Chapter 6
"What happens if you're exposed to Tiberium? Nothing good. If you come into direct contact with Tiberium, the green matter will start to fuse with your skin within about 20 seconds. You'll feel an intense burning sensation, similar to touching a hot pan or spilling acid on your skin. A full blown infection will manifest if you aren't treated immediately. Your flesh will begin to crystallise; eventually your internal organs will shut down as Tiberium extends rigid crystalline runners throughout your body. If you breathe in the crystal, then it will become embedded in your lungs. You'll lose the ability to process oxygen as your lung tissue crystallises. Eventually, you'll start coughing up blood and will hemorrhage to death.
In some cases - and for unknown reasons - Tiberium infection will trigger cellular mutation. It's not cancer in that the mutations seem strangely directed; they don't kill you, but your body will begin to transform. The mechanism for this situation is not well understood." -Intel Database: Health Effects of Tiberium Contamination.
Washington D.C.
B-2
June 21st, 2047
0935
" – Recon units reporting large group of civilians – thirty to forty strong – are pinned down by Nod forces at the Lincoln Memorial. Requesting an Ox be sent in to extract them, over."
"Negative 5, LZ is too hot - we're not risking a bird just for them. Wait for ground forces, over."
"Command, 5: understood. Interrogative: ETA on ground troops?"
"Praetorian reports ETA to AO… ten mikes… Gunslinger 5, you're cleared to do what you can from the air, over."
"Wilco- shit! Taking ground fire, taking ground fire!"
"Command, 5, this is 1: I got eyes on a Noddie Stinger site set up on the roof of that rec center just off of that intersection, over."
"1, Command: copy that, we got eyes on. Gunslinger 2, come in and take them out."
"Command, are we sure that building has been cleared of civilians, over?"
"Negative, but you have full authorization to level any building occupied by Nod. We can not let the Brotherhood maintain control of D.C."
Voices crackled and boomed over the radio, as dozens of battles took place across the city. Units from various Army regiments, scattered Zone Security troops, and Steel Talon battalions were locked in a grueling fight for the city, which had gone on for five days now. While most of B-2 had been reclaimed by GDI, the Brotherhood still stubbornly held onto D.C., and more specifically, the White House.
While most of the 7th Division was engaged in heavy fighting along Capital Hill, the 1st Battalion, along with the 151st Steel Talons Special Armor Brigade, had been tasked with reclaiming the White House. Or failing that, to destroy it.
From what Autumn Burke had seen from the briefing, Nod had turned the old seat of power into a fortress. Hands of Nod had been erected outside, along with trenches, foxholes, and automated turrets, while the building itself had been fortified with machine gun and sniper nests, Stinger sites, and man operated laser guns.
But that wasn't even the hard part. First they would have to get past the various defensive lines Nod had established, then they had to deal with the large supply depot Nod had built over the ruins of the GDI logistics building. In short, it was going to be hell just trying to get close to the White House.
"-This is Iroquois 6, we are Winchester on everything. We are RTB for rearming."
"Command copies. Break. Command toTask Force Whiskey Hotel: be advised, we have heavy air support inbound. A Kodiak gunship will be on station in twenty mikes. Until then, all units are ordered to advance on defensive line Charlie. Repeat: all forces advance on defensive line Charlie."
Burke tensed as the GDI tanks began to advance down the streets, crushing debris and abandoned cars under their treads. She didn't envy them, but neither did she particularly look forward to her own assignment.
"Team Kilo, this is Zeus Actual. We have eyes on an unidentified Nod vehicle, sending you the marker now. Objective is to identify the target, then neutralize it." Colonel Miles ordered.
"Yeah, copy that. Team Kilo is oscar mike." Captain Havoc responded, as he tossed his cigar aside. "Okay people, nap time is over."
The old commando jogged forward with a speed and purpose that betrayed his age. Burke had to admire the old man, as she led her squad and two others after the commando.
While the main force would push up against the Nod lines, Havoc would lead a small team behind enemy lines with the purpose of finding a weakness in the enemy defences. Burke wasn't exactly sure what she would prefer, hitting Nod head on, or sneaking around the city behind hostile territory.
"Geez, who do think did more damage here? Us or them?" Haley asked quietly.
"Won't be much of a city left to save." West agreed from beside him.
"Yeah, well once we get to Sarajevo, we're gonna burn the whole place to the ground." Ramirez growled.
Burke felt the same desire for revenge: seeing their homes be laid to waste filled her with rage. Especially since she still hadn't heard anything from her wife. But she knew she couldn't focus on any of that; she had to be here, in the now.
"Mouths shut and heads on a swivel, guys." Burke cautioned, and her team grunted in acknowledgement.
The team moved through the war torn streets, passing buildings which had either been gutted by flames, or which had riddled with holes from rifle and tank fire. Burke was used to seeing such scenes out in small Yellow Zone cities, but not here, not at home. It was infuriating.
Everyone moved cautiously, half expecting an ambush around every corner and sniper fire from every window. But the sounds of fighting were off in the distance. For now anyways.
"Hey, Corporal. Any idea what this mystery vehicle is?" Haley asked.
"No clue. But if it's got Command spooked, can't be good." Yusseif answered.
"It's Nod. That never means anything good." Ramirez said.
"Contact front!" Havoc abruptly hissed.
The team quickly moved into cover around the street, snapping their weapons up. Burke moved at a crouch over to Havoc, who was currently hidden behind an abandoned police van.
"Up ahead: Nod Buggy, two squads of foot mobiles. Looks like militia." Havoc reported.
"What are they doing?" Burke asked.
"Looting, looks like. Must be some reserve group that got bored."
Sure enough, after a few seconds of watching the Nod militiamen, Burke noticed they were going from building to building, carrying out loot and stashing it in the Buggy.
"How do you want to handle this, sir?" Burke inquired, as she watched the group through her scope.
"That Buggy will be a problem. Have Freeman's squad hit it with grenades. Soon as he does, you and O'Donnell's squad open up."
"Copy that, Colonel."
Burke slipped back to the others and informed the other two sergeants of the plan. Within moments, Freeman and his squad took up position, withunder-barrel grenade launchers at the ready.
"Okay, on my mark. Three…two…wait! Hold fire!"
Burke's heart stopped at Havoc's sudden warning. She half expected the team to open fire anyways, but instead their weapons remained silent. As she felt her heart rate return to normal, she was about to ask Havoc what was going on, but stopped herself when she spotted it.
Another Nod infantry squad came walking down the adjacent street from the looters, and judging by the sudden shouting, they weren't happy to see each other. Burke quickly identified the newcomers as professional Nod soldiers, accompanied by a confessor. Perhaps they had been sent to collect the wayward militiamen, or maybe this was the vanguard of a larger force.
"What should we do, Colonel?" Freeman asked.
"I'm going to move forward for a better shot. As soon as that confessor goes down, light them up."
Before Burke or Freeman could acknowledge the command, Havoc moved out of cover and slowly crouch-walked down the street. The two Nod groups were still busy arguing, but it was clear the confessor was taking charge of the group. Burke was beginning to wonder if the Nod troops would move off, but then Havoc fired a burst from his P90, and the confessor went down like a bag of bricks.
A split second later, Freeman and his squad let lose with their grenades, and the Buggy exploded with a violent boom! Burke and the others immediately unleashed a hailstorm of bullets down the street. Several militiamen were cut down, but the Nod soldiers had reflexively found cover the moment the Buggy had gone up in flames, and were already shooting back.
Burke fired another burst, killing a militiamen as he attempted to fire back. But as she searched for another target, she spotted Havoc inching closer to the enemy. She could only guess at what the crazy old commando was trying to doing, but she kept her focus on the enemy in front of her while at the same time, doing her best to make sure her troops didn't actually shoot him.
"Squad!" Burke yelled. "Shift fire right!"
"I got a runner! On the left!" Haley called out.
"I got him!" Ramirez responded.
"Three militia! Behind that truck!" Yusseif warned.
"West! Suppressive fire!" Burke ordered.
The truck was pelted with bullets as West fired sporadic bursts. Burke then carefully targeted through her scope, and aimed at a Nod militiaman's back as he tried to avoid the spray of lethal lead. Burke pulled the trigger and watched as the man fall face forward, his back now riddled with holes. The other two attempted to run for better cover, but Burke and West cut them down easily.
A sudden cry of panic caused Burke to look up, just in time to see that Havoc had snuck around the Nod troops. The old commando was firing at the enemy from the flanks , forcing the enemy to turn their backs on the GDI squads. Havoc ducked in and out of cover, killing an enemy combatant every time.
"Push forward! Clear the street!" Burke commanded.
The three GDI squads moved down the street, occasionally firing on a Nod soldier that had avoided Havoc's attention. A few enemy soldiers retreated to the burning Buggy, trying to make a final stand, but they were too far outnumbered. The last Nod soldier was cut down and the firefight ended. GDI troops reloaded their weapons and checked over the bodies, but it would seem they had won without any casualties.
"Nice work, Sergeant. Let's keep moving." Havoc said.
Havoc again took the lead, and the GDI team continued deeper into Nod lines. The further they went, they more severe the destruction became. Entire skyscrapers had been reduced to rubble, whole shopping districts were burnt down, and countless civilian and military vehicles had been turned into scorched husks, littering shattered roads.
But before Burke could give into the despair of the situation, a strange sound began to filter through the cacophony of battle. The team immediately tensed as they heard the sound, and cautiously moved towards it. Whatever was making the sound, it sounded like a massive drill, coupled with the loud buzzing that GDI sonic emitters gave off. It was something Burke had never heard before, and it was making her nervous.
However, as the team drew closer to the source, Havoc abruptly held up his fist, indicating for the team to halt. Burke watched as Havoc moved forward and glanced around the corner of the adjacent building, before quickly ducking back.
"There's a roadblock ahead. Tick Tank, machine guns; looks like two full squads." Havoc reported.
"Did you see the target?" Burke asked.
"No. But I think I can get a good vantage point from this building. Sergeant, wait here."
"I suggest you take Specialist Ramirez with you. She's the best sharpshooter we have."
"Good thinking. Ramirez, with me."
Havoc opened the door to the apartment building, and quickly moved inside. Ramirez followed just behind, DMR at the ready. Burke quickly informed the rest of the team of what was going on, then she settled in to wait. As she did, she tuned on the general radio frequency, hoping to catch an update on the rest of the battle.
"Target: Scorpion tank! To our left!"
"Target acquired!"
"Fire!"
"Negative hit! Negative hit! Reload and-"
"Fuck! Avenger 2 is down!"
"Focus that Scorpion! Take it out."
"All forces, keep pushing to defence line Delta! We have nearly broken through!"
Burke recognize Commander Lancaster's voice, and felt reassured that her comrades were making progress. That was until-
"We just lost Jäger Actual! Did anyone see what hit her?"
"Negative! Wait…I think I have visual on- oh sweet Christ!"
The radio suddenly cut out as it became awash with static. At the same instant, Burke noticed a bright flash of red light in the distance. She wished she could rush over and help, but she equally wanted to turn tail and run. She quickly crushed down on her fear and turned off the radio, instead focusing on her mission.
"Doesn't sound like the main force is doing too hot." Haley stated.
"Nod won't give up easily, but they will lose. We've got them beat everywhere else, this is their last holdout." Yusseif explained.
"But is it really worth all this blood just to take back some old building? Why don't we just blast it with an Ion Cannon?" West asked meekly.
"First off, kid, we aren't blasting our own city. Second, we can't use the Ion Cannons 'cause the whole damn system is down. Third, shut up and act like a damn soldier!" Haley barked.
West looked down sullenly, and Burke could only shake her head. She thought that the kid would understand the duty and attitude of a soldier by now, but he still remained a cowardly little boy.
"How do you think Task Force Charlie Bravo is doing?" Burke directed her question to Yussief.
"Don't know, haven't heard much from them. Hopefully they can link up with us soon."
Burke merely nodded her head, before the team's radio frequency came to life.
"Sergeant, that roadblock is simply too much for us to handle. But we did get a look at our objective. Well, part of it. It looks like they got it hidden in a bombed out structure. We'll have to get closer." Havoc calmly reported.
"Copy that. How do we get past the roadblock?"
"Specialist Ramirez has designated the site for an airstrike. I called in the Orcas, hang tight."
The radio clicked off, and Burke now strained her ears to listen for the sound of the approaching Orcas. She did hear an aircraft approach them, but it wasn't any friendly craft, as a Nod Venom VTOL craft passed above them.
"Shit! Do you think they saw us?" Haley nervously asked.
Before anyone could respond, the Venom came back, and hovered just below the rooftops. Its chin mounted autocannon swiveled around to face the GDI troops.
"Everyone inside! NOW!" Burke yelled.
The three squads rushed to try and get inside the building, but the Venom opened fire first. Burke managed to dive through the doorway, and land roughly in the room beyond. She got to her feet in time to see several men be chewed apart by the Venom's gun. Bits of concrete and flesh were sent flying as the gun raked up the street.
The last of the GDI soldiers made it inside, but many were clutching at bleeding wounds. Burke felt her chest tighten with anger and grief at seeing her comrades wounded. But the feeling skyrocketed when she spotted two men carrying West between them.
"West! West are you okay?" Burke asked frantically.
"I…I-I wanna go…go home." West weakly said.
"We had to give him sedatives. He's been shot in the leg and was screaming and thrashing." One of the soldiers stated at Burke's concerned look.
"Fuck. Okay, set up the wounded over there. O'Donnell, go tell Havoc what happened. Everyone else, weapons ready, Nod knows we are here." Burke ordered smoothly.
"What about that Venom?" Yusseif asked.
"Who's got the FGM-90?"
"Simmons did. But he got hit." Someone answered.
"Where is it?"
"Uh, I got it, Sarge." The same man replied.
"You know how to use it?"
"You bet."
"Good. Get it ready, that Venom will come back."
The GDI soldiers moved to take up positions by windows, moving furniture to provide extra cover. A few of the others were busy tending to the wounded, and Burke shook her head at seeing West rendered unconscious. A few seconds later, Sergeant O'Donnell came back downstairs.
"We got a squad of Black Hand approaching. A few with flamethrower, most with laser rifles." O'Donnell reported grimly.
A few of the soldiers visibly tensed or gasped; hearing that Black Hand were coming was never good news.
"What's Havoc doing?" Burke asked.
"Staying up top with Ramirez. They'll provide overwatch."
"Okay, listen up ladies! This is the plan: we are going to hit those Black Hand bastards, do not let them get close! As soon as that Venom comes back around, we fire a missile up its ass."
As if to punctuate her orders, Havoc and Ramirez opened fire. Burke rushed to a window and spotted two Black Hand go down as the rest moved into cover. The ones equipped with flamethrower steadily moved up the street, only taking glancing shots from Havoc and Ramirez.
"Targets in range! Open up!" Burke roared.
Several rifles belched rounds down the street, halting the flametroopers' advance. Several frag grenades were tossed from both sides, and the explosions sent reverberations down the streets and alleyways.
Burke fired her rifle along with the others, managing to get a few glancing shots but nothing more. The Black Hand, meanwhile, had managed to kill two GDI soldiers, and the Nod elites pushed forward. A single flame trooper went down after a hail of bullets perforated his chest, but the others merely stepped over him, the light of their pilot flames now visible. Burke fired another burst, but only caused an enemy to stagger before they reached the cover of a truck. Burke was getting ready to toss a grenade, when she heard a familiar sound.
"Venom is back! Grab the missile launcher, we need to take it out!"
"Got it!"
"O'Donnell, Freeman, take down those flame troopers! Yusseif, grab Haley and follow me!"
Burke didn't wait for any response before she led the rocket trooper outside. They quickly moved into cover behind a billboard that had fallen to the street from a nearby roof. As the rocket trooper readied the weapon, Yusseif and Haley joined them, narrowly missing a stream of lasers. The Venom then flew over the buildings, returning to its original spot, now above the Black Hand squad.
"Covering fire!" Yusseif bellowed.
Burke, Yusseif, and Haley all opened fire, trying to at least distract the enemy while the rocket trooper took down the Venom. Bullets pinged off armor, and lasers soon seared towards them, leaving the smell of ozone. Burke fired a three round burst that punched through a Black Hand's helmet, killing him instantly. However, the Venom opened fire, its bullets chewing into the building GDI was hiding in. A split second later though, the rocket trooper stood up and shouted-
"Rocket ready!"
"Backblast clear!" Burke quickly responded.
"ROCKET!"
The missile launched into the air, leaving behind a thick contrail. Burke was barely able to see through it and watched as the missile slammed into the Venom's nose. The attack craft immediately lurched and crashed into the nearby building, skimming over the roof and crashing to the adjacent street. While Burke did not see it crash, she felt it as the whole street shook with the impact.
Seeing their air cover be destroyed, the Black Hand squad began a fighting retreat. Lasers began blinding Burke and the others as the Black Hand covered their escape, before moving beyond sight. Burke just breathed a sigh of relief, as the immediate threat had ended.
"Everyone okay?" Havoc asked.
"This is O'Donnell. We got several casualties. We will need CASEVAC."
"Do we have enough to continue the operation?" Burke questioned.
"It will be tough, but we got enough volunteers to keep moving." Freeman answered.
"Glad to hear it. I'll call for some pickup. In the meantime, those Orcas should be coming in any minute." Havoc stated.
Burke and her men were just about to head back inside, when they heard the two Orcas approach. They whipped by over the tops of the buildings in the direction of the Nod roadblock. Burke could see small arms fire rising up from the ground to meet them, as Nod tried in vain to shoot down the Orcas, but their bullets did nothing but chip the paint. Moments later, both Orcas unleashed a salvo of rockets, causing the ground to shake as something exploded, before peeling off, firing their chin-mounted guns as they flew away.
"Yussief, with me!" Burke yelled as the dust slowly began to settle. "Let's go and make sure the Noddies are all dead."
Burke jogged over to the corner of the building, trying to catch a glimpse of the destruction and found the entire Nod roadblock had been reduced to rubble.
"Colonel, this is Burke: good effect by the Orcas. Roadblock is down."
"Everyone on me, we need to plan our next move." Havoc ordered.
Burke casually walked back to the house, a satisfied grin on her face at seeing Nod be reduced to ruins. As she entered the house, her good mood vanished at seeing so many wounded and dead. Blood now soaked the floors, and bits of glass and masonry was scattered everywhere, along with spent bullet casings.
"Alright, we got a couple of transports coming to pick up our wounded. I want the wounded checked over and ready to go! Gather up gear and ammo! Let's hustle people!" Havoc commanded.
Burke moved to make sure the wounded would be ready to be transported quickly. She checked on bandages, helped move the more severely wounded onto stretchers, and took a brief second to pat West on the shoulder, as he remained unconscious. After several minutes, the transports arrived, and the wounded were loaded on. As soon as the transports whisked away, Havoc gathered the remaining team, and led them towards the ruined roadblock, stepping over debris and body parts.
Within minutes the team was back on track, and moving closer to the source of the strange sound. Burke fell into step beside Havoc, and as they walked in silence, Havoc abruptly grumbled out,
"Three wars. I've lived long enough to see three damned wars."
"Funny, you look old enough to have been fighting the Soviets in World War Two." Burke joked.
"Ha! If I'd been there, I'd have won the war single handed."
"Sure Colonel, whatever you say sir."
"I like you Burke. You'd have been a thorn in Locke's side."
"Locke? You mean the old special forces General?"
"Yeah, him. I've seen a lot of faces come and go over the years, but I think I'll remember him 'till the day I die."
"I haven't heard from my wife since the attacks started."
Burke cringed as the words abruptly poured out of her. She didn't know why she said it, maybe because this was the first time she had been able to sit down longer than a minute.
"Sorry to hear that. I…Nod took someone special from me too. So Sergeant, hold out hope that she's okay. And if…if she isn't, you use that rage on Nod."
Burke wasn't sure that was exactly the best pep talk, but she would take it.
They approached the building Havoc had indicated from before. An entire section of the wall had collapsed onto the street, blocking it off completely. Burke could see through the gaping hole and noticed the building had an enclosed courtyard, where their objective was currently situated. It was a strange looking vehicle, supported by three arms that ended with large treads. The main body was cylindrical, and had a large drill that was boring into the earth, as the other end spewed dark green smoke into the sky. Burke's Tiberium radiation warnings began going haywire, and she got a pretty good idea of what the device was for.
"What the hell is that thing?" Haley asked.
"I don't know. But I'm pretty sure it's seeding Tiberium." Burke answered.
"EVA, what are we looking at?"
Havoc directed his question to his tacpad, and moments later, the AI responded with,
"InOps classification is the 'Aftershock'. A Nod vehicle used for digging into the ground and creating subterranean Tiberium fields. The Aftershock has been reported as mainly being a civilian agricultural vehicle, but best estimates would suggest Nod is using it to spread Tiberium into the Blue Zone." EVA reported emotionlessly.
"They're spreading Tiberium!? Those bastards!" Freeman seethed.
"Let's destroy it, quick." Havoc said.
"I only see about a squads' worth of guards, plus a couple of engineers. Shouldn't this thing be better guarded?" Ramirez questioned.
"We'll worry about that later. Let's roll!"
Before anyone could say anything else, Havoc set off. Burke was quick to follow, with the team only a step behind. They hastily climbed over the debris, making their way towards the Aftershock, all the while keeping an eye on their Tiberium radiation limits.
As they crested the pile of debris, Burke spotted the Nod soldiers guarding the machine, as well as the Nod engineers. Havoc immediately opened fire, killing a Nod soldier before they could even react. Burke and the others fired a split second later, cutting down the engineers and sending the soldiers into cover behind the Aftershock.
Havoc charged down towards the Aftershock, but Burke decided to keep her men back, keeping to the high ground. As soon as Havoc got close, the Nod soldiers attempted to take him down, but he dived into cover before firing into the enemy. Burke and the others offered support, but it seemed clear the commando could handle this. Seeing Havoc dispatch the enemy so easily at his age, made her truly respect and fear the man.
With the guards dealt with, Havoc went to work setting up C4 explosives. Burke kept a sharp eye out, in the event Nod sent reinforcements. But no enemy troops ever came, and minutes later, the team was moving back down into the street. Once they were clear, Havoc detonated the charges, and the Aftershock exploded into greenish flames, with black smoke spewing into the air. The Tiberium radiation slowly began to die down, but the damage had been done: Tiberium would now start eating away at D.C. unless GDI could contain quickly.
"Zeus Actual, this is Kilo Team. Mission objective complete. I say again: mission objective complete."
Burke ordered her troops into defensive positions, as Havoc coordinated with Command. They were still behind enemy lines, and she doubted Nod would ignore the destruction of the Aftershock.
"Zeus Actual, do you copy? Zeus Actual? Colonel Miles? Athena?"
Burke turned to see Havoc shouting into his tacpad with frustration. Loosing communications with Command was never good, and Burke began fearing for the worst.
"EVA, try and establish comms with someone. I don't care who."
"Understood Colonel. One moment."
Havoc was about to say something, before he was immediately interrupted by a sudden burst of static.
"…Anyone hear me? This is Sergeant Foley, we need immediate assistance! My men and I are pinned down at Objective X-ray 2! To anyone listening, we need help!"
Burke waved over O'Donnell and Freeman, and the three sergeants gathered around Havoc.
"What's the plan?" O'Donnell asked.
"I don't know. I can't get a hold of Command, and you all heard that distress call." Havoc replied distractedly, deep in thought.
"Our mission was to take out that thing. Our job is done, so I say we go help our people." Freeman stated.
"I agree with Freeman. We can't just sit here." Burke added.
"Yeah, good point. Burke take point, let's hustle."
Burke nodded and rallied her squad around her, before following the holographic marker towards Sergeant Foley. He was a far distance away, close to the White House, so the team would have a long walk ahead of them. Fortunately this part of the city seemed deserted, as Nod must have pulled their forces to either help defend the White House or the Capitol Building. Still, Burke couldn't help but be tensed as they traversed the ruined streets, with the sounds of war all around them.
"Do you think the Noddies have more of those Aftershock things?" Haley asked, breaking a long stretch of silence.
"Probably. They would need more of they're trying to infest the Blue Zones. Fucking bastards." Ramirez seethed.
"So long as we kick Nod out soon, the ZOCOM boys can come and contain the infected sites. It shouldn't cause any major damage." Burke tried to reassure.
"Not with the border walls being destroyed. Not with power to the sonic emitters going down. I hate to say it, but we are going to lose acres of Blue Zone to Tiberium." Yusseif said somberly.
"All the more reason to finish the fight here, so we can get to Sarajevo. This time we need to drag Kane out alive, kicking and screaming." Ramirez remarked darkly.
"I agree, Specialist. This time, we hang him up for all the world to see." Burke added.
The squad fell back into silence, the vision of storming Sarajevo only providing light comfort. As they continued trudging through the city, Burke's mind began to turn to West, seeing the kid's wounded leg and drugged out stare. Or to her wife, seeing images of her laying mutilated on the street, left to rot. She shook the image from her head, refusing to give into despair; she still had to hope she was okay.
Imagining the death of her wife really seemed to have ate up the time, as the team had just nearly reached Foley's coordinates. Burke stopped the squad and waited for Havoc to jog over, seeing the man again shouting into his wrist mounted computer.
"Say again, Foley?" Havoc barked.
"We can't get close to the SAM! There are too many Nod defences in the way, and most of our armor has been slagged! Nod has deployed some huge walker, I think EVA called it an Avatar? It easily towers over our own Titans!"
Burke paled at hearing the absolute fear in Foley's voice. She had never heard of a Nod vehicle called an Avatar, but it didn't sound good.
"What kind of armor do you have left?"
"One Aegis, possibly a Predator if her crew can repair the tread. Other than that, a few Hunters and Wolverines."
"Fuck. Okay, we're almost there."
"You better hurry!"
The radio cut out and Havoc angrily wiped at his tired face. The situation sounded grim, and Burke didn't like the idea of walking into it.
"Listen up. Comms seem to be down all around, the main attack is getting torn apart by Nod heavy armor. Command ordered the destruction of two SAM sites to let air support in, but Sergeant Foley and his men are having trouble. We need to get there and offer support, so let's double time it!"
Havoc led the team at a run towards the fighting. The tall and tightly packed buildings started to grow further apart, until eventually they came out into a vast open space. Burke immediately recognized where they were, as up ahead was the GDI Logistics Building. Or, at least, that's where it was supposed to be, but instead of the gleaming silver tower, there was just a pile of ruin surrounded by bunkers, Stinger sites, and the towering frame of the Nod Avatar.
"Jesus Christ! Look at it!" Ramirez yelped.
Burke felt herself go numb at seeing it: the Avatar stood on two thin legs, which led up to a large, bulky body. It had two arms, one ending with a clawed hand, while the other sported a massive laser cannon. As the team contoured to make their way towards friendly lines, Burke watched as the Avatar fired a searing beam of red light that immediately destroyed a Hunter tank.
Havoc eventually led the team to a crashed Ox transport, where Sergeant Foley and several other GDI soldiers were hidden. The team quickly moved into safety, as the Avatar continued to fire its hellish weapon.
"Sergeant Foley, what's the situation?" Havoc roared over the cacophony of battle.
"Thanks for showing up! The situation is FUBAR! We need to take out that SAM, but that fucking Avatar showed up and started ripping us to shreds. CO tried to get a hold of Command, but comms went down and we lost every officer. So I had to take charge." Foley explained.
"So, you're saying we can't take out that SAM until we drop that walker?" Havoc ventured.
"Unless you think you can sneak past it. I had to pull back what armor I had left, as they couldn't even seem to scratch it."
Burke looked around at the other soldiers. They were all covered in dirt and dried blood. Their faces were sullen, as they clutched their weapons, while others were laying on the ground, being tended to by medics. It was a depressing sight, and Burke floundered for any solution to their problem. However, it would seem Havoc had an idea, as the old commando let out a satisfied chuckle.
"Sergeant, is that Pitbull still working?"
Both Burke and Foley turned to the aforementioned vehicle, then gave each other a confused look.
"Uh, yes, sir it is. But I doubt that would do anything to it."
"That's 'cause you lack a commando's imagination. I want everyone to gather as much explosives as they can! I'm talking C4, grenades, rockets, thermite; everything! Move people!"
Havoc's sudden burst of energy seemed to give the beaten GDI soldiers some life, as they moved to follow his orders. Burke shot a questioning glance at Havoc, but he merely gave her a crooked grin before walking off. After a few minutes, the Pitbull was stuffed with every explosive the soldiers could find.
"She's stuffed like a Unity Day turkey, sir." Foley said.
"Good. Here's the plan, Foley and Burke, you are going to take our forces and take out that SAM. Use the tanks to destroy it, and call in that air strike. I'm going to take the Pitbull and take down the Avatar; that will be your signal to attack." Havoc stated.
"You can't be serious! There is no way you can take that thing down by yourself!" Burke protested.
"I took on the Black Hand by myself back in the 90s. I faced down Forgotten mercs in the 20s. Hell, I even took on a Tib Fiend with my bare hands once: I think I can handle some Noddie walking tin can."
"You aren't a commando anymore! You're an old retiree who's spent the last few years on T.V. talk shows!"
Havoc placed a hand on her shoulder, offering a kind smile before hardening his face with a stern stare.
"I appreciate your concern, Sergeant. But this isn't up for debate. Now follow your orders."
Havoc then moved off towards the Pitbull, ending any further argument. Burke just watched him climb into the vehicle, before sighing and turning back to the others.
"Let's get our job done."
The gathered soldiers nodded in agreement, and readied themselves to charge into battle. Burke gave one last glance to Havoc, and silently wished him luck.
… … …
He had done many stupid and reckless things during his career, but this was arguably the most reckless. But Havoc couldn't deny that this was the first time in years that he felt truly alive! He wasn't destined to die from old age, in some hospital bed: he was a commando and his fate was to go out in a blaze of glory.
Havoc threw the Pitbull into gear and drove off, straight towards the Avatar and the Nod defences. He aimed straight for the walker's right leg, but he had to swerve and dodge as laser and cannon fire exploded all around him. No doubt the Nod gunners were confused to see a single Pitbull race suicidally into enemy lines.
You better not miss, Nicky.
Havoc smiled as he envisioned Sakura's voice, the only woman he ever really loved.
Havoc deftly maneuvered the Pitbull around a wrecked Predator, before straightening out and speeding towards the Avatar. The walker noticed him and fired a lance of red light that narrowly missed. There were no more obstacles in his way, just his final target.
"I got a present for yah!" Havoc screamed.
The Avatar's leg now filled the windshield, and at the last possible moment, Havoc opened the door and leapt out! He hit the ground hard and rolled away, just as the Pitbull crashed into the Avatar. The explosion was blinding, and Havoc felt the heat of the blast wash over him. For a moment, it seemed like his plan had failed, as the Avatar remained standing. But as the walker raised its leg to take a step, it suddenly snapped off, and the Avatar crashed to the ground like a colossal tree.
"Holy shit. That actually worked?" Havoc said to himself, astonished.
"Holy shit! That actually worked!?" Burke announced over the radio.
"What the hell are you guys waiting for? Attack!" Havoc quickly growled.
Havoc painfully got into a sitting position, and watched the GDI forces surge forward. Infantry moved from cover to cover, battling their way through Nod trenches. Meanwhile, the GDI tanks moved out from hiding, and began hitting the enemy bunkers, trying to break their way through to the SAM.
"Get up, fascist pig."
Havoc whirled around, and found himself staring at the barrel of a Nod laser rifle. A Black Hand soldier stood over him, his odd, insect-like helmet staring at him with red visors. Havoc slowly got to his feet, groaning from the pain, as he lifted his hands.
"So, it is you: the demon who slayed General Raveshaw, and brought shame to the Black Hand." The man announced.
"You want an autograph or something?" Havoc replied with a grin.
"I seek the glory of killing a demon."
"Well, go on. Shoot me!"
The Black Hand raised his weapon and aimed it at Havoc's chest, no doubt wanting to preserve his head to prove he had killed the infamous commando. But in the two seconds it took him to raise his gun and power up his shot, Havoc managed to again defy his age and swatted the gun to the side. The rife fired and the laser seared Havoc's right side, causing intense pain, but he was still able to grab his combat knife and stab it up through the Black Hand's neck.
The man collapsed to his knees, clutching at his ruined neck, while Havoc grabbed the rifle. He grimaced as the pain nearly caused him to fall over, but he fought through it. He noticed that he and his Nod friend weren't alone, as four more Black Hand soldiers appeared and fired their weapons. Havoc rolled out of the way, roaring in pain as he got into a crouched position. Laser bolts narrowly missing as he fired back, and one of his bolts pierced through a man's chest armor, sending him crashing to the ground. Havoc switched targets and fired again, killing a second Black Hand by vaporizing his head.
Then, a laser hit Havoc in the leg, sending him falling back as the seared flesh ripped apart. He screamed as his leg was severed, and another bolt hit him in the left shoulder. Havoc lay on the ground, the pain so severe he could no longer scream. The two Black Hand stood above him, their weapons pointed at his head. Havoc gave them a defiant smile, as he managed to cough out,
"I got…a pres-"
Both Black Hand fired, and Nick "Havoc" Parker died in a flash of light and heat. His killers stood over the dead commando, the bane of the Black Hand, triumphant. That was until the vest of C4 that Havoc had been wearing detonated, killing the Black Hand soldiers, and sending Havoc off in the blaze of glory he had dreamt of.
… … …
Burke was momentarily distracted by an explosion in the distance. She wasn't sure what caused it, but she could only hope Havoc was alright. But she turned back to her own fight, as she fired a burst at a Nod soldier.
The GDI forces had managed to get close enough that Burke could now see the SAM. There was still dozens of Nod troops in their way, and they were not going down without a fight. Burke stood to fire again, and killed another Nod soldier. The rest of her squad were engaged down the firing line, as they tried to push closer.
"I need someone to lazethe target for Gemini 7! Sergeant Burke, do you have a clear line of sight?" Sergeant Foley roared over the radio.
"Affirmative! Stand by! Ramirez, paint the target!" Burke ordered.
Ramirez nodded her head as she activated the laser designator on her rifle. She aimed it at the SAM, but Burke spotted a trio of Nod soldiers trying to target Ramirez. She fired on full auto, sending the Nod soldiers back into cover, just as the tank commander called over the radio.
"Target locked! Firing!"
Burke emptied her magazine then ducked to reload. As she did, she spotted the Aegis tank roll forward before firing its canon. The SAM site went up in a fireball, its destruction seeming to act as a signal for Nod forces to fall back. Burke watched as Nod soldiers scrambled further back towards the bunkers and laser turrets erected around the collapsed Logistics Building.
However, before Burke could issue any orders, the radio abruptly came to life with a loud burst of static, followed by triumphant voices talking over each other.
"This is Sierra 6! Nod comm jammer is down! Comm jammer is down!"
"Objective X-ray 1 has been neutralized. I say again, X-ray 1 is neutralized"
"X-ray 2 is destroyed!"
"Command copies all! Vengeance Actual, you are clear for your attack run!"
" Command, wilco. Vengeance 6: green light, green light."
"All stations, this is Vengeance 6: bombs away, bombs away, bombs away."
Burke stood to watch as the Firehawks flew overhead, dropping their payloads. Nod tanks and bunkers were destroyed in a devastating orchestra of explosions. Fueling stations and supply depots went up in burning infernos, and even two Avatars came crashing down after taking direct hits.
"All units, advance! Advance!"
The order came directly from Commander Lancaster, and Burke could see whole units of Predators surge forward, followed by platoons of dirt covered soldiers. Burke rallied her own men and joined the charge, ready to win this battle.
… … …
June 21st, 2047
1217
Zemerik was pacing through the ashes of the Smithsonian, the old museum having burnt to the ground after Nod Flame Tanks cleansed it with holy fire. He would occasionally kick over a piece of so called "art" as he walked through the ash, and each time it angered him.
Part of their holy jihad had been to destroy GDI's monuments, the symbols of their tyranny and heresy. The Smithsonian had been just one of such symbols, and the amount of wealth to preserve such blasphemous "art" could have fed hundreds of families in Nod territories.
Another reason Zemerik was so angry, was because he had been ordered to remain in the rear, while his brothers continued to fight against GDI. His squad was currently positioned along a crumbled wall of the old museum, which had now been fortified with sandbags and metal gun barriers. Nearby, a Stinger site had been set up, complete with camouflage netting. Another squad operated the anti-air weapons, while Zemerik and his squad were responsible for their machine gun.
He did not despise the task given, it was just the down time allowed his mind to focus on the nagging question. Who was this John person, whose voice he continually heard in his mind, like a phantom that was just beyond his reach? It puzzled him greatly, and Confessor Kumar had been unable to offer any advice beyond to "purge the thought from his mind."
Zemerik finished his pacing with a sigh and moved back to his squad, settling in to wait for the moment when Nod ordered their forces forward, or GDI broke through and attacked. Zemerik desperately hoped for something to happen, to at least let the constant pounding of the Specter SPGs to stop for a moment.
Zemerik regarded the howitzer as they lobbed shells toward the distant GDI lines. The Specters had their stabilizer claws dug into the ground, and crews worked tirelessly to keep the guns loaded. Zemerik and several other heavy weapons squads had been ordered to defend these guns, for without them, GDI would surely break through and retake the Capitol Building.
"Hey! Brother Zemerik! Come quickly." Jörm suddenly announced.
Zemerik jogged over to his squad, to see the three men huddled around a small radio. Confessor Kumar was off somewhere else, doing some sort of ecclesial work.
"What is it Private?" Zemerik asked.
"We just heard a rumor over the general channel. Apparently, our Brothers in New York have just retreated! It didn't say where the order came from, just that they abandoned their stronghold on Wall Street and are fleeing back across the ocean!" Jörm energetically recounted.
"I'm sure it's just a baseless rumor. Perhaps even infidel propaganda." Akinjide said dismissively.
"But what if it is true? If our brothers have fled, will we be ordered to next? Or will we get left behind?" Roake asked.
"If we do, by some means, get left behind, then we shall fight and die in the name of the Brotherhood. Take faith, Brothers, Ascension awaits." Zemerik stated, though he admitted it didn't sound very reassuring.
The news did make him wonder though. If it was true, and Nod forces had abandoned New York City, then that meant the entire northern offensive would collapse. And eventually those GDI troops would make their way down to D.C.
But it must be a rumor, for who would order such a retreat? If the battle-commander himself had, he would have been executed for treason. It was a worrying thought, and one Zemerik pushed from his mind.
"It does seem kinda weird that we haven't gotten any reinforcements. How else are we supposed to hold this city?" Roake continued.
"Do you question the wisdom of Commander Malich?" Akinjide warned.
"Of course not! I just-"
"I think it is best you keep your mouth shut, Corporal. You are no strategist." Akinjide growled.
"Enough, Brothers. Focus on the battle at hand. We serve the will of Kane and his chosen commanders, but we must also focus on our own survival. So keep your heads in the game." Zemerik cautioned.
The squad fell silent, and turned their focus to the distant battle. With the enemy being so far off, Zemerik caught himself going lax, even considering going back to passing around the skeletal remains of the Smithsonian. But something caught his attention, and he brought up his rifle to glance down the scope.
Coming up the shattered road, Zemerik spotted a trio of supply trucks heading their way. Further inspection revealed they were loaded past capacity with Nod soldiers, and Zemerik wondered what they were doing. The trucks were quickly making their way towards the rear, far past Zemerik's post. But as he continued to watch, he noticed many of the men on the trucks were clearly wounded; the last truck even had blood spilling off the sides, as apothecaries worked on men laying on the truck bed.
"What the hell? That's a lot of wounded." Jörm pointed out.
"I've got a bad feeling about this." Roake muttered.
"Attention all Oraphim units! Seraphim units have begun falling back! GDI have broken through our defensive lines all over the city. White House HQ is under threat, and Command has ordered all forces to fall back! Oraphim is to provide cover while Seraphim units retreat to extraction points at the Capitol Building."
Zemerik felt his heart rate spike at Lieutenant Miličević's warning. Hearing that all forces were to retreat to HQ, meant that GDI would be bearing down on him and his men soon. And with only a few MGs and lasers to stop an angry infidel army, Zemerik felt genuine fear. Not that he would let his brothers see it.
"You heard the Lieutenant! Make sure the gun is ready, have all our ammo prepared to be loaded. Check rifles and offer your prayers to Kane. We shall not let the heathens pass!" Zemerik bellowed.
"Amen!" Akinjide stated with a grin.
"Specter guns, begin breaking down! You will fall back with Seraphim units. Tank group 9 and 12 will provide support for Oraphim units. Stand firm, Brothers and Sisters!" Lieutenant Miličević ordered.
Zemerik offered a prayer to Kane, hoping for divine protection. He spotted more Nod forces falling back, and the sight gave him even greater pause. More trucks overloaded with wounded, tanks badly dented and scorched, Mantis drones belching black smoke as they withdrew from the field. Even a mighty Avatar limped along, its long clawed arm having been severed.
And yet, more forces were still behind them, fighting as they pulled back. Zemerik could even catch a faint glimpse of the GDI pursuers: Predators, supported by Titans and the dreaded Steel Talons MK II Wolverine.
The men and women of Oraphim Team were going to have a brutal fight on their hands.
Listen here, fucker! People die, its war! You should have known that when you enlisted!
She was my friend!
Friends die! Do you know how many I lost!? Get over it, and do your job!
Zemerik shook his head at the sudden barrage of voices in his head. This voice was different than the one named John, but the other was clearly his own. What the hell was happening to him!?
"'Bout time the damned cocksuckers showed up."
Jörm's hiss, cut through Zemerik's confused thoughts. He looked over to where Jörm had indicated, and spotted a mortar team hastily setting up near where the artillery had just been. Despite Jörm's remark, Zemerik was happy to see them, thankful for the extra firepower.
"Over here! Get your guns set up here and over there, near the statue!"
Zemerik turned back around to see Lieutenant Miličević directing two more MG squads. She looked flustered as she hastily tried to organize the units of Oraphim into a proper defence.
"Look! More tanks!" Roake called out.
Scorpion and Tick tanks were bringing up the rear of Seraphim Team's forces. Most were badly damaged, though they were still firing on GDI armor chasing them down. However, one of the Scorpions seemed untouched and fired on the GDI tanks with a powerful laser in place of the usual 105mm cannon. The laser blast cored an enemy Aegis, causing its ammo to ignite and explode violently. The other pursuing tanks seemed to slow down, almost as if to let the Nod forces get away, but then the laser Scorpion exploded as it took a direct hit from-
"Holy fuck! Is that a…fuck! MAMMOTH TANK!" Roake screamed out.
Zemerik stared in slack jawed terror, as the fearsome and monstrous GDI Mammoth MK III rolled into view. It fired two shots from its twin barrels, and instantly destroyed two Ticks. The Mammoth then abruptly changed direction, ignoring the retreating forces and moving straight for Zemerik and the others!
"Fuck! It's coming right at us!" Roake screamed again.
"I see that!" Akinjide snarled back.
"Lieutenant! Please tell me we have something to take down a Mammoth." Zemerik asked over the radio.
"Working on it Oraphim 5. Just take down enemy infantry and light walkers!" Miličević commanded, oddly calm given the situation.
The Mammoth tank fired from one of its barrels, instantly destroying a Stinger site. GDI infantry pushed up behind the massive tank, moving into cover as Nod machine guns opened up. The roar of several machine guns belching bullets was punctuated by laser and mortar fire, and Zemerik noted with satisfaction as numerous GDI squads were wiped out instantaneously.
But the enemy continued to pour in, moving into cover and trading fire with the Nod defenders. The Mammoth also continued to take out Stinger sites and foxholes, slowly wilting the defence down. Zemerik wasn't sure what they had to take such a monster down, but he knew simple bullets and mortars would be useless.
"Enemy grenadiers! Left side! Left side!" Akinjide called out.
Jörm rotated the machine gun and fired off a stream of bullets, killing the four man squad. But Zemerik noticed several riflemen take cover in a blast crater, so he fired on them, narrowly missing them but driving them deeper into the crater.
"Peacekeepers! One o'clock!" Akinjide guided.
Zemerik shot a glance at the GDI Peacekeepers as Jörm aimed the gun. The GDI infantry were armed with heavy riot shields and shotguns. They were trying to push forward under the cover of their shields, but the devastating stream of bullets from Jörm's gun cut through and scythed them down. Zemerik turned back to the riflemen, and fired another burst as one popped up, the enemy took several rounds to the neck, and promptly fell back into the crater.
"I'm out! Reloading!" Roaked warned.
Zemerik cursed as he tossed a grenade into the crater, blasting apart the remaining riflemen. He then turned to fire along with Akinjide at the still approaching GDI infantry. More Peacekeeper squads tried to rush forward, and managed to overtake one of the Nod MG nests. Meanwhile, the Mammoth had destroyed the mortar pit, and was still systematically taking out Nod positions.
"Gun up!" Jörm called out.
The large man fired another stream of lead, and tore apart a GDI Peacekeeper and his shield like paper. Zemerik quickly reloaded, before targeting a grenadier attempting to fire on them.
"All Oraphim units, prepare to fall back!" Lieutenant Miličević abruptly commanded.
Zemerik was more than happy to obey the order, but he wondered how they would be able to without being cut down instantly. He and his squad continued to pour hundreds of rounds at the enemy, but they pushed on, and kept taking ground. As yet another MG nest fell, and the enemy turned their attention to Zemerik and his squad, the entire battlefield was awash with red light.
Zemerik blinked against the painfully bright light, and noticed the Mammoth was now belching black smoke. Two more powerful lances of ruby light punctured the tank, and the monstrous vehicle exploded! Zemerik followed the lasers to their source: three Nod Beam Cannons. The six wheeled vehicles quickly fled back the way they had come after slaying the Mammoth, and Miličević's voice again cut through the sounds of battle.
"Oraphims 1 through 3, beginfalling back! 4 through 7 will cover! Be warned, tank groups 9 and 12 are already falling back!"
"Cover our Brothers! Slaughter the infidels!" Zemerik added.
Jörm continued firing the machine gun, cutting down GDI soldiers or forcing them into cover. Zemerik and Akinjide added their fire where they could, but Zemerik was now more focused on watching his Brothers and Sisters flee, either lugging their heavy equipment with them or abandoning it entirely.
"Wolverine! Dead ahead!" Roake called.
Jörm aimed the gun and held down on the trigger, causing the enemy walker to spark as bullets glanced off it. Zemerik tossed another grenade, but it exploded harmlessly off the feet. The Wolverine was spooling up its guns, when a missile struck it center mass, sending the walker collapsing backwards.
"Oraphims 4 through 6, fall back! 7 and 8, cover!"
"You heard her! Let's go!" Zemerik roared.
"What about the gun?" Jörm asked.
"Leave it!"
Zemerik fired a few more bursts as his men ran for friendly lines. He fired three rounds into a GDI soldiers' face, before running to catch up. They ran as fast as they could, passing the last two squads as they continued to cover their escape. Zemerik overtook his men, and led them towards the Capitol Building, where his HUD indicated transport was waiting for them.
"7 and 8, fall back! All units, we have orders from Command: we are leaving this city! Get to the transports. Oraphim Actual, out." Miličević said, sounding equally scared and relieved.
Zemerik was suddenly overcome with an intense fear of being left behind, of being captured by the enemy. He could not explain this fear, but it caused him to run even harder than before. His breathing became heavy, and he could feel his heart pounding in his chest. He watched the distance to the transports rapidly count down, yet he still had this uncontrollable fear threatening to overtake him.
There is no time, Sergeant. Your man shall be treated as one of our own, and be returned to your people. I promise.
More voices flashed through Zemerik' mind, from a memory long forgotten. It was starting to drive him mad! He needed to find Kumar and try to unravel what was happening, but he would have to do that after he made it out of here alive.
"Templar! Get down!" Akinjide yelled out.
Zemerik dove for the ground, just as the earth around him erupted as high calibre shells exploded around him. Zemerik continued to roll out of the way, and spotted the Orca fly past, having nearly killed him and his squad. Jörm ran over to help Zemerik up, as Akinjide and Roake stood by and raised up their rifles.
"Thank you, Brothers. Come, the transports are not far." Zemerik said.
"Yea, but those GDI pigs aren't far behind either." Roake added.
The squad continued running for the Capitol Building, where they could already see Carryalls and Cobra gunships taking off. A few Venoms were also in the air, trying to fend off the GDI Orcas, but Zemerik was more concerned with the sounds of cannon fire getting closer behind them.
As they approached the impromptu landing area, Zemerik was finally able to see the brutal aftermath of all the fighting. Rows upon rows of wounded soldiers lay on stretchers, most screaming in pain or crying to be put on a transport. Apothecaries and even a few civilian doctors moved about the wounded, tending to them, wheeling them to waiting Carryalls, or giving them something for the pain before moving off. Confessors also moved about the wounded, giving comforting word and leading prayers, while a few read aloud funeral rites before Black Hand soldiers lit piles of dead Nod soldiers alight.
Looking away from the death and misery, Zemerik spotted engineers working to disable tanks and other vehicles they couldn't transport away. Or set up booby traps, using claymores, grenade bouquets or white phosphorus bombs.
As the depressing scene carried out, more Carryalls and Cobras took off, as Army officers and Church abbesses tried to corral the troops into organized groups. Zemerik spotted Lieutenant Miličević doing just that, and led the squad over towards her. But as they drew closer, Zemerik could overhear the desperate calls over the radios, as officers still worked to coordinate troops scattered around the city.
"…I'm bingo fuel and black on everything! I have to bug out!"
"Copy! Get out of here Sister!"
"This is Basilisk 2-2, we are nearing Evac Site Golf, but we are cut off! We need help!"
"This is Lich Actual: Alamo, Alamo, Alamo! GDI forces have taken my position!"
"All units, all units: Command has fallen, I say again, Command has fallen. Commander Malich and staff have made it to safety. All forces are to retreat now. May Kane have mercy on us. Peace through power."
"Holy shit! Did we just loose the whole Zone?" Roake asked.
"I believe so, brother." Akinjide replied subdued.
"Everyone on the Cobra! Now!" Miličević roared.
Zemerik and the others charged towards the Cobra, as its engines came to life. Zemerik stopped to wave his squad onboard, watching as first Roake, then Jörmungandr, Akinjide, and finally Lieutenant Miličević got inside. Just as Zemerik was about to climb the ramp and find a seat, someone from nearby shouted out:
"ORCA BOMBERS! GET TO COVER!"
Zemerik glanced up in horror as three of the box shaped bombers flew overhead, dropping their payload. Zemerik gripped the ramp's hydraulic strut and held on for his life, as the bombs impacted. The entire ground shook from the force, and great plumes of dirt and fire shot into the air. Carryalls and Cobras still on the ground were obliterated, and anyone caught in the blast radius was reduced to bloody pieces. The bombs miraculously missed Zemerik and his Cobra, as the last of the bombs fell on the Capitol Building steps. The Orca Bombers flew off, and left nothing but devastation in their wake.
Before Zemerik could properly even react to what had just happened, the Cobra abruptly began to lift into the air, and Zemerik had to hastily step inside, less he fall out and be left behind. He sat down next to Akinjide, near the ramp, and watched the ruined Nod base shrink away. As the Cobra finished rising, and circled around to head towards the distant border walls, Zemerik watched GDI forces storm into the Capitol Building, no doubt brushing aside whatever wounded defenders that had been left. They then flew over the city, raging infernos and ruined buildings completing the image of apocalypse, a scene straight from Revelations.
Flashes of gunfire indicated that there were still Nod soldiers trapped below. Zemerik's heart went out to all of his Brothers and Sisters who would die in the service of the Brotherhood.
"May Kane guide their souls to Ascension." Akinjide intoned from behind Zemerik.
As the Cobra fell into formation with two Carryalls, Zemerik continued watching the city and the battle below. He spotted two Scorpions dueling with a Titan, before the scene flashed by, the fate of everyone left to be unknown. He spotted a squad of GDI Zone Troopers surrounded by Nod soldiers, holding their ground by a fountain, but more GDI soldiers were coming up behind the Nod forces. Zemerik never saw the fallout of the firefight, as the Cobra was reaching the edge of the city, and the vast green fields that stretched on towards the border wall.
Zemerik rested his head, exhausted from the long battle, and even more so from the frantic retreat. But at least they were safe now, able to live and fight again. They would go home and lick their wounds, then they would return with a vengeance.
At least, that was what Zemerik thought, before a missile struck the Cobra, and sent it spiraling to the earth. The last thing Zemerik saw, before the darkness claimed him, was the ground rushing towards him.
… … …
Zemerik bolted up, his breathing heavy and his heart pounding. He looked around frantically, seeing that he was still on the Cobra, that they were still in the air. Did he imagine the missile strike? No, this wasn't the Cobra, the interior was larger, larger than even a Carryall. And the soldiers around him, they were… in GDI armor?
"Hey Zee! You excited for your first deployment?"
Zemerik turned to the woman, the infidel soldier. She was smiling at him, her Asian features and short cropped dark hair struck him as beautiful. Her name plate read Nagata, which was familiar to him for some reason.
"Wh-where am I?" Zemerik asked.
"We're deploying to Norway, to Hammerfest base. Don't you remember?"
"What? No I- I don't-"
"YOU NEED TO REMEMBER!"
… … …
Zemerik bolted up again, only this time in reality. He tried to stand, but groaned in pain and fell back in his seat. He was back in the Cobra, and it had definitely crashed. The troop bay was at an odd angle, the ramp had been completely ripped off, men and women groaned in pain, and worse of all, bullets were pinging off the fuselage.
"Sergeant…are you good?" Zemerik croaked out.
"Fucking pig bastards!" Akinjide snarled in response.
"Private Jörm?"
"This is why I joined the Army, not the Air Force." Jörm stated as he got to his feet, grabbing a SAW.
"Roake, check on everyone else. Akinjide, Jörm, with me!"
"Yea, I'm fine too, thanks for asking. Yea, yea, I'm going." Roake protested.
Zemerik ignored him and jumped outside, darting for a piece of the Cobra's wing. As he and the others took cover, their position immediately came under fire. Zemerik placed around the metal debris, and spotted two squads of GDI riflemen assaulting their positioned, aided by a Pitbull.
"Guess we're not out of this fight just yet." Zemerik stated as he readied his rifle.
"If Hell was easy to escape, I'd still have to deal with my mother." Jörm quipped, as he shouldered the SAW.
Akinjide scoffed, then the three men stood to fire. Their initial volley caught one woman in the stomach, sending her to the ground in a jumbled heap. The others moved into cover, and occasionally popped up to trade rounds with Zemerik and the others.
Eventually Roake came out with the remainder of the Nod troops, led by Miličević. The added firepower was enough to keep the enemy in cover, but the two sides quickly devolved into a stalemate, as the GDI troops couldn't advance, and the Nod soldiers were trapped at the crashed Cobra.
"Lieutenant! Any chance of getting reinforcements?" Zemerik asked over the roar of gunfire.
"I can't get a hold of anyone! We are on our own, Templar." Miličević replied.
Zemerik merely nodded as he continued to fire on the enemy. Chances were, even if they fought their way out of this firefight, they wouldn't make it out of the Blue Zone.
"Ascension awaits those who serve the messenger of God: the Messiah Kane! Peace through power!" Zemerik chanted.
"Peace through power!" The others shouted in unison.
The Nod soldiers continued to fire on the enemy, slowly whittling down their numbers. But several Nod soldiers went down as well, and a few others stopped to help the wounded. It was clear they would lose, but Zemerik would die fighting.
Despite killing or wounding most of the Nod soldiers, the GDI troops still couldn't advance. However, the Pitbull's rocket launcher rotated to face the crashed Cobra. Zemerik fired on the Pitbull, hoping to perhaps destroy the rockets before they fired. But his bullets either missed or simply bounced off the vehicle's armor. His rifle clicked empty and he expected the Pitbull to fire at any second. But much to his shock, the Pitbull exploded! The GDI troops also seemed shocked by this, as they stopped firing on the trapped Nod soldiers and turned to face whatever had destroyed the Pitbull.
A Nod Attack Bike came screaming down the street, barreling straight towards the GDI infantry. The enemy opened fire on the Bike, causing it to swerve out of the way, but directly behind it came two Attack Buggies. The Buggies machine guns opened up, and the GDI troops tried to scatter and avoid being torn apart. A few managed to find new cover, but many more were cut down.
The Buggies pulled up to the Cobra and the battered Nod soldiers. The doors flew open, revealing the Buggies had been crammed to capacity, as more Nod soldiers leapt out. They moved to form a defensive perimeter, but one moved towards Zemerik and the others.
"Kumar! Good to see you alive." Zemerik greeted joyfully.
"Good to see you as well, Brother-Templar. But we must hurry, the city has fallen."
"It doesn't look like you have much room for all of us." Miličević stated.
"No, but we can load the wounded on the Buggies. We will have to see if we can get some of these civilian cars working." Kumar replied.
"Lieutenant, I will take my men and get some transportation." Zemerik said.
"Alright, get to it Templar. Everyone else! Let's get our wounded loaded, let's go!"
The Nod soldiers moved quickly to load the wounded and find working vehicles. It took them roughly fifteen minutes before the Buggies and Bike were racing off, and the others began loading into several cars and vans. Finally they took their stolen vehicles, and raced off to catch up with the others, and escape the Blue Zone.
Zemerik had crammed himself into the back of a SUV, and was resting his head against the window. The city quickly vanished behind them, as they drove into the expansive wilderness. Zemerik did not want to believe he was safe, not yet anyways, but exhaustion had claimed him and he felt his eyes grow heavy.
The last thing Zemerik wondered, before he fell asleep, was: what exactly did the voices in his head want him to remember?
… … …
Author's note: This is not the end to the Battle of Washington D.C.; the chapter had become so long that I had to split it into two chapters. So expect to see the fight for the White House and the end to the battle in chapter 7.
Now some of you may recognize Sergeant Foley as being the character from CoD: Modern Warfare 2. I decided to add him for the sole reason because reader CopperStandard (who is the author of the awesome C&C fanfic Under the Shadow. Go check it out!) jokingly asked if we would see Foley in one of his reviews, because one of the GDI characters is named Ramirez. So I did it just for you Copper!
The Aftershock is a unit from Tiberian Twilight. In game it is a Nod artillery unit that shoots shells underground. There are a lot of units I really like from that game, and many that I hate. The Aftershock was one I wasn't entirely sure if I liked our not, but I had the idea to turn it into a civilian vehicle that could seed Tiberium. Not sure of we will see it again, but I thought it made sense here, as Nod was trying to spread Tiberium into the Blue Zone.
The Cobra is another Twilight unit. In game it was an anti-vehicle attack craft. However I decided to add the function of carrying infantry to the Cobra, making it into a gunship similar to the GDI Hammerhead.
That's all for now, hope everyone is enjoying!
Until next time.