Chapter 7

InOps ECAP Alert: "Know Your Enemy"Nod's next-gen stealth technology poses a serious threat.
In the First Tiberium War, Nod scientists developed a cloaking device that could be mounted on a vehicle, a stealth generator that created an energy field that could literally bend light around a particular object, rendering it invisible to the eye and radar. Nod first deployed this new technology on the infamous Stealth tank. GDI eventually developed new sensors and countermeasures that neutralised Nod's stealth technology, but Nod continued to evolve the science of stealth and the "Stealth Arms Race" has continued unabated ever since.

Nod's new stealth technology is allowing a number of their vehicles and units to successfully evade detection by most current-gen GDI sensors. As a result, Nod stealth units are proving brutally effective against our forces in the field. Nod has clearly leapfrogged GDI in stealth technology and countermeasures.

GDI field commanders should be aware that the latest G-Tech sensors are required for detection of Nod stealth units. Unfortunately, the newest sensors are not widely deployed. Only GDI Pitbull scout vehicles and base defences come standard with the latest stealth detecting technology. Other units like Zone Troopers must be upgraded with scanner packs, and Orca aircraft can be equipped with sensor pods or use a recharging pulse scan to detect nearby hidden enemies.

Note that units equipped with stealth technology can sustain the stealth field while inactive or moving, but once any offensive action is taken, the field will break down and the unit will become visible. Also, there are reports that Nod has constructed a stealth disruption tower that can project a field large enough to encompass multiple units and even structures. It's conceivable that Nod forces could cloak an entire base." -Intel Database: Nod Stealth Technology.

Washington D.C.

B-2

June 21st, 2047

45 minutes before evacuation

One moment, his victory had seemed assured. The next, GDI had destroyed the communications jammer, and in a single, coordinated move, smashed through his defences. Now Malich and his forces were being slowly encircled, as GDI surrounded them. Despite General Qatar's assurance of more reinforcements, he had yet to see any. Malich would admit that he was something of an idealist, that he had truly dreamt of claiming the Blue Zones to distribute the wealth to the downtrodden people of Nod. But he was also a realist, and he could see that the Brotherhood had lost this battle. In fact, from what Malich had heard from his Brothers across the globe, the other Blue Zone invasions were also failing.

The short of it all, was that Malich had lost, and he prayed Kane would forgive his immortal soul. But while the battle may have been lost, he still had forces under his command, and he would rally them for one final stand.

Ascension awaited the faithful in death.

"Major Radec, what is our status?" Malich asked into the chaos of the command center.

Malich and his officers had established their base of operations in the old war room underneath the White House. During the First Tiberium War, the president of the United States had overseen the war play out from this very room. In the intervening years, it had served as a gimmicky restaurant for tourists.

Radec finished issuing orders to someone through the radio, before walking over to Malich.

"Sir, we have lost the supply depot. GDI forces are now posed for a full frontal assault on us. But our scouts report a secondary force moving in from the north. I believe the enemy is waiting to launch a outflanking maneuver." Radec reported smoothly.

"I agree, it would make the most tactical sense. What forces do we have to the north?"

"Mostly Black Hand units. Our regular Army units have pulled back to the White House, or our base at the Capitol Building."

"There is no denying the situation, Major. We have lost. We must make our last stand, but we still may have a chance to destroy those forces to the north. Take command of our defences, I'll personally command our troops to the north." Malich ordered.

He felt oddly confident, despite knowing his death may be near. It gave him a reassuring sense of finality, a sense that he would at least die in service to Kane.

"As you wish."

Radec moved back into the command room, to organize the defences. If GDI wanted to retake the White House, Nod would make them bleed for it.

Malich then opened a holographic display of the city north of the White House. He identified several Nod infantry and armored units scattered around, and a large GDI force bearing down towards him. The enemy force consisted of substantial heavy armor: Titans, Predators, M300 Hover MLRS, and Guardian APCs. The scattered Nod troops, even combined, would not be enough to stop the enemy. So Malich quickly studied the roads and parks in between the White House and the advancing enemy.

As he studied the streets of Washington D.C., Malich was reminded of the Rio Insurrection, as he had helped coordinate the great revolt that nearly destroyed Rio de Janeiro. While ultimately GDI would return to retake the city, Malich had learned a great deal while fighting the Great Oppressors, and he realized he could apply a similar lesson here, today.

"Prometheus Actual come in? This is Commander Malich, do you copy?"

"We hear you loud and clear, sir. What can we do for you?"

"I'm sending you coordinates now. I need you to deploy your Flame Tanks to these positions, and burn everything."

"These are just random buildings, sir. Most are already cleared of hostiles and some have even been heavily damaged."

"Follow my orders, Prometheus. Burn these buildings, ignite the entire area into an inferno."

"As you command!"

Malich ended the call, then searched the map for the Black Hand commander. With the Flame Tanks creating an impassable blaze, he hoped to bottleneck the GDI forces into a single route, but he would need every infantry and tank unit he had to hold the bottleneck.

As he scanned the map, he noticed the various Flame Tank groups moving to their designated spots. Malich then found the Black Hand commander, rallying Nod forces together in a old church.

"Sister-Captain Kite, this is Commander Malich."

"It is good to hear from you, Commander. How may I serve?"

"A large GDI force is bearing down on our HQ at the White House. However, I have a plan to stop them."

"I live to serve."

Malich hastily informed Captain Kite of his plan, and within moments she was leading her forces to the bottleneck. As she organized the defence, Malich finished rallying what forces he had left in the north, as the Flame Tanks continued to force the GDI units towards their doom. In terms of armor, Malich didn't have much at his disposal: two Ticks and three Scorpions was all he had to hold off nearly double that. But his infantry could possibly be enough to hold the line. While he mostly had militia and Army units, he also had quite a few Black Hand elite troops, which were more than a match for any GDI soldier.

The Ticks deployed into defensive modes in-between two large skyscrapers easily blocking off the road. The Scorpions took up position behind them, and his infantry deployed along the first, second, and third floors. The Flame Tanks had accomplished their goals, igniting all the other major roads and sides streets, creating a massive inferno that would force GDI towards the bottleneck, and, as an afterthought, would force GDI to waste precious resources on halting the blaze from destroying the entire city.

Malich watched with equal parts anticipation and dread, as the Titans and Predators inched closer to his trap. Things seemed to be moving so slowly, until it all erupted into total chaos in the span of a heartbeat.

A Titan rounded the corner, and immediately took two shells directly to its core, destroying it instantly. Another Titan and a Predator immediately took its place. The second Titan fired, but its shell missed and pierced through one of the skyscrapers, exploding inside and killing dozens of Nod infantry. The Predator fired a literal second after the Titan, and scored a direct hit on one of the Ticks. But the tank remained intact, and the Scorpions behind it fired in unison. Two shells destroyed the Predator, while the third grazed the Titan's leg. More GDI vehicles rounded the corner, followed by infantry. Nod snipers and Black Hand sharpshooters began eliminating GDI rocket troopers with efficient ease, but enemy riflemen and Peacekeepers began charging the occupied buildings.

Malich quickly ordered his Buggies to try and stop them, while the tanks and walkers continued their fight. Infidel soldiers were cut down like blades of grass, but most managed to reach cover and began trading fire with the Nod troops in the buildings. While the enemy foot mobiles may have been halted, Malich noted with growing annoyance that the GDI armor simply kept coming, despite suffering several losses.

Three Titans and two Predators had been outright destroyed, with another two Predators still being able to move, but had their weapons disabled. However, his Ticks had taken a severe beating, and one Scorpion had its treads utterly destroyed.

"Radec! Do we have any Cobras available for tasking?" Malich abruptly called out into the control room.

"Negative! All of our air assets are engaged at the moment! And GDI is quickly achieving air superiority!" Radec yelled back.

Malich clenched his fists in anger, as he continued to watch the battle play out. The enemy infantry was unable to move on the occupied buildings, but their tanks were continuing to trade fire with his own. Just as another Predator took a crippling blow, one of the Ticks exploded from a direct hit! Before Malich could even register its destruction, one of the Scorpions behind it also went up in flames. The Predators surged forward with renewed confidence, but one of the Titans turned its attention to the Buggies, destroying the light vehicles with ease, and allowing the infidels to breach the first floor.

"Captain! Enemy infantry is threatening to overtake your position! Begin falling back!" Malich hastily commanded.

"Affirmative, Commander. Break! All units, fall back to rally point Theta! Daughters of Saint Maxwell, burn the unclean! Cover our escape!"

Malich then ordered for any remaining Buggies to cover the infantry, as they fled the buildings. Next he ordered what few Attack Bikes he had held back in reserve to move forward, and help the battered tanks. The Bikes managed to fire off a single salvo, destroying a Titan, before they were all promptly destroyed by Predators and rocket troopers. Malich prayed for their souls, but immediately focused back on his tanks. He had two Scorpions and a Tick, to hold off four Predators and two Titans. They had no hope of defeating the enemy armor, but Malich had one final trick up his sleeve.

He ordered the tanks to fall back, same as the infantry. The Scorpions fired a final volley, before escaping down the street. The Tick, unfortunately, had to redeploy into its mobile configuration, and as it was transforming, it took a piercing shot through the ammo reserves, turning it into a brilliant fireball. The GDI force pushed through the wreckage of their fallen comrades, eager to escape the bottleneck and hunt down the fleeing Nod force. But as the last of the Nod infantry fled the surrounding buildings, Malich sprung his trump card.

"Now! Martyrs of the Brotherhood, attack!"

Hidden underneath the street, in the sewers, was nearly twenty militia fanatics, all armed to the teeth with Tiberium laced suicide vests. The extremely zealous warriors had been frothing at the mouth to be let loose on the enemy, but Malich had held them back for this exact moment.

"One vision! One purpose!"

The fanatics clambered up the ladders or through breaches elsewhere along the street. The enemy seemed stunned to have screaming, insane people come rushing out of manholes, before throwing themselves at the enemy and exploding! Any infantry caught in the blasts were shredded apart, and while the explosives may not have been enough to outright destroy the tanks, it was enough to cripple them, and further block the road. As the dust settled from the suicide attack, Malich was pleased to see that not only had the entire street been blocked off, but the enemy now seemed very hesitant to even attempt to move forward.

Malich sighed with relief, and ordered all of his remaining forces in the north back to the White House. He had stopped the enemy attack, though it had cost many lives. This city, which had once been known for its politics and corruption, would from now on be remembered as a graveyard, for martyrs and heathens both.

"Commander Malich!"

Malich whirled around at Radec's sudden call. His voice was an odd mixture of panic and…reverence?

"What is it, Major?"

"It…it is Kane, sir! Priority message, for you!"

Malich immediately ran over to the communications terminal, just as the screen lit up to reveal the Messiah, seated at his ornate desk.

"Commander Malich, my son. You have done an exceptional job. But the oppressors strike back, flailing about like a beast with its head cut off. The time has come to withdraw from the Blue Zone: our invasion has served its purpose." Kane said calmly.

"But, sire! If you send me more forces, I can retake the city! We can claim this Zone for the Brotherhood!" Malich protested.

"There is no need, Karsten. Withdraw your forces, for the next phase of my plan is ready to begin. And I shall need you to carry it out."

"I…of course, your Eminence. Your will shall be done!"

Kane smiled as he ended the call, and Malich was left reeling from the command he had been given. To abandon their crusade, even in the face of defeat, felt disgraceful. But Malich had to trust in the vision of the Messiah, and he would obey his orders.

"Major! Give the order, full retreat! We are leaving this wretched Zone." Malich barked into the chaos.

"Yes, sir!"

Officers began rushing around and shouting, as they began to organize Nod's retreat from D.C. Malich allowed the frantic energy to wash over him, as he felt the shame of his defeat settle in. But instead of making a final stand, and dying in a blaze of glory, he would now tuck his tail and run. But Kane himself had ordered it, and surely there was no dishonor in following the Prophet's orders, right?

"Commander Malich! What is the meaning of this!?"

Malich sighed angrily, as a man began stomping towards him. Malich refused to face the newcomer, but there would be no ignoring him now.

"I was told you are retreating? How could you do this!? This was not the plan! Summon Kane! I demand to speak to him!"

Hearing the insolent whelp have the audacity to demand to speak to Kane, finally caused Malich to whirl on the man. Richard Dugan, son of the last president of the U.S, and self appointed leader of the militia forces in B-2, flinched at the pure hatred in Malich's eyes. The man flustered for a moment, but soon continued his tirade.

"This is unacceptable, Commander! You promised me you would liberate the United States. You promised me the presidency of a new America! And now you plan to run!?"

"Listen to me, you wretched worm! Kane himself has ordered this retreat. GDI forces now greatly outnumber our own, and soon our position will be overwhelmed. It is time we left."

"But…but you promised me this! I've given you every loyal patriot I had!"

"If you wish to stay here to die, that is your decision. But the Brotherhood has no need for sniveling worms like you. Someone get him out of here."

Malich turned away from Dugan, even as he continued to scream and howl as he was dragged off by security. Malich still felt shame at abandoning the crusade, but he was more than happy to be rid of that idiot.

"Sir, transports are en route to extract you. But we have a new problem." Radec reported as he stepped over to Malich.

"What is it, Brother?"

"Scouts have just identified a battery of Slingshot SPAAGs. They will rip our transports apart."

"Damn. Where are they?"

"To the west, positioned around a GDI FOB at this building."

Malich reviewed the holographic image of the enemy AA vehicles, and the fortified building GDI troops had rallied around. The defences were moderate, but nothing his forces wouldn't be able to handle. The issue was navigating through contested streets to reach their target.

"Continue organizing our retreat, I want to ensure as many of our brothers and sisters will escape. I shall handle these AA guns." Malich ordered.

"Understood."

Radec again moved off, and Malich returned to the holographic control table, even as technicians worked to break things down. He spotted Captain Kite and her forces had altered their course from the White House towards one of the newly designated landing sites.

"Sister Kite? I have an urgent task for you and your unit."

"I understand, Commander. We are ready for your orders."

"The enemy has deployed Slingshots to disrupt our transports. They must be destroyed immediately. Take what men you have, and the Flame Tanks, and remove the threat."

"It shall be done. Peace through power."

Within moments, Captain Kite led her troops back into the city, heading towards the enemy AA battery. He prayed that Kite and her warriors would move swiftly, as the enemy noticed the Nod army was beginning to retreat, and they would doubtlessly pounce on them soon.

All across the city, Nod transports began taking off and fleeing the city. In other areas, subterranean APCs were swarmed as men tried to escape via underground. It all appeared to him as a tide of red, bleeding through great swaths of blue.

"Sir, enemy forces have started advancing on our position from the south. The stealth field is active, but it won't take the enemy long to breach the outer defences. What are your orders?" One of Malich's lieutenants asked.

"Order Dugan's militia to hold the White House. They will cover our escape; they can die for their precious 'new America.'"

"Yes, sir."

Malich took a moment to watch as soldiers and technicians began moving boxes of vital equipment and documents. Others worked on deleting everything from computers, while a few carefully worked to package important religious idols for safe travels. Despite the fear they no doubt felt, they worked with speed and efficiency, and Malich was proud to serve with such people.

He returned to the display, finding Kite had nearly reached the enemy FOB, and the Slingshot AA. The enemy had a few Predators, no doubt the remains from the previous attack, as well as Hover MLRS. Unfortunately, the only armor Kite had was Flame Tanks, and they would do little to enemy Predators.

By a stroke of luck, or divine intervention, Malich noticed a major flaw in the enemy defence. An Orca dropships had crashed into a large apartment building, creating a huge gap which GDI had failed to plug. It would be easy for Kite and her men to flank around the enemy and use the gap.

However, GDI must have noticed their approach, as the Hover MLRS' fired a salvo of rockets. Malich's view of his forces was obscured as the street was reduced to rubble and smoke. Additional explosions further obstructed his view, as the rockets destroyed the Flame Tanks and ignited their fuel. Malich gripped the table, fearing his entire force had been destroyed in a single volley. But as the smoke finally cleared, all that was left was burnt scrap metal and mutilated corpses.

GDI infantry cautiously moved to investigate, to ensure all the Nod troops were dead. The enemy seemed satisfied at the carnage, as they casually moved back to the FOB, completely unaware of the Black Hand squads moving through the gap.

"Command, there are too many hostiles. We shall destroy the Slingshots to allow your escape. But you must leave us behind." Kite suddenly called over the radio.

"May Kane guide your soul into Ascension, Sister. One vision." Malich said somberly.

"One purpose!"

Malich cursed as the radio cut out into static. He watched with baited breath as Kite and her men launched their attack. Lasers and bullets tore into the unsuspecting enemy, killing nearly a dozen in the opening salvo. The enemy reacted quickly, reaching cover and returning fire. And upon seeing that they were dealing with Black Hand, GDI did not waste any expense, as the Predators opened up with both machine guns and cannons. Malich watched with great sorrow as Captain Kite took a direct hit from a tank, ending her life in a flash.

But Kite's men managed to finish their mission, as some charged up to the hovering SPAAGs, and threw C4 charges or grenades. The Slingshots were destroyed, but moments later, so was the rest of the Black Hand unit.

"Blessed Messiah, guide their souls to Ascension." Malich intoned.

"Come, Commander. The convoy is ready to take us to the extraction point." Radec said softly behind Malich.

Malich didn't respond. Instead, he turned off the holographic display, and followed Radec and his other lieutenants out from the control room. They passed by soldiers making defensive points, the brave martyrs who had volunteered to stay behind and hold the line, while Malich and the others fled. He prayed for each and every single one of them as he walked by.

They reached the doors to the outside, where Malich spotted several Cobras and Carryalls. Radec ascended the ramp to a Carryall, and Malich was about to follow, when Dugan called out to him.

"Malich! Wait!"

Malich turned to face the fat, blustering man, as he ran towards him, only to be stopped by Malich's guards.

"Malich please! Don't do this! We can still win." Dugan pleaded.

"The White House is yours: these men are going to lay down their lives to defend it. Enjoy your presidency while you can."

Without further word, Malich climbed into the Carryall, and within minutes, the air transports began to move away from the fighting. Malich watched the city burn below him, a small consolidation to his defeat. But he would live to fight another day, and he would claim vengeance on his enemies.

The crusade was far from done.

… … …

Dozens of Nod Carryall and other aircraft fled the city. Some were shot down, but most escaped, fleeing from the battle. John hated seeing his enemy slip away, but there was little he could do. He knew some would never make it out of B-2, but most would escape back into the Yellow Zones. That meant this war would spread, but would it be quick and brutal like TW2? Or prolonged and bloody like TW1? How many more wars had to be fought? How many more millions of lives had to be extinguished, before Kane would satisfy his bloodlust?

Those were questions John would have to ask later, as he still had to finish the battle. While Nod was fleeing from D.C, a large force still held onto the White House, and it needed to be reclaimed. GDI needed this morale victory, after having lost the Philadelphia.

"I count eight Scorpion tanks, roughly seven laser turrets, and almost a full company of infantry." Colonel Miles reported.

"Do we know anything about the enemy composition inside?" John asked.

"Negative. Scouts report seeing machine gun and sniper nests in the windows. But besides that? We have no clear information."

"I see; in that case, bring up our Ranger platoons. I want them to take the building, as well as any Delta Force operators we have nearby. I'm sure the enemy commander has escaped, but I don't want to take any chances."

"Understood. But what about all the enemy forces at the front gate? We have Predators and Hunters ready to move in to engage the enemy."

"No, that won't be necessary. I want to finish this now. Call up the Kodiak."

Athena flashed a smile, before she called into the radio. John turned to watch his tactical display, and looked over the Nod defences. Most of the structures had been damaged in artillery strikes, but the bunkers, laser guns, and enemy troops were still largely intact. It would be a fierce fight to push through them all, and no doubt Nod had even more forces hidden underneath the stealth field of the all too familiar disruption towers. For that reason, John decided to call up the Kodiak to obliterate the enemy defences.

The massive, stratospheric aircraftlumbered just below the clouds. The colossal, ship-grade cannons swiveled and aimed down, ready to rain death and destruction. While slightly smaller than the OCVs, the Kodiak class gunships were far more heavily armed, capable of destroying whole armies as long as they didn't have to worry about enemy surface to orbit weaponry. It was only because of bureaucratic penny pinching that GDI didn't have whole fleets of the fearsome and destructive airships.

"Command, this is Thor. We are ready to engage, over?"

"Affirmative, Thor. Objective is to clear out enemy defences for our infantry to assault Whiskey Hotel. Try to minimize damage to the target building, over?"

"Wilco Command."

The Kodiak opened fire, and high explosives shells literally fell to the ground like lighting bolts casted by an angry god. The entire area in front of the White House exploded, destroying everything in a glorious scene of destruction. Tanks were obliterated, trenches and bunkers were decimated, and disruption towers disintegrated. More Nod forces were revealed as the stealth field disappeared: Ticks, Beam Cannons, and even an Avatar had been hiding there, only to be destroyed from the destructive rain. Unfortunately, a few shots from the Kodiak did hit the White House, and huge holes were blasted into the building, sending debris flying in every direction. The Kodiak stopped its bombardment, and nothing was left of the Nod defence except craters and death.

"Thor, good effect on target. Mission objective completed. You are authorized to RTB."

"Thor copies all. It was a pleasure, sir."

The Kodiak rose into the clouds, and beyond view. With the way cleared, John ordered the Rangers and Delta Force to attack. The elite GDI infantry charged over the ruined field, ducking in and out of blasted trenches as they tried to avoid fire from enemy machine guns. But the handful of guns Nod still had simply weren't enough, as the infantry charged into the White House through multiple breaches. Whatever forces Nod had left, wouldn't be enough to stop GDI from retaking the building.

"Tango, on your left!"

"Got him! Move up!"

"Jefferson, clear that sniper nest!"

"Command, Oval Office has been cleared. I got the body of Sub-Director Dugan here. SOB offed himself."

"Bastard was helping Nod? I knew he was a crazy nationalist, but to go that far?"

"Cut the chatter! Keep moving!"

John watched the various helmet cams as the Rangers cleared the White House room by room. The only thing in their way were soldiers and militia, thankfully no Black Hand. But unfortunately they found nothing of major value; the enemy control room had been cleaned out, and all documents were destroyed. But it signaled an end to the battle for Washington D.C., and by extension, the greater battle of B-2. The first act of this war had ended, but the next had just started.

… … …

3 days later

Pentagon, B-2

1400

Despite the days that had passed since the end of the battle for Washington D.C., janitors were still busy cleaning up all the dust and debris that cluttered the Pentagon's hallways. Officers worked on setting their computers back up, or to return personal items to their proper places on desks.

The Pentagon had always been busy, but with the Philadelphia gone, and countless military bases like Southern Cross and Johannesburg destroyed, the Pentagon was now the literal heart of GDI, the throne of a global empire that had lost its castle. And working to keep that heart beating and pumping, was General Granger, as he typed away at his laptop.

John walked over to the man, and snapped to attention, waiting for Granger to acknowledge his presence. John didn't have to wait long as Granger looked up and smiled, still looking exhausted despite the three days of relative calm.

"Commander, good to have you back. It's been a hell of a week, but I've gotten confirmation that B-2 is now clear of Nod. As are most of our Blue Zones. B-1, 3, 5, and 15 are secured, as is B-11. And the rest are driving out the last stragglers. It would seem that Nod's great invasion has failed. Almost too easily." Granger stated.

"You think they wanted to fail?" John asked incredulously.

"Perhaps not fail, but certainly occupying our Blue Zones wasn't the main goal. I believe it was meant to provoke us into attack them. But for what purpose? I have no idea."

"With all due respect, sir. Doesn't that sound a bit-"

"Paranoid? Like how I sounded paranoid about Kane!? Sorry, John, forgive me. No, you are right, but I think we need to be cautious moving forward. We will need to retaliate, but I want this to be quick and clean. No prolonged war, no desperate raids, I want to find Kane and catch him alive."

"Whenever you give the order, sir, my men and I are ready."

"I know you are, Commander. But it's not my decision to make anymore. We have a new acting Director, Redmond Boyle. He was the Director of the Treasury."

"'Director of the Treasury'?"

"I know, but that's just how our succession protocol worked. Everyone higher above him went down with the Philadelphia. Look, Boyle is a sharp man with control of the purse strings, and we are going to need every credit we can get to win this war."

"Why wasn't Director Boyle on the Philly?"

"Just before the summit was to begin, there was an attack on-"

"Excuse me, General Granger? I thought that you would like to know that- never mind."

John and Granger had just enough time to exchange a confused look before a dark skinned man in an expensive three piece suit came walking in. The man reeked of being a slick politician, or perhaps it was the overpowering cologne. John could immediately guess who this man was just by the way he had barged into the control room of the Pentagon. But that didn't stop the man from introducing himself.

"General Granger, Redmond Boyle! This is an honor. Truly!"

Boyle grabbed Granger's hand and began shaking it like he was on the campaign trail. However, much to John's and the surrounding officers' amusement, Granger seemed utterly at a loss for words.

"You had no idea I was coming, I apologize." Boyle continued unfazed. "I was touring the area and I wanted to stop by to offer my gratitude for what you are doing."

"Well, don't thank me, Director. Thank the Commander."

Whatever amusement John felt at Granger's floundering instantly evaporated, as the General had now just deflected Boyle's attention onto John.

"Commander! Great to have you on our side. Your efforts on the battlefield have been an inspiration to us all." Boyle said, as he flashed the same camera loving smile.

"Thank you, sir. I'm just doing my duty." John stated somewhat nervously.

Boyle nodded his head, as if approving what John had said as being part of a carefully planned script. He then turned back to Granger, his demeanor as a man trying to sway the opinion of potential voters never wavering.

"You have all done a fantastic job in retaking this city, but I encourage us not to rest on our laurels. We can not be content to simply retake what was ours in the first place. If Nod wants a war, let's give them a war. A war to end their reign of terror once and for all."

"Director, sir. I don't think we should act too hastily. We need time to gather our forces, determine our strength and try to figure out what Kane is planning." Granger cautioned.

"Nonsense General! We know what Kane is planning: the destruction of the free world! The time to act is now! I trust my orders are understood?"

John couldn't quite be certain, but he felt a battle for power had just literally started, and he was staring at a pivotal point in human history. The scene before him reminded John of Julius Caesar and Pompey Magnus in the Roman senate. He just hoped that the current struggle didn't end the same way.

"Of course, acting-Director." Granger replied.

Boyle's smile never wavered as he said his goodbyes and left, but the tension in the room remained.

"Commander Lancaster, go get some rest, and have your unit ready to deploy. That will be all."

John saluted and promptly left the control room. He briskly walked down the Pentagon's hallways, unable to shake the foreboding sense of the future to come.

… … …

Autumn Burke walked passed the gleaming statue of a tall wolf, meant to represent the old Fort Weisswolf. The statue was built to honor those lost during the horrid Tiberium missile attack in Europe during the Second Tiberium War. She paid her respects to the fallen, and continued into the temporary barracks GDI had built.

She quickly made her way to the mess hall, and was assaulted by the loud voices of battle hardened men enjoying their meal. Most of the soldiers here had been wounded during the fighting, some pretty badly. But she was hunting for someone in particular, and instead of trying to push her way through the crowded area, she decided to employ her best drill sergeant's voice.

"Everyone quiet down for a second! I'm looking for Private West!"

The room fell silent at her request, and four arms shot up in response. Burke sighed as she remembered the West family was like a bunch of rabbits.

"Private Bill West!" Burke clarified.

Three arms went down, but one stayed up. Burke navigated her way through, as the boisterous conversations resumed. She reached West's table, where he was halfway through his lunch.

"Sergeant Burke! It's good to see you." West greeted.

"Good to see you too, kid. How's the leg?" Burke asked sincerely.

West's face fell at that, and his face grew red with embarrassment.

"Good, it's good."

"Do you remember much of what happened?"

"Yeah, I do. I'm sorry Sarge! I…I didn't mean to…it won't happen again!"

"West?"

"Y-yeah?"

"You don't have to apologize. You got wounded, it was a scary moment; I was scared too. The important thing is that you are going to get back up and into the fight. Will you?"

"Of course! I'm ready to go!"

"Good, cause the squad is waiting outside. We got patrol duty."

"Oh. Oh, like right now? I just-"

"Yes, West, you can finish your lunch. Meet us outside in five."

"You got it boss!"

Burke walked away shaking her head, but she couldn't hide her smile. She just felt good having her squad back together. As she made her way outside, and headed towards where Yusseif and the others were waiting, she was stopped by a staff sergeant who seemed to be in a great rush.

"I'm looking for a…Burke, Autumn. Sergeant. Rubicon Company. Any idea where I can find her?" The Staff Sergeant read off his tablet.

"That's me." Burke stated, curious as to what the Sergeant needed from her.

"Well, that's convenient. Anyways, here you go. Mail call."

The Staff Sergeant handed Burke a letter. She took it with shaking hands, as she knew the only people who still used paper letters, was the military, and for all the reasons a parent or married spouse never wanted to read.

"Well, I'm off." The Staff Sergeant said, as he moved into the barracks.

Burke hastily ripped open the letter, and threw the envelope to the ground, littering laws be damned. She quickly read through the contents, and she felt like collapsing to the ground, as tears poured from her eyes.

Autumn, my love! It's your wife Ashley! I've been trying to text you for days, but they said the internet has been down, and that you might not even have your phone cause you never got to go back to home base. So the soldiers at the Storm Shelter let me write you a letter, on real paper! It feels so weird. I just wanted to let you know, I'm safe, I got to the shelter before the bombs hit anywhere near our house. I haven't been allowed back to check on it. I'm okay here, got a cot and they feed us, but damn if I don't feel like storming the kitchen and making some real food! Also, you remember Mrs. Makoto? That nice little old lady down the street? She was here in the shelter with me, until some soldiers in black uniform came and took her away. Said she was a Nod sympathizer? Even if she was, she's eighty! Anyways, I hope this letter gets to you. I love you!

Sincerely, your wife!

Burke finished reading the letter a third time, and clutched it tightly to her chest. Yusseif and the others must have come looking for her, as they were surrounding her in a heartbeat, each trying to talk over the other.

"Are you okay? What happened?"

"Oh my God, the letter. Is it…"

"Guys, its good news. It's my wife. She's okay!" Burke busted out in happy tears.

The others visibly calmed down and congratulated her on the good news. A few moments later, West came out and spotted the odd scene, but Haley caught him up.

Hearing that her wife was okay, filled Burke with hope, and as the blue sky shone down on them, after being eclipsed by black smoke and soot, she felt that GDI would win this war. At least she knew that she had something to fight to protect now, and not avenge. She just wished Havoc was here to hear the good news too.

… … …

Author's note: And that, good readers, concludes the Battle of the White House, and Act 1 from the game.

Fun fact, the longest chapter I have written is still technically chapter 7 from Project Genesis: Operation Final Justice, coming in at roughly 12,500 words. However, if we combine chapter 6 and 7 of this story, then it would roughly be about 18K. So that would make chapter 6/7 the longest I have written. Just a fact I personally found interesting.

The Kodiak is a unit from Tiberian Twilight, not the OCV McNeil used in Tiberian Sun (Part two: Sun.) In game, it was a ship designed to counter Scrin warships, but I really wanted to have it in this story. So I have changed it to serve as GDI's ultimate air unit, filling the role of a real life AC-130.

Michael Dugan is the U.S. President from Red Alert 2, but I used him in a small scene in Part 2. Richard Dugan, is a character I made up, and is the President's son. I figured most of the militia wouldn't be fighting for Nod just out of faith, but some may see it as an alliance ofconvenience. To have GDI kicked out so they could rebuild the old world nation.

But that's it for now, next we move onto Act 2, and South America.

Until next time.