A Marine's Life: 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. *