A/N: Volume 4 is live! We hope you enjoyed the first episode as much as we did! We're excited to see where Volume 4 takes the story of RWBY and Strangers in a Strange Land. We'd also like to thank everyone for the kind words left in the reviews, myself and Starwarsmast3r are glad that you are enjoying the story as much as we enjoy writing it!


WOODS OF VALE

"Still awake?"

"Yeah…"

"You okay?"

"Not really."

"Thinking about her?"

"Every night."

"We'll make this right, I know it."

"How do you do it?"

"What do you mean?"

"How do you put Weiss, Blake, and Yang out of your mind to carry on?"

"I worry about them all the time. There isn't a day that goes by where I'm not wondering what Weiss is doing in Atlas, where Blake ran off to and why, and how my sister is coping since I left. But I know that we have to stop those responsible before they hurt anyone else."

"You're right. But...I dunno it just seems to get worse every day we're out here."

"Maybe. But there are still good people out there. People like us who will fight for the good of the world. You'll see. Maybe we'll even run into some on the journey."

"How do you know?"

"I just do."


RWBY: Strangers in a Strange Land

Chapter 3: Guns and Roses


UNKNOWN PLANET, UNKNOWN COORDINATES
WRECKAGE OF HMCS ENDEAVOUR
UNKNOWN ROTATION CYCLE

1ST BATTALION, ROYAL CANADIAN REGIMENT
BRAVO COMPANY
1ST PLATOON
2 SECTION
PTE CARVER

Private Jack Carver reached into his grenade pouch, retrieving his one fragmentation grenade while approaching their original entry point. He wiped the sweat from his brow as his heartbeat quickened. The adrenaline was kicking in.

Farren and Jack locked eyes. Each could tell that the other was nervous, but they both knew what had to be done and how to keep calm. Farren nodded. Followed by Jack.

"Now!" Farren ordered.

Doctor Grove lifted the hatch slightly, leaving a gap wide enough for Jack to deploy his C13 Fragmentation Grenade. The creatures below roared, seeing their prey, sending them into a frenzy. Jack pulled the pin and released the spoon, arming the grenade.

"Frag out!" Jack yelled and dropped it between the gap.

Grove quickly sealed the hatch again to prevent fragments spewing onto their deck. The three men covered their ears as moments later, the grenade detonated, rocking the ship again.

"Now or never! Grove, stay behind us! You ready, Jack?"

"Let's do this!" Jack nodded.

The Doctor lifted the hatch to the lower deck one final time, allowing Jack and Farren to leap down past the now warped ladder into the decimated corridor. Most of the creatures had seemed to be severely injured, if not dead, from the grenade blast. Some moved around despite losing limbs. They howled and attempted to crawl towards the soldiers.

"Let em' have it!" Farren yelled and engaged the closest target; a beast missing a leg crawling towards him. He fired four rounds into the head of the creature before it fell limp on the floor.

Jack squeezed the trigger of his rifle, sending a few shots into a downed creature that the grenade had seemed to incapacitate.

"Not so tough now, are ya!?" Jack unleashed a volley of rounds into two charging targets coming to the aid of their fellow beasts from down the corridor. When the two creatures continued to charge, somewhat unaffected, Jack swapped magazines once again to his dismay. "Okay, maybe you are!" The closest creature swung at him, hurling its massive claws towards his upper torso.

Jack rolled, narrowly escaping the lunging creature. When he had recovered, he raised his rifle and swapped to automatic, blasting the creature's side with a plethora of rounds. It keeled over, succumbing to the hail of bullets. The second beast swatted Jack aside, sending the young soldier crashing into a steel bulkhead. Jack grunted loudly upon impact.

"Jack!" Farren fired on the agitated creature, who then swung for him.

"Ugh...Son of a bitch…" Jack recovered and swung his rifle like a bat at the Creature's hind leg while it was distracted with Farren. The savage animal collapsed from the hit. It had tried to turn and bite Jack, only to be put down by a shower of bullets from both men. While their immediate vicinity had quieted down, the unrelenting gunfire on the other end of the ship failed to cease.

"You good?" Farren asked, watching Jack stretch his back.

"Yeah...But I'm definitely gonna feel that tomorrow morning…"

Farren shook his head with a small grin, amazed that Jack was still cracking jokes despite the situation. "Get down here, Grove! Time to go!" Farren yelled up, wishing to move along.

Moments later, Doctor Grove climbed down the malformed ladder and followed the men, who had broke into a run.

"Owens! Lewis! Sound off!" Farren screamed into his radio again, still failing to get a response.

"They're in the thick of it!" Jack could safely assume by the wave of rounds being fired in the distance.

"Yeah, something tells me we're gonna be too! Fix bayonets!" Farren commanded while reaching for his blade.

Jack grabbed his bayonet, which was attached to his tactical vest via its own respective carrier. He removed the blade from the sheath and fixed it to the end of his rifle, increasing the weight even more in addition to the M203 Grenade launcher. While Jack had experimented with this exact set up during his basic training, he hardly found it amusing now that he had to use it in a real scenario.

Owens' C9 had stopped firing judging by the lull in automatic weapons fire at the stern end of the ship. Jack's heart sank, believing his comrade to be dead. However, moments later, the gun erupted once again, echoing the halls. He must have been reloading, Jack thought. Each time either weapon stopped firing, he had to assume they were either killed or caught reloading, taking a toll on his nerves that were acting up every few minutes.

"Please, slow down!" Doctor Grove pleaded, breathing heavily.

"Come on, Doc! You can do-" Jack turned, spotting a creature right on their tail. "DOC, GET DOWN!"

Jack spun on his heel and sprinted towards the doctor's position, charging with his bayonet. Doctor Grove turned and also spotted the red eyes of the creature fixated on him. He dived onto his stomach and covered his head at the command of the soldier charging towards him.

"ARGH!" Jack dashed past the cowering doctor and thrust his rifle into the chest of the beast. He continued his assault by holding down the trigger, rounds blasting out the back of the monster. The beast roared but soon fell limp towards Jack, who wrenched his rifle from its chest.

"...T-Thank you…" Doctor Grove panted, observing the dead creature.

"No problem, Doc. Let's go!" Jack helped him to his feet and sped up to catch up with Farren.

"Master Corporal Farren!" Lewis' voice came in through the radio, drowned out by hundreds of rounds firing off.

"Lewis! Talk to me!" Farren picked up speed, hearing the fear in Lewis' voice.

"We made contact! We've got the fuel, but they're overwhelming us! We can't hold them!"

"We're coming! Get the hell outta there, now!"

Jack ran as fast as his feet could carry, his boots stomping across the steel floors of the Endeavour. He sped past a junction, failing to notice the Beast charging at the group from a conjoining corridor. The black creature knocked Jack away and pinned Master Corporal Farren to the floor, attempting to maul him with its massive fangs.

"Damn it!" Farren held the beast's head back as its jaw snapped, getting closer every moment.

"Farren!" Jack yelled, getting up off the floor, and charged the creature, slamming into it with his sheer body weight to knock it off of his leader. While the creature was down, Jack plunged his bayonet into the beast and drew his Browning Hi-Power from its holster to conserve his C7 ammo. He cocked the pistol and fired off the entire 9mm magazine to kill the attacker. When the final round struck the beast's head, Jack dumped the empty magazine and loaded a new one before shoving the handgun back into its holster and retrieving his primary weapon from the dead enemy.

Farren got to his feet after watching the scuffle unfold.

"You alright?" Jack looked at his section commander, who patted himself down for injuries.

"I'll live. Thanks for the save, kid." Farren kicked the corpse of the dead foe before proceeding once again, now checking his corners more carefully.

"Anytime." Jack nodded and followed Farren once more after checking that Doctor Grove was still with them. He was, but fatigued greatly. "Still breathing, Doc?"

"Barely…" Grove responded, breathing heavily.

"Here." Jack retrieved his canteen and handed it to Grove. "Drink up, you're probably dehydrated after being in there for so long."

The Doctor tore the cap off the plastic olive-drab canteen like a starving animal and arched his head back, taking in mass amounts of water. Jack couldn't blame him, knowing full well how important water was in order to survive.

Grove handed the Canteen back to Jack, almost depleted entirely. "I'm sorry." He said sheepishly.

"No worries, Doctor. We're surrounded by water, I'll stock up once we're out!" Jack stashed the canteen away and broke into a run, realizing their situation was still critical.

"I don't advise consuming salt water, Private Carver." The doctor said with a raised brow while catching up.

"I was kidding, Doc." Jack held back a laugh.

Shouting within earshot cut off their conversation, followed by more gunfire.

"We're close! Let's pick it up!" Farren ordered.

"Hold up!" Jack yelled over the loud engagement.

"What?" Farren halted right before another junction.

"Hear that?" Jack lifted his weapon, pointing towards the rightmost corridor of the four-way intersection. Thumping footfalls stormed towards them. "This is the way we came. Meaning that's either Lewis and Owens coming here to get the Hell out, or that's the enemy. And I think we should have the jump on them if it's the latter!"

It made sense. Farren nodded and lifted his rifle and stepped back from the corner, ready to ambush the next thing to come around the corner. Jack moved to Farren's left, adding another weapon to their ambush. The dual C7's were nearly around the corner, allowing the soldiers to fire on hostile targets should they need to.

The stomping grew closer, now shaking the steel floor where they stood. Jack's grip got tighter on his weapon, almost tempted to fire preemptively to kill the enemy. His restraint, however, was rewarded. When the first figure ran into the intersection, Jack and Farren approached, pointing rifles.

"CHECK FIRE!" Owens yelled upon seeing the barrels of friendly rifles shoved in his face.

Lewis cleared the corner soon after, carrying a jerry can of fuel in one hand, and his weapon in the other. His pack was filled with another two as well. Owens had a similar load.

"Damn it, Sam! I almost shot you in the face!" Farren let out a sigh of relief.

"Great talk! But those things are right on our ass!" Owens dropped to his stomach, deploying the bipod of his C9 Light Machine Gun. He was breathing heavily, similarly to Grove. Both Owens and Lewis had been running for a considerable distance all while carrying their weaponry and the added weight of multiple jerry cans.

"Gimme that, buddy." Jack took the jerry can that Lewis carried in his arms. He immediately felt the weight straining his arm.

Jerome extended his aching arm, finally being able to move it again. He groaned in pain. "Damn that was heavy..."

"We can't stay here long. Grove, grab that jerry can Owens was carrying, he can't any longer."

"Of course." Grove rushed to the fatigued Corporal's side, taking the Jerry can.

"Is this enough?" Jack asked aloud.

"Enough or not, it's what they're getting." Farren said while handing over two magazines to Lewis, who was chugging his canteen.

"Here they come!" Owens yelled and fired off the C9 in bursts, instantly lighting up the dark hallway.

Jack, Lewis, and Farren joined in, cutting down the advancing creatures. In the corner of his eye, Jack caught a swarm of beasts coming from their left, flanking them.

"Contact left!" He turned, engaging the new threat.

"Forget this!" Farren smacked Owens on the back. "Fall back! Head for the Exfil point!"

Owens lifted his C9, still firing at the advancing mob. The Group slowly moved back.

"Jack! Hit em' with the Fourty Mike-Mike!" Farren screamed over the hail of bullets.

"Roger! Take cover!"

The three other soldiers and Grove found cover in an open doorway while Jack stood in the middle of the hall, prepping his launcher. He pulled the trigger, launching another 40mm grenade. This time, he dove into the doorway, avoiding the explosion. The grenade detonated moments later, rocking the soldiers to the floor.

"Get up and go!" Farren shouted and lifted his men to their feet. Farren was the first out the door and began to shoot the surviving, and still charging, targets. Some creatures had their spikes blown off, puncturing their allies' bodies, but in no way slowing them down. Others had chunks of their bodies missing or fragmented, but it seemed only to enrage them as they picked up in speed. Their roars echoed through the halls, louder than Owens' C9.

"GO!" Farren screamed louder, pushing the soldiers further and further. With tremendous speed, the group reached the initial point of entry. As promised by Lieutenant Bryson, a lone RHIB with a single soldier operating it waited idly in the hull breach.

"Come on!" The lone man yelled, readying his weapon.

The four soldiers and the doctor sped onto the catwalk, the creatures following them in. The soldier on the RHIB opened fire on the pursuing targets. Corporal Owens turned around and fired off the rest of his ammo belt into the closing enemies while the remainder, starting with Doctor Grove, piled into the boat.

"Jack! Prep another fourty! Finish these bastards off!" Farren hit Jack on the shoulder before returning to the firefight.

The RHIB craft slowly reversed, navigating its way out of the mangled hull of the HMCS Endeavour. All soldiers spare the driver fired relentlessly into the biomass of snarling and howling creatures flooding out from the single door. They climbed over each other's corpses, diving into the water, desperately trying to reach the soldiers. Jack reached into his belt and grabbed another 40mm and loaded it into the tube.

"On my mark, hit that doorway!" Farren yelled once he heard the 40mm Grenade being loaded.

Jack balanced himself on the shaking boat, hot brass from other weapon systems falling all around him, if not hitting him directly. His finger found the trigger of the M203 once again, ready to rain havoc upon the assaulting creatures.

"Now!"

Jack pulled the trigger, sending the projectile soaring through the air, leaving the vicinity of the RHIB, passing into the hull breach and making contact against the catwalk doorway. The typical detonation was replaced with a slightly larger, fiery explosion which in turn ignited the catwalk, and the enemy, in flames.

"What the Hell?" Jack muttered.

"Oh." Doctor Grove murmured. "I must have spilled a little bit of the fuel."

Jack watched the doctor fumble to tighten the cap on the jerry can, hoping that a significant portion of the fuel was not lost to a mere accident. At least it looked cool.

"That was badass." Lewis admired the flames after catching his breath.

"Take us to the mainland, double time!" Farren pat the driver on the shoulder.

The RHIB sped away from the Endeavour, leaving the creatures and the horrific scenes within behind. Jack placed his rifle down against the side of the RHIB and removed his helmet. His ears were ringing from the gunfire, and his mind raced from the nature of the engagement and the barbaric images on the Endeavour. The smell of gunpowder, rotting bodies and burning steel harassed his sense of smell. He hunched over the edge of the RHIB, ready to throw up if he had to. Nothing came. Jack dipped his hands in the water and splashed his face, attempting to cool off. Every man had seemed to take a seat and try to temporarily relax during their ride to the mainland, all except for Farren, who desperately spoke into his radio, trying to reach Lieutenant Bryson who failed to respond. The silence racked Jack's nerves as much as it did Farren's.

"Jack?" Jerome rubbed Jack's shoulder, trying to catch the attention of his stunned friend.

Jack did not respond and instead watched Grove carefully. The Doctor, who had somewhat kept his composure on the ship, was hunched over in the corner of the RHIB, hugging his legs and muttering to himself.

"Jack." Jerome shook the young man, finally getting a response out of him.

"Yeah?" He responded nonchalantly.

"...You good, man?" Concern lingered in his expression and tone of voice.

"Yeah, don't worry about me. Just coming to grips with what just happened. It's Grove and the Lieutenant I'm worried about."

"Poor guy's been through a lot, but you and Farren got him out. Good job."

"Thanks. Nice work on the fuel, bud. Risky business." Jack pat Jerome on the shoulder, being sure to distribute the praise to an equally difficult task.

"No big deal, I only killed a couple hundred." Jerome cockily brushed his shoulders, exaggerating the number of enemies he dealt with.

"Bullshit! I got the hundred!" Owens yelled from across the RHIB.

The three soldiers laughed.

"Hey, Carver." Owens stood up. "How many did you-"

A Single shot rang out.

The passengers fell silent, and the RHIB engine stopped running. The men stood up, all looking in the direction that they believed the sound originated from; the tree line on the mainland.

Another shot, and another.

Farren's eyes widened. His arm holding the radio slacked, dropping to his side. "Oh no."

Loud shouting and multiple shots could be heard, coming from the mainland. A handful of single shots.

"Go." Farren said. He turned to the terror-stricken RHIB operator who had a similar look of dismay to that of the other men.

"GO!" Farren screamed.

The RHIB engine started up again, and the craft picked up speed quickly, closing the distance to the mainland. The single shots quickly turned into a barrage of automatic weapons fire. Single rifles turned to fireteams. Fireteams swiftly transformed into sections, turning up the volume of fire. Soon, it sounded like a damn war. As if every weapon in the platoon was firing. C9 automatic fire lit up the darkening wood line, and the C6 general purpose machine gun mounted atop the LAV III that the Recce Platoon took, boomed loudly. The amount of fire dished out onboard the HMCS Endeavour was nothing in comparison to the light show occurring on the shore.

"Guess that answers why the Lieutenant wasn't responding!" Owens yelled and loaded another belt into his C9. He cocked the weapon and placed it on safe, ready to provide heavy fire.

"We got the answering machine while they were taking house calls from the enemy!" Lewis checked his mags after cracking another odd joke. He had used a significant portion during the escape, but he had enough to last the subsequent firefight.

Jack opened another pouch on his twelve round, 40mm grenade belt. He took note that the M203 was highly effective against the creatures and was bound to use it again, and opted to load it preemptively. Jack splashed his face with water once more before strapping his helmet to his head. Here we go again.

"Farren!" Bryson's voice was barely audible through the feedback on the radio.

"Sir! What the Hell is going on?!"

"Enemy contact!" A burst of automatic fire was audible near the Lieutenant. "Hey! Contact on the left! Shoot that bastard!" Another blast rang out.

"Sir?" Farren fished for a reply from the Platoon commander.

"Where the Hell are you, god damn it?"

"We're on our way, sir! We've got the fuel from the Endeavour!"

"Acknowledged. Once you get here, send that RHIB back to the Brock! They need that fuel, or we are screwed! I'm gonna try raising the Brock again. Get here quick, Farren, these bastards are everywhere!"

"Copy that, Sir! We're on it!" Farren turned to his troops. "Alright, you heard the man. Our boys are getting hit, so we're gonna get over there and make these freaks learn the RCR's name! Hooah?"

"Hooah!" The soldiers chanted.

"You." Farren pointed to the RHIB driver. "Make sure Doctor Grove and the fuel are returned safely to the Brock. You encounter any inhuman sonuva bitch dumb enough to get in your way, you blast him straight to Hell, got it?"

"Roger that, Master Corporal." The operator nodded.

Jack lifted his rifle and found his place next to Farren.

He lifted his tree line into the air, barrel pointing upwards with the weapon leaning against his shoulder. "Who's ready for round two?"

UNKNOWN PLANET, UNKNOWN COORDINATES
HMCS SIR ISAAC BROCK
UNKNOWN ROTATION CYCLE

ROYAL CANADIAN NAVY
MARITIME FORCES PACIFIC
MARPAC
COMMANDER WILLIAM DIETZ

The bridge crew of the Brock was dead silent, a stark contrast to the ongoing combat the Recce platoon was enduring. Some didn't dare look up, others closed their eyes in disbelief. They listened in on a small radio, propped up on the front, center console. The radio was receiving a vivid telling of the combat from one of the platoon's LAV antenna.

"Helm, how far out are we." Dietz turned towards the helmsman station, bracing his head upon his left hand. He wasn't interested in hearing any more of the ongoing combat on shore.

"We can be on station in ten minutes, sir. Any advance mission requests?"

"Perform the pre-flight checks of the CF-18's for a fire mission. I want the Predator fueled and on the elevator as soon as the reactor heats up." The helmsman nodded and connected to the flight officer in the hangar. Dietz turned towards his XO, who was smacking his phone on his palm. Incidentally, his phone never turned back on after the EMP unlike so many others aboard. "Mike, did Scotty say how long it would take for the power to cycle to the reactor?"

"About 2 minutes, give or take. Don't go asking him about it, though...I learned my lesson." Mike crossed his arms in dissatisfaction at the very thought of the earlier lecture.

"RCR is going to need every bit of support we can muster. That means I'm going to need all of you at your best. RCR needs you at your best."

"Sir, the anomaly is discharging!" The Officer of the Watch yelled into the bridge

"What?! Let me see." Dietz sprung out of his chair and moved to the starboard watchpoint on the side of the bridge. As he approached his Officer of the Watch, he took the binoculars from his hand and peered down the lens toward the anomaly."My God…" Dietz lowered the binoculars and witnessed the event with his own eyes. The anomaly was discharging a purple and blue colored charge, shooting out ten to fifteen feet.

"What's happening, sir?" The watchman retrieved his binoculars from this commanding officer, waiting for a response

"Whatever it is, it's not good. We need power, now more than ever. Raise me Lieutenant Bryson on comms, he will want to hear this."

UNKNOWN PLANET, UNKNOWN COORDINATES
PLANET'S SURFACE
UNKNOWN ROTATION CYCLE

1ST BATTALION, ROYAL CANADIAN REGIMENT
BRAVO COMPANY
1ST PLATOON
PLATOON COMMANDER
LT. BRYSON

They had come out of nowhere. While Farren had warned them of possible contact, there was nothing they could do to prepare for an enemy force this size with a lack of communications with the Brock and the few men that they had. The dark creatures with bone-like appendages swarmed the Recce platoon that was already deep in the forest. The Infantry troops had managed to catch up and provide reinforcements, for whatever it was worth, however, the overwhelming enemy numbers had forced the group of soldiers to progressively push back out of the forest and back onto the coastline.

Lieutenant Bryson himself had to ready his weapon and engage the enemy, which spoke to how close the enemy was, and how dire the situation was becoming. His C7A2 roared and spewed dozens of rounds at the beasts, to little effect.

"Son of a bitch…" Bryson muttered upon seeing the ineffective shots make contact.

"Lieutenant Bryson, this is Brock Actual. Come in."

Bryson fired off an additional three rounds before letting his rifle hang from its sling. The Lieutenant drew his sidearm and cocked it, knowing full well he would more than likely need to defend himself during the radio conversation. He lifted the radio to his mouth, surprised that the radio was finally working.

"Brock Actual, this is 2-1 Sunray, your voice is the best goddamn thing I've heard all day! Go ahead!"

"Be advised, the anomaly is closing. Prepare your men for possible discharge."

A creature, smaller in nature, rushed the Platoon commander. Bryson lifted his sidearm and lined up the sight post with the target. He squeezed the trigger multiple times, dropping the beast mere meters from where he stood. A chill traveled down his spine, worse than it already had been.

"Say again your last, Brock Actual!? Did you say the anomaly is closing?"

"Brock Actual confirms. The anomaly is closing. Brace for possible discharge."

Lieutenant Bryson felt a familiar feeling; uncertainty. Similar to that of when he had first learned of the anomaly's existence. He turned around, looking off into the distance towards the HMCS Sir Isaac Brock, more specifically; the anomaly behind it. The gateway in and out of this hellish world. If it closed, he and his men would be trapped here, and he'd never see his wife-to-be ever again. His grip tightened around his weapon, and his teeth ground together in sheer anger. They'd find a way out, but for now, he had to focus on the battle.

He turned and fired his handgun at the approaching enemy. "Take em' out!"

No matter how many they killed, the dark creatures seemed to be endless.

Bryson holstered his pistol and ran to the LAV, opening the rear hatch. "Hey! Fire the bloody 25mm! These things are getting a lot closer than I'd like!"

The gunner turned around, seeing the Lieutenant of the Infantry platoon barking commands. "Roger that sir!" The trooper manned the controls, firing off decimating rounds of 25mm from the armored vehicle's primary weapon.

Bryson rejoined the battle, hoping Farren and his men would soon join them. While four people wouldn't generally make a significant difference. But, the Lieutenant had faith in Master Corporal Farren and his men. If they had survived the Endeavour without casualties, they'd surely be useful in the open battle for the mainland.

UNKNOWN PLANET, UNKNOWN COORDINATES
PLANET'S SURFACE
UNKNOWN ROTATION CYCLE

1ST BATTALION, ROYAL CANADIAN REGIMENT
BRAVO COMPANY
1ST PLATOON
2 SECTION
PTE CARVER

The RHIB came to a halt at the beachhead, allowing the four soldiers to leap out, weapons up. Farren turned and shoved the craft back into the water, enabling the operator to take the fuel and Grove back to the Brock.

"Find the Lieutenant! Move!"

Their boots left wet imprints on the sand as they followed the deep tire marks of the LAV III.

"Just follow the flash!" Owens pointed to the tree line.

The sky darkened, allowing the tracer rounds and muzzle flashes to light up the forest. The outlines of soldiers, the LAV, and the enemy could be seen during the brief, albeit rapid flashes.

Suddenly, the 25mm cannon on the LAV opened up, shaking the ground at their feet. The beat of the weapon rocked their cores like amped up music. However, this was much more intense and life threatening.

As if on cue, the LAV III reversed out of the woodline, firing as it did. The C6 gunner on top moved the weapon sporadically, splashing the area in front of him in heavy fire. The 25mm blew trees apart and sent dirt meters into the air. Multiple troops exited the tree line as well, slowly backing up while shooting into the darkness.

"Fall back!" A call came out, forcing the troops back even further.

Jack spotted Lieutenant Bryson locked in battle next to the LAV that was peeling back from the trees. He and three other soldiers unloading on a massive beast, the bear-esque creature that Doctor Groove mentioned on the Endeavour. The creature only seemed to be angered by the barrage striking its mass. It swatted the Lieutenant aside, sending the yelling officer crashing towards Farren and his team.

"Oh shit!" Jack had no time to react. Lieutenant Bryson made contact with Jack, knocking them both down. They grunted loudly, sharing the pain.

"Sir!" Farren helped Bryson to his feet.

Bryson wiped his bloody nose on his sleeve and brushed it off as nothing. He extended his hand out to Jack, who was on his back in the sand.

"Come on, Soldier!"

Jack looked up the man, shocked at how quickly he recovered as if the attack did nothing to him.

"Yes, sir!" Jack gripped his hand, getting yanked to his feet.

"What's the situation?" Farren asked while observing the playing field. It did not look good. Left and right troops were getting swatted away like flies by the larger beasts, while the smaller ones gave soldiers lacerations from their claws and fangs.

"The situation is screwed. I'm calling it. I'm getting our troops back on the RHIBs and off the mainland!"

Farren grit his teeth. He did not like the idea of falling back, ever.

"I'm not letting my men and the Recce Platoon get slaughtered, George! We've taken too many casualties as it is! I've got severely wounded and near death troops sitting in the back of that LAV and they need to get back to the Brock for medical attention!"

Farren looked around, seeing every able bodied man either fighting or dragging injured comrades to the LAV.

"Carver, Lewis!" Farren pointed at the two men. "Reinforce that left flank, you cover those men! Cut those bastards down before they get at em'!"

"Got it!" Jack and Jerome sprinted to the left-hand flank of the LAV to join the defence.

"We can get back out here tomorrow with a company or more for all I care, but we won't see that tomorrow if we don't fall back." Bryson put a hand on Farren's shoulder.

"Okay." Farren complied, if reluctantly. "Owens, on me. Let's get to the right side!"

The other two soldiers moved, leaving Lieutenant Bryson to observe the losing battle they fought. He had opted not to tell his men that the portal was closing, out of fear they'd shut down amidst the fight. It would only make it worse. Bryson hoped he had made the right choice.

UNKNOWN PLANET, UNKNOWN COORDINATES
HMCS SIR ISAAC BROCK
UNKNOWN ROTATION CYCLE

ROYAL CANADIAN NAVY
MARITIME FORCES PACIFIC
MARPAC
LIEUTENANT COMMANDER MIKE KENDALL

Kendall opened the door to Dietz' cabin. Like with many things in the Navy, Kendall wasn't a fan of unnecessary doctrine. Like his commanding officer, Kendall had changed out of his service uniform in lieu of a more fitting Naval Combat Uniform. Instead of posh suits and service caps, the crew was permitted to switch to a more comfortable set of dress that suits each trade the best. For officers that included a baseball cap with their rank insignia on the brim and a blue dress shirt with room for name tape and epaulets. For Dietz, he preferred the more traditional black sweater overtop a white dress shirt and tie. Kendall closed the door behind him and leaned to the right of the doorway, looking upon Dietz who was pouring himself a bottle of Brandy at his desk.

"Drinks, this early in the morning? Sun's barely risen back home." Kendall crossed his arms and took a more relaxed posture upon the wall

"Yet it's still shining here. Care for a glass?" Dietz held out a small glass for Kendall to accept. Kendall agreed, holding it still for Dietz to pour in the contraband drink.

Dietz held up his glass, signifying a toast to his XO "Here's to success."

"Success? We just got here, and our only bastion of hope is dead in the water. If you consider that success well, we must've landed on different planets."

"Mike, we traveled to a new world through a transdimensional portal, and are still living to tell the tale. That's cause for celebration."

"Fair point, cheers" The men tapped their glasses together, and each took sips from their respective glasses. "Say, didn't you wager this same bottle to that yank on the Pennsylvania?"

"Mike, please. This bottle is older than you are, I wasn't going to hand it over to some cheating prick in a submarine. Besides, the portal is closed. What's he gonna do?"

"Well, for starters, he might just skip the exercise and sink us for the trouble."

While Canadian officers would often bash American officers and vice versa, it was merely friendly banter familiar to that of National allies to whom they respected.

"I'd like to see him try." Both men continued to finish their drinks, sipping in silence as to avoid a growing elephant in the room. After closing and storing the Brandy, Dietz pulled up 2 chairs at his desk and signaled Kendall to take a seat across from him. Taking the last sip out of his drink, Kendall moved the chair, turning it around backward and taking a seat like a detective looking to interrogate his suspect. "So what can I do for you, Mike? I know you did not come here to drink my alcohol and belittle our friends down south."

"I want you to answer me something." Kendall crossed his arms on the back of his chair and rested his chin on his arm. Dietz chuckled and put the glasses away, acting like he was told a joke. Kendall's expression didn't change.

"Last time a conversation like this started, you wanted me to haul your ass out a JAG investigation for...what was it again? Ah yes, You trashed the kitchen in Meaford while the Algonquin was being serviced. You lost it on the Chef for overcooking your meal, and you dragged along three NCM's to help."

"Spare me. You know as well as I do, those army chefs did it on purpose because they thought we were Coast Guard. All we wanted to do was pay back the favor. Poor Batey had diarrhea for weeks."

"Your point? You did not come here to talk about Batey or the mistreatment of the Coast Guard."

"Your right. I realized, after our talk last week that it's almost been a year since…"

"Mike I'm hurt. I offer you fifty-year-old Brandy, and you come in here to rip open old wounds."

"My concern is that said wounds haven't healed yet."

"Well, that's none of your concern."

"I think it is my concern. You should be retired Will, soaking up your well-earned DND pension. Not stuck with us and a thousand of our closest friends from RCR."

"Mike, I was Navigation Officer on the HMCS Bonaventure. I'm the best qualified for running this ship. Navy wouldn't have it any other way."

"You were what, 18 when they shipped her off to Thailand?"

"19 actually."

"Back to my point. You're 65 years old and still in the Navy. We both know Ottawa isn't keeping you here, your oversized ego is. Have you even gone to see her?"

"What's the point? She hasn't changed in the last year."

"Oh, I dunno. Because you're married and have a kid together?"

"What the Hell do you want from me, Mike?" You did a minor in psychology, don't try to act like you're my shrink."

"What are you afraid of Will? Your wife? The kid? Both?"

"Does it make a difference?"

"When we arrived in Guam two months ago, Helmsman McCord told me you didn't leave the ship. I'd wager you didn't even leave the bridge."

"And what does that tell you, Doctor Phil?"

"It tells me you're hiding something."

"What do you want to hear, huh? That I'm not fit to command? You want the chair that bad?"

"I didn't say that…"

"Dammit, Mike. I'm a coward. That what you want to hear?" Dietz got out of his chair and walked towards his bed, running his hands through his silver tinted hair.

"You're not a coward." Kendall got up from his chair, although not moving as to not upset his officer.

"You're damn straight I am." Dietz sat down on the end of his bed, crossing his arms over his knees and putting his head in his lap. Kendall swore he could hear a faint sniffle. "You know, it's kinda funny. I've run anti-piracy missions with the UN in the Horn of Africa, Shadowed Soviet ships in the Black Sea, Hell, I was in the room with Chrétien when we decided to go to Afghanistan. Yet I can't man up to see my wife who's in a coma or my son who's less than a year old. I can't bare to come to terms with my own reality, yet I actively try to deny its existence."

"You blame yourself?"

That set Dietz off. Springing off the bed and putting a dent in the filing cabinet nearby "Who else is to blame, Mike? I took that last deployment. I wasn't there to defend my family!"

"That bastard broke into your house, knowing full well that they were home alone and you wouldn't be there to defend them." Kendall moved towards the bed, sitting next to Dietz

"I failed my family Mike. I don't deserve any pension or solace. I'm right where I need to be. Where I deserve to be, if not in the locker."

"So what? You went to Ottawa, use the same contacts that got me out of that mess with JAG to extend your commission because, what? You feel sorry for yourself?"

"Feel sorry for myself? I wasn't there when she found out she was pregnant and I wasn't there when he was born. If I didn't see the pictures, I would've thought he was someone else's kid." After a long pause of silence, the captain's phone on his desk rang to break the awkward pause. Acknowledging the near fragile state of the Captain, Kendall got up to answer the call

"I'll take it for you Commodore" As Kendall reached for the phone, Dietz' hand swiped the phone from is console and put his hand over the speaker.

"I'd have to be dead." Kendall was almost dumbstruck. Not a minute ago the captain was almost in tears about his family, now acting like a completely different person for the crewmember on the other line. If only he knew. "Dietz." The captain said, removing his hand from the speaker "Alright...Good...Tell her I'll be right up." Dietz hung up the phone and turned to Kendall who was still marveled about the captain's sudden change in attitude. "That was McCord, Knight is inbound with the fuel. Get to the CIC and control ops from there, I think it's time we show these sons of bitches who they're messing with."

UNKNOWN PLANET, UNKNOWN COORDINATES
PLANET'S SURFACE
UNKNOWN ROTATION CYCLE

1ST BATTALION, ROYAL CANADIAN REGIMENT
BRAVO COMPANY
1ST PLATOON
2 SECTION
PTE CARVER

"Ugly on your left!" Jack yelled at a soldier next to him. Both men sprayed the two-legged creature, dropping it with well-placed shots to the head.

It was dark now. The only light came from the muzzle flashes of Canadian rifles and the glowing eyes of the enemy. Most of the wounded men had been loaded onto the LAV, allowing the contingent of soldiers to start progressively backing up towards the RHIBs. To turn tail and run outright would allow the enemy to give chase and eventually cut down the remaining foot soldiers. Therefore, the current tactic of move and shoot was the best option.

"Would be great if we could get some damn air support!" Lewis shouted over the gunfire to Jack.

"They're working on it!" Jack was confident it was coming. "The question is, are they gonna be able to differentiate us from the freaks?"

"Maybe they'll just look for the flashes? I dunno, your guess is as good as mine!"

The ground shook abruptly and the trees to the immediate front of the platoon split. A massive creature smashed its way through the woods towards their position. The beast emerged, displaying its enormous black body with a white exoskeleton. In comparison, the creature resembled a scorpion. However, this 'thing' had enormous claws and an orange glowing stinger. It made a Leopard 2A4M main battle tank look tiny in size.

"What the Hell is that!?" Jerome yelled, immediately fixating his fire on it.

"Giant devil scorpion!? Who cares?! Just kill it!" Jack fired his M203 into the beast, having zero effect whatsoever.

The LAV's cannon and C6 immediately fired on the giant scorpion, agitating the monstrosity. It's massive stinger strode forward, attempting to strike the LAV. The armoured vehicle reversed, narrowly avoiding the sharp, glowing appendage.

The one Carl Gustav rocket launcher that the Platoon had launched a high explosive warhead at the scorpion detonating upon impact. The creature was knocked back, but not disabled. Even with the combined fire of the LAV, Carl G, and multiple section level weapons, the large enemy unit advanced towards the retreating soldiers.

"Now would be a perfect time for that air support!" Jack screamed while prepping another 40mm, running low on munitions.

UNKNOWN PLANET, UNKNOWN COORDINATES
HMCS SIR ISAAC BROCK
UNKNOWN ROTATION CYCLE

ROYAL CANADIAN NAVY
MARITIME FORCES PACIFIC
MARPAC
COMMANDER WILLIAM DIETZ

The bridge crew waited patiently at their stations. Fear and anger were the primary emotions circulating the crew. They waited, knowing that the ship finally had its fuel. Due to a lack of air conditioning, the ship had become a multi-million dollar sauna. Some of the crew had removed layers from their uniform to let out heat. Still, for those manning consoles throughout the bridge, small pools of sweat started to form at their feet. Soon the power would be back on, and they could join the first campaign; albeit late, but still present. Below decks, in the flight hangar, crews wheeled their newest toy onto the elevator to the flight deck and did pre-flight checks on both CF-18 aircraft to save time. Per captain's orders, their new drone named the Sea-Avenger was capable of being launched from a carrier and negated the need to communicate VIA satellite because of the custom relay atop the Brock's island. The Avenger was faster, stealthier and capable of higher altitudes and a variety of operations from reconnaissance to precision strikes. Dietz frantically tapped his left foot, waiting for a sign that Scotty's plan was working. As Dietz reached for a bottle of water from the console to his right, he noticed that it was portraying a bluish tint. Seconds later, white text rolled down the screen. As Dietz turned around, he saw the rest of the crew noticed as well. Scotty's plan paid off, the emergency generators had finally kicked in, and soon enough; the reactor.

"Helm, status?" Dietz spun his chair to face the helmsman. The ship's red lights shone across the ship's decks, providing minimal lighting to the crew.

"Hydraulic pressure building in the rudder, RPM's staying steady at 500 sir." Diez put on a grin after hearing some good news, at last. Damn beautiful work Scotty Dietz thought, turning back towards his console.

Dietz reached for the white telephone on the console in front of him, dialing the last crucial piece of the puzzle "CIC, status?"

"Receiving sir. All stations are receiving power. The Mark 45 and CIWS are online and calibrating. The RAM is serviced and ready to fire on your command." The comms officer replied, recalibrating the necessary instruments.

The ship was maintained upon returning to Halifax with the newest in naval armaments. A RIM-166 Rolling Airframe Missile system for surface to air defence, a MK. 15 CIWS to destroy incoming projectiles, and the creme de la creme; a 5-inch/62 caliber Mark 45 that can fire 20, 127mm HE shells for offensive capabilities. The Brock was, and remains the spear of the Royal Canadian Navy.

"Good. Start sweeping surface and air radar for hostiles. Power Active Sonar and get me depth readings." Dietz hung up the phone and turned back to his helmsman. "Helm, all ahead flank three, get us to that Recce platoon."

"Yes, sir." He replied, turning the ships revolution lever and ship's propellers began rotating after hours of dormancy. As the engines fired up, power circulated through to the core, waking the reactor from its sleep. Like a bear after hibernation, it woke, roaring as steam rushed through the pipes. The Brock was alive and well. And most of all; ready for a fight. The red emergency lights quickly turned to their usual, bright states, shining light on all decks. However, possibly the most important of all, fresh air from the ships A/C circulated the vents garnering loud cheers from below decks.

"Nav, call the ship to action stations, exterior threat status." Dietz barked once again to his Navigation Officer. Once again he picked up the white phone and dialed the deck above the bridge.

"Flight control, this is the bridge. Confirmed order, danger close fire mission. Mark aircraft's Angel One and Angel Two. Roll in strike package bravo on unknown targets. Authentication Whiskey-Delta at time; zero three hundred Zulu."

Almost immediately, the Sea-Avenger drone was rolled onto the flight deck and subsequently launched, per the captain's order. Next, the CF-18 aircraft. Because of the Brock's size in comparison to an American Supercarrier, only one aircraft could be launched at a time. As each individual CF-18 aircraft ascended the elevator to the flight deck, an army of aviation specialists, dressed in an assortment of colours flooded the deck. The Sea-Avenger drone had already taken off into the sky when the first CF-18 rolled into position onto the ship's rear catapult systems. The rainbow coloured mob of sailors then converged on the aircraft. Sailors wearing green jerseys checked the catapult systems and ground support equipment while sailors in red jerseys loaded JDAM missiles into the plane's fuselage. Finally, the sailors wearing purple jerseys finished topping up the aircraft's fuel before clearing the deck. Once again, the green jersey flight operators ran out right behind the entity and raised the ships Jet Blast Deflector and sailors in black clothes did final checks. Finally, after checking the crafts towbar and hold back, the sailors ran off the deck as the aircraft's engines roared to life. Steam was rising from the front and back of the catapult system, showing that considerable pressure had built up. Finally, Red, white and yellow jerseyed sailors lined side by side to the right of the aircraft. A lone, yellow jerseyed officer stood near the front of the plane, using hand gestures to request confirmation from the pilots. Once the yellow officer signaled the catapult officer, who was in a control pod under the flight deck, he released the pistons in the catapult. The fighter screamed as it shot down the flight deck, going from 0 to 266 kph in just two seconds. Once clearing the flight deck, the craft circled the carrier, waiting for the second aircraft to complete the same process which was much quicker since there was leftover steam and pressure from its launch. Now completing its launch, the second aircraft joined its partner in the skies, completing a joint flyby of the Brock before racing for land.

"Flight leader, this is flight control. You are designated Angel One, co-flight is designated as Angel Two. Confirm asset designation for the fire mission."

"Angel One confirms designation."

"Angel Two acknowledges."

"Orders are as follows. You are cleared for a fire mission on unknown hostiles. Target kill box one-alpha, target 300 feet. Attack direction North-East by South-West. Danger close, friendlies in the area. Watch your shots, let's avoid any blue on blue today. You are cleared hot, fire at will."

"Affirmative flight, direction North-East by South-West. ETA to kill box is One-Mike."

Angel One quickly gained speed, taking the lead over Angel Two. He would strike first, using his 20mm M61A2 Vulcan Gatling gun, encased within the nose of the plane to soften the enemy. Followed closely by Angel Two who will drop the JDAM payload on the lasered target. Both aircraft would then bank in opposite directions, to then reconverge and reverse roles to ensure maximum effectiveness to the target below. As the pilots approached, they took the time to notice the war ensuing only a couple hundred feet below them. RHIB's pulled up on shore, wounded being carried off behind the LAV. Every so often a loud boom and a flash of light would progress from the vehicle's 25mm battery, causing a fury of fireworks on whatever it impacted. The closer they got, the louder the shots, and the screams from the soldiers fighting to the death. Angel One could hear flight control through his headset as this thumb hovered over the trigger on the joystick in front of him. This time, he was speaking to the soldiers he was going to assist.

"Ground units, be advised. Angel flight approaching to your North-East. Laser target for effect and clear the area. Flight is carrying heavy ordinance that requires guidance. Brock is inbound with shipboard fire support. ETA, six mikes. Danger close on all inbound ordinance."

UNKNOWN PLANET, UNKNOWN COORDINATES
PLANET'S SURFACE
UNKNOWN ROTATION CYCLE

1ST BATTALION, ROYAL CANADIAN REGIMENT
BRAVO COMPANY
1ST PLATOON
2 SECTION
PTE CARVER

The radio report from the Brock's flight control team and the Jets themselves came in on Jack's radio. He sighed of relief after seeing the C6 gunner atop the LAV being handed a laser designator. The gunner pointed the device at the massive scorpion which clawed at the troops. It had grabbed a tree with its claws and threw it at the men, narrowly missing the right flank. The red laser was painted upon the head of the creature by the soldier on top of the armoured vehicle. The man had waved before the two CF-18 fighters circled by the objective, dropping their payload.

The dark battlefield was instantly lit up by an explosion so massive, it made the Carl Gustav's warhead look comparable to that of a mere C7 round. The explosion was bright enough that Jack could make out facial features of men on the opposite flank, almost as if it were daytime once again. The Scorpion was obliterated instantaneously, as was much of the tree line which was now burning. Cheers could be heard but were soon drowned out by the gunfire and the sounds of the Jets circling overhead.

"Good effect on target, Angel One! Come around for another pass!" Faintly, Jack could hear Lieutenant Bryson calling in more strikes over the radio.

While the largest threat had been eliminated, many smaller enemies still remained alive and well, continuing to harass the troopers. The man to Carver's immediate left had run out of ammo and fumbled to switch to his handgun. A wolf-like creature lunged at the man, clawing through his tactical vest and the thinner portion of the fragmentation vest. The man yelled and collapsed onto his back, splashing the sand with blood.

Jack turned, seeing the hostile about to finish the soldier off. "Man down!" Jack screamed and raised his rifle, sending round after round into the vile creature. The animal collapsed and tried to get back up, but Jack would not have it. He swung his rifle like a bat, hitting the monster over the head with the stock of the weapon. The beast went limp after a few well-placed smacks. The white plate on the animal's head had caved in more and more after each swing.

Jack crouched down next to the wounded soldier, who was writhing in pain and holding his bleeding side.

"Hang on, man! You're gonna be okay!" Jack unzipped his first aid pouch and played around with the contents until he found his tourniquet. He observed the wound after removing the man's body armor and began to wrap the bandage around the wounded trooper to stop the bleeding. The soldier grabbed Jack's arm and squeezed in reaction to the pressure, earning some discomfort from Jack. Blood soaked Jack's hands and forearms as he worked.

"Medic!" Jack screamed. There was only so much that he alone could do. He'd have to drag the soldier to the LAV, but having a medic there once he arrived would increase his chance of survival.

"Where's a god damn medic!?" When no medic came, Jack had to blame the constant gunfire and injuries occurring all over the place.

"Jerome! Get over here man I need some help!" Jack pleaded for his friend's assistance.

Without fail, Jerome spun around and sprinted towards them. "I'm on it bud!"

Jack heard his friend's voice and smiled. He never let him down. Jack tightened the tourniquet around the casualty's torso and pat him on the shoulder. "I'm gonna get you to the LAV, just hang in there!"

Jack turned, seeing Jerome running towards him. His smile faded, and his jaw fell open. A wolf class creature pursued the unknowing Private. Jack shot up, grabbing his rifle with his bloodied hands.

Lewis noticed Jack's change of expression and went cold, knowing he was likely being pursued. He turned, seeing a hostile right on his tail. The beast lifted its left arm, moving to slash Jerome like paper.

"Jerome!" Jack grabbed him by the tactical vest and threw him aside, leaving himself in the line of fire.

Carver fell backward purposely to avoid the claws now going for his face. The claws struck his helmet, tearing the CADPAT cover and scarring the kevlar. It was struck with enough force to remove the helmet from Jack's head and send the brain bucket skidding across the dirt. When Jack hit the ground, he instinctively pulled the trigger of the M203, sending a 40mm with enough force to burst through the target standing above him. The eviscerated foe collapsed backward.

"H-Hey Jack?" Jerome asked slowly while calming down.

"...Yeah…?" Jack kept his eyes forward, surprised that neither of them were dead.

"Always use the M203 please." Private Lewis got back to his feet, preparing to drag the wounded soldier to the LAV.

"Gladly." Jack got off the dirt and loaded his last 40mm round into his M203. "Gotta make this one count."

Jack looked over the battlefield for himself. For the most part, the left flank had nearly fallen. Too many casualties had been taken, which in turn meant not enough weapons were firing on the advancing enemy.

"I'll cover you!" Jack lifted his rifle and fired at the mob. "We're almost there, get him to the LAV!"

The rearmost troops were finally close enough to begin boarding the RHIBs to escape. All that was left was to cover the LAV as it entered the water. Jerome dragged the moaning soldier away, leaving a trail of blood in the dirt and sand while Jack took small steps back while firing. A bear class beast entered the field, heading straight for Jack.

"Oh, not this again!" Jack fired until the infamous 'click' was heard coming from his rifle. He cursed under his breath and dumped the empty magazine while reaching for another one.

By the time his new magazine was fed into the weapon and he tried cocking the weapon, the beast had closed the gap and raised it's arm to swat Jack like a fly. Carver winced, knowing full well it was going to hurt. The beast's arm made contact, instantly knocking the air out of Jack and sending him flying into the tree line where he tumbled for a few meters.

"...Damn it!" Jack held his side while hunched over, gasping for air.

He fumbled in the dark, looking for his rifle while breathing heavily. His blood soaked hand found his C7A2 and dragged it towards himself. Jack managed to get to his feet, slowly but surely. What he saw next, however, shook him to the core. His remaining comrades boarded their RHIBs and shut the hatch of the LAV while entering the water. Jerome sprinted towards the treeline, screaming Jack's name, only to be dragged back by two other soldiers. Owens and Farren.

They were leaving without him. While he understood the situation was chaotic, and it was difficult to determine who they had still fighting on foot or who had been loaded on the LAV, it did not mean he was okay with it.

"No…" He muttered, slowly walking forward before breaking into a run. "No. No! No! NO! Wait!" Shortly after his run started, the whizz of the CF-18 Jets could be heard again.

Another explosion rocked the treeline, sending Jack flying back even further. The treeline was ignited in flames, cutting him off from the coastline. He collided with a tree, bruising his back even more. He groaned in pain at the base of the tree. The RHIB crafts reversed from the mainland, heading toward the Brock. Jack's vision was distorted from his severe beating, but that much he could make out. He was stuck on the mainland. Alone.

The remaining beasts all turned their attention to the lone soldier.

"...Shit…" Jack pushed himself off the ground and cocked his weapon and looked for a direction to run. He didn't particularly have a plan, however, at the moment, he cared very little for a plan. He'd make it up as he went along.

The enemy was to his front, to his right and his left. The only option Jack Carver had was to run the other way; deeper into unknown territory.

It was pitch black. He hit tree branches, tripped over roots, fell into ditches. The already injured soldier only got more scuffed up the further he traveled. He could hear the creatures in the distance behind him. The snapping of branches and the crunching of leaves let him know that they were out for his blood. Jack squeezed the trigger while pointing his rifle to his rear, hoping he'd kill at least one of the pursuing enemies.

Jack leaped over a collapsed tree, seeking temporary cover behind it. His breath quickened, a mixture of fear and fatigue washing over him. The isolated soldier grabbed his canteen and opened the lid, attempting to take a swig. When only a few droplets struck his tongue, he remembered he had given his supply to Doctor Grove after escaping the Endeavour.

"God dammit" Jack slammed his fist against the tree. "Think. Think for a second, damn it!" Jack slowed his breathing while trying to come up with a plan. He'd need a place to hide, a place to get clean water, food and- Amidst his train of thought, a two-legged creature jumped on top of the downed tree.

Jack grabbed the creature and slammed it into the dirt in front of him. He followed up by drawing his bayonet and plunging it into the struggling beast. The beasts not far behind roared, now alerted to Jack's location.

He broke into a sprint again while firing at the pursuing hostiles. Eventually, his chase ended in a clearing where he was ambushed by another bear. The hulking monster smacked him aside, much like before, separating him from his primary weapon. While on the ground, Jack looked up, through the opening in the tree canopy.

His eyes met the moon. Or, what was left of it. The moon had appeared to be shattered into multiple pieces. It was fascinating and intriguing. Were it not for the hostile situation, Jack would be more than likely staring at it all night.

Jack removed his pistol from his holster as well as his bayonet. If he was going to die, he'd do it fighting. But he refused to die.

"...You think I'm gonna let you kill me on my first day of deployment? Get real, you ugly freak!"

Jack aimed his pistol and fired the entire magazine off, inciting a response from the attacker. It roared and charged. Jack dove out of the way and fumbled for a new magazine. The bear spun around and charged once again. Jack stepped out of the way, slashing at the creature with his blade as he did.

Jack swiftly loaded his next magazine and fired at the creature's head after it had missed him. The 9mm pistol might as well have been shooting paintballs as the bear simply roared and swatted Jack back a couple of meters.

"Gettin' sick and tired of that!" Jack rose to a knee and began firing at the charging creature.

The giant bear-like creature stopped dead in its tracks. Jack raised a brow, but did not dare lower his weapon. The beasts upper torso fell from its frame, severing the creature into two pieces.

"What the Hell?" Jack muttered and stood up, weapon still pointed forward.

The black smoke that Jack had seen before on the Endeavour began to emanate from the dead creature. The wind picked up, blowing through Jack's hair and sending the smoke in the direction of the wind. It was now that Jack could examine what happened to the corpses upon expiry. The bodies of the enemy seemed to evaporate. As if the situation was not strange enough, rose petals began to drift as well, following the smoke in the wind.

Jack looked on in shock. However, the dissipating corpse was not the focus of his awe.

A lone hooded figure stood opposite of the weary soldier.

The figure's red cloak blew in the wind.

Jack, while completely oblivious as to who the stranger was, lowered his sidearm, feeling an odd sense of security. What had caught his eye the most, however, was the figures choice of weapon:

A blood red scythe.


A/N: The anomaly has closed, stranding the Canadians in unknown territory and Jack is separated from his Platoon and is confronted by a mysterious figure! Friend or Foe? Pretty sure you can already guess.

As always, thanks for reading, hope you enjoyed! New terms added to the glossary! Remember, if there's something you don't understand and think should be in the glossary, feel free to drop a PM to myself or Starwarsmast3r! Reviews and PM's welcome.


GLOSSARY OF TERMS

RCR- The Royal Canadian Regiment; a Regular Force Infantry Regiment of the Canadian Army.

BATTALION- An organization of rifle companies and a support company.

COMPANY- An organization of three rifle platoons and a support platoon

PLATOON- An organization of three rifle sections and a heavy weapons detachment

SECTION- A group of 8-10 Infantry soldiers (Commonly mistaken for "Squad")

FIRE TEAM- A team of 2 soldiers

IC- Broad term for an individual who is the Commander or 'In Command' (Examples: Section IC, Platoon IC, Company IC)

RECCE- Reconnaissance soldiers, often broken up into "Elements" or "Platoons" (Pronounced "Recky")

2IC- Broad term for an individual who is 'Second in Command' (Examples: Section 2IC, Platoon 2IC, Company 2IC)

BOW- Front of a boat

CADPAT- Canadian Disruptive Pattern

CDS- Chief of the Defence Staff

CIC- Combat Information Center

CVN- Hull Classification symbol. "C" means aircraft carrier, "V" indicates fixed wing (vice rotating wings as on helicopters), and "N" stands for nuclear powered. So CVN means "aircraft carrier, fixed wing, nuclear powered." 001 represents the ship's Identification number to other NATO vessels on sonar.

CIWS- (Sea-whiz) or Close-In Weapons System or any variant is standard on all NATO vessels and is capable of firing radar guided 20mm shells from is Gatling gun on a swiveling base. Nicknamed 'R2D2' Because of the dome-like housing.

C.O- Commanding Officer of the vessel. Commonly referred to as "Captain" although rarely does a C.O hold such a rank. Unless an officer aboard holds the rank of Captain than the crew is free to call his/her C.O the captain

X.O- Second in Command of the Vessel

EMP- Electromagnetic Pulse. Short circuits all technology within a given range

FANTAIL- Rear gangway system that spans the entire vessel

FLANK SPEED- Flank speed is a nautical term referring to a ship's real maximum speed, but it is not equivalent to the term full speed ahead. Usually, flank speed is reserved for situations in which a ship finds itself in imminent danger.

HELM/HELMSMAN- Junior officer in command of steering the vessel while under the leadership of a senior officer. The helmsman is bound to follow the orders of these officers even if it threatens the safety of the ship and cannot make judgment calls on behalf of officers.

HMCS- Her Majesty's Canadian Ship.

HMCS ALGONQUIN- Iroquois class destroyer used by the Royal Canadian Navy from 1973- 2015. Carries the NATO standard DDG classification.

HMCS BONAVENTURE- Fourth and final aircraft carrier used by the Royal Canadian Navy. After a service of 14 years, she was decommissioned and scrapped in 1971.

HMCS ENDEAVOUR- Research ship that was first through the anomaly. The Polar Class 2 Icebreaker was commissioned by the Canadian Coast Guard, later procured for the expedition.

HMCS SIR ISAAC BROCK- Canadian Amphibious Assault Ship, based upon the American Wasp Class under the same classification. Modified from the American design to complement fixed-wing aircraft.

JDAM- The Joint Direct Attack Munition is a guidance kit that converts unguided bombs, or "dumb bombs," into all-weather "smart" munitions. Canadian variants require laser targeting from troops on the ground.

J.A.G- Judge Advocate General. The Entity responsible for providing lawyers for military cases in summary trials or court marshals.

KNOT- Unit of speed that represents one nautical mile. Equivalent to 1.8 km or 1.1 miles.

LAV- Light Armoured Vehicle. Standard troop transport and defensive vehicle used by Canadian Infantry

LEOPARD 2A4M CAN MBT- The Leopard 2A4M Main Battle Tank is the Canadian Forces' tank of the armoured corps. Originally made in Germany, the Leopard 2 has seen many upgrades and changes at the hands of the Canadian military.

MARK-45 NAVAL ARTILLERY- Features an automatic loader with a capacity of 20 rounds. These can be fired under full automatic control, taking a little over a minute to exhaust those rounds at maximum fire rate. The gun is designed for use against surface warships, anti-aircraft, and shore bombardment to support amphibious operations.

MILCOT- Military truck

NAVIGATION/ NAVIGATION OFFICER- Typically the third highest ranking member of the command crew and is in charge of updating the C.O or X.O with relevant navigation data and updates from the ship's CIC, flight control and listening stations.

NCM- Non-Commissioned Member of the Canadian Armed Forces (Private Basic- Chief Warrant Officer)

OOW- Officer of the Watch. Also, acts as a temporary commanding officer if the X.O or C.O is not present on the bridge.

PM- Prime Minister of Canada

PORT- Left-hand side of the ship

REVOLUTION LIMITERS & ENGINE SAFETIES- Safety protocols to protect the engines from long term damage due to overworking. Such protocols can be temporarily overridden to increase the speed of a vessel when receiving resistance from the sea or to decrease the distance to a target.

RHIB- Rigged Hulled Inflatable Boat. Fits 8-12 people including a driver and an optional gunner on the bow

UNS BASE GUAM- United States Naval Station Guam is one of many NATO designated ports for member nations to use and serves as an ANNEX for Navy ordnance

USS PENNSYLVANIA- SSBN- 735 serves as one of many American Ohio-class submarines, outfitted with 24x TRIDENT II Nuclear cruise missiles. With a 475 Kiloton yield per missile, 735 as well as her sister ships, serves as an important part of America's Nuclear Triad.

QUIET ORDERS- Systematic orders to reduce the effects of sonar upon a target by reducing the amount of noise and visual identification markers on the surface.

SEA-AVENGER- Unmanned Carrier-Launched Airborne Surveillance and Strike aircraft.

STARBOARD- Right-hand side of the ship

STERN- Back of a ship

CF-18- Canadian F/A-18E/F Super Hornet variant.

C7A2- Standard Issue Rifle to the Canadian Armed Forces. 5.56x45mm round.

C8- Carbine variant of the C7A2

BROWNING HI-POWER- Standard handgun of the Canadian Forces. Typically used by officers and section commanders, however, on deployments, they are issued to regular troops. (Yes, it is 'Hi' Power, not 'High' power oddly enough.)

C-13- Standard issue fragmentation grenade for use by Canadian Infantry.

M203- Grenade Launcher capable of being under mounted to the C7A2. 40mm Grenade. FOURTY MIKE MIKE- Another name for the M203 grenade launcher. The weapon fires 40mm grenades and the phonetic alphabet title corresponding with M is Mike.

C9A2 LMG- Canadian Forces Light Machine Gun. Remarkably similar to the US military's M249

THE 9- Slang for the C9A2 LMG

C6 GPMG- The C6 General Purpose Machine Gu n is a platoon weapon chambered in 7.62 caliber rounds. There is generally one per platoon. However, it can also be mounted on top of vehicles such as the LAV III

25MM CANNON- The primary weapon of the LAV III. Fires heavy 25mm rounds. Can be referred to as "The 25."

CARL GUSTAV- The Carl Gustav, or Carl G, is an 84mm 'recoilless rifle' capable of anti-armor missions. It is a shoulder mounted rocket launcher.

DANGER CLOSE- A warning to ground forces that an attack from artillery or air units may be dangerously close to their position.