0700 hours. There you will know who your team will be and the details of the mission.”

“Aye aye sir. Will that be all?”

“Ah yes, I would also like you to secure perimeter defenses around camp. It is also a good way for you to get acquainted with the man and to give some pointers to the new ones about what you know about “Them”. Sergeant get over here.”

The man called by the Colonel came and salutes to the Colonel.

“Sir.”

“Captain Ara this is staff sergeant Kim Kyocera. Sergeant this is the captain and my new second in command.”

Sgt. Kyosera faced the captain and saluted.

“Ma'am Staff Sergeant Kim Kyocera.”

Captain Ara salutes back.

“Now that you know each other, Sergeant.”

“Sir Yes sir?”

“I want you to assist the captain in inspecting and setting camp defenses. I also want you to help her get familiarized with how we do things here in camp and familiarize her with the other senior officers.”

“Will do sir.” Answered the Sergeant.

“Very well you’re both dismissed.” The Colonel saluted to both of them.

“Will be on our way sir.” Ara said then in a military fashion turned and walks away.

The sergeants followed and while the two of them were walking an officer approaches the Colonel. Upon seeing each other they give their exchange of salutes and went on their way. The officer approached the Colonel and saluted. The Colonel saluted back.

“Major Bowser how’s the camp preparation going?”

“Colonel we are proceeding as scheduled. Although setting up the defense perimeter will take quite a while. We are short of senior officers and having new soldiers assigned to us does not make it easy.”

Major Robert Bowser

Major Robert Bowser is one of the Colonel’s most trusted and loyal men. He was his under his wing since he was just a private. An old officer like the colonel.

“I have done the liberty of asking my new adjutant to see through all defense matters.”

“Ah I see sir. But is it a wise decision sir? I mean with all due respect, I think I might be more than capable of handling the work of setting and checking the defenses. After all even if it is true that she is a top soldier under the OS and has been highly recommended by command as a replacement for Capt. Downy, when it comes to the Red Zone she is still green.”

The Colonel knows what Bowser is pointing at. But he also knows that they are short on experienced officers to teach the new recruits the ropes about the Red Zone or “Them”. Surely assigning Bowser in charge of camp defenses will be the wisest decision but the Colonel has more on his mind by assigning the captain instead.

“Major Bowser, what you said is true. It would be wise to let you take charge of the task of defense. But you are already doing so much that assigning it to the captain will be more productive.”

The Colonel continued

“I do believe in the captain’s ability as a soldier, and I think a beautiful young woman like the captain ordering the men around might boost up moral more than an old soldier like you or me.”

Both of them started to laugh. Something they haven’t done for a while.

“Are we really getting that old Colonel that we do not inspire morale of the troops?” Bowser asked.

“Well we sure are not getting younger.”

“Well what do you think of the captain?”

“She seems pretty capable. Young, beautiful, has an aura of authority and if I base it from her profile quite is intelligent... But…”

“Yes…? But…?”

“Out the record sir?”

“Yes”

“I think she’s a loose cannon when ticked.”

“What made you come up with that conclusion Major” The Colonel replied.

“She has this air about her. Cold, gloomy. Just by looking at her you know she is not someone to be taken lightly.”

Bowser paused for a bit and sighed. He looked at the Colonel straight in the eyes and without even a blink and said.

“To be frank sir, and I know it’s a bit too early to judge the captain, but just by looking at her you can sense that she might do something radical just to finish what she started. And I don’t mean it in a good way.”

Colonel Reginald holds Major Bowser’s word to account. After all Bowser has a degree in human psychology and has been assigned to numerous interrogations and profiling. What Bowser said shed some light of what he have earlier suspected that the captain may be either an asset or a huge liability. If the world was like before, soldiers like the captain are more than welcome to be had. But in times like this, soldiers like the captain will be a handful.

It wasn’t as so simple as before. Missions given to soldiers nowadays are not what it used to be. What’s worse is the fact that soldiers now are harder to replace. But that’s not the greatest problem. For every soldier that falls in clashes with “Them” the higher chance it will be added to their numbers.

“Unfortunately Major Bowser, we take what we can get. You’re probably right in your assessment of the captain but we really can’t be choosy at a time like this. She may be a cannon just waiting to explode but the high command thinks highly of her. So let’s just have faith in their decision.”

“Indeed sir.” Major Bowser replied. “Faith that their decision doesn’t bite us in the end.”

“Your point will be noted.”

“Anyway are the preparations for tomorrows sortie prepared?”

“Yes sir. Tomorrow the last part of the troops will arrive. Including the mercenaries hired by the HQ.”

“Really now? They hired another set of mercenaries for the fodder. The last bunch didn’t do much at all, well maybe adding up to the numbers of the enemy. Those who survived hurried to go back to their mothers when the going gets tough. Still HQ considered hiring some more. What is HQ even thinking?”

“I believe the words you’re looking for sir is “Getting Desperate”.” Major Bowser answered with a smile.

Colonel Reginald knows that they are really getting short of men. But hiring additional troops of Mercs would be more of a pain than a help. Just goes to show how desperate the times are.

“Anyway do you have the list of the recruited mercs?”

“Yes sir. I have taken the liberty of arranging them by battalion’s base on the data given by HQ. Oh and I do believe there is one Merc there that will pique your interest.”

Major Bowser gave the list of the mercs to Colonel Reginald. The Colonel scrolled for the names and stopped at one particular name.

“So they decided to hire him huh.”

“Yes sir. I believe HQ has finally realized that just hiring by the numbers will not do anymore. Given the fact of the previous failed attempts we had encountered on this same mission. So they decided to hire more experienced and veteran people like him. Additionally Sir, this list although fewer than any other previous ones, do host mercs who have made names for themselves in their field.”

“But mercs are still mercs. You really can’t count on them much when their ass is on the line. Well except him anyway.”

"I do agree sir. If we need someone from the hired guns we can depend on him." Major Bowser replied.

The Colonel continued to scroll the lists.

“Hmm… these are very expensive mercs… HQ is really giving in a lot into this.”

“Yes sir they are.”

“Aside from him, these names are one of the toughest in the field. Some are even ex-soldiers.”

“Yes they are sir. Most of them have already experienced going in and out of other Red Zones. So I think they will become an asset to the operation.” Major Bowser replied.

“Yes, as long as it is in their interest. But this one…” The Colonel scrolled again and went back to the previous profile of the merc that interested him.

“This one we can actually count on…” The Colonel Smiled. Major Bowser already knew why the Colonel smiling is. He has known the Colonel for so long now and they have been through a lot of tight spots that he already learned about how he thinks. But he didn’t say anything but instead waited for the Colonel to talk.

“Which unit is he going to be assigned Major Bowser?” The Colonel asked.

“I have the liberty of putting our merc under Captain Ara’s unit.” Bowser said with a smile.

“That will be bloody. Even though these two will meet for the first time, with his personality and the Captain's, I already see some tensions will spark.” The Colonel said this and started to laugh at the thought.

“Would you like me to assign him on another unit then Colonel?” Asked Major Bowser.

“No. I would assign him to the same unit as well." The Colonel answered smiling.
“But I do admit I want to see this to try to get along. It will be like fire and ice.”

“I do agree with that assessment Colonel, but even so, those two will make a powerful team.” Major Bowser replied.

“Well that is true. Both are talented in their respective rights. But the problem is if they actually get along.”

“That’s something they have to work out on their own sir.” Major Bowser answered with a grin.

“Hahaha! You’re right. Hopefully they do, or this will end-up in a disaster. But I do trust both of them. After all if this mission is to succeed, then they just have to learn to work together.”

“So what time does these hired hands will come?” The Colonel asked.

“They will arrive at 0500 hours tomorrow sir. In time for the briefing of the captain’s mission sir.”

“Very well, I leave you with the other camp preparations and if you have time assist our captain in any matters that Sergeant Kyocera may not have tackled with the captain. Also double check our supplies. We are a long way from HQ so getting low on supplies before the scheduled resupply from HQ arrive will be a disaster.”

“Very well sir. Any other particular orders you wish to give?” Major Bowser asked.

“Not in the moment Major. So for now you are dismissed.” Answered Colonel Reginald.

“Aye aye sir.” Major Bowser salutes “I’ll be on my way then.”

The Colonel salutes back “Very well. You're Dismissed.”

Major Bowser went on his way. The Colonel now left alone though of what might happen tomorrow. He can’t help smiling at the situation between the captain and the subordinate she’s about to take with her on the mission.

“It’s going to be a long day for both of them.” Says the Colonel to himself.

“A very long day indeed.” Then the Colonel smiled.


Day 2
Camp site
0630 A.M.

A group of army APC vehicles approaches the camp site. The lead APC stopped upon nearing a checkpoint by the camp. One of the guards from the checkpoint approached the lead APC. From the top hatchet of the lead APC a woman comes out. The woman salutes and hands out some documents to the guard. The guard reads the documents. After reading he handed it back to the woman and signaled the other guards to open the way for the vehicles to pass through. Meanwhile inside the camp a soldier approaches the Colonel’s tent. The soldier was greeted by two soldiers guarding the Colonel’s tent.

The soldier salutes to the guards and the guard salutes back.

“Is the Colonel awake private?” Asked the soldier.

“Sir yes sir.” One of the guards replied.

“Very well I have an order from Major Bowser to speak with the Colonel.”

“Very well sir.”

The young soldier stood in front of the tent’s door. He saluted and said

“Sir Private First Class Enrico Domingo here from the request of Major Bowser, requesting permission to enter sir!”

“Permission granted soldier.” The Colonel replied from inside the tent.

“Sir thank you sir!”

The soldier entered the tent. Inside the Colonel is drinking some coffee in front of a big table lighted by a light. The Colonel was busy reviewing the map that is lying on the table. He then gently put his coffee on the side. He faced the soldier and as he did the soldier immediately saluted.

“Sir good morning sir!” The young soldier said.

“At ease private. What is it that you want?”

“Sir Major Bowser asked me to tell you that Lieutenant Sandra Esmeralda has arrived with the additional troops and supplies. Sir!”

“Ah, have they just finally arrived?” Asked the Colonel.

“Yes sir!”

“Hmm… they are late from the appointed schedule. I wonder why…” the colonel muttered to himself.

“Very well private, tell Major Bowser I’ll be at the meeting tent shortly.”

“Is the captain already at the meeting tent?”

“No, not yet sir. I believe she’s with Sergeant Kyocera doing last checks on the supplies and preparations for later deployment.” Answered by the private.

“Ah, very well. Go and tell the captain that as soon as she’s done immediately come to the meeting.”

“Sir, yes sir!”

“Very well you are dismissed.”

“Thank you sir.”

With that the young soldier went out of the colonel’s tent and went to see the Captain. The Colonel finished his coffee and took his jacket from the side chair. He had only 4 hours of sleep. But it doesn’t bother him. To him it’s all just part of being a soldier. As he went out the guard of his tent saluted and greeted him. He saluted back and told the guard to watch his tent closely. Then one of the guards accompanied the colonel to the meeting.

As the colonel walked his way to the big tent set-up in the middle of the camp site, he saw the new arrived APC’s with the additional troops and supplies. He also saw the hired merc by HQ preparing themselves. As the soldiers and mercs saw the Colonel they all stopped at what they are doing and greeted him properly. The Colonel greeted them back and said to be at ease and to go back to what they are doing. As the Colonel approaches the tent he is approached by Major Bowser. The Major greeted the Colonel and said.

“Colonel, I hope you had a good night’s rest.”

“Barely Major. But I did have worse.”

Major Bowser smiled.

“Yes indeed sir.”

Major Bowser signaled the soldier that is accompanying the Colonel to go back to his previous post. The Colonel second the notion and the young private saluted and went on his way. The Major then accompanied the Colonel to the tent. While walking the Colonel asked the major

“Are everyone already in the meeting?”

The Major replied “The mercenaries scheduled to take part on the mission is already there but there is still one that's not there. The captain is still doing last minute preparation for later's deployment. She said that she will be there before the meeting starts.”

“Very well. What’s our current status on the perimeter grounds?”

“Well Colonel the soldiers are all well and ready. There is no problem with the food and water supply. Everything is going as scheduled. As for the defense of the perimeter, I have rechecked the captain’s set-up and found it at the highest proficiency. I dare to say even better than what I might have done.”

“And as for the troops under the captain?”

Major Bowser can’t help but give a big grin. The Colonel knew that there is something really funny going on.

“Well Major? Is there something interesting going on the captain’s troops? Don’t tell me they started flirting with her the first time they saw her?”

“On the contrary sir, the troops are having a hard time keeping-up with her. They even say she’s even more of a taskmaster than any drill sergeant they have encountered.”

The Colonel laughs upon hearing this. He knew that the Captain was going to be a handful. But thought it was good to keep the soldiers on their toes.

“Oh Colonel the Lieutenant wish to report to you why they were a bit behind schedule.”

“Indeed. I would like to hear the story. Lieutenant is one of the most punctual officers I know. It’s rare to see her late in any task she is assigned to.”

“Indeed Colonel.” The major replied.

As they arrived at the meeting tent, the two soldiers guarding the entrance saluted and opened the entrance for them. Inside a handful of mercs, medics and officers including the lieutenant were waiting. When they saw the Colonel they all stand-up and Saluted. The Colonel saluted back and signaled them to sit down. The colonel approached the long table set-up for the meeting and sat on the chair in the middle designated for him. On his right the Major sat and on his left, just between a chair lieutenant Esmeralda sat. The colonel looks around and saw some new faces. He then said to the lieutenant

“It seems we are not the only ones who received new troops, lieutenant?”

“Indeed Colonel. New batches of soldiers and officers have been deployed by HQ.”
The lieutenant gives a sigh.

“Most of them are still green. Which makes it a bit difficult for missions such as this.” The lieutenant said.

“So it seems. Is that one of the reasons why you were behind schedule lieutenant?” Asked the major.

“Yes it is one of the reasons. But not the major reason.” Replied by the lieutenant.

“I see. So something happened on your way here then?” Asked the colonel.

“Yes sir and I have written a formal report for it sir already. But I would like to personally make my report to you sir. On that note sir, if not for the efforts of the some of the mercenaries with us, we might not have made it here.”

The colonel was alarmed by what the lieutenant said. What could have taken place with the Lieutenant’s convoy?

“So what happened lieutenant?” The colonel asked.

“Sir, on our way here we were ambushed by a herd.”

The colonel and the major were astonished by what they heard. It’s common even in the blue zone to encounter some of “Them” wandering about. Most these wanderers are just few mostly 1 or 2. But an entire “Herd” of them is something new. No “Herd” has ever gone that far from the red zone. Something that is hard to ignore.

“So what exactly happened lieutenant?” The colonel asked.

“Well it happened at exactly 0317 hours the day before yesterday. We were resting when one of the sentries saw movements from the north side of the camp. The sentry alerted the other guards to take a look at the suspicious movements. I was awakened by my 2nd officer about the trouble. I went to personally head the investigation.”

The lieutenant paused for a moment. Then she continued.

“But as we headed north one of the mercs said that something is not right. He asked if the south part of the camp was secured. Of course I said yes and I wondered why he would worry about the south end. The campsite was surrounded by a natural barrier from the east and west side. On the east was a hill in which the other side was a steep fall. To the west was a rocky formation. And to our south, was the way to the blue zone. So there was no way anything would come from the south.”

As the lieutenant continues her story, the colonel began to realize that what happened to the lieutenant’s convoy may have more effect on the welfare of the people living in the blue zone but also to them now currently in the red zone.

“I continued north to where the problem was. But as I turned around the merc was gone.” The lieutenant continued.

“My 2nd officer said that the merc run towards the south. Carrying his rifle. I asked one of the soldiers there to follow the merc south and to ask some of the veteran mercs to accompany him there.”

Major Bowser saw the intensity in the eye’s of the lieutenant as she continues her story. He believes that what the lieutenant and his men have experienced have been engraved deeply into their minds. The look on the lieutenant alone says how terrible the experience might have been.

“When we arrived at the north side, the men were already aiming for the suspicious movement. The north side was dark and with the bushes hindering our sights even the watch lights were no help. I ordered some of the men to bring the high intensity search light and aim it at the moving objects. When the men came and opened the light we saw them. Two of “Them” to be exact. They quickly run towards us, the men opened fire immediately. We stopped firing once the two of “Them” was lying on the ground not moving. I asked one of the men to double check if they are dead. When they have confirmed it was dead I asked one of the senior medical officers to examine the body. With just an initial look the senior medical officer confirmed that the two bodies were “White Classification, Threat level D”.

The lieutenant stopped. She took the water beside her and drank it. Both the major and the Colonel showed the face of worry. They have never seen a soldier give a look like this, most especially coming from such an experienced and dedicated officer as Lieutenant Esmeralda.

The lieutenant continued with her report.

“Suddenly it happened. We heard numerous gunshots from the south side of the camp. One of the soldiers was running towards us and gave a report that an entire herd of them was attacking the south side."

"What’s worse is that there were jumpers in the herd.”

The colonel can’t believe that jumpers will come to the blue zone. It was never heard of before. The fact that jumpers were seen means a greater threat to the blue zone than one can imagine. After all the Jumpers are an “Orange type Threat, a class B” and those can only be seen in the red zone. The Colonel continued listening to the lieutenant.

“I immediately dispatched the people with me and we rushed to the south side. I sent some soldiers to wake the other sleeping soldiers and mercenary to help with the defense of the camp. When we arrived at the south part of the camp, the jumpers have already slaughtered some of the new recruits. Some of them saw us and ran towards us. We were getting surrounded. With the darkness of the night and a few lights we knew that we won’t have a chance against the jumpers. That’s when someone radioed me saying to get everyone to the center of the camp. I was out of options so I decided to rally the men. In the center we have light concentrated there to protect the supplies that were going to be delivered here. The light was enough for us to see but not enough to help us if jumpers flew towards us. Just then a jumper jumped right above me sir. But before he can even touch the light someone shot him. I looked but can’t see the shooter. Then one by one as each jumper tried to jump towards us, they were shot in the head. I was so amazed of the shooter given that it was dark, I was wondering where is he shooting from. After all the dust settled I tried radioing on the shooter. I asked where he is and to my surprise he said to me look above the trees 20 clicks from you. When I tried looking I saw him there. He was shooting from above the tree in the darkness. He was amazing."

"Hours later and the sun rose, I rallied the troops to do cleanup for any more of them. But what really astonished us was the fact that it wasn’t just a herd of jumpers that attacked us, but also a herd of whites and runners. Three herds sir. This is the first time something like this ever happened and we were all shocked.”

The colonel knew why the lieutenant would be shocked. He looked at Major Bowser who was also surprised by what has the lieutenant had said. The designated white ones are not much of a threat; only the A-C classes are to be worried about but still can easily be killed. On the other hand the runners and jumpers are orange type threats. A class-B and C types. Furthermore jumpers and runners can be seen in small packs not herds. What’s most surprising is the fact than more than forming a herd, those three types actually made a surprise attack together. Something never heard of before. Truly this is something to be worried about.

“How far was the attack from here or to the blue zone lieutenant?” The colonel asked.

“We used camp site designation R-14 as stated by our standard protocol when going here to the Red Zone.” The lieutenant answered.

“That camp site is in the middle of the path from here to the blue zone. It’s about a day from here and about 2 days from the blue zone.” Major Bowser mentions.

“Indeed. From what I can tell it may have been an ordeal for you and your men lieutenant, but it surely was a blessing in disguise for the people at the blue zone.” Added the colonel.

“I do agree on that assessment colonel, but one question still remains. How did those herds flanked you?” Major Bowser questioned the lieutenant.

“Yes sir that was one of our question.” The lieutenant continued.

“We all know that the designated campsites where chosen because of their tactical terrain advantage. CS R-14 is a protected location from the left and right side by natural terrains, one side along narrow cliff and the other a very rocky ground with a high wall of rocks. The back being in the direction of the blue zone, means any danger was really not possible. If any danger would come it would be in front on the north end facing the red zone.”

The colonel paused for a moment and asked

“So did you discover how they did it?”

“Yes sir and it was a surprise that we never expected.”

“So what was it?” The major said

“Well it seems that the natural rock formation that was supposed to be impossible to pass on the west side has crumbled. Or to be more precise a rock slide happened that made a path directly connecting a section of the red zone to the blue zone passing the R-14 campsite.”

“This could have been because of the recent earthquake that we experienced 2 weeks ago” Major Bowser replied.

“Yes and might have sir. But I think the abnormal amounts of rain we are getting this year might also have contributed. You see sir when I sent some men to investigate; the ones who reported of the path also mentioned that the soil was pressed by the rocks creating a natural rocky road. Additionally sir some games like large deer’s and moose have been spotted using the path to the blue zone.”

With this information it was clear why the herds have known about the path. They must have been following their prey and ended up there. After all the entire red zone doesn’t have much any live food for “Them”. But is this enough for any of them to actually form such a decisive pack? This question flows into the head of the colonel when the major asked another question to the lieutenant.

“Did you send a report to HQ about what happened lieutenant?”

“Yes sir I immediately sent a radio report to HQ. HQ told us to secure the area and not to leave until the forces sent by them arrived to do assessment concerning R-14. They also asked us to do a cleanup of the area and to send some men to backtrack a bit and do a sweep for any more of “Them” that may have just passed us.”

“That was a wise decision by HQ. If any more of those got passed through it will be a disaster.” The colonel commented.

“Indeed sir. But with that we got delayed.” The Lieutenant replied.

“No. It’s alright. It is just good to know you made it. How about casualties? How many did you have?”

“About 6 casualties’ colonel. 4 rookies, 1 medical staff and 1 mercenary. I have already filled the report sir when the people HQ sends to secure the area came.”

“Did any of them Turned?” Asked Major Bowser.

“2 of the rookies did and the merc but we immediately have counter measures employed so there was no problem. But their families…”

The Colonel saw the pain that the lieutenant is suffering. It’s only natural for an officer to see his men die in battle. But seeing them turn and kill them yourself is difficult. He knows because he has done it so many times than he can remember. Such is the tragedy of this new age.

“I assure you lieutenant, their families will understand eventually. It’s not really your fault. When we have taken the oath to be soldiers, death is something that we have already expected to shadow us. The only difference is not knowing when or how it will come. This is also true for the families of a soldier. They have already accepted that the shadow of death has already been lurking when their loved one has taken the oath.” Colonel said to the lieutenant.

“I… Know sir… But still they were so young…”

Major Bowser, in order to lighten up the mood asked the lieutenant something peculiar.

“By the way Lieutenant, you said before that you guys owe your lives because of some of the mercs right? I’m pretty curious to whom you are mentioning most especially the one who saved you from all that darkness. It must have been a pretty damn good sniper to shoot in the dark and with such accuracy. Only a few people can do that even in the army.”

The lieutenant lightens-up a bit. Then she said

“Well I was also amazed of the merc. He's one of the highest priced merc enlisted and I’m really glad he was there that night. He is just known as “Dark” by anyone.”

When the Colonel heard of this he smiled. He already knew who this “Dark” was.

“Ah I see… No wonder…” said the Major.

“Do you know him sir?” Asked the lieutenant.

“Colonel?” Replied by the major with a grin.

“Yes actually both Major Bowser and I know him.” The colonel answered.

“Really sir? This is quite a development.” The lieutenant said with wondering eyes.

“Dark was assigned to the colonel’s unit about 4 years ago. He was still young then and a bit hot blooded. This got him into all kinds of trouble. The colonel saw talent in Dark and like a father has beaten some sense into the kid. From there Dark grew to be a fine soldier. An elite.” The major said.

“But sir why is he a mercenary now? What happened that made him quit the military.” The lieutenant asked.

Both the major and the colonel stood silent for a moment. Then the Colonel finally said

“An incident happened a year later. Dark is a high-spirited and kind man, but that incident made him turn his back from the army and became a mercenary instead.”

“What incident?”

“…” The colonel was unable to speak.

“It was the Bloody Rain incident.” The Major broke the silence.

“The Bloody Rain incident 4 years ago? That’s the incident when one of the blue zone in district 21 fell from a green attack. What happened there?” The lieutenant asked in astonishment.

“Lieutenant it is something that neither I nor the Colonel doesn’t wish to talk about.” Major Bowser told the lieutenant.

“I’m sorry sir. I will not pry anymore.”

“Good, Some things is better left alone.” Said the major.

“By the way where is Dark? He is supposed to be part of this meeting.” The colonel asked.

“Err… He said he will come on time and that he will just check-up on some “Goods” he say.” The lieutenant replied.

Both the Colonel and the Major put a big sigh. The lieutenant was puzzled by it.

“Sir may I ask what is it that made you both sigh?”

“Major I leave this to you. I think I need to drink some more coffee before the meeting starts at 0700.” With that the colonel stood-up and went to the coffee table near the meeting table. He took one of the cups and poured some hot coffee in it. He looked at the major and lieutenant talking and smiled.

“Lieutenant, did dark made a hit with you when you first met?” The Major asked.

“Um… what do you mean sir?”

“You know what I mean lieutenant. You’re a beautiful woman and an excellent officer. Something Dark likes a lot.”

“Ah… Yes I… Believe he did.” Answered uneasily by the lieutenant.

“Sigh… at least now we know that he hasn’t changed that much over the years.” The major smiled. “Well Checking the “Goods” on Dark’s vocabulary means checking up on the females."

“Oh… I see…” The lieutenant replied with a frown face.

“Ahahaha! Don’t get it to you lieutenant. It’s just how Dark operates.” The colonel said as soon as he sat down. He heard of what the Major and the lieutenant was talking about. He too also though that it was good Dark didn’t change that much over the years. Or so he what he is expecting. But who knows the colonel said to himself.

Then from the entrance came in a young man dressed in a casual dress and a hood while holding a long sniper rifle on his right arm. The young man came in and as soon as he sees the colonel approached him and saluted.

“Colonel.” The young man said.

The colonel stood-up and saluted back. He took a good look at the young man and smiled. The colonel gently embraces the young man like a father would do to a son after not seeing each other for a long time.

“Daniel Park. Or Should I just call you Dark now.” The colonel said.

Daniel "Dark" Park

“You can call me like you always do sir.” Dark replied with a smile.

“Oh Major Bowser how are you sir.” Dark greeted the major.

The major also stood-up and greeted Dark. “I see you haven’t changed much. Still like checking out the “Goods”?”

Dark made a smirk. He knew that both the colonel and the major know of his “habits”. Then again the lieutenant was also there, who seems to have a foul mood now for some reason.

“Errr… Not really sir… Ahahaha!” Dark replied.

“It’s a good thing you came in early. If the officer in charge of this coming operation came up a little earlier than you will be in a lot of trouble.” Said the Major.

“Well we don’t want that to happen now do we sir. Besides I was 5 minutes early.” Said Dark smiling.

“Yes indeed. The officer that will be in charge of the operation is a bit tight.” The Colonel said.

“Yes I’ve heard. But I also heard that the commanding officer is quite a beauty. So you know I wanted to check it out for myself.” Dark replied with a big grin.

“I wouldn’t talk about things like that right now, am I right lieutenant Esmeralda?” Said Major Bowser.

“No sir. Really I have no idea of what you men are talking about sir.” The lieutenant replied with a bit of irritation.

Major Bowser just smiled. He knew that there is something going on with the lieutenant and dark. But it’s an issue that he does not need to pry.

“So Dark. Don’t tell me the only reason why you accepted this mission was so that you can check out the commanding officer and other “Goods” in the army?” Asked the Colonel.

“Ahahaha! Sir I know I might have that kind of track record in the past. But I assure you I have matured enough. Well checking out the “Goods” is just part of being a man and well… you may never know if I might not have another chance to do some inventory work again.” Dark answered smirking.

“But the real reason why I joined was because I heard that the over-all commander of this operation was you colonel. I wanted to see you and catch-up on the good old times. On the side if my skills can help you sir, then you have my service sir.”

The colonel knew that with someone like Dark on his team the success of this operation will take on a new level. The danger that the red zone brings is unpredictable but with someone like Dark they might have a chance of making things succeed.

“Is that really all is to it Dark?” Major Bowser suddenly asked.

Dark paused for a moment. Then he smiled and answered.

“Major you really are good at deciphering people’s thoughts.”

“It is my specialty.” Says the major with a grin on his face.


“Well to be honest. I do have my personal reasons. But be assured Colonel and Major sir. I will not jeopardize the mission for it. You both know me too well that I’m a real professional with work.”

Both the colonel and major know that what Dark said is true. He is a professional. No matter how much he wants to complain about a mission, he does what is right to the end. Something Dark might really need if he is to team-up with the Captain. On that note the Colonel asks the Major.

“Major what time is it?”

“Colonel it’s exactly 0652 Hour. Should I let someone get the captain?”

“No need. I think she will make it.”

“Such high confidence on this “Captain” colonel. I’m envious.” Says Dark with his smirk on his face.

“I assure you Dark, the captain doesn’t need any vouch of confidence from anyone, am I right Major?”

“Indeed sir. And the men should know that by now.” The major said with a smile.

“Wow. Not only is she rumored to be a beauty, but she has charms as well… Hmmm… Now I’m really getting interested.” Dark says excitedly. “So when is she coming? The wait is killing me.”

“Dark for your sake I hope that’s the only thing that will kill you.” Says the Major. Then looks at the lieutenant.

"..."

As they were talking the Captain entered the meeting room. She sees the major and immediately saluted.

“Captain reporting for duty sir.”

The colonel and major both greeted the captain. The colonel introduced the lieutenant. They both exchange greetings and shakes hands. The Colonel then notices Dark not moving and has his back turned from them. As if he was frozen stiff where he stands. The colonel taps Dark and said

“Dark I would like to introduce to you the commanding officer that will be leading for this operation and will be your commander… Dark…?”

The major and the lieutenant were both baffled on how Dark was acting. While the Captain on the other hand, doesn’t seem to care at all.

“Hey Dark is something wrong…?” Major Bowser finally asked.

Dark, eventually tried to look at the direction of the captain. Upon looking his face changed. From a smiling and smirking face, to a face that as if the end of the world has come. He is actually sweating.

The Colonel once again asks Dark what is happening to him. Dark just asks the Colonel

“Colonel… Sh… Is she the one who would lead the op-operation…?”

“Yes Dark she is. I would like to introduce to you Captain Ara Michealis” the colonel replied.

“Don’t tell me you’ve got love struck just by one look Dark my boy.” Said Major Bowser with a smile.

"I-I... Kn-knew it... From that cold voice..." Dark mutters

"What is it Dark? What has gotten into you?" Asks the Colonel.

"Yeah what has gotten into you? You were excited at meeting the captain before? Now she's here. Now you seem like you've seen a ghost..." Major Bowser said.

"Sir... More like I have seen the devil... Again..." Dark answers as if he is about to cry.

"...?" Captain Ara was puzzled.

"Colonel... The Captain is really famous among us mercs and soldiers under the UN and OS." Dark added.

"So someone like the captain is really that known. HQ really must have pulled some strings for her to be assigned under my command." The colonel replied.

“The Captain is that well known?” Asked the major.

“Oh yes she is… She’s well known all right…"

“Major. Do you know what the people of the OS and the mercs who knows her calls her?” Dark said.

"What do they call her?"

“She is feared by many who is under her command. The Task Master from Hell. The officer that makes even the walking undead looks like saints. Someone who can freeze anyone in her tracks and send you right to the Abyss. The Devil Incarnate... She is The Ice Queen of Hell!”

-End of Chapter One-

[maoyurui]

Reserved for Chapters 3-4

Chapter One above

[coldground93]

Dead World
Book 2: Will of the World.

Chapter 0: Prologue

Date: November 2015

My name is William J. Spencer. I now travel across the country in search for my little sister. She was my only family. Our parents died in an accident when we were young. Our family was not really in good terms with our relatives. It was my dad's boss who took us in. He told us that it was our father who saved his company from bankrupting. He said that this is his way of repaying it. He was old, around 60. His wife already passed away and he never had children. He was very kind. He treated us like his own children. When I was 15, time finally caught up and took our foster father’s life. It was a peaceful death and I know he lead a fulfilling life so I don’t feel really bad. Now I’m living alone with my sister in a small house. It’s small but it was our home. I thought that these peaceful days would go on forever. Until the outbreak came...


This is the story of how I lead my life in this god-forsaken dead world…

The outbreak spread in our town when my sister was at school while I played hooky. It was probably the only time I regretted skipping school. It was hell. Cars burning, Gunshots echoed the streets, People screaming in agony and desperately calling for help. The military arrived before it was too late. It was then I realized that humanity is on the verge of extinction as soldiers open-fired at the infected and once comrades. When the dust settled, I got reunited with my sister. Apparently, a unit of soldiers was dispatched near her school. But such reunion is cut short. We saw one of them, running towards us. It was something I never saw before; it was tall, about 3 meters, runs in a gorilla-like manner. Its arms were big and bulky, sweeping the cars aside like dust. We tried running away but it was too fast. I got hit by its arm but before that, I managed to push my sister away. The force of the swing threw me out the river. Its deafening roar was the last thing I heard before I lost consciousness.




Chapter 1: Will and Boston.

Date: XXXX 20XX

I woke up on a riverbank downstream.

“Urrrgghh, my head hurts.” I felt that my head is about to fall off so I hold it as I stood up.

“Where am I?” I looked around but I only see nothing but the trees and the river.

Spoiler :  

I tried recalling what happened but I felt a throbbing pain inside my head. I tried again but I felt that pain again. I tried and I tried but whenever I do, felt that same throbbing pain. I finally unable to tolerate the pain and gave up.

“What the hell’s happening to me?” I said to myself. Then I realized…

“By the way who am I?” My eyes widened by this sudden realization.

I tried remembering it but the cursed pain hindered me again. I panicked

“AAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRRRGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!� �� I scream from frustration.

I calmed down after that scream. I sat down on one of the rocks feeling depressed.

I got startled by a sudden rustle of a nearby thicket. I come closer to investigate and I saw a small dog rummaging into something. I was about to go away with a sigh of disappointment when I notice: “A bag?” . I took a closer look to confirm it. It’s a brown backpack. I immediately chased the dog away, picked up the bag and examined its contents.

I saw an ID. “Will J. Spencer. I wonder who this is. I look at my reflection at the river and compared to the face on the ID. My reflection is covered in cuts and bruises but I can tell it’s the same. “So my name is Will J. Spencer.” I smiled a little upon finally learning something about myself.

Next I saw cellphone. I tried opening it but it’s not working. Obviously since it’s been wet for who knows how long. I returned the phone inside the bag.

I took out a piece of paper, a rope and 3 bottles with red liquid inside. I tried opening one and a putrid smell came out from the bottle. I immediately close it and got a little dizzy from the smell. I examined the rope. It’s about 9 meters long, quite sturdy and it has a small hook on one end. “ This might be useful” I said to myself. I read the content of the paper.

“Impact Sensitive Bomb. Use with extreme caution. 1 teaspoon spoon phosphorus…” It’s a recipe of a bomb.

I noticed the image printed on the paper. It’s a bottle with red liquid inside. The same as the 3 bottles included in my bag. “So these are bombs” holding on one of the bottle.

I read further: “If under circumstance that you need to use the bombs; shake the bottle vigorously for 3 seconds before throwing.”. “I see. I only have 3 so I’ve got to use this only when I really need it.” I put the things back into the bag.

I examined further and saw a bag of chips, some crackers and a bottle of water. My stomach growled so I opened the bag of chips and eat it. As eat, I heard a noise from behind my back. I turned my back and saw the dog I chased away earlier. It was whining and looking at me with puppy eyes

Spoiler :  

I opened a pack of crackers, took one. “Here.” I offer him the cracker. He immediately came closer and bit the cracker off my hand. When he finished it, I gave him the rest of the pack. After finishing it, he barked at me as if he’s thanking me. “You’re welcome.” I said to him while smiling.

The dog came a little closer and I noticed the collar around its neck. I took a closer look and name was engraved on a piece of metal attached to the collar. “Boston, so that’s your name.” The dog barked as if he understands me.

“Well nice to meet you Boston.” I greeted him as I stood up. I must be crazy; I’m talking to a dog as if he’s human. Boston barked at me.

“You understand what I’m saying?” I was a bit surprised. He barked back as if saying yes.

Wow what a smart dog. I thought to myself.

“Where’s your owner?” I asked him again. Boston, instead of barking, let out a sad whine. “I see.” He was probably saying that his owner is gone and he couldn’t find him.

“How about you come with me? I still don’t know where the hell we are but I could use your company.” Boston barked at me in reply. I think it’s a yes.

“Alright, let’s go find a way out.”

We ventured into the forest.

Spoiler :  

The forest was very thick but the animal trails served as a safe passage for us. I saw different kinds of animals but luckily, they seem to keep their distance from us. After a few hours of walking I came across a small town

Spoiler :  

I felt relieved since I’m finally going meet other people. I thought "Maybe I can find out more about myself in this town" I quickly go down and entered the town along with Boston…

Chapter 1 End.