Chapter IX: Help Me!

Somewhere on the surface of Atticus Minor

10:37 Local Hour

*Alona is lying on the ground without her exosuit. She does not present any visible injuries but she is unconscious. Andrew is a bit startled of the view and does not know how to react. Natasha is looking all around to ensure their security around their position. Natasha is overwhelmed by the view: everything burns all around, debris everywhere, people dead and smoke rises constantly in the air.*

Prv. Andrew Fischer

“Yar, go south and search for a place to camp. Double time!”

Prv. Natasha Yar

“Yes, sir.” *running towards south*

*Andrew looks at Alona. He tries to wake her up but she does not react in any way at all.*

Prv. Andrew Fischer

“LeNoir, do you think we can find the Adjutant here and get some information?”

Prv. Claudia LeNoir

“I don’t think so. I wouldn’t know where to search for it. Look around, there’s only fire and little debris...”

Prv. Andrew Fischer

“Alright, then. I want you to do a fast sweep of the area and see if there are anymore survivors. Make it fast. I don’t wanna stay here more than we should.” *serious*

Prv. Claudia LeNoir

“I’m on it.” *starts searching around*

*Andrew tries again to wake up Alona*

Prv. Andrew Fischer

“Alona, wake up. *shaking her a bit*

*No response from here*

Prv. Andrew Fischer

*Yelling and shaking her* “Alona, God damn it! Wake up!”

*Alona suddenly opens her eyes and tries to get back. She is scared to death and does not seem to know where she is. Andrew grabs her hand.*

Prv. Andrew Fischer

“Calm down.... Alona, calm down! You’re ok, it’s me. Andrew Fischer.”

Lt. Cmd. Alona DaVilla

*terrified* “We are dead... we are dead.....”

Prv. Andrew Fischer

“Calm down! You are alright. Look at me... I said look at me! *Alona finally focuses her attention to Andrew* “Can you walk?”

Lt. Cmd. Alona DaVilla

“I ... I think so...” *very confused*

Prv. Andrew Fischer

“Then follow me.” *reaches his radio* “Yar, we’re heading south. Have you got a secured perimeter, over?”

*radio static*

Prv. Natasha Yar

“Almost done, sir. Sending coordinates to you now, over.”

Prv. Andrew Fischer

“Copy that. On our way. LeNoir, found anything around?”

Prv. Claudia LeNoir

“Negative, sir.”

Prv. Andrew Fischer

“Then, let’s move. I’m not to comfortable staying around here.”

*The three disappear in the smoke, heading south to a safe location.*

            Andrew helped Alona walk until they got to their destination. Claudia covered them, but there was no threat on their way. Natasha did a very good job in securing the place with anti personnel mines, flares and trap wires. The wind started to calm down and the temperature on the planet’s surface steadily increased.

            Natasha did not believe that Alona felt as she appeared and was paying very much attention to what she was doing. As far as she was concerned, Alona was nothing but a traitor who killed one of her comrades and she had to be killed because she knew too much about them. Andrew was not so sure this was the best course of action. First of all, he wanted to know what happened in the Dominion compound, then what happened to Joe. Even though there was no evidence he was among the dead in the destroyed base, he felt something was wrong. Claudia on the other hand did not sketch anything. She had no thoughts regarding what happened on the Hyperion with Alona, but she was cautious. She cared about Joe in some matter because he was her commander and she wanted to finish her mission flawless. The fate of Alona did not raise any interest to her.

*Alona looks scared. Andrew approaches her.*

Prv. Andrew Fischer

*serious* “Tell me what happened back there. What happened to the base?”

Lt. Cmd. Alona DaVilla

“I was ... I was resting when one of my sergeants radioed me they found an intruder in the base.”

Prv. Natasha Yar

“It was Cpl. Astor...”

Lt. Cmd. Alona DaVilla

“Corporal, you say? Figures...” *smiling ironical*

Prv. Andrew Fischer

“Go on.” *looking at Natasha and signs her not to interrupt anymore*

Lt. Cmd. Alona DaVilla

“I told him to secure Joe in a cell in the barracks. Then I went there. We had... an interesting conversation when I heard an explosion at the entrance of the base. I looked on the monitors and saw a hybrid was entering the base. I told my soldiers to attack with everything we got... but they didn’t even scratch it...” *terrified when telling* “I tried to go to the armory, but before I could leave the barracks, half of it disappeared in a great blast...”

Prv. Claudia LeNoir

*Pointing the gun at Alona* “Bullshit. The reports you gave said that one hybrid could be easily destroyed with moderate firepower...”

Lt. Cmd. Alona DaVilla

“This was nothing we encountered before. He just floated, surrounded by a blue aura. When somebody tried to approach it, something like a psionic burst would come out of it and attack. Not even the siege tanks couldn’t lay a shot on it...”

Prv. Andrew Fischer

“You said the barracks was destroyed. What about Astor? Did he manage to escape?”

Lt. Cmd. Alona DaVilla

“Escape? That thing came after him! The explosion left him unconscious... The hybrid captured him in his psionic aura and then... destroyed everything before leaving. All this time, we could hear voices in our heads... feel despair, as if it was in our heads... It was difficult not to panic...” *very scared*

Prv. Natasha Yar

“Great, just great...” *worried*

Prv. Andrew Fischer

“You came here to destroy the hybrids. Do you know their location?”

Lt. Cmd. Alona DaVilla

“We scouted the planet before setting up the base. The planet is heavily infested by the zerg, but it seems that there is a place at these coordinates where they seem to gather every 5 hours.” *hands Andrew a data disc* “We think this is the place where the hybrids are.”

*Andrew inserts the data disc into his computer. He sees the map and shares it with Claudia and Natasha.*

Prv. Andrew Fischer

“LeNoir, contact the Delta Thunders. Tell them we have the coordinates. We will rendezvous with them here.” *inputs a new set of coordinates, a little to the south of the hybrids location*

Prv. Natasha Yar

“What about DaVilla?”

Prv. Andrew Fischer

“She comes along for the ride. She knows the terrain better. Let’s use this to our advantage.”

Prv. Natasha Yar

*nervous* “She’s a traitor... She’s a dominion... We should finish...*

Prv. Andrew Fischer

*intervenes without letting her finish and very decisive* “I said she comes along. Trust me on this one...”

Prv. Claudia LeNoir

“Fischer, I cannot contact the mercenaries.”

Lt. Cmd. Alona DaVilla

*in doubt* “Mercenaries?”

Prv. Andrew Fischer

“Then we shall proceed to the coordinates from the briefing, at their base. With luck, we can still find them there. We need their firepower. But let’s rest a bit. Meanwhile, keep trying to reach them. ”

Prv. Claudia LeNoir

“Understood, sir.”

*Natasha looks at Andrew and makes a sign to him to talk in private. Andrew understands and walks with her.*

Prv. Natasha Yar

*uneased* “I don’t like this. She may lead us into a trap...”

Prv. Andrew Fischer

“She is here for the same purpose: to destroy these sons of bitches. The Dominion would not invest so many resources in something like this unless Mengsk believe in their existence.”

Prv. Natasha Yar

*surprised* “What makes you say that?”

Prv. Andrew Fischer

“He would not order the setup of a base just to scout some information.” *serious* “Now, rest, we have a long distance to cover and these lands are infested with zerg. We were lucky not to encounter them before. But if we will approach the location of the hybrids, God know what we will have to face...”

Prv. Natasha Yar

“Alright, sir...” *still not convinced*

            They tried to rest, but the perspective of facing what Alona described, made them uncomfortable. Natasha stood on guard the whole time and had been thinking about the next hours. She saw in the distant sky, a little breach into the dense atmosphere where she could see the stars and reminded that the Hyperion was also fighting, probably the most important battle of all, against the zerg. Andrew hardly fell asleep. His thoughts were clouded by Joe’s disappearance. For him it made no sense why the hybrid took him.

            After a couple of hours, the four started their trek towards the location where the Delta Thunders was. The wind started to blow again, very powerful so that visibility was again reduced. Claudia took point, followed by Andrew and Alona and Natasha covered them. They followed something almost like a path between the sharp rocks. Suddenly, Claudia stopped. Everyone else kept their ground.

*Natasha radios Andrew.*

Prv. Natasha Yar

*nervous* “There are a lot of vibrations in the ground. Zerg are moving towards our position.”

Prv. Andrew Fischer

“Everybody, set for the high ground... Now!”

*The four start running towards a rocky hill on their left. There, they push some rocks altogether to make some cover.*

Prv. Claudia LeNoir

“This feels strange... Do you think...”

Prv. Natasha Yar

“They are coming out from the ground!”

*Zerglings start to unborrow to the surface. The marines open fire on them. They were surrounded and the swarm continued to appear. Everyone was trying to make every bullet count, but they understood they were completely overwhelmed.*

Prv. Andrew Fischer

*yelling* “Aim for their heads! Shot to kill!”

Prv. Claudia LeNoir

“They’re coming from south in great numbers. We cannot keep them off!”

Prv. Andrew Fischer

“Focus your fire! God damn it!”

*Whispers are heard in their head.*

Whispers

“Help me.... Help me... No! Stop! Help me!” *almost shouting at the end*

The marines tried to maintain their fire, but the whispers scared them. In a moment of distraction, two zerglings jumped in the middle of them. Natasha saw them but her weapon got jammed. Just when the creatures tried to attack Andrew, a shot brought both of them down, out of nowhere. Suddenly, three ghosts uncloaked and started to fire on the zerg. Not a second later, a big explosion was heard far away. The ground began to shake, and dust could be seen rising up. An avalanche of rocks approached them. The marines wanted to run away but the ghosts made a sign to keep their position. The rocks came over the tunnel where the zerg dug and stopped right in front of the terrans.

Prv. Natasha Yar

*really surprised* “That was awesome... “

*one of the ghosts comes forward*

Jason Riker

“Squad One, I presume... Not too much to see...”

Prv. Andrew Fischer

“Three ghosts... not to much to see about Delta Thunders either.” *ironic*

Jason Riker

“You saw what we can do. It is suffice. You are late.”

Prv. Andrew Fischer

“There have been complications.”

Jason Riker

“Do you have the coordinates for the drop?”

Prv. Andrew Fischer

*thoughtful* “We have to proceed to the coordinates first. We must be sure that it is the right place.”

*A shot is heard from behind. Claudia shot a zergling.”

Prv. Claudia LeNoir

“Clear.”

Jason Riker

“We have been paid to drop the nukes and that’s all we are going to do.”

*Alona intervenes.*

Lt. Cmd. Alona DaVilla

“You don’t know what’s out there, do you? *sighs and laughs ironical* Listen: those things cannot be hurt by standard gauss rifles, by siege tanks, by anything...”

Jason Riker

*very calm* “We know. We saw what they did to your base.”

Lt. Cmd. Alona DaVilla

“You know?” *surprised*

Jason Riker

“We are here before your arrival. We noticed you and surveyed you, to see if your a threat to our mission. The creature, a hybrid, is a dangerous being indeed, but this is only a mission and we do not intend to die for a cause.”

Prv. Claudia LeNoir

*Laughs* “You think this is a cause? This is about surviving, you piece a shit!”

Prv. Andrew Fischer

*a bit nervous* “Calm down! All of you... It doesn’t matter whether you are for the mission or for the cause. We need you to drop the bomb, but first we will make sure those are the correct coordinates. Understood?”

Whispers

“Help me... Help me.... I’m here... Trap... Stop.... I’m here...”

Prv. Natasha Yar

*scared* “Did you hear that?”

Prv. Claudia LeNoir

“Yes... it sounded like...”

Lt. Cmd. Alona DaVilla

“Like Joe...” *frightened*

Jason Riker

*confused* “Hear what?”

Prv. Andrew Fischer

“Our corporal has been abducted by the hybrids. He is sending us telepathic messages... He cries for our help...”

Jason Riker

“Why don’t I hear them? I’m an empath. I should be the one receiving such messages...”

Prv. Andrew Fischer

“I don’t know... We must get going.”

Jason Riker

“Lead the way...”

*All of them are leaving towards the coordinates where the hybrids are supposed to be.*

            The journey was tedious. The heavy terrain made their advancement very hard. Small groups of zerglings were encountered but they were outmatched easily by the terrans. The temperature dropped again and the wind started to blow more intense then before. All of them, except the ghosts, heard the whispers Joe sent, over and over again in their minds.

            Alona was terrified by the thought she had to face the creatures which appeared to her in a dream, a fantasy which was real. More then that, hearing Joe made her think at everything she had done to him. Natasha and Claudia were a little on the edge, but both tried to concentrate on the mission. This is what they wanted from the beginning: to do something that counted. Andrew just wanted to get Joe back. He felt guilty he had not paid attention to him and let him leave like that. Looking at Alona, dark thoughts came to his mind: he wanted to struck here down, but he knew that would not solve anything then.

            After a few hours they got near the coordinates. They got on a ridge and took a look into the canyon where the hybrids were supposed to have their base. As far as the naked eye could see, creep was on the ground. Many zerg hives and other zerg buildings were filling up the place. Creatures were running all over the ground and the sky was full of overlords and mutalisks. In a isolated place, near a little tunnel there were some ruins which resembled to protoss structures. There, the creep stopped. The surroundings glowed in a blue aura just like the hybrid Alona saw.

*Andrew makes a sign for them to gather around him. The two ghost companions were standing guard not too far.*

Prv. Andrew Fischer

“The ruins there are the spot we need to nuke. It’s obvious we cannot search the place for Astor. I’m sorry.”

Prv. Claudia LeNoir

*disagreeing* “No! We cannot leave him behind like so. We know he is alive.”

Prv. Natasha Yar

“Do we? We hear some whispers... something which sounds like him... but we cannot say for sure.”

Prv. Andrew Fischer

“We know our mission. We have to do, what we have to do...” *said with great difficulty*

*a strange sound is heard from behind where the two ghosts were. From the ground, something like a spike impaled both of the ghost through their whole bodies.*

Jason Riker

*yelling* “Lurkers! Watch out!”

*All of them start to shoot in the ground wherever they thought the lurkers where. The ground trembled. Another spike appeared in front of Andrew, missing him by a couple of inches. Their fire was erratic. Out of nowhere, a spike appeared and injured Claudia at her leg. She fell down immediately. *

Whispers in Andrews head

“Behind you... Behind you... Shoot... Shoot!... Behind you!”

*Andrew turns as fast as possible and shoots the ground. The lurker tries to unborrow. In the process he launches another spike and fatally injures Jason. Natasha starts to fire upon the lurker, which finally dies. All this time, Alona stood still, trying not to get hit. Andrew rushes to Jason.*

Prv. Andrew Fischer

*points to Claudia* “Yar, go attend LeNoir! *looking at Jason* It looks bad...”

Jason Riker

“Listen... These are the sequence codes for the missiles. You have only two. *reaches for the laser point module* It seems it has been... *coughs* damaged. You need to place it on the target...”

Prv. Andrew Fischer

“I need you to do it...”

Jason Riker

*laughs* “It seems... I died for a cause after all...” *coughs*

*Jason dies. Andrew goes to Claudia, who was in pain.*

Prv. Andrew Fischer

“How are you holding up?” *worried*

Prv. Claudia LeNoir

“I need to patch up. I’ll use the stim packs, but it won’t do any good for much time.”

Prv. Natasha Yar

“What about Riker?”

Prv. Andrew Fischer

“He’s dead...”

Prv. Claudia LeNoir

“We failed our mission then...” *disappointed*

*Alona comes to them.*

Lt. Cmd. Alona DaVilla

“Not yet. There is a way.”

Chapter VIII: Power Overwhelming

Briefing Room, aboard the Hyperion

17:09 Ship Hour

*Joe and Andrew are waiting for the captain to get their orders. Andrew is rather impatient because he has no clue what this is all about.*

Prv. Andrew Fischer

*taping the table with his hand* “Common, Astor... What’s going on? What’s this next assignment?” 

Prv. Joe “Slick” Astor

“We will be given our next mission. I think the cap will also give us some new man power to complete the squad.”

Prv. Andrew Fischer

“The Commander, Jim Raynor gave us a go... That’s what he said. What does that suppose to mean?” *confused*

Prv. Joe “Slick” Astor

“It means we have direct orders. Fischer, chill out. Everything’s alright.” *very calm*

*the Captain enters the room, along with two women. Andrew is surprised to see the girls as they were quite beautiful. Joe did not sketch anything. Both marines stand up and salute the Captain.*

Captain Samuel „The Dog” Shepperd 

“At ease, privates. Let me introduce you to your new squad members: Prv. Yar and Prv. LeNoir. *both women salute* Prv. Yar is specialized in Zerg tactics while Prv. LeNoir knows her way with demolitions. Both specially requested to be transferred to your squad. Because of the recent events, the command suggested that the new leader should be Prv. Astor. Therefore, congratulations Astor, you have been promoted to Corporal. *hands him the ranks*. Now, about your next assignment: the Commander accepted a deal which can end the war with the Zerg. With the recent protoss artifacts we recovered, scientist developed an antizerg weapon of some kind and we are going to test it on Char. But the hybrid matter cannot be left unattended. This is where you come in: while we are heading to Char, you will be go back on Atticus Minor to annihilate all these things.”

*Andrew is getting nervous and finds it very disturbing.*

Prv. Andrew Fischer

“Excuse me, captain, but this is insane. We saw what those things can do. How in the hell are you expecting us to destroy them? Us... only 4 people against God knows how many abominations and, on top of all, against all the zerg... We were lucky, damn lucky the last time...” *very serious*

Captain Samuel „The Dog” Shepperd 

“We are not going to let you jump into battle without any support. Once on Atticus Minor, you will have to scout the hybrids position and then rendezvous with a small operational taskforce called “Delta Thunder”. “

Corporal Joe “Slick” Astor

“Ghosts...” *acting very interested* “Captain, after all the backstabs, can we trust ghosts?”

Captain Samuel „The Dog” Shepperd 

“These ones, yes. They are mercenaries, the best we could find and they will finish this job.” *smiling* “We managed to “borrow” some nukes from old Mengsk and these fellows will help you get your job done.”

Prv. Andrew Fischer

“This gets better and better. Now, why us? We are one of the best squads the Commander has at his disposal and I think you really need us on Char. There are other suited squads for such tactical missions...”

Captain Samuel „The Dog” Shepperd 

“Corporal Astor asked for this job. We decided you are fit for it. So... you know your orders. God speed and I hope to see you again, marines. Dismissed.”

*The marines salute while the captain leaves the room. Andrew is not comfortable at all after hearing his mission. Joe is very serious, thinking at something.*

Prv. Andrew Fischer

“Why would you request such a mission? It’s suicide...” *confused*

Corporal Joe “Slick” Astor

“We have to destroy those things. What do you think it will happen when they will attack a Terran planet? You think the Dominion will step in? They left people to die when the protoss came and they stood back and let them murder hundreds. We have our orders. So, let’s execute.” *without any remorse and very serious*

Prv. Natasha Yar

“Excuse me, why are you discussing about this so much? Orders are orders. We can just obey them.” *a little bit ironic*

Prv. Andrew Fischer

“We are sent there to die...”

Prv. Claudia LeNoir

“We are sent there to do something. It’s everybody’s option if they want to die.” *without sketching any feelings*

*Both new marines leave the room.*

Corporal Joe “Slick” Astor

“Though women, won’t you say?”

Prv. Andrew Fischer

*repeats what Joe said in a mocking manner* “Though women, won’t you say? Jesus...”

*Joe starts to laugh while Andrew leaves the room.*

            On the ship, everybody was busy, trying to prepare themselves for the assault on Char. Mechanics, scientists, medics, soldiers, all of them were struggling to do their assignments as fast and as well as humanly possible. The atmosphere was tense because this was a shot in a million: to destroy the zerg once and for all. Even so, the members of Squad One were not so preoccupied of this. They were sent to engage in battle with something more powerful then the mere zerg. Andrew was convinced this was a desperate move, without giving proper thought to it, but Joe was alright with it. He asked for this mission.

            After two days, Squad One was dropped on Atticus Minor. The Hyperion traveled further to the Zerg system. From now on, they were on their own. Joe decided to walk in a two by two formation along the canyons to prevent any unforeseen events. He also thought this is a way they can get to know their new squad members. Andrew and Claudia took point in front while Joe and Natasha watched their back. The rocky terrain was difficult and the powerful winds dusted off everything off the ground, making it very difficult to see in the distance.

Somewhere on the surface of Atticus Minor

03:55 Local Hour

Prv. Claudia LeNoir

“I hate these damn planets where you can’t see the sun but it also isn’t night.”

Prv. Andrew Fischer

“No wonder it is a wasteland. What can live and grow out here?”

Prv. Claudia LeNoir

“Disgusting half zerg half protoss creatures I presume...” *very ironical*

Prv. Andrew Fischer

“Hmm. You seem to have knowledge about these creatures. Is that why you requested to be transferred to this squad? To have a closer look?” *puzzled*

Prv. Claudia LeNoir

“I’m not so keen into facing some new powerful creatures. I requested to be transferred here because Corporal Astor is a bit of a legend among us. I wanted to serve with him.”

Prv. Andrew Fischer

“He’s a legend? How come?” *more confused*

Prv. Claudia LeNoir

“He is one of the marines who stood besides Jim Raynor since he went against the Dominion. He went into over 300 missions and came back with the whole squad... except one incident which wasn’t his fault. No one accomplished that. And he is loyal to the cause and to the team. I don’t know what someone would want more from a man...” *talking with great admiration*

Prv. Andrew Fischer

“Interesting... But, the last recent events don’t bother you?” *almost understanding what she is saying.*

Prv. Claudia LeNoir

“It doesn’t bother me... It makes me feel sorry he had to go through all this...” *said with some compassion*

*radio static is heard*

Corporal Joe “Slick” Astor

“It’s everything alright there?”

Prv. Andrew Fischer

“Everything’s fine. Over.”

Corporal Joe “Slick” Astor

“Continue proceeding without so much noise. Over and out.”

*Natasha looks very insistently to Joe.*

Corporal Joe “Slick” Astor

“Is there something wrong, private?”

Prv. Natasha Yar

“No, sir. I was just wondering how can you do this...” *serious*

Corporal Joe “Slick” Astor

“Do what?” *without even looking at her*

Prv. Natasha Yar

“Go on, like nothing happened. It must be difficult for you to... I don’t want to get in this... it’s not my right to...”

Corporal Joe “Slick” Astor

“Thank you for caring, but we are on a mission. What happened, happened and nothing will undo the recent past events. Stay focused on the task at hand, private.” *serious*

Prv. Natasha Yar

“Yes, sir. Sorry, sir.” *a bit intimidated by Joe*

*Andrew suddenly stops and gives the sign for cover. Radio static is heard.*

Prv. Andrew Fischer

“Corporal, we have company here.”

Corporal Joe “Slick” Astor

“Have we made contact?”

Prv. Claudia LeNoir

“Yes, but not with the hybrids...” *uneased*

Prv. Andrew Fischer

“It’s the Dominion. They established some kind of base here. More then 30 marines and lots of other people down there.”

*Joe and Natasha regroup with Andrew and Claudia on their position.*

            It seemed that the Dominion came on this planet for a while. They established their position pretty well: the compound was secured by some electrical fences and now, they were building a defense bunker on the west ridge. There were many marines, and after a more thorough look, there were some siege tanks and goliaths also. In the middle of the base, there was a building which had on the roof an alien device, resembling to some of the artifacts Raynor’s Riders recovered.

            While checking the base, the four marines were discovered by a dominion marine. Natasha spotted him and succeeded into annihilate him before he got the chance to shoot. Joe nods his head towards Natasha and then recovers the enemy’s radio.

*radio static from the new radio.*

Lt. Cmd. Alona DaVilla

“Side Ridge 12, please report your position. We heard a shot, over.”

Prv. Andrew Fischer

“I can’t believe it! It’s Alona...” *astonished*

*Joe makes a sign for them to be quiet and answers the radio.*

Corporal Joe “Slick” Astor

“This is Side Ridge 12. Sorry for that, we thought it was some zerg. Continue with the patrol, over.”

Lt. Cmd. Alona DaVilla

“Copy that. Stay sharp. Over and out.”

Prv. Natasha Yar

“What is the Dominion doing out here?”

*Andrew figures everything out and looks at Joe.*

Prv. Andrew Fischer

“You knew. God, I’m so idiot. You knew it from the beginning. Fuck!”

Prv. Claudia LeNoir

“Knew what?” *confused*

*Joe is very calm and thinks about something. He is not paying very much  attention to what Andrew says.*

Prv. Andrew Fischer

“Alona knows everything we do. So, she goes back to the Dominion and reports the new threat. They send her here to destroy the damn hybrids. We aren’t here to ensure their destruction; we’re here because you want to get your revenge!” *almost screaming to Joe*

Corporal Joe “Slick” Astor

“You three will proceed with the mission. You will head north and locate the position of the hybrids.” *preparing his weapon*

Prv. Andrew Fischer

“This is not your quest for vengeance!”

Corporal Joe “Slick” Astor

“I have to do what I have to do.”

Prv. Andrew Fischer

“Damn it, Astor. You know why these girls transferred to your squad? Because you are their idol, because of your teamwork and loyalty. Where are these feats of yours now? You, son of a bitch, you brought us here to die? Is that it?”

Prv. Natasha Yar

“We have our orders, sir. You wanna go rogue?” *confused of everything*

*Joe stops. After a while he stands on his feet.*

Corporal Joe “Slick” Astor

“You’re right. We will proceed with our mission. Yar, Lenoir you take head. 10 meters spread one of other. Let’s not get ambushed. Fischer, stay with me.”

Prv. Claudia LeNoir

“Understood, sir.”

*Claudia and Natasha go to their designated positions while Joe and Andrew follow.*

Corporal Joe “Slick” Astor

“You are right... I knew about her coming here... well, I thought this will be her move and I was right.”

Prv. Andrew Fischer

“I understand that she killed your best friend... But you seem to have a past with her...”

Corporal Joe “Slick” Astor

*very sad* “I had. We were some how... We lov... I loved her. We were together for a long time. But she had a covert op mission to infiltrate a base from the Dominion. She succeeded rather easily and everybody was satisfied with her results. I couldn’t understand how those guys where idiots then but it didn’t matter so much... And when we attacked that base and went to the bedrooms to seek for a target, I found her in bed with a guy. She was... Since then, I thought of her as a ... friend.”

Prv. Andrew Fischer

“I’m sorry, man...”

Corporal Joe “Slick” Astor

“Now she killed a friend... betrayed all of us...”

Prv. Andrew Fischer

“It’s alright... Let’s continue the mission...”

            After some hours of walking with no success of finding the hybrids, Joe decided to stop and rest. He ordered Claudia to setup a defense perimeter and Natasha to stay first on watch. There was no night though because the planetary system had 4 suns and planet did not have a shaded part. The atmosphere was full of solid particles and only from some parts of the planet the sun could be seen. Otherwise, it gave the feeling it was always noon. The wind was constantly blowing and it was rather hard to sleep. Even so, the marines tried because they had a difficult mission at hand.

            After the first watch, Natasha switched with Claudia. She finished her patrol around the perimeter fast and when she came back, she saw that Joe was missing. At first, she thought he was around, looking or doing something, but she tried to reach him on the radio without any success.

Prv. Claudia LeNoir

“Fischer, wake up!” *very nervous* “Wake up, damn it!”

Prv. Andrew Fischer

*waking up fast, getting on his feet* “What’s the matter?”

Prv. Claudia LeNoir

“Corporal Astor is gone. He doesn’t answer to his radio.”

*Natasha also wakes up.*

Prv. Andrew Fischer

“Astor, please respond, over.”

*radio static and no answer.*

Prv. Natasha Yar

“Do you think those creatures could of...” *insecure*

Prv. Andrew Fischer

“No. We must go back. He is going after Alona.” *certain*

Prv. Claudia LeNoir

“Why?” *confused*

Prv. Andrew Fischer

“Because this is all about her. Don’t you get it? Now, gear up and let’s gain some ground, fast!”

            The three tried to get to him as fast as possible, but he was a good soldier indeed. He knew every aspect of this kind of mission: trailing, terrain difficulty, decoys, you name it. Joe was well ahead of them and they knew it. After almost 3 hours, they were near the Dominion compound. From the base, smoke rose into the air from multiple locations. Andrew understood that the outpost had been attacked and told the marines to be cautious.

            When they reached a ridge that had visibility upon the compound, they saw it destroyed, burnt to ashes as if nothing was there built. Claudia was astonished by the view: she could not believe her eyes that someone or something could do that in a matter of hours. Flames torched in the powerful wind and black dense smoke covered the whole region. Andrew gave the order to proceed down and search for survivors.

*sound of fire, burning everywhere*

Prv. Natasha Yar

“Do you see anything?”

Prv. Claudia LeNoir

“There is someone here.”

*they regroup near an injured scientist.*

Prv. Andrew Fischer

“He’s not dead. *looking at the scientist* What happened here?”

The Scientist

*very difficult to understand* “I.... terrible.... the hybrid.... attacked... Power overwhelming.”

Prv. Claudia LeNoir

“A hybrid did all this? It’s impossible... In the reports, you said you killed it with lots of bullets, but it died in the end. There were over 30 marines here....” *confused*

Prv. Andrew Fischer

“Sir, can you talk... I need to know what happened here!” *almost yelling at him*

*The scientist tries to tell something but he dies.*

Prv. Natasha Yar

“Damn it!”

Prv. Andrew Fischer

“Search further. Maybe there are others survivors around here. We need to know what happened.” *serious*

*they split up and search the place*

Prv. Natasha Yar

“Fischer, you’d better come and take a look at this...”

*Claudia goes also.*

Prv. Claudia LeNoir

*taking her pulse* “She’s alive.”

Prv. Andrew Fischer

*serious* “Alona...”

Chapter VII: Goodbye Old Friend

Infirmary, aboard the Hyperion

20:02 Ship Hour

*a white room with medical equipment all over the place. Timothy lies in bed in the middle of the room. He is unconscious and plugged in with some probes which monitor his health status. Joe comes in the room and sits on a chair next to Timothy. He’s pretty messed up and still has some stitches next to his left eye.*

Prv. Joe “Slick” Astor

*trying to smile but much sadness is felt in his voice* “How are you, man? Still don’t wanna talk to us? It’s ok. Rest, rest how much you like… We aren’t going anywhere… Things happened while you were here. We…” *sighs* “We discovered who did this to you… It seems Alona was the traitor all the long. She wasn’t the person we knew… I knew… She was here to spy on us, to give intel to the Dominion and in the end…” *very angry* “She was here to do her job and finish us one by one…”

*gets up and walks to a counter where he finds a note from Alona. Joe picks it up and reads it. It said: “I’m sorry…”. He puts the note back on the counter.*

Prv. Joe “Slick” Astor

“You know, Timmy… I knew her for the first time on Mar Sara… I was so messed up back then… She was working with the commander, with Raynor. She was his help back on the outpost.” *laughs* “One night I went to a bar, I don’t remember its name… I tried to hook up with a girl there and started one hell of a bar fight: glasses were shattering everywhere, people punched left and right, without knowing who they hit... I was fighting with some guys next to the bar when Alona came with two other guys and yelled: <<Everybody calm down! You really don’t want to mess with me! >>”

*Joe sits back down. He is smiling and tries to remember every detail.*

Prv. Joe “Slick” Astor

“I continued fighting when she came and grabbed me by the neck. Without any notice, she threw me on the ground so hard I think I fainted. Then she said: << Trust me when I say, you don’t want to mess with me. >> I was brought to the marshal’s office… Figure that, the commander... a simple marshal on Mar Sara…

*introspection and memories come up into Joe’s mind.*

           

Marshal’s Station, on Mar Sara

03:52 Local Hour

It was a clean sky night. The stars could be seen from the cell where Joe ended up after being arrested. He could see behind the bars a big room with many bulletin boards on the walls. Two rusty offices were almost covered in data discs. On the floor, there were many stains of dried blood. Obviously, this was no peaceful place. Even so, Joe did not care too much being arrested. It was not the first time. From his cell, he could clearly hear what Jim Raynor was talking to Alona.

Marshal Jim Raynor

“He looks eager to fight. We could use men like him around here.” *trying to make up a decision*

Deputy Alona DaVilla

“He was in a bar fight, Jimmy. He was drunk, not eager to fight…” *disapproving*

*Jim scratches his beard.*

Marshal Jim Raynor

“Maybe so, but from what you tell me, he fights well, and we need good people around here. I can’t be all over this place, you know?”

Deputy Alona DaVilla

*very serious* “Common, be serious. When you intervene, they run away like chicken. They know you by name and you know it.”

Marshal Jim Raynor

“Name isn’t everything. It’s what you believe in that makes you who you really are. Remember this. And this lucky son of a bitch sure believes in him: starting a fight in a bar with a whole lot of people… He must be crazy or just knows to stand for himself.” *smiling*

Deputy Alona DaVilla

*a bit confused and completely not agreeing* “So, what? You’re gonna hire him now?”

Marshal Jim Raynor

*you can see sparks in his eyes* “Maybe I’ll just do that…”

*Jim goes to the cell and lights up a cigar.*

 Marshal Jim Raynor

“What’s your name, boy?”

Joe Astor

“What’s in it for you?” *not even looking at him*

*Jim smiles and puffs a smoke like a donut.*

Marshal Jim Raynor

“I was like you, some years ago. I did all kind of crazy stuff… I even join the military!” *laughs* “Even so, there comes a time when you have to admit your life doesn’t worth anything and you have to do something about it. Here’s your chance, boy.”

*Joe faces Jim, smiling, almost laughing.*

Joe Astor

“You think that, becoming deputy around here and helping you will make my life worthwhile? *laughs* “I think I’m really drunk or you’re stoned.”

Deputy Alona DaVilla

“Hey, Jimmy… Listen to this: a distress signal…” *confused*

*Jim approaches Alona’s radio station.*

Marshal Jim Raynor

“It comes from Blackwater Station. That’s strange. Blackwater Station is a military compound, heavily fortified… And they are sending an SOS. Check in with the Magistrate, tell him we’re ready to intervene.”

Deputy Alona DaVilla

“Alright, sir.”

*Alona starts to figure things out while Joe begins to laugh. Jim approaches his cell, lighting up his cigar.*

Marshal Jim Raynor

*serious* “This ain’t funny, slick.”

Joe Astor

“Those assholes send a distress call. *laughing even louder* Man, they are so full of it. I used to be a marine at that base. *lifts up his sleeve and shows Raynor his tattoo.* You see, Marine Squadron 109, Prv. Astor.”

Marshal Jim Raynor

*continuing smoking as nothing happened* “That’s one interesting fact, boy. Why aren’t you a soldier anymore?”

Joe Astor

“Some months ago they started some experiments to enhance human body, to make marines stronger. I refused to take part of the trials and they relieved me of my duty. Maybe they blew up the base, I don’t know. *laughs*

Marshal Jim Raynor

*serious* “And they let you go like nothing happened… After you gain knowledge about a classified military experiment… Geez, slick, that’s one hell of a story.”

Joe Astor

“I said I was relieved of my duty. I was supposed to be transferred to another base to do other “military” things. But I ran away… *smiles* You see: it is very difficult for them to catch a person if they think that person is dead.”

Marshal Jim Raynor

“You are presumed dead… Nice. But you don’t look dead to me. Actually… *puffs a smoke like a cloud* you are very much alive.”

Deputy Alona DaVilla

“Jimmy, the Magistrate said that Edmond Duke himself will arrive with Alpha Squadron to the objective and sent direct orders for the colonists not to intervene.”

Marshal Jim Raynor

“When are they going to arrive?”

Deputy Alona DaVilla

“In 12 hours, sir.”

*Jim sits down on a chair, scratching his beard and thinking.*

Marshal Jim Raynor

*very serious* “That’s a lot of time. We need to help these people. Tell the Magistrate I’m going to take some of the men and try to answer the distress call. I ain’t gonna wait here and do nothing.”

Deputy Alona DaVilla

“Understood.”

Joe Astor

“Hey, marshal. Maybe you should take me with you. I know the place pretty well and I’m no fan of staying in a cell.”

Marshal Jim Raynor

“What’s in it for me?” *smiling*

Joe Astor

*not so happy but willing to make a compromise* “I’ll stay a while with you and help. How about that?”

Marshal Jim Raynor

“Alona, take this slick with you. He’s coming for the show.”

Marshal’s Station, on Mar Sara

06:52 Local Hour

            Jim Raynor gathered a little taskforce, among which were Alona and Joe, following him closely, on a vulture bike. Even if at the first Alona had a poor impression about Joe, they talked the whole journey and it seemed that some chemistry was built between them. Jim on the other hand was very serious. The military base was far out in the wasteland and he did not know what to expect. It was still dark and the wind was blowing so cold, everyone felt something was going terrible wrong. In their minds was the attack on Chau Sara that happened last year…

*They arrive on a ridge and Jim orders to stop.*

Marshal Jim Raynor

“Everybody, stop. *very focused* Do you hear that?”

Deputy Alona DaVilla

*looking everywhere trying to figure out what moves* “Yeah…”

From behind, a man starts to scream. A bipedal creature, with a ferocious look, using its arms to attack, ambushed one of Raynor’s man. It made a horrible noise every time it slashed into the man’s body. Everybody opens fire upon the creature until it dropped dead, but it was too late as the man had already died. Jim approaches the creature to take a better look at it.

Marshal Jim Raynor

“What the hell is this thing?” *astonished by the creature* Astor, come have a look. Does this… resemble to any experiment done on the base?”

*Joe approaches Jim, but he was in shock. He could not believe his eyes what he has seen.*

Joe Astor

*very confused*  “No, sir… I don’t know what this is…”

Marshal Jim Raynor

“I figured. *serious and trying to show confidence* Listen up, people! We encountered some kind of alien and we already lost a man. We need to get to the Blackwater Station asap, but we have to be careful… Maybe more of these things are around. Use your weapons and stay sharp. Astor, lead the way, you know where the base is. Here, take this.” *throws Joe a carabine.*

            Joe took the lead. It was still a long way until they could arrive to the base. Everybody was scared and had itchy triggers. The sun of Mar Sara rose into the sky slowly, but it did not help much. They could see the military outpost from a ridge. Inside, there were many creatures like the one they encountered earlier. They ran all over the place and it seemed like they tried to barge in a science facility in the back of the compound.

*Jim reaches for his radio.*

Marshal Jim Raynor

“Anyone can hear me? Is there anyone in the base?”

*radio static.*

Scientist

“I hear you. Please help us! *desperate* “We are trapped inside the science facility. These creatures appeared out of no where and are attacking us since yesterday…”

Marshal Jim Raynor

*plain serious* “Hold your horses. Just calm down and sit tight. We’re on our way. *turns to his men.* We’ll split up. You, there! You’re with me. We are going to save those inside the science facility. Alona, take Astor and those men and go to the command center. Just clear the area, do not enter. We don’t know what in God’s name is inside. Understood?”

Deputy Alona DaVilla

“Yes, sir. Astor, take lead, everyone else, follow.”

Joe Astor

“I can get used to leading.” *smiles*

Deputy Alona DaVilla

“Don’t. Just move!” *pushes Joe.*

            The two groups started a gun fight with the creatures. When the first, creature died, all of them targeted the humans. The aliens were in great number but they seemed to be easy targets for ranged weapons. Understanding this, people took cover and begin their fight by keeping them at distance. After a while it seemed that there was no more alien activity. The gun fight had its price, though. Almost half of the party was dead and many survivors were injured. Alona told those who escorted her to secure the area while she and Joe were going to the command center.

*Alona and Joe arrive at the entrance of the command center. It was a horrible view: the building was covered by something which looked like a parasite. Its tentacles spread all over the walls. On the right side, next to the air vents, there was some flesh having a spasm, as if it was breathing.*

Deputy Alona DaVilla

*astonished* “Oh my God…”

Joe Astor

“What is this thing?”

Deputy Alona DaVilla

“I’ve never seen something like this before…”

*Joe approaches the wall and touches a tentacle.*

Joe Astor

“It has a pulse…”

*Joe takes his carabine and hits the tentacle which starts to bleed.*

Deputy Alona DaVilla

*very confused* “It’s alive…”

Joe Astor

“We have to get in and search for survivors before it’s too late.”

Deputy Alona DaVilla

“The Marshal gave us clear orders to stay put until he arrives here.”

Joe Astor

*serious* “It might be too late if we wait any longer. Come on!”

*Joe grabs her by the hand and rushes her inside.*

            The building’s main corridors looked alright. There was nothing inside out of the ordinary. The only thing that was odd was the heat. It was so hot inside the building that breathing was difficult. Joe and Alona tried to reach to the main control room but some of the doors were locked due to safety procedures and could not be bypassed. When they got close to the room, they saw tentacles which stick on the walls. Suddenly, something could be heard moving around. Both Alona and Joe stopped.

Joe Astor

“Did you…”

Deputy Alona DaVilla

“Shht!”

*in front of them, a creature appears. It looks like a man, but he is disfigured, has some sort of tail growing and tentacles extruded all over from the body. It had a carapace with sunken-in features.*

Infested Terran

“Please… Help me…. Kill me!”

Joe Astor

*shouting* “Stay away! Alona, run!”

*Joe shoots the mutant but nothing happens.*

Joe Astor

*startled* “What the…”

*Alona also shoots but again, nothing happens. From behind, many more creatures appear.*

Deputy Alona DaVilla

“Let’s get outside! Now!”

*Alona reaches her radio, trying to contact Raynor. Joe runs and shoots as well as he can.*

Deputy Alona DaVilla

“Jim, do you copy? We are in the command center. It’s full of some sort of mutants. We need help at the exit to keep them inside. Do you copy?”

*radio static*

Deputy Alona DaVilla

“Jim? Damn it!” *throws the radio*

After they took a turn inside the building, something exploded. The explosion was so powerful that the corridor behind collapsed and Joe was thrown over Alona, on the ground.

Joe Astor

“Wow… what was that?”

Deputy Alona DaVilla

“We can figure it out after you get off me. Or even better, after we get outside?”

Joe Astor

“Oww… Yeah… sorry…” *gets off Alona and dusts off.”

Deputy Alona DaVilla

“It’s ok.” *smiling*

            The two got outside in the end. Raynor got the radio message and was waiting for them at the entrance. He was happy to see nothing happened to them but then he took a serious stance.

Marshal Jim Raynor

“I told you cowboys to wait outside.”

Deputy Alona DaVilla

*a little disturbed* “Yes, sir. It’s my fault; I wanted to check if there were any survivors inside. Except some mutants we did not find anything…”

Marshal Jim Raynor

“I’ve heard an explosion in there. I thought you were going to give me a whole lot of explaining to do. Glad you are alright though. So what is this thing?” *curious*

Deputy Alona DaVilla

*clueless* “We don’t know.”

*Joe steps in.*

Joe Astor

“I think I know. It’s a creature of some kind. It has a pulse, it is breathing over there *pointing to the flesh next to the air vents* and it bleeds.”

Marshal Jim Raynor

*lights up a cigar* “I don’t like these creatures at all. I want some explosives at the base of the command center right away. Blow it up, boys; I don’t want to see it again... ever. Alona, take Joe back to the city. We’ll be back soon.”

Deputy Alona DaVilla

“Come, Astor.”

*Alona and Joe walks away.*

Joe Astor

“You can call me Joe, you know?” *smiling*

Deputy Alona DaVilla

“I’ll call you Joe next time when something explodes and you’ll end up on top of me. How’s that?” *laughing*

*Joe snaps out of the memory and focus his eyes on Timothy, who was lying in bed.*

Prv. Joe “Slick” Astor

*sighs* “After that, Raynor got arrested by Duke. We were also taken in custody because we disobeyed direct orders. The time we were locked up, I got to be friends with both of them. Since then I followed Raynor everywhere, and Alona followed me… *reaches his head with his left hand* “When did she turned on us… I really don’t know… I really don’t know how much it matters now.”

*Suddenly, some medical equipment starts to beep. Medics barge in.*

Prv. Joe “Slick” Astor

*scared* “What’s happening? Tell me… what’s wrong?”

Dr. Harold Brown

“I need you to leave the room immediately.”

Prv. Joe “Slick” Astor

“Doc, what’s happening? Doc!!!”

*Joe is taken by a man outside the room.*

Funeral room, aboard the Hyperion

13:07 Ship Hour

            The room was full of officers and soldiers, all dressed accordingly. All of them knew Timothy in some way, but no one knew what to say to be suffice. It was hard to let go for everybody, especially for Joe. The captain promoted Timothy to Major Sergeant with a postmortem rank. After the captain said his final words, Joe got the word.

Prv. Joe “Slick” Astor

*easily to see he was in pain and with a sad tone in his voice* “I was among the people who saved Timothy on the surface of Tarsonis. I saw him, offered him my hand to get up and asked if he was alright. He answered << I am, now >>. Since then we became friends, he became my brother… *stops for a while.* We went on so many missions together… I don’t recall, and we came back together, unharmed, untouched… He was there for everyone; he never backed down a challenge… He believed in himself and that confidence inspired all the people who knew him. Today is a tragedy because… *he looks down and then at the coffin* … because we don’t just lose any man, but we lose a model soldier and a  great friend… And I lose a brother… Goodbye, old friend… I’ll never forget you…”

*Joe goes to the coffin and puts inside a picture of the two of them. *

Captain Samuel „The Dog” Shepperd 

“Present arms!”

*Everybody salutes.*

Captain Samuel „The Dog” Shepperd 

“Order, arms! Attention, left”

*the coffin goes into the pressure chamber and it is evacuated into space. Everyone watches as it floats away into the vast emptiness of space.*

Captain Samuel „The Dog” Shepperd 

“Detachment, dismissed!”

*the people start to leave, others just gather to talk. The captain approaches Joe and also calls Andrew.*

Captain Samuel „The Dog” Shepperd 

“Astor, I’m sorry. He was a great soldier…”

Prv. Joe “Slick” Astor

“Thank you, sir. Indeed he was…”

Captain Samuel „The Dog” Shepperd 

“Look, I know it isn’t the time but… The commander gave you the go.”

Prv. Andrew Fischer

*confused* “Go for what?”

Prv. Joe “Slick” Astor

“For our next mission.”