15 to 20 men had gathered around the large screen. Their faces seemed disturbed and some even shocked. Other marines began to make there way over to the screen to ask what was happening. They didn't have too. They just stared at the UNN Anchor, now understanding the shock of the others.
"-Launched a full scale attacks, spreading to all outer rim planets. Casualties in the millions", the screen flashed to a female reporter. " Moments ago, the Zerg attacked a Dominion military ba-", the screen went fuzzy, but with a heavy smack to the operating console, the picture resumed.
" New Exclusive video footage confirmed the Queen of Blades is in fact leading the swarm." the following footage silenced the men.
20 minutes later
The 60 or so men were quick to cut the chatter as Captain Harris marched in fully suited up in his combat suite into the main mess hall. He marched up to the front and began, " Well boys, you've all seen reports. The Zerg are back on the move. Orbital Command has assured me that tight patrols are being kept up in orbit, so if any attempt is made, we'll be given ample time to prepare. In the mean time Dominion High Command has ordered all Armed Forces to be put on high alert. The Emperor himself is giving a mandatory attendance speech tomorrow morning. Be here at O five hundred hours. In the mean time, get back to your bunkers. Dismissed!"
The Captain leaned up against the short wall that connected each bunker. The red dusk was beginning to fade as the planets two suns filtered behind the distant mountains. He heard footsteps behind him and Sergeant Deacon appeared at his side. Both gave a greetings nod of the head.
" How long do you think we have Deac?" the Captain spoke.
" Two, maybe three weeks; if even that." Deacon replied.
" I wish it was the old days. When only men killed men. It was a lot easier." the Captain spoke grimly.
He continued, " We've made it this far. We'll get through it, like we always do. Most of the time its just barely, but we'll still make it."
The Captain chuckled, " Remember when we'd sneak into McPharnet's corral and tip his cows?"
Deacon grimaced, " Ya, I've got the buckshot scars to prove it."
The two old friends laughed and watched the failing twilight.
" and now my Brothers, I speak to you not as a ruler or distant tyrant, but as your Commander in Chief. I tell you know we must be united in heart, mind and purpose, more than ever before. ", The stern face of Mengsk covered the entire screen.
The Captain was shaking his head, " Lying Bureaucrat. I'd like to see him out here on one of these bunkers.
Mengsk continued, " This plaque that has been set upon us, this time will not sweep us aside. It will no longer be feared, no longer will it succeed. It will be utterly and completely destr-"
The huge projection screen turned to static, with no image at all. The Captain glanced at Deac, who simply gave him a shrug. " Corporal Tanners, get to the Comms Center and sort this out. We would all hate to miss out on a single word of our "brilliant" Leader." the Captain's sarcasm was more than easily picked up.
10 ten minutes later, a nervous looking Corporal Tanner came jogging back. " Um…Sir, I think you need to come see this", he spoke have stuttering.
Leading the way, Corporal Tanner lead the Captain, Sergeant Deacon and Sergeant Deanson to the Comms Center. Upon entering, an erie silence had filled the building. The Captain immediately spoke sharply to the Comms specialist, " Williams! As tech. Specialist, I expect you to be able to do your job. Now quickly, tell me why I had to walk all the way here to deal with the problem!"
Williams spoke with a frightened voice, " Well sir…it seems that the signal has been disconnected."
Captain Harris's face seemed lightly annoyed, " Then reconnect It." speaking as if the answer was obvious.
" Well sir, its not just that. We've lost contact." the specialist's voice seemed to waver.
Corporal Deanson finally spoke, " What do you mean, Lost contact with who?"
Williams glanced around at the other Comms Personnel, who refused to look at any of the 3 men's eyes. Then slowly, with a reluctant face, Williams announced, "Everyone"