Note thanks for the comments (reviews) for chapter 1. I tried to remember to use your advice while typing this section. Also, I meant for this to be section 2 of chapter 1. (the first one only says Chapter 1, but is Chapter 1: Section 1)
As barren as the planet is, Mark never felt alone. Sounds through the ship constantly wake him in the nights. Soft trembles, as if the ship is going to collapse, fill him with fear. Dust storms outside the Never Death halt his plans for leaving Zerg-12 for the day. Even with his Combat Suit, he wouldn't be able to see anything. Not like the boneyard is leaving any time soon.
Throughout the whole day Mark felt useless. There is nothing to do and no where to go. He picks up more of the journals to enjoy a few laughs over the high and mighty life of a Commander. Mark skips to the back of the book to see the last few days.
"Invasion of Zerg-12
We begin the campaign to rid the newly discovered planet of Zerg-12. Two Behemoth-Class Battlecruisers are sent to destroy the heavy Zerg defense locations. My ship should be okay. Most of the dropships will be hit by Scourges and the Mutas will most likely attack the ground forces.
We come into combat before entering the atmosphere. No damage done to Never Death. Only a few Overlords and Guardians roam around the planet, but our Wraith Squadrons devastate the enemy.
I received a message of sending all dropships before bombardment. Why would they do this? Has General Baylor gone mad? It is suicide for our troops to go in without bombing first. There is more to this mission than meets the eye.
I guess our first day of battle is the second of the invasion.
Logged at 464 days from home.
Attack
My ship enters atmosphere with only a few mutalisks attacking my ship. Very little damage is done. I immediately tell my crew to fire at all Ultralisks in sight. I knew the Marines and Firebats were in their own hell right now.
We come in view of the main battle and I order Wraith Squadron 9 to attack the Guardians who completely destroyed our only Armored Division down there. The battle is getting worse. There must be at least 1000 Zerg colonies. This is going to take longer than expected.
With the loss of the 8th Armored, Gen. Baylor sends in heavy tanks and Goliaths. This is probably the best idea he had so far.
I use my Yamato cannon on a nearby Hive. It is successful and the entire structure explodes into a bloody mess. I instruct my crew to prepare the cannon once again. It will take awhile for our Reactor for the cannon went down again. When will Baylor give us enough money to repair my ship?
Logged at 465 days from home.
Orders for the Nuke
We are given the order to back up 10 nautical miles. Apparently, a Ghost just found a large cluster of enemy Zerg. Most of them are Zerglings and Hydralisks but it will still be an effective attack.
Devourers are sent towards my ship. It is my worst fear. A large group of Devourers are headed to my ship. Troop formations are sent to attack but the creatures are too high. Squadron 9 is sent to attack but I know it won't be easy for them. Hopefully good luck will go with them.
The nuke hits! Another great victory in this endless battle as the nuke hits a direct cluster of enemy Zerg. Nukes save so many Terran lives in this war. I'm glad Gen. Baylor is willing to use them. The view is awe inspiring as the fireball rises and the Zerg is practically vaporized.
We are hit by a scourge. It just came out of nowhere but the Never Death seems okay. Section 2 of the ship though is heavily damaged but I think we will survive.
Logged at 466 days from home.
Yamato Cannon Back Online
My Yamato Cannon returns to the battle firing at a Zerg Spore Colony. I tell my crew to ready the cannon once more and finally the cannon doesn't break down.
Still no word from Squadron 9. I feel their battle didn't last long and sent an urgent message to General Baylor for more Wraiths.
The Marines send a message to my ship but we couldn't hear it. The magnetic soil disrupted the message. I give the order to concentrate fire heavily on the Ultralisks below. I only hope the Marines didn't ask for more troops.
One complete day and still no word from Squadron 9. I send the message to General Baylor that we lost one of the best Wraith Squadrons the Confederacy has ever seen. He sends no reply.
Logged at 467 days from home.
Engine Damage
After the Scourge attack on our ship, we lost some cameras watching our engines. Apparently a few Mutas are attacking our engines. I order for the few remaining Wraiths to fire at them, but they are battling their own Mutas at the moment.
I received a message that Engine 3 has gone offline and isn't responding. I order for the retreat of the ship to stray away from the battle. If I'm going to crash, I don't want to crash over the troops below.
I also gave the order to evacuate the ship and most of them left except a few who I asked to stay to help steer the ship away from the battle.
Engine 1 went offline.
Logged at 478 days from home.
Zerglings in the Ship
The ship crashed. I feel disgusted with myself for not being able to steer the ship out of the troop's way. I know that because of my ignorance, it cost the lives of thousands of Marines and Firebats.
We also discover that Zerglings are pouring into the ship. Crew members are being attacked. I lock myself in Barracks-2 but I can hear the Zerglings pounding and scratching at the door. I pull my 'Zerg Popper' out and get ready.
If anyone finds this journal, please tell my two sons that I will miss them very much and sorry for not quitting the Confederate Army when I had the chance. I hope they understand. As for my wife please tell her that I love her.
Note: Today is my anniversary. Sorry Caleigh for not saying goodbye.
Last log: 479 days from home.
Commander K. Ockman, Never Death"
Mark stood up. He closed the journal and put the book in his pocket.
"Don't worry Ockman; your family will get that message."
His eyes began to water up but he was trained to not show emotion. Mark's loneliness though started to get to him. His only companion was the few remaining journals. Nothing seems to prepare a soldier for post war stories.
Mark looks around the room only to notice he is in Barracks-2. In the corner of the room, there is some blood on the wall. Below it lays a 'Zerg Popper' pistol. Mark picks it up and realizes only one bullet was fired.
The next day, Mark walks outside and digs a small hole in the brown sand. He places the pistol, the journal, and a piece of paper that shows a poorly drawn medal. The medal represents the greatest of heros in Terran history. Mark buries all the items and puts a pole in the ground with the words, 'Here Lays Commander Ockman of the Never Death, the Greatest Hero of the Confederacy.'
Please Review I really enjoy reading your reviews whether negative or positive! Hope you are enjoying this story!
