I suppose first of a little message is in order.  As you can probably guess, the "Project" I mentioned during my work on FD1 never exactly got on its feet.  Since then I've been bouncing between ideas, testing out possible chapters for new fics, and just in general wasting my time.  Finally, I've decided to sit down and promise myself to go with what seems to have gained me at least one faithful reader.  Here then, is FD2.  Oh, and as far as GDI still having a role to play, I really was planning on that, but with Earth gone and all…well, you get he idea.  But their memory lives on…integrated into Nod's own forces.

Egypt, just before the end of the first Tiberium War

                Kane sat deep in thought in his private chamber.  In a larger, adjacent room sat the Chronosphere.  He knew he had to use it soon, and wisely.  He could feel a great change coming on.  The war was essentially over.  Nod would live on, of course-Slavik's visit made that abundantly clear.  What troubled him was the notion hat he would not.  At least not as he was.  He needed to act, needed to find out the truth of his situation, his future.  Finally, he made the decision.  He would embark on a journey of discovery…and conquest.  After all, what good was creating the future if his work could so easily be undone?

                With new resolve, he got up and proceeded to the room holding the Chronosphere.  He quickly reviewed the operating instructions left by Slavik, and the smaller, personal device that he had explained was more human-friendly.  Donning the special, protective suit, and backpack-sized transport device, he set in a series of spacial-temporal coordinates (honestly not entirely sure where he was going), and activated the device.

New York, time period uncertain

                Fortunately for his desire to keep a low profile, Kane appeared in a small alley.  Immediately he heard a fair amount of commotion coming from the street.  Stashing the suit and device in an obviously unused dumpster, he went out to the main sidewalk.  He saw a group of people crowding around one man holding a radio.  Apparently they were listening to a speech, or news cast.  Curious, he leaned into the group. 

                "We have received official word that President Dugan has announced the victory of the Allied forces, and crushing defeat of both the Soviets and they psychic terrorist Yuri.  We have also received confirmation to the rumors that General Carville, thought dead since the Soviet invasion, has resurfaced."

                No mention of GDI, Nod, or tiberium.  The device truly worked…he was in another timeline.  Kane's devious mind began to work, forming a new plan.  In Slavik's time GDI was dead, and Nod had at least a fighting chance against the aliens.  If he could alter this timeline's history…

                He began to smile as he crept back into the alley. 

Nod Lunar Base, 2032

                "Good to see you again, Slavik. I'm glad things have gone accordingly. I was beginning to wonder when you would set out on that particular venture."

                "Kane!  Uh-sir, I…"  Slavik was stunned beyond words.  After just having spoken with his leader's past self, here he was once again face-to-face with the creator of he Brotherhood in his own time.  He was different, though.  Metal plates covered half of his face, and the little of that side that was visible was heavily scarred.  But it was more than that.  His manner was different somehow.  It was as if he was a different person.

                "Relax, Slavik.  I am not here to reclaim control of the Brotherhood.  Not just yet, anyway.  There is still too much to prepare.  Therefore, I want you to keep this a secret for now.  Do not let anyone know I have returned."

                "Of course, sir."  Kane smiled.

                At that moment, Slavik's second-in-command, Lieutenant Matthew Frost, walked into the room, not expecting his commander to have returned from his venture.  As he looked up, a wave of surprise flashed across his face.  It quickly passed as he snapped to attention.  "Sir." He saluted both Slavik and Kane.

                Slavik was about to order him out when Kane stopped him, "Wait, Anton.  He will be useful.  Besides, if he is your right hand, he certainly must be trustworthy."  He turned his gaze to the lieutenant.  "I will have need of you.  You will continue to serve under Commander Slavik.  For no reason and under no conditions are you to mention my return to anyone.  When Slavik does not have immediate need of you, you will report to me.  We three have a very important task to complete before the Brotherhood can move forward."

                "If I may ask," Slavik ventured, "What is this task?"

                "Simple, my friend.  We must rebuild Cabal."