lThe snow had stopped falling as Dirk stood watch on the roof of the hanger. Looking out over the white blanket that covered the airport it was almost hard to remember that there was any danger. However, Beneath that seemingly Innocent snow lurked pockets of the creatures laying in wait, ready to spring up and drag their victims to their deaths. Movement to the left caught his attention. Peering into the darkness, Dirk saw something he didn't expect. A deer. Fleeting thoughts of trying to add fresh meat to the menu were quickly dashed, as hands shot up from the snow and dragged the struggling deer to it's death.

"Anything out there?" Andrei asked from the doorway

Dirk turned and faced the young Russian "No, I thought we might have some deer meat, but those things had other ideas" Dirk answered with a wry smile

"I have the watch sir, you should get some rest." Andrei said as he took the binoculars from Dirks outstretched hand.

Dirk nodded as he handed the binoculars to Andrei. He quickly walked to the hatch and climbed down the ladder into the warmth of the hanger. Dropping onto the catwalk with a loud metallic thump he quickly moved down to the ground floor. As he walked across the polished concrete floor of the hanger, his footsteps echoed. Rubbing the two day growth on his chin Dirk knew he was ready for some food and sleep. He reached into one of the large crates and pulled out a MRE. Walking to the Huey II's cockpit and sat down. He tore open the thick plastic package and attacked the sealed food inside. As he ate he put the headset on and got ready to transmit his nightly message.

"One, this is two, respond" He said

"Station two, this is one. All clear. Over" A voice came back

"Roger that one. Have a good night. Two out" Dirk said,

"To any U.S. forces or civilians within my transmitting area. This is Captain Pitt, United States Marine Corps. I can provide not only food shelter and protection, but information on a new threat called the brotherhood. If you can hear me please respond. Over" He said, as he had every night after his nightly watch.

As Dirk finished his meal he repeated the message several times. Then leaning his head back he slowly lost the battle to sleep, until the dead radio came to life.

"Captain Pitt, this is Colonel Danial Trainer, United States Army. Do you read?" A voice said out of the static.

Dirk's eyes flew open wide as he came fully awake "Colonel Trainer, This is Captain Pitt. Go ahead." Dirk said excitedly

"You don't know how good it is to hear your voice Pitt. You're the first contact we've had with anyone in years. How many in your command?" Colonel Trainer said.

"I'm in command of seven Russian soldiers that surrendered to me. You Colonel?" Dirk asked

"I started out commanding first Ranger battalion. Fifteen hundred men. As of now I have twenty five men. We're hold up on Governors Island, in Castle Williams. Its the circular fortification of red sandstone on the northwest point of the island. So far we're secure, but we're running low on ammunition and food. What is your sit rep?" The Colonel asked.

"I have power, food, weapons, ammunition and vehicles. I also have three helicopters, however I am unable to get the aircraft out of the hanger until I'm able to clear the snow from the door, sir" Dirk answered

"Roger that Pitt. We're on our last leg here. Most of the men are either wounded or ill. I'm not sure how long we'll be able to stay here before heading back out to search for food. Report tomorrow on your progress with the doors.Trainer out" The Colonel said

The entire conversation lasted for less that three minutes, but it gave Dirk hope. Climbing down into the bunker he woke Pavel up. The bleary eyed Russian sat up and looked at Dirk.

"Is something wrong? Are we under attack?"" He asked reaching for his AK-74.

"No, everything is fine. I've made contact with a small group of American soldiers. There hold up on Governors island and they need an evac. That means we have to cross the snow and bring back the deicing tanker truck." Dirk said

Pavel thought for a moment. "I believe I know where it is. The last time I was on the roof I saw the airport maintenance hanger. If it's anywhere it's there. We'll need to get in the terminal and move to the western end. From there it looks like the hanger can be accessed."

"OK, we move out at first light." Dirk said

Six hours later....

Dirk followed Pavel down the ladder into the makeshift snow-cat the Russian soldiers had constructed to make the trip to the airport. Sitting down in the passenger seat he held his M-4 ready for action. Pavel slid into the drivers seat and started the engine. After allowing the motor a few moments to warm up Pavel drove the two men across the taxiway to a parked airliner. The United Airlines 777 stood where it had for the past four years, still attached to the terminal by the passenger loading ramp. Snow had covered it's landing gear in tall drifts reaching almost to the bottom of the fuselage. Looking up at the body of the aircraft Dirk could see blood covering several of the windows that could still be seen through the snow that clung to the jet. Stopping the truck by the wing, Dirk and Pavel climbed onto the right wing of the long dead aircraft and approached the emergency exit. Brushing a thick layer of snow off the emergency exit door, Dirk found the manual release latch and slowly opened it.

A burst of stale, rancid air came flowing out like a long held dieing breath. Turning his head away for a moment, Dirk pulled the door the rest of the way and shined his light into the darkened cabin. What he saw looked like an old slaughterhouse. Men, women and children's bones lay where they fell, some still strapped into their seats. Dirk thought about the last days, people crowding airports and highways trying to get away from the relentless hunger of the walking dead. It looked like these people were a few minutes too late. Entering the 777 Dirk, followed closely by Pavel moved down the right isle, As the men stepped over the dismembered body of what looked like a young woman covering a small child, Dirk resisted thinking about these peoples last moments and moved forward.

Reaching the front of the aircraft, the two men cautiously entered and crossed the long ramp connecting the aircraft to the terminal. As they entered the terminal the carnage seemed to have follow them. Bones of victims were scattered about the floor. Years old dried blood covered the walls and floor of the waiting and check in areas.Darkly colored shafts of light from the filthy blood crusted windows were filled with dust particles stirred up by the men's footsteps. The air was heavy with the smell of old death as they progressed further into the terminal. Passing the gates and entering the shopping area they came to what must have been a barricade. The body parts and shredded uniforms told the story.

"Looks like its must have been the last stand" Dirk said looking at the shattered barricade "Must have been a hell of a fight."

Pavel looked at the remnants of man and barrier "I wonder how many people they bought enough time for." He said as the two men cautiously made their way passed the long forgotten battle.

The rest of the terminal was less of a battlefield then the gate area had been. Shops, bars and restaurants lined the walls of the large hallway. The white floors, covered by a thin layer of dust, only had a few spots of dried blood or bones scattered about. Reaching the western end of the terminal Dirk found a door labeled "Maintains Hanger Entrance. Authorized Personnel Only." Looking at the door Dirk saw that the door would have been locked with a magnetic locking system, however without power it was wide open. Opening the door Dirk swept his light from side to side.

The hanger was about half the size as the one they occupied and totally without power. Several vehicles in various states of repair sat in neat rows waiting for service. Dirk walked down the rows, his M-4 ready to fire, until he found what he was looking for. The deicing truck looked like a cross between a snow plow, a tanker and a fire truck. Checking out the information on the side of the truck it looked to have a nineteen hundred gallon tank and was primarily used for aircraft deicing, but could be used for clearing runways as well.

"OK, you get the thing started, I'll open the doors." Dirk said to Pavel, who was already looking under the large hood of the vehicle.

After an hour of working Pavel managed to get the truck running as Dirk continued to work on the doors. At last the hanger doors locks opened and the large doors slid open. Looking back Dirk watched Pavel's face go from happiness to horror in a few seconds. Turning quickly Dirk saw what had horrified the staunch Russian solider so badly.

Fifteen of the creatures stood a few yards away from the door looking more energized and alert than Dirk had seen them sense the snow had started to fall. They it hit him. These were the ones that had dragged the large buck down. As they ate it they were energized and able to pull themselves out of the snow. Now they were warmed up and ravenous, ready to run down anything that moved, and as of this moment, it was Dirk.

"Go!" Dirk shouted as he turned and ran back into the terminal

Pavel reluctantly obeyed the order and sent the large truck plowing into the cold morning, sending snow and creature flying through the air. The creatures, seeing an easier meal, pursued Dirk.

Stumbling through the terminal door, Dirk got back to his feel and ran. After a few moments he heard the door slam open behind him and the thunder of footsteps from his pursuers. Turning on the run, Dirk fired his M-4 on full auto. The rounds struck harmlessly on the marble floor to the right of the pack. Cursing his luck, he rounded the corner and dove over the old barricade. He knew he a choice at this point. He could stand and fight. With any luck he could kill them before they over ran him or he could make a run for the 777 and close the door. In a split second he chose. Running with everything he had left Dirk tried for the 777. As he did he could hear the door slamming open again echo in the empty terminal.

"Fuck me, they brought friends for dinner" He said to himself between gasps for air.

Sucking the cold stale air in and out of his lungs Dirk felt his muscles start to burn. Seeing the gate coming up fast, Dirk pushed himself harder. It wasn't good enough. The creature had been fast when it had been alive and called Roger, it was even more so now. Leaving it's pack far behind it closed the distance to the running meat quickly. Then launching it's self onto the meat's back it latched on to the meat's back, sending both man and monster tumbling to the ground. Dirk felt the creature hit him and his legs being swept from under him. Hitting the ground hard he twisted from side to side trying to throw the creature off him before the others made it to him. As the creature fell off Dirk's back both man and monster got to their feet quickly. Bringing up his M-4 as the creature jumped at him Dirk fired a stream of bullets at his attacker stitching it from the chest to its head, destroying the heart and brain. Dirk jumped over it and resumed his mad dash towards gate 13 and the 777.

Running through the gate, Dirk entered the aircraft and slammed the door shut. Only then did he realize that the main locking system for this door was electronic. Turning, Dirk ran back down the right isle and out the emergency exit over the right wing, the creatures right behind him. Jumping out of the door out onto the wing Dirk slammed the door shut and tried to latch the door, but the creatures threw themselves against the door, throwing Dirk off the wing onto the snow drifts below. Scrambling up onto his feet Dirk jumped into the drivers seat of the snow cat and slammed his foot on the accelerator.

The snow-cat's engine roared as the makeshift vehicle lept forward, leaving the creatures on the wing of the aircraft behind. Then as quickly as the engine roared to life it went silent. Looking back Dirk could see the creatures jumping off the the wing and resuming their pursuit.

"Start you fucker" Dirk shouted as he tried to start the engine unsuccessfully.

"Shit, shit" He shouted as he realized that the snow-cat had run out of fuel.

Jumping out of the snow-cat Dirk ran across the runway towards the hanger, following the trail the deicing truck had made in the snow. Twenty yards from the hanger Dirk heard the M-240s he had placed on the roof come to life. Hundreds of 7.62 mm rounds rained down on the creatures, tearing them apart until they quit moving. Climbing up the truck and then the ladder, Dirk pulled himself onto the roof.

"Let's remember to fill the tank before I take any thing else out, OK?" Dirk said as Pavel help him up.

"Yes sir. How large an area do you want cleared sir?" Pavel replied smartly

Dirk caught his breath for a moment. Then standing straight he looked at the big Russian. "Have a one hundred yard square cleared from in front of the doors"

Five hours later Pavel reported that a one hundred yard square had been cleared from in front of the main hanger door.

Request..

Contact with Colonel Danial Trainer
Deicing truck recovered
One hundred yard square cleared of snow in front of the hanger
All personnel safe

Oh shit son, I just had a magnificent counter idea. However holiday boorahah is getting in my way - please allow for some delay.

But oh shit.

Ok... And Merry Christmas

FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF

Good things will come your way.

In Soviet Russia, You shit on Life!

Everything is granted to the end - however I have to point out:



That was the only major glaring mistake I found.

Now for the fun part I had promised. While your roleplay is valid, I am going to modify something behind the curtains.



As the device clicked off in a dark room, a gaunt man stood up from his post, and donned a hood. He joined the rest that were wearing the same, and in the group with the pale light he smiled. "It look's like we will be having company, brothers". The rest of them nodded in anticipation. "The demon known as Dirk, he has killed many" said an un-named hood-walker. "Indeed he has, and he has more of the sun-walkers with him"

"What do we do when they come?"

"We wait"

"What do we do once they have entered?"

"We capture. Keep Dirk alive."

"What about the other sun-walkers?"

"They're of no consequence. Never trust a sun-walker. Make sure you let our night-walker brothers and sisters know that we have company. If any of them prove themselves, then they may become hood-walkers. This is monumental. Keep the lost ones away, we do not need them to interfere"

In about half an hour after this meeting, there were no Gammas in sight except for a few kept in cages, to be used as a distraction as need be.

As the deicing truck and the extinguisher were moved inside, Dirk was busy readying the Huey for flight. Running over the checklists three times he made sure that every system was running up to spec. Satisfied that the aircraft was in perfect running order, Dirk shut the engine down and exited the cockpit.

"Pavel, have Andrei get ready to move out. I want you to attach a couple of the M-240s to the doors so we can give the Rangers support while they pull out of the fort. Once the Colonel is here, he will assume command of the base and all personnel." Dirk said as he walked around the helicopter towards the makeshift chow hall the men had set up in one of the offices.

"Yes sir. I have already talked to the men about our new commanding officer. They all have told me that they would still serve." Pavel said before he moved away and got Andrei and the Huey ready for the rescue action.

Two hours later the men and women of the hanger had pulled the Huey II out of the hanger. Getting in the cockpit Dirk looked back at Andrei, who was getting the M240s ready to fire. Starting the engine, Dirk listened as a loud whine filled the frigid morning air. The main and tail rotor blades on the Bell UH-1H helicopter started to spin, slowly for a moment, then faster. That was one of the things Dirk liked about the Huey II. It could go from a cold start to take off speed in a matter of moments. A good thing if you were in a covert operation and needed to get off the ground in a hurry. The Huey II took off and hovered over the hanger base for a moment. Once the large hanger doors were closed, Dirk sent the helicopter into a banking turn towards governor's island, and the stranded Rangers.

Reaching an altitude of 5000 feet Dirk looked over the city. The devastation in some areas was epic, while the city seemed untouched in others. Pleas for help were painted the rooftops of several buildings. Making a note of each on the map he carried, Dirk resolved to try to land and see if any survivors still clung to life there. For now, the Colonial and his men had to remain the top priority.

The sun was high in the crystal clear sky as Dirk arrived at Governor's island. Making a pass over the length of the island, Dirk started at southern tip of the island finishing at the circular fortification of red sandstone on the northwest point of the island. Bringing the Huey II around for another pass Dirk saw that the entire island looked deserted. No patrols, no men guarding the walls of the fort and no creatures trying to get in the fort. A chill made its way up his spine as Dirk's mind came up with possibilities why no one could be seen, each more horrifying then the last.

"Andrei, you see anything?" Dirk asked over the comm.

"No movement, no nothing. Are you sure we are at the correct island?": Andrei asked as he scanned the island for anything.

"I don't like this, but I'm going to take a chance. I'm going to land, but I want you to stay with the Huey and guard it. If anyone or anything approaches you without me I want you to shoot it, then contact me over the comm. If anything happens to me you're on your own. Get to shore as best you can and report to Pavel." Dirk said as he landed the Huey fifty yards from the fort's main gate.

"Castle Williams, this is Captain Pitt. I've landed and am ready to start transporting your wounded to my command post." Dirk said, waiting for the a response.

I was contacted by Jackuul and told to grade this due to his engrossment with other things at this time. So let's get this started, shall we?

First of all, your grammar and vocabulary all seemed dead on. I haven't read too much of your stuff before but from what I can tell you have a pretty firm grasp on your writing style.

Now for the conclusion (Bare in mind Jackuul has given me enough info on his plan as far as your storyline progression goes for me to render this grade. If you have any problems with it though, feel free to PM me or take it up with him).

The response never came.

Dirk crept carefully, gun clenched tightly against his chest as he moved through the deserted island. Eyes peirced in search of any signs of life; or the undead.

Reaching the small camp, Dirk realized the island was completely empty. He progressed inside to scavenge for any items that he could use, where he discovered what appeared to be signs of a hasty leave by the occupants. Prepared food sat spoiled on the counters of the kitchen while full cups were spread across many tables in the dining area.

Feeling an eerie sensation crawl up his spine, Dirk began scanning the perimeter of the camp in hopes of spotting something of use. Finally, on his way towards the exit, Dirk spotted a large barrel next to some gas tanks. Upon inspection, Dirk identified the contents of the barrel as gasoline and arranged for it to be hauled back to his helicopter.

...

In another location the Brotherhood wait anxiously. All of the Brothers have the same thought on their mind: where is Dirk?

Dirk slowly entered the castle and moved through it's deserted hallways, his M-4 at the ready. Desperately searching for any sign of movement, living or dead, he moved cautiously from room to room with the barrel light of his M-4 casting eerie shadows on the walls as he went. Moving into a large room that once held a dining hall the smell of rot and decay washed over him. Tightening his grip on the M-4 Dirk searched the area. Spoiled food sat on the counters of the kitchen while full cups were spread across the tables. What ever happened here, Dirk thought, happened quickly but orderly.

"This doesn't make any sense. Where are they? What the hell is going on?" Dirk said under his breath, starting to doubt weather or not he really heard anyone on the radio.

"Andrei, this place is empty. What ever happened here, we missed it. I'm finishing my sweep and making my way back to the helicopter. Report your status. Over." Dirk said, his voice echoing in the deserted dining hall.

"Tovarish Pitt, nothing approaches. Not man or creature. Helicopter is secure and I am awaiting your return" Andrei said in a thick Russian accent.

Exiting through the tourist entrance of the old castle, Dirk came across a small fuel depot. A large barrel sat beside several large gas tanks. Opening the barrel he shined his light inside. Finding only clean, rust free walls and light amber fuel inside he resealed the barrel and trotted back to the Huey.

Dirk's heart rate seemed to slow as he slid into the cockpit and closed the door. Looking back at Andrei he pointed towards the fuel depot and told the Russian they were going to take the fuel with them. Half an hour later the Huey was once again in the air returning to their base, the barrel secured by a rope hanging beneath them.

"Base this is Dirk, come in" He said

"This is Kira, How many wounded are you bringing?" Kira said

Dirk lowered his head for a moment, once again wondering if he was cracking up at last. "Kira, no one was there. Not for a long time. We found some fuel and we are returning to base." Dirk said in a somber tone

Kira's reply came after a few moments of silence. 'We've all been under a lot of stress Dirk, you especially. We all just need some rest. Come home." Kira said, concern filling her voice.

The trip back to base felt longer than the trip out. Arriving at last, Dirk lowered the barrel of fuel to the outermost part of the clearing they had made for takeoff and landings. Either they would use it to refuel a vehicle, or in case of a mass attack they could shoot it and engulf the enemy in liquid fire.

Landing, Dirk watched as one of the forklifts hauled the Huey and it's two crewmen into the hanger. Dirk sat in the cockpit , unmoving as the large hanger doors echoed as they slammed shut and locked. A moment later Kira opened the door of the Huey and leaned in, lightly kissing Dirk's cheek.

"It's OK. Come get some sleep. Pavel said he'll cover your watch." She whispered, leading Dirk to his bed.



Request...

Fuel barrel secured on outer edge of the clearing in front of the hanger
All people safe in the hanger.

Thank you

Requests
Fuel barrel secured on outer edge of the clearing in front of the hanger - Granted.
All people safe in the hanger. - Granted.

Notes: Pretty cut and dry, just tying up loose ends. All of your people are safe but beware; the Brotherhood awaits.