Chapter V: Universe’s Faith

Cantina, The Hyperion

20:06 Ship Hour

*The cantina is full and there is a lot of fussiness. The bartender seem desperate as he is overwhelmed by the crew demands. Alona, Joe and Timothy are sitting around a table. They are having a very good time playing some sort of game that resembled to “True or False”.*

Corporal Alona „Widowmaker” DaVilla

“Timmy, what’s your first thought jumping in your mind when you see Joe in his marine suit?” *laughing*

Prv. Timothy „Sandman” Banks

“Geez… *laughing* When he dresses up, he’s like… what’s that girl’s name from the child stories? Aha, Cinderella in distress.” *both Alona and Timothy are laughing loud*

Prv. Joe “Slick” Astor

“I told you already: my suit is a bit larger and I look funny in it…” *smiling*

Corporal Alona „Widowmaker” DaVilla

“Thank God it isn’t smaller to squeeze you inside. You would look like a hydra when a goliath steps on it!” *laughing even louder*

Prv. Timothy „Sandman” Banks

“Let’s move on to the next question. Joey, what goes through your head when Alona gives orders? Is it like old days?” *laughing*

Prv. Joe “Slick” Astor

“Why do you ask? You’re pissed you don’t have the ranks to give me orders anymore? <<Astor, go get me a beer. That’s an order!>>” *impersonating Timothy and laughing with Alona*

Prv. Timothy „Sandman” Banks

*serious* “That’s not nice. Don’t make me change the game to “Let’s kick Astor’s ass until it gets inside his head.””

Corporal Alona „Widowmaker” DaVilla

“Is it anatomically possible?” *laughing without stopping.*

Prv. Timothy „Sandman” Banks

“We’ll see.” *winks and smiles*

*Andrew enters the cantina and comes to the table.*

Prv. Andrew Fischer

“You seem to have a good time. Can I join you?”

Prv. Joe “Slick” Astor

“It depends: will you ally with them and joke around with me?” *serious*

Prv. Andrew Fischer

“I don’t know. Are you an interesting subject of mockery?” *smiles*

Prv. Timothy „Sandman” Banks

“He’s an interesting subject in biology. Wanna see something cool?” *laughing*

Prv. Andrew Fischer

“Sure.” *enthusiast*

Corporal Alona „Widowmaker” DaVilla

“Tan tan ta ta taaaaa. Behold master Sandman demonstrating how he can make a Slick transform into nothing.” *laughing*

*Timothy goes to Joe, picks him up and tries to hold him. Joe gets himself loose and trips Timothy who falls right on his face. Joe tries to help him get up, but Timothy grabs his hand and pulls him down. A true wrestling match begins. Everybody in the cantina comes to see the fight.*

Corporal Alona „Widowmaker” DaVilla

“Here they go again… Joe, this time I put my bets on you!” *laughs*

Prv. Andrew Fischer

“Shouldn’t we break the fight?” *confused*

Corporal Alona „Widowmaker” DaVilla

“Fight? No, no. This is good old fashion wrestling. Go, Slick!”

*The crowd is on fire. Bets start to open, making the fight a public show. Joe cannot reach Timothy at all and Timothy toys with him. The captain enters the cantina. Suddenly, everybody leaves the two to their fight.*

Prv. Joe “Slick” Astor

“Where did everybody go? I was going to perform my super protossian uppertwist.”

Captain Samuel „The Dog” Shepperd 

“Save it for your next mission, Astor.” *serious*

*all of them get on their feet and salute.*

Captain Samuel „The Dog” Shepperd 

“At ease, marines. Squad One, report to the briefing room in 20 minutes. We have a new assignment for you.”

Corporal Alona „Widowmaker” DaVilla

“Will do, sir. You heard the man. Lets move it.”

Captain Samuel „The Dog” Shepperd 

“Astor, one word.”

*Joe remains while the others leave the cantina.*

Prv. Joe “Slick” Astor

“Sir, I regret seeing us like that. We were just having some fun…” *a bit nervous*

Captain Samuel „The Dog” Shepperd 

*Take it easy, marine. It’s alright to blow up some steam now and then. I wanted to ask you about your mission. Any clues about the informant?”

Prv. Joe “Slick” Astor

“No, sir. Everybody acts natural. Even the new guy, Fischer, he seems to be clean too. I think we’re on a wild goose chase. There’s no informants in this squad.”

Captain Samuel „The Dog” Shepperd 

“I bear to differ. Continue your surveillance and report anything strange. Dismissed.”

Prv. Joe “Slick” Astor

“Sir.” *leaving*

Briefing room, The Hyperion

20:28 Ship Hour

*In the briefing room were the captain, Squad One and dr. Carter.*

Captain Samuel „The Dog” Shepperd 

“Back on Roxara, Squad Ten entered the facility to retrieve their designated object when they found an interesting memory bank.”

*the hologenerator projects some images with a strange creature. It was both zerg and protoss but it was not an infestation made by the zerg.*

Captain Samuel „The Dog” Shepperd 

“We didn’t know what to make of it but dr. Carter brought us into light. Dr.?”

Dr. Sheldon Carter

“Yes. As you can see, this is what we call a Hydranouras Protossnovus, or in the short version, a hybrid.”

*Alona froze as she had seen a ghost. Joe quickly remembered Alona’s dream and understood her reaction.*

Dr. Sheldon Carter

“We do not know how such creature evolved. For sure, this is not a zerg infestation. As far as we know, the protoss cannot be easily assimilated by the swarm. Yet this hybrid presents both zerg and protoss features: it has a carapace skin and some tentacles just like the zerg, but the stature, the fact that it is biped and the absence of the mouth clearly indicates the protoss. Just imagine the complexity behind this genetic masterpiece…”

Captain Samuel „The Dog” Shepperd 

“We understand you revere it, but we need to know what is it capable of and if it is a threat to us…”

Dr. Sheldon Carter

“I do not revere it… I just appreciate it’s natural state. As for it’s capabilities… We cannot say many things. Because of their hardened skin, they are harder to kill then common zerg, so bullets will have a low impact on them. It can run faster then a human being and it is stronger due to it’s anatomical design. We can assume it has intelligence… but we need to study a specimen to say more.” *a bit disappointed*

Captain Samuel „The Dog” Shepperd 

“That’s why you are here. The pictures were taken on a remote planet, Atticus Minor. Your mission is to go there and search for such species. If you encounter one of them, your objective is to neutralize and bring it for further study. If you can capture it alive, better news for dr. Carter over here. Questions?”

Prv. Joe “Slick” Astor

“What backup do we have?”

Captain Samuel „The Dog” Shepperd 

“It’s a reconnaissance mission. It turns into a hunt only if you encounter such things. We don’t expect things to go wrong. The medevac which will deploy you there, will await you at the LZ. If we lose contact with you, a team will come to check upon you in 24 hours.”

Prv. Joe “Slick” Astor

“That doesn’t sound reassuring…”

Prv. Timothy „Sandman” Banks

“Pussy… You got cold feet?” *smiling*

Corporal Alona „Widowmaker” DaVilla

“I’m sorry captain, but I don’t think I am fit to command on this mission.” *very serious*

Captain Samuel „The Dog” Shepperd 

“And why’s that?”

Corporal Alona „Widowmaker” DaVilla

“I…. I don’t….” *tries to say something but cannot*

Captain Samuel „The Dog” Shepperd 

“Corporal?”

Prv. Joe “Slick” Astor

“She has some health problems from the last mission. She didn’t want to say because medics recommended her to stay put for a couple of weeks. I think she understands the doctor’s concerns now…”

Captain Samuel „The Dog” Shepperd 

“Is this true?

Corporal Alona „Widowmaker” DaVilla

“Yes…” *mumbles*

Captain Samuel „The Dog” Shepperd 

“Still you have to go. I haven’t got any recommendation from the medic about you so you will participate to the mission. The command goes to private Astor then. Dismissed.” *leaves the room*

Prv. Timothy „Sandman” Banks

“What was that all about, Alona?” *confused* “Is everything alright?”

Corporal Alona „Widowmaker” DaVilla

“Yes… I’m just a bit tired and don’t want to screw this up.” *answers looking elsewhere and very concerned*

Prv. Andrew Fischer

“I’ll walk with you to the quarters.”

Corporal Alona „Widowmaker” DaVilla

“I would appreciate that. Thanks.”

*Both Alona and Andrew are leaving the briefing room.*

Prv. Timothy „Sandman” Banks

“I don’t get it. Joe, what am I missing? She was fine earlier.”

Prv. Joe “Slick” Astor

“Remember the dream she had a couple of months ago?”

Prv. Timothy „Sandman” Banks

“When she freaked out because of those experiments the tech guys were pulling on that protoss crap? Sure…”

Prv. Joe “Slick” Astor

“These things were in her dreams…” *leaving the briefing room also*

Prv. Timothy „Sandman” Banks

“Wow… I saw scantids… *very concerned* I really hate scantids…” *leaving the room.*

           

            The squad was not so comfortable to go on such a mission. They were practically going in blind, all they had were some photos retrieved from an enemy base. There was nothing more to start with. Even so, Joe tried to make all of them get into the state in which they can concentrate to go off world. Alona however was in no condition to participate. She was almost scared of what she could encounter there because of the dreams she had. She feared death would await all of them. She gave Joe long looks and he understood every one. He tried to talk to her but there was no use. She could not leave it alone. Timothy and Andrew talked a lot during the preparations and got to know each other better. But Joe still had his doubts about Andrew. He was not going to lose him out of sight during this mission…

Somewhere on the surface of Atticus Minor

13:55 Local Hour

*The planet’s surface was somewhat inhospitable. Many canyons and former mine shafts could be seen as far as the eye can cope. The very powerful winds brought the dust in the air, making very difficult to distinguish things in distant view. The squad had already arrived for some hours and began their search, but without any positive results.*

Prv. Timothy „Sandman” Banks

“Damn it, this is wasting time. I could of practice my sniper techniques…” *disappointed*

Prv. Andrew Fischer

“I don’t know what things might live on this rock. Even for the zerg, it doesn’t seem to good… Where are they getting food from?”

Prv. Timothy „Sandman” Banks

“From this baby!” *showing the rifle and smiling. Andrew smile also*

Prv. Joe “Slick” Astor

“Guys, we almost finished checking all the designated sectors. There are two more left. Timmy, Fischer check sector B13, I and Alona will take B14. Report in 10 minutes through radio. You know the drill: if you see something, radio us to come, don’t be heroes. Got it?”

Prv. Timothy „Sandman” Banks

“Sure, slick.”

Prv. Andrew Fischer

“Yeah, yeah.”

*They split into two groups. After they made some steps, they could not even see each other because of the dust in the air. Joe and Alona went down a path which led to a former mineshaft entrance. They looked around for a bit but found nothing. When they were ready to go, Timothy tried to reach them on the radio.*

*radio static*

Prv. Timothy „Sandman” Banks

“Guys, we got something over here…” *puzzled*

Corporal Alona „Widowmaker” DaVilla

“Joe…” *mumbles very scared*

Prv. Joe “Slick” Astor

“What is it…”

*in front of them appeared a creature just like in the photos. Bigger then a hydra, it had a head that resembled to a protoss but a carapace skin which was no doubt zerg. It had no mouth but it could be heard talking. In front of Timothy and Andrew, another similar creature appeared.*

The Hybrid

“Humans, at last we meet.” *deep voice*

Prv. Joe “Slick” Astor

“Timmy, you got that?” *serious*

Prv. Timothy „Sandman” Banks

“Hell yeah… But how? I see it but…”

Prv. Joe “Slick” Astor

“It’s in our head. It’s telepathic… Let’s just listen to what they have to say.”

The Hybrid

“Silence… We were expecting you, just like the Prophet has foreseen. Astor, Joe… You shall be the one to complete our evolution. Do not try to resist it…” *approaching Joe*

Prv. Joe “Slick” Astor

“Commence fire! Don’t let it touch you!” *starting to fire upon the hybrid*

*Alona was in deep shock and did not react*

Prv. Joe “Slick” Astor

“Alona! Open fire, God damn it!” *desperately shouting at her*

*The hybrid approached Joe, but Alona also opened fire and the creature dropped dead after a little while. Alona could not stop shooting even after it was dead. Joe went to her and put his hand on the gun, making her understand it was enough. Only then Alona stopped.*

Prv. Joe “Slick” Astor

“Are you alright? It is dead. Calm down!”

Corporal Alona „Widowmaker” DaVilla

“I’m trying….” *confused and in shock*

Prv. Joe “Slick” Astor

“Timmy, report.” *radio static* “Report, man.*

Prv. Andrew Fischer

“Astor, Banks is down. We managed to kill the son of a bitch but I don’t know what happened. You should come here asap.” *concerned and serious*

Prv. Joe “Slick” Astor

“My God. On our way. Alona, let’s go!” *nervous*

*The two ran as fast as they could to Timothy’s position. When they got there, they saw Timothy lying still on the ground and Andrew trying to give him some stim to make him conscious.*

Prv. Joe “Slick” Astor

“Fischer, what happened down here?

Prv. Andrew Fischer

“I don’t know. When it started to move, Banks ordered to shoot it and I did. I was concentrating my fire on it when something blew up in his suit near his helmet. Look, he took a blow to his head, near the eyes…”

Prv. Joe “Slick” Astor

“The suit exploded? The hell with this! *furious* I knew there was something wrong with you and I shouldn’t leave you out of my sight. What did you do to him? *pushing Andrew to the ground*

Prv. Andrew Fischer

“Are you insane? I told you what happened. I had nothing to do with this…” *serious*

Prv. Joe “Slick” Astor

“Tell me what you’ve done!” *pulling him up and punching right in his visor, tearing it to pieces and cutting his forehead*

*Andrew punches Joe in the back where the articulate motors were and the suit loses the ability to use his right hand. Then he pushes Joe to the ground and grabs his left hand, incapacitating him.*

Prv. Andrew Fischer

“Look Astor. You don’t like me? Good, but I’m not a traitor. And this is not the right place or time to discuss this subject…”

Corporal Alona „Widowmaker” DaVilla

“He’s right. We have movement at 5 o’clock. Massive movement. Looks like zerglings are on the move.”

*Andrew helps Joe get up.*

Prv. Joe “Slick” Astor

“We’ll finish this later. Alona, take head, I’ll carry Timmy while Fischer assures our back. Go!”

*When they try to leave, another hybrid arrives, out of nowhere.*

The Hybrid

“There is no reason to fight us. We are the next step in evolution. We will assimilate you.”

Prv. Joe “Slick” Astor

“Why me?” *shouting*

The Hybrid

Because you are a perfect natural human being. Few survived the wars. Few have your intellectual capabilities. Fewer understand all the emotions. You do all that. We need you to complete our evolution just as the Xel’ Naga intended us to. We are the Universe’s destiny…”

Prv. Joe “Slick” Astor

“Xel’ Naga?” *confused*

*The head of the Hybrid blows to pieces. Andrew shot it with a explosive round.*

Prv. Andrew Fischer

“We don’t have time for this. Banks needs medical attention fast. Call support at the LZ.” *serious*

*Two zerglings jump from some ridges and drop right in the middle of them. Andrew was caught off guard but Alona kills the both in a second.*

Corporal Alona „Widowmaker” DaVilla

“You’re both welcome. Now let’s move. It’s getting pretty nasty around here.”

*Vibrations could be felt in the ground due to the massive zerg movement.*

Prv. Joe “Slick” Astor

“I repeat: we need immediate evac, we have an injured man.” *shouting in the radio as he was dragging Timothy with him.*

*Andrew took with him the corpse of a hybrid. It was very heavy but he managed to get it on his shoulders and still have in one hand his rifle.*

Corporal Alona „Widowmaker” DaVilla

“Why are you carrying that?”

Prv. Andrew Fischer

“Remember the orders? We have to get this back to command.”

Corporal Alona „Widowmaker” DaVilla

“Sure…” *not convinced it was the right thing to do*

*all of them running towards the LZ*

To Be Continued…

Chapter IV: Blood Ties

After the episode at the cantina, Joe tried to talk to Timothy and to make him understand that his orders had nothing to do with their friendship. Timothy disagreed and told Joe he would have to take his time in order to decide whether they are still friends or not.

            The next days, tension could be felt between the members of the squad. But they had no time to spend arguing on this topic. The Commander wanted them back in action as soon as possible. Since Alona was the new corporal, she did not wait too much to make her first decision as leader. She thought it was inappropriate for the squad to have only three members whereas other squads had more than four. Therefore, she requested an immediate transfer and the captain sent private Andrew Fischer to aid them. It had been a long time since their squad had four members and Joe and Timothy did not like this rookie at all.

                       

Marine Quarters Room 212, aboard the Hyperion

10:28 Ship Hour

*in the room are Alona, Joe and Timothy. Timothy sits on his bed, Alona searches something in her knapsack and Joe watches over some pictures of them. There is some room, especially made for the newcomer.*

Prv. Joe “Slick” Astor

“Remember this one? We were at the supplies on Paralta, just before the zerg came out of nowhere…” *sighs* “We were so unprepared for the evac…”

Prv. Timothy „Sandman” Banks

 “It’s that time when I realized how good is to have the bayonet attached.” *smiles*

Prv. Joe “Slick” Astor

*laughs* “Yeah, you made your way through those ugly bitches like a pro swordsman!”

Prv. Timothy „Sandman” Banks

 “It was that moment when I saw that queen over you and screamed to you to duck. *laughs* You ducked, alright, you tripped and fell right in the middle of four hydras…”

Prv. Joe “Slick” Astor

“And you all thought I was dead… I remember that. You left with the evac… I spent 36 hours in that hell until you too came to save me…” *very serious*

Prv. Timothy „Sandman” Banks

 “We disobeyed a direct order to come save your ass… That’s what friends usually do!” *serious*

Corporal Alona „Widowmaker” DaVilla

“Enough with this nonsense already! Joe did what was ordered, you would have done the same. Out there we are a team and I expect to act accordingly. Get over it, Timmy. And, in my opinion, he is your friend because he always took your part in the reports.”

Prv. Timothy „Sandman” Banks

“So I have to thank him because he lied to me?” *confused and ironic*

Corporal Alona „Widowmaker” DaVilla

“No, that’s your choice to make. But think about it very well because it is getting on my nerves. *sighs*

*the intercom buzzes and the door opens. Andrew Fischer takes the salute position right after he makes a step into the quarters. He was tall and with heavy muscles on his arms. He had dark, short hair and brown eyes, with no beard but a big scar over his left eye.*

Prv. Andrew Fischer

“Good morning, mam! Marine private Fischer, Andrew,  identification code 112486FA reports to his quarters!” *serios*

Corporal Alona „Widowmaker” DaVilla

“At ease, marine. Welcome to your new quarters. This are private Banks and private Astor. Your bed is up there and there’s your locker. You have half an hour to get settled, then all of you, come to the briefing room. The commander wants to have a talk with us. Is that clear?” *very authorative*

Prv. Andrew Fischer

“Yes, mam.” *salutes once again*

Prv. Timothy „Sandman” Banks

“Whatever you say, corporal. How funny…” *laughs*

*Alona leaves the quarters. Joe goes in front of Andrew*

Prv. Joe “Slick” Astor

“Listen up, Bob. I don’t really know what you’re about. Frankly, I don’t really care. But out there… we have a rule: no one is left behind no matter what.” *serious*

Prv. Timothy „Sandman” Banks

“The protoss die with honor. We don’t want to die, period, so we all stick together.”

Prv. Andrew Fischer

“I heard all about you guys. I haven’t requested to come here. I was sent here by the Commander. If you have rules, I’m gonna stick with them. There’s no problem. I’m here to get back at Mengsk.” *angry*

Prv. Joe “Slick” Astor

“I heard about you too: the survivor of Mar Sara of the first insurrection of the zerg. Went to Tarsonis as a refugee and then you were attacked again, only this time because of Mengsk. But you survived…”

Prv. Andrew Fischer

*uncomfortable and very angry, almost shouting* “My parents, brother and sister died on Tarsonis. I have nothing left. So, you don’t like me? Fine! But let me do my job!”

*makes way and starts filling his locker. Joe was a bit startled by the reaction*

Prv. Timothy „Sandman” Banks

*whispering to Joe* “You make friends easily, ey?” *laughing and leaving the quarters.*

Prv. Joe “Slick” Astor

“Fischer, I’m gonna have my eyes on you.”

Prv. Andrew Fischer

“You do that, Astor.” *without even looking at him, he continues ordering his stuff*

Briefing Room aboard the Hyperion

11:01 Ship Hour

*the briefing room was a large room with a holographic map in the middle. People stood around it while the captain was talking about their new objective.*

Captain Samuel „The Dog” Shepperd 

“We have a new party in the next couple of hours. We are deployed on a Dominion colony, Roxara. It seems some old alien race left there a piece of their technology and Mengsk’s boys want it. Guess what? We want it too and we will get it. Our mission is to infiltrate into five distant bases at once and search for the object. *a photo of the artifact is displayed on the hologenerator. It resembled with twisted metal and had a strange form*  This is a high risk operation but you have backup waiting if something goes wrong. Questions?” *very calm*

Corporal Alona „Widowmaker” DaVilla

“If I’m not mistaken, captain, this is a former protoss world. Won’t there be any protoss on this rock?”

Captain Samuel „The Dog” Shepperd 

“As far as we know, when the Dominion colonized the planet, they found no trace of the protoss. Our intel does not suggest any protoss activity either. Rest assured, the protoss aren’t our problem this time.”

Prv. Joe “Slick” Astor

“No, but we are talking about protoss technology. This stuff screws with human minds. So… what does the artifact do?” *pretty curious*

Captain Samuel „The Dog” Shepperd 

“That information is classified. All you have to do is get it and retrieve it. There is no danger over short periods, as far as our scientists say. So don’t worry about affecting your judgment. Anymore questions?”

Prv. Timothy „Sandman” Banks

“Please do tell this is not a silent op. With all do respect captain, I really want to kick some ass, especially Dominion ass.” *smiles*

Captain Samuel „The Dog” Shepperd 

“I understand your enthusiasm, but this one goes in the dark people. Neutralize only if necessary. Do not forget our main objective is to retrieve the object. God speed!” *leaves the room*

Prv. Joe “Slick” Astor

“Don’t be sad, Timothy. Maybe next time.” *winks*

Prv. Timothy „Sandman” Banks

“Maybe next time I will kick your ass instead.” *also leaves the room*

Corporal Alona „Widowmaker” DaVilla

“You seem to get along better. *smiles.* I expect you two to the job out there. We are marines.”

Prv. Joe “Slick” Astor

“Cut the crap, Alona. Nothing changed even if you are corporal. We will do our jobs just as before. Since you got those grades, it’s all about “do this, do that”. Stop it.” *serious.*

Corporal Alona „Widowmaker” DaVilla

“That’s why we couldn’t work it out before, Joe? Because you couldn’t take orders from me?” *a little angry*

Prv. Joe “Slick” Astor

“Don’t go back there. You know what happened then.”

Corporal Alona „Widowmaker” DaVilla

“I actually don’t… I was following my orders!” 

Prv. Joe “Slick” Astor

“Your orders weren’t to sleep with somebody!” *very angry. He shouted so loud everyone turned their look on them* “Get over it. I did. Now, I have to prep for the mission. I’ll see you in armory.” *leaves*

*Alona was a bit startled after hearing Joe’s answer. Then, she left the briefing room looking like she had a lot on her mind.”

Armory, The Hyperion

13:15 Ship Hour

*Joe has already suited up in his exoskeleton while Timothy prepared his weapons very meticulously. Alona is having difficulty to get suited up. Andrew was somewhere in the back painting a skull on the left shoulder of the exoskeleton. Timothy approaches him.*

Prv. Timothy „Sandman” Banks

“Nice painting. I hope you can shoot as well as you can paint.” *smiles*

*Andrew draws his gun, twists back and shoots the locker door right where a sticker was and said “Touch this if you can”.*

Prv. Andrew Fischer

“Is that good enough for you?” *very confident*

Prv. Timothy „Sandman” Banks

“Not really. But it’s a start.” *laughs*

*They both shake hands. Joe sees their gesture and gets a bit nervous. He leaves the armory with a lot of noise, going to the shuttle bay dock.*

Prv. Andrew Fischer

“What’s his problem?” *confused*

Prv. Timothy „Sandman” Banks

“I have an idea. But I’d rather blame Alona, hehe.” *smiles*

Corporal Alona „Widowmaker” DaVilla

“You’d better prepare yourselves than talk cheap. Move, marines!” *nervous*

            After all of them geared up, they left with a shuttle and dropped on Roxara. The planet resembled with Earth a lot except the lack of mountains. It had only plains and small hills. The blue sky was ruled by a red sun which raised the temperature very high in the afternoons. The marines quickly felt the heat in their armors. It was very hard to move yet they had to travel some distance before they reached their target. Alona was in front, leading the way, followed by Timothy and Andrew. Joe stood behind. He had some focus problems. The discussion with Alona in the briefing room brought back memories. However, he was aware he had to keep it together for them to finish this mission.

            After a couple of hours, the squad reached their designated position. Even though this was an infiltration mission they had to do it by day. When night falls, temperatures drop to extreme levels. So they had to be more cautious then ever. The base itself was built in a former gas mine. Outside, electric fences surrounded it and two bunkers were built just in front of the entrance. Not many marines were patrolling. No sight of any tanks or other vehicles, nor any factories or depots. It was just a big metal seal door, that allowed the entrance into the mine.

            Upon their arrival, the squad scouted the place to get a grasp over the situation. Afterwards, Alona decided to send in Andrew and Timothy, while Joe and she were waiting them outside, offering support if needed. Joe was not very happy to send Andrew along with his friend. He wanted to team up with Timothy and get in. Alona explained she needed a good sniper outside and he was the best off them.

            Joe covered the right corner of the base from a little ridge and Alona was on the other side, carefully watching the guards patrolling and ready to intervene if necessary.   Ten minutes after Timothy and Andrew went inside.

Dominion Base, somewhere on Roxara

13:15 Local Hour

*radio static*

Prv. Timothy „Sandman” Banks

“We’re in and almost got to the objective. Not many tangos inside. Most of them scientists. Like a walk in the park.” *confident*

*after two minutes the general alarm goes off. Gunshots can be heard in the radio*

Prv. Timothy „Sandman” Banks

“We’ve been spotted! Couldn’t get the package. We need to get out of here. Need assistance!” *screaming into the radio so he could be heard over all that gunshot noise*

Prv. Joe “Slick” Astor

“I’m coming in, Timmy! Hold on!”

Corporal Alona „Widowmaker” DaVilla

“Stay where you are! That’s an order!”

Prv. Joe “Slick” Astor

“They’re caught inside. Look how they are expecting them outside. We need to barge in and clear the path for them.”

Corporal Alona „Widowmaker” DaVilla

“Snipe them from here. You’re no good to them dead.” *authorative*

Prv. Joe “Slick” Astor

“I’m no good to them here! You can snipe them, I can go in, make way and save them. You do what you have to do.” *running towards the entrance and preparing his rifle.*

Corporal Alona „Widowmaker” DaVilla

“God damn it, Astor. Come back! That’s an order!” *shouting at him but without any answer from him*

            Joe made his way through as fast as he could. Alona aided him by sniping multiple soldiers. The bunkers up next were hard to pass tough. Joe took some of his explosive and threw it towards the bunker. When it got near the bracks of the bunker, he shot the explosives. The blast wave incinerated all those inside. A big ball of flame rose into the sky.

*radio static*

Prv. Timothy „Sandman” Banks

“Need…. Assistance…. Taking heavy fire…. Injury at my left arm…” *very difficult to understand.*

Prv. Joe “Slick” Astor

“You got that, Alona?” *concerned*

Corporal Alona „Widowmaker” DaVilla

“Yes… Fischer, what’s your position?”

*radio static but no answer*

Corporal Alona „Widowmaker” DaVilla

“Fischer, report!”

Prv. Joe “Slick” Astor

“Jesus… I’m going in after Timothy. Cover me!”

Corporal Alona „Widowmaker” DaVilla

“I can’t help you in there. You’re on your own, Astor!” *said with some anxiety*

Prv. Joe “Slick” Astor

“Nothing new, mam. Be right back.”

            Joe rushed to get in. The corridors in the base were small and the walls were pretty thick. Lights flickered continuously while in the background, many gunshots can be heard. After some turns, Joe arrived in the middle of the fight. Timothy was taking cover after a laboratory table. Five dominion marines were firing on his position but did not see Joe coming.

Prv. Joe “Slick” Astor

“Fire in the hole! *throws a high explosive grenade where the dominion marines were.*

*After a couple of seconds, the marines are blown to pieces. Joe rushes to Timothy who throws his weapon.*

Prv. Joe “Slick” Astor

“Are you alright?” *worried*

Prv. Timothy „Sandman” Banks

“You stupid son of a bitch. You really came.” *smiles but it was easy to see he was hurt*

Prv. Joe “Slick” Astor

“How’s the arm?”

Prv. Timothy „Sandman” Banks

“I can still beat you up with it...”

Prv. Joe “Slick” Astor

“Where’s Fischer? He didn’t answer the radio call.”

Prv. Timothy „Sandman” Banks

“After the alarm was set off, we got cut off from the exit. We had to split up. I don’t know where he is.”

*Gunshots are heard from behind. Two marines fly from an explosion, near the place Joe and Timothy are. From the smoke which rose, Andrew made his way. Both Joe and Timothy pointed their guns at him.*

Prv. Andrew Fischer

“Wow, wow, wow… It’s me!” *confused of their greeting*

*they holster their guns*

Prv. Timothy „Sandman” Banks

“You made it!” *glad to see him*

Prv. Andrew Fischer

“I also got the object.” *winks and shows his backpack*

Prv. Joe “Slick” Astor

“Why didn’t you answer your radio? We tried to reach you.” *suspicious*

Prv. Andrew Fischer

“It must have gotten damaged in the gunfight. I didn’t hear a thing…”

Prv. Timothy „Sandman” Banks

“You can play 20 questions outside. I need some stitches… I hate stitches….”

Prv. Joe “Slick” Astor

“Sure. Don’t think I don’t have an eye on you.” *serious*

Prv. Andrew Fischer

“Never crossed my mind.” *also serious*

Prv. Joe “Slick” Astor

“Alona, do you copy?”

           

*many gunshots are heard on the radio*

Corporal Alona „Widowmaker” DaVilla

“Yes. It’s getting heavy outside. Hurry. I’ll back you up.”

Prv. Joe “Slick” Astor

“Roger that. Let’s move.”

            Joe and Andrew went in front to create a safety passage for Timothy. Alona covered them at the entrance. After deploying some smoke grenades to make cover, they all left the base and ran to the LZ. The mission was a success…

Briefing Room, The Hyperion

23:49 Ship Hour

*The debriefing was a long procedure this time. The captain wanted to know why this attack was the only one which went wrong. The other four was a complete success as no one detected their presence. Except Timothy who was in infirmary, everyone took their turn to tell the story to the captain. At the end, Joe was asked to talk with the captain in private.*

Captain Samuel „The Dog” Shepperd 

“Look, Joe. Things don’t add up. I need more intel. The commander and I both think there is a mole inside our crew. Because of the things which happened during your incursion, we think it’s in your squad. We need you to keep a tap on everybody.”

Prv. Joe “Slick” Astor

“I don’t know, Cap. Except Andrew who’s new, I could swear they are as loyal to the commander as I am. And after my last mission, I don’t think I can do this with them… they are my family.” *a little nervous*

Captain Samuel „The Dog” Shepperd 

“I know it’s difficult. But we need to be sure. Commander’s orders. I trust you to do the right thing.”

Prv. Joe “Slick” Astor

“Understood, sir. Request permission to leave, sir.” *salutes*

Captain Samuel „The Dog” Shepperd 

“Granted. At ease.”

Infirmary, The Hyperion

23:56 Ship Hour

*Timothy was sitting on a bed while the nurse was stitching him. Joe comes in*

Prv. Joe “Slick” Astor

“Hey, man. Can you still use the hand?”

Prv. Timothy „Sandman” Banks

“I can still shovel your head into the captain’s ass.” *both laugh*

Prv. Joe “Slick” Astor

“Glad to hear. Listen, I have to talk to you about something.” *serious*

Prv. Timothy „Sandman” Banks

“I have to talk to you, too.”

Prv. Joe “Slick” Astor

“I know we are kinda tensioned because of what you heard last week. I realize now how wrong it was.”

Prv. Timothy „Sandman” Banks

“I overreacted too. I was a bit drunk and mad the captain took my ranks…”

Prv. Joe “Slick” Astor

“Well… It’s like this. My natural family died back on Mar Sara at the first zerg incursion. Since then, I really consider you and Alona my family.. You and me make one hell of a team. We been through hell together and I was wrong not to tell you. But I can make this right now.

Prv. Timothy „Sandman” Banks

“It’s alright, Joe. Seriously…”

Prv. Joe “Slick” Astor

“Let me finish. The captain gave me a new mission. There’s a mole inside us. He wants me to keep an eye on all of you.”

Prv. Timothy „Sandman” Banks

“Why are you telling me then? Aren’t you afraid I’m the snitch?” *confused*

Prv. Joe “Slick” Astor

“I trust you even if there are no blood ties between us. And the only one who remains is Fischer.” *nervous*

Prv. Timothy „Sandman” Banks

“I don’t know. He is pretty handy out there and seems to be a nice guy.”

Prv. Joe “Slick” Astor

“We can’t blame Alona. So Andrew is the only choice.”

Prv. Timothy „Sandman” Banks

“Maybe you are right. *the nurse finishes the stitches and leaves* Now, I need a drink to think about how I neutralized all those tangos at checkpoint 4.”

Prv. Joe “Slick” Astor

“Since when do you talk like a soldier?” *confused*

Prv. Timothy „Sandman” Banks

“Since too much morphine is in my system. *laughs* Lets go now.”

Prv. Joe “Slick” Astor

“You’re one crazy ass…. Let’s go.”

*the two leave the infirmary laughing and talking like old friends.*