Chapter 4

"Tiberium infestation has rendered 30% of the planet totally uninhabitable. Large swaths of the Earth's surface has been designated as "Red Zones" - areas that are desolate, swept by storms, and contaminated by vast amounts of Tiberium. Venturing into, over, or even near these wastelands can be extremely dangerous.

Beyond the Red Zones, Tiberium contamination has caused varying levels of environmental damage in another 50% of the Earth's populated areas. In the ecologically compromised and war-torn Yellow Zones, Tiberium fields are common - growing in the middle of cities, on farmland, and throughout the environment. Tiberium-related climate change has caused an endless cycle of droughts, floods, and severe weather of all types including spectacular category 6 hurricanes, tornadoes with wind speeds of 500 miles per hour, and exceedingly violent thunderstorms. Especially destructive Ion Storms occasionally rage out of the Red Zones to wreak havoc on cities and towns in the borderlands.

Only 20% of the Earth's surface is in relatively pristine condition. The Blue Zones suffer from minimal Tiberium infestation and have been relatively untouched by war. The populations of the Blue Zones live in relative comfort, going about their lives in high-tech futuristic cities that sit in forested valleys or nestle in pastoral farmland." -Intel Database: Red, Yellow, and Blue Zones.

Andrews Air Force Base

B-2

June 15th, 2047

1900

Aircraft of every shape and size were taking off from the AFB: Orcas, FireHawks, Hammerhead helicopters, Orca and Ox transports, even older Raptor fighter jets. It appeared as if a bee hive had been kicked, and the bees were swarming around in an angry mass. Aircraft were going off in every direction, trying to stop the constant Nod bombing runs, and to support the beleaguered ground troops.

Malich watched his objective with growing anticipation, relishing in the thought of victory. How sweet would it be to bring GDI to the ground in flaming ruins, to strip away their greatest advantage. To have Nod banners hung proudly over the Blue Zones, and to finally distribute the wealth the GDI pigs had hoarded.

Malich shook the thought from his head: he shouldn't get distracted with a victory that had not yet happened. He turned away from the small ledge he was using to watch the base, and walked over to Radec, who was stationed by a Reckoner APC. Ajay had stayed behind at the main field base, to offer intel and support for multiple commanders. That left Malich without much additional support, although he had been promised a new mobile command vehicle.

For now though, he would have to operate with limited resources, as he was tasked with destroying the GDI outpost defending Andrews. A series of barracks, warfactories, and defensive towers and Guardian turrets, all garrisoned with GDI infantry and Wolverine MK II walkers. It would be a fierce fight, and that wasn't even counting the base's primary defences, where the enemy likely had Predator tanks and more Hammerheads and Orcas waiting.

Malich relished the challenge, and he could already picture the new utopia the Brotherhood would build from GDI's ashes.

"Where is that enemy carrier located, the Huron? It shall be an excellent prize for General Qatar." Malich asked, directing his question towards Radec.

"Unfortunately, the Huron is not here. Our intel claims that was the very ship carrying the ones responsible for the destruction of our North Carolina base." Radec reported.

"Unfortunate." Malich calmly replied.

Ajay had reported that two of the remaining five Orca Command Vehicles were here in B-2. One was supposed to be here at Andrews. Malich had hoped to claim it, or destroy it, in hopes of denying the enemy an important asset.

"We have greater priorities, Commander. Our Brothers are ready for the attack." Radec reminded.

"Yes, yes of course. Glory comes later. Order the attack, I want to claim this place for the Brotherhood."

Radec relayed the orders, and Malich moved to a better position to watch the battle. The GDI forces below were already prepared for an attack, and knew of the massive militia force bearing down on them. Doubtless it would be a slaughter, but most of these "Brothers" were merely Blue Zoners, recent converts who were not true believers. They could afford to be sacrificed.

The ground began to tremble as the horde of fanatical militiamen charged the GDI outpost. Men and women with an assortment of weapons ran in with weapons blazing. Confessors in heavy armor goaded them on with verses from the Book of Nod, while Attack Buggies, Attack Bikes, and even civilian trucks converted into Technicals offered support for the infantry.

GDI was quick to respond, mowing down the Nod vanguard, and deploying their own vehicles to meet the Nod armor head on. Automated turrets made short work of the Nod force as they attempted to break through the defensive line.

"Shall I deploy our reinforcements?" Radec asked.

"No, wait for the enemy to fully commit." Malich answered.

Both men watched the slaughter unfold. The militia were able to destroy a handful of enemy vehicles, and even take down a few automated turrets. But GDI held the line, and Nod was unable to break into the outpost.

But as more militia threw themselves into the enemy fire, Malich finally noticed a handful of APCs and Pitbulls moving to the front. The last of the outpost garrison.

"Now, Major."

Radec quickly relayed the order for the real attack to begin. Malich felt equally thrilled and saddened, at the chaos that was about to unfold. On one hand, he was overjoyed that the attack was proceeding well, but he did relish in the slaughter. But he would take what rightfully belonged to the people of the Yellow Zones, no matter what.

As GDI and Nod forces battled at the outpost gate, nearly a dozen Subterranean APCs burst forth in the heart of the GDI line. True Nod soldiers, supplemented by Black Hand warriors, emerged from the transports and began to rip into the enemy. A few outdated Devil's Tongue Flame Tanks followed suit, and began dousing the outpost in holy flames.

In moments, the GDI defence shattered. But Malich had to grudgingly acknowledge the GDI soldiers commitment: they didn't surrender, and died fighting.

With the outpost now eliminated, Malich's forces controlled the outer perimeter of Andrews AFB. GDI was already martialling its forces, but whether or not they would attempt a counterattack remained to be seen. However, Malich became distracted by powerful stomping from behind, growing in intensity with each step. He turned to face what was coming, just as Radec announced,

"Ah, the Tzadik has arrived. Kane truly has put great faith in you, Brother."

Malich merely whistled his appreciation, the same kind he might give a beautiful woman. Approaching them on four massive legs, was the beetle shaped form of one of the new Nod MCVs. This new class of vehicles had been inspired by the personal command vehicle of General Anton Slavik: the Montauk. While smaller, several had been built to accommodate Nod's more nomadic nature in the past decade.

"Come, Major. We should set up in the bridge, to oversee the final assault." Malich said, smiling like a child.

As the two men ascended into the Tzadik, Malich noted the convoy of Scorpion tanks and additional attack vehicles approaching. They would be the spearhead of the next attack, followed closely by the infantry and bloodied militia. And while the attack had been timed to take place when most of GDI's air assets had been deployed elsewhere, Malich knew he would still have to deal with Orcas and Hammerheads, and thus had requested for some Mantis mobile SAM launchers.

The bridge of the Tzadik was cramped, and numerous officers manned various stations. Malich took his seat on the command chair, with Radec right beside him. Malich brought up his holographic displays of Andrews, and studied his next course of attack.

"The main gates are well defended. A frontal assault will not work this time." Malich mused.

"No, and I suspect GDI is prepared for a subterranean strike now." Radec added.

"No doubt. But the enemy, as always, is blind to their own weakness. See here? These power plants operate the main gates defences. Take those down, and the enemy will be vulnerable."

"Shall I deploy the Shadow Teams?"

"Do it, and you monitor their mission. Once they are done, I shall order the main attack."

"Very well, Commander."

Radec moved off, leaving Malich alone to his thoughts. As Malich let the noise of the technicians fade into a background noise, he focused all of his attention to the main command center of the entire AFB. He would bring GDI to it's knees, and Nod would at last obtained the empire it long dreamt of.

… … …

"Blue food is shit." Jörm spat, throwing the rest of his pizza slice away. "Its too sweet, too much chemicals."

"No wonder the fascists are so fat!" Roake laughed.

Zemerik listened to his men idly talking as they waited for the next push. He cared little to join the conversation, though if he was to add anything, it would be how oddly familiar it all tasted…

Zemerik glanced over at Akinjide, who was busy polishing his rifle. Kumar had gone off to tend to his duties as a Confessor, offering guidance to the unruly militiamen.

"Templar Zemerik. Do you know when we will attack?" Jörm asked, breaking Zemerik from his thoughts.

"I do not know, Brother. But be ready to strike at any moment, and slaughter every fascist you see." Zemerik stated sternly.

"And remember to have fun." Roake added with a sly grin.

"Yes, Brothers. Be sure to enjoy yourselves." Zemerik said in a rare moment of humor.

"Private, be sure to keep your Stinger at the ready. I want to be prepared in case the infidels deploy their damned Orcas." Akinjide suddenly ordered.

"You got it, Sergeant." Jörm replied casually.

"Everything alright, Brother?" Zemerik asked.

"Of course Templar. I…merely do not like waiting. It allows one to become lax. Better to be in the fight where one's reflexes are sharp." Akinjide stated.

Zemerik nodded in agreement. He always found he had to remind himself Akinjide quite literally grew up with war, having been a child soldier during the endless conflicts that ravaged the Yellow Zones. The man had more combat experience than even Zemerik or Confessor Kumar, which meant he also had to carry more scars.

"So we know Blue food is crap, but what about the women? I mean, besides the fat pigs, surely there must be some attractive ones desperate for a proper man to take them. Right?" Roake asked with a devilish grin.

Zemerik was about to lambast the man, but before he could even open his mouth, Akinjide had slapped Roake across the mouth.

"What the fuck! what was that for, Sergeant?" Roake asked, looking at the man with fear.

"We are holy warriors of Nod! We do not defile ourselves with such barbarism! If I hear you say that again, or Kane forbid, discover you have done such a deed, I will castrate you myself." Akinjide growled.

All three men stared at him in shock. Jörm looked down ashamed, while Roake appeared as if he was ready to fight back. Zemerik quickly spoke to prevent any further confrontation.

"The Sergeant is correct, Corporal. These infidels must die by our hands, and we will not defile ourselves in such way. I understand it is hard to resist the temptations to loot from the corrupt and greedy fools. But we shall not commit such sin. Are we understood, Brother?"

Zemerik attempted to sound like a concerned father, rather than a harsh commanding officer. He could only hope it came off that way as Roake merely nodded and fell silent.

Fortunately the awkward silence was broken, as the Nod forces began to stir. Soon after, Commander Malich's voice boomed across the radio.

"Brave warriors of Nod! Shadow Team Wraith has disabled the power. The enemy is vulnerable! Show them the fury of Kane!"

The gathered Nod soldiers let out a mighty war cry as they moved towards the front entrance. Vehicles surged to front to lead as the vanguard, while retrofitted Rocket Buggies unleashed a devastating salvo, obliterating the GDI defenders. Attack Bikes and Buggies then charged through the opening, followed closely by Technicals and the first waves of militia.

The forces of the Brotherhood washed over the runways and hangars of Andrews like an angry flood. And GDI seemed powerless to stop them. That was, until the enemy counterattacked.

As the Nod force surged into the air base, GDI tanks and APCs appeared from the adjacent motor pools. Buggies and Bikes were quickly turned into scrap as the GDI Predator tanks let loose with their cannons. Militia were torn apart by the carrier's Vulcan cannons as GDI riflemen leapt out and darted for cover. Even more GDI forces arrived in the form of Wolverines and Titan walkers.

GDI may have been slow to respond to Nod's assault, but they now threatened to completely steamroll over the entire assault force. The Brotherhood's momentum died just short of being inside the gate, and the first of the runways. Now it became a bloody slog of attrition, and Zemerik knew the light Nod force could not win such a battle.

"Where the hell are those tanks!?" Akinjide growled in-between bursts of his rifle.

Zemerik was about to reply, when new information flashed over his HUD. A marker pointed him to one of the hangar bays, punctured with numerous holes from the Rocket Buggies salvos. He and his squad were being ordered to assist an MG squad deploy and to create a strongpoint for Nod forces to rally around. Unfortunately, they would have to cross open terrain to reach their objective.

"Sergeant, we have new orders. We must aide our Brothers there, at that hangar! Jörmungandr, Roake, you take point, we shall cover."

"Right!" Both men responded in unison.

Akinkijde and Zemerik stood to fire on the countless GDI soldiers barring Nod's way into the air base. Roake ran for the hangar, as Jörm followed close behind, occasionally firing blindly at the enemy as he ran.

When Zemerik saw that both men made it safely to cover and were ready to provide suppressing fire of their own, he hastily reloaded his weapon before saying,

"Go Sergeant! Go!"

Akinjide nodded his head before he too ran for the hangar, Zemerik directly behind him. GDI seemed more concerned with the attack vehicles and militia hammering away at them, but a few fireteams still tried to shoot Zemerik down. Fortunately Kane protected him, as the enemy bullets failed to find their mark, and Zemerik reached the ruined hangar.

It was empty, save for a few scattered crates and piles of debris. But near a hole in the far wall, was a Nod confessor and two militiamen, working quickly to set up at machine gun nest.

"Brother Confessor, we are here to help." Zemerik greeted as he hurried over.

"Templar Zemerik? Good to see you! Hurry, get your men to help! You two! Rejoin your captain!" Kumar barked.

The two militiamen bowed their heads, then ran off into the battle. Before they even passed through the hangar doors, Akinjide and Roake took up operating the gun, as Jörm began piling cans of ammo nearby.

Zemerik then walked over to Confessor Kumar, who was watching the battle unfold.

"The Commander will soon order our forces to fall back to the main entrance. GDI will pursue, and walk right into our guns. More positions have been set up in the ruins. This will, hopefully, break the enemy and allow us to proceed." Kumar reported.

"What of our tanks?" Zemerik asked.

"They are moving up now."

"The gun is ready Brother Confessor, Brother Templar." Akinjide stated.

"Excellent, now we wait."

Zemerik again looked out to the battle, seeing the Nod forces slowly withdraw, one step at a time. Attack Buggies and Technicals covered for the infantry as they made a fighting retreat. But the enemy Predators and Titans easily tore them apart. Attack Bikes and Rocket Buggies desperately tried to fend off the GDI armour, but to little success. Zemerik could now only pray Commander Malich's plan would work, or else the entire attack would fail here.

"All forces! Fall back to the gate! Say again: fall backto the gate! Reinforcements are on their way, we shall not fail!" Commander Malich roared.

Zemerik tensed as he spotted the militia break and run, while Nod soldiers began a more orderly retreat. The vehicles still offered to provide protection, but many also drove away from the battle, narrowly escaping death at the hands of the enemy tanks or walkers. The GDI forces pursued the Nod infantry, hungry for revenge.

"Blind, arrogant fools." Kumar hissed.

Zemerik merely nodded as more of his Brothers and Sisters ran past the hangar, many being shot in the back and dying where they lay. But as the last Nod stragglers moved passed, then GDI pursuers came within range. GDI infantry, supported by Wolverines, were the first to come within the trap. Zemerik placed his finger on the trigger of his rifle, and waited with baited breath.

"Enemy has entered the kill zone!" Someone reported hastily.

"Attack! Kill them all!" Commander Malich barked.

Roake let loose with the machine gun, just as a dozen other MGs and laser guns went off. GDI riflemen were cut down, and Wolverines were torn open like tin cans. Bullets chewed through armor and flesh, while lasers melted everything.

As the hidden guns caught the enemy by surprise, the retreating Nod forces soon turned to face the GDI infidels once more. The seemingly disorganized militia suddenly struck back with well coordinated strikes, while soldiers rushed to retake abandoned positions. However, the Attack Bikes and Buggies remained behind, providing additional support. But they were waiting for the new Nod vanguard to take their place in the renewed attack.

Zemerik and Kumar fired their rifles, firing at anything that moved. Jörm, Roake, and Akinjide all worked the MG, running like a well oiled machine. It pleased Zemerik to see his men perform so well.

"Daedalus Actual is moving up! Watch for friendlies at the rear!"

"About time those damned tankers showed up." Kumar remarked as he reloaded, but Zemerik could detect the relief in the man's voice.

"Templar, cover! We are reloading!" Akinjide suddenly called out.

Zemerik stood with Kumar and spotted a GDI grenadier squad nearby. No doubt they would notice the lack in fire and attempt to assault the hangar.

"Covering!" Zemerik called out.

Akinjide and the others worked to reload, as Zemerik and Kumar opened fire. Their opening volley caught one grenadier by surprise, and he went down screaming. The others dove for cover and tried to fire back. Their grenades fell short, and sent up plumes of dust as they exploded.

"I can't get a clear shot on them." Kumar snarled.

Zemerik fired another wild burst, narrowly missing a grenadier's arm. He cursed as he went to reload his weapon, when he spotted a Buggy nearby.

"Coyote 3-2! We need fire support near our position. Target is a grenadier squad." Zemerik called out.

"We hear you Templar. Can you laz the target?"

"Affirmative!"

Zemerik let his rifle hang by its strap and prepared the laser designator in his tacpad, while Kumar continued to fire suppressive bursts. As the laser highlighted the area the grenadier were hiding, the Buggy moved forward, and began to chew the enemy apart with its heavy gun.

The driver of Coyote 3-1 didn't offer any words, as the vehicle moved deeper into the battle. In fact, as Akinjide reported the machine gun was ready, Zemerik noted the battle was already moving away.

"All heavy weapons squads. Move to the new destination and deploy there. Mantis SAMs have already been deployed to deny enemy air assets, you are to defend them."

Zemerik grunted at the Commander's orders. He wished to be on the front lines, slaying infidels, but he would go where commanded.

"Sergeant, break down the gun. We need to move now." Zemerik ordered.

Akinjide relayed the order to Jörm and Roake, and the three worked to take down the gun. Kumar then walked off to locate more ammo for their personal rifles, leaving Zemerik to supervise his squad, and watch for any GDI stragglers.

So, you're the new guy, huh? Val told me you showed up. I'm John.

Zemerik whirled around, weapon raised, as he heard the voice behind him. Only, there was no one there. Zemerik's heart began to pound in his chest, that voice was so familiar, he could almost place it, but it felt just beyond his reach.

"Templar, are you alright?" Jörm asked.

"Yes, Private, I'm…I'm fine."

Zemerik turned back and watched the squad work, no longer paying him any attention. But as Zemerik stood there, all he could wonder was: who was this 'John' person?

… … …

"The first runway is secure, as are the hangars. Numerous dorm rooms and maintenance sheds have also been cleared. However, I believe we may have to divide our forces. The enemy is rallying around the motor pool and the main control center. And radar indicates airborne reinforcements."

Radec finished his report, and gave an expectant look to Malich. But Malich did not answer right away. He leaned back in his command chair and studied the ongoing battle. GDI had, as Radec pointed out, split in two and rallied around two separate positions. No doubt waiting for the Orcas and Ox transports en route. He had already deployed the Mantis' to the field, ready to swat the enemy from the sky. But the ground defenders still posed a significant problem.

"No. Concentrate our efforts on the motor pools and barracks. Once the base is in total ruin, we can surround and capture the enemy command center. Pilot! Prepare the Tzadik to move. I want us positioned closer to the battle." Malich ordered.

"Is that wise, sir?" Radec asked.

"I am confident that this battle is won. And while I recognize that sentiment may be viewed as arrogant, I also recognize we are pressed for time. The assault on the Pentagon has failed. We can not lose our momentum or the entire invasion will fail. The faster we take Andrews, the faster we can support the rest of our forces in B-2."

"I…of course, sir." Radec bowed his head in respect.

Malich smiled as the Tzadik began to stomp towards the airbase, closely followed by the vehicles' retinue of Scorpions.

The sky had finally given way to night, but one may be hard pressed to notice, as the raging flames from Andrews illuminated thehorizon. And no doubt the fires of war also kept most of Washington, and the greater B-2 alight like the falling dusk.

Malich took a deep breath, for after fifty years the Brotherhood would have vengeance for its defeat during the First Tiberium War. For the humiliation of the Second Tiberium War.

He issued several more orders, and watch his forces push against the enemy.

"Commander, those enemy transport have entered the AO. Mantis operators report they are ready, and heavy weapons teams have been deployed." Radec stated.

"Good. Shoot all enemy craft down. We can't afford to allow more reinforcements to set down."

"What of the Orcas? They will tear apart our armor. We should prioritize one over the other." Radec argued.

Malich hummed as he considered that. Allowing the enemy access to fresh troops could drag the battle out longer. But allowing those Orcas free reign could cost him the battle entirely. What he would give for some Venom VTOL craft or MiG fighters.

"Pull back our Attack Bikes. Have them act as additional anti-air. But the Mantis' are to focus on the transports." Malich commanded casually.

"As you will, sir."

As Radec relayed the orders, Malich continued to ponder the enemy's strategy. No doubt the base commander was growing desperate, and that would make them unpredictable.

"Also withdraw our Black Hand forces to help defend the Mantis'. The enemy is likely to deploy troops to take them out. I believe our soldiers and their militia brothers can handle securing the base."

"Understood, sir. Anything else?"

"Keep me informed of any additional air forces brought in. We must not fail in our mission."

… … …

Zemerik watched the flames eat away at the large dormitory building. Piles of dead Nod soldiers had been placed near the flames, to be consumed like a funeral pyre. The GDI bodies, however, had been dumped into amass grave.

In the parking lot of the building, two batteries of Mantis mobile SAMs - three vehicle to each battery - were deployed and scanning the skies for the incoming enemy. Zemerik's squad was currently working on deploying their weapon in some sort of one story office building, along with a laser gun crew.

Zemerik could hear the ferocious battle still raging in the distance. He wished he could be there, with his brothers, but duty demanded he be here to defend the Mantis'. And with the presence of the Black Hand, and so many heavy weapons squads, the Commander clearly predicted the enemy would try to attack. So Zemerik would still have his chance to dispense the Messiah's justice.

"Attention all Longbow units. We have enemy troops moving towards the SAM batteries. Composition of enemy force is unknown but we are working on it. Defend those Mantis drones!"

Zemerik hefted the box of additional ammo belts and jogged over to his squad. He stepped through the jagged hole that now served as the front door, and set the box down beside Roake. Akinjide was already manning the machine gun, while Jörm was busy placing the last sandbags to help defend the gun. Zemerik moved to the window, scanning the area with his rifle's scope, as Kumar entered from the other room, where the laser gun crew were likewise preparing their weapon.

"Any idea how many of them there are?" Jörm asked to no one in particular.

"Can't be too many. Else our Brothers would have spotted them and dealt with them." Zemerik answered.

"Airborne special forces?" Roake inquired.

Zemerik was about to respond, but was interrupted by the radio.

"Longbow Actual to all Longbow units. We have two Ox transports on approach. Expect enemy attack soon."

Zemerik glanced upwards, trying to spot the enemy aircraft. It was difficult to see anything in the nighttime sky, but he could make out the small shapes of Orca fighters as they fired rockets at the Nod forces below.

"This is Longbow 4-6. We spot enemy movement, launching flares!"

Zemerik tensed as red flares were launched into the sky, casting the area into a ruddy light. At first, Zemerik didn't see anything, until the red light glinted off of several Wolverines, and their Ranger escorts.

"GDI Rangers! Open fire!"

"Laser crews, focus the walkers! MGs, take down those Ranger squads."

The laser gun in the next room fired, sending a ruby lance towards the enemy. In response, Akinjide opened fire with the machine gun, creating a deafening roar within the small room.

Zemerik spotted a trio of Rangers moving their way forward, avoiding the streams of bullets and lasers. He fired off several bursts towards them, but failed to hit his target.

"Confessor, launch more flares! We need to see the enemy."

Kumar rested his rifle against the window as he reached for the nearby flares. He quickly tossed three more red flares, before grabbing his rifle again and fired along with Zemerik.

"I can't get a clear shot!" Akinjide roared over the bellow of his machine gun.

"Shift right!" Jörm barked.

Zemerik continued to fire at the Ranger trio, always just narrowly missing them. Other heavy weapons teams also seemed to be struggling to stop the Rangers, as the counter fire was getting closer. Fortunately the laser guns seemed to be keeping the Wolverines at bay, but Zemerik knew they were not the main threat.

"Hall grenade out!" Zemerik called, as he reeled back and tossed with all his might.

The hallucinogenic grenade flew through the air, and impacted near the Ranger fireteam. It exploded in a blinding light and toxic fumes, and the surprised screams of the enemy carried over the battle. The three GDI Rangers stumbled out from cover, clutching at their helmets and screaming in pain. They didn't suffer long, however, as all three were cut down from a scything burst from the MG.

Zemerik immediately scanned for more enemies, but was abruptly knocked to the ground, as the adjacent room exploded! He quickly pulled himself into a sitting position, and stared dumbfounded at the blasted room where the laser gun crew had once been.

"Templar! Are you okay?" Kumar asked.

"What the hell was that!?" Roake screamed out.

"Rocket trooper! 1 o'clock!" Jörm called out.

"Got him!" Akinjide roared.

Zemerik staggered to his feet as the machine gun belched out another burst. The GDI rocket soldier must have been killed, as Akinjide let out a victorious chuckle.

"Longbow Actual," Zemerik grimaced in pain before he continued. "This is Longbow 1-6. Longbow 2-6 is KIA, repeat, Longbow 2-6 is KIA. Laser gun is inoperable."

"We hear you 1-6, loud and clear. Hold your position! Do not let the enemy through!"

Zemerik grunted as he lifted his rifle and resumed firing into the darkness. Judging by the enemy fire, the Rangers were nearly on top of them. Two more Nod strong points went up in smoke as GDI missiles destroyed them, cutting the Nod defence down even more.

"MG out! Reloading!" Akinjide called.

"Copy!" Kumar hastily answered.

Kumar and Zemerik kept firing, throwing burst after burst at the enemy. A squad of Rangers noticed the MG had stopped firing, and were moving even closer, until both GDI and Nod were momentarily distracted as several SAMs leapt into the air!

Six missiles tore across the sky, before exploding against the darkened frames of two Ox transports. One exploded in mid air, raining debris across the air base. The second managed to avoid a direct hit, but its tail end still erupted into flames. The Ox then began a rapid decent, before crashing violently somewhere beyond sight.

"More of Beelzebub's flies have been swatted from the sky!" Kumar declared triumphantly.

The sky again lit up with missile fire, and for a split second, Zemerik though the Mantis drones were firing another salvo. But he quickly realized it was GDI javelins, as the missiles streaked into the air, before crashing back down like an angry meteor.

"The Mantis drones are down! I say again: the Mantis drones are down!"

"We have two more Oxeninbound! We need to take them out!"

"I need all operators armed with Stinger or RPGs to deploy to high ground. Now!"

Zemerik filtered out the chaos and panic, and heard the Commander's last order. He quickly slung his rifle along his back, before grabbing extra Stinger ammo.

"Private Jörmungandr! Grab the Stinger and follow me! Confessor Kumar, cover the gun!"

"Yes, Templar!" Jörm said as he grabbed the launcher.

Zemerik and Jörm left the squad, and raced for the building's roof, storming up the stairs two at a time. The cool night air assaulted Zemerik as he reached the roof, and the sounds of rifle and machine gun fire grew in intensity. He could see the squads of Rangers still inching closer, illuminated by the burning wrecks of Wolverines.

Zemerik could also faintly make out the shapes of two more Ox transports flying over Andrews, preparing to land and disgorge more infidels.

"Jörm, take it down!" Zemerik barked.

Jörm shouldered the Stinger and aimed it high. After a few agonizing seconds, he fired a missile, as did several other Nod soldiers. Their missiles seared across the sky, and much like the Mantis' SAMs, they impacted the Ox transports. One Ox split in half from the explosions, and large chucks of burning debris began falling down.

"Again, Private! Fire again!" Zemerik shouted.

Jörm grabbed one of the spare rockets and quickly loaded it, as other Nod soldiers were already firing their second salvo. He hoisted the launcher and fired. The second Ox was sent spiraling to its death, and with its destruction, the GDI Rangers began to retreat, having failed their mission.

"You have done well, Brother." Zemerik stated proudly.

"I live to serve the Brotherhood." Jörm responded reverently, but failing to contain his pride.

"We shall all continue to serve. This crusade is far from over."

The two men stood on the roof, watching as Andrews Air Force Base burned around them.

… … …

The Tzadik was now nestled amongst ruined Orcas and Firehawks, hunkered down next to the airbase's command center. Nod forces continued to swarm over Andrews, searching for enemy survivors, or valuable resources to salvage. Most of the force, however, was resting, preparing for the second day of the crusade.

Malich, on the other hand, was still in his command chair, speaking with Radec and Ajay.

"Admiral Nazarbayev will be moving reinforcements up the coast from Hampton Roads. However, it seems the GDI 6th Fleet was able to regroup much faster than predicted, because of some upstart rear admiral or something. So those forces will be split between the various Battle-Commanders, such as yourself, while the Admiral deals with the GDI fleet." Ajay reported.

"What about Langley?" Malich asked.

"Latest report from forty-five minutes ago: the base is under attack. The same bastard who took out our Carolina base, is trying to retakeLangley."

Malich's good mood immediately disappeared. If GDI was able to reclaim one of their air bases, then it was possible they could mount a proper counter attack, supported by air power. How could Nazarbayev be that incompetent!?

"I'll deploy my forces immediately! We can not let the fascists maintain control of that air base!" Malich bellowed.

Ajay simply shook his head before he stated,

"Negative, Commander. Orders are for your forces to move deeper into D.C. Now that the attack on the Pentagon has failed, HIGHCOM needs you to establish a more permanent foothold."

Ajay's face on the screen was replaced with tactical information of the city, with Nod control areas highlighted in red. And most of the city was red, save for some unsightly blue blemishes.

"Your target will be the White House. They don't run central command from there or anything. But it is an important monument so General Qatar wants you to take it to demoralize the enemy. We can set up a primary strongpoint there to control the city."

"I still don't like leaving GDI with an important asset." Malich argued.

"I hear you, boss. But Qatar wants the White House taken. Leave Langley to Nazarbayev to clean up." Ajay stated with a shrug.

"Very well. I'll have my forces moving at dawn."

"You got it Commander. Say, do me a favor: when you do take the White House? Hang a Nod banner in the Oval Office for me? Now, go get some rest, this is going to be a long one. And you know big man Kane has got something else cooking."

Ajay flashed a grin before ending the call. Malich yawned as he felt the exhaustion from the long day catching up to him.

"I shall retire to my cabin. Call me if you need anything." Malich said as he got up from the command chair.

"Understood, sir. Rest well." Radec bowed respectively.

Malich made his way to the small sleeping quarters allotted him onboard the Tzadik. He felt both excited and anxious about taking such an important monument to GDI's greed and corruption. But how fitting a message it would be to the world, that Nod would finally bring down a symbol of tyranny and oppression. Perhaps it would inspire others to rise up, to instigate their own 'Rio Insurrections.' Maybe this truly would be the final jihad as Kane had stated.

"Sic semper tyrannis." Malich muttered to himself, before allowing sleep to take him.