I woke up and felt a jolt through my body forcing me to stay awake, even though dizziness still washed over me and I can't see a thing. It's all too blurry.

I felt a stronger jolt surge through my body properly awaking me, but I still can't see a darn thing. Every muscle burned and it felt like someone had hammered my head. This is a good sign: It meant I am not dead.

'Well not yet anyway, but with the way things are going I wouldn't be surprised I'd die in a few minutes...."

I began to tense my muscles against an unyielding pressure. I blinked to clear my hazy vision and noticed I am sitting down propped against a wall.....perhaps in a high security bunker?

My thoughts were cut short as I saw a black armoured soldier very similar to the ones I saw earlier....the ones that knocked Serenity and myself out.... well this soldier is talking to a man that seems in his early forties with long grey hair.

My vision is a bit hazy at the corners, but I can make out what they are saying...

The black-armoured-former-rebel-or-still-rebel-soldier started to speak first.
"QUASCOM said they'd consider the matter" A deep rough voice spoke, he or she was probably reporting back to this man who seems very important anyway, possibly part of the remaining key members left in the base I was captured in....

The grey haired man was scratching his chin as he glanced at the ground then back up at the soldier.
"They had considered it last time, let's hope they would consider it again". They grey haired man was full of confidence that this 'consideration' would be approved. I might've only been awake for minute and a half, but I'm not slow.

The soldier left the room as two more came in taking their place at each side of the grey haired man. The two imposing soldiers both hefted a 7.72mm assault rifle that is heavily modified and state-of-the-art, the MS17, favoured by rebel forces and manufactured by the Rebels themselves, secretly before the Insurrection War.

Then I noticed Serenity is in the same position as I am, but further down the wall. People in white lab coats that look very alike to technicians crouched over Serenity, capturing high-resolution digital video for some reason.

I jerked, trying to break free, making a lot of noise, but to no avail,

"No need to struggle" a voice said, the same voice full of confidence a moment ago. The man with the long grey hair stepped in front of me.
"Or struggle if you want. We've installed neural-inhibitor collars on you and your friend. Primarily American standard issue for dangerous felons, but NATO sometimes used this method themselves" he smiled. I could only look at him with disgust as he said that. The strange man continued to smile at my discomfort.
"Relax. I'm general Celestino"

I probably looked very dumbfounded as I was looking at this gray haired man because his smile turned into a frown, worried about me somehow so I definitely look like an idiot.....good job at first impression.

'General Celestino...I heard that name before, but where?'

I titled head slightly and very slowly, confusing Celestino as my whacked mind is trying to piece things together.

A technician who was monitoring my health by the looks of his data-pad, walked beside Celestino and tapped his shoulder to gain his attention. "Sir, this prisoner just woke up, it is uncommon for someone to be in a fully working order after these circumstances"

Celestino looked slightly worried, but just nodded at technician then dismissed him with a wave of his hand. I narrowed my eyes at Celestino, focusing on him.

"Wait, so I am a prisoner now? What will happen and what did happen to me and my friend"---I jerked my head in Serenity's direction---"down there"

Celestino glanced at the direction I jerked too and just nodded, strangely enough, probably acknowledging my sharp question.
"Well, first we put you and your virus-infected friend unconscious and found you two...aren't worth our troubles, so wanted you to be our...medical assistants...yes medical assistants"
Celestino was stroking his chin while grinning, waiting for my response, but I am not buying it. If they want my trust they have to earn it, and I don't care what situation I am in.

"If you let me and her out of these locks, we might consider your demand" my sharp reply was answered immediately, thanks to Celestino ordering people to let me and Serenity out. That's step one done. Step two....try to escape.

Serenity growled at anyone who came near to her, it seems she doesn't like places with a lot of people, which could explain she was in the forest instead of....like anywhere else, not that I am complaining.

Then....it clicked....Celestino....
Strength and Authority practically made Celestino. Power, was what caused people to fear him, enemies and allies alike, he was to be feared and respected. Elegance made him intimidating, to his speeches at congresses and even at regular conversations. Formality made him unpredictable....at best. So it would be for the best of my wellbeing, not to piss off one the most influential and powerful Rebel Leaders. All this information came to me now.

I turned my head to to face Celestino who faced me back, we were both waiting for Serenity to come over, but I might be able to ask him a question before moving on.

"Celestino, how long have I been unconscious? Just to take time into consideration" I made sure I am always polite and not naive to this man.

Celestino thought for a second before answering my question, probably not his concern how long prisoners were unconscious.
"You have been unconscious for twelve hours-" Celestino was interrupted by Serenity coming into the conversation, making a trio instead of a duo, with two motionless soldiers behind Celestino, which I forgot they were even there. Celestino stopped himself and grinned at Serenity, than glancing back at me.
"Well, you both know I am general Celestino, now you wouldn't mind introducing yourselves for me"

I exchanged a quick glance at Serenity, who did the same as me, but I plan on speaking first.

I spoke up first "I am Kenny Brook".
I am trying to be polite....best way to gain trust so I can leave this place a lot easier and quicker. Celestino looked over to Serenity for her name, but she growled at the look Celestino gave her, making Celestino narrowing his eyes at her. Serenity didn't say anything, probably due to her Nightwalker instincts kicking in.

Celestino turned his head over to Serenity again. "Silent type huh, well welcome Mrs Silent". Celestino sounded a bit harsher already, so it was best just to give him what he wants.

Celestino walked out of a doorway and beckoned the two of us to follow him. We followed, but that didn't stop the two guards walking behind us, watching and ready to pounce, much like an Eagle would do to its prey.

So the 'Let's follow Celestino gang' and myself included is walking through the dark grey metal hallways. White lights ran along the ceiling of the hallway, emitting a source of illumination, albeit a very dim source of illumination.
I see glimpses stairways leading to underground chambers if not further underground if I am already underground. The walls bedecked with rough designs of the Rebel emblem's and of troopers posing heroically, of designs of forts, of aircraft, the Rebel flags and finally the Insurrectionist Eagle.

The only sound was the clamp of feet, of heavy, military metal boots, clamping at the metal floor after taking each step. The clamping sound echoed through the hallways. Sometimes a fireteam of soldiers or a group of staff personnel would walk by, but other than that it was silent and lonely for the most part, except Serenity's occasional growls which everyone ignored.

After taking several turns through the never ending hallways that brought silence between everyone, I thought I am being led to the War Council chambers, but to my luck Celestino took a right and what lied before us was a large doorway or should I say gateway, that is the gateway of a vehicle depot by the looks of it.

Celestino turned himself to face me and Serenity, showing his back to the entrance of the vehicle depot while the two monotone guards just walked past us, then each one stopped and stood at one side of the general who is no other than Celestino.

Celestino took a quick glance at me and Serenity before lifting his arm and jerking his thumb behind his shoulder, obviously indicating about this vehicle depot looking place.
"This is a vehicle bay" Celestino stated.

'Dang it I was so close to getting it right...why can't it just be a depot instead of a bay"

Celestino continued on immediately after his statement.
"Instead of medical assistants I want you two to helping out over here, any trouble caused by any of you, you will be facing punishment"--- Celestino turned his head quickly to face Serenity when he said 'trouble'---"You both have two weeks to learn how to operate and fix these vehicles, right now enjoy your stay, don't worry about where to go, other members in this bay will tell you where to go". Celestino walked by me and left the area, followed by the same two guards. For a moment me and Serenity just stood in place, unsure if we wanted to enter the bay. It would be best not to get into any trouble, so probably going inside is the best way.

"Come on now, we don't want trouble at our first day do we?" I whispered this to the motionless Serenity who just done a 'no' nod at me.

I entered the vehicle depot; correction vehicle bay and seen all the commotion. People with stained uniforms and some with helmets and visors walked around the place, rushing from one point to another, carrying tools and working away, fixing some of the ground vehicles which looked like armoured cars of sorts. Machines that looked like a metallic arm with several tools attached and with many joints moved up and down the tracks at the sides of a conveyor, making more machines and different machines.

I stood in place for moment looking around this warehouse type place with Serenity at my side, who followed me. Also she looks very disinterested at this place, except the fully functioning ground vehicle she currently has her gaze in, probably thinking about escaping already.

A black armoured rebel soldier with a red visor covering his face walked over to me and Serenity. We both turned ourselves to see the soldier coming our way. This person is obviously a male due to his built and frame. His armour was different than the common soldiers, it had more edges and was more rugged and armoured, yet faintly resembling military formality and elegance, screaming that this person is an officer of sorts.

The rebel approached us. I can't see his face beneath the visor, but I can tell he was eyeing me and Serenity. He stopped in front of us and left a metre space between himself and us.

"I believe you two are the newcomers General Celestino sent, am I correct". The rebel opened this conversation with his emotionless, monotone, expressionless, deep voice that made it intimidating to me, not sure about what Serenity thought, but I wouldn't want to mess with this guy.

I glanced at Serenity making sure she is beside me, than I made myself look into the this rebel soldier's visor, mentally gulping.
"Yes, you are correct" I stated firmly, no need to add anything more or less, just get to the point with these people.

The rebel turned his head fully in my direction, facing me.
"That is yes sir to you, understood?"

'Okay this guy is definitely an officer, officers don't like it a when simple action undermine their authority'

I nodded at the now known rebel officer.
"Understood, sir" I obeyed this officer, waiting for his new orders that would probably help me escape this place.

The officer now faced Serenity, waiting for her response, but she didn't say anything, she only nodded indicating she understood. The officer replied with just a nod back, probably assuming Serenity is a mute. Do they even know she is a zombie? Celestino? Yes, and the people that were monitoring her? Definitely yes. They were probably studying ways to cure this virus, hence why they had video monitors on her.

The rebel officer tucked his arms behind his back and continue to focus his attention on the two newcomers, which is me and Serenity....
"Now you both have to change your clothes into the uniform that is mandatory when on duty in this place. The changing rooms are down right behind me with a sign on it's door. Then I want you's to go the recipient which is beh----"
The rebel officer was interrupted by a simple maintenence mechanic, who approached, saluted and nervously whispered.
"Sir, sorry for interrupting but there is a commotion going on. External sensors are off-line and prisoners from Q-5 to Q-15 have armed themselves and are not listening to orders, and- and"--The maintenance mechanic is sweating bullets--"they are threatening us to leave them alone"

The Rebel officer sighed sadly, while dropping his head to the ground, then shooting it back up and gave the mechanic his full attention.
"Get all the personnel out of here. Sound the general alarm. Tell the soldiers to police the armoury and the vehicles and tell the liftships to---".
A buzzing sound filled the air. I spied a blur of spinning metal though a different doorway at another part of the vehicle bay. At a fraction of a second, Serenity quickly pulled me down behind a metal plate, which acted as a railing. It took me another fraction of a second to hear the mechanical 'WHIRRR' of eight-armed Asteroidea antipersonnel mine, it's pressure trigger jammed with a chunk of metal, just before it detonated, all eight of them simultaneously.

Everyone standing in the room doubled over from the concussive force of hail and shrapnel.
Metal pinged off the metal plate I ducked behind with Serenity. In the corner of my vision, I see the rebel officer recovering and whip out his two SMG's, he is duel wielding the two of them, searching for any targets before running off somewhere. A rebel Warhorse which is a car-like vehicle entered into the vehicle bay opposite from where the Asteroidea mines exploded.

Six rebel commandos barged out of their Warhorse, weapons ready, shaking their heads to clear the disorientation of the high speeds they were driving to respond to this situation.

Groups of men and women equipped with weapons, primarily pistols and a few SMG's came rushing out to meet the commandos, firing as they move into coordinated positions. The Warhorse has been left beside me and Serenity, and no one is guarding the vehicle, all Rebels moved to attack, and pin down the attackers, retaliating against the revolt-ers.

The entire warehouse shook with explosions and bullets zoared though the air, some hitting their targets and some missing. This will only cause more zombies to rise from the dead inside of here. The Rebel officer from earlier returned with a group of other rebel soldiers and they grouped up with the commandos, then made a push to the revolt-ers positions outside doorway they came in.

I have a perfect idea. The Warhorse. The escape.

A large metal door that made up an entire side of the building began to open up, to ventilate all the carbon emissions and smoke inside the vehicle bay that was caused by the explosions and gunfire, damaging and exploding some of the machines stationed here.

'What a true waste of machinery that is desperately needed by other people'

As the skirmish continued to go on, I finally decided to go ahead and attempt to escape, at least. The Warhorse laying beside me, desolate and the main doors of the vehicle bay opening, giving me the perfect chance to escape.

I tapped Serenity's shoulder, she responded by turning her herself to me.
"Serenity, how about we take that armoured car and make a run for it?" My suggestion was met with a devious smile and a continuation of nodding, agreeing to what I am proposing.
"Alright c'mon then, I ain't waitin' around for the guards to catch me running back home" I said, also taking the initiative too.

I immediately start running to the Warhorse, opening the door and propped myself behind the drivers wheel, Serenity came inside beside me at the passenger seat. I pulled the Warhorse away, then with a squel, I reversed it till I was satisfied and then pressed my foot at the accelerator, rushing out of here, with the fastest speed I can handle without crashing into something.

Three more Asteroidea antipersonnel mines could be heard, arcing their way, whirling like a child's toy, each landed to some of revolt-ers positions-- and exploded.
White-hot metal fragments cut through most of the revolt-ers like a scythe. While all the action is going on, I continued at my escape with Serenity, the Rebel forces are too preoccupied at the moment, but it wouldn't be long till they are finished with the revolt and notice our intentions, if we don't get put of here quick enough.

I exited out of the vehicle bay, with Serenity beside me in the Warhorse. The thick corrugated steel doors screeched and buckled, and with a shower of sparks the Warhorse left, barely able to fit through the space provided by the doors.

"We can forget about stealth now" I said over to Serenity who is very quiet as of lately. I thought of general Celestino.
Unfortunate. Celestino holds secrets of the Rebel's command and intelligence structure-secrets I have the barest glimpse of. Their capacities have been greatly underestimated, I thought the majority of them died when the apocalypse happened.

The Warhorse's radio was left on by the rebels, so I am able to hear all the chatter. It buzzed with the now confused chatter.
"Unit One unresponsive. Gunfire reported. Escape attempt by APC reported by 17#4171. Man down! Tracking APC. Open fire? Confirm- Confirm! All units converge. Do it now!"

"Duck and brace!" I shouted to Serenity, who listened to me.
Holes peppered the Warhorse armour, piercing rounds penetrating the side like it was paper, and denting at some areas. Serenity who was ducking underneath the dashboard looked at me with concern, I have squeezed myself lower into the seat, presenting the smallest possible target, risking myself to get us two into safety.

The Warhorse billowed with smoke, but it's speed slowly increased to forty kilometres per hour. A sharp rattle came from the engine.

I felt a tire shred and I began to lose control. A tire shredded and because of that, the vehicle swerved right and then left. I regained control and I am planning to keep going, not planning on getting caught. The AP fire slowed then stopped.

"Brace!" I said and downshifted.
I made the Warhorse barrel itself through the chain-link and concertina-wire barrier, over gravel fields, and into the dual carriage way.

With the rear view mirrors, I seen a horde of common mindless zombies, jogging towards the Rebel base.
"It seems the Rebels are caught with their pants down, after trying to screw with us" I said cheerily to Serenity, who only kept her eyes on the horde probably checking if any zombies will give chase on us.

I took a late turn to the left, causing me to skid the already damaged tyres across the road. The road seemed to be called N38. Then I noticed the shift of terrain.

But 'Road' is a creative overstatement in my book about this.

I started to bounce along, mowing down a few trees like a madman, fishtailing, and spraying mud.
After a few minutes if uneasy silence, I took a dirt driveway into the forest where the cabin is. So after another few, boring, uneventful, tense yet peaceful minutes pass by I came to a stop, right outside the cabin.

I might've made a new dirtway from the one I originally took, but I covered it up as it went, and Serenity made sure of that, sniffing the area to see if she could smell my scent or the vehicle, so we would be safe, or atleast be prepared from unexpected zombie attacks, but it seems we are fine for now.

I finally parked the car beside the cabin, and took a deep breath, then, exhaled deeply, making a deep sigh Instead of a deep exhale. After all the adrenaline and heart pumping action, I feel a bit tired.

But, my mind was was cut off by a noise that shouldn't be here or be heard. Me and Serenity turned our heads to the sound at the back of the Warhorse.

"Uh Cory you couldn't do your driving any better huh? I expected you to know that I am just out-" a Rebel soldier sat up and stayed in place in shock, probably trying to process the situation.
"Who are you and what have you done?" The rebel soldier asked. Serenity gritted her teeth, and looked like she is ready to pounce on this poor dude who seemed to just wake up from unconsciousness for an unknown reason.

"I'm Kenny Brooke and this is Serenity Flyde, we just broke free from the rebel base, and escaped" I explained everything to this rebel soldier, I couldn't see this person's face due to a red visor covering it, but it seemed this person has no qualms about what is going on.

"Hey can the other Insurrectionists track us with anything?" I asked quickly, wanting to be sure that I am totally safe, anyways if this guy lied to us Serenity would catch him out.

The rebel soldier quickly took out his pistol and fired a couple of rounds into the radio communicator on the dashboard.
"Now they won't be able to track us anymore, anyways where are my manners, I am Sanders, but please call me Sandy". The rebel soldier now introduced himself as Sandy.

I thought for a moment, Sandy.... I tilted my head slightly at the Rebel.
"I heard that name before...do I know you?" I asked, totally sure I heard something about this person, and very recently....but, I can't pin-point what it is.

Sandy nodded 'yes' to me.
"Indeed you did, I captured both of you and gave directions to my squad-mates, you probably heard them mention my name before blacking out, I was a conscript soldier, forced to do things I never wanted to do, like a prisoner" The Rebel explained all this very bitterly to me, and now I can remember, remember the moment.
'"Sandy? Where is the command room'".

"Anyways we will be staying inside the cabin, want to come along" I offered Sandy, while Serenity kept an eye on him, obviously unsure about his motives, because he knocked her and myself unconscious not that long ago. I got a 'Sure' as a reply from Sandy as we all got out of the armoured APC and headed inside the cabin.

It feels like a long time I've been in here. Far too long.

"Small place, but nice" Sandy said while nodding, Serenity grunted at him, while I smirked getting my arsenal of smart remarks ready.

"Well its only meant for one person staying here not three people, but anyways you are welcome to stay" I said, slightly disappointed at myself I couldn't get a better remark....anyways.

"Anyways Kenny, I'll be away hunting now, you know deer and rabbits, it's been a while" Serenity said. I nodded at Serenity, giving her the green signal to go, but I whispered something to her only a Nightwalker hearing can hear.

"Be safe, don't come back to me crying" I smiled a little and Serenity did the same, it seems she has her arsenal ready.

"I'll be fine, also you should be more concerned about yourself, try not to fall off that chair if you plan on sleeping on it" I could only have my mouth open as a reply to Serenity's remark, I said nothing in return, accepting defeat, and I am definitely  embarrassed a little.

Serenity walked out smiling triumphantly. I heard Sandy chuckle a little as Serenity left.

"So....where am I sleeping, I still have to recover, I'll tell you about my injury tomorrow morning" Sandy said tiredly as he took off his armour. When he took off his helmet I seen his face. He had pale skin, blue eyes and blonde hair....very aryan....

I told Sandy what he needed to know.
"Okay, you can have the king sized bed in the corner over there"--I jerked my finger to the bed's direction--"Serenity will have the sleeping bag, I don't like sleeping bags, so I will have the floor or the wooden chair" I stated everything to Sandy, but I forgot something and decided to correct myself.
"Also, if you wake up hungry food is in the airtight container"

Sandy nodded at the newfound information and made his way to the king sized bed, while wearing his fatigues, I decided to give the chair another try....

'Now try not to fall off this time'

If I am being honest with myself, I have my doubts with Sandy, but I am willing to give him a shot anyways he hasn't tried anything funny yet, and Serenity doesn't seem to notice anything wrong with him, so I should be fine. If he dares even to try wake me up....he'll find that some humans transforms into bears and impale people for disrupting their sleep.

"Anyways, night Sanders, also enjoy your stay" I said groggily.

"Right, thanks for letting me stay.....night" Sandy replied. Now all that is left is the silence and darkness that envelopes me.

--------Words- 4396
Authors note.
Dang this chapter was a hard one to do, hope you enjoyed.
■□ Halo-LinnuxOnyx □■