Chapter 32: Tell Me What You Know

English Channel, Europe

USS McCain- US Fleet

2 Hours and 42 Minutes After Contact...

Mark, with Yumi and Ulrich behind him, made his way to the captain's quarters, readying himself to question the two kids that were onboard his ship, the USS McCain. He was glad the crisis onboard was over. However, it did not excuse the fact that he saw Yumi and Ulrich and several other kids in a vision transmitted by that walking tin can, which they called a Brute. Mark opened the wooden door leading into the captain's quarters, letting the two kids in first before stepping in personally. Two Navy guards were outside to keep security tighter around the ship, especially the captain's quarters.

Mark closed the door behind him and took a seat behind his desk, facing Yumi and Ulrich, who were standing right in front of him, their eyes trained forward. Mark leaned back in the captain's chair, pondering on the events that had happened recently. Silence was in the room, unbroken. Mark then looked up at the kids and sat up in his chair, straightening his back. He folded his hands on the desk and cleared his throat, appearing calm.

"Look, you two, ever since this whole thing started, there was no explanation at all." Mark told Yumi and Ulrich. "Today was when the NATO North Atlantic War Games were supposed to officially start. However, instead of a training exercise, we're being attacked by unknown contacts and getting wiped out." He wiped his face as he took a deep breath.

"I don't know what the hell is going on here, but, it seems you two have an explanation for those… damn things." Mark said to them. Yumi and Ulrich looked at Mark and stayed polite.

"Yes, we do have an explanation." Ulrich said.

"Well, tell me then." Mark said. "Cause, this whole thing is getting outta hand. I need to know what the hell we're dealing with here." Yumi took a deep breath.

"We're being attacked by Xana." Yumi said, vaguely. Mark looked confused and puzzled, both at the same time.

"By who?" Mark asked. Yumi took another deep breath.

"Xana, an evil computer virus that wants to take over the Earth." Yumi explained. Mark was surprised. He rolled up his sleeves to cool himself off.

"So, what you're saying is, is that an evil computer virus is attacking us?" Mark asked.

"Yes, sir." Yumi replied. Mark had a light grin on his face. He looked around himself and then looked back at Yumi and Ulrich.

"How's that possible?" Mark asked. "How's it possible for a computer virus to come to the real world and start setting everything ablaze? It's impossible." Yumi sighed.

"Look, Mark, we're telling the truth." Yumi told him. "Xana wants to wipe us all out so that nothing stands in his way." Mark was conflicting with himself about agreeing with what Yumi was saying. He started to sweat slightly as he continued to think about what was told to him. 'Is it all true?' he asked himself. 'Can it be possible?' He knew that he cannot think about it forever. Yumi and Ulrich knew as well. If they were to continue to think, they may not be focused on surviving this Xana's attack. Mark then sat himself up after a hard debate with himself.

"Alright, I believe you." Mark said. "If there is no other explanation for this, then it must be the truth." Mark stood up. "I can't believe this is happening."

"I'm sorry, Mark, but it's true." Ulrich said. "And, if we don't do something, we're all dead." Yumi and Ulrich were relieved that Mark believed them. Normally, someone would rebuke any of the knowledge shared from either of them. Mark walked around the desk and looked at Ulrich and Yumi.

"I guess I have to thank you for saving our asses, Ulrich." Mark told him. "You're very brave, strong, intelligent, and skillful." Ulrich smiled. "Both of you are brave. Chasing that thing took real guts from people of your age."

"Thank you, Mark." Ulrich replied. "So, what happens now?"

"Now, we got some Xana ass to kick." Mark told them. "Get up to the bridge. I'll meet you two there."

"Alright, see ya, Mark." Yumi said, leaving the captain's quarters with Ulrich in behind. Ulrich pulled the door closed as the two left, leaving Mark to stand in front of a picture of the captain's family. He then turned to look at a World War 2 picture hanging behind the captain's desk. It was a picture of the D-Day landing on June 6th, 1944 and showed all the ships and soldiers. Mark then unfolded his sleeves and then looked at a plaque hanging on the wall across the room. It was a sign in gold that had the McCain's ship number and fleet number. Under it was a small American flag, hanging under the plaque.

"Let's kick some ass." Mark said to himself, then leaving the captain's quarters and heading to the bridge upstairs.