A/N: This chapter will be told in first person since Captain Pineda will be telling the story from his prospective. Since the trailer for The Last of Us Part II was released, I am more likely to post new chapters. My goal will be at least one chapter a week, hopefully I can get it done.

CAPTAIN PINEDA: CHAPTER 21: That Girl You Used to Know (continued)

As I said before, I was a Sargent First Class at the time. I was a lot younger, I didn't even have my beard yet. Only recently had I been transferred into a different squad in the same 3rd Battalion. Jett wasn't the commander of the battalion at the time, he was only a lieutenant. The commander of the battalion was none other than Commander Foxtrot. Sadly he is no longer with us.

It was just a chill day, we decided to take a "vacation" in Oklahoma City, outside of the Republic, and so it really wouldn't be safe to go.

I met my new squad mate and driver at the Panhandle of Texas. That day I wore just my uniform, uniform hat, a ballistic vest, and a pair of knee pads. I made my way to the border wall that separated the Republic and the rest of the world. I had my hand on my pistol holster. I walked up to the Humvee with a man inside it. I got closer, it was a soldier. He had his feet on the steering wheel and his uniform hat covering his face. I let go of the holster when I realized who it was in the Humvee.

"I'm guessing you're Sargent Cruz?" I asked the soldier.

The soldier put his feet on the ground of the Humvee, and placed his hands on the steering wheel and looked at me.

"I'm sorry sir, it won't happen again." Cruz said.

"You bet your ass it won't," I said.

The MP troops that were supposed to be guarding the wall, were only half available than usual (the MP soldiers were majority made up of Assaults, they had parts of their helmets painted red, along with red knee, and elbow pads. The MPs and the letters "MP" on their vest).

It was an early morning. ["Explains why Cruz was asleep," Allen interrupted. "Shut up Allen!" Cruz yelled at him. "Can I continue?" Captain Pineda asked. Both were now silent.]

I opened the door to the Humvee, and enter the vehicle. I waited there for about half an hour. Then a bus arrived. The bus made a sudden stop and screech. The doors opened and two people walked out of the bus. One was a young man with glasses, this young man was… ["You alright Captain?" Allen asked. Captain Pineda was silent for a second as memories flooded his head. "Yeah, I am," Captain Pineda replied, "now let me continue."] Daniel. The other was a young woman, named Katya.

I opened the door on the Humvee to greet the two. "Hey guys!" I said as I shook Daniel's hand and hugged Katya.

"Sup Edward?" Daniel replied, "Where we heading again?"

"Well if you read the letter, we are going to Oklahoma City." I reminded. "Follow me."

I headed towards the Humvee and got in my seat, both Daniel and Katya went in the back. "Alright Cruz, drive us to the checkpoint," I ordered.

"Yes sir." Cruz replied.

Cruz didn't drive us far, since the checkpoint was basically part of the border wall. He drove into the checkpoint. Once the soldier noticed the Humvee, he raised the barriers to stop the car.

"Identification please," the MP soldier asked me.

I pulled out my ID from my pocket and handed it to the soldier.

The soldier took it and inspected it, he even scanned it in a computer. He then handed it back, along with an assault rifle, an M4.

I looked at him and asked "What's up with the rifle?"

"New regulation Sarg. Anyway do all of you guys have gas masks?"

"All dam!" Katya blurted out, "I left mine at home."

Daniel turned towards Katya and handed her his mask. "You can use mine."

She grabbed the mask and placed it over her head. The MP soldier went in his box and came out with a mask in his hand. He tossed it at Daniel. Daniel caught the mask and hung it under his shirt.

"Safe travels Sarg," the MP said as he raised the barriers.

Once the barriers were raised Cruz shifted from park to drive. Cruz now passed the border. We saw some MP soldiers patrolling the wall. But the further we got from Texas, ruins of civilizations became more common.

As we approached the now ruined city, Katya questioned how it had gotten this way. "During the U.S. Shock and Awe Campaign…" I began, "the U.S. Air Force bombed surrounding areas to the QZs. It worked to slow the infection, however it didn't matter much since the OKC QZ fell a decade back."

"The destruction looks modern though," she asked.

"Oh, well we play a role in this destruction as well. Every month or so, the Army decides to use OKC as a firing range. Using its long range artillery to rain hell on any infected still occupying the area. In addition, it has helped clear a path for anyone making their way to Texas. And it's worked. Sometimes innocent survivors are caught in the crossfire, sadly. On the plus side, it has prevented attacks by clans of hunters."

"Oh, wish they didn't have to waste their artillery on a dead city."

"Yeah you got a point," I admitted, "but I'm not in charge of the Texan borders."

"Huh."

For the rest of the ride we were quiet until we reached OKC. We made it to the city limits. I informed Cruz to stop the Humvee. He did as he was ordered. Now we were on a freeway, with parts of it was falling apart.

I got off along with the others, Cruz began to get off the Humvee.

"Cruz," I began as he turned at me awaiting orders, "need you to stay, you have your hand radio right?"

"Yes sir," he said as he pulled it out, and placed it back on his vest. Then sat back down in the Humvee.

"Alright the rest of you, let's go."

"Sir!"

I turned to find Cruz carrying a rifle in his hand.

"Your rifle!" he said as he put his arm out with the rifle.

"Thanks," I said as I grabbed the rifle.

I remember crossing the freeway as if it were yesterday, sadly, only three of us would return to Texas.

Not so long later we were in the city. Buildings in ruin, old military tanks from the QZ rusted, blown apart, or both.

I got tired of carrying the rifle, so I used the strap to let it hang from my neck. With the rifle in front of me, I would be ready for anything.

"Anything new going on?" I asked breaking the silence.

"Well I've aided lots of your soldiers," Daniel stated. "Remember I treated you a long time ago."

"Really? That was you?" I said as I stopped to point at him.

"Yeah."

"Nah." I denied. The day would go on as we explored the ruined city. We then made our way to a mall. It was one of the buildings that was still intact. This building would be our ultimate downfall.

We were talking about the old times we had back in the QZ, nothing important. We were at the center of the mall, then things started to go wrong.

We were walking down some old, powerless escalators that lead to the food court. Then we saw one. A runner in a hibernated state.

We all stood silent. We didn't move a muscle. I pulled out my pistol, and handed it to Katya. The way I acted said enough. She knew what to do, he aimed down her sight and took the shot. Right through the head of the runner.

"Nice shot!" I commented.

This one shot, would alerted the others. I then realized what I just did. We should have just retreated, but no, I thought we could handle it.

Infected came running, clickers, runners, stalkers, and a handful of bloaters. We knew what was going on, these infected came to eat.

I flicked the safety to semi-auto on the rifle. The M4 may have an auto function, but I only had one clip. Opening fire the rifle the first couple went down. Two shots on an average, is all it took. As the infected made their way up the stairs of the escalators, we retreated back up.

Soon I was out of ammo, I threw the rifle at a clicker climbing up the escalators, the clicker just screech at us. I then pulled out a spare pistol I had. Shot two shots, and then turned towards Katya and Daniel.

"We got to go!" I told them.

They nodded their heads and we began to run.

As we ran I made the call. I pulled out an emergency hand-radio that connected to the border artillery. I clicked the button that enabled me to give requests.

"This is Austin 2-1!" I yelled.

We kept running down the hallways near the stores, only to find more infected. We had to changed directions in order to avoid them.

"Austin 2-1, what's your problem?"

"My problem is that we are being chased by infected! Now, I know that your artillery firing isn't scheduled until next week, but I need it now!"

"Uhh… I don't know if I can fill in your request…standby."

"Aww for fuck sakes!" I yelled as we continued dodging and shooting infected.

"Austin 2-1, I just got the go ahead to begin firing on your position. Where exactly are you at OKC?"

"Penn Square Mall!" I yelled in the radio.

"Copy that, standby. Firing! Danger Close. Hope you get out Austin 2-1! See you back over here!"

The transmission ceased. Only a couple seconds later, we could see parts of the mall's roof fall. The artillery wiped out infected behind us.

"Yeah!" Katya yelled with happiness.

A smile popped in my face as I saw the infected go down. Daniel was still looking at the dead infected. We were in between a hallway in the top floor, I remember. He was too distracted on the dead infected, he didn't focus on his feet. Daniel then tripped and fell.

We stopped and turned back, artillery then hit the roof above us. This caused parts of the roof to separate us, me and Katya on one side. Daniel on the other.

"Daniel! You alright!" I yelled.

"I don't think so Edward, my leg, I can't feel it." Daniel replied and then moaned in pain. "Some of the debris fell on my leg, Ah!"

"Don't worry, we are going to get you out of there!"

I and Katya began to try digging up the debris. After five minutes of digging, it didn't seem like we were getting closer to getting Daniel out.

"There is no point," Daniel began, "the artillery is still firing. If you guys keep trying to get me out, you'll end up joining me. Aw shit infected! You guys got to go, I'll buy you time with this frag."

"Frag? Where did you get that?" I asked.

"When we passed a gun shop, a dead soldier had it clipped on his vest. Enough! Go!" I could hear the infected getting closer to him. Then I heard him pull the pin on the frag. "Go!"

Both me and Katya turned around and began to run once more. Seconds later hearing an explosion behind us, I only wish it were the artillery.

As we continued running down the endless hallway, someone began to speak through the radio.

"Austin 2-1," it began, "due to the fact that there are too many friendlies. All shelling as ceased."

"What?" We stopped and pulled the radio out, "what do you mean stopped!" there was no response. "Fuck! Let's go." I grabbed Katya's hand as we soon began to run again.

I then pulled out my hand radio that connected with Cruz's.

"Cruz!"

"Yes, sir?"

"Start the car, and head over to Penn Square Mall!"

"Uh, there is a problem with that request sir."

"What request? This is an order!" I yelled into the radio.

"I'm already in bound sir," he said with a bit of nerve.

"In bound or in route? There is a difference!"

I then stopped as I noticed infected in front of us, behind them a missing corner of the mall. The infected began to surround us. I raised my pistol, ready to make a last stand. Right before I could pull the trigger the infected in front of us flew forward due to an explosion.

Five Texan soldiers came swinging in the building. Kicking and shooting infected in front of them. Of the five soldiers, two were Tacticals carrying shotguns.

"Go! Go! Go!" one of the soldier yelled as he landed on his feet.

The squad of soldiers pushed forward and were now behind us. More soldiers swung right then and there. About another three more deployments of soldiers would occurr.

"Take them out!" I remembered a soldier yelling.

The last rotation of soldiers contained soldiers I was familiar with. These soldiers were Cruz, Lieutenant Jett, and Corporal (at the time) Ajax.

The three soldiers I recognized walked up to me. Two of them looked at me, and Ajax just stood guard checking if the infected would get any closer.

"You owe us both," Jett began, "big time."

"I don't understand, how did you find us?" I asked.

"Well, after Cruz informed me that you called in the artillery, I knew it wouldn't be enough. Foxtrot is pissed to let you know. He could have deployed the whole battalion to OKC if he wanted. He made saving your ass, 'volunteer work'. So of course the other platoons didn't give a fuck about you. And… you're assigned to my platoon, so you're kind of my responsibility."

"Huh." I said as I took it all in.

"Either way you owe me." Jett said as he made a gesture with his arms.

"You're not bad Cruz, thanks for having my ass." I said as I looked over at Cruz.

"Wasn't there three of you?" Cruz said as he pointed at me and Katya.

I then realized that Daniel was dead, and it was all my fault for calling in the artillery, I then told myself that it wasn't my fault. Because I didn't pull the trigger that alerted the infected.

I looked down for a second and then picked my head up, "The other, he was-"

"Bloater!" a soldier yelled interrupting me.

The soldiers were now retreating a little back.

"Stand your ground men!" Jett yelled. He turned towards me and Cruz and Katya. "You guys got to go, down the ropes!" He turned around and pointed at the ropes that the soldiers enter in.

I nodded back at my superior and ran towards the ropes. I placed my hands on the rope and turned back at Jett. "What about you!?"

"Don't worry about me! My men will be heading towards the roof for evac!" He then turned back towards his men and joined them for the battle with the bloater. Turning back one more time as he had his rifle pointing at the infected, "Go!" he said for the last time.

"Edward!"

I turned to my right to find Katya in fear.

"Just hold on tight and let gravity do the rest."

I then turned towards Cruz who was to my left. "Just like training."

He nodded back me and looked at his rope that was going to get him to safety.

I then put my hand on his shoulder to stop him. He turned to see an expression of gratitude on my face. "I really appreciate what you did back there." I said thanking Cruz.

He just nodded back at me again. I just turned at him again, "Listen, you saved my ass," I said pointing at him, "Don't need you bragging about this though, now let's get this over with."

We then slid down the ropes and landed on our feet. I then looked at my right to see if Katya was still alright. She was still sliding down the rope, about five feet from the ground. At least she would end up touching the ground.

"This is why you shouldn't be in the army." I joked after she reached the ground.

She gave me a smile. That joke was something she needed after all we've been through in one day.

We were silent all the way until we reached the Humvee. Cruz got into the driver's seat and started Humvee. After taking a nap, the Humvee was now awake.

I looked at Cruz and then gave him the order. "Get us back to the Republic."

"Couldn't agree more Sarg." Cruz turned the car in the direction to Texas and began to accelerate.

For most of the ride, no one said a word. It wasn't until we were at least 10 miles away from Texas until Katya said something.

"Poor Danny, he didn't deserve this." Katya said as she rubbed the words on the mask.

"You still have his mask." I then began to build up grief and converted it to anger. "It's all your fault!"

"My fault!" she said putting her hands on her chest.

"You pulled the trigger!"

"You gave me the pistol!"

"You could have warned me about the amount of infected!"

"You basically signaled me!"

"Stop the car!"

A huge screech resulted in this instant stop.

"Get out." I said.

"But…" She began.

"I've had enough of this, you can walk the rest of the way back to Texas. Go! Don't want to see your face again."

She then got out of the Humvee and closed the door. "I can't believe you're doing this," she began break down, "I'm going to get you!" she was now crying with a bit of rage. "I'm going to kick your ass the next time I see you."

"Yeah I bet you will." I said with sarcasm. I then turned from looking at her to looking at Cruz. "Cruz, drive."

"But we can't just leave her here." Cruz said trying to change my mind.

"We're about only 10 miles away, probably less."

"I still don't think-"

"That's an order Cruz."

"Yes sir." Cruz said as he gave up trying to change my mind.

I then took one more glance at Katya. She was bawling it out. Her hands on her face, weeping. From then on she became, "that girl you used to know."

[The point of view will now change from first person, to the usual third person.]

The soldiers were now at the barracks taking in the whole story. Captain Pineda was kind of ashamed of himself. He began to remove his helmet just to scratch his head.

"So," Allen began, "Cruz saved your ass."

"Yup." Captain Pineda admitted.

Allen then turned his attention to Cruz, "Then how come Cruz never mentions it?"

"Two reasons, Allen. One, Cruz doesn't boast as you do. Two-"

"I don't boast-"

"Shut the fuck up and let me finish! Two…" Captain Pineda caught a breath, "I told him to keep his mouth shut after we made it back to Texas."

"I guess Captain." Allen admitted. "But this story makes you sound like a dick to women."

"I know…" Captain Pineda was looking down for a second and then realized that Anderson was not present for the story. He then lifted his head up. "Damn it! Anderson isn't here, if you see him. Tell him the story if he request to know, otherwise don't tell him."

"Yes sir." Allen said saluting the Captain.

"Anyway, we've been through a lot in the past couple of days. I believe we've earned the sleep we deserve. Get to sleep men. That's an order."